Division 3xe;i 4-8 Section .n7L4 WAY 1 9 iS A COMPLETE HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, FROM THE EARLIEST TIMES. Z. T. LEAVELL and T. J. BAILEY, WITH AN INTRODIL TIOX HV Prof. Franklin L. Riley. OF THK INIVICKSITV (I I' M ISSISSI I'lT. VOLUME II Mississijj[)i linptist PithlishinaCi). JACKSON, XilSS. 1904- Copyi-ight 1904 IIV ■/.. T. I.EAYELL AND T. J. BAILEY. All Ri"hts Reserved. Miss. Baptist Publishing Co., Jackson, Miss. PKEFACE. On OcIoIkt 17, 11)00, I received a letter troiu L. S, Foster, in which he said, "I find myself unable, from other duties, to work out the history of Mississippi Baptists, and make you this proposi- tion," etc. I accepted his ])roposition and went to work. The lal)or of gathering the facts and writing the book has been long and labor- ious. No pains have been spared in accumulating facts. The re- search has been toilsome and exhausting. Effort has been put forth unceasing, for more than a 3'ear, to get the facts of the history'- of some of the associations. Facts that have been known to exist, and difficult of access, have been pursued until an eager grasp has been laid upon them. The effort to give our people this work hcis been the more toil- some Ijccause of the fact that no historv has been written of Missis- sippi Baptists. There was no connected written document of the h-is torical facts, no way blazed through the virgin forest of our, deeds. The history of four Associations, of the State Convention to 1880 and of Mississippi College to the same date, had been written, but that was but a very small part of the work. Where well written history has been found it has been placed in the work to the credit of the one who wrote it. Some of our schools have been written up 113- good writers closely related to their educational work. Thej- are given credit for the work they have done. The remainder of the book was written by my pen. According to agreement between the publisher and myself the title is to be, 'A Complete History of Mississippi Baptists, In' Z. T. Leavell and T. J. Baile^'." The latter is to publish the work. Great prefacp: aid has Ik'cii urantcd, in the writing, by brethren in different parts ot the State. Onesiions have been c()urteousl3' answered, and material gathered and forwarded, for which unfeigned thanks are hereby ex- tenderl. K'^jn-cially is it desired that an expression of gratitiidc be extended Id ilie "rriniitive" Baptists, who have Ijeen exceeding kind in answering (|uesti()ns, and forwarding material. P>v (.)riginal cDntraet Kev. L. S. Foster was to pidjlish this work, lini Ids resignation as Su])erintendent of the Mississippi liai)tisi ()rph;in;ige necessitated i\ change i>l' the original design as to its publicaii()n. The relation between him and the writer of the work has been most cordial and ]ileasanl in all their labors on the book. The e.\))ressed willingness ot Rev. T. J. Hailev, Editor oiTlif flnptist, to assume the res])onsibiIity of pid)lisliing the history has been gratefully reeei\ed. Xo hapjjier arrangement could have been made in the emergency, ;is he and the writer are on the closest terms of intimacy, and because of his extended kno\vledge of printing and book-making. The book, of course, lacks much of being perfect. Absolute accur- acy could not be claimed for it, but it is the best work one could do with care of churches on him, and little history accessible as a guide. But the hope is devoutly entertained that the book willdo good, and be recei\'ed bv \'ere painfully ol)serval)le, and disintegration Ijcgan to be apparent. The anti-missionary moth was laying eggs that speedily hatched, and the grul) l)egan at once its knawing and its destructive ^vork. The on- moving army of devastation could not be checked. The friends of the cause began to lose heart. In 184-1, the Providence church went 1)ack to the Pearl River Asso- ciation, and, in 1S44-, the Antioch church took its ex- ample. The Tallahala and the Leaf River churches had HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI PAPTISTS. 727 the liurdcn to bear. In 1S4-0 the Leaf River Assoeia- tion decided to admit no eorresiJondin«>' messen^s^ers from other bodies that favored missions, Bible socie- ties, etc. This was a death-dealing blow, and the best men of the fraternity took leave of absence, and return- ed to their respective homes. Their leaving was as tke last flow of blood from the heart of a wounded man. The Leaf River church in 184-5 attached itself to the Pearl River Association. In 184-G, the Providence, Antioch iind Leaf River churches, three churches that had formerly belonged to the Leaf River Association, petitioned the Pearl River Association i'or letters of dismission for the purpose of forming a ucav association. They were read^^ to try again the evangelization of the large destitute territo- ry in their ])art ot the State. Their prayer was grant- ed by the association, and William Fortinbury, James Murray and William Williams appointed to assist in the organization of the new institution. Accordingly, in October of that year a number of representatives of churches convened at Providence church in Perry county. The churches going into the union were, Leaf River of Covington county, Antioch and Bogue Iloma ol' b'nes county, Tallahala and Providence of Perry county, Clear Creek and Ocohay of Smith county, and Big S]3rings and Sweet Water ot Mobile county, Alaljama. These churches had a total number of communicants of 296. The Tallahala and Providence churches were constituted in ISIS, and the Leaf Ri\er in 1S21). The Association was called the Ebenezcr Baptist Association. Nearly all the churches of this infant institution were built up by the indefatigable labors of X. Robert- son, Sr. and John P. Martin, father of M. T. Martin. 728 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. These men, alon,ii' with John Moffett, Giles Sumrall and W. P. Carter, were the progressive spirits of the Leaf River Association, who had to oppose the anti-mission- ary sentiment of Malcohn M. Morrison and Edward Y. Terrall. Few facts can be gotten as to struggles of the Ebenezer for the first few years of its history. We are inde]:)ted to Benedict for the preservation of the follow- ing resolution adopted at the advisory convention. "Resolved, That in consideration of the detached and isolated condition of the churches in this section of the country, the extent of country not embodied within the limits of any association, the advantage of associa- ted connection among churches, the destitute condition, in a religious ]3oint of view, of this region, the necessity ot a systematic, vigorous and united effort in the cause of truth and righteousness, and for other reasons, it is expedient that the churches in these parts, form an association as soon as it is convenient.'" A. McKenzie, pastor of the Providence church, was a messenger to the Pearl River Association in 1847. John P. Martin was moderator of the bod^- from 1848 to 1856, inclusive. In this period of time A. P. RoV)ertson was clerk in 1848, 1849, 1851, 1852, 1854, 1855 and 1856. N. Robertson, Jr. was clerk in 1850 and 1853. T. L. Mott was treasurer in 1848 and A. P. Mott from 1849 to 1856, inclusive. During these years, the Mt. Nebo church of Smith county, was received in 1849, and the Williamsburg church of Covington, with the Zion Hill church of Smith count3', in 1851. Nevr Hope church of Covington, and Indian Springs of Jones county, were received in 1854. In 1880, the Ebenezer Association had not con- nected itself with the General Association of Southe^ist HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 729 Mississippi or the Baptist Stntc Convention, Init some of the churches had co-o]jerate(l in a measure with the General Association and some with the Convention. \V. C. K()l)ertson is authority for the statement that the "Association has l)een twice solicited to be- come an au.xiliary memljcr of the General .\s'<()cicition, but as often refused." The ninth annual session was held with the New Hope church, Covin<^ton county, be.u'innin.L:, Se])t. 21, 1855. The introductory sermon was preached by \. Robertson, jr., from Psalms 122: IS — "But unto him- self shall his crown Hourish." It may well be ima^^ined thiit the eloc|uent preacher dwelt on the continued om- nipotence of God with a subdued and a resigned spirit. On the 16th of that month, just live days ])revious, his honored father, Xorvcll Robertson, Sr., l)reathed his last. Norvell Robertson, Sr., was a native of \'irii"inia, who came to our State by way of Gec^rs^ia. He lici^an his ministerial career in May, ISOl. For more than a half century he i)reache(l the eulah church h.id uncere- moniously gone to another association : Sweetwater 744 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. and New Zion churches had been dissolved, and letters of dismission were granted to Washington, Prospect and Fair Hope, making in all, a diminution of six jchurches. From 1890 to 1900, the Association was subject to a slow process of decline. The contributions of the ■churches 1)ecame smaller and smaller. The reports on the Vcirious objects fostered b}- them had few recom- mendations in them, and were generally short, and Avithout direct aim. In 1891, there were nineteen churches in the Association, with a total of 1,029 mem- bers. In 1900, the Association was composed of four- teen churches, with an aggregate membership of 965, In 1891, the churches gave to Home missions $27.37, and to Foreign missions $12.50. In 1900, they gave to Home missions $10.40, and to F(jreign missions $3.75. Their reports on Sunday schools, usually short, did not give any information as to the Sunda^'-school work in the churches of the Association. Their reports on Education seldom recommended any institution of learning, and not once, Mississippi College. The Siva- rena High School was sometimes recommended. Their reports on Temperance were good, but did not bear on any practical points, as to the great pro- hibition movement. The3^ received no reports on Sus- tentation, or the Orphanage. The last years of the Ebenezer Association were not its best years. They were marked evidently by a division of sentiment and widening breach as to doc- trinal views. The golden days of the body were from 1865 to 1880, the days when the wonderfully gifted Robertson family was furnishing some of the guiding- spirits of the body. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 745 Tlirouo-h the (Iccride from 1S90 to 1900, the body had as its worthy clerk, J. (). Red(h)ck. His Minutes were well gotten up and in good language. Their moderators were Z. T. Gilmore in 1S91 and 1S92 ; J. P. Alerritt from 1893 to 1S96: J.D.Harrison in 1897, J. P. Johnson in 1899 and 1900. Attached to this history is a number of sketches of some of the strong men who have exerted great in- fluence in tlie Ebenezer Association. Their biography is not given in P^'osters Mississippi Baptist Preachers, and for this reason are given here. The sketches have been furnished by X. L. Robertson, and show much of vivid originality. X. Rol)ertson, Sr. This minister was born in Vir- ginia, May 22, 1765, and emigrated to Georgia some years after the revolutionary war, where he was proba- bly ordained to the ministry. He served churches in Georgia until al)out 1817, wlien he emigrated to what is now Perry county, Miss., and settled in the north- western part of that county, in n few miles of the pren- ent city of Hattiesburg. In 1818, he gathered two churches, Providence, on Bowie Creek, and Tallahala on the stream of that name. These churches are still living and are the oldest churches in this {)art of the State. Afterwards, in 1829, he gathered Leaf River church, near Leaf River, in the northeastern i)art of Covington county, of which R. Drummond is now pas- tor. A))out this time he removed to the neighborhood of Leaf River church and became a member of it, re- maining so until his deatli in Sejjtember, 1855, in his 91st year. He was a very able, logical, doctrinal preacher, wise in counsel, hrm, plain and kind as a pastor; sound and unshaken in doctrine, and a first- rate disciplinarian. He was of Scotch descent, and had 74-(3 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the S()l)crness, perseverance, ])enetration and deeply reflective faculties usvxally attril)uted to that people in an eminent degree. Like all ministers of his time he made his living at home. He was a blacksmith, wood- workman, farmer and miller. One anecdote illustrates his character. While a miller, one year corn crops were cut short and many had to buy corn. He and very few others had corn to spare. A brother in the church Avent to him with money to buy corn. "No l^rother — you have the money, and get corn wherever it is for sale, but there arc many others who have neither corn or money — 1 must supply them."" And he would not let the In-other have a grain, but he freeh' let his corn go on credit to those who had neither corn nor money. Wm. E. Sheppard. Though raised in Lawrence county he spent most of his ministerial life residing in I*errv and Covington. He served many churches in Covington, Perr^- and Jones counties, and traveled nearly all over Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Green, Perry and Marion counties as the missionary of the Ebenezer Association, of which he was several years the moderator. He was a very useful inan. Though sound in doctrine, and fairly able, yet his gift lay more in e.vhortation : and he had the gift of reaching the feelings of his congregations. It was quite a common remark among his l)rethren, that his strength as a preacher did not lie in his talent, for he had but little of that, but in his lilameless life, where he was indeed strong. Everybody said he was a good man, and hence lie had a great influence and accomplished a work altogether out of ])r()portion to his mental aliility. Pie finally moved to Navarro county, Texas. He was a good man, and a successful minister of Christ, and some of his work is still in Leaf River church, standing as pillars in the house of om^ (iod. HISTORY UF MISSISSIPPI UAPTISTS. 74-T John MofFett. Tliis ])reaolier was ])r()l)al)ly raised in the southeast jKirt ot I'erry, or in Jackson county, but when (jr where he entered the ministry I do not know; Init he hved several years, and died near the southwest corner of Jasper county, a neijT;hl)or to John P. Martin and Jas. I*. Johnston. I never knew him to take the care of any church, and yet he was (|uite an able i)rcacher. lie Hved to l)e 94 years old. (See "A Dramatic Scene "' in The Biiptist.) J. A. Boutwell entered the ministry hfty or more years at;"o. He was raised in Lincoln, or Pike count3', near the I. C. Railroad: l)ut entered the ministry, I think, in Jones county, at a time when Jones was re- garded as a backwoods country. He was a ij^ood man, sincere, lionest and zealous, and very tar from being a fool ; l)ut his method of preaching was singular in the extreme. He spoke so fast that many of his words came out mutilated, and with one end or the other amputated, and when he was through, neither he nor any one else knew what he had said. He was a sound, firm, and intelligent preacher, it not a very intelligible one. But after all God knew what hie was doing when he called J. A. Boutwell. Boutwell did a grand and nol)le \vork for Christ in Jones county, a work that probably no other man could have done, .\tter long years of hard and laithful work, the old servant was worn out, and the held was ready tor entirely different laborers. Wlien Boutwell went out. another man just like him could noL ha\e gone into that same held and found a place t(i make a uiark; but the harvest was ready for different men. Boutwell, worn out ])hysi- cally, returned to the section where he was raised, and (juietly awaited the sunnnons to go u]) higher, and, when it came, he was ])robably over ninet\' years old. 74S HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. E. L. Crirter, a tall, straiijjht, red-bearded man, with one blue eye and one yellow one, who could read his Bi- ble with lioth eyes and his mind at the same time. He came to this section of the country an ordained minis- ter, from the bounds of the Salem Association. Few men could preach a l^etter sermxin. He was in the main a ij^^ood disci])linarian, l^ut he had somewhere got hold of an idea which detracted from his usefulness and his popularity. He had arrived by some means to thecon- elusion that a church could do no valid act in confer- ence, unless the pastor was present, sitting- as moder- ator. He was honest, but it injured his usefulness. But in the pulpit as a doctrinal or hortatory preacher he liad few e((uals in his day. fas. P. Joiinson commenced his ministry more than fifty years ago. He was r<'iised in Perry and adjoining counties, without the guidance of a father. Soon after arriving at manhood, he joined a Baptist church, and was soon licensed to preach, though he had almost no literary education. He could scarcely read a hymn. He set himself to hfird study of one book mainly, working during tlic da\', and studying a good part of the night by the light from his hre-place. This method of study he continued nearly as long as he lived, and by it he became one of the Ijcst Bilile educated men I ever knew. In his prime, he was one of the very ablest men I ever saw to show the relation between the law and the gos- pel, and iK-tween the types of the Old Testament and their fulfillment in the New. He had a wonderful knowledge of the doctrines taught in God's Word, and their systematic rehition to each other. He had also the gift of nudcing all these things plain to those who would listen and think. He was a masterly reas- oner. He was an excellent disciplinarian and one of HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI IJAPTISTS. T49 the best moderators of a church, or an association, in the country. The work of the General Association in South Mississi])])i was almost a fruitless work until he was sent there. The Red Creek Association, at its or- ganization, Avas almost entirely his work. He licld a greater influence than any other man ever did, I suppose in all the countr}- bounded by the lines of Covington, Jones and Wayne on the north, the Alaliama line on the east, Pearl River on the west, and the Gulf on the south, N. L. ROBEKTSON. 750 HISTOKY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XVIII. THP: YAZOO ASSOCIATION. It must be boi'iie in mind that there have been two Yazoo Associations, as Avell as two Choctaw Associa- tions. But the two Choctaw Associations are con- nected, while the two Yazoo Associations are not. The Choctaw was estabhshed in the country of the Choctaw Indians, and the territory of the Yazoo Association had the Yazoo county as its western border, with a church called Yazoo in the union; that is, in the old Yazoo Association. The old Yazoo Association, says Benedict, was con- stituted in 1842, which makes it appear the oldest As- sociation in North Mississippi, the Buttahatchie being really an Alabama association. If a copy of the Min- utes of this institution exists, it is not available. But Ave have other authoritative sources of information. The CarroUton church went into the old Yazoo As- sociation in 1833. At that time the CarroUton church w^as located on Coila Creek, ten miles south of Car- roUton and was called Bethel. It was moved to Car- roUton in 1835. This church was in the old Yazoo Association until 1837. The Doak's Creek church and the old Shongalo church were also in the union, and, in all probability, the Hays Creek and the Middle- ton churches, as Joseph Morris was their pastor, and he Avas an ardent supporter of the old Yazoo Associa- tion. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI iJAPTISTS. 751 In 1SP)7. the iiislilution was conijjosed of ten churchi.'s, it had live i)rc'achers, and the ehurches liad an a^<^re.ii^ate niemhershi]) of 207, liavint;: reeeived seven by ba])tism that year. Added to the churehes above named, were the Ya- zoo. Hiekory S])rin.u;s, Roeky Sprini^s. and Lebanon churelies, whieli makes nine ehiirehes of the body, the other one l)ein_ti" unknown. As to the annual ,L;:atherin,i^s of the body, we know that it held the session of 1S86 with the CarroUton church. Nathan Morris was chosen moderator, and a Mr. Crain, clerk. They adjourned to meet the Doaks Creek church, but we have little reason to believe that they did so. In fact, they sent messeuijers to the Yal- lobusha, which met close to them at Old Salem church, in Carroll county, proposinu: a union of the two bodies. The V.'dlobusha had then but five churches, which had a total membership of 1 4-2, and readily consented to their jjroposition. The ])roposition of the Vallal)usha was that the churches of each send delej^ates to the KockA' Sprini»s church of tlie \'az()o Association, the meetinjj:, or Con- vention, to be- was held with the Saron Chureh, beginning Saturd^iy, Oetober 10, 1864. It was a feeble foree and not at all representative, but. the assoeiation was keeping together. J. A. Linder was elected Moderator, J. T. Freeman, Clerk, and W.. J. Freeman, Treasurer. A newly constituted church called Bowling Green was received into the union. Neither the Yazoo, nor the Sunflower Church, was rep- resented. Their long cherished mission work in the swamp had no church left to speak of the prayers that had been offered to a throne of grace, and the monev" ex])ended on Swamj) missions. Had the consecrated^ lamented AIcAIath Uiljored and died for a lost cause? By no means. What the Yazoo Association did in the Delta was onh- seed planting. It had to be covered over to germinate. The Executive Board had C. C. Lee to visit the destitute portions of their territory, for hiilf his time, for three months. At the end of that time, he was employed for half time for nine (9) months, for which work he was to receive $800.00. He baptized 57, and constituted one church. Five (5) of their churches were without pastors, with no hope of being suiDjilicd. C. C Lee, their missionary, was hon\ in Alabama, in 1828. In 1841, he came to Jones county, Mississip- pi, and in 1849, he was in school at Monticello. He- preached his first sermon at Big Creek church, Jones, county, in 1845. He waslicen.sed to preach by theLeat River church, .\. Robertson being the ])astor: and was-, called to oixlination bv the HickorvGrove church. Mad- 770 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. sion county, Mississippi, in May 1851. He was at one time pastor of the Middleton and Shongalo churches of the Yazoo Association. His theolog\' was sometime of a (h)ubtful cast, but he was a faithful, conservative minister of the gospel. He hnalh' moved to Texas. At that meeting of the body this resolution was •adopted: ^'Resolved, that we rejoice in the movement in the Mississippi Baptist State Convention in regard to the education of the orphan children of the brave s^oldiers who have fallen in the defence of our country: and pledge our sympathy and support, whenever any prac- tical plans shall have been adopted for that purpose." In 1865, there were twentA^-four churches in the Yazoo Association, with a total membership of 1862. The Sunflower church was once more represented, re- porting ten members received during the year by bap- tism. Of those who went into the constitution of the body, there were as delegates to the body of 1865, Wil- liam Maddox, Z. Oldham, Z. Blackman, W. R. Sproles, ^nd H. Pittman. The Executive Board re-employed C. C. Lee to ride ^s missionary. R. H, Whithead was employed as mis-, sionary to Mississippi soldiers, and D. A. Holman to the colored people. The Vaiden church wished instruc- tion as to the course to be pursued with the colored people after the war was over. The church was advised to have them preached to separately, and that they be permitted to hold seperate conferences for the transac- tion of church business under the direction of the pastor ■of the church. A ray of cheer caine from the old Saron church. It Avas reported as in a prosperous and healthy condition. J. H. Cochran was pastor. The Sunday School had in HISTORY OK MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 771 it more than a hundred i)iipils. W. K. S])r()les, father of Dr. H. F. Sproles, was superintendent. The ehureh had enjoyed a fine revival, in which twenty-one mem- bers were received by baptism, the majority of whom were members of the Sunday School. Seventeen (17) of the addition^ were youn": men. The churches of the Association received an aggregate of 144 Iw baptism 'during that associational year. In 1866, the Association convened with the Emory church. C. C. Lee was elected moderator, T. S. Wright clerk, and B. Roach treasurer. Two items of business deserve special notice. The Christinn W'atchmnn, pub- lished in Jackson, Mississippi, wascommended. It was a struggling ])aper interest, which failed to get a hearty support, or extended circulation among the Baptists of the State. The other item is, what they proposed to do with the Old Middleton church; the church so long lead- ing the sisterhood of churches in numbers and strength. They proposed to aid the feeble old organization. It was losing its power, its name, its identity. It is said that the Association adjourned 1866 to"meet with the Middleton Church a t Winonn. . ' ' Today not a house is standing where the thriftv town of Middleton once stood, and echoed to the elotiuence of Morris |and Lat- timore. In that year, A Echols was recognized as a visitor from Alabama. He was in the constituting Conven- tion in 1851, and was a member of the Association in 1852, as a delegate from Middleton church, and preached their introducLory sermon that year. After a lapse of fourteen years, he is with the Association again. There was not a man in the body that year who stood with him in the constitution of the Associa- tion. H. Pittman was a delegate to that bodv, but 772 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. was absent. Echols surely felt lonesome. He was him- self eightA^-one years old. He had outlived three wives^ and two ffenerations, and was ripe for the sickle of time. In the associational _vear of 1866—67, there was a spiritual glow in man^^ of their churches. Lexington,, Oregon, New Hope, Pleasant Ridge, Saron and Har- land's Creek had all enjoyed precious revivals. 258 members were added to the churches by baptism. Missionary work had l)een done bj- Henry Sproles in the swamp field, b\' T. S. Wright at Goodman and at Harmony church, and b3' W. H. Dodson in the scope of their territory. The name of J. T. Freeman is not in the list of their pastors, still their ministry was strong. Among their preachers were J. W. Bozeman, A. H. Booth, Jas. New- man, H. Pittman. J. A. Linder, and R. H. Whitehead. - At the Association, added to this strength were W. H. Head and J. R. Graves. The Association saw fit to speak with pleasure of the establishment of the Southern Publishing House at Memphis. J. R. Graves made that business establish- ment popular in Mississippi by his convincing eloquence, but alas ! for the men who put their mone^- in it. As family newspapers. The Baptist of Memphis, The Re- ligious Herald of Richmond, Ya., and the Christian Watchman of Jackson, Miss., were recommended. The following year, the Executive Board had W.H. Dodson in the field at a salary of $30.00 a month for three months of his time, but after he made a most favorable report of work done his salary was raised to- $50.00 a month. W. H. Dodson was born in Choctaw county. Miss... February 4, 1842. He was baptized by J. H. Cochran HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 773 in 1857, and was ordained to the full work of the ,£fos- pel ministry in July, 1867. He was pastor for a while of Oak Grove and Emory churches, and was missionary in the Yazoo .\ss()ciatic)n. In July, 1870, he went to Texas, and was for a numl:)er of years the accepta])le pastor of the church in San Antonio. In 1868, the churches were much interested in Min- isterial Education. H. P. Sproles, honored in the char- acter ot his father and of ureat ])ersonal merit, was at the Southern Baptist Theol(\ron church went into the I*earl River in 1821, the Copiah, in 1823,the Galilee, in 1828. and Hopewell, Steens Creek, and Strong River in 1831. The relation of these churches to the Pearl River Association had been long and pleasant, and their going out peace- able. It was resolved by the Convention to meet again on Saturda}'- before the second Sunday in October, 1853, to organize an association. A committee of four was raised to draft Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum for the body. The committee consisted of James Mur- ray, Lsaac Bush, Lewis Howell, and Styron Brunson. James Murray and Cader Price were asked to secure the aid of the Pearl River Association in the organization of the new institution. Cadcr Price w£is made chair- man of the Convention, .'tnd L. B. Walker secrctarv. 798 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The hopeful delegates of the churches met at Pales- tine church, October 8, 1853, "pursuant to previous appointment.'' Afterthe names of the churches wishing to go into the new organization had been called, and the names of the delegates enrolled, it was agreed to form the new Association. The Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum ot the Pearl River were adopted as satisfactory, as a working basis. S. B. Mullins was 'chosen to preside, L. B. Walker was clerk, and William T. Standifer was chairman. After the organization had been perfected, the Mountain Hill church, Simpson county, was received into the body. On motion, it was decided to correspond with the Ebenezer, Mt. Pisgah, and Pearl River Associations. The new Association was thus formed, and ready lor work. Dry Creek church was chosen as the place for the next annual meeting. The churches composing the body were Bethlehem, Copiah, Dry Creek, Hope- well, Hebron, Mt. Zion, Macedonia, Galilee, Mountain Creek, New Zion, Palestine, Pleasant Hill,vSteens Creek, Strong River, Sardis, Zion Hill, and Mountain Hill. The prominent ministers of the body were, Cader Price, G. H. Barrett, James Murray-, W. Tolar, and S. G. Mul- lins. The churches composing the body had a total membership of 823 . We shall watch the progress of the Strong River Association with miich interest. At the first meeting of the bod^', a resolution was adopted as follows: ''Resolved, that this Association form herself into a missionary body." The churches had sent up $72.50 for associational uses, and 58.20 for missions. At the close of the morning service on Sunday, the sum of $38.40 was raised for missionary- purposes in the bounds of the Association. A missionarv board was HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 799 appointed consisting of E. Barron, M. Murray, J. Deer, W. B. Chandler, J. Smith, EHas E. Steen, K. D. Middle- ton, J. \V. Standifer, E. B. Trajdor, S. Brinson, Jno. Gu3'nes, and George GuA'nes. W. B. Chandler was made president of the Board, and E. E. Steen, secretary. S. B. Mullins was appointed associational missionary. This careful and minute statement offacts is that the reader may be impressed with the idea thiit this organ- ization was, in its incipieney,a missionary body. These founders of the Association stood flat-footed on the Lord's commission. The names of the members of the IMissionar3' Board are given that it might be seen that the l)od3' had a number of strong men outside of the pulpit, and that their names might be seen. They were noble men, and have left their posterity the legacy of a worthy name. The second meeting of the body was ijresided over b}' Samuel B. Mullins. Elias E. Steen was clerk, and Robert Bridges, treasurer. The Antioch church, Rankin count3', was received into the union. The Association was happ3' in its youthful existence. A revival spirit was in their churclies, giving l)uovancy and hope, and bearing its rich fruitcige of missionary endeavor. The membership of the Association had been in- creased from 82o to 1,175 since the last meeting. The missionary' fund had rcciched the sum of $150.55, $36.09 ,of the amount lor Indium missions. Work among the Indians at the time was the chief attraction of Southern missions. Cader Price presented a long report on Indian missions, in which it was said that Indian missions ^vas of ])aramount importance to American ^people, inasmuch as the whites occupied the country formerly theirs, and because the^' were begging for the gospel, and have no one else to whom to look 800 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. for help. The report recounted the fact that the Ameri- can Indian Mission Company' had twent^^-five mission- aries zealoush^ at work among the Indians, and that, in a few years, more than 2,000 hg,d become Christians. The principal item of business before them that year was the constitution of the General Association of Southeast Mississippi. The destitution in that sec- tion was appalling to the clear-eyed observer. The Pearl Leaf had been organized in the territor^^, but had died from the lack of a missionary spirit, and a broad expanse of territor\^ was lying waste. The Mount Pis- gah having in it some men of great common sense, and possessed of large missionary spirit, was leading in the effort to occupy that field of labor. The Strong River agreed to send delegates to a convention that was to meet at Bethel church, Newton county, on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in September of that ^-ear to consider the propriety of forming several associations, a general body to occupj'^ the field for the Lord by vig- orous, combined Christian effort. So patent was the situation that the Strong River decided that should the effort at combination of forces pro\-e al^ortive, that the Missionary Board be instructed to employ a "mission- ary preacher" and send him into Southeast Mississippi. The field was white unto the harvest, and the reaper must go forth or much ^vould be lost. The Committee on Education \vas ablaze with zeal. That committee brought to light the fact that there were several young ministers in their bounds who had not sufficient educa- tion to make them efficient in the discharge of their duties. The recommendation was made that money be raised to send one or more of these young ministers to school. We shall see that this l)ody was not asleep as to Ministerial Education, but at some times per- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 801 mitted tliL- cause to overshadow all other benevolences outside of the local church interests. In 1SS5, a church known as Clear Creek church, a new church, was received, and also White Oak church. Smith county, from the Mount PisL^ah Association. They, after a year's thought and prayer decided not to go into the General Association. It is stated that the subject was deliberately considered, but no reason is given for the decision. In those days there was much destitution in the bounds of each association, and co- operation ^vas i"efused lest their territory should be considered of less importance than it deserved. While tlie .Association was bidding adieu to the call, there was another suitor at the door with hat in hand ready with a courtesy. It ^vas resolved that J. K. Doss be appointed a correspondent to the Baptist State Con- vention. The oldest churches of the Association had long affiliated with their brethren of the west. Their old association came out of the Mississippi association. So did -the Union, and the Central came out of the Union, Religiously, they were all of one blood. Their missionary board sadly confessed that noth- ing had been done during the year in their missionary cause, as a suital)le man could not be had as missiona- ry. I'erha])s such a man could have been had if they had kept their eyes on their field and ])rayed the Lord of the harvest for laborers. The presence of E. C. Eager, R. 11. Brumby, I. .\. Urner, and Dr. M. W. Phillips at the association of 1856 was rather significant. They were represent- ing Mississipi)i College and "the female institute at Clinton,*' and were most agreeably and cordially re- ceived. The name of Dr. W. L. Balfour appeared first in the list of the trustees of the College. 802 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The association of 1856 indulged itself with a de- liverance on the temperance question. Here is their resolution: Resolved, that, whereas it is rumored that there are members of Baptist churches who retail ardent spir- its, which we regard as a very great evil, that we ear- nestly recommend the churches composing this body, to discountenance, in all reasonable ways, both the use and traffic of intoxicating drinks." In those days the merchants, especially the grocers, sold whisky as other commodities, or kept it on hand to give to their cus- tomers. The sale of ardent spirits was at loose ends, but intoxicants would rob men of their reason then just as now, and convert a c[uiet citizen into a howding Comanchee. It is a source of devout thankfulness, that in those days of loose views as to the dram shops, that the Baptist associations with one accord denounc- ed the accursed drink habit. In the spring of 1856, they suffered i\ great loss in the death of Samuel B. Mullins. He died in the forty- sixth year of his age. He was a good man, and in great favor with the body. He was the hrst moderat- or of the association, and also in the second. In the fall of 1855, he was not able to attend the meeting of the body, and died April 11, 1856. He represented the Sardis church in the Pearl River in 1844. This is the hrst mention of him in written history. He was then a licentiat'e, and his postoffice w^as at Gallatin. He Avas ordained to preach the latter part of 1844. In 1845 he was made chairman of the committee on fi- nance, and, in 1846, wrote the letter of correspondence for the Pearl River to the Mississippi. He was elected clerk of the Pearl River in 1847, 1849, and 1853. About a month after the last date, the Strong River was organized. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 803 The year 1S57 was a year of decline in the associa- tion. Three churches reported the number of acces- sions aggregating 53, several had small accessions, and some reported a falling off in meml)ership. Such years will come, but what was a consequence? The mission- ar3' board bemoaned the smallness of their funds. They had only $70.00 in the treasury, which was not a suffi- cient amount to project a commendal^le work. The board was, figuratively speaking, in sack cloth and ashes. They appealed to the Secretary of the Board of Missions of the General Association for co-operation and help. The missionar3' board decided on that course of action, and turned their faces to the east with their prayer for help, "to which we never got an}-- re- pl3' — so here the matter stopped.'" How weak and Avandering is a Ba])tist Avhen he has no vital godliness! If he turns his face to the skies, the heavens seem a sheeting of brass; if he holds out his hands imploringly to nien, no kindly voice breaks the silence. But even on this effort to secure hel]), they were divided. The following year the Strong River wished to saN' to the General Association, that, for the want of unanimit\', they had to abandon the idea of co-operation with them in the missionary work. But "there was never a night without a dav.'" In 1S59, they met with the Copiah church in their seventh annual session. Delegates from four new churches were present — Gum Springs, Oak Grove, Crooked Creek, and Polkvillc. S. W. I),de, John Howell, and S. J. Hitt, licentiates, .'ind W. G. II )\vell, gladdened the body as coming from these new fields of labor. The resolution adopted the year before, dropping correspondence with the Central, Mt. Pisgah, and the General Association, was rescinded. Correspondence 804 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. with the State Convention was ordered, and E. C. Ea- ger reeeived as representing Mississippi College and Central Female Institute. Epaphroditus had come, and a Pauline spirit infused into the bod\'. Onward in zeal;, delegates were sent to the Southern Baptist Sundaj'' School Union to meet in Canton, Miss., in November. Their missionary- report is now considered w^orthy of the gaze of all eyes, the Board is requested to send it to the Misssissippi Baptist for publication in the Bap- tist State paper. The fleec^^ cloud had all gone skip- ping away like innocent lambs and the blythe sunlight made a smiling face of the heavens. What has caused the phenomenal change? The churches had received that associational year 116 by baptism, 142 by letter, making 258 additions to the churches, and 4 new churches added to the sisterhood, and the Cato church the following year. Over 700 copies of Minutes were wanted. The association had live ordained ministers, and twelve licentiates, and the churches had an aggre- gate memlDcrship of 1,550. Their missionar^^ received $1.75 a day, and was paid c/iuirterlv, in advance. James A. Newman was unanimously chosen missiona- ar}^ for the coming year. There was a balance on hand for their missions amounting to $395.80. It is passing strange, but true, that the surest way to the heights is across the deep vale, if God holds the hand, and the eye be fixed upon the guilded mountain tops. "What is the news?'" Where is the Mississippiari over 45 years of age, who does not remember the stormy period of our histor^y, when that was the first question when two friends met. The answer to it was sometimes awaited with dread and alarm. From nearly ever^^ home one or more had gone to the front to face an invading foe. Communities, churches, and HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 805 associations, had an abiding interest in the happenings of the fratricidal war. In the period lietween 1861 and 1865, some of the associations had to discontinue their gatherings, on account of the forays of the federal "troops from Memphis ' The associations of the south- ern part of our State were not so much distressed. The Strong River Association was south of the i)illaging raids of Sherman from Jackson to Meridian. His char- red path of forage and fire was through the territory of the Central, the Harmony, and the Alt. Pisgali. The Strong River held all its sessions in the four years of the Civil War. They, like the Pearl River, contributed in 1861, 1862, and 1863. to the fund collected for supph-ing the volunteers with copies of the New Testament. The money for the purpose was by resolution forwarded to J. R. Graves, then of Nashville, Tenn. The mission- ary enterprise and the work of the Executive Board were suspended. The obituary report of 1861 was upon the death of James Murray. He had been a leading man in the body from its constitution. At the time of his death, he was pastor of two churches of the Association — the Pales- tine and the Bethlehem. James Murray was born in Edgefield District, S. C. Sept. 24,1792. He made a profession of religion and was baptized before leaving his native State, in the 22nd year of his age. His first stop in our State was in WaA'ne county. He held his membership in Salem church. His second stay was at Silver Creek, Simjison county-, where he was a memlier of the old Hebron church. On Aug. 29, 1835. he was ordained, when 4-3 years of age, X. Robertson, Sr., N. Robertson, Jr., and James Powell, constituting the presbytery. His ne.xt move was to Pearl River, 6 miles 806 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. above Georgetown, where he beeanie a member of the Palestine ehureh. He was moderator of the Strong River six years. He died on Pearl River, Simpson coun- ty, Jan. 27, 1861, in the 69th 3'ear of his age. He was for many years an influential member of the Pearl River before the Strong River w^as constituted. In 1864- Cader Price was absent. This fact is wor- t y of mention. He w^as born in Tatnel county, Ga., Jan. 8, 1800. He w^as ordained 133^ the Steen's Creek church in 1833 and w^as pastor of that church for 35 years. He w^as in the constitution of the Strong River in 1853 as a delegate from Drj?- Creek church, and had missed onl}'^ one meeting of the body. In 1871, on the Alinutes of the association, we find the saddened state- ment that Cader Price was a superannuated minister and in such reduced circumstances that a public collec- tion was taken up for him. He died May 24, 1872. A laro-e and well written obituary notice is given in the Minutes of their association of 1872, by R. W. Hall. In the Minutes of 1864 and 1865, a list of the killed and dead soldiers, members of the churches, is given. Among them is the name of E. E. Steen, long an honor- ed member of the association. Among the names of the killed, we find W. W. Singletary, Preston Bridges, F. W. Sojourner, and Capt. Elijah Sla}'. Among the names of those who died from disease, we have E. E. Steen, E. B. Crawford, Ervin Lowther, J. R. Bridges, J. N. Butler, G. W. Weathersby, Asa Fortenberrv, Rich- ard May, S. May, and John R. Drummond. In 1866, the Civil War was a thing of the past, and a period of readjustment of the church relations and church w^ork had begun. At that time everything was unsettled in our Southland. A new order of affairs had to be inaugurated. Our wnsest men scarceh' knew how HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 807 to adjust themselves to the new eonditions, or what to su^i^est to others. At the close of the Civil War, the whites and blacks were in the same churches. In the early histor\' of our churches in the State, the Africans had their churches apart from the whites, but under the control and management of the whites. It was deemed best later to have the negroes in the churches with the white Christians, which arrangement was continued through the years of the servitude of the blacks. In 18GG, there were 29 churches represented in the Strong River, which had a membership of 2,4'6S. Of this number, 316 were colored people, as reported. Some of the churches did not report the number of whites and blacks, perha])S they had no blacks. Six- teen of the 29 churches reported blacks in their mem- bership; the largest numlier re]3orted In' f)ne church was Hopewell church. What should be done for and with the negroes in the churches? The\^ wished to form churches of their own. Their desire w^as to be to themselves. They were, in all the walks of life, distinct from the whites. There was only the one tie to bind them together, the relation between capital and labor. The whites had the lands, the blacks had nothing, and must vStill work the lands, which they did reluctantly, as they lived in the aliiding hope that the government would give them lands. The relations, and lack of relations between the two races, had to he determined. The whites decided, without discount, to let them form churches of their own. This disposition ])revailed throughout the State. The Strong Kiver i:)ass^d four consecutive resolu- tions iis to the colored members of the body. The spir- itual destitution of the freedmen was recognized and "808 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. deplored, yet it was recomtnendecl to the churches that they set apart one Sunday in each month for the pur- pose of letting thefreedmen organize churches to them- selves, if they so desired: under the supervision of the pastor and deacons of the individual white church. The ininisters ot the association were requested to act as missionaries among the blacks, and report to the next meeting of the body all the work they have done for the freedmen. Tlie churches of the freedmen, when dulv organized, could be represented in the association only bv a white proxy. It was asserted that the Strong River was organized "under the government of ^vhite persons only, and not o{ negroes," and that the whites had an inalienable right to control the body. In 1867, the ministers reported work done with the freedmen. Cader Price organized one colored church in Kankin county, Wm. Toler baptized four, Wm. Murray baptized 4 in Copiah county; T. Green baptized 21 and K. D. Middleton received one by letter. In 1868, they repealed all resolutions pcissed by the bod3' to that date iis to the freedmen, which closed out all relations with the blacks who had formed churches of their own. The prominent ministers of 1866 were M. T. Conn, the moderator of the body, Chandler, Middleton, Meax, Thomas Price, Giddens, E. R. Freeman, Powell, Theo. Green, Toler, A. Murray, and Cader Price. In 1867, as by necessity, they became enlisted in the work of sustentation. Cader Price, long one of the most useful meml)ers of the bod^', w-as in the de- crepitude ot age and in limited circumstances. Wm. Toler and T. E. Murray also needed help. To let them suffer would have been ingratitude, inhuman and un- christian. B3' resolution, a committee was formed con- sisting of B. F. Sutton, E. J. Runnels, H. Jones, W. mSTOKV OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 809 May, G. W. \Villi;inis, J. DrunimoiKl, f. S. Alullen, E. Giiincs, aiul S. T. Baron, to take cognizance of the su- perannuated ministn- of the Association. The com- mittee was authorized to use any money in the treasu- ry for this benevolence. Money sent to the Associa- tion for associational purposes sometimes Ijccame an iiccumulated surplus, and was left at the discretion of the body. The committee recommended that the dele- gates ask their respective churches to consider the needs of the ministers now old and needy. The death of M. T. Conn was a sad occurrence of September 8, 1869. A sketch of his life may be found in Fosters Mississippi Baptist Preachers. His first appearance in the Strong River was in 1856, as a mes- senger from the Union, which commission he enjoved again in 1859. He was then a licentiate, and a mem- ber of the Copiah church. In 1860, he preached the in- troductory- sermon Ijefore the Strong River, from Titus 3:1. He was then an ordained minister. He was elected moderator of the Strong River, in .1.864, which office he filled for three consecutive years. He was a faithful and devout preacher. Theo. Green, in 1870, introduced resolutions on as- sociational missions. He asserted that missionary op- erations had virtually ceased in their bounds, for pe- cuniary reasons. The churches were requested to send to their next meeting not less than $5.00 each for mis- sionary purposes. The circular letter of the next year contains this assertion: '"The missionary work is vir- tually dead in our midst." What was the cause? There were 29 churches in the institution with an ay- gregate membership of over 2,000. The sum of $7. 11 was reported for Ministerial E^ducation, nothing for Foreign missions, nothing for their home work. The 810 HISTORY OF MISSIvSSIPPI BAPTISTS. old preachers who projected the Association were gone. A new era was just about to dawn, and some new forces were to appear in the engagement. In 1871, James Nelson, of the Central, was with them, and represented the State Convention. J. R. Parish was a messenger from the Union, and E. P. Douglass and H. A. Davis, from the Mississippi. Cor- respondence was arranged with seven associations. James Nelson preached at 11 a. m. Sunda\^ on Matt. 9:38. After his sermon, a collection was taken in cash and pledges amounting to $4-65.25. J. R. Farish in the afternoon, from I. Cor., 13:12. Following his sermon, was a collection for Cader Price of $21.40. The old soldier was coming to stringency of circumstances, but not to want. At that session strong resolutions were adopted on Mississippi College and Ministerial Educa- tion. Friday before the third Sunday in December was recommended as a day ot fasting and prayer that the Lord would send them more preachers for the \vork. In 1872, the twentieth session of the Association convened with the Cato church. Rock Bluff church, of Smith county, was received into the fraternity. The Strong River was then composed of 31 churches, which had a total membership of 2,413. The numl^ers of baptisms reported that year was 243. The body was growing numerically strong, and gathering a willing- ness for an onward movement. The visit tliCA' received from James Nelson the year before was a sea son of vSeed sowing for Mmisterial Ed- ucation, and was an inspiration to the body. In their circular letter, it was said: The missionary cause has given place to Ministerial Education, to a certain ex- tent. H. M. Long was chairman of the committee on Ministerial Education that year. He is a good speak. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 811 er, iind, doul^tlcss, represented the e.'iusewell. In 1871, a committee was ai)})ointed on Foreign missions. On the first day ot the session of 1872, G. W. Wil- liams, of Strong- River church, presented some stagger- ing resolutions. On motion made by H. M. Long, the rules were suspended to get the resolutions before the bod^' The resolutions were read for information, and explained b\' their author. They were laid on the table. On motion, the^' were taken from the table, and, after remarks b\' G. W. Williams, W. H. Head, T. Green, with some amendments, it was unanimously adopted. The preamble declared that the time was auspicious for the establishment of a Baptist High School within the l)oundary of that body. Within the Association in 1,000 square miles, two-thirds of the inhabitants were Baptists. They were in limited circumstances and not able to send their children off to ^i school of high grade. It was recommended that the high school be located near the centre of the Association, on an eighty acre plot af land, which wiis to be divided into 5 acres each, upon which the patrons of the school might build. The institution was to be endowed with $10,000 to l)e paid in ten installments, $25.00 to be a share. It Avas to be known as "The Baptist High School." Board should not exceed $10.00 a month, and ministers should have free tuition. The schedule of cost in each grade of study was given. This project was lieautiful, but appeared visionar3^ Such a school would have been of inestimable value to them. But it has not to this day existed, except on those two pages of the Min- utes. High schools of smaller dimensions, iind upon a more practical l)asis, are today a great blessing to the interior of many j^jirts of our State. They are develop- ing the young, who otherwise should have never been able to avail themselves of ecjual advantages. 812 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The proceedings of the body of that 3'ear cannot be passed by without noticing another item of business. All these items, that are receiving attention at length, only go to show that affairs in the Association were in a formation state, and gathering force for the years to come. They put themselves on record again on the temperance agitation. In ]3reamble and resolution, Ave have the facts given that no drunkard "shall in- herit the kingdom of God;'" that it is the duty of every church to expel meml^ers who are immoral in conduct, and that the Association shall consider every church in disorder that fails to exclude all such immoral and Avicked persons mentioned in the preamble. The read- er of Mississippi Baptist History can assuredly be in no doubt as to what the sentiment of our people was before the opening of prohibition contest. There were in the Association in 1872, two men, at least, whose presence deserves more than a passing no- tice: the one, a noted layman; the other, a distinguished preacher. Dr. F. T. Gayden was a native of Geor- gia. For many years he was a practitioner in his na- tive State. He represented the Dry Creek church in the Association of 1872. He was a man of rare common sense and of progressive ideas. His constant effort was to elevate the people with whom he had cast his lot, and was undaunted by a lack of appreciation of his efforts and undismayed b^^ a temporary failure of one of his undertakings. W. H. Head was a man of great learning and deep piety. He was a preacher of marked ability and a man of winning address. He was, in 1873, pastor at County Line and Pilgrim's Rest churches, and his presence was felt in the meeting of the body. The pastors of distinction in the Associa- tion at this time were; Jesse Woodall, S. J. Hitt, W. H. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 81S Head, H. M. Long, Norvell R()l)ertson, W. S. Webb, and J. K. P'arish. The most useful of the laymen were: A. B. Guvnes, F. M. Martm, J, D. Ross, A. May, A. Slay, B. F. Sutton, J. J. Lackey, J. F. Norman, D. Bishop, John Lowther, S. Brinson, and S. Walker. The proceedings of the Association of 1874- wear a more familiar air to the writer. He feels as if, after spending a long while with distinguished strangers, and after closely scanning their actions, he had gotten home. In those proceedings, he meets W. H. Tucker^ W. D. Mayfield, H. M. Long, J. Jacker Green, J. L. Pet- tigrew, T.J. Walne, J. A. Hackett, AI. T. Martin, and J. A. Scarljorough. The historian feels like laying aside his pen and having a general hand-shaking. But, alas! where are the hands of W. H. Tucker, J. Jasper Green, and M. T. Martin? They have been folded on breasts that have long since ceased to heave, and are now l)lending with common dust. W. H. Tucker was a model of piety, J. Jasper Green, loved by the writer,, and M. T. Martin, one who befriended him when he come as a stranger to cast his lot with Mississip])i Bap- tists. At that meeting of the Strong River, Theo. Green was appointed as their visitor at the ne.xt commence- ment of Mississippi College. Five churches got letters of dismission from the Union — Rock Bluff, Polkville, Antioch, Union, and White Oak. A strange (|uery was put before the l)ody by the Copiah church. It was^ this: "Should the church retain in fellowship those members who engage in the pkn- called 'steal ]Kirtners,' or any similar game?'" The (juestion was decided in the negative. ( )ne can^magine the young ])eople of Copiah church at a gay gathering, as (me is coyly stealing one of the opposite sex, lialf jestingly and half 814 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. in earnest, with a queer feeling of ownership, bjteasing- ly skipping near the chosen one, and ghding awa}", and skipping back again, keeping step to the music of the vioHn; and then lioth of them, in giddy whirl, taking their place in the enchanted circle. Ah, those Christ- mas times. Doubtless some of those people are living there now but twenty-seven years have one by one, disciplined those naught^' feet, and as staid men and matronly w^omen of forty-five, they use their heels and toes more wisely, and have long since "stolen partners" in truth, with no dissent from their church. The interest taken by the Strong River in Sunday School w^ork is rather extraordinary. Their record may be equaled by other associations in the State, still their zeal was commendable. In 1872, J.J. Lackey, of Pilgrim's Rest church, of which W. H. Head was pas- tor, offered the following resolution: Resolved, That the churches and Sunda3' Schools in our bounds be, and are hereby, recommended to send jielegates to a Sunday School Convention to meet with the Hopewell church o.^ Friday before the fifth Sunday in this month (September), to organize a Sunday School Institute for Strong River Association, and that a committee of three be appointed to draft a constitu- tion for such institute, to be presented at that time." The proceedings of the Association of the following year contain a report of the secretary of that Sunday School Institvite. W. H, Head was president, and A. B. Guynes, secretary. A second institute was held in March, 1873, and another in September of that year. In 18 74-, as stated in their letter of correspond- ence, much interest was taken in Sunday School work. ''The Sunday School Institute in Our l^ounds has been holding its annual session on the day previous to our HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, 815 3'early meetino;. Its sessions are of interest.'" The next year, the secretary made a full report to the Associa- tion. In it, he gave a synopsis of the report of the Sunday School Institute. Eight Sunday Schools re- ported, one-half of them holding their session in the afternoon. The Sunday Schools reported were in the Bethel, County Line, Mt. Zion, Pilgrim's Rest, Hebron, Salem, Zion Hill, and Rials Creek. County Line was the banner church, having a Sunday School of 100 pu- pils. Year by year, these Sunday School Conventions were held, and some years as many as four institutes were held in the bounds of the body. At the beginning of the period from 1876 to 1860, the need of a State paper was beginning to be sensibly felt. In the Minutes of 1876, we find this language: "We have long felt the want of a denominational or- gan in our State, and, while we have ever cherished a high regard for The Baptist, * * * we have realized that it did not (|uite meet our need as a means ofcom- munication among ourselves. We would, therefore, express our approval of the action of the late State Convention in setting on foot measures looking to the establishment of an independent State journal. The following year The Mississippi Baptist Record, pub- lished at Clinton by M. T. Martin, and edited Ijy J. B. Gambrell, was heartily commended. This indorsement was repeated in 1878 and 1879. In 1880, the report on Publications was read by S. M. Ellis, who recommended T/ie A*ecorc? as "our home pa])er."" This w£is easy, courteous, and graceful. Its indorsement the following yetir was crisp: The Record was said to be "missionary and sound to the very core." In 1882, S. M. Ellis was again chairman of the committee on tliis subject. He sjjoke of the paper fa- 816 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. miliarly as "Our Baptist Record,''' but had to regret that not hah' the faniiHes in the Association was repre- sented on the suliscription books of the paper. In 1884, B. F. Sutton said, "We cannot speak, however, too highh^ of the Baptist Record, our State organ, pub- lished b}^ J. B. Gambrell and George Wharton, at CHn- ton. Miss.'' Yearly their good opinion of The Record was expressed. The Strong River, in the fall of 1874-, arranged sat- isfactorily with the old State Mission Board of the con- vention for co-operation on the basis that all funds sent that Board should be applied to the Coast Mission. J. B. Hamberlin, the missionary on the coast, under the State Alission Board, ^vas to report annually to them, either through the State Board or directh'. $273.50 was turned over to that Board in 1875 for that pur- pose in due and regular form. The following \^ear, the Executive Board of the body forwarded $147.90 tor this mission and took pledges for money to be paid in the ensuing year of $109.60. In 1S76, J. B. Hamberlin had two new churches established on the coast. In that 3^ear Stonewall and Galilee churches wtro. received into the body. Everything was l)eiag organized and inspirited for progressive work. The women of the churches were urged to form missionary societies. A good report was put before them on the College, and Foreign missions received due attention. In 1877, thej' met with County Line church. The Rock3' Creek church, Simpson county, was received into the body. W. S. Welib, T.J. Walne, J. L. Petti- grew, I. H. Anding and D. I. Purser, were distinguished visitors at that meeting. That year, as in the year before, special mention was made of W. J. David, mis- sionary to Africa. He was a Mississippian. He went HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. '^IT to Africa in 1S75. The Foreign mission report was discussed by 1. H. Anding and J. L. Pettigrew. It a])- peared that the sum of $111. Iv5 was contributed that year to State missions. The Association convened in 1878 with the Moun- tain Creek church. The l^ody came into inmiediate touch with Ministerial Education. Resolutions were presented expressive of hearty sympathy with the ■work, recommending the churches of the Association to support, in whole or in part, T. S. Powell, at Mis- sissippi College, and to aid J, C. Buckle3' in a course ot study. The sum of $120 was subscribed for the sup- port of T. S. Powell, and $105 for J. C. Buckley.^ Two new churches were received into the union in 1879, Enon's and Campbell's Creek. The boch- was-, then composed of thirty-one churches, with a member- ship of 2,526. The churches re])orted that year 293- baptisms, Steen"s Creek church reporting 51 of the number. The Association was cheered with the state- ment that the State Mission Board had an efficient missionary (T. D. Bush) in the field of destitution re- ferred to in the report of the Executive Board the year previous, in Southeast Mississippi. He was greatlv encouraged in his work. He had constituted two churches. T. D. Bush was no ordinary man, and could have continued to lie useful, had he remained in that field. In the year 1880, three churches in the .Association pledged themselves to raise during tiie coming vear $100 each for State missions, the total amount sub- scribed being $5(55. T. J. Walne, secretary t)f the State Board, was with them. He was at the time l)eing con- sumed with a Ijurning desire for State evangeliza tion The decade between 1.S80 and 1890, was one iu. 5S18 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Avhich the Association was characterized by hard, pro- gressive work. Everything was formulated, all the interests, general and local, were receiving due and ■careful consideration. In 1S82, J. Jasper Green was elected moderator, which position he filled t\vo years, and was succeeded by J. C. Buckley. In 1885, A. B. Gu\mes was moderator, and was kept in office for three consecutive years. He was succeeded b3^J. C. Thigpen, ^vho held his incumbency for two years, and was suc- ceeded in 1890 by R.Drummond. In 1880, the churches of the Associcition had 8,480 members, and in 1890, 3,084. In 1880, the body gave to all purposes $3,045.54, and in 1890, $9,206.49. A very perceptible increase was made in pastoral support, to which the •^•hurches gave in 1880, $1,785.54, and in 1890, $3,574.65. At the vsession of 1883, due notice was taken of the death of Lewis Howell, of Dry Creek church. He was b_v birth a South Carolinian. He was ])orn July 21, 1799, and was at the time of his death in the eighty- fifth year of his age. He had been a deacon fifty-five years. The vigorous men in the Association, young in the ininistry were: J. R. Johnston, J. P. Hemby, S.M. Ellis, .J. E. Thigpen, J. A. Scarborough, J. C. Buckley, R. Drummond, and Wayne Sutton. From 1890 to 1900, Wiiyne Sutton was clerk of the body, and A. H. Dale, treasurer. R. Drummond v^^as moderator from 1891 to 1893. inclusive; J. R. John- :ston from 1894 to 1898; and J. C. Buckley in 1899 and 1900. In 1891, the Association adopted preamble and res- i)lution on "Pastors' Schools." Such schools were proving quite beneficial to the ministry in Alabama. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. HI 9 J. B. Gambrcll was at that meeting of the Strong River Assoeiation, and suceeeded in arousing the l)ody to a sense of the need of sueh sehools in the ])roper develop- ment of onr ministry. Good interest was shown in the work of the Ladies' Aid Societies. Societies in four churches made reports. The Society of the Stonewall church reported $50.00 collected: of Cato. $18.90; of Hebron, $54.60: and of Salem, $12.00. The meeting held by the women on Sunday afternoon during the sitting of the Assoeiation Avas full of interest. The session of 1S92 was enlivened by the presence of H. F. Sproles. He was there in the interest of the church building fund of the Jackson church. He was heard gladly, aud a good amount \vas contributed to the object he re])resented. The following resolution on the use of intoxicants as a beverage was presented by Joel H. Gambrcll: "Resolved, that it is the sense of this Association that for any minister or church member to visit sa- loons, drink intoxicants as a beverage, sign whiskey petitions, go on li(|uor dealers' bonds, vote ior the sale of whiskey, or in any way encourage or countenance the traffic in intoxicating li(|Uors, is grossly unchristian conduct that should be brought under the strictest and kindest church discipline." In 1S92. the churches gave to Foreigri missions $124-. 50; to State missions $S0. 00; and to Home mis- sions $55. ()S. In 1S93, there were . vent\-nine churches in the un- ion with a total membership ot 2,90<). The churches received that year 255 jjcrsons by l)aptism and ninety- eight by letter. Nearly all the churches showed signs •of growth and development, 820 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The Ladies" Aid Society held £uiniial meeting (hiring the sitting of the Association. In 1894, Mrs. Didlake was president, and Miss Dora Walker, secretar^^ In 1894, MissLolaJohnston was vice-president for the As- sociation; in 1895, Mrs. J. R. Carter. As the years came and went a deligtful harmony characterized the body, and an earnest desire to pro- mote the objects fostered b3' the body was yearly ap- parent. The statistical tables were incomplete, and one finds it difficult to ascertain the development of their benevolence from 1890 to 1896. But we find that the body was all the time in close touch and full co- operation with the State convention. In 1897, there were twent^^-eight churches in the or- ganization with a total membership of over 3,000 per- sons. The churches reported that year $103.25 as con- tributed to State missions; $96.75 to Home missions; and $180.30 to Foreign missions. One cannot but notice the numerical strength ofthc churches of the Strong River Association at the close of the century. One church, Steens Creek, had more than 250 members. Two other churches had more than 200 members, Braxton and Hebron. Ten other churches, had over 100 members; Antioch had 102; Cato, 182; Dry Creek, 164: Liberty, 197; Mountain Creek, 137;. Mount Zion, 169; Macedonia, 135; Pleasant Hill, 124; Strong River, 109; and Strong Hope, 158. The small- est church in the organization was Cana, which had thirty-seven meml^ers. The Association was composed of twenty-eight churches, which had an aggregate membership of 2,882, males and females. Prominent among the pastors in 1900 were, Wayne Sutton, J. R. Johnston, J. P. Hemby, R. Drummond, D.J. Miley, J. C. Farrar,'j. L. Finley, and J. E. Thig- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. S21 pen. Their prominent la^^men \Yere, T. W. Allen, Rob- ert Berry, W. A. Ross, F. M. Martin, L. A. McCaskill, J. R. Tilimaii, R T. May, S. T. Berry, J. F. Williams, J. \V. Dear, and F. E. Shivers. The history of the association trom its constitution is marked by tne missionary conviction. The body was organized of churches then full of the revival spirit M'hich is inalienably wedded to the missionary convic- tion. It was true in the days of the apostles and is true yet. The highest conception of missionary work can onh' be obtained b\' a church that has a high ap- preciation of God's favors in Christ. There were pe- riods in the history of the Strong River Association Avhen the tide of missionary endeavor ebbed and ran low, but such periods showed an uneasiness in the body and a restlessness that was unabated until better days came. The Association has a most worth}' history, which should be a source of gratulation to those who for many years have been walking in the tracks of their forefathers in promoting its Ijest interests and the glory of God. 822 HISTORY OF MISSIvSSlPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XX. HARMONY ASSOCIATION. The historian is sometimes Ijaffled in the beginning- of a work by the lack of historical data. He has an apprehension that perhaps the facts he craves are somewhere extant, but to obtain them is out of his power. The first Minutes of the Harmony Association are missing or irretrievably lost. The Harmony Asso- ciation was constituted in 1S4-9. It was composed of churches from the old Yazoo, the Choctaw, and the Mount Pisgah associations. The churches of the original l)ody was in the coun- ties of Leake, Madison, Neshoba, Scott and Rankin. The Mount Pisgah church Avas the oldest. It was or- s^anized in 1S81. It was in Rankin county, and had been in the Pearl River and the Mt. Pisgah associations. The Doak's Creek church in Madison county was con- stituted in 1S83, and was once in the old Yazoo Asso- ciation. The Jerusalem churc^i in Scott county was; organized in 1S37, and was from the Mt. PivSgah Asso- ciation. The Liberty church in Rankin county, and the Mt. Sinai church of Nesholia county were organ- ized in 1839. The remaining churches of the original bodN' were instituted in the forties. In 1850, the first associational year of the Ijody, L R. Bass and J. S. Antley did missionary work in the bounds of the Association. They labored principally HISTORY OF MlSSISSIPri HAPTISTS. 82'-^ at M()on"s Scliool-hoiisc and Ml. Carmcl. I. R. Bass was from North Carolina. He came to our State in 1S34-, and settled in Madison county. Ilis only child ^ Mrs. K. C. Lee, of Madison Station, was l)orn after his death. He was the founder of the old Xew Hope^ church, now the church at Madison Station. Joseph S. Antley came from Alal)ama \vith a number of emi- grants, who settled at Pelahatchie a1)out the year 1849. He was the founder of the church at Pelahatchie, where he bai)tized twenty-four persons in 1S52. In 1851, at the meetinti" of the Association of that year, J. S. Antley and Hillman Hill were appointed missionaries in their territory. Antley l)eii^an his labors at Moon's School-house and at Mt. Carniel. In Feb- ruary of 1S52, he b(._<4an missionary work at Cato Springs in Rankin county, on the Jackson and Rideigh road, now called Cato. He also estal)lishe(l a mission at Norman's School-house, which was l)etween Mill Creek and Mt. Pisgah church. II. Hill labored in the northern part (^f their territory "with his accustomed zeal. " The Association of 1853 was held with the Jerusa- lem church at an encam])ment prejjared for the occa- sion. William Denson was chosen moderator, Thos. K. Green, clerk, antl \V. \V. Blev treasurer. Pelahatchie and Rehoboth churches of Rankin county, and the Thomastown church of Leake county, were received into the union. Samaria church in Attala county, of the Louisville Association, not having received a letter of dismission, was received conditionally. From the rei)ort oi" the connuittee on the state of religion, \ve find the spiritual condition ol" each church in 1852. Benevolence complained of coldness ; Bethesda AAras in a like condition : Bethlehem was not represented S24 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. at the Association; Doak's Creek de[)lored the small increase in members : Fellowship had nothing of inter- est to communicate; Good Hope was in a high state of prosperity ; Harmony was in peace : Judson had no special revival; Jerusalem and Liberty were in alike ■state: Mt. Sinai was prosperous and healthy; Mt. Pisgah prospering; Mill Creek had enjoyed a good re- vival; New Ho])e was silent; Providence, in Leake, M^as in a growing condition : Pleasant Hill was cold; Pensacola, Mt. Zion and Mt. Carmel were growing; Keh()l)()th and Pelahatchie were prosperous, and Thom- -astown was "enjoying brightening prospects." The Association was so highly ])leased with their encam]jmcnt at Jerusalem church that they decided to meet there again in 1853. Isaac R. Bass was to preach the introductory sermon, J. J. S. Miles being his alter- nate. The pastors in the union were: W. R.Butler, W. Byars, W. H. Hatsell, J. L. Hines, William Denson, J. Rushing, J. Merchant, J.J. S. Miles, I. R. Bass, H. Hill, A. Goss, and J. S. Antley. The churches of the Associcition had an aggregate of about 1,200 members. In 1855, John Rushing was moderator. The Ex- ■■ecutive Board, appointed at that meeting of the body, had John Rushing as chairman, and J. M. Lewis as secretai'v. Their first meeting was held at Jerusalem •church in March, 1856. Three missionaries were put in the field — J. Lawrence, W. S. Rushing, and William Denson. Lawrence tilled a station at Coleman's Mill, ten miles southeast of Brandon. Rushing's work was in Neshoba and Attala counties. Denson was at Shoc- •colo, a place that has now faded off the map of the State. Emphasis was placed by the Board on the Bible iigency, and $23.25 was raised for this cause. The Association of 1856 met with the Pleasant Hill HISTORY OK MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 825 church ot Lcrike c()iint\'. John Rushin,;^^ was chosen moderator, J. M. Lewis, clerk, and W. W. FAy, treas- nrer. The flays Creek church was received into the union. Correspondence was received from the Mount Pisgah Association and the General Association of Southeast Mississi])])i. "The Crreat Iron Wheel," by j. K. (iraves, and "Or- chard's History of the Baptists" .were recommended to be read and circulated. The treasurer's re])ort showed that the aggregate amoimt he had received was $334..33. Their meeting in 1837 was with the IVlahatchie church. September 26th. The t)fficers of the previous year were re-elected. The Union church, Attala county, w^as received into the body. The Association was cheered and animated l)y the presence of a number of men representing the general interests of Baptists in the State. They were: C. S. xMcLeod, Benjamin Whit- field, and George Whitfield of the Central Association; and R. D. Middleton of the Strong River. Benjamin Whitfield, Sr., wished to speak in behalf of Mississippi College, and C. S. McLeod to represent the claims of Central Female Institute. Their desires were gratified. Whitfield s])oke at 10 : 30 a. m., Monday, after which the following resolutions were adopted : "1st, Resolved, That we highly ap])rove of the effort that has l)een made by the trustees of Mississippi College at Clinton to endow that institution, and of that which they are now making to raise a building fund. 2(1, Resolved, That we recommend the same to the favorable consideration of our brethren and the friends of education within our l)ounds." T. B. Barnett, chairman of the Committee on Pub- 82(i IIISTDRY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTKSTS. lications, offered preamble and seven resolutions on the Aiississippi Baptist. It ^vas deelared "an able and faithful origan of our denomination in the State," and Avas hailed with unfeij^nd deliiJ;ht, endorsed, and prom- ised full support. The year 1857 was the wet 3'ear of that decade in Central Aiississippi. The constant down-pour of rain interferred with all outdoor work. Consequently the Executive Board had only a short report to make of the labors of their missionaries. Twelve had been re- ceievd on missionary fields, by baptism. The report on finances showed that they had contributed that 3^ear to Domestic, Foreign, Indian, China, and African mis- sions, and to Sustentation and associational missions. The session of iSo.S was held with the church at Thomastown, beginning" on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in September. The revival spirit was in the churches and the good ne%vs from churches had a good effect on the annual meeting. The introductory sermon w^as preached by P. F. Morehead of Bdinburg. William Denson was chosen moderator, N. J. Nichols, clerk, and W. W. Ely, treasurer. The Association received three churches. New Hope, Scott county, Pleasant Grove of Leake, and Prospect of Scott county. The organiza- tion was then composed of thirty-five churches. Two pleasant visitors at this session were J. N. IJrner, President of Mis.sissijjjji Colelge, and Walter Hillman, President of Central Female Institute. Dr. Hillman preached for them and was highly compliment- ed. S. J. Antley was acting as agent for Central Fe- male In.stitute, and the school was becoming very pop- ular in that part of the State. President Urner was well received. The next meetimjf was at Havs Creek church in HISTORY OF MISSIvSSIPPI HAPTISTS. 827 Scott county. The introductorv sennon was ])reached by S.J. Antiey. The church at P'elahatchie was havinij ti'ouble. Just what it was is not known, but {|uite a nunibei" ot its members had been excluded from fellowship in the body. The excluded members felt that they had been dealt with unjustly. They appealed to the Association with a lengthy document for vindication and a relief from reproach. The situation was of sufficient gravity to justif}^ the Association in appointing a good committee to hear their grievance. The committee, with becoming gravity, and after due delil)eration, wisely reported to the Associiition, that their body had no jurisdiction over tlie churches that composed it. \V, AI. Fiirrar was at the meeting, representing the Mississippi Baptist. He' was one of the best agent.s that we have had in our State. He was allowed twen- ty-five minutes to speak in favor of the State paper, af- ter which the Baptist was heartiW endorsed. A resolution was passed at that meeting insisting that a missionary be employed for all his time to labor in the destitute places of their territory at a salary of $600.00 a year. They were rapidly occupying the "s\'aste places in their bounds, but the time was short before the opening of the Civil War. Isaac B. Law- rence was recjuested to report at the next sitting of the bod}' as to the work done among the ))lacks. The greatest dilligence was shown before the war l)y all our associations in providing j^reaching and looking after the spiritual condition of the negroes. This shows an answer to the (juestion as to why so many ot" our col- ored peo])le are, at ]ircsent, Baptists. H. Hill was still a missionarv, under the directions of their Executive 828 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Bojird, and was still dis])layin- Christian of Charleston, S. C, Kind Words, The Home and Foreign Journnl, and The ()r/)han's Home Banner. In iSTo, The Baptist Battle Flag was idso commend- ed. In 1S77, The Baptist Reeord,thc organ of the Bap- 832 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. tist State Convention, which l)e^'an ])ul)Hcation that year; and The Southern Baptist otWIeridian, were add- ed to the Hst. Their report on pubHeations of 1879, af- ter a favorable mention of The Baptist, The Examiner and Chronicle of New York, and The Southern Baj)tist, put special emphasis on their approval of The Baptist Record. It was said that the Harmony Association was an acknowledged component part of .the Baptist State Convention, and thttt The Record was the adopted organ of that bod3% and was, therefore, to be supported by Lhem. The following 3'ear The Record Avas equally as well endorsed. The Sunday School interests of the body were, as is usual in the Associations composed largely of country churches. One who has not been connected with a Sun- day School in the countrj^ has a verj^ inadequate con- ception of such church work. The church usually has preaching but once a month. If there are any inviting- or extra exercises at a church a few miles away, where there is to be a large gathering, it is next to an impossi- bility to induce the young people to den}^ themselves the pleasure of attending such exercises, and go to their SundaA^ School. The Harmon}^ Association had an- nual reports on Sunday Schools, but no Sunday School Conventions. Few of the chui-ches.in their letters to the Association, reported Sunday Schools, but the churches are ver}^ careless as to what they put into their Asso- ciational letters. In this period, the Harmony Association showed itself a good friend to our educational institutions and to Ministerial Education. In 1871, their report on Mississip[)i College spoke of the financial embarrass- ment of the College at the time and the effort being- made through M. T, Martin to liquidate its indel^ted- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 833 ness, with an implied willingness to aid in the work. In 1872, two young ministers of their churches were in school preparing themselves for their life's work; P. H. Bilbro was at Fannin Academy and A.Cockroft was at Mississippi College. This fact created an interest in Ministerial Education. The following year, the report of the finance committee showed the receipt of $20.00 for Ministerial Education, and that year pledges were made to the cause amounting to $82.75. The interest was*kept up through the period. In 1880, there was a cash contribution reported amounting to $30.75 and a suljscription taken of $70.00. The annual reports jjlaced before them on missions were usually instructive and meant to be nothing more. Few recommendations were made. The financial state- ments showed that contributions were made to For- eign missions. But the historian is char\' in giving fi- nancial statements of an association. They would be misguiding. The3^ do not show the contributions of the churches to the various objects of benevolence, l)ut only what the financial committee and the treasurer receive In 1875, the work of State Missions was given sjjeeial notice in preaml)les and resolution. The ])re- ambles recited the fiicts that the State Convention had luidertaken to do a general mission work in the State, that a board had been formed of judicious men, that there were large districts of our territory destitute of the gos])el, and that they were asked to aid in this gen- eral work. They resolved to co-operate with the State Mission Board. In liS79, T. J. Walne.the Correspond- ing Secretary of the Board, was with them and created some enthusiasm in this work and received a collection amounting to $57.05. In ISSO, co-operation with the State Board w£is ])le(lged, and $191.50 realized in casK and ]:)ledges. S34 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI 15APTISTS. The Executive Board, in 1871, had employed as lTlissionar^^ J. AI. Pearson. He began his labors in August of the year previous in the neighborhood of the •old Pleasant Grove church, and constituted a church of twenty-two members, called the New Hope church. He met with encouragement everywhere. The Beth- •esda, the Brandon, the Liberty, and the Salem church were not represented at the Association, and the Pela- hatchie reported onh^ six members. In 1872, M. B. Maum rode as missionary for four months. He found great destitution, l3ut met with ■encouragement. A missionary was needed in the field for his full time. In 1874, the finance committee re- ceived $89. -tS for their home work, and the amount of $133.50 was pledged to be paid during the associa- tional year. The following year they had. no mission- ary in the field, but McMurtry, Barrett and Cockroft preached at destitute plac'es. In 1877, the Executive •Committee had no report printed in their Alinutes, and for the next two A-ears little interest was shown in ^ssociational missions. In 1880, they were in close "CO-operation with the State Mission Board. From 1874 to 1877, the Harmony Association was "ospel," and that he "was a good man, anfloneofthe strongest pillars of this Association.'' It is only to be regretted that more was not said of this good man's life. He was one of the best men of the Harmony Association. The forty-seventh annual session of the Harmony was held with Alt. Carmel church. T. E. Morris was their moderator, and T. J. Moore, clerk. Thev held these positions respectively to the close of the ccnturv. Reports were usually read on Sunday Schools, Mis- sions, Woman's Work, Temperance, State of Religion, Publications, Ministerial Education and MississijDpi College, ()l)ituaries, Nominations, and Queries and Re- quests. The committee of seven apjjointed in lS9o to select an eligiljle point for the location of a high school, re- ported in 1897 that they had decided that Lena was the best i)lace for the institution of learning. Special prayer was then made to the l)ountilul (iiver of all good for guidance "in the founding and maintaining of this enterprise." A. L. Morris, C. vS. Home, W. C. Sessum, T.J. Meador, and T.J. .Moore, were made the trustees of the high school. The following year, the trustees had a long rejjort to mrdve fis to the interest of their iiigh school. Thev had decided that the institution should h.vvc a jjresi- dent. Negotiations were begun with Profs. Caden- head and Ilendrick, who were employed as co-princi- pals of this school. .Miss (lulledge was their music 840 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. teacher. The matriculation was very gratifying in- deed. In 1899, William Webb Venable had charge of the school, and was assisted l^y Misses Zella Sla\' and May Chaml)ers. It was said of the faculty that "for enthusiasm, industry-, and thoroughness of instruction, the present faculty would be hard to surpass.'" The name ot the school is The Harmony Baptist Institute. In 1900, the local ])atronage had increased 25 per cent. J. F. I'arkinson was Principal. He was assisted by H. A. vStovall, Miss Zella vSlay, and Mrs Bertha Parkinson. Miss Erwin Morris was their teacher of music, and Aliss Maud Chester, of elocution. The average attendance the second month of the session of 1900-01 was 95, with 80 ])oarding students. Prof. Parkinson still has charge of the school. The members 'of the Harmony Association are proud of their school. It is doing a good work. Among the reports of committees in 1897, w^e notice the statement that they had no associational mission work to report. There were some places in their limits that needed aid. It was suggested that some suitalile minister be secured for one-fourth of his time for their destitute fields, and that the State Board be re(iuested to co-operate wnth them in their associa- tional work. The following j^ear their Executive Board ])ut be- fore the body the report of their missionory, T. J. Moore. He had labored at Tuscola school house, For- est Grove, and Free Trade. A church was constituted by him called the Tuscola Baptist Church. The new church had 19 members. They had a subscription of $150.00 toward the erection of a house of worship. Four joined the Plymouth church as a result of a meet- ing held by him at Free Trade. The following year, T. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 841 J. Moore was continued as their missionary at one- third time. He kept up monthly appointments at Tus- cola, and visited other churches. Ten were baptized. In 1900, he added Ridge to his list of rejjfular a])point- ments. Kidge is about four miles south of Walnut Grove. There were about 20 Baptists there, who should have regular ])reaching. The third Sunday in Jidy, 1900, a church was constituted there. The session of 1897 was held with the Friendship church, Leake county; in "1898, they convened with Walnut Grove church; in 1899, with Good Hope, Mad- ison county, and in 1900, with I'nity church, in Vazoo county. In 1898, due notice was taken of the death of M. T.- Martin. He was highly esteemed in the Harmony for his work's sake. He had held meetings in man}- of their churches, and ''in every case strengthening the members in the fundamental doctrines of our faith, and inspiring them to more vigorous work for the Master." The pastors in the Association in 1899 were Scott York, A. B. Hill, T. J. Moore, T. P. Partridge. C. E. Hollis, T. E. Morris, W. B. Brantley, E. T. Dendy, B. D. Cannon, Allen Willis. T. G. Ward. J. A.Johnson. W. P. Don-ill, \V. S. Ford, B. F. Miller, H. M. Whitten, T. J. Moore, J. T. Massey, and E.J. Hitt. In 1900, there were 29 churches in the Association, three of which were composed of Choctaw Indians. These churches had a total membership of just 1,700. The churches received that year 190 by baptism, and 72 bv letter. 842 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXI. bf;thlehp:i\i association. ThivS association is composed of churches in the counties of Lauderdale cind Clark. Its territory, from its formation, has been in and around Meridian. The churches in Meridian now belong' to the Chickasahay Association, but have, at one time or another, belonged to the Bethlehem. (Recently, the Lauderdale County Association has lieen formed, and most of the Meridian churches are in it). In August, 1S52, the representatives of a number of churches assembled at Oak Valley church to decide on the organization of a new association. These churches were of the Choctaw Association. They drew up a Constitution, Articles of P\'uth, and Rules of Order, and adjourned to meet later again in the year for organization. The second meeting w£is with the Oktililjeha church in November, 1S52, when the Beth- lehem Association was duly organized, W. V. Carter being chosen moderator, and W. \\ White, clerk. The following is a tabulated statement of the dates of the meetings of the body from its constituti(m in 18v52 to iS.S-t, together with the names of the moder- HISTORY OV MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 843 ators elected annually, the clerks, the one who preached the annual sermon, and the amount received during" the sitting: of the Association: Place 1.S52 Oklibhcha 1«5J! Onou 1.S54 Mt. (Hk-a'd Hepzibali .. .... Hickory lirove Mt. I'leasatil.. IMeasant Hill.. Bethel Meridian Fellow stii]) .. . Beaver Dam.... Ml. I'lea.sant... Ml. Ciilead. .. Bella Villa H ickorv drove M ridiaii lH(,,SiUnion IHt.OlUcutla LSTohli. (;ilead LSillEnteritrise l.'<72.0iiilinati ISSS 1S.S( 1S51 1H5S l.s.=-> 1S(.II l.Sdl l,S<7S IST'I ].'<.S(t 1K«1 1S83 Pine (TroTe. . . Meridian M.irioii Mt. Horeb Soueiilovie Mt. Cilead Archadelpliia.. Marion (iood Water....' Kemper S]>ring Cavalry W P Carter.. .. W P Carter Win Maiiniiitr. K V Rasberrv. T .1 Hand I) Sunirall.^ Wni Mannin-r. Wni Manninsr. B V Willis D P Better J 1) Kindrick... T .1 Hand T J Hand T J Hand T.I Hand T J Hand TJ Hand T J Hand J B Haiuber'in I J Carter J }> Haniberlin J B Haniberlin J B Haniberlin R N Hall R N Hall C H McLeniore I. E Hall L K Hall J K Biunson.... .1 E Hrunsun.... .1 E Briinsoii ... J K Brunson ... Clerk W V White. W V White. W V While. W V White. W V White,. W V White. W V White. W \' While. W V Whit . W J Howze W J Huwze W J Howze. W J Howze . W .1 Howze . W J Howze. W J Howze . W J Howze . W J Howze. W .1 Howze . L A Duncan W J Howze . E .1 Martin . E J .Martin . E J Martin . K .1 Martin , E J Martin . E J Martin . E J Martin . E J Martin . E .1 Martin . E J Martin . E J Martin . lilt rod iictorv W P Carter R V Kasberry.. B F Willis T J Hand r H Bankston. iD Suiiirall It J Hand I Wni .Manniiijr.. IB F Willis 1) Siinirall k H Camp. T J Hand.. S Williams J L Matthews... .1 E Brunson ... T J Hand J L .Matthews.. J B Haniberlin T Whitfield T J Hand., J A Hill.. T .1 Hand.. S E Kobbins . R N H.ill T J Walne J E Brunson . . . L E Hall C E Brame... . N L Clark. J C Foster J E Brunson J C Foster Con- tribu- tions. (.0 65 MS 420 95 289 40 270 30 no 00 Ul 20 122 52 230 ()5 85 .SO 111 206 85 332 98 80 00 87 00 109 70 59 05 103 35 131 85 153 05 l.=^2 15 .>05 15 1,^2 40 124 10 111 40 4.H 90 (i4l(5 82 25 131 70 83 85 94 80 124 ()5 3 T' 072. 812 832 985 1041 86.> 1077 1628- 1369 1493 785 '•31 885 76S 890 925 734 794 1081 1802 1.350 1267 1471 1321 151 T 76+ 81(f 968 1116 983 10(H> 1088 The .session of 1SS4 was held with tlie Stonewall church. The officers of the ])rcvious session were re- elected. L. E. Hall was received as a visitor from the Chickasahay Association, H. A. Pickard from the Lib- erty, J. M. Nicholson from the Choctaw, and J. L. Blanks, Jr., from the ()ktil)beha. Three churches were received into the imion — Bay Si)rini:;s, Toomsuba and Poplar Springs. The leading men in the Association at that time were A. Gressett, J. B. Brunson, j. R. Steinwinder, L.J. Harrington, R. H. Camp, and James L. Blanks. The churches of the Association, in 1SS-4-, had an S4-4 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. aggregate membership of 1,129, having received that 3'ear 56 by l^aptism. There were 20 churches in the body. The session of 1 885 was held with the Salem church. J. E. Brunson was again chosen moderator, and H. C. Carter, clerk. The introductor3' sermon ^vas preached by A. Gressett. The total membership was 1,079. In 1886, the loody convened with the Souenlovie church. The officers of the previous session, were re- elected. At that time they had an impression that a meet- ing of the ministers and deacons of the churches on the fifth Sundays would be productive of great good. Resolutions were passed recommending the organiza- tion of a Fifth Sunday- Meeting. The first meeting to be held with the Cfdvary church in Meridian on the first fifth Sunday in 1887. J. F. Brunson, A. Gressett, and L. A. Duncan were to get up their program. We hear nothing of this meeting. They made a mistake by- arranging for the first meeting to be held in town. The bod\' was almost exclusiveh' composed of country churches. When this is true, a good representation of the churches can only be had in a meeting held with one of the country churches. The committee on Colportage recommend the ap- pointment of R. H. Camp as colporter to labor in the bounds of the Association. He was to visit families, and furnish good literature at the lowest rates. He was to organize Sunday Schools, and was allowed to have regular preaching appointments. The following year, the churches were asked to take collections for colportage. There was, in Meridian, a colportage or- ganization under the management of the General Asso- ciation, with \vhich co-operation was sought. For HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. S4-0 two or three yciirsthc matter was before the body, but if atu'thing was done for the eaiise, it was through the General Association. Another benevolence was agitated in 1887. Upon resolution presented by L. A. Duncan, the moderator, clerk, and two members of each district of the Associa- tion, were to constitute an executive committee, whose dut^' it was to be to hold quarterly" meeting, transact- ing such business as would inure to the benefit of the Association. Nothing was said in the Minutes of the following year al)out this proposed onward movement. But in 1888, the body seemed serious as to evan- gelistic work in their territory. It was asked that Jin executive board of five be appointed to secure an evan- gelist to labor with destitute churches, and that the board j^rovide for his support. The following year the resolution was, in the main, repeated, but with the caution that the board create no debt against the As- sociation. A. Gressett was moderator in 1887, and J. E. Brunson in 1888 and 1889. F. L Williams was clerk from 1887 to 1889, inclusive. The session of 1887 was held with New Hope church, of 1888 with Mt. Gilead, and of 1889 with Montrose church. In 1892, their missionary committee reported that G. W. Knight had done work for them £is evangelist. After paying him for his service the committee hjid on hand $75.05. It was resolved that this amount be ex- pended in theemploA'ment of pastors to occupy destitu- tion in their bounds. The following year Pickanl and Culpe])per were under the direction of the committee. H. A. Pickard had laljored at Siding and Wanita, and W. S. Culi)ep])er at Russells. After these evangelists were i)aid, the committee had on hand $83.25. Of S46 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. this anu)nnt, the T()omsul)a church was to receive $8.25 to iiid in iDuildin^i^ a house of worship, and H. A. Pickanl was to receive $25.00 for his services as mis- sionary. In 1S94-, the small sum of $6.93 was reported asre- . 850 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. nt the date of its dissolution. As the body was in the main in Alabama, no extensive notice should be given it. This much is said, as it links on the histoiy of the Biloxi Association with the history of the Gulf Coast Association. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, 851 CHATTER XXIII. J I' DSO X A SSO C I A TI O N . The churches that went into the constitution of the Judson Association were in the counties of Pontotoc and Itawamba. Old Centerville was near the center of its territory. The churches that went into the organi- .zation ^vere, in the main, from the Chickasaw and Al)erdeen Associations. The Association was situated in the Northeastern Prairie Region. That part of the country had, origi- nalh', a fine growth of oaks and hickories. The soil was waxy, but highly productive under proper cultiva- tion, when the seasons were favorable. It has, from the early settlement of the State, been populated with ci thrifty, industrious people. The Mobile & Ohio rail- road passes through itsterritor\' — Lee county: a countjr •constituted in 1866, and named in honor of R. E. Lee. The district of country the churches dotted was narrow .66 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. score of economy, liiit in IS 78 we find this language: '"We recommend to the kind consideration and co-oper- ation of the Baptist Record, ]nil)lished at Clinton, Miss., also that noble vindicator of truth. The Baptist, pii1)lished at Alemj)liis, Tenn." The deer do not soon turn away from the old licks. There is nothing remarkable in the re])orts on this subject from 1877 to 1SS4-. In that year the Baptist Record and the Tennessee Baptist were put under the same yoke, ec(ually divided. James B. Gambrell and George Whitfield both spoke to the report. From 1884 to 1888, inclusive, these two papers were recommended to the reading Baptists of the Association, the special favors being shown to the Record by being first men- tioned, and more said of it. In 1889 and 1890 the Southern Baptist Record and the Bajitist and Reflector Avere e(|ually commended. The Judson did not jit any time in this ]:>eriod main- tain a Sunday school Convention. The re])orts usually lamented the lack of zeal in the churches for this work. Few churches would report their Sunday schools, and Just statistics could not be gotten from the letters to the union. The Sunday-school work has received just attention in (mly a few of our associations. While ' making this statement no intimation is intended that the churches are hostile to the vv'ork. The ordinary Mississippi Baptist feels that the work ought to be kept sprightly, but some one else should furnish the energy. On education the fudson was at no time enthusias- tic, but always correct. In 1876, R. N. Hall was the -corresponding secretary of the Board of Ministerial Education. He was that year at their annual meeting, ^ind well represented his work. In 1881, J. W. Ran- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI IJAPTISTS. i7 (lolph read a good report on Ministerial Edue^ition. The rei)ort declared that we needed educated men, called of God to preach, and able to meet the errors of the day. The report was well discussed by J. B. Gam- brell, AI. V. Xoffsino-er, and J. T. Christian. In 1.SS2, the writer, then financial a^i^ent of Mississipjji College, represented the educational cause before the Judson. He w^as most cordially received, and was given $31.00 for Ministerial Education. The clerk was kind enough to state in the Minutes that the college agent preached an edifying sermon. In 1884-, Mississippi College re- ceived polite attention and fine commendation. The resolution pledged the Association to use the utmost endeavor to rciise an average of $10.00 from each church for the current expenses of the college. The re- ports placed l)efore the Association were usually short, but, yccir by year, commendable rei)orts were made on some phase of the educational work. In considering the missionary work of the ])ody, it will not be necessary to (juote largely from the reports on the subject. The work itself will re])resent the mis- sionary spirit of the body, as it was limited l)y circum- stances. In 187(), T. P. Montgomery rode as mission- iir\' of the Association two and a half months. He baptized eight ])ersons and constitiited the church at Fulton. The church has since become dist^rgiinized, - as they traveled. It was on Saturday before tiic lourth Lord's dav in Novend)er, 18(30, that the sixteen churches of the Louis- ville Association referred to, with two newly consti- tuted churches, met with the Pili^rims Rest church in convention. \V. \V. Xash, former moderator of the Louisville Association, preached them a sermon. He was then called to jnxside over the convention, and T. S. Durliam was re({ucsted to act as secretary. The churches represented in the Convention were, Macedo- nia, Kosciusko, Vockanookany, Doty'sSprini^s, lerusa- lem, Poplar Spriniis, Poplar Creek, Xew Hope, I'nion, Pine Bluft", Crape Creek, Edi>eiiel(l, Pilgrims Rest, Un- ion (at Center) Pleasant Kidge, Lon^-, Creek, Countv Line, and Rocky Point. The two new churclies, not of the Louisville Association, were Rocky Point and Cen- tre. Articles of taith, constitution, and rules of decorum were then ado])ted, and the Ixxly was ready for Inisi- ness. The committee on districting- rejxn'ted, diviilin!.i-^ the body into two districts. It was a.iirecd that the next annual meetinti, should l)e held at the same place^ Pilgrims Rest church, which was eleven miles north- east of Kosciusko. Some mend)ers of tlie .\ssociation had l)een readin>'- S72 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the Tennessee Baptist, and wished to see J. R. Graves. The motion was carried to request J. R. Graves to at- tend their next annual meeting; also, Aaron Jones, Jr:, •editor of the M/ss/ss/ppy fiaptjst, and, to fill the list, J. T. Freeman, ex-editor. This concluded the work of their organizing convention. On Friday before the first Saturday in October, 1869, the representatives of their churches were as- sembling again at Pilgrims Rest church. The name of the church was ver^^ inviting to weary Christians. But their rest was disturbed in the organization of the body. Two letters were received from the Rocky Point church. Alore later about this rest breaking occur- rence. T lie clerk of the constituting convention was ab- sent, and E. M. Pettigrew was appointed clerk '^pro tern.' W. W. Nash was re-elected moderator, and E. M. Pettigrew, clerk. William McAIurtry was with them from the Harmon}^ Association. Upon resolution a wise committee of five was ap- pointed to report on the perplexing condition of the J^ockA^ Point church. W. W. Nash, their pastor, was chairman of the eommittte. Rocky Point church w^as near Kosciusko, having that town as its post-oflice a little later. The Civil War was in progress, and a little contention was not much out of order. The fact is, the Rock}' Point church was divided into two parties, the "Bush party,'" and the "Rushing party;'" and each of these parties was striving to be recognized by the Asso- ciation as the Rocky Point church, to the exclusion of the other. Part of that church, composing a majori- ±y of the church, had united with the "Shiloh Primitive 4:hurch,'' against the earnest protest of the minority. The committee decided that the minority was right in HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 873 its protest. The majority was led bv G. \V. Burt. Burt was exeluded, and after his exelusion, loeeamecon- neeted with the ehurch offieially without restoration. A majority of the church was for him iind constituted the "Burt party" at the Association, and the remain- der of the church members were led by W. R. Rushin*.,'". It was recommended b}' the committee that the Asso- ciation reject the "Burt jjarty" and receive into the As- sociation the party headed l)y Rushing-. It apj)ears that the missionary' work had been pro- jected in the Association. Sunday, embraced in their meetin,u:, came with dark clouds, the rainffdl was heavy and the congregation quite small. The eighteen churches constituting the body had S()2 members, and reported a total of forty-five l)aptisms. \V. W. N^ish, ]. F. Wilson, \V. B. Lloyd were their most jirominent ])astors. The sessi(jn of 1S()2 was held witii the Long Creek church. The moderator and treasurer were re-elected, and S. Durham elected clerk. The Association was ap- jDrised of the fact that the I*o})lar Springs church of Leake county had dissolved. The Ebenezer church was received into the Union from the Harmony Association. W. W. Keep was at the Association, and, in his fav(M', their l)usiness was suspended that he might rep- resent the benevolence of giving religious reading mat- ter to our army near \'icksl)urg. Only two special committees made reports, on Pub- lications, anu on Foreign missions. The Tennessee Biiptistwiis recommended, and this resolution was sub- joined to the rejjort on F'oreign missions: ''Resolved, that being denied the })rivilege of send- ing means and minister to them, tiiat we still continue to ])ray for them, that the Lord may soon o])en up the 874 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. way to them again, and that they may have the word of Hfe, and a Hving ministry.'" In 1863, HiUman Hill was an old man. Intheearlv days of the Association, he was a co-la1)orer with Cal- oway, John Micou, Jr., and others. In the youth of the Mt. Pisgiih, he did service for that Association, and Avas, for a time, missionary of the Harmony. In 1863, the Kosciusko claimed him, and regarded him as super- annuated. The kind-hearted members of the body took a collection for him of $29.75, together with $5.00 handed him from the Rocky Point church. He \vas then acting as pastor for the Ebenezer church, near Huntsville, and was in the Association as one of the representatives of that chuixh. In 18(>3, a committee of one from each church was appointed as an Executive Missionary Board to raise iunds to send a missionary to the Arm\' of the West. The Board was to meet in Kosciusko in December to formulate plans for raising and expending funds. This was commendable, l)ut how to get the money to the proper men in the army was a difficuity with which all the associations had to contend. A futile effort was made to get the churches to send up to the Association a short history of their origen, and the numl^er of meml)ers in their constitution. But Mississijjpi Baptists have Ijeen jjrofiigate of their histo- ry, and have not to this date found a man willing to give himself to the insipid work of examining old mus- ty records, and of formulating the detached deeds of our people. J. R. Parish was a member of the Kosciusko Asso- ciation in 1864-. He was one of the delegates from the Kosciusko church. H. W. W. Nash, Joel P. Wilson, and W. B. Lloyd constituted a strong force, ])ut they had HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 875 little to do, as the liattles ot the Civil War and the painful resonrees of Southern arms were al)sorl)in^" and depressing^. The Poplar vSjjrings ehureh, of Leake eoun- ty, had been revived, and was admitted again into the union of ehurches. The annual sessi(>n of lS6o, being in the fall, was af- ter the elose of the Civil War. The body wore a most cheerful faee, but, ]jkc all our associations at that date, it was exhausted. Years had to pass, years of re- adjustment of affairs, years of reconstruction, before the}' felt the throb of life, and displayed force .'ind ani- ' mation. Their ministers were W. W. Nash, \V. B. Lloyd, J. F. Wilson, D. P. J(mes, W. H. Hatsell, James Newman, John Ka}-, J. W. Simms, and J. T. Fulks. The names of W. H. Head and H.J. Vanlandingham appear on their minutes of that year. The Samaria church ^vas received from the Harmon\' Association. H. Hill, worthy old man, was still living. A sniidl collection was taken for him which was much to him. It carried with it its aroma of the high esteem of his brethren for his noble life, tmd showed that he was not forgotten. In 1866, W. W. Nash was again chosen moderator, and S. Durham clerk and treasurer. Four churches were received into the Association, Bethel, Providence, Carson's Ridge and Bethesda. The church last named was from the Louisville Association, the other three were newly c(5nstituted churches. In that year, there were signs of returning life. The_v bcgiin to get ready for work. A full list of com- mittees was a])pointed, and a large E)xecutive Board was constituted. The committee on Sunday Schools reconnnended the organization of Sunday Schools in their churches. During the war they i)crmitted their Sunday Schools S76 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. to become disorganized, and no Sunday school was re- ported to the Association. The district meetings were requested to take the subject under consideration, and it was suggested that a standing committee of three be appointed to propose something for the promotion of Sunday Schools in their bounds. The condition of the churches was, upon the whole, ^encouraging. Some of them were cold and passive, but others reported large accessions by baptism. Doty's Springs, Pleasant Ridge, and Long Creek churches were in a prosperous condition. The churches of the body reported 109 accessions b3'- baptism. The following 3'ear,the Association had the misfor- tune to lose one of their best and most gifted men; the man who w^as largely instrumental in the constitution of the Kosciusko Association. That man was \V. W. Nash. He was a man of line common sense, of good ability and Christian zeal. He was chairman of the constitution convention, and was moderator of that bod}' repeatedly. He moved to Robertson county, Texas. That year, Wm. B. Llo3'd was chosen moderator, and S. Durham, clerk. Liberty, a newlv constituted church, was received into the body. The Standing Committee on Sunday Schools re- ported, making two suggestions; that, each church in the Association be requested to organize a Sunday' School, and that each church report the next year the number of scholars and teacher, s and the progress of its Sunda\' School. Th^it was next thing to having .something done. The year follow^ing tlie report on Sunday Schoools w^as exceeding short, but encouraging. It reveals the fact that some of the churches had organized Sunday HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 877 Schools, and there was hope that others would emulate their example. The chairman of the committee seems tO' have been tired when he was writint^ the report, which is a matter of profound reij^ret. That 3'ear one newly constituted church was re- ceived into the fellowship, the Spring Dale. The names of some of their churches make a thirsty man's mouth water, and suggest that the Kosciusko Association had in its territory inviting springs and rippling rills. One of God's greatest blessings is a sufficiency of clean, pure water. In 1869, the Associational gathering was 1)lessed with the presence of James Nelson, T.J. Walne, W. H. Head, and H. W. Portwood. The body showed signs of returning life. Their committee on Missions recom- mended that each church take a collection for associa- tional missions, and that the pastors urge them to do so. It also recommended the appointment of an Exec- utive Board, consisting of the officers of the Board and ten others. The report on Ministerial Education,, made by J. R. Parish, had in it two requests, that the churches incjuire in their midst for young men called of God to preach, that the Association provide the means for their education. Mississippi College was heartih- endorsed as the place to educate their young ministers. In the year 1870, there v^^as a visible decline in the working power of the body. Nelson and Walne were not there, and Parish was missing. W. B. Lloyd, now their Nestor, was again in the moderator's chair, and J. S. Holloway was their scribe. In their reports. The B/iptist, of Memphis, was re- commended, and the pastors requested to do mission- ary work in their bounds. No financial statement was made, except of nionc}' sent by the churches iov Min- 87S HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. utes. There were at that time 27 churches in the insti- tution with a total nienilDership of 1,334. The eleventh session of the bod3' ^vas held with the Poplar Creek church, Montgomery county, beginning- October 14-, 1S71. The oificers of the jjrevious year Avere re-elected. The Seneash church was I'eceived in- to their membership. Some one in the Association felt that the time had ■come for the prosecution of their missionary work vig- orously, and was bold in the assertion of his mission- ()d for the two sermons he preaehed, one on Sunday and the other on Monday. He preached on Sunday on tlic Nature nnd Mission of H New Testament Church and on Monday on Church Communion. It was in 1S72 that they adopted their first resoki- tions on The Orphan's Plome. The home was in dis- tress, and must have hel|). The dele«i^ates werere(|uest- ed to present this matter to their respective churches at the first church meeting. The treasurer reported for Missions $549.55. They had 25 churches enrolled with an aggregate member- ship of 1,4-1(3. The following year, they had no Executive Bojird to report, and the treasurer did not report anything contributed for Foreign or Associational missions. The sudden revolt of feeling is scarcely comjjrehensible. We \vere ex]:)ecting more livei\- days. The of^cers of the ])revious year \vere re-elected. Two good resolutions were adc^jted at that meet- ing; one expressive of j^leasure as to the work done by Mississip])i College in Ministerial Education, and the other as to giving assistance to Rowland and Fulks, superannuated ministers. Educate the young ])eople, keep the old above want. In 1874, ])erha()S, Joel F. Wilson was the most in- fluential man in the Association. He was a man with a thoughtful lace, and a mouth indicative of decision of character. He wjis then 44 years old, just in his prime. He had large influence with the rank and file of the Association, but he was cautious in his missionary views. He was that year elected moderator of the As- sociation. T. Y. Rowland, the superannuated minister just 880 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. mentioned, had died during the associational year, and measures were inaugurated to put a monument over his grave. The sum of $10.35 was contributed at the association for J. T. Fulks. The old ministers were in faiUng health, and d^-ing, but thev were not being re- cruited by any 3'oung men in the ministry. The^^ need- ed fresh l)lood; men w'ho had been in elbow touch with Baptists of decided missionary convictions. The following year D. L. Wilson was at Mississippi College. He was a 3'oung minister, and a member of the Poplar Creek Church. A collection was taken at this Association to liquidate a debt incurred by him, the collection amounting to $6.75. That was good. We are not to despise the day of small things. The engine that puffs and moves slowdy away from the station, moves rapidly a little while later, with the same head of steam. /i resolution w^as passed to again organize an Ex- ecutive Board. It was to be composed of one memljer from each church, seven of whom were to constitute a quorum. The face of the Association w^as turned in the right direction. Their hearts were all right, and all they needed was to overcome their inertia. The body was composed of men of sterling w^orth. A. H. Booth was in himself a d\mamo of wonderful electric force. He was one of nature's finest physical and mental pro- ductions. His movements were slow ])ut accelerated, and his judgment usually correct. He was a fair repre- sentative of his constituency. In 1876, the Executive Board reported the work done through the associational year. Joel F. Wilson was under their appointment, and labored at a place called Brown's School House. He reported the pros- pects very encouraging. Wm. C. Veazy visited Keavis* HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 8Sl School House, where he constituted a cliureh of IS members. W. B Lloyd preached seven days at Hurri- cane with ^reat success. D. A. Ellin<>t()n, their [moder- ator, labored near the mouth of Long Creek, and was encouraged. This was a good effort in a good work. The following year the finance committee reported $16.80 received for Missions. The Executive Board made no report. The report on Missions had in it no recommendations, though A. H. Booth was chairman. But after the report was adopted a splendid^coUection. was taken amounting to $68.25. The committee on Documents recommended first, The Baptist, of Memphis; after it, Ford's Christian Re- pository, Kind Words, The Southern Baptist, of Meri dian, and The Baptist Record. It was said that The Baptist Record should be in the house of every Baptist in the State. The Minutes of the proceedings of the body in 1878 were printed by The Baptist Record in good open tjjie, and are a pleasure to the eye strained l^y long and con- tinuous reading of old Minutes. We notice the pres- ence of A. \'. Rowe at that meeting. W. B. Lloyd was moderator, and W. AL Farrar, clerk. Their treasui'cr, J. Scott Ra^^ reported as passing" through his hands for Home missions, $16.80; for For- eign missions, $13.75. Of course, this was not a full report of what the churches had done for these objects. We notice that J. T. Freeman, W^. F. Skinner, and T. .\. Moore were among the pastors of the churches that year. The usual reports were adopted. The manuscript copy of the Minutes of 1S79, was burned in the disastrous fire in Jackson that year, Avhich destroyed the office, j)rinting outfit and file of The Baptist Record. 8S2 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The twentieth annual session was held with the Pine Bluff ehurch, beginning Oetober 16, 1880. W. B. Lloyd was ehosen moderator, and D. T. Guyton, clerk and treasurer. New Salem, a newly constituted churcii, was received. T. J. Walne was a welcome visitor. In their report on Documents, The Baptist Record was second in their commendation only to the Bible. T. A. Aloore read the report on Sunday Schools. He was corresponding secrettiry for Sunday Schools in the Association. He met three great hindrances in the work: 1st, want of time to visit the churches; 2nd, bad weather, and 3rd, a failure of superintendents and clerks to send reports from their schools. Six Sunday Schools were re])orted to the Association, four of which Avere in a prosperous condition. The report on Missions was presented by A. H. Booth, after which addresses were mode by A. V. Rowe and A. H. Booth. Note this language tjuoted from their Minute: "The delegates were so enthused on the subject that they pledged themselves to try to raise a fund in their respective churches, amounting, in the ag- ^gregateto $205.00 for Home, and $187.00 for Foreign missions, and private pledges to Foreign missions, $27.00, and cash, $4.50. Grand total, $423.50." Truly, a better day wfis dawning. In 1880, there were 27 churches in the Kosciusko Association with a total membership of 1,320. Four of the churches had over one hundred members each — Bethesda, P^oplar Creek, Long Creek (Sallis), and CountA' Line. Their 21st annual session was held with the Jeru- salem church, Attala county, beginning Oct. 15, 1881. W. B. Lloyd was again, and for the last time, elected HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 883 Tnoderator. He was growing old, and was too feeble to attend their meeting. Before this session adjourned, he had to vacate his chair because of illness, and J. P. Brown was called upon to preside to the close of the service. It is said that W. B. Lloyd was then the old- est Baptist minister in the State. He was deficient in missionary zeal, but was in his conservative life, pure, and was universally loved and respected. His home was near Sallis, between Kosciusko and Durant. At the session of 1S81, by acclamation, he was chosen moderator, and D. T. Guyton, clerk and treasurer. Two churches were received upon letters of petition — Bowlin and Harmon^-. On Sunday, at the conclusion of a sermon preached by A. H. Booth, a collection was taken for Foreign missions am(iunting to $30.00, and after a sermon by A. V. Rowe, ct gift collection was made for the benefit -of D. Burney, who had the mistortune of having his iiome burned, amounting to $35.00. The recommendation made at the previous session as to the appointment of a secretary for Sunday Schools was so altered as to appoint one for each ot their three districts. The regret was exi)ressed that so little had l)een done in this interest, but it was recom- mended that they continue the plan. In pursuance of this recommendation, K. J. Thrailkill, Wiley Sanders, x'lnd W. S. Gilliard were appointed as repi-esentative of the three districts, respectively. In their report on missions, two regrets were ex- pressed; one that many of the churches were giving the negative to their faith as Missionary Baptists by inac- tion, and the other that some were trying to justify themselves in their inefficiency by objections to the phm of conducting the work of State missions. Yet it is ex- 884 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ceedingly gratifying to see in their financial statement that the^' had contributed to Home missions $30.30, to African missions $1.10, to Indian missions $2.50^ and to Foreign missions $25.95. This gratiiicatio.i is expressed more because of the number of Missions con- tributed to, than as to the amount given. It was in the 3^ear 1882, that this Association showed itself missionar}' in fact, as well as in theory .. The signs of progress the ^-ear before were not mislead- ing. After a good sermon on Sunday b3^ J. B. Gam- brell on "Service," a collection was taken for State missions of $27.00. The report on State and Home missions was made b\^ W. M. Farrar. The veteran missionary was on Pisgah, viewing the country soon to be possessed. He said: "In view of the great destituion in our bounds, we ]>elieve the time has come when the missionarx- work should be vigorously prosecuted here, and to this end, we recommend co-operation with the State Boca'd,and ask that it appoint a missionary and colporter to labor within the bounds of this Association." An amend- ment was then made to their report that the collection taken on Sunda^^ be reserved for tlie support of their missionary and evangelist. On page seven of their Minutes there are two cheer- ing facts stated. It there appears that their Commit- tee on Finance had received $27.30 for State missions, and $50.60 tor Foreign missions. And, Joel F. Wilson, "our dear l^rother," was appointed evangelist "to la- bor in our midst,'" and a board of seven, together with the moderator and clerk, co-operate with the State Mis- sion Board, in the appointment of one suital)le for mis- sionary work in their midst. The noble action was taken ot pledging for this work $580.00, the Long HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 885 Creek (Sallis) church plcdiiinu" $100.00, and the Kos- ciusko obhij;ating itself for the collection of the same amount. The noble people were beginning to shake themselves, and to feel their strength. The session of 1SS8 was held with the Spriiig Dale church. J. F. Wilson superceeded as moderator, Wiler Sanders, of the year jjrevious. Antioch church of Car- roll county, and Rocky Point of Leake, were received. W. S. Webb, A. II. Booth, W. M. McMurtry, R. G. Barrett and J. B. Gaml)rell were received as correspond- ents. W. S. Wel)b and J. B. Gambrcll prefiched on Sun- day. A cash collection was taken of $37.40 for Minis- terial Education. R. A. Cohron and T. J. Bailey repre- sented the Yazoo Association, and L. C. Kcllis and \'. H. Nelson, the Central. A large Executive Board was appointed. The amount of $19S.o() was pledged to Foreign missions. The Baptist Record was heartily commended. The re- port on Home missions had a statement of the fact that Mrs. M.J. Nelson was doing missionary' work in New^ Orleans, and Mrs. Janie Lowrey Sanford was in San Francisco, Cal.,lcd)oring with the Chinese. The financial statement showed received for Foreign missions $53.10, for State missions, $13.45 for Associational missions. $1S.20, for Ministerial Educaticm, $37.05, for Home Missions, $7.15, and for Tracts, v$1.05. The following year, A. H. Booth presented the re- ])()rt on .\ssociational missions. He was careful to ex- ])lain what this mission was, stated that there wasdes- titution in their bounds that ought to be occupied, and called special attention to the rejjort of H. W. Port- wood, their missionary. The E.xecutive Board stated that attention had lieen called to the destitution on their northwestern boundary. Owing to sickness, in- 886 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. clement weather and bad roads, H. W. I'ortwood, their missionary, had not heen able to do the amount of work desired. The work was new, and the progress must, of necessity, be slow. An executive Board of twenty-nine, one from each church, was appointed. All of the usual reports were received. The fort^'-seventh session was held with the New Hope church, Attalla county, beginning- Oct. 18, 1886. A. H. Booth was elected moderator, and J. T. Fowler, clerk and treasurer. The Kosciusko church wiis repre- sented liy J. P. Landsdale, John H. Anderson, the bril- liant newspaper editor, and J. P. Brown, the noble Ap- pelles of Mississippi Baptists, and Joel F. Wilson, a charged electric conductor, was with them from the Pleasant Ridge church. Their Executive Board of one from each church was found unwieldy. A board consisting of live (5) was appointed to co-operate with the Convention Board in its missionary movements. They were then contribut- ing to Foreign missions, Sustentation, the State Board, Home missions, and Mississippi College. The Central Committee of Woman's work, in the Convention, appointed the year before, reported six so- cieties in the churches. They had collected $24'8. 25, and had disbursed it to Foreign Missions, vState Missions, New Orleans missions, Mississippi College, Home mis- sions, charity and other objects. At the session of 1887, D. T. Guytt)n was chosen moderator, andj. T. Fowler, clerk and treasurer. The meeting was held with the Pleasant Ridge church. One church in the Association asked foi aid, the Beulah church. The interest among the churches on the subject was increasing, and the Association assum- ing position with the active associations of the State HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. S87 Convention. Their contributions to missions were lie- coming" larger and more diversified. It was a gradu'^d. but perceptible and healthy growth. J. r*. Brown jiresented their re])ort on Sundav Schools. He recommended that pastors instruct their churches as to their duty to the Sunda\- Schools, and that each church organize oneor'morc schools, and give statistics in their letters to the Association. He re- ported a total attendance in their schools of 334. The following year good reports were made on For- eign Missions, State missions. Home Missions, Pul)lica- tions, Education, Sabbath Schools, Pastoral Support, Sustentation, Temperance, Nominations, Spiritual Con- dition of the Churches, I^^inance and Woman's Work. The Pleasant Grove church w^is received. Their Executive Board, duly organized by the election of (). C. Parker as chairman, and J. P. Brown as secre- tary, had been at work. They realized the importance ofs^'stem in the successful jirosccution of missionarv \vork,and recommended that collections bj tc'd.. The clerk of the body read a letter from the union meet- ing of the third district of the Chickasaw asking for let- ters of dismission for the following churches: Burns- ville, Rienza, Friendship, Mt. Olive, Osborn's Creek, An- tioch, Hinckle's Creek, Kossuth, Harmony, Meadow's Creek, Tuscumbia, Corinth, Brush Creek, Farmington, Concord, and Liberty Hill. The wish of these churches was unanimously respected. These churches went into the Convention to constitute the Tishomingo. Mon- day morning Hon. J. K. vS])ight of Ripley made a like request of the body in behalf of ten churches, whicli went into the constitution of the Tippah Association,. So it appears that the Tishomingo has the birth- right, unless it has since forfeited it to the Tippah. The Tishomingo was composed of churches in the extreme northeastern part ofMississippi. The churches were in the comities now known as Alcorn, Prentiss and 894 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPI'I 15APTISTS. Tishominga. That part of our State is, in soil, re{>re- sentative ot a large part of the area of our common- ^vealth. On the west, is the northern extremit^v of the northeastern prairie region; through the centre, is the A-ellow loain lands: further east, the sandy lands; and in the northeast, the blue limestone lands. In a dis- tance of thirty miles, as the crow flies, one can find all princi]3al soils in the State, except in the long leaf pine region, and the river formations. The Convention designing to form the new Associa- tion met at Burnsville, Nov. 9, 1860, in the town hall. A. H. Booth was called to the chair. He stated the ob- ject of the meeting and explained the design of an Asso- ciation. J. M. Martin wascapjjointed reading secretary. Nineteen churches were represented b\' letters and delegates. Besides the sixteen churches already named thi'ee others went into the constitution of the body, vh.. Big Brown Creek, of Hickory Springs, Pleas- ant Grove of Marietta, and Hepsibah of Burnsville. Af- ter the api^ointment of a committee on constitution and a committee on preaching, some moments were given to music and praise. The Committee on Preach- ing having reported, the Committee on Constitution put betore the body a covenant in lieu of a constitution \\diich received its first reading. It was read as a Avhole and then by sections, and after receiving some amendments, was unanimously ado])ted. This con- stituted the morning's w^ork ol the Convention. In the afternoon, A. H. Booth was elected moderator of the Association formed on the covenant agreed upon. J. M. JMartin was chosen to act as clerk. There is no record . of the naming of the new born, nor is there any reason stated why it received its Indian name; but it is ])re- Siimable that it was given the name of the countv in /nSTOHV OF MISSISSirPI HAPTISTS. S95 wliich it was formed, as Alcorn aivl Prentiss are ()rni-. izations formed since 1S70. After the appointment of the necessary committees, a number of resohitions were adopted, one upon the duty of maintainin«i: Sunday Schools in the churches, iind another as to the workines were taken for the support of a missionary, amounting to $158.50. The Executive Board consisted of A.W. Patty, E. T. Meeks, J. H. Bar- nett, E.J. Callahan, and John F. Belshed. .The Association adjourned to meet with the Rienzi church on Friday l)erore the second Sundav in Septem- l)er. lradiiated. E. Z". Simmons had 1:>een at school, but was then in poor health. The education of two such men was of sufficient consideration ^o bestir any l)ody to its best endeavors. The year 1868, showed a broadening of the concep- tions of the Association. M. P. Lowrey was received as a corresponding" messenger from the Baptist State Convention. He read before the .Association a letter from the corresponding secretary of the convention. He once remarked that Mississippi Baptists needed infornuitioih and he was surely an adept in imparting it. The value of that speech cannot be estimated. The broadening of mental conceptions is, in effect the ex- panding of the soul. Just here lies the hidden benefits accruing from the fi)stering care of Foreign missions. L. K. Burress emphasized the speech, but spoke more especially of the()ri)hans" Home at Lauderdale Springs. This added to the broadening of the conception, a gen- erous sentiment. Two more privileges were granted General Lowrey l)y the body. He was i)ermitted to explain the con- dition of Mississippi College. He gave a cheerful view ot the affairs of that institution of learning. It was heavily mortgaged. Hut lie told his brethren that our college was not destined to pass out of the hands of Mississijjpi Baptists, but would be reclaimed from its pecuniary embarrassment. This was just such under- girding as all our jjcoplc needed at that time. The old warrior, who had faced the cannon's mouth, knew how to cheer his forces in the hour of danger. The other ])rivilege was of taking a public collection at 900 HISfORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 11 a. in. Sunday for State evangelization. The worth of snch a man in an association is bej^ond the rapidly increasing process of geometrical progression. The ninth annual session of the Ijod^^ was held with the church at Corinth. P'ive churches were received into the union— Peb1)le Hill, Oak Grove, Tabernacle, New Hope and luka. At that time Mississippi Baptists were wdthout a newspaper interest. The Christian Watchman had passed away. J. Shackleford was endeavoring to en- gage the Tishomingo in his paper, the Christian Herald^ jjublished at Tuscumbia, Ala. He was permitted to present the claims of his paper Saturday afternoon. Shackleford was a man of unusual physical build, sen- sible and a good writer. His ability w^as recognized by the Southern Baptist Convention in its meetings. The report made on Foreign missions was an ear- nest presentation ot the great commission. The re])()rt was written by L. R. Burress. He said, God had not given us a command that he had not given us the power to olDey. That is the granite basis of missions. The committeeman impressed his report with a strong speech and was awarded the i)rivilege of taking a col- lection for Foreign missions. The ])rogram for a ministers' and deacons" meeting, to be held during the ensuing year, was printed in the Minutes of 1869. In that program w^as a subject given to G. M. Savage in the form of a query, that merits a more modern date. It reads: "Should the Baptists of North Mississippi and West Tennessee locate an insti- tution of learning of their own at some convenient and vsuital)le place?'" It is current that Hume, the English historian, contracted his views of infidelity by engaging, in a debiite, when a vouth, on the relative merits ot HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 901 Christianity, having been assigned to the negative side of the question. The vSouth western University at Jack- son, Tenn., was scarcely a well-defined conception when the 3'oung Savage was assigned this (|uestion for dis- cussion. The tenth annual session of the union hadinattend- iince quite a number of representative men. The meet- ing was at Baldwvn. J. T. Freeman, of fine bearing and beautiful address, was elected moderator. AI, P. Lowrey, to his inches a commander, represented the Tippah Association. A.L.Stovcdl, cool-headed, logical and pious, represented the Judson. James Nelson with a smoothly shaven oval face that was hallowed by ])rayer, J. B. Gambrell, young, sensililc and brave. Along with this fine display of choice talent was one v^'hose name seemed to baffle the clerk of the body. Twice he seemed hesitatingly to record the name with a faltering pen, as " Level.'" He surely mccint no harm when he used the horizontal line, or by the sjK-ed Avith wdiich he spelled the name. The day had dawned on the (juestion of a denomi- national paper for the Baptists of our State. The re- port on publications was, as usual, profuse as to Baptist periodicals. But the last ])aper commended was The Baptist of Memphis. In it was a Mississippi depart- ment presided over by M. P. Lowrey. This department was allowed only one page, but that one page gave a feeling of ownership, and The Baptist was exultingly called " Our Paper," and all the body was called on to rally to its support. The Judson Association had an educational scheme. It ma}' be denominated the "Tupelo idea;" for the word "idea"' is scarcely material or immaterial, and is almost incomprehensible. The idea was to build a 902 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Baptist Female Institute at Tupelo by the co-operation of a number of associations on the basis of $9,000 to be obtained by a four (4) years' loan without interest. The Judson, the Chickasaw, and the Aberdeen favored it. T. P. Montgomery and A. L. Stovall were at the Tishomingo in this interest and succeeded in their mis- sion, in so far as getting the body to agree to co-oper- ate. The entei-prise was as the flight of birds in the night. In 1871, the Association convened at Hinkle"s Creek, five miles west of Rienzi. In 1861, the \yriter was in that part of the country as a lad of seventeen, enjisted as a soldier in the Confederate army. He was not gathering any historical data, nor was he making any history that will ever find its way into books. He was quite fond of some of the young people north of Hinkle's Creek, whose cheeks, without anj^ artificial aid, rivaled the delicate tints of the peach bloom. Hinkle's Creek was the "home church" of H. G. Savage. AVith the exception of 1879 and 1883, he was pastor of that church from 1854tol884, or for twenty- eight years. The Hinkle's Creek church was received into the Chickasaw Association in 1854. It must have iDcen a new church. It had then only twenty -nine mem- l)ers, and had, in 1870, one hundred and twenty-seven, having received twenty by baptism that year. In 1853, H. G. Savage was a licentiate, with Yellow Creek as his postoftice. In the associational year of 1884-85, he moved to Henderson, Tenn. At the session of 1873, a proposition was made to the pastors of the Ijody to select and supply some mis- sionary stations as their pastoral work would admit. The question of men and means to carry on associa- tional missions was a perplexing one in all the associa. HISTORY OF MISSISSiri'I HAI'TISTS. 908 tions in the State. We find that O. L. Fitzgerald or- ganized a chureh at (Hemhdc. J.T. Freeman witnessed ten eonversions ; Joshua Smith sold $4-5. 00 worth of Bibles, and others did a like work. It was said at the time by Col. John D. Bills that it would require two missionaries laboring- in the field all the while, to sup- ])ly all the destitution in the l^ounds ot'the Assoeiation. The fourteenth annual session was held at Rienzi, J. T. h^'eeman being moderator. The session began on Thursday at 3 p. m. I'rof AI. T. Martin and T.J, Walne were in attendanee, and E. B. AleXeil was a member of the body. E. B. AleXeil was reared in Fon- totoe eounty, near Oak Hill. He began preaching just 1)efore the Civil War, and was sent to Union University to study "divinity." He was a versatile man and a tine eharjicter. In the report on Schools and Colleges, Alississippi College, was, ot" course, commended — it was com- mended as " our college."' Speeches were made to the re])ort by J. \V. Sandford, J. T. Freeman and AI. T. Alartin, and a subscription was made to the endow- ment fund, amounting to $200.00. A subsc'pion of $122.50 was taken for Alinisterial P>lucation in the interest of T. J. Harris, ])rovi(led he went to Alississippi College. A like su1)scri])tion was made of $80.00 in favor of J. F Henderson, who was receiving instruction at Jacinto. After a thorough discussion of the report on Home missions, the following resolutions were arloj^ted : Resolved, That the action ol' the State Con\'ention meets with the hearty apjjroval of this Association and that we will assist the Board with oiu" svmjjathv, our ])rayers and oiu' contributions. Resolved, fhat the Corresponding Secretary and ^04- HISTORY OK MISSISSIPPI HAPTISTS. iigents of the Board arc cordially invited to visit our Association and our churches for the purpose of inter- esting our people in the great work of Domestic mis- sions, and to raise funds for supplying the destitute portions of ourState with the gospel of salvation. Resolved, That we earnestly urge the churches of this Association to make regular and liberal contril)u- -tions to our Board. Resolved, That the E^xecutive Board of this Asst)- ciation be heartily advised to co-operate with the State Board in prosecuting mission work in our b«. unds. At the session of 1875, L. R. Burress was elected moderator. A collection was taken for Ministerial Education to be expended in Mississippi College, but nothing was recorded as to any ministerial student in that institution from the Tishomingo. The Baptist "vvas commended for its Mississippi department. Along with The Bnptist, Christian Repository and Kind Words were usually endorsed. In 1877, it was the pleasure of the Committee on Publications to recom- mend the Mississippi Baptist Record. It was not thought to be an experiment, but an established organ -of Alississippi Baptists, and its appearance was hailed ^vith joy. The following year no other periodical was commended with The Record, as it was deemed un- necessary to mention others. The circulation of the paper was rapidlj' increasing, and it had a great mis- sion to accomplish. From 1880 to 1885, The Baptist, The F. M. Journal, and Kind Woids were, as a rule, •commended with The Record. In 1885, nine publica- tions were recommended. J. B. Gambrell, editor of the Record, had been known in that part of the State from Jiis boyhood, and was held in universal esteem. Temperance :— In the period between 1876 and HISTORY OK MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 905 1890, the first report on temperanee is found in the records of 1881. The report that year did not have anything in it on prohibition. But the following year these two resolutions were adopted by the body: Resolved, That the Tisht)mino7.()() for Foreign mis- sions. In 1SS-4-, nine (0) churches reported collections for Foreign missions, amounting to $75. 40. After the reading and tliseussion of the report of 18S9, the bodv joined in si)ecial ])rayer for H. Z. Sinnnons and Mrs. Janie Sanford. St.vtk missions: — Home missions and State mis- sions are closely allied. In the |)erio(l we are consid- ering three re])orts were made on State missions 90S HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. proper, in ISSl, 1882 and 1883. In 1875, E. B. Mc- Neil read before the Tishomingo a report on State mis- sions, stating that the Board had been in active oper- ation only two years, but that its missionaries had baptized 324 persons, received by letter 270, and had organized 7 chui'ches. In 1878, a number of touching" speeches were made on State missions, and contribu- tions made to the missionaries in the yellow fever dis- tricts, amounting to $35.30. Year by year reports were sul^mitted to the body on State missions and co- operation with the Board was close and cordial. The Treasurer's report to the body in 1882 showed that he had received for State missions that year $24-5.80, which was highly gratifying. In 1885, the Treasurer's report showed $4-06.20 collected for State and Associa-- tional missions. In 1887, $328.25 for missions, and in 1890, $237.90 to State and Associational missions. Exp:cutiye board: — In 1876, three missionaries had l>een in the field at w^ork in the bounds of the body — Joseph Roberson, W. L. Landress, and D. W. Leath. No debt had been incurred. According to the "old- time custom'" pledges were made to this work, amount- ing to v$326.75, of which only $68.65 was paid before the next session of the body. It appears in the history of all the associations that it was more difficult to make clean collections of subscriptions to associational work than for the other benevolences, and that the Executive Boards had all been embarrassed from the lack of sufficient funds to do suitable work. It is pos- sible that a reason for this lies in the fact that the best preachers in the Association cannot be commanded for missionary work. The Treasurer's report of 1880 shows that $192.50 had been expended that 3'ear on associational missions HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 909 —in 1882, $240.40; in 1885, for vState Associational missions, $496.20. The Executive Commiteee was favored in the associational work and went far l)eyond the average associations of the State in the volume of its w^ork. One of its great advantages consisted in the fact that the ministers in the body were not only men of high intelligence and deep i)iety, but held long resi- dence in the bounds of the Association. Whatever may be said of long pastorates, the student of the history of associations becomes conhrmed in his belief that long- pastorates are promotive of associational prosperit3'. Such men as Norvell Robertson and X. L. Clark have been the glor\' of their associations. The moderators of the Association from 1876 to 1890 were as follows: H. G. Savage in 1876; H. S. Archer in 1877; J. W. Burress in 1878 and 1879; J. D. Bills from 1881 to 1887, inclusive; J. S. Berry from 1888 to 1890, inclusive, and W. A. Richardson from 1885 to 1890, inclusive. The session of 1891 convened with the Osborne church. John D. Bills \vas chosen moderator, and W. D. Richardson, clerk. In 1892, they met at Burns- ville, on the Memphis and Charleston Railroad ; in 1893, with Piney Grove church, and in 1894 with tiie Chewalla church in Tennessee. 910 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXVI. TIPPAH ASSOCIATION. The Tippah Association is in the counties of Tii3pah iind Benton, having also a tew churches in Ihiion and Marshall counties. This statement makes it apparent that the Association is in the middle of the extreme northern p,art of our State. The eastern part of its territor\' is of limestone formation, and western part of the 3'ellow loam region, while the two are divided as far north as Ripley b}- the extreme northern part of the flat woods region. The country is undulating, and in some parts very hilly and precipitous. It is drained l)y the tril3utaries of the Hatchie River on the east, the headwaters of the Wolf River on the north, and the headwaters of the Tippah River and the Tallahatchie on the west and on the south. This scope of country is inhabited b^- an intelligent farming people, who have access to the large marts of trade and centers of influence over the G. & C. R. R. and the K. C. M. & B. R. R. As a rule they are careful as to educational facilities. Blue Mountain Female College is easily accessible from all parts of this terri- tory, is lil)craliy patronized, and regarded with much pride. This institution of learning has made it easy to And happy and enjo3'-able homes in Tippah and Benton <:ounties, presided over by women of grace and culture. On Oct. 27, 1860, a convention was held at Ripley by HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ^>11 representatives of eertaiii Baptist ehurehes lor the ])ur- pose of eonstitutini;!: an association. About the middle of Se])tenil)er ])revious, ten churches had received letters of dismission from the Chickasaw Association to form a new Association. The Chickasaw at that time com- prised forty-nine churches, and, e.^tendini!: over a large territory, it was extremely difhcult tor some churches to reach the meetins^s of the l)ody by delegates. The ten churches that received letters of dismission were, Beu- lah, Canaan, Pleasant Hill, Uni(m, Ripley, Unity, Hope- well, Macedonia, Mt. Comfort, and Zion Hill. All of these churches were represented in this Convention, ex- cept the Unity church. \V. H. H. Holcomlj, who Wcis moderator at the constitution of the Chickasaw Asso- ciation twenty-two years before this, was in the Con- vention as a re])resentative from one of the churches. Ambrose Kay was likewise present who was also a moderator of the Chickasaw Association for one ses- sion. Besides these two well known preachers, H. C. Spencer, \V. D. Lancaster, D. D. Roach, and A. Good- win aided in the formation of this Association. After the usual ijroceedings of organizing ^m Asso- ciation had received attention, the Association was named the Tip])ah Bajitist Association. Benton and Union counties had not then been formed, and the Asso- ciation was almost exclusively in Tippah countx', which made the naming of the body an eas}' matter. A- Goodwin was elected moderator, J. E. Rogers, clerk, and Simon R. Spight, treasurer. Simon R. Spight.who lived in Ripley, had served the old Association (the Chickasaw) as clerk through the first seven years of its existence^ and was a well known figure in the Baptist gatherings of North Mississippi. The representatives (il'the churches had been co-lal)orers in associational 912 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. work for years Ijefore the organization ot" this new As- sociation, l)ut doubtless felt the aljsence of the active men of the old mother Association. The Association, of necessity, transacted very little business. But a report on Domestic missions was re- ceived which recommended that the individual churches occupy the destitute places in reach of them. It Avas onU' a temporary arrangement until the Association could get ready for active operations, and seems to have been abandoned the next year. The action of the churches of this Association in withdrawing from the Chickasaw at that time seems to have been inopportune. Al^raham Lincoln was elected president of the United States within a fortnight after the first meeting of the Association, and the Civil War was a historic fact before the second meeting of the body. The second meeting of the association was held in Sejjtcmber, 1861, embracing the fourth Sunday. Owing to the excitement incident to the intestine strife, but little was undertaken by the l)ody. For four years the Association was practically inoperative, and doubt- less s\)me who desired its formation, after enduring the hardships of the tented field, fell asleep, and their bodily forms, in gory clothes, were wrapped in their blankets, and let down in the earth to know no awaking until the starthng morn of the resurrection. On Sept. 22, 1865, the third session commenced with Canaan church, Tippah county. The organiza- tion was cheered l5\' the application of three churches for admission into the body, New Hope from the old Chickasaw, and two newly constituted churches, Shel- by Creek, and Providence. Ambrose Kay, a man of known piet\', was elected moderator. His wife taught him how to read after thev were married, yet he was HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 913 eminent in rill the educational advancement of his. brethren, and was a warm supporter of thCj-jMary Washington College at Pontotoc. The war was over- with these people, and they went to work with a zeal to rebuild the broken places in the walls of Zion. An Executive Board was appointed at this session of the body to foster associational missions, and $220.00 was pledged for the benevolence. It was reconmiended to the churches that they organize Sunday Schools. A. G. Parrott and L. F. Cossitt were now in the Association, both of whom were regarded as fine preachers in those days. The writer remembers hearing Parrott preaclx at Cherry Creek in the following year. He was there attending a meeting of the Chickasaw Association^ His fame as a. preacher had preceeded him. The Asso~ ciation adjourned to hear him preach. The young man in his minority gave him rapt attention, and retained the elevating influence exerted ui)on him by the chaste speaker. On September, 21, 186G, the Association convened with the Union church. Mark P. Lowrey was elected moderator. The last time we noticed him in this his- tory, he ^vas making a good soldier of the cross. In the Civil War that intervened he made a good soldier in the army fighting for his country, and at the close of that war took off the epaulets of a brigadier general to enter the ami}- of his Lord, again to fight for him the remaining nineteen j'cars of his life, and then at the river's brink, to suddenly lay aside the habiliments of an earthly strife for the special civic honors of the coun- try sought br the i)ure in heart. Saulsl)erry, Harmony and Pleasant Grove churches, recently organized, were received along with Bethlehem^ Pleasant Hill and Pinv Grove churches from Chickasaw* 914- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Association. The Executive Board reported that they had emploj^ed M. P. Lowrey to give half his time to missionary work in the bounds of the Association. He reported two churches constituted. He received $347.50. There were, at that time, 20 churches in the bod3^, with a total of 928 members. In 1867-68, the Association was strengthened by ihe addition of the Flat Rock, Pocahontas, Hamilton, Clear Creek, and Chewalla churches. The missionary work in the Association was pushed with a zest, and to commendable success. A. G. Parrott, was mission- ar}', a man wdiose tongue was touched and electrified b\^ the divine finger. W. H. Holcombe, the grand old man, on August 9, 1867, folded his tent to close life's nomadic wanderings. He allowed no one to surpass him in labors for his Master. The following ministers were in the Association at that time, viz : D. R. Bryant, L.P.Cossitt, J. M. Chambers, J. A. Crook, W.H.Doyle, R. E. Fowles, J. W. Johnson, W. D. Lancaster, H. F, Lipford, M. P. Lowrey, J. H. Prescott, A. G. Parrott, A. Ray, AL Ray, J. E. Rogers, H. G. vSpenser, H. C. Spenser, and T. J. Valentine. There were then 23 churches with a membership of 1,760. The all-absorbing cause in the Association seemed to be the associational work, the occupying of the field. In 1869, the Association had no committee to report on Foreign missions. But in 1870, $224-. 50 was sub- scribed for Foreign missions, and $170.00 for Minis- terial Education. In that year the Executive Board reported that two associational missionaries had been employed, viz: AI. D. Lancaster and W. L. Skinner, the former for half his time, and the latter for one-fourth his time. Two churches had been organized, and Shady Grove and New Bethel were received into the Association. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 915 The ninth session of the l)ody was held with the Academy church, Septemlicr 22, 1871. AI. P. Lowrey was re-elected moderator. The Treasurer's report showed an advance in the work. $529.80 had been received for associational missions, and $190.00 lor Ministerial Education. It appears that about this time there was a growing interest in Ministerial Educa- tion in the body. In 1869, W. G. Thompson, a memljer of the Ripley Baptist church, was in the Southern Bap- tist Theological Seminary, then located at Greenville, South Carolina. Sixteen members of the body pledged themselves tor his support for three years, the time that was necessary- for the completion of a full course in the Seminary by a student. Gen. AI. P. Lowrey was trustee of the Seminary, and much interested in the ministerial work of Mississippi College. The writer knows of the interest Gen. M. P. Lowrey had in the Seminary in 1872. At that time there was great ex- citement in the Southern States over a discovery of the fact that Dr. Wm. Williams, a professor of the Seminary, was an alien immersionist, and Gen. M. P. Lowrey being a trustee of the Seminary, felt deeply the deplora- ble condition of the worthy and beneficial institution of learnhig. In 1872, the" Tippah gave $260.00 to Ministerial Education, with a falling off in the contri- butions for associational missions, and $12.80 reported collected for Foreign missions. In 1872, two important events occurred, which merit special notice. One was the happy impression made by C. E. Bramc, the missionary secretary of the Sunday School Board of the State Convention. He was a man of marvelous energy, and succeeded in a few months in arousing an interest in the Sunday School work that has not been equaled since. The 916 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. staid clerk of the Association gives his pen Hbert\' and says: "The Association was addressed, and, we think,. edified by M. P. Lowrey and C. E. Brame." This quo- tation shows that the cause represented by the speak- ers was promoted on the occasion. The second event was the missionar_v sermon preached at night on the Sabbath, embraced in the sitting of the Association by J. M. ChamJDers. We are tokl in the Minutes, that it "wall be long remembered b\^ all wdio heard, as a feast, indeed." Ashland and Bethel churches v^ere received in 1872, and Mount Moriah and Pisgah churches in 1873. Jno. T. Buck, in his brief history of the body, says : "The Executive Board reported that, as the churches had made no pledges for the j^ear, it was deemed best to turn over the small amount of funds on hand to the State Mission Board. $33.25 had been received for Foreign missions, and $331.50 for Ministerial Educa- tion." The State Mission Board was just beginning its useful career in the State, and doubtless received with thanksgiving even this small amount from the far-away association. Tippah Association had at this time a number of young ministers ^n school who w-ere in a few 3^ears to show^ themselves great and useful. J. W. Sanford, J. D. Anderson and W. E. Berry; w^ho has not heard of them? J. W. Sanford was golden- tongued. He was afterward the brilliant husband of Mrs. Janie Lowrej^ Sanford Graves, of China. J. D. Anderson is a man of splendid gifts and married a daughter of M. P. Lowrey. I scarcely need speak of W. E. Berry. He and his wife, the eldest daughter of M. P. Lowrey, are one wnth the name of Blue Moun- tain Female College. We need not wonder, in the face of these facts that the amount contributed In- the body HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 917 to Ministerial Education amounted to $331.50 in 1873. It seems that it overshadowed every other cause of benevolence. In 1874-, says John T. Buck, " the mission work seems about this time to have suffered and special attention l)een paid Ministerial Education. Only $15.11 had Ijcen contriljuted to Domestic missions, and $24,95 for Foreign missions, while $181 90 was received for Ministerial Education." The Association was not lacking in its zeal for female education. In 1872, a resolution was adopted to the effect, "that the Baptist Female Seminarx' at Pontotoc, under the efficient management of Dr. W. L. Slack, is worthy of patronage. The course of instruc- tion is thorough; the discipline mild, but firm; the board excellent and chccip, and the general manage- ment of the very best kind." In 1874, the following resolution was passed : ^'Resolved, That we recommend to Baptists and other friends of female education the Blue Alountain Female Institute, under the control of M. P. Lowrey. The teachers are fulW competent, the course is thor- ough, and the charges moderate.*' In 1875, on page eleven of the Minutes of the proceedings of the Associa- tion we find this resolution : ^'Resolved, That we hereby heartily recommend to all friends of female education the Blue AlQuntain Fe- male Institute under the control of M. P. Lowrej-, as highly worthy of supjjort and patronage, as being ])c)th a cheap and thorough institution of learning.'' In 1876, the Tippah Association met with the Canaan church in Benton county, at which meeting the Prescott Springs church was received. Much life was shown during this year in the body. It appeared that there was a growing interest in the Sunday-school 918 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. work, and $202.50 was subscribed to Home missions. In the following ^'•ear, 1877, $129.50 was pledged for State missions outside of their offering to associational missions. J. C. Gadd had been working in the Associa- tion as missionary and had estalolished one church and four Sunday schools. The churches of the Association had at that date 2,006 members. In 1879, the Association that met at New Hope church, Tippah county, was composed of thirty churches. It was an inspiriting meeting. In the meet- ing of the union were such men as L. Ball, E. Z. Sim- mons, AI. P. Lowrej', L. P. Cossitt, W. E. Berr3^, W. D. Lancaster, T. J. Valentine, A. G. Parrott, H. F. Lip- ford, J. E. Rogers, B. T. Kimbrough, and E. Windes. The mission reports were cheerful; the old debts hav- ing all been paid, $135.00 had been collected for Asso- ciational missions, $105.95 for State missions, $108.21 for Foreign missions, and $78.50 for ministerial Educa- tion. Fouryoung ministers were in the Blue Mountain Male ticademy, viz; J. C. Gadd, L. T. Ray, D. E. Gam- brell, and and E. L. Wesson. In 1880, the Blue Mountain, Blest Hope, Central Oak, Line and Utah churches were received into the body. $16.50 was given to State missions. In 1881, the Association had its strength of thepre- ceeding A-ear increased bj' several strong men, as H. L. Finley,j' B. Gambrell, W. H. M. Durham,and A. H. Booth. L. Ball was chosen moderator. The report on Publica- tions was read bj^ H. L. F-inlej^ which, with other pub- lications, recommended The Baptist Record^ published at Jackson, Mississippi, and The Baptist of Memphis. The Baptist still had man^^ strong friends in North Alississlppi, after the Baptist Record was made our State paper. J. R. Graves was a man of remarkable HISTORY OP MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 919 magnetism and sti'ong jxTsonal ties. After the dis- eussion between him and J. B. Gambrell on ehureh com- munion, the work in the ^Tippah and the Cold water Associations became complicated and intricate. The Ti])pah Association was held in line with our workers by such strong men as M. P. Lowrev and L. Ball. Their wisdom triumphed over their kindh' feeling for the editor of The Baptist. These two men would have been true to their Convention work and to our paper interest, though J. R. Graves had been their natural father. It is conspicuously true that Tippah Associa- tion has not yet furnished any one to turn up his heel against our Convention work, but on the contrarv has furnished our common interests with many strongmen, who have seemed indispensalile at times. The Tippah Association was in close co-operation with our State mission work. Their plan of co-opera- tion was peculiar to tiieir situation and their needs. They did their own associational work Iw a super- vising Executive Board. This was done as State mis- sion work. Any money that remained after thev had met their needs was turned over to the State fund. In 1SS2, the churches pledged v$4-30.00 to this work. The Ijrevious year the chairman of their Board had reported a debt of $220.60. It w^s resolved by the new Board to first pay the de1)t. But they did not cease mission- ary' work while the money was l)eing raised. Imme- diately L. T. Kay was put into the field. But owing to the short crop of ISSl, little could be done towards cancelling their obligation. Bv unanimous agreement, the close co-operation with the State Board referred to was agreed upon, which made their pledges to State nfissions availal)le for the payment of the debt. H. L. Finley was then employed. I lis success was in everv "920 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Wtiy gratifying. He entered the field in January, 1882, agreeing to give his whole time to the work at a salary of$500.00ayear. In the report of their Executive Board, it is stated that almost every church in the Association was or- ganized by missionary labor directed by the old Chick- asaw Association. The Tippah was exhorted to follow the example of her mother. L. T. Ray, missionary pastor at Falconer, reported that the church had made substantial progress. H. L. Finley reported that he had traveled 2,297 miles, had sold fifty-three Bibles, and 151 Testaments, 1,500 vol- umes of books, and had distributed 20,000 pages of tracts. He had baptized seventeen, and organized one church. It is difiicult for the historian to prevent him- self from pausing to give extended favorable comment on this report. The interest of the Tippah iii Southern missions was becoming animated because of the fact that Airs. Janie L. Sanford (now Graves) daughter of G^h. M. P. Low- rcy, had at a recent date been emplo\^ed to work among the Chinese in California. In the associational 3'ear 1881-82 they gave $145.10 to the Home .Mission Board exclusively for Mrs. Sanford's work. The treasurer's report for the year was highly cred- itable. It showed that they had given $85.35 to For- eign missions, $694.60 to State missions, $167.50 as a total to the Home Mission Board, $52.65 to Missisippi College, $60.00 to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and $1 1.50 to Ministericl Education, making a grand total ot $1,071.45. In 1881, the Tippah met with the church at|Riple\'. The writer, then Financial Secrctarv of Mississippi Col- cge, was with the body in 1882 and also in 1883. In HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 921 ■company with J. B. Gamln-ell, he went from Oxford by way of Grand Junctit)n and Middleton, Tennessee. At Grand Junction, we were joined by J. R. Graves of Mem- phis. It could l3e seen at a glance that the times were to be interesting. For months a running discussion on ''Church Communion" had l)een carried on by these two •distinguished men in their respective papers, 777eA'ecorf/ and The Baptist. We had many Baptists in our State who were vociferous in their agreement with J. R. Graves, on "noninter communion." J. B. Gambrell differed from him in his views on the subject, and, really wished to clear the field of the rubbish of such a useless predominating occupancy of thought for the right of way of our State evangelization. Gen. M. P. Lovvrey, eager for forward work, with- out an\' interruption, and still cherishing a Wcirm friend- ship for J. R. Graves, had chosen the writer as an ex- ponent of our State work, and had arranged before- hand that he and the writer should be together in the "home of Simon R. Spight, that the closest touch might be maintained. But, alas, on the afternoon of the first day of the session the college agent had a racking chill and distressed 1)y a ])urning fever, was compelled to re- turn home. The Executive Board reported cheerfully. All the liabilities of the Board had been met, and there was a small amount in the treasury. H. L. Finley was still in the field and doing some of the best work of his useful life. J. E. Buchanan was missionary in the field at Hickory- Flat and Wicker's School-house. It is said, "Never before has the missionary work been so promis- ing.'' J. L. Finley reported twelve persons baptized, and another church constituted. The treasurer's re- port showed that they had contributed that associa- 922 . HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. tonal \'car for State missions, $1,038.05, for Foreign Missions, $87.25, for Southern missions, $121.10, and for Ministerial Education. $86.45; total $3,4-30.50. In 188 4-, the Association was composed of eighteen churches, \vith a total membership of 2, l^S. The pas- tors were L. P. Cossitt, N. A. West, H. L. West, H. L. Finle\% W. E. Berry, E. L. Wesson, W. L. Farmer, E. M. Lloyd, J. E. Buchanan, M. P. Lowrey, I. H. Anding, and T. J. Valentine. The Executive Board consisted of W. E. Berry, chairman, H. H. Ray, P. C. Gadd, W. H. M. Durham, J. H. Buchanan, R. E. Whitten, and C. J. Frederick. AI. P. Lowrey was moderator, W. O. Rutherford, clerk, and C. J. Frederick, treasurer. It was thought that the missionary spirit was in- creasing. H. L. Finley was still in charge of their mis- sionar3' and colportage work. He was giving his en- tire time to the Board. Arrangements were made for J. E. Buchanan to occup3^ a part of the destitute field. W. E. Berr3% reporting the Board's work, said: "Fort\' 3'ears ago, in all North Mississippi, there was onlv one small association, the Chickasaw, with a membership of onl\' sixteen hundred. Now there are ten associa- tions, with an aggregate membership of some twent\^ thousand. In the territor3' of this bodv, with her thirt3'-three (33) churches, thirtv (30) preachers, and more than 2,000 members, there were then onh- nine churches, with four preachers, and 400 Baptists.'' In 1885, the Association convened with the New Prospect church. L. P. Cossitt was chosen moderator, J. W. Grump, clerk, and C. J. Frederick, treasurer. In that 3'ear, the Association had a sad "in memo- riam." Two of the most honored and useful ot the body had passed awa3\ On the 27th of Februar3', 1885, M. P. Lowrey went to his reward. He began to preach HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 923 earh' in life. Ste]) In' step he advaneed in usefulness, until, at the time of his death, he seemed indispensable to our State work. He was foremost in all advaneed Avork and every good enterprise. He had served on the Board of Trustees, both of Mississipi^i College and of our State University. Seven 3'ears he was editor of the Mississippi Department of the Baptist, and for ten years, president of the Mississippi Baptist State Con- vention. He was a man whom our jjeople felt safe in trusting with high ]5ositions, and whom they delighted to honor. He was in the first meeting of the Tippah Assoeiation; and, in all of its history, to the date of his death, j^ermitted no one to exeel him in interest and activity in its meetings. He was chosen moderator at their second gathering, in 1866, and was in the chair as the presiding officer of the body at 12 sessions. On the 8rd day of July, 1HS5, L. T. Kay fell on sleep. He married a daughter of Al. P. Lowre3^ He was a \'oung man of great i)romise. He was very companionable, energetic, faithful, and pious. Perhaps he was more noted for his unfeigned piety than an\'- thing else. He had an unclouded transparency of char- acter that so clcarh' permitted his light to shine, that he needed no sect glorification, no bugle's blast, to draAv the gaze of those who admired the ])ure in heart. But God ever lives, and the work of the Association ke])t its rapid ]Kice. God works through agents, but when he shall take away one, he lays his hand on an- other. H. L. Finley was still in the field as missionary. In 1 SS5 he rc])orted 2,527 miles of travel, sold 60 Bi- bles and 28 Testaments, distril)uted 8,000 images of tracts, baptized 24- ])ersons, and established another church. Judging from his report to the Association, he did missionary work nearly all over the territory of the bod3'. '924- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The reports of the committees from 1882 to 1885 inclusive, were above the average of reports made by committees to our associations in the State. The committees on Publications recommended the organs of communication of the Foreign and Home Boards. Along with these was placed The Record, and except- ing 1884, T/^e baptist, of Memphis. The schools com- mended to the body were. The Southern Baptist Theo- logical Seminarj', Blue Mountain Female College, and Mississippi College. For clearness and for convenience we will consider the last fifteen years of the historj' of this Association b^' the topical method. This method has been found most satisfactory in considering the last years of the existence of the Association, as it allows close consecu- tiveness of reports on each object of benevolence. The reports on temperance, made during this period by some of the associations, were interesting JDecause of the resistance that was shown to what was known in the nineties as the "Hop Joints." But it appears that the Tippah was not especialh' irritated by what proved a nefarious traffic in other parts of the State. We will, therefore, but give some excerpts from the an- nual reports on temperance, which will convey a cor- rect idea of the attitude of the Tippah on the question of temperance reform. In 1886, this language was put into their report on temperance: "We heartily approve and endorse the action and position taken by those counties that have adopted prohibition by local option."' In another re- port, these words occur: "We urge our brotherhood to labor in any honorable way for t4ie promotion of a healthy sentiment upon this question among the masses." Again: "It becomes ever}- Christian to be HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 925 vStill more zealous and to lend his influence toward blot- ting out this curse from our country." "The death rate is 26 per cent greeter among drunkards than among teetotalers, and about 75 per cent of the crime of the United States is due to drink." In their reports on Publications they usuall3'- re- commended our State Baptist paper, the Baptist, of JVIemphis, the Foreign Journal and Kind Words. In 1889 the Southern Baptist Record and the Baptist and i?e/7ector were commended. The Record had combined with the Southern Baptist, of Meridian, Mississippi, and the Baptist and the Reflector, two Tennessee pa- pers, had been consolidated. The Home Field \vas em- braced in the report of that year, and for years follow- ing. In 1894, the Record had a rival in the State so strong and so attractive as to call for commendation from the Tippah — the Baptist Layman, of Winona. That paper was also recommended to the brotherhood in 1895 and in 1896. In 1897, it was said, the Baptist Layman is a splendid weekly, and the management having associated with it St. Clair Lawrence as Field Editor, (he of the Tippah Association) we especially recommend it to our Association." In 1898, The Bap^ t/st, published at Jackson, Mississippi, had taken the place of the two papers, the Record and the Layman, and was highly commended. The two following years the same recommendation was made. The Tippah, like many other associations, had no Sunda}' School Conventions. Their committees on Sunday Schools, therefore, were devoid of anything sjjecial on the Sunday School work. They had some difficulty in getting Sunday School statistics from the church letters to the Association, and were unable to- tell the number of schools and pupils. There are a great 926 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. many more Sunclaj^ Schools in our State than we are credited with by statistical tables, and great unfai ness is done us l)y the churches in their failure to give Sunda^^ School statistics. In 1899, B. G. Lowre_v was appointed Sunda}- School missionary to take charge of the work. Good reports were made on the Mississippi Bap- tist Orphanage from its origin in 1897 to this date. In 1897, the Orphanage was given a long, well written report, J. A. Autry being chairman of the committee. Full and accurate information was given on the his- tory of Orphans' Homes in general, and our Orphan- age in particular. The chairman showed wonderful research and painstaking in getting up his report. It is only deficient, in that it does not recommend any- thing to the Association as a line of work in the sup- port of the Orphanage. The reports, the two follow- ing years, were also highly instructive. In 1900, it was said, "This institution has none and does not want any endowment, preferring to rel}^ upon the promises of God and the liberality of the churclics for its sup- port." The Tippah did not permit a year to pass without a report on Education. The Association has ever been, true in its alliance with Mississippi College. M. P. Lowrey sent all his sons to the institution, nearh' all of them becoming graduates of the College. Bv his in- fluence, direct and indirect, man^- young men of merit have attended the sessions of our College. Blue Moun- tain Female College is a lasting monument to the en- ergy and good judgment of M, P. Lowrey. A man of equal merits could have established a female school much more readily further south in our State. For years, his school was not reached 133^ any line of raii- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 927 road, and yet it was enthusiastically patronized far and wide. His sons, between whom it is hard to dis- criminate, have proven worthy successors of their no- ble sire. These two institutions now and then with Blue Mountain Male Academy, were recommended year by year, and supported Ijy patronage and means. The reports on Home and Foreign missions were al)out of the usual character — instructive. More than usual i)ith and point were given to Home missions. They had become enlisted in Home missions when Mrs. Janie Sanford was missionary in California, and hap- pih' retained their interest in an observable degree. The}^ mentioned in their reports the work ofthe Home Board in New Orleans, and in Cuba, as points of prox- imitA' to Mississippi, that the nearness of these mis- sions might elicit interest in that line of benevolence. In 1889, it was suggested that a lack of interest in Home missions was attriliutable to pastoral ineffici- ency, and two recommendations were made: That pas- tors inform the churches as to the various fields ot labor and their needs, and that regular collections be taken for the Home Mission Board. As has already been explained, their State and as- sociational mission work were closely allied. Their associational work was reported as State missions, and usually they collected money that was forwarded to the State Board beyond the supi)ort of their own missions. Their plan suited them and worked well, and the State Board was satisfied. We find that, in 18SG, H. L. Finley was still in the employ of their Executive Board. That was well and wise. As a missionary in the State work, he has been eciualed by few, and excelled by none. He was giving all his time to the Executive Board. J. E. Buchanan 928 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, was missionary pastor at Falconer, and W. K. Br\^ant was employed at Tiplersville. That was a strange place for a sober preacher like that worthy brother. On May 7, 1886, Dr. J. H. Buchanan fell on sleep. He was a thoughtful, solid, consecrated man. He did good work during his short ministry, and left his mem- or\^ fragrant in North Mississippi. H. L. Finley made his usual full report to the Executive Board. With difficult^' they prevailed upon H. L. Finle}^ to do work the following 3^ear. During the j^ear he served the Unity, Pleasant Ridge, and Bethel churches. But he could not be induced the next year to ride for the Board. ]. H. Shackleford was appointed as his suc- cessor, who, with W. G. Thompson, assumed the care of their missions. In 1889, their work was waivering. There w^as a debt of $300.00 hanging over the Board, and there were no pledges to meet the demand. The Board was compelled to retrench. Yet work was done at Hickory Flat, New Prospect, New Bethel, and Pleasant Ridge. The following j^ear, there was no report put before the body on associational missions. In 1891, no mission- ary was employed. In 1892, W. T. LowrcA'^ was made chairman of the Executive Board. The following 3'ear the services of H. L. Finle^^ were again secured, and the w"ork began to brighten at once. He gave half his time at a salary of $300.00. He traveled 2,577 miles, baptized six, organized five Sunday Schools, and con- stituted one church. In 1894, J, N. McMillin, in his report on State mis- sions, showed some despondencw as to the success of their work. Of the $400.00 promised their missiona- ries, W. E. Lancaster and St. Clair Lawrence, they yet owed $200.00. Closer relation to the State Board HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 929 was recommended, i. e., that the State Board l)e al- lowed to appoint their missionaries on the recommend- ation of the Executive Board. It was thought that this plan would lessen resjjonsiljility, and be more ef- ficient. Xo missionary was jmt into the held the fol- lowing year. Dejiendence was put in the Filth Sunday meeting for missionary resuscitation, l3ut thej- were not well attended. < . In 1896, the Board was still timid and afraid of debt, but in the spring put W. G. Thompson in the field for a part of his time at a salary of $100.00, all of which they were not able to ]:»ay before the meeting of the .\ssociation. The following 3'ear much destitution in their bounds was recognized, l)ut collections were poor. The Executive Board, in 1898, announced that they were still co-operating with the Convention Board and that they were called on for $1,025.00 for allpurjioses. The plan of apportionment w-as resorted to and has been in favar to the present time. In 1886, there were 32 churches in the Ti]i]:)ah As- sociation with an aggregate meml)ersliip of 2,171. In ' 1890, 33 churches and a toted membership of 2,304. In 1895, 35 churches wn'th 2,4-00 members, and in 1900, 33, with a total of 2,4-51 members. It is seen that the increase was gradual, but steady. In 1886, the total contriliution . amounted to $1,4-58.30. In 1890, they contril)uted to all purposes as reported, $2,331.90; in 1895, $2,227.40, and in 1900, $2,565.44. There was a slight falling off in 1895, but the contrilmtion of 1900 was far in advance of the former years. The prominent ministers in the Tippah in this period were: W, E. Berry, J. H. Buchanan, W. G, Thomps on 930 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. W. T. Lowrey, H. L. Finley, J. R. Parish, J. N. McMil- lin, L. P. Cossitt, and others. The moderators of the Association from its origin, were: A. Godwin in 1860 and 1861; M. P. Lowrey in 1866; A. Ray in 1867; M. P. Lowrey in 1868 and 1869; A. G. Parrott from 1870 to 1874; M. P. Lowrey from 1875 to 1880; L. Ball in 1881; M. P. Lowrey from 1882 to 1884; L. P. Cossitt from 1885 to 1888;' W. G. Thompson in 1889 and 1890; L. P. Cossitt in 1891, and W. E. Berry from 1892 to 1901. The clerks of the bod\' were: J. E. Rogers from I860 to 1871; A. S. Watson in 1872; Thos. vSpight from 1873 to 1877; O. F. Ray in 1878 and 1879; W. O. Rutherford from 1880 to 1884; J. W. Crump from 1885 to 1901. The treasurers were S. R. Spight in 1860; H. Garrett from 1866 to 1869; J. J. Guytonfrom 1870 to. 1883; C. J. Frederick in 1884 and 1885; J. F. Guyton in 1886; W. H. M. Durham in 1878 and 1888; J. S. Gillentine in 1889 and 1890; J. N. McMillin from 1891 to 1895; J. F. Ray in 1895; H. H. Ray from 1896 to 1898, and J. A. Norris in 1900 and 1901. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS 931 CHAPTER XXVII. SALEM ASSOCIATION. The churches of this body were, in 1869, in the counties of Jasper, Clark, Green, vSimpson, Smith, and C()vin' their postothces were Paulding', Enterprise, Shubuta, Taylorsville, Raleigh, and Wil- liamsburg. There were at that date 30 churches in the organization with a total of 838 members. The pas- tors of these churches were \V. West, John Williams, William Thigpen, Isaac Andrews, E. S. Robinson, J. R. Smith, T. B. Ileslip, C. PI. Baine, J. A. Hitt. X. B. Rob- ertson, G. W. Gunn, J. P.Johnson, E. L. Carter, and D. Sum rail. The body was organized in ISGO, but it could have accomplished little before 1869. The Associations that were constituted just before the beginning of the Civil War were exceeding weak for a decade, and had a hard struggle to maintain their organization for years after the civil strife was over. We find that at the end of ten years, from 1869, that the Salem Association had in it 30 churches with a total memhcrshi]) of 1,'J32. The committee on finance re])orte(l in 1869 the sum of $133.20, and in 1880, $124-. 10. Tims it may be seen that, in that period, the body had held its own in the number of churches, had increased in communicants, and had suffered only an insigniiicant amount in contriljutions. 932 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. In 1884, the union had in it 33 churches, which had an aggregate membership of 1,460. This state- ment shows a gain of 128 communicants, and three churches in four years. In 1889, the number of churches w^as considerably smaller, consequent upon the going out of a number of churches to other associations. The most noted pastors in the body in 1869 were E. L. Carter, J. A. Hitt, J. P. Johnson, and WilHam Thigpen. In 1880, was added to the number, T. E. H. Robinson, J. E. Brunson, and J. E. Steinwinder. In 1884, we find also the names of J. D. Knight and L. J. Caughman in the list of pastors, and, in 1889, the names of L. E. Hall and G. W. Knight. But the minister who easily held pre-eminence in the body from 1869 to 1900 was William Thigpen, a brother-in-law of N. L. Clark. William Thigpen is now far advanced in years, but his mind is still clear as a cloudless day, and his heart still warm as in years agone. No connected histor3' of the Salem Association can be given, owing to the smallness of the written records of the doings of the body that have been preserved, but the writer has been promised by William Thigpen, his recollections of the Salem Association. If he finds time to write out these recollections, and the infirmities of age do not prevent, they will be attached to this brief statement of facts. The hope is entertained that the reading public shall have his recollections, and be pro- fited by reading them. It can be added that the Salem Association is, and has from the first been, in hearty accord and close co- operation with the General Association. Its general benevolence has l^een directed through that channel. There is in the bodv now a decided tendencv toward HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 933 the "GosiDcl Mission" idea, l)ut tlieir eontribiitions are still sent through tlie General Association directly to the missionary on the field of lal)or. It will recjuire time and gathered experience to demonstrate what this idea will accomplish forthem, and what their attitude to it will be at the end of this decade. 934 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXVIII. OXFORD ASSOCIATION. In very early times, the Cold Water Assoeiation occupied the territory of Northwest ^Mississippi as far south as the Tallahatchie river. South of that river was the field of the old Panola Association, long since extinct. The Panola Association held its first annual session in 1843. It had a cheerful existence until the Civil War, shorth- after which it \vas disbanded. In 1850, there were sixteen churches in the Panola Asso- ciation with 976 members, and in 1854, seventeen churches with a membership of 705. Some of the churches had, in that four years, suft'ered a large de- crease in membership, perhaps from the organization of new churches. The territory occupied 1)\' the old Panola Associa- tion was virtually the same as the field of the Oxford Association to-da^^ Man}' of the churches that were in the Panola Association are now in the Oxford — no- tably Oxford, Yocona, Clear Creek, Yellow Leaf, Good Hope and Alt. Gilead. On Friday before the fifth Sunday- in (October, 1870, a convention was held with the Yocona church (Tay- lor's Depot) for the purpose of organizing a new Bap- tiist association. The convention was composed of delegates from churches of the Coldwater and Yalobu- sha associations. Whitfield Dupuy was called to act HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 935 as president of the convention, and \V. II. Carothers, secretary-. The delegates composing the l)ody were from the following churches : Clear Creek, Pleasant Grove, Eureka, Bethany, Good Hope, Black Jack, Water Valley, Bynum's Creek, Oxford, Alount Gilead, Yellow Leaf, Antioch, and Yocona. After the adoption of Articles of Faith, Rules of Decorum, etc., permanent organization was effected by the election of Whitfield Dupuy, of the Water Valley church, moderator, W. H. Carothers, of the Oxford church, clerk, and Jesse Humphries, of Yellow Leaf, treasurer. J. G. Hall was received as a messenger from the Yaiobusha Association, and H, L. Finley from the Chickasaw. The Oxford Association began life with thirteen churches, which had an aggregate memloership of 953. The session of 1871 was held with the Clear Creek church, beginning the 28tli of September. K. G, Hew- lett preached the introductory sermon from John 9 : 4. The moderator and clerk of the session of the year be- fore were re-elected, and C.J. Burgess, of Clear Creek church, elected treasurer. Providence, Centre Hill, and Pleasant Ridge churches were received into their fellow- ship, making a fraternity of sixteen churches in the second year of the existence of the Association. James Nelson, of the Board of Education of the State Conven- tion, and A. A. Lomax, financial secretary of Missis- sipjn College, were with them. The Executive Board was authorized to receive and disburse funds raised for Ministerial Education. The sum of v$22.75 was raised in cash for Alississippi College. Prof. A.J. Ouinchc, in his letter of correspondence, tells us that the churches received that year In- bap- tism 122 persons, and bj'- letter 97. The next session 936 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. of the body was to be held with the Mt. Gilead ehiirch, ^even miles southwest of Water Valley. The following year, among their distinguished vis- itors were M. P. Lowrey from the Tippah Association, and C. E. Brame, of West Point, District Secretary of the State Sunday School Board. M. P. Lowrey, by request, preached the introductory sermon. Prof. M. T. Martin was also recognized as representing the interest of Mississippi College. The cause of Sunday schools was benefited by the presence of C. E. Brame. It was recommended that special effort be made to organize a Sunday school in each church, that co-operation with the State Sunday- school Board be effected, and that an Associational Sunday-school Convention be organized. A cash col- lection was taken for this object, amounting to $13.45, and pledges amounting to $32.50. The report on Ministerial Education was read by R. G. Hewlett. It closed with this sentence: "Your committee is of the opinion that Clinton is the place ior the education of ^Mississippi ministers." A cash collection was taken for Ministerial Education, amount- ing to $12.80, and pledges received to the amount of $282.00 to aid H. W. Rockett and S. P. Williams at Mississippi College. That \'ear the Association aided H. W. Rockett to the amount of $74.10, and S. P. Wil- liams to $86.30. The Executive Board made an effort to begin work in the bounds of the Association, T. R. Williams was emplo3'ed as their missionary, l)ut his health was too poor to begin the work. No one could be gotten to ride as missionary for them, and, consequently no work was done. It WciS resolved that the Executive Board be instructed to take under consideration the subject HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 937 of renewing the mission as conducted Ijy the old I^anola Association among the Indians. At the session of 1873, R. G. Hewlett was made moderator, which honor he retained until 1876. In 1876, W. Dupuy was elected to fill the position. In 1877, R. G. Hewlett was again moderator, holding the Ijosition to 1880. In 1880, Z. T. Leavell was chosen to preside over the body. He was succeeded the follow- ing year by A.J. Quinche, who held the position one more year. In 1883, R. G. Hewlett was moderator again, and was in the chair one more j-ear. R. G. Hewlett gave the best years of his life to the promotion of the interests of the Oxford Association. He loved his association, and spared no pains to make its meetings successful. For a few years he was in Ar- kansas, where he was connected with the Mt. Vernon Association. R. G. Hewlett was doctrinal in his preaching and positive in his denominational teachings. He was naturally of a calcukiting mind, and logical in sermons. He was for twent^^-nine years pastor of the Clear Creek church, eight miles west of Oxford, of Yocona four years, and of Pleasant Ridge and Con- cord seven years, each. The Executive Board was still unable in 1873 to secure a missionary to labor in their l)ounds, Ijut handled $79.00 for the Domestic Board at Marion, Ala. and about $360.00 for Ministerial Education, which was expended upon H. \V. Rockett, and S. P. Williams while in Mississippi College. The report on Puljlications recommended The Bap- tist of Memphis, also Kind Words, the Home and For eign Journal, and the Orphan's Home Banner. The session of 1874 was held with the Clear Creek church. W. D. Mayfield of Memphis, Tenn., preached 938 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the introductory sermon. Along with him, the Asso- ciation had as guests, Daniel King of California, and M. T. Martin of Mississippi College. It is noticable that J. L. Johnson was that year in the body, and while not reported among the delegates from the Oxford church, was placed on the Executive Board, and was made chairman of the standing committee on Foreign missions. The name of Dr. M. W. Phillips also ap- peared on the minutes of that A-ear for the first time. Alinisterial Education was still held in high favor b\' the Association. A collection was taken in 1874 for this cause amounting in cash and subscriptions to $123.00. There Avere then fifteen churches in the fra- ternit3^ with a total membership of 954-. In 1875, two more churches were received into the union. New Prospect and Pope. D. J. Burgess was clerk, and J. A. Thornton, treasurer. Their ordained ministers were. R. G. Hewlett, J. B. Gambrell, J. L. Johnson, S. D. Johns, T. R. Williams, T. H. Moore, D. Dupuy, J.J. Saw3^er, John Collins, W. Johnson, H. W. Rockett, and W. K. BrA^ant. It was resolved that the Executive Board be in- structed to employ a missionary to labor in their bounds for five months and the churches requested to decide at their first conference what thej' will give for his support. A. J. Ouinche was chairman of the Board, and J. B. Gambrell, secretary. T. H. Smith had been at Spring Dale. He was to get $125.00 as salary for one-fourth of his time. He served seven months. It was said that their was much flestitution in their bounds, awaiting missionary effort. Heart\' co-opera- tion with the State Mission Board was recommended. D. J. Burgess was elected clerk of the Association from 1875 to 1884, inclusive. J. A. Thornton was treasurer from 1875 to 1884. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 939 The session of 1876 met with the church at Watcr Valley. The Clear Creek ehurch, for some re^ison, sent a number of queries to the Association in its dehbera- tions. One ((uer^' was as to what course should be pursued with members of the church that participate in the modern dance; the other in essence as to the Scriptural authority of "inter-communionism" at the Lord's Sup])er l^etween members of different churches of the same faith and order. A committee raised a re- port on these cjueries, with J. B. Gambrell as chairman, advised that all members jjuilty of en^^ai^in^- in the mod- ern dance should l)e admonished and publicly rel)vdved, and, if thcA' persist, be excluded from the church. As to ''non-intercommunionism," it was replied that the Bi- ble was silent as to it. But a person known to be a baptized believer, and a member of a Bajjtist church in good standing, might rightly be invited t(5 partake of the Lord's Supper. Their interest in Ministerial Education was kept up by the fact that they still had a young minister seeking to prepare himseli for ministerial efficiency. W. K. Bryant was a young minister attending school at Tay- lor's Depot. A collection in cash and subscrijition was taken for his benefit amounting to $39.35. The Executive Board made an effort to put a mis- sionary in the bounds of the Association, but could not realize the money to pay his salary. The lack of con- fidence was the reason assigned tor this failure, and co- ojjcration with the State Mission Board was suggested to strengthen their "confidence and hope." Their eighth annual session was held with the Yel- low Leaf church, beginning Oct. 5, 1877. Z. T. Leavell, then pastor at Oxford, was sustained in a motion to have a report from a connnittec on State missions. He 940 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. was made chairman of the committee. The report was discussed by J. L. Johnson and T. J. Wahie,and a collec- tion in cash taken amounting to $70. 15, and a subscrip- tion of $355.00. That was something new and re- freshing. "The Evils of the Use of Tobacco," was, at that time, a fruitful source of contention. This subject was mainly agitated b\' R. G. Hewlett, who strenuously opposed the use of the weed. J. L. Johnson pleaded that the use of tobacco was harmless to the system and year by year the subject came up for discussion, R. G. Hewlett made the argument that the habit was not only expensive, but useless. J. L. Johnson asked him why he wore buttons on his coat behind, if he were so strenuously opposed to the useless. At one session of the Association the subject was all-absorbing, but the men in Lafayette County are still chewing and smoking tobacco. It is sometimes difficult to persuade a' child toc:.asethe useless habit of sucking its thumb, and men are only boys grown up, and sometimes none the ■^viser for the growing. J. L. Johnson made the report on Publications in 1877, in which he said we had "set up housekeeping for ourselves in the newspaper business,'' and com- mended the new venture, the Mississippi Baptist Rec- ord published at Clinton. J. B. Gambrell, the editor of the Record, was present, and made the argument in a speech that they could not do without the Record, and the i^ecorc/ could not do without them, and said that the mill that grinds our corn is, in all the world, the best mill to us. The following year the Executive Board was able to report some work done, despite their listlessness and extreme caution. T. H. Smith, a fine representative of HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 94-1 tlic numerous Smith family, proposed as William Carey to go to work, and trust his brethren. He was prom- ised by the Board $50.00 a month, if it could he laisecL He organized two churches, Springport and Liberty' Hill, traveled 788 miles, preached v55 sermons, and baptized 27 persons. The sumof $55.60 was paid him, and at the Association, after several good speeches were made, a collection was taken for this cause, amounting to $35.40. No help was being received from the State Mission Board. The next year the following resolution was adopted: "Resolved, by the Executive Board of this Associa- tion, that every pastor in the Association is rec[uested to ])reach to his church in the interest of mission work within their limits at his earliest convenience." The destitution in the bounds of the Association was really not alarming, and the churches were giving hundreds of dollars to State missions. The session of 1880 w£is interfered with by inclem- ent weather. The attendance was not large, and the services of Sunday were suspended, as it rained without ceasing until in the afternoon. The discussion on an amendment to the report on Sunday schools was breezy and out of the usual vein. The ainendment made by J. L. Johnson to the report to arouse the Association was to the effect that the Association did not approve of Sunday-school work, and that the report on the subject be abolished from the list of committees. Of course, this amendment was voted down, 1)ut it had a good effect, as Avas designed. It was then resolved b^' the delegates of the churches that they would do their very best to cstalilisli Sundfiy schools in churches which had none. There were then seventeen churches in the fraternitv 942 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ^vith a total membership of 1,075. The churches re- ceived that 3'ear, b}' baptism, the aggregate number of 97, and by letter 81. The Oxford church had received 32 by baptism, and 10 by letter. The writer, then pastor of the Oxford church, remembers the baptism of those 32 persons, as it was in the month of January, in snow water. In 1881, the usual reports of committees were re- ceived. The report on Foreign missions was unusual in its length and quite exhaustive. It was w^ritten by R. G. Hewlett and was full of information. The report on Temperance read In^ H.J. Smith was .scriptural and scientific, and covered a page of the Minutes of the session. The report on Foreign missions had attached a foot-note, which showed what three churches had ^ven that associational year for Foreign missions: Mt. Gilead'gave $8.00, Water Valley $18.00, and Ox- ford $100.00. The total amount reported for Foreign missions was $$226.00. After the discussion of the report on State missions, pledges were taken for that object, amounting to $500.00. This showing was good, and one feels a sense of regret that a disposition w^as being engendered to dissolve the bod^-, progressing so nicely in the devel- opment of the missionary spirit. But the following year a committee was appointed consisting of three members of the body to take under consideration the advisabilit}^ of a union of the Oxford and the Yolobusha associations. The committee con- sisted of H. J. Smith, R. G. Hewlett and J. L. Johnson. The committee reported favorable to consolidation of the two associations, and recommended the appoint- ment of a committee of five to attend the next session of the Yalobusha to propose a union of the two. The HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 943 report was adopted without diseiission, and it seemed that the work was done. The main argument for the i)r()p()sed union was that the Oxford was weak in ministerial strength. Three or four of the members of the l)ody had to discuss all subjects, and were constantly on the floor. It be- came monotonous and was arduf)us work for the speakers, as they must make three or four speeches a da}'. But it appears that, though the matter was unani- mously decided in the Association, the churches thought otherwise about the consolidation. As the year was passing away, they became fixed in their determination to continue the existence of the Association, the Oxford church excepted. So the Oxford church met with the Bethany Association in 1883. In the j'ear 1883, there was a lengthy discussion of the proposed union, in which \V. K. Bryant, J. R. Boze- man, A.J. Quinche, K. G. Hewlett, W. T. Hudson, and W. C. Lattimore participated. FinaWy, it was agreed to send a letter to the Yalobusha Association, when in session, in which to inform that bod}- that they did not deem the ])roposed consolidation best. The Yalo^ busha Association got the Oxford church, but the Ox- ford Association held the name of that church, and pursued its course as best it could. The reasons for this bit of flirtation with the sober Yalobusha have not been put on ])aper. The fifteenth annual session of the body was held with the Yellow Leaf church, lieginning Sei)tend)er 11, 1884. S. R. Lamb was chosen moderator, Dan J. Bui'- gess, clerk, and C.Crosby, treasurer. The Cold Springs church was received into the Association. A short historical sketch was tanee >, c > ifessed to him that their an- nual tobacco bill was l)etween $30.00 and $40.00. Yet they had almost nothing for benevolence. The report on Temperance was, in 1.S91, read by E. L. Wesson, then pastor at Water Valley. He said: "If 948 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. we follow the scriptural rule, we must, as Christians^ stop drinking- at all as a lieverage, and, as churches, must discipline tor the drinking, and for assisting in the sale of intoxicants.'' From the report of 1893, made b\^ Judge P. H. Lowrey, we take these two sentences: "We ask and urge this Association to consider this question — Should not a church deal with a member who drinks moderately, as it does with the member who drinks t(i drunkenness?'' In 1894, a very able re- port came from the pen of Judge B. T, Kimbrough, w^hich was requested for puljlication in the Bfiptist Re- cord. From the report on Total Abstinence, of 1895, read by A. A. Lomax, ptistor at Batesville, we take these words: "Every consideration, therefore, of health and wealth, of prosperity and peace, of conduct and charac- ter, Ijoth for self and others, impel us in the direction of total abstinence."' These quotations suffice to show the attitude of the Oxford Association ».,n the (|uestion of the tem]3erance reform. Their reports on Pulilications from 1890 to 1900 were uniform in their recommendations. The publica- tions of the .\merican Baptist Publication Society, Kind Words, Our Home Field, the Foreign Mission Journal, £ind our Baptist State papers were invariabh' recommended. Thev succeeded better with their Sunday School work than most of our associations. In 1891, ten out of seventeen of their churches had Sunday Schools. In 1893, six out of twenty-one churches made no mention, of having a Sunday School. The following year the\' had in their Sunday Schools 477 pupils, while the churches of the Association had a total of 1,541 mem- bers. In 1895, the following churches had Sundav HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 949 Schools: Bethany, Burgess, Clear Creek, Coiirtland, Oood Hope, Mt. Pisj^-ah, Oxford, I'anola, Pilfjrims Rest, Shad}' Grove, Water \'alley, and Vocona. In 1 a man of good education and sjjlendid gifts. It was reserved for the fatal 3'ear of 1M7S for the Bogue Chitto to send up the shout of victory. It was in this language : "Whkk'Kas, There seems to be no mission destitu- tion within the bounds of this association, and, as our Board will have little to do in the work of missions; therefore be it " A'eso/reJ, That our Missionary Board will be in- structed to co-o])erate with the Mission Board of the Baptist Stiite Convention in the employment of a mis- sionary to labor in any destitute held."" The body agreed to form^ itself a missionary Ijody without the word "Home" before the word "mission- ary." There isa heroic sjjirit and a military dash about the expression that is not found on the records of any other association in the State. IS78, it is remembered, was the year the yellow fever decinifited some parts of Mississippi. The epidemic caused the representation of the churches to be snicall, but did not dampen the ardor of the body. On the records ofl879 familiar names greet us, C.H. Otkin, W. W. Bolls, H. M. Long, J. K. Parish, T. J. Walne and T. C. Schilling. The names of those men will be imperishable it" the history of Mississippi Baptists is faithfidly ])reserved. Such men have been worth more to Mississi[)i)i than our pine hills and alluvial valleys. 960 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The ])r()(lucts of their hves have not been annual, hut perennial. It is retreshins^^ to note the list of committees raised by the Bogue Chitto in 1879: On Lea Female College, missions, Clinton College, Sunday schools and religious literature. The report on Lea Female College is about the same as in the minutes of the Pearl River, which has already 1)een given. More will be said of that useful institution of learning under another head. B. A. Crawford was chairman of the Committee on State Missions. He said : " This association is strong" and able to do a great deal in the work of missions. We ^vould, therefore, recommend to the churches of this association a hearty co-operation with the State Mis- sion Board.'' The letter of correspondence written by W. H. Schilling said the body was showing consider- able interest in missions and Sunday schools. A Com- mittee on Temperance made a ringing report. The churches were exhorted to exercise the closest watch care over their memlDers who were addicted to drink, and to exercise the most rjgid discipline as a correction. The Baptist Record and the Southern Baptist were recommended by the Committee on Publications. The officers of the Bogue Chitto inlSSO were : C. F. Crawford, moderator, B. S. Turnipseed, clerk, and C.S. Walker, treasurer. C. F. Crawford had been modera- tor from the beginning. B. S. Turnipseed was clerk six years, succeeding J. C. Leggett, who was clerk for four years before him. S. C. Walker was treasurer three years, J. A. Jenkins four years, and John Simmons three 3'ears. In 1880, there were twenty-four churches in the bodj', reporting 137 liaptisms, with a total meml)er- ship of 2,363 that year. Due courtesy was urged by one church for another, that had excluded a number for disorderlv work. The AL'iirnolia church had re- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 961 ccived "one or more"' such excluded nieni])ers, and a committee of three was apjjointed to visit the church and labor with it and make a formal report at the next sitting of the body. Two years after a report was received from this committee, continued to that date> The report said that the offense was out of the jurisdic- tion of the Association, and i-ecommended that no fur- ther action be taken as to the irregularity. The eighth i-esolution passed was with reference to T. C. Schilling. He was in a few days to go to Missis- sippi College. He was said to be a worthy 3'oung min- ister and the union generally proposed to give him pecuniary aid. The writer must here express his regret tliat he was not in that meeting of the Bogue Chitto. He will be excused for expi'essing a degree of eovetous- ness for the privilege any one had of investing money in that young minister. His career has lieen one of great usefulness in South Mississippi. The Missionary Board of the Association was, in ISSl, composed of T. C. Sciiilling, S. O. Simmons, L.'P. Parker, G. I>. Lewis and G. H. Varnado. The report on missions showed a growing interest in missions. Eleven of the churches had "responded to the call ot" dut\'.'' The Board had received during the associa- tional year for Home missions $52.00, for Foreign mis- sions $19.10, and a public colkx-tion at the Association of $51.30. The recommendation was made to continue the missionary who Wcis laboring in their Ijounds, and hearty co-operation with the State Mission Bo^ird was pledged. The committee on Temperance expressed the belief that $75,000 was spent annually in their liounds for whiskies, and recommended that the preachers preach against the use of intoxicants as a beverage. A numlier of men were at that meeting: of the union 962 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. whose presence was valual^le in the working of the bod^^ M. S. Shirk preached Sunday on "Christian FideHty." T.J. Wahie was there in the interest of the -Baptist Record and the State Mission Board. He was invited to visit the churches and represent the State, Board. The pastors of the churches at that date were: W. H. Bailey, J. R. Parish, C.F. Crawford, W. H. Schil- ling, I. Allmand, B. A. Crawford, W. J. Fortenberry, G.N. Bankston, W. H.Tucker, E. M.'vSchilHng, R.'j. Boone and M. S. Shirk. In 1882, a special committee was raised on Foreign missions. For several vears they had a Coinmittee on Missions that was expected to report on the work ot iill the missionary field. The interest tid2 sermons. I'our persons had licen received by biiptism and four by letter: one Sunday school had l)een or^J^anized hy him ; six sub- scriliers for the Baptist Record received, and $158.40 collected, besides $873.50 pledged by the churches and individuals fi)r the continuance of the work. The committee on Sunday schools rcjjorted a "de- cided imjjrovemcnt in the Sunday schools of our Asso- ciation over the last year." The report on I*rohibition condemned whiskey drinking- and the sij^ninia^ of whis- key ])etitions by the members of Biiptist churches, find reconnnended that such members should be excluded from tellowship in their respective churches. The report on Missions was i^resented by W. AI. Broadawciy. In the rc])ort the body was reminded of the perishing millions who had not the u;ospel, and urulpit orator, l)ut s^reat in his zeal, efficiency, and imtirini*' s for the Master during tlie coming" year. The Executive Board was re-ori^anized. K. A. Cohron was ])ut in the ])lace of E. Iv. Kin^-, the retiring- secretary. This action as- sured the reaping- of lar^e measures ot success in the coming- years, DurintJ- the 3'ear they had four mission- aries in the field, the Convention Board payinj^' one- half the expenses, and the Deer Creek the other half. The session of 1891 was held with the Jones' Bayou church, twenty-one churches being represented. \'. H. Nelson preached the associational sermon, R. A. Coh- ron reported for the Executive Board. They had five missionaries in the field during the year on their affiliat- ing plan with the Convention Bo^ird. Their sakiries had been j^romptly paid, and $44.75 remained in the treasury. The statistical table showed that the churches had given to i)astors' s^dary $4,558.00, to church build- ings $1,691.75, and to other objects, including missions, making a total contribution of $7,8o4.()0. The total membership of the churches was 9S1. The Committee on .Apportionment asked the churches to raise $1,600, exclusive of i)astors' salary and church expenses. The Deer Creek Association met with -the Pleasant Hope church, October l,']. 1S9L'. H. D. White was moderator, j. \l. Lewis clerk, and j. T. I'arrar, treas- urer. There were then twentv-five churches in tlie 988 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. union, with a total menil)ershi|) of 1,047. They had paid their pastors $4,831.75, and given to Foreign missions $105.75, to Home missions $19.00, to State missions $616.90, to Ministerial Education $166.20, and to Mississippi College $67.50. During that year, the Executive Board established the custom of having a three daA's' meeting with some one of the churches, including each fifth Sunday in the year. These meet- ings Avere highly beneficial to the churches where they were held, and helpful to the work. John James concluded his report on State missions with this language: " We Baptists of the Deer Creek Association should take a retrospective view of the Avork that has been done by the Convention Board in our territory, and prove our appreciation of these efforts by pushing forward with renewed vigor and greater zeal in the cause of missions, until the motto of our Board is realized, 'A Baptist church and a Baptist Sunda\^ school in every community." "' R. A. Cohron writes thus about their relations to the year 1893 : " This will be a sad, weary year to some of lis who have toiled side by side through long A^ears of loving service. White is still at the helm, piloting Avith broken nerves and unsteady hand the little barque which has been sent out on the current of Christian endeavor. He does not know it, but he will not return next year to greet his brethren ; he will be too feeble, and the year after he will go up to meet the shining ranks of glorified spirits. And she who has walked with me during twenty-four years, has grown weary in life's wearing conflicts, and has gone up from the :oo and Mississip])i \'alley Railroad on the west to the hills on the east. In the latter part of the summer there was a ])anic caused by the appearance of yello\v fever, and in the winter the price of cotton went down to four and five cents a pound. The meetini^ of the Association was ])osti3oned until the 19th of November, but only seventeen delciiates were ])resent as represent- iitives ot the churches. R. A. Cohron was chosen mod- erator, and \'. H. Nelson clerk. A sketch of the life of \'. H. Nelson can be found in Foster's Mississijjpi Baptist Preachers. Ajiart from ^vhat is said of him in that book, it is but just to the history of the Delta woik to state some facts about him. Me has Ijcen one of the three men who have led on to development the churches so wisely plantetl ])y Feryferson, Watts, Ball, Spark man and Brooks. With Cohron and White, he joined hands for the development of Bai)tist i)ossibilities in the most fertile country the sun shines upon, lie has labored without ceasing, all the while suffering- from a sore throat that defied the skill of ])hysicians. In rain and nuul he has traveled for hours, and then preached with his throat rasped by every utterance. just here, merited ])raise should bc*iiven to A. Tay- 992 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. lor. He was for many years the missionary of the body alon^ the Yazoo River and in the southern part of the Delta, frequently traveling in dugouts to reach a small settlement of people to hold for them a religious service. Men of all callings and faiths in that part of the Delta still hold him in pleasant memory, and speak kindh' of his work. At the meeting of 1897, attention was given to the reorganization of their work. The successive calami- ties of plague and overflow, and the stringency of money matters had a damaging effect on their under- takings. At the annual meeting of the Convention Board in the winter of 1896, R. A. Cohron was ap- pointed general missionary in the Association for half time; the other half he gave to churches as pastor. He entered the w^ork heartily, and with a zest that had a telling effect. He was in labors abundant, and in success most encouraging. iigain, in 1898, the yellow fever was in the State, and in some of the towns of the Delta. The meeting of the Deer Creek Association had to Ik- postponed until November the 17th, and even then there was a small representation of the churches. R. A. Cohron was elected moderator and V. H. Nelson, clerk. P. I. Lipsey had returned to the State to become pastor at Green- wood, and was a visitor at the .\ssociation. A. Taylor presented the report on Publications. He reported that a joint stock company had been formed, which had purchased the Layman and the Record, and that the interests of the two papers had been consolidated, and the new stock company was giving the denomination a neat and well-gotten up paper, called The Baptist. The Mississippi Baptist Orphanage had been HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 99.^ founded In^ Loveless S. Foster at Jackson, Miss., and to it the Deer Creek gave hearty approval, and pledged to it svmpath}' and support. C. H. Mize wrote the report on State missions. He recommended that the Association urge the Home Board to aid the Deer Creek and Sunflower associations in their efforts to supply the destitute portions of the Delta with the gospel. It is true that the Home Board was helping the Baptists- of Mississippi at that time 1)3^ a co-operation with the Convention Board, to which the Home Board sent money every year. The Convention Board was help- ing the Deer Creek Association. So it appears that indirectly the Home Board was helping them. In 1899, the Association met with the church at Itta Bena. The delegates from the churches assembled with cheerful faces to report the good work done by their respective churches. K. A. Cohron was elected moderator, W. M. Burr was made clerk, and Stacy Lord, treasurer. The di{y before the beginning of the session, a num- Ix'r of the delegates from the churches met in Leland for the purpose of spending the day in pmyer, that they might have the manifest presence and i)o\ver of the Holy Spirit in the prosecution and enlargement of the Delta work. After satisfactory devotional exer- cises, they framed a resolution to present to their asso- ciation, known as the "Resolution from the Leland Conference.*' We will give the resolution: '^Resolved, That we re(|uest the Deer Creek Associa- tion to re(|uest the State Board to send into the Delta, as early as possible, two more thorough missionary organizers, for the purpose of working in any and all centers where wisdom indicates that a church ought to be located, requesting also that the Sunflower .\ssocia- tion join in this reciuest.'' ■994 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The resolution was adopted by the Association, and the recjuest made known to the Convention Board- At the next meeting of that Board, which was held in December, K. A. Cohron was commissioned to enter the lield as general missionary to the Delta. That apostle to the Delta ^vas aglow with zeal in the work, and buoyed by hope, and sustained b^' a serene confidence in the Lord, whom he was serving in the UvSe of all his endowments of nature and grace. His was a hard work. Exposure to foul weather, the wear of constantly i^,oing without rest or home, the pett^- objections that were to be met, the uncertain undergirding he was to receive in the Delta and from the State, and the care of all the churches were to be borne on wearied shoulders. All the reports ot that session looked to the enlarge- ment of their work at home and abroad. These em- phatic words are found in the report on Home missions made by H. F. Sproles, then pastor of the First Church of Vicksl)urg : " We ask that all who love God, and love their country, and love humanity, unite in one earnest effort to Ijring America to Christ, that Christ may use America in the world's redemption." The report also recommended that F. H. Kerfoot, sec- retary of the Home Board, be invited to visit the Delta, at the earliest practicable time, and personally exiimine its missionary work and prospects, that his Board ma^' give larger hel]3 to their immediate and pressing demands. The following is the showing made in the statisti- cal table of that year : The churches had received by letter 45, by baptism 57, and had restored 12, and ex- cluded that meeting- of the Sun- flower must 1)6 noticed. Not a visitor from any other association, "nor a represent;fitive of any one of the g^en- eral benevolences~of the State Convention were present. D. H. S. Cox was a member of the body, and pastor of the churches at Friar's Point, Lyon and Refuge. He was a true yoke-fellow for j. \V. Collins from that time on to the loss of Collins by the Association. The following year, A. \. Rowe, corres])()nding sec- retory of the Convention Board, was with them, and made a most impressive si)eech on missions. The fol- lowing resolution was adopted Ijy the Association : " Resolved, That this Association enter into a hear- ty and full co-operation with the State Board, and that the trcc'psurer of this Association be instructed to turn over all mission funds to the Secretary of the State Board, to be applied within the l)ounds of this Associa- tion." Tlie churches that year raised $175.30 for mis- sions. In 1S96, J. M. Chresman was still moderator. Tliere were then twelve churches in the institution, with an aggregate membership of 474-. This shows an increase since 1S94-, or in two years, of S2 members. The rei)ort on the State of Religion has this statement: "The Lord has been with His people, greatly revived the churches."' Tlie ])astors of the churches at that time were: j. E. Watts at Shelby, R. A. Cohron at Lyon, I). H. S. Co.\ at Refuge, Friar's Point, and Lula, A. P. Coi)eland at Belen, Oak Ridge and Hnon, B. B. Milam at Mound Bayou and First Bolivar, and M. .\. Cameron at Shady (irove. Six churches had each a Sunda\' school. 1000 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The following year the total membership of the cliurches \vas 476, or an increase of twelve over the year 189G". S. M. Ellis, of Clinton, was pastor of Oak Ridge church and the church at Clarksdale, the latter -a recently organized church. The principal item of business in the associational meeting of that year was a pream])le and resolution looking to a closer alliance ot the Sunflower and Deer Creek Association in forwarding the Delta work. This action was in line with the original intention of the workers in the Delta when the Sunflower Association was divided and the Deer Creek constituted. The divi- sion was only tor convenience, and was to be only par- tial. The design and desire was for the two bodies to work side b\'' side in the Delta and in the closest frater- nal relations. But partial estrangement had come apace, and they had gotten far apart. The preamble and resolution made it clear that the closest co-opei'ation should be maintained between the two associations, in every practical way, and re- commended the appointment of a committee of five (5) to work in harmony with a like committee appointed by the Deer Creek Association for the furtherance of the cause in the Delta. This was a sensible action Their country is one. It is walled in on the east by the hills of the bluff for- mation, and limited on the west by the Mississippi River. Nature has placed no boundaries across their territor\\ The closest aflftnit3' and the warmest frater- nity should characterize them in their Delta work. The sun does not shine on a more fertile country, and no more inviting mission field can be found in the Sunny South. In the year 1900, J. M. Chresman was still presiding HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1001 over the both'. For nine years he had held that posi- tion of distinction in the Association. He presided \Yith disunity and his rulings were always satisfactory. He was a member of the church at Belen in Ouitman coun- ty. "ai)pr()ved in Christ." In that year the chnrches had a total membership of only 423 against 476 in 1897, or a falling off of 53 members. The pastors of the churches were J. E. Bar- nett, C. H. Mize, J. D. Rice, D. H. S. Cox, and E. D. Solomon. The report of the Finance Committee shows that the churches paid that associational year to For- eign missions $57.35., to Home missions $58.96, to State missions $25.15, to Mississippi College $5.00, and to the Orphanage $25.50, making a total of $171.98. The hope is cherished that the churches of the Delta will maintain harmony in their great work, and con- tinue to realize the vastness of their field of evangelical labor. Many of the workmen, who have borne the heat and burden of the da^-, are now missing on the field. The gifted Collins has fallen out of the line in the Sunflower. Dr. Wm. L. Slack has been with his Lord five (5) \'ears. H. D. White no longer presses collec- tions in the Deer Creek for the Lord's sake. Cohron's health has failed, and he is in the hills prolonging his valuable life. But the Lord lives, and watches his work with a tireless eye. His strength does not fail as the \'ears follow each other, and his interest is unabat- ing. He will raise up men, suggest measures, until the Delta will bloom as the rose, and our alluvial land become vocal with his praise. 1Q02 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXXI. FAIR RIVER ASSOCIATION. "' ] The formation of this association in 1872 was for the convenience of the churches that constituted the bod3\ It is to be observed that through the passing 3'ears associations were formed as the territory was occupied bj^ the establishment of good churches. In early times the messengers to an association had to ride on horseback man3^ miles to reach the f)lace of meeting. It is true that sometimes in the study of the associations of the State we do not find that conven- ience was the happ^^ cause for the formation of a new organization. Some times church disaffection, or a dif- ference of opinion on missionary labors, have been the causes for the division of an association, but generally the organization of new associations have been for the convenience of the messengers and for vsecuring a full representation of the churches. The 10 churches that went into the Constitution of the Fair River Association, Oct. 19, 1S72, were from the associations in that section of South Mississippi. Their dismission from those associations was peaceful and with a hearty good will. The territoiw was first occujjied hy the Pearl River Association, Ijut later by the Strong River, the Bogue Chitto and the Union as- sociations. The ten churches that constituted the bodv were HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS 1008^ Beaureijard, Galilee, Mt. Zion and Wesson, of Copiah ; Fair River, Macedoniii, Pleasant Hill, Union Hall and I'nion, of Lincoln count^^ ?ind Shiloh, ot Lawrence. The bod^' \vas organized at the Shiloh church. There were four (4-) ordained ministers in the churches com- posing the body, viz: Elisha Douglass, of Monticello ; G. H. Barrett, of Beauregard; T.J. Hutson and \V. H. Bailey, of Brookh^iven, with E. P. Douglass and j. \V. White as licentiates. The prominent laA'men were S. H. Allen, M. Tyler, L. H. Tillman, J. W. White, A. Pace and otliers of equal note and ability. In the organizing convention Elisha Douglass was rct(uested to act as moderator, and L. H. Tilhnan, clerk. The resolution on which the new association was or- ganized provided that the eastern and western boun- daries should l)e the Pearl River and the I. C. Ry. In the permanent organization E. Douglass was chosen moderator, L. H. Tillman, clerk, and M. Tyler, treas- urer. The body was in strict accord with the organ- ized work of the Baptists of the State, and opened up correspondence at once with tlie State Convention, delegating five messengers to go to the next meeting of that body. The accord of the Fair River with the advanced work of our people has l)een hearty and in- variable to this date. A numl)er of resolutions were adopted at the first meeting of the body which showed their attitude as to our denominational work. By resolution an associa- tional mission board of five members was a])pointed, which was directed to secure a missionary to look after the destitution in their l)oun(ls and to organize Sunday schools. The Orphans' Home, at Lauderdale, Miss., received due notice and was recommended as worthy of pecuniary sui)])ort. It was resolved tliat each .-hurch 1004 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, should be requested to appoint a committee of three (3) female members to canvass their respective churches and raise funds for the Missionary Board, for Sunday-- school work and for the Orphans' Home. The second meeting of the Fair River was with the ITnion Hall church, Oct. 18. 1873. Six churches were received into the bod3% Brookhaven, Mt. Moriah, Gall- man, Rehoboth, Saron and Mt. Pisgah. These addi- tions to the ten churches that went into the organiza- tion constituted a body of 16 good churches. The sec- ond session was instinct with life. A. A. Lomax repre- sented the church at Beauregard, and J. R. Parish was one of three messengers from the Gallman cburch. S. W. Sibley was present, and was made one of the read- ing clerks. J. M. Ritchey, W. P. Green, J. A. Hackett, T. J. Walne and VV. Hillman were recognized as mem- bers of corresponding bodies. Their presence at the • association assured some good speaking and valuable ^vork. The association was organized by the election of A. A. Lomax as moderator, E. P. Douglass clerk, and M. Tyler treasurer. T. J. Walne preached at 11 a. m, Sunday, J. A. Hackett at 2 p. m. and J. R. Parish at 7 p. m. At 4 p. m. a Sunday school mass meeting was held which was addressed b\' T. J. Walne. Suitaljle preamble and resolutions were adopted as to the State Mission work of the Baptist State Con- vention. The Board was then domiciled at Hazlehurst, which was on the western boundary of the association, and T. J. Walne was its energetic consecrated corre- sponding secretary. He was cordially and most affec- tionately invited to visit the churches of the body in the interest of his great work. The churches were urged to contribute regularly to the State Mission Board, and HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1 005< the Executive Board of the association instructed toco- operate with the Board in its work. They had no fight to make against the new enterprise as some associa- tions did, but extended to it the freedom of territory of the l3ody. The\' had confidence in the men who had projected the enterprise and the future of the work. Satisfactory reports were presented on Education, on Mississippi College, Central Female Institute, and Ministerial Education. They ])roposed to support Mis- sissippi College with their pra^x'rs, their SNanpathies, and their means, and to aid in raising an adequate and ample endowment fund. Central Fenicde College was recommended to parents having daughters to educate. It WctS recommended that the churches of the Associa- tion encourage the young men called of God to preach the gospel in obtaining thorough ec{uipmcnt for the high calling and to aid them in their attemj^t to secure the necessary educational' preparation for usefulness. James Nelson, the corresponding secretjir\^ of the Board of Ministeifial Education was cordially invited to pre- sent the subject to the churches of the body. The new organization entered with fine spirit into the Sunday school work. Each church was strongly urged to sustain at least one Sunday school and all the Sunday schools of the churches of the Association to identify themselves with the Fair River Sunday School Convention. The uniform system of Sunday school lessons was commended nnd, of course. Kind Words. It is refreshing and instructive to note that the Sunday schools of the churches of the body had a total attend- ance of 44-3 when the menil)ersliip of the churches was only ()98. This is a fine showing when we consider the fact that nearly all the churclies were in the country where there are constant inducements for the vounii- to- 1006 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. go to some one of the variouschurehes within an hour's ride of their homes, instead of attending the Sundaj sehool of their own church. The following year the association was favored with the presence of such recruits and visitors as J. B. Chrisman, E. C. Eager, B. A. Crawford, D. I. Purser, \V. H. Tucker, and W. J. David. W. H. Tucker, forceful, learned and pious, was representing the Orphans" Home. W. J. David was then a missionary to Africa. The missionary work of the ]3ody was in a most en- couraging condition. T. J. Walne was in the body and made his presence aistinctly felt. $216.75 was secured in cash and pledges for State Missions. W.J.David saw a collection taken for Foreign Missions of $153.00. Happy the people who can let their missionary work begin at the hearthstone of home, and extend to wilds •oi far-off Africa. The Committee on Abstracts reported the spiritual condition ot the churches. Brookhaven has E. C. Eager as pastor, and had been greatly blessed by a steady in- crease of membership. The Fair River church, with Elisha Douglass as p'astor, had bright evidences of grace. J. K. Farish was pastor at Gallman, where a good prayer meeting was maintained. Galilee had .had several accessions. Mt. Zion had trouble with heresy and had excluded one deacon and seven mem- bers. Heresy had crept into Macedonia and the church was in a deplorable state, but Pleasant Grove reported peace and considerable interest under the ministrations of T. J. Hutson. In 1875, Antioch church was received from the Pearl River Association and Friendship church from the old Mississippi Association ; and the Gallman and Galilee -•churches dismissed to join other associations. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1007 That year was memorable for the projeetion of the Centennial movement. It was an occasion for the de- liverance of great S])ceches, and for the swcllino; of pa- triotic hearts. Some money was received for education, and in many parts large su1)scriptions taken which were too often no better than the paper they were written up(3n. A good rejjort was put iDcfore the Fair River on the subject. It made prominent the fact that Missis- sippi Baptists proposed to raise "a liberal sum for the endowment of Mississip])i College," and recommended that a committee of five be appointed by the Associa- tion to take charge of the work, and that the churches be recjuested to release their pastors for one month in the year to engage without charge in the \vork. The co-operation of the Fair River with the State Mission Board w^as close and engaging. The Associa- tion pledged itself to pray for the divine blessings on the State Board. That was much. It is remarkable how few mistakes the old State Mission Board made in its ai3pointments and work, largeh^ the result of prayer for the work by its warm supporters in those trying days of stout opposition by some of our best ministers. In 1876, the reports put before the Association for approval were short and of no remarkable interest ex- cept the reports on Sundaj^ Schools and Pulolications. The report on Sunday Schools was presented by De^i- con A. Page, now a member of the Galilee church, ])ut then of the Rehoboth church. The report suggested that a well conducted Sunday school was a strong arm in the promotion of the missionary spirit and recom- mended that the Executive Board of the Association reorganize the Sunday school Convention of the body at once. The suggestion was replete with wisdom, and 1008 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. has in it the only effectual means for the promotion of the Sunda\" school cause. The sustaining of an asso- ciational Sunday school Convention is an arduous work. but productive of the most happ3^ results to church life and rrissionary vigor, as well as the advancement of the Sunday school interest. The report on Publications recommended the SoLrt/i- ern Baptist, at Meridian, and The Bt'ipt/st, of Memphis, Tenn. The Mississippi Baptist State Convention was without a sustaining religious paper at the time, but was agitating the question of publishing an organ of communication for the promotion of the interests fos- tered b}' that body. Deacon Page offered the following preamble and resolution to the Association : "Whereas, The Mississippi Baptist State Conven- tion c]id at its last session decide to l^uild up a Baptist State paper, and appointed a committee to carry into effect such an arrangement ; and Whereas, Said committee has asked for an expres- sion from all of the associations in the State; therefore Resolved, That this action of the State Convention meets with the hearty approval of this Association and that we promise to support a good hind mark Baptist paper when started.'' For the next two \'ears, the work of the Association was in an even tenor. There was an effort made to in- fuse more interest in the work of Ministerial Education. In 1877, it was recommended in the report that one member of the body be appointed to look after the work, to raise money for Alinisterial Education and encourage young ministers to go to school. The next year it was recommended that a committee of five be appointed whose duty it should be to raise funds for the support of young ministers at school. There seemed HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1009' to be an apprehension that the bod3^\vas retroi^rading^. and, as is usualh' true, under such circumstances, they resorted to the method of raising special committees. Mr. Spurgeon has the reputation of saying that the. best committee is a committee of three with two so un- well as not to be able to keep out of bed. A committee is only an executive body to guide life, it seldom ere- ates life. As soon as 1876, ^ve find some disposition mani- fested by the Association to establish associational mis- sion work on an associational basis. It was recom- mended the year jDrevious, and insisted upon that a Board of one member from each church ht formed to supply the places of destitution so far*as possible. In 1877, the Board made a succinct report to the Associa- tion. In the report it was stated that the Sunday School Convention had been reorganized and that A.F^ Payne had been employed as missionary and colporteur^ and that four mission stations had been occupied a por- tion of the time during the year. The following year^ the report of the Board was meager. In the report placed before the body on the general subject of mis- sions, it was recommended that an Executive Board of five (5) should be appointed, who should use the mis- sion funds of the Association Jis thev deemed best, either in doing associational mission \vork themselves, or b\' co-operation with the State Mission Board. This re- port was presented b\' E. I*. Douglass. In 1879, an Executive Board was constituted with "power to transact any business pertaining to the in- terest of the Association. The Executive Board had for one year co-operated ^vith the Union Association in missionary work. R. A. Coo])er was commissioned by- the two Boards, and received $4-0.00 from the Fair 1010 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. River Association. The missionary did good work, and was praised for his faithful labors. In 1880, the body wheeled into line again and passed the following reso- lution : "'Resolved, That we enter again into co-operation with the State Board, and that our Board be instructed to carry out said co-operation, and that our churches be earnestly requested to make liberal contributions to this purpose ; and that the secretary of the State Board, T. J. Walne, be invited to visit our churches and solicit contributions for the Board." It was a sad fact at that time that the State Alis- sion Board had pot the money necessarA^ for supplying all the destitution apparent in the associations, and it seemed to some to be an organization for receiving their money to spend on other fields. This apparent neglect cooled the ardor of some for the State mission work, and resulted sometimes in a temporary rejection of the State Board. The Fair River, in 1879, seemed recovering from a spell of the blues. In the corresponding letter, the mod- erator said that the churches were well represented in the Association, and most of them reported prosperity. In 1880, when the body had gone back to its first love, the State Mission Board, the circular letter contained this sentence; "Many of our churches have enjoyed gracious revival seasons during the past 3^ear."' In 1879, a good interest was manifested by the Fair River in education. Charles H. Otkin was at the meet- ing of the body and did yeoman service for education. He was made chairman of the committee on this sub- ject and presented a splendid report. The report ear- nestly expressed the belief that Mississippi College should be endowed liberalW, and that the associations of the HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1011 State should hold consultations as to the matter. It was declared that Lea Female Colle^i^e, which opened its doors for pupils in 1877 met a lon*:^ needed want in South Mississippi and was recommended to hearty patronage. . The report on Education in 1880 Wcis equally as pronounced in its recommendation of these two schools and added the Central Female Institute. In 1880, the Association acted upon the reports of a due number of representative committees, except that it had but one report on missions. The one-report method lacked directness, and usually no specific infor- mation was given in the report as to the practical workings of the Board. The Association had its re- ports on missions by the one-report method until 1890. In 1882, the statistical table showed contributed to Heme missions (or associational), $119.70, and to For- eign missions, $91.85. In 1884, the contributions had decreased to $51.55 for Home missions and $67.25 for F^oreign missions. But in 1890 there had been a grati- fying increase, as $180.40 was given to State missions and $154.35 to Foreign missions. In the decade between 1880 and 1890, the Associa- tion took high ground on the subject of temperance. For much of that period, Joel H. Gambrell and B. T. Hobbs, two of the most ardent temperance workers of the State, were mem1)ers of the Association, and made their presence felt when the temperance reform was dis- cus.sed by the 1)ody. In 1882, J. E. Thigpen was chair- man of the committee on temperance. The following resolution was placed at the close of the report: ^^ Resolved, That the churches of this Association be recommended to withdraw fellowship from such of their members as persist either in using or advocating the sale of intoxicating spirits.'' 1012 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The report on the subject in 1884- has a vStriking re- semblance to the report of 1882, but did not have this resolution attached. The report of 1885 has no name subvScribed to it, but takes an advanced step. It maintained that total abstinence is the only safe rule for the individual, and then asserted with emphasis that prohibition by the State, of the manufacture and sale of intoxicants as a beverage, is the best method of handling the "matchless evil." It was resolved that "the powers that be" be urged to incorporate temperance text books into the curriculum of the common schools of the State, that the children might know the deadl3^ effect of ardent spirits. The report of 1886 was long, and well written. B. T. Hobbs was chairman of the committee. In it we find the statement that the prohibition and temperance agitation ^vas sweeping the land. It was recommended that the churches be advised to continue an uncom- promising protest against the saloon, the signing of whiskc}' petitions, voting for license and going on the bonds of liquor dealers ; also, to dismiss from their fel- lowship members lending their influence in any way to the sale of intoxicants. The W. C. T. U. was endorsed, and the members of the bod3^ asked to use their influ- ence upon the colored people that the principles of tem- perance might l)e fixed in their minds. The Minutes of the Fair River of 1888 are breezy on the subject of the temperance issue. It appears that J. M. Ritche\' vv^as a member of the Association of 1885 and voted for the strong temperance report of that year, but afterward receded, and denounced the report,, the members of the churches, and the ministers in the strongest terms he could command. Elder Ritchev was HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1013 a niemlxn" of the Tnion church in 18S5, and was aincn- tiblc to it for his utterances. The preamble and resolu- tions of the church were placed before the Association, and a strong committee aj)i)ointed by the Association to report upon them, with Judge J. B. Chrisman as chairman. The report of the committee was prudent, positive and wise. It embraced the thoughts that the sentiment of the Fair River on the temperance (luestion had not been changed except in its intenseness, that no church of the Association had condemned the actions of the Union church, and no controversy was pending on the subject, and that the subject matter of the reso- lution was entirely beyond the jurisdiction of the Asso- ciation. In 1890, the Association was stirred to the core over the fact that the Mississippi Constitution^ll Con- vention refused to incorporate statutory prohibition. J. H.Gambrell presented two resolutions on thesubject, one of which glowed .with righteous indignation, both of which were unanimously adopted. It is but just that one of them should be preserved as history. " Resolved, That the Fair River Association put the seal of righteous disapprobation upon the action of the Mississippi Constitutional Convention for refusing to abolish the saloon in this State.'' The second resolution hjul as its import the instruct- ing of the clerk of the l)ody to forward to Judge J. B. Chrisman and Hon. R. H. Thompson a copy of the id)ove resolutions. As in other associations, there was much iniiformity in the reports placed l)efore the Fair River on the sub- ject of our publications. The Baptist Record, The For- eign Mission Journal, now and then the Tennessee Bap- tist were recommended, and occasionally Ford's Chris- 1014 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. tian Repository and the National Temperance Advo- cate, the Young Missionary and Kind Words. The closest allegiance was maintained to their religious State paper; it was commended, taken, and carefully read. More than usual notice was taken of Sustentation by them. Reports were made yearh^on the subject and were invariably printed. It was in 1882, at their meet- ing at the Shiloh church that a motion obtained favor to the effect that a committee of five be appointed to report at their next meeting on the duty of the churches to superanuated preachers. They had some superan- uated ministers among them, whose wants might be ascertained with a little pains. In 1885, a collection was taken of $29.4-5 in cash, w^hich was to be distrib- uted by the Finance Committee among the superanu- ated preachers and their families. In 1886, the com- mittee on this benevolence expressed pain that the old preachers were neglected in their ministrations. The following 3xar quarterly collections for Susteniation were suggested, which suggestion was repeated in 1889. This tender consideration for the olcf preachers, who freel3' gave their best 3'ears to the- preaching of the gos- pel while poorly sustained b}' the churches, was right and showed the best side of human nature directed by grace. It is not charit^^ to aid old preachers ; it is the continuation of their ministeriid support for work well done. The Association helped the women who labored for the promotion of Christ's cause. It is to be hoped that they are 3'et continuing in this way. In 1884, B. T. Hobbs read the report on Woman's Work. He stated that the question of Woman's Rights had deterred some from encouraging women in the righteous efforts in HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1015 Spreading the gospel, but that it was true that in the twelve months preceding that date the Christian wo- men had contributed $600,000 to give the gospel to the heathen. The work of the women was hailed with delight, and the women advised to work through their respective churches and to organize themselves into mis- sionary societies. Like suggestions were made the fol- lowing two 3^ears. The report on this subject in 1888 showed that un- der the leadership of Airs. A. M. Hillman the Baptist women of Mississippi had given to the work of the Con- vention Board $2,374.19, and for home work $3,- 422.99, making a total of $5,797.18. Who could with- hold help, or in an}' wise stay such willing hands, or check the generous impulses of such noble hearts ? That year the clerk was directed to incorporate in the Min- utes the proceedings of the annual meeting of the La- dies' Missionar}' union. In their proceedings it appears that they gave that year to various objects $311.30. In 1889, it was suggested that an effort lie made to establish a Ladies' Missionary Society' in each church of the body. The Woman's Missionary Societies of the Association in 1890 reported collected for various pur- poses, $604.73. In 1882, J. E. Thigpen read the report on Sunday schools. His statistics are interesting. The number of Sunday schools in the Association was 14 ; number of churches without Sunday schools, 9 ; the attendance was 486 ; number of children and 3'oung people attend- ing no Sunda\' school, 1,000. What was to be done? The four following years usual reports were read on the subject. The report of 1888 was cheerful. It declared that the Sunday school was to the church what the potato patch was to the farm, a necessar\' au.xiliary. 1016 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. and expressed gladness that the ehurehes were awaking to a sense of their dut}' in Sunda\' school work. The Fair River was unalterable in its attachment to ^Mississippi College and Alinisterial Education. They not only reported on the subject, they acted. Thej' re- ■sponded to every call of the college with cheerfulness •and unanimity, and sent their sons to share in the un- told advantages of that remarkable school of learning. The best history is the history that requires the least words to record it. Contentions and bloodshed call for minute details, but smoothly flowing action in the Tight has no angles to describe. It was the habit of the Fair River to fall in line at the bugle's blast, to respond to roll call, and to keep step with the friends of Minis- terial Education and Mississippi College. In 1885, they gave $132.62 to Ministerial Education, and in 1890, the\' contributed $1,381.65 to Mississippi College. In 1886, the Association had its first experience with internal disorder. On page 4 of the Minutes of that year w^e find that objections were raised to receiving the messenger from the Antioch and Oak Grove churches. A committee of three was appointed to consider these objections. In the report of that committee we learn that the two churches retained in their membership persons s^-mpathizing with and giving their influence to the li([uor traffic, for which crime the erring churches had the hand of fellowship withdrawn from them. His- tory shows that they proceeded to form a very small association, which had a short existence. The Oak Grove church was unanimouslj^ restored to its place in the Association in 1 889. The Association passed an unusual resolution in 1889. It allowed all Baptist ministers " in good and regular standing,"' belonging to churches of the body, HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1017 the right to participate freeh' in the deliberations of the Association. Tlie following year the moderator was requested to make a riding on this resolution. He ruled "that no minister, not sent to the Association by his church as a delegate was entitled toa vote in the body/' whereupon a resolution was adopted amending the Rules of Decorum of the Association to grant the con- tested resolution binding force. Just why this strange action wiis taken, the Minutes do not explain. It may not be amiss to give the names of the officers of the Fair River from its constitution to 1890. The moderators were E. Douglass in 1872, A. A. Lomax, 4873 and 1874 ; E. C. Eager, 1875 ; P. Douglass, 1876 and 1877; T. Green, 1878; G. H. Barrett, 1839 ; W. H, Bailey, 1880; E. P. Douglass, 1882 to 1890. The clerks were, L. H. Tillman, 1872 ; E. P. Douglass, 1873 to 1881; J E. Thigpcn, 1882: C. R. Dale, 1884 ; B. T. Hobbs, 1885 to 1890. The treasurers were, M. Tyler, 1872 to 1874: A. J. Martin, 1875 to 1890. At the session of 1891 and 1892, B. T. Hobbs was clerk and A. J. Martin treasurer: R. J. Boone was mod- erator in 1891, and J. A. Scarborough in 1892. The session of 1891 was held with the Union Hall church, Lincoln county, and of 1892 with the Mt. Zion church of the same county. In 1892, a motion was made and carried that found no favor with those who had charge of Woman's Work in the State. The copy of the Minutes now before the eye of the writer has been in the hands of the lamented Mrs. Adelia M. Hillnian. .\bout the motion she has placed pfircnthctic lines dark and distinct. The motion was to abolish the Committee on Woman's Work, be- cause it was not necessary. Those who sustained the motion surelv meant no more than that the women 1018 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. were having" their own meetings and keeping their own records, and, as that \Yas true, a Committee on Wo- man's Work ^Yas superfluous. The usual reports were made that year on Missions, Sunday Schools, Temperance, Publications, etc., which were intended for instruction to the members of the churches more than to indicate lines of eftbrt. The Executive Board, in 1891, reported that an effort had l^een made to secure a Sunday school mis- sionarv, but a suitable man could not be found who could give the Association the time that was needed. It was recommended that the effort should l)e continued to secure some one to look after their Sunday school work. We find no report on the subject in the Minutes of the following 3'ear. In 1892, there were in the Association 23 churches, with a total membership of 2,056. They gave that 3'ear to State missions $145.4-6,- to Foreign missions $195.74, and to church buildings and repairs $944.35. The session of 1892 was concluded with the under- standing that thej^ wei-e to meet in 1893 with Calvarj^ church, Lawrence county, on Frida}' before the third Sundaj'- in October. In 1893, J. H. Gambrell was chosen moderator, B. T. Hobbs, clerk, and A. J. Martin, treasurer. In 1894, J. Jasper Green was elected moderator. The clerk and treasurer of the previous year were re-elected. (The Fair River* is now the Lincoln County Asso- ciation. ) HISTORY OF MISSISvSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1019 CHAPTER XXXII. HOBOLOCHITTO ASSOCIATION'. The origin and progress of the Hobolochitto Asso- ciation is a line study. It had, for many years, a hard strut^gle in perpetuatin*^- its existence, but finally began slowly to grow, and gradualW took on new life, until it became strong and useful It was constituted in a very small territory in the extreme southern part of the State. The churches were all in what was then called Hancock county. They were in mailing distance of Gainesville, Kiceville, and Ba^^ St. Louis. Their oldest church wjis Palestine, which was con- stituted in 1842. Gainesville was organized in lS5v5, Salem in 1857, and Zion Hill in 1856. The dates of the organization of the other four churches that doubt- less went into the organization, are not given in the Minutes. The Gainesville church came from the Pearl Kiver Association ; the I'nion and others, from the Eastern Louisiana. The majority of the churches constituting the Hob- olochitto, were in the Gulf Coast region. The land is thin, with a small pine growth, which is penetrated by the long leaf pine region, as if l)v jutting fingers. The country is threaded l)v a numl)er of creeks and small rivers. There are two prongs of the Abolochitto river running through the territory, for which the .\ssocia- was doubtless niimed. 1020 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The eight churches constituting the body were : Palestine, Gainesville, Bethel, Salem, Zion Hill, Juniper Grove, Union and Elim. The Palestine was, numeri- cally, the strongest, having 78 members ; Gainesville had" 18, Bethel 24, Salem 17, Zion Hill 22, Juniper Grove 36, and Union 59. All the churches seemed on the decrease. In 1862, Palestine had only 65 members, Gainesville 15, and Union 58. In that \'"ear onl\' four churches were represented in the Association. It may be said that three men held the body together, W. H. Varnado, A. M. Slayden, and Willis Fortinberry. For- tinberry was of the Pearl River, but came annualh' to their meetings, encouraging them with his presence and inspiring them with his words. In 1860, the bod^^ was composed of sixteen dele- gates; in 1861, of ten, and in 1862, of only seven. The^' met that year with the Palestine church. W. H. Varnado was elected moderator, and A. M. Slayden, clerk and treasurer. They had to regret that no mes- sengers reached them from other associations. They were corresponding wdth only two associations, the Pearl River and the Eastern Louisiana. Sermons were preached by \V. H. Varnado and A. M. Sla\'den. Only 125 copies of the Minutes were ordered printed. The fact, that the statistics of the t\xo previous years were ordered printed in the Minutes of that vear, makes it almost certain that no Minutes were printed of the proceedings of those two years. It is, at least, a sub- ject of cbnjecture, if their Minutes were printed before 1862, as their proceedings were exceedingly brief, the churches few, and their members in exceedingly limited circumstances. The Minutes of 1862 cover only a little more than one page, having no reference to an3' mis- sionarv work, and carry no resolutions as to activities HISTOKY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1021 of the body. The closing sentences of the Minutes are rather touching. It is said, "Our little sess/o/? passed oft' in hai'mony and peace; and we humbly trust that God will bless us as a little association."' The seventh session convened with Union church on Saturday l)efore the fourth Lord's day in October, lS6o. Onh' six churches were represented by delegates, Jind no new churches were seeking membership in the bod}-. E. W. Moore was jjresent as a messenger from the Eastern Louisiana, and Z. Daughdrill from Pearl River. Their presence was cheering to the Hobolochitto. The Minutes show that five churches sent to the Asso- ciation $71.00 "for associational purposes." An asso- ciation, as an individual, shows a better face when there is some money on hand. The tollowing year Lewis Fortinberry was with them. The Union church, f)f Louisiana, was received into the Association. The3' showed their api)reciation of the church I33' agreeing to hold their next session with it. There was the usual amount of preaching done, which, doubtless, ])roduced a good impression on the delegates. The next 3-ear, two more churches came into the organization, Alt. Olive and Bonner Creek, both of Louisiana. The Association began to acquire territory westward, and outside of our State. In 1866, two more churches were received. Pine Grove and Enon. The names of twelve churches were in their statistical table, these churches having an aggregate membership of 34-8. The churches contributed $31.25 to the asso- ciational fund. It was resolved that their annual meeting, alternate with the two natural divisions of their territory, east and west of Pearl River. The Rules of Faith and GospelOrder were published in their 1022 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Minutes that year. The\' were virtually- the same as found in the Minutes of the Pearl River Association. Their prominent ministers were W. H. Varnado, A. M. Slayden, R. R. Breland, J. C. Scale, W. E. Aloore and T. Mitchell. In 1867, Half Moon Bluff church was received into the fraternitv. It had been in the Mississippi Associa- tion and the Pearl River, and was later in the Bogue Chitto, and Magees Creek. The next annual meeting was to be held with that chinxh. The Committee on Finance reported $57.00 sent Idv the churches for asso- ciational purposes. It was at this session that the first resolution was adopted as to missionary- work. G. W. Stovall was requested to labor under the author- ity- of the Association in destitute places inside the limits of the body, "including Logtown, Pearlington, and around on the gulf coast through Shieldsborough, Pass Christian, and west of the Pearl River, etc.'" The j had gotten up a good head of steam. Their Minutes had, to that date, been printed in Amite City, La., but in 1868, the Southwestern Pub- lishing Company, of Memphis, Tenn., did their print- ing. The Minutes show that four churches were re- ceived into the bod^- — Pearlington, Bethany-, Pisgah, ■ and Hebron. The institution was then composed of seventeen churches. The sum of $92.67 was reported on hand. The surplus, after paying for the printing of the Minutes, was to be appropriated to associational mis- sions. Their missionary-, William G. Stovall, in his report of mission work, said, "It was thought impol- itic to make an effort at missionary'- collection, on ac- count of the impoverished condition of the country along the seaboard." That 3-ear, for the first time, a HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1023 circular letter was printed with their Minutes. The Juniper Grove church, which left the Hol)olochitto in 1862 to join the Pearl River, was again received into the Hobolochitto in 1S69. Up to this date, the growth of the Hol)olochitto had becii westward. In 1862, it did not have a church west of Pearl River. In 1S71, there were seven ot their churches in Louisiana. The accession of the Red Creek church showed a beginning of growth eastward. That was well. The old Leaf River church, constituted by Xorvell Robertson, Sr., covered the territory east of them, but it had long since been dissolved. It remained for the Hobolochitto, as a missionary influence coming out of an unexpected (juarter, to gather strength, and make speed for the east. In tlie year above mentioned, the Hobolochitto received from the Eastern Louisiana the courtesy of a package of Minutes Ijy the hands of J. C. Seale, and at once dropped correspondence with that body. AVhat this summar_y action meant is not explained. At once it was agreed to "offer correspond- ence'' with the Ebenezer, the territory of which was northeast of the Hobolochitto. Their treasurer, in 1871, made a fniancial state- ment, showing $119.60 on hand, which was almost entirely for associational uses. Before adjournment, it ^vas resolved thiit a Missicjnary Board, consisting of five members, be formed for tlie purpose of sup])l\'ing the destitution within their bounds. The Board was re(|ucsted to meet with the Union church on Saturday before the second Sunday in March, 1872. This meet- ing of the Board in Louisiana was, perhaps, to hold together their churches, and thus to form a large, strong- association in an extensive territory. But rivers, seas and mountains are nature's boundarv lines, and men 1024- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. cannot reverse nature's provisions. ^Mississippi Col- lege received a C()ni])linientar\' notice by the Hobolo- chitto. The Association was to tint! suitors, equal and superior on every side. In 1871, they met with Bonner church, Washington Parish. A. M. Slay den was elected moderator. He was a wise man, and one in whom all had the utmost confidence. A Missionary Board was ajjpointed, con- sisting often members. These members were all of the churches in Mississippi, which showed conclusively that a division of the body was anticipated. Just before adjournment, a resolution was adopted to give letters of dismission to eight churches in Louisiana. The Hob- olochitto had fostered their interests until they grew strong, and, as they wished to form an association on their side of Pearl River, the}^ were bidden God speed. Nothing daunted, the Hobolochitto turned its face hopefulh^ to the east. In 1873, it most cheerfull3' wel- comed the representatives of the new association — the West Peai-1 River. Three churches were received from their eastern borders, viz: Ten Alile, Sunny Hih, and Sand Hill. The Mission Board was re-appointed (ex- cept Slaj'den), with the addition ot one member from each of the newl3' received churches. Elini church and Ba3' St. Louis petitioned the Association to send a mis- sionary "to labor with them, and assist them in their next representation." The Alacedonian cr3' came to the Hobolochitto from the east and from the south. Thomas Price preached the introductory sermon be- fore the bod}' in 1874. He was a man of fine common vSense and a due amount of grace. A new era wa& dawning, and new men were coming to the front. T. D. Bush was clerk of the bod^'. W. A. Whitfield was pres- ent as a delegate from Elim church. J. B. Hamberlin, HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI I5APTISTS. 1025 the missionarvof the State Mission Board on the eoast^ by request, preached the missionary sermon. On mo- tion, a committee was formed on Domestic missions, which was something new. The body was united in its interests, and was read\^ for an onwanl movement. It was resolved tliat the Association o])en corres- pondence with the State Convention, and also with the General Association. The Hobolochitto recognized these two general bodies as useful, and wished to get into touch with them. A. AI. Sla^^den and John Williams had served under their Missionary Board, (and J. B. Hamberlin was: missionary in their bounds). They had liaj)tized seven- ty-two people, organized one church, and collected $148.00 on the held. Their territory embraced the entire counties of Hancock and Harrison, and part of Marion, Jackson and Perry. In these counties, the- Hobolochitto had eighteen churches. The following^ year, a collection was taken to aid the General Associa- tion in its work. In 1877, this resolution ol)tained acceptance: "Resolved, That this .\ss()ciation appoint an Execu- tive Mission Board, consisting of three members, nomin- ated by the chair, and appointed In- this body; that said Board receive all money from the hands of the treas- urer, for missionary purposes, employ a missionary to labor in the destitution of this Association, and rei)ort their proceedings, etc. The three members of the com- mittewere: Hiram P.Smith, Jesse Lee, and Wiggins- Hatten. The destitution in the bounds of the AsscKna- tion was on Pearl River, west of the Hobolochitto, southeast of Gainesville and southeast of Black Ci-eek.. The efforts of the Hobolochitto were becoming far- reaching. Since the going out of the Louisiana churches 1026 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. HO missionary work was done west of Pearl River. There was great destitution east, and they gave their attention to it. Another division of the Association was imminent. The body had, in 1879, twenty-one churches, in four counties, with a membership of 945 persons. The broadening of their scope of vision is seen in the in- creased Hst of committees appointed at the annual meetings. In that year, committees were raised on Foreign missions. Home missions. Publications, Sun- day schools, and Obituaries. The Executive Mission Board, appointed the year before, reported that soon a sufficient number of churches would be constituted to cover all the field. Happy state of religious affairs, T. D. Bush offered a resolution to the effect that, in 1880 the3' co-operate with the General Association, and Vi'ith the Baptist State Convention. In the Hobolo- chitto were many friends ot these general bodies. In 1880, the Committee on Publications recom- mended the Baptist Record, and resolution was at- tached to the report commending the Southern Baptist. This showed a difference of sentiment in the body, Avhich was, perhaps, caused by the long distance be- tween the extremes of their territorA'. The time had come for another division of the body. The Committee on Petitions and Requests recommended that letters of dismission be granted to the following churches : Ju- niper Grove, Ten Miles, Spring Hill, Canceling Hill, Mt. Zion, Red Creek, Union, Oak Grove, Sand Hill, Morris Hill, Black Creek. These churches formed the Red Creek Association. In 1883, Hickor3' Creek and Poplarville churches went into the institution. The Hobolochitto had won- derful recuperative power. Just west of it was the HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1027 West Pearl River, to the north was the Pearl River, and to the east the Red Creek. So the body began to give attention to a more thorongh interned develojinient and to look toward the seaboard. Taylor Frierson (col.) sought help for his* association, the Sea Coast, and three ministers volunteered assistance — H. M. Slay- den, J. P. Johnson, and Thomas Price. In that year, the sum of $94-. 20 was collected for associational mis- sions. J. P. Johnson, their missi()nar3', traveled 950 miles, preached 150 sermons, l)aptized twelve believers, and aided in the constitution of three churches. In the 3'ears of the existence of the Hobolochitto, that we have held under review, \V. H. Varnado was moderator in 1861 and 1863, Freeman Jones m 1865, W. H. Varnado from 1866 to 1869, W. G. Stovall in 1871, A. M. vSlayden from 1872 to 1876, Thomas Price from 1877 to 1881, and A. M. Slayden in 1888. The clerks were A. M. Slay den from 1862 to 1864, W. F. Elliott in 1865, T.J, Simmons from 1866 to 1871, Hardy Smith in 1872, T. D. Bush from 1873 to 1879, and f. D. Mitchell from 1880 to 1883. The Hobolochitto was composed of strong, sensible men, men who strove for the greatest good and for the greatest number. Their movement forward was not feverish, at any time, but slow, steady, sure. The body has had a great mission to fill, and has proved worthy of their sacred commission. 1028 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXXIII. SPRINC, FIELD ASSOCIATION. The churches of the Springfield Association were, at the time of its constitution, in the counties of Rankin, Scott, Smith and Leake. The churches that were in Rankin were, New Prospect, Pelahatchie, Union and Antioch; in Scott, Lime Creek, Shiloh, Forest, New Prospect, Hopewell, Rocky Creek, Springfield, Hills- boro, Homewood and Morton ; in Leake, Primitive Hill; in Smith, Mt. Carmel and High Hill. These 14- churches had a membership of 978. The churches of Rankin were in the eastern part of the county; of Smith, in the ■v\^estern part ; and of Southern Lake. The churches of Scott were from various parts of the county. The rail- way trom Vicksburg to Meridian was through the ter- ritory of the Association. The constituency' of the body is of people of sterling worth. The members of the churches are mostly far- mers, men who attend strictly and honestly to their own business and make a comfortable living for them- selves and their families. None of them are of great learning or profound scholarship, l3ut the^'^ know many things, and know them well, especially about the Word of God. The churches of this Association were mostly from the Strong River, the Mount Olive and the Mt. Pisgah Association. The Springfield at first showed a strong. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1029 sympathy tor the Baptist State Convention, but after- ward suffered some thiui^s to sHsj^htly alienate them from that general organizcition. That their sentiment should be somewhat divided l)etween the Convention on the west and the General Assoeiation on tlie east, is not to be a subjeet of wonder. It ma^'' be just and right just here to say, that the General Association of East Mississippi has done a grand work. It has done what the convention coukl not have done with the people of that section of the State. Thefarmers of those pine hills were not wealthy, nor remarkable for their extended information, and would not have yielded to the progressive sentiments of the convention. It was necessary to be patient in holding them together and properly directing them in missionary work without expecting any great things from them. All praise to N. L. Clark and his co-la1)orers, that thev have, with years of patient- labor, held those people true to the faith, so that now, when railways are threading their territory, they are ready to be used for church exten- sion. There were two churches that went into the consti- tution of the Springfield Association which had a lau- dable desire that the new association should bear the name they carried, the Springfield and the Hopewell. But the body chose the former name. Yet after years have passed the Scott County and the Springfield Asso- ciations have united in one organization, which is called the Hopewell Association. The cheerful submission of the Hopewell church was held in kindly remembrancx?, and the church at last honored. It is delightful to note such beautiful recompense of a kind Providence. The Sjiringfield Association was constituted at the Springfield church, Scott county, August 28, 1875. W. 1030 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. R. Butler, a member of the Hillsboro church, was elected moderator. He was a successful planter, owning at one time 360 acres of land. He was a Mason, and was 1)y all regarded as a correct man. S. H. Kirkland, a thought- ful man and a true Baptist, was chosen clerk, and J. L. Gresham, of Forest, a sturd_y l3usiness man, was made treasurer. It was after the organization was ])erfected that the Pelahatchie church went into the union. The Rules of Decorum provided that the moderator was elligible to his office for only two (2) sittings of the Association, a rule that was afterward rescinded. The l3od3' cheer- fully resolved to co-operate wath the State Alission Board of the Baptist State Convention. They gave to State missions $116.00, and to Foreign and Indian missions $100.00 each. Their second annual session was held with the New Prospect church, Rankin county. The officers of the last session were re-elected . Five churches were received into the union, Polkville, Rock Bluff, Union, White Oak and Antioch. Among the visitors and correspondents w^ere T. A. Haley, H. M. Long, W. D. Magouirk, W. S. Webb, J. H. Whitfield, J. C. Bruce, T.J. Walne and M. T. Alartin. The first report received was the document on the Centennial movement. The report recommended that a contril)ution be raised for the endowment of Missis- sippi College, and that the delegates composing the bod}' be appointed a committee in their respective chui'ches to solicit donations. The Executive Board had not done anj' missionary work in their bounds. They gave two reasons for this apparent neglect : the^' did not have the money suffi- cient for the support of a missionary, and really there HISTORY (IF ^5 SSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1031 was little, if any, destitution within their l^ounds They had been instrneted to eo-operate with the State Mission Board, and had turned over to its eorrespond- mg seeretary all the monej' the}' had. The Assoeiation during the first year of its existence gave $81.30 to State missions, the second 3^ear, $288.50, with $7. SO to Foreign missions. In 1875, the only method of communication Missis sippi Baptists had as a newspaper was the Mississippi Department of llie Baptist, of Alemphis, Tenn. In North Mississippi The Baptist was extensiveh' read. But this new association in Central Mississippi did not mention it in its report on Publications. The Southern Baptist, of Meridian, had just l)een projected as ^i reli- gious newspaper enterprise, and, though little was known of it, was timidly recommended. The fourth annual session was held with the Mount Carmel church, in Smith county, Home wood the post- office. The moderator was re-elected and J. D. W. Duck- ■w'orth chosen clerk, with W. W. Lowrey treasurer The prominent visitors were N. L. Clark, T.J. Walne and M. T. Martin. The spiritual condition of the churches was re- ported good and most of them in a healthy and pros- perous condition. They were ready for work. The college and its work were commended, and patronage pledged. The regret was expressed in the report on Missions that only eight of the twenty-one churches had contributed to mi.ssions. It was recommended a systematic pkm of benevolence be adopted, and collec- tions taken in all the churches at stated periods. But the report of the Executive Board showed that teu churches had made contributions to missions, amount- ing to $90.20. An appeal was made to the churches 1032 HISTORY UF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. tt) come to the help ot" the Executive Board, that the showing' for missions might be more creditable and more in accord with their ability. A continuance of ^ijo-operation with the State Board was recommended. Year by year, the supporters of the Convention Avatched their interests in the Springfield. Their hold ■on this territory was tentative, but it was b\' a steady ^rasp. In 1878, among the visitors to the Association were: W.S.Webb, M. T. Martin, J. B.Gambrell, George Whitfield and T. J. Walne. The Minutes we're printed that year 1)y the Baptist Record, But the report on Publications was neutral as to religious newspapers, No publication was recommended. The Executive Board reported that no effort had been made to do missionary work in their bounds. The work of the State Alission Board was described, the pastors earnestly retiuested to ])reach on missions, ^md the churches to contribute liberally to the work. In 1879, the Springfield met with the Liberty •church, Scott county, commencing September 28. R.W. Butler was elected moderator, the clerk and treasurer ^were re-elected. Nearly all the churches reported ad- ditions to their inembership. Among the visitors here this session was M. P. Murrell of the Mount Pisgah Association. It is said that he was a preacher of great ability. When it was known he was to preach great crowds gathered to. hear him. For a number of years he enjoyed great popularity in central East Missis- sippi. A. Gressett, of Meridian, was also at the Associa- tion, and preached on the " Condescension of Christ." The body was beginning to show a restlessness as to its work done through the State Alission Board. The clerk of the bodv was asked to ascertain from T. J, 'Walne what the churches had done through the last HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1033 ■associational year. .Much of the contributions to State missions was sent directly to T.J. Walne, and the E.x- ecutive Board was in hHsstul isjnorance as to what the churches were doing. Z. T. Falkner presented an interesting re])ort on Sunda\" schools. Three churches, Forest, Rocky Bluff, and New Prospect of Rankin county, reported Sabbath schools with an average attendance of seventy-five or eighty i)upils. As no Sunday school statistics cippear in the Minutes, we have no waj' of finding out how many of the churches had Sunday schools. In the re- port referred to it is urged that when it was not prac- ticable to keep up a weekh'' Sunday school the pastor should gather their churches in Sunday-school capacity and teach the word of God. The following year, Z. T. Falkner again placed this subject before the Association. He was encouraged. The Sunday school work was growing. Six churches reported Sunday schools in a flourishing condition — Polkville, Antioch, New Prospect, (Rankin) Forest, White Oak and Line Creek. These churches had a total average attendance of 200 pupils. This was a considerable gain over the previous \'ear. The growing restlessness of the body as to its co- operation with the State Board appears in two ways. A resolution was passed, ordering the treasurer to re- tain in hand all inission funds unexpended subject to the disposal of the Executive Bocird. A complaint is subjoined to the report on missions b\'' the clerk that T.J. Walne had not complied with the request of the Association to send to the clerk a statement of the State mission work for the past year. The total con- tril)utions reported to the Association were $68.55. The following year the Convention had no repre- sentative at their meetintj. Prominent among their 1034 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. visitors were X. L. Clark and A. Gressett. Correspond- enee was arranLjed with a number of assoeiations and with the General Assoeiation, but a proposition to vsend delegates to the State Convention met opposition, and the motion was tabled. The report on Publica- tions reeommended The Baptist of Alemphis, the West- ern Recorder, ForcVs Repository and Kind Words, but not a breathing appeared on the page as to the Baptist Record. In the report of the Executive Board it Avas suggested that the Association retain within her own hands " all domestic or home missionary funds, and all surpluses on hand for associational purposes, and ap- propriate the same to the supph'ing of the destitution within our own liounds, and that we thus, for the pres- ent, dissolve all our connection with all other mission- ary bodies.'' The utterance was plain. The crisis had come. But a due and fair explanation was made of this action in the corres])onding letter. '' We have con- cluded to employ' a missionary in the bounds of our association, but we do not intend to do anything that Avill l)e detrimental to the State Mission Board.'' There was disaftection, but no malice. In 1882, four new churches were received into the union : Leesburg, Rankin county; Siloain, Simpson county; New Zion, Smith county, and Good Water, Smith county. In 1883, Mountain Hill and Campbell Creek churches were received from the Strong River Association ; in 1884-, S3'lvan Grove and Mt. Zion of Smith county, and Poplar Springs churches of Simpson county were received, and the following year Shady Grove of Smith count}^; in 1886, Grand Hill, Scott county; the next year, Beulah, Ephesus, Good Hope, Harmony, Fellowship, and Sharon. In 1888, Sardis, Union, Galilee, and New Hope (Smith county). HISTORY OF MISSIvSSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1035 In 1882, there were twenty-six ehurches in the union, and in 1888, a total of forty churehes. That year, by resolution, the elerk was ordered to write let- ters of dismission "to any ehurch belonging to this body." Upon this resolution a number of ehurches left the Association to go into other connections. Between 1882 and 1890, there was not any agita- tion in the part of our State in which this association was concerned. But as "eternal vigilance is the price oflibert3'," the body had annual reports on Temper- ance. It ma3' not be amiss to give some of the closing- sentences of these annual deliverances. " .\othing pei"* manent can be effected against the sin of intemperance and the use ot intoxicating liquors * * * until the masses are convinced that such things are morally wrong." "We would give as our deliberate opinion that no member of any Baptist church has a right to buy, sell, or use as a beverage, any intoxicating hquors, or frequent places where they are kept for use." " Let us as a body of Christians, endeavor to keep our Ijoys from drinking in saloons, and be sure to keep away ourselves." "We recommend to our ministers and lay- men that they endeavor to inculcate sound temper- ance principles in the minds of the colored race." "Your committee would earnestly endorse the petitron as pre- pared and addressed to the Constitutional Convention by J. B. Gambrell on the subject of prohil)ition, asking for a prohibition clause in our organic law."" Sunday schools had some warm advocates in the Springfield, but their Sunday schools had small life and a fluctuating existence. In 1883, it was decided that a Sunday-school Institute 1)e held at 9 a. m. on the Sun- day included in the meeting of the body, but, if it was held, no record is made of its work. Too otten 1036 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the Sundiiy school interest is'givcn the most profitless hour of the time occupied b3' our public gatherings, and speakers appointed for the occasion whose feeling- must be respected, but whose utterances are profitless. In 1 884, the report on Sunday schools had this ex- pression : " There are now more Sunday- schools in suc- cessful operation in our bounds than ever before.'' This might have been true, and yet not a matter of congratulation. The same cheerfulness characterized the report of the following year. In 1886, ^the report was discouraging, and no better in 1887. But in 1888, it was said, " We are glad to know that a goodly num- ber of our churches report Sunday schools:" but in 1890, the profound regret was expressed, the Associa- tion having twenty-six churches with a total member- ship of 1,312, reported only five (5) Sunday schools. The usual attention was given b\' this body to the general educational interests. Reports were made yearly on Mississippi College. They had no denomina- tional school in their borders. In 1884, the^- passed a commendatory resolution as to the S\'lvarena High School under the fostering care of the General Associa- tion, but Sylvarena was southeast of their territory. In 1889, they commended the effort then being made for the endowment of Mississippi College, and. in 1890, proffered pecuniary aid to the effort. The territory of the Association has furnished the college some good students, and some of them are now making a worthy record. The religious newspaper for the family was not a subject of unanimous agreement in the Springfield. Which way should they look for a home paper ? The Record was published west of them, the Southern Bap- tist east of them. From 1882 to 1886, both these HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 103 i papers were commended, the only preference that was- shown The Record was, thiit it was invarialjly spoken of before the Southern Baptist. From 18S6tolS89, inclusive, the Southern Baptist Record, the consol- idated interests of the two i)apers was commended. In 1890, the Mississippi Baptist, published at Newton b3^ N. L. Clark, was commended along with The South, em Baptist Recoid, Kind Words, The Little Missionary, The Religious Herald, The Foreign Journal, and the Home Field occasionally received favorable mention. The visible unrest of the Springfield was in its al- liances in missionary work. The perplexing question was, should it associate itself with the Convention, or the General Association, or should it do neither, but carry on work in the Association unallied with either of the general bodies. They began to co-operate with the Convention in its work. The relation was hapjiy. They said they had no destitution in their limits. The General .\ssociation made no overture, but played the role of the gentleman. The number of churches in- creased, and their Ijorders were extended, then they had destitution. What should be done ? In 1882, A. J. Hill, one of their most infiuential preachers, made an acceptable motion they continue to carr\' on their own work, and a collection was taken for their work, amounting to $57.00. In Xoveml)er, 1881, Z. T. P^alkner was employed as their evangelist, and did good work. Morton and Pelahatchie had been supplied from Mississippi College. The continu- ance of the plan of keeping £in evangelist in the field was decided upon. The follov^ing ^'■ear there was con- flicting sentiment. A short preamble and resolution were adopted, asserting that there was no destitution in their bounds, and suggesting the discontinuance ot 1038 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. missionarv colportage and evangelistic work, jjut the Executive Board recommended that the plan 1)e con- tinued as heretofore. In 1884, the Baptist State Convention made over- tures to them for co-operation. For this proposition the Springfield returned thanks, but thought it not ad- visable to take action in the matter, as the body was divided on the subject. The following year, the man they delighted to honor, W. R. Butler, acted as their missionarv. He did good work. Ladies missionary societies were encouraged. In 1886, J. A. Hill moved to discontinue their mis- sionar\^ work. The motion was well discussed, and^ finally was carried. But the E^xecutive Committee still called for the continuance of their associational work. The next 3^ear, the whole work was turned over to the Executive Board, but their missionary work was to be restricted to the Homewood church. In 1888, the matter of co-operation with one or the other of the two general bodies was referred to the churches. That action was democratic and Baptistic, but we do not find that the churches responded to the proposition. H. F. Husbands, a most acceptable man, had preached through the year as missionary at Home- Wood. The Association seemed determined to make something of the church at Homewood, which had at that time just ten members. Homewood is in the in- terior, fifteen or twenty miles southeast from Morton. In 1890, a movement was on foot to build a church house at Homewood. A collection was taken bv T. J. Miley for this purpose of $60.50 in cash and pledges; and Hi Eastland agreed to furnish all the nails for the .building. In 1890, the Executive Board at last vielded to the HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1039 inevitable, and reeonmiended that in the future the As- sociation co-operate with the Baptist State Conven- tion, that the missionary, Sunday school and colport- age work, with all the funds they had on hand, be turned over to the State Mission Board. The wheel had turned around. The chapter was ended. From 1882 to 1890, the moderators of the Spring- field Association was \V. K. Butler. He was mod- erator of this bod^' sixteen years. The clerks were Hi Eastland from 18S2 to 1887, inclusive, W. P.Frank- lin in 1888, 1889 and 1890. The treasurers were J. McPhersonin 1882 and 1883, S. "Drummond in 1884, W, A. Gatewood from 1885 to 1890. The sttong men in the Association in this period were Z. T. Falkner, W. R. Butler, W. P. Chapman, T. J.Wiley, Hi Eastland, S. H. Kirkland, J. A. Hill, W. P. Franklin, and W. A. Gateway. In 1892, the body met with Shady Grove church, Smith county. T. J. Wiley was elected moderator, W. P. Franklin, clerk, and W. A. Gatewa\', treasurer. There were twent3'-seven churches in the body \vith a total membership of 1,386. The churches received 111 b^' baptism. They gave to Foreign missions $118.30, and to State missions $4-7.03. The Association ad- journed to meet with the Hillsboro church on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in September, 1893. W. H. Boone was to ])rcach the associational sermon. 1040 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXXIV. MOUNT OLIVE ASSOCIATION. It must he reniemljered that the existence of this bodj^ was one of the results of the contention that arose in the Harmony Association in 1874, as to the reception of the Stump Bridge church in that organiza- tion. The Mount Olive Association no longer exists,, but in its brief life rendered itself worthy of a passing consideration. After the withdrawal of the delegates— Rehoboth,. Good Hope, Bethlehem, Haj-s Creek, Doak's Creek, and Friendship churches from the meeting of the Harmony Association in 1874, these disaffected churches held annual sessions in a kind of chaotic state. On Friday, October 19, 1877, their delegates with representatives of other churches met with the Mount Pisgah churchy Rankin county, for the purpose of forming an associa- tion. The following churches were represented in the Convention: Bethlehem, Doak's Creek, Friendship, Hays Creek, Hebron, Landi?iark, Mt. Pisgah, Mt. Oli- vet, and Rehoboth, These churches were in the coun- ties of Scott, Madison, Leake and Rankin. Their pas- tors were Wm. Robinson, M. B. Maum, T. E. Morris, A. J. Tripp, W. W. Kirsh. and G. W. Davis. On motion the ])ody resolved itself into an associa- tion, and assumed the name, Mt. Olive Baptist .4sso- ciation. M.B. Maum was chosen as moderator. Berry Bilbro, clerk, and O. H. Parker, treasurer. They re- PIISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1041 ceived S. H. Home and E. Creel as messengers from the Mount Pisgah Association. Little was done at that sitting of the Association beyond the return of corres- pondence, the usual preaching, the reading of the re- ports of some committees on general benevolence, and the adoption of articles of faith and rules of decorum. The session of 1878 was held with the Mt. Olivet church. The moderator and clerk were re-elected, and P. H. Bil1:)ro chosen as treasurer. On iiccount of the epidemic of yellow fever, the session was held in Decem- ber. Eight churches were represented. It seems that the Landmark church, like Bunyan's " Plialile,'' went with them only a short wa^- and left them. It is said that it withdrew fellowship. The following year, thev passed preamble and resolutions as to that cantering,. wa\'ward member. It is said that the Landmark church went away without provocation, and was charged with disorder, and fellowship withdrawn from the withdrawer of fellowship. Honors were even. The sum of $23.05 was received from the churches for the printing of their Minutes; that was all. In 1879, the Association met down in Scott count\% with the Bethlehem church. The presence of A. Gres- sett, of Mount IMsgah, was noticed, and the privileges of the floor granted him. He preached on Sunday at 11 o'clock a. m. Prof. M. T. Martin was also with them, and it is said he preached an interesting sermon on Monday. Correspondence was returned to the Mt. Pisgah Association. The report on Missions declared that there was much destitution in their bounds, and recommended more activity in mission work. The session of 1880 was held with the Hebron church, Madison county, beginning October 9. The moderator anfl clerk were re-elected, and D. W. Denson, 1042 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. elected treasurer. The principal business was the ap- pointment of a committee to investigate some troubles in the Hays Creek church. One faction of the church presented a letter to the Association in 1879, and an- other in 1880. The first letter Avith the delegates was received iqDon the persuasion that the troubles in the Hays Creek church were to be investigated ; the investi- «^ation was not made, and the Association deceived in the matter. The delegates at meeting of 1880, were requested to withdraw their petition, that the Associa- tion might 1)e free to investigate the differences in the church. The child resembles its mother. At the request of some members of the Harmony Association a committee was appointed to report on ^vhat terms correspondence could be established be- tween the two bodies. The committee reported that, the Harmony Association would have to confess disor- der in receiving the Stump Bridge church on a majority vote, and by repudiating and having removed the thir- teen baptisms administered, and the ordination of two deacons, in the disorganized state of a church. The fifth annual session of the body was held with the Rehoboth church, Rankin countv, beginning on Saturday Ijefore the second Sunday in October, 1881V J. AI. Pearson was to preach the introductory sermon, and M. B. Maum xhe annual "sermon at 11 o'clock a.m. on the Sabliath. M. B. Alaum was a good man, and a very acceptaljle preacher in that part of the State. In 1884, P. H. Bilbro was appointed to preach the introductory sermon in 1885. But the appointee being abs.ent Wilham Robinson preached the sermon. At the session of 1885, William Robinson was elected modera- tor, Berry Bilbro, clerk, and D. W. Denson, treasurer. The Central and the Springfield associations were rep- resented by messengers. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1043 In their letter of cDrrespondenee we tind this eon- fession : "We regret to sa\-, that there has Ijeen but little done to advanee the eause of Christ."' In the fin- nancial statement we find that thej- gave that assoeia- tional 3-ear to Indian missions $15.80, to Sustentation $4.20, and to Home missions $3.35. A gpod report AViis read on temperance, and the Harpersville College, Sylvarena High School, and ^lississippi College, were recommended to the Association for patronage and support. In 1885, there were eight churches in the body, but Doak's Creek, the "bone of contention," was not represented. The Association was constituted in 1877, with nine churches, and an aggregate of 365 members. After eight years of existence, it was com- posed of eight churches, with a total menibershii) of 441. The body lost the Friendship, Landmark and Hays Creek churches, and gained the Leesl)urg and Union churches. lO^^ HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER XXXV. ' CALHOIW ASSOCIATION. In IS-i-i, the Zion Association was composed of forty-four churches, wliich had a total membership of over 3,000. These churches were in the counties of Webster, Calhoun, (3ktibbelia, Pontotoc, Montgomery-, Chickasaw, Grenada, and Yalobusha. Their numbers were great, and their territorx' extended, and a division of the Association would not have been unwise. Consequently, on the 30th of October, 1875, a con- vention composed of representatives of Baptist churches, was held at Pittsboro, Calhoun county, to deliberate upon the advisal^ilin- of organizing a new association. Thirteen churches had delegates at the convention, ready to act in the matter — Friendship, Hopewell, Mt. Tabor, Mt. Comfort, New Liberty, Pittsboro, Pleasant Grove, Poplar Springs, Rock^^ Mount, Oak Orove, Macedonia, Shiloh and Pleasant Ridge. All these churches were of the Zion Association. Spring Creek church of the YalolDusha Association was also repre- sented. Nearly all of these churches were in Calhoun county, which covered the northwestern half of the territory of the Zion Association. Calhoun is in the heart of the yellow loam region of our State. The country is undu- lating, but threaded by the tributaries of the Ycdo- busha, the Turkey creeks and the Skooner river, and is HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1045 exceedino-ly well watered. It is inhabited by a thrifty po])ulation. The farms are small, but the people live well, and arc free from debt, having- some money at their command. After the adoption of Articles of Faith, Rules ot Decorum, etc., the i)ermanent orjjanization of the body Avas effected l)y electing- C. G. Blount moderator, and J. S. Ryan, clerk. The first annual session of the body met with the Spring Creek church on Frida\' before the fourth Sun- day in October, 1S76. C. G Blount was re-elected moderator, and L. \V. Harrelson chosen clerk. Their • strength was increased by the addition of the following churches from the Yalobusha Assfjciation : Concord, Dividing Ridge, Drivers Flat, Pilgrim's Rest and Tur- kev Creek : Alt. Moriah church was I'ceeived from the Zion Association, and London Hill, of Lafayette county. The second annual session of the Association was held with the New Liberty church of Calhoun county, beginning September 22, 1S77. E. A. Crocker, ot Rocky Mount church, \vas chosen modei'ator, and L.W. Harrelson, clerk. The churches had a total member- ship of 1,147. Their ordained ministers were, C. G. Blount, J. \V. Burgess, E. A. Crocker, Josei)h Grifhn, H. L. Johnson, J. A. Killingsworth, Lee Linder, P. Landford, W. G. Morehead, F. Mize, James Martin, L. Prescott, AL Parker, John Sanders. J. W. Trusty, and John Wilkins. In 1878, they met with the Pilgrim's Rest church. C. G. Blount was elected moderator, and L. \V. Harrel- son, clerk. The introductory sermon was preached by P. Landford. This session of the body was not convened until the 24th of October. Yellow fever was prevailing in the 1046 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. State, and, from lack of other orders, the Pilorini's Rest church took upon itseU' the authority to change the opening of the meethig from Thursdaj^ before the fourth Sunday in September to the date mentioned above. The Association in session b^' preamlile and resolution approved the action of the Pilgrim's Rest church. The Eliam church was received into the fraternit}' at that meeting. J. R. Sumner, J. A. Alurphree, and R. H. Thompson were received as messengers from the Yalobusha Association, and H. L. Finley from the Chickasaw. After the adoption of the report on Foreign mis- sions, a cash collection was taken for that object^ amounting to $5.80. H.L.Johnson read the report on Home missions, and pleaded for the giving of "the good news to the destitute in our midst." He was, at that time, showing himself to he one of their best men. ' A good report was presented on Mississippi College. It was suggested in it that the Association should keep at least one young minister in school at Clinton eveiy session, that he might come back to them, and settle among them, and impart to them some of the benefits of his collegiate training. From the report on Publications, we get the follow- ing language: "Your committee earnestly recommend all of our members to take and read the Baptist Record, published at Clinton, and edited by our much esteemed brother, J. B. Gambrell, whose labors commend them- selves to every lover of truth."' The session of 1879 was held with the Macedonia church, which is four miles south of Pittsboro. It was held, beginning on the date set for the meeting, the 25th of September. The officers of the previous session were re-elected. Sarepta church was received into the HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1047 Association. W. K. Bryant was I'eceived as ^i corres- pondent from the Oxford Association, J. W. Howard from the Zion, R. \V. Thompson from tlie Al)erdeen, and H.L. Finley, J. T. Pitts, W. L. Souter, J. E. Blount from the Chickasaw. A good report was read on Home missions. It spoke of the destitution in some parts of the State, and of the work done b\' H. L. Finley- in the northern part of the State, and by J. B. Hamberlin on the coast. This resolution was adopted with the report : ^'Resolved, That a most earnest effort in behalf of Home (State) missions is the imperative duty devolving upon us, the discharge of which is necessary to our prosperity and growth in grace."' Preambles and resolution were attached to their report on Ministerial Education, as follows: "Whereas, our ministers are almost entirelv desti- tute of books and periodicals, and, Where.\s, they are not able to supply themselves and support their families ; therefore, Resolved, That we will take up a collection in our churches to supjily these brethren with books and sui> plies, and that we will loan and give them books."' After the adoption of the report on Foreign mis- sions, a collection was taken for missions, amounting to $7.30. The finance committee reported $4-2.20 as raised l)y H. L. Finley for Domestic missions. Their fifth annual session was held with the Drivers Flat church, six miles nortli of Banner, commencing September 25, 1880. K. F. Stokes was made modera- tor, and L. W. Harrelson, clerk. Antioch and Pine Grove churches were received in the l)ody. Prof M. T. Miirtin, the ul)i(|uitous, was with them, rei)resenting the Baptist Record. He secured a number of sub- scribers for his jjajicr. 1048 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. J. L. Johnson, of Oxford, president of the State Mis- sion Board, was with them and decidedly in evidence. The report on Home (State) missions was discussed by J. S. Ryan, H. L. Johnson, and In' J. L. Johnson. The clerkof the Association sa^'s that the last speaker made "an able and stirring speech," and his statement is not to be questioned. The speaker is highly gifted, the cause was a pressing and engaging one, and the collec- tion good. The sum of $292.85 was received in cash and pledges. In 1880, there were twentA'-seven churches in the fraternity, with a total membership of 1,557. They had that year 136 accessions to their churches 133^ bap- tism, and 109 by letter. The^^ had in their churches tvv'ent^'-three ordained ministers and nine licentiates. The sixth annual session was held with the Poplar Springs church, which is twelve miles northeast of Pittsboro. H. L. Johnson was chosen moderator, the clerk was re-elected. The Executive Board reported that H. L. Johnson had been employed as missionary' in their bounds on a joint commission with the State Mission Board. He served five months, traveled 295 miles, and preached 26 sermons. There were thirty persons baptized at meetings which he held. " Tr^^ pledges ' ' were given that vear for State missions, amounting to $111,80. Only three Sunday schools were reported in the letters to the Association. A resolution was passed requesting the pastors to urge the churches to organize Sunday schools. The\' had the same problem to solve that was distressing other associations composed largely of country churches. It was a problem the -equations to which none of them had found. At the session of 1880, a resolution was adopted HISTORY OK MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1049 referrinij;- to the tr!)ul)le in the I'inc Fhit church. A minister, whose name we tbrl)ear to mention, had sun- dry charges against him, seriously derogatory to his Christian character. A wise and judicious committee was raised to be present at his trial before the church, and to report at the next session of the Association the result of the trial. The committee reported unf^vora- bl}' as to the accused. By ]jreamblc and resolution, as the Pine Flat church had utterly failed of its duty in the case, it ^\-as excluded from the fellowship of the Association. Spring Creek church entertained the Association of 1882. This cnurch is two miles west qf Banner. The Executive Board of that year consisted of G. W. Alurff, R. II. Cruthirds, II. L. Johnson, J. A. Hollingsworth, and L. W. Harrelson. The Hebron church«was received into their fellowship. Pending the adoption of the report on Foreign mis- sions, a collection was taken of $16.60. After the dis- cussion of the report on Mississippi College $3.90 in cash was collected. J. R. Sumner pledged $5.00 for this cause, and J. M. Tate $1.00. H. L. Johnson, the efficient minister and colporteur of the Association, re])orted 922 miles traveled, 102 sermons preached, six i)ersons baptized, and 68 Testa- ments and 22 Bibles sold, and 1,800 pages of tracts ^iven away. He had sold books to the value of $19.20. The pastors in the Association, in 1883, were Jo- seph Griffin, G. C. Goodwin, B. French. G. W. Riley, C. G. Blount, J. R. Sumner, E. McGregor, \V. G. More- house, R. F. Stokes, J. G. Bratton, and E. W. Priddy. The Mt. Arrarat and Sarepta churches were received into the frjiternitv, and the right hand of fellowship extended to their delegates. 1050 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The necessity for the work our Convention Board is now doing in sustentation was, at that date, felt by them. In fact, one of their ministers is now on our list of beneficiaries of this fund. They adopted this resolu- tion : ''Resolved, That the pastors of the churches of this Association be requested to appoint a suitable person in their churches to try to collect 25 cents from each church member for the supjDort of James Martin and Sister Minta Crocker, wadow of ^. A. Crocker, and for- ^vard the same to the clerk of this Association, as soon as collected, for distribution. Their report on Finance showed as collected for Sister Crocker $24.90, for Minutes $40.25, for Home missions $6.25, and for Foreign missions $12.90. The ninth annual session of the iDody met with the Pilgrim's Rest church, in Yalobusha county, four miles north of Air Mount, September 25, 1884. The Execu- tive Board consisted of L. W. Priddj^ J. A. Killings- worth, W. G. Morehead, H. L.Johnson, and L.W. Har- relson. The Mt. IMeasant church was received into the Association. A request came to the Association from Pleasant Grove church to set apart to the full work of the minis- ter, Daniel Tabb, a member of that church. The re- quest was referred to a special committee, whose duty it was to report to the Association what course to pursue in the matter. The committee very wiseh' re- commended "that the matter be referred back to the church from whence it came, as we disclaim any au- thority to act in such matters.'' It is not an easy work to catch a Baptist association off its guard in matters of doctrine and church authority. Their report on Education gives us a glimpse of HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. lOol their school interests, aiul their views of Ministerial Education. It is stated that there was then, " a fine school at Banner, and one at Sarepta, and one at Pitts- boro, which they purpose having chartei'ed as a col- lege." The report says: "If we have 3-oung men among us who feel it their duty to preach the gospel, and are not able to educate themselves, it is our duty to help them with our means to accomplish this noble end." As publications, (luite a number of periodicals were recommended. Kind Words, the Baptist Record, the Tennessee Baptist, The Argus, and the Christian Re- pository. The Executive Board had T. H. Smith employed as missionar3' and colporteur. He collected $50.65 for Associational missions, and $3.00 for Foreign missions. He sold 25 Bil)les, 75 Testaments, and 32,219 pages of Baptist literature. G. W. Riley was also in the field. He gave the Board 51 days, traveled 4-35 miles, organ- ized one church, baptized five, collected $5.40 for mis- sions, distributed 4,000 pages of tracts, etc. Thev had two of their best men in the field, and their labors were blessed with fruitful results. They had, that \'ear,to mourn the loss of two good and useful men, J. S. Ryan and P. R. Thornton. They had been familiar figures at their annual gatherings. J. S. Ryan was one of the promoters of the scheme to organize the Calhoun Association, and had not missed an annual meeting to the year of his death. He was a good writer, and had aided in the writing of some of the best reports that had been placed before the body. For years the Association liad been electing H. L. Johnson moderator, and L. W. Harrelson, clerk. They were elected again in lSiS5. Five churches were re- 1052 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ceived into their fellowship that 3'ear — Providence, Meridian, Antioch, New Prospect, and Damascus. The following important resolutions were adopted that year: "Resolved, That this Association approve the ac- tion of the Baptist State Convention in consolidating the benevolent agencies of the denomination under the management of one Board, known as the Convention Boiird. "Resolved, That we pledge our hearty support to said Board, and that we consider the amounts asked from us none too much for us to give for the spread of the gospel at home and abroad." The bod\^ was again called upon to mourn the loss of one of its worthy members, James Martin, one of the pioneer preachers of the- State, had been called to his reward. He lived to a good old age, and was uni- versally respected. There were then eighteen churches in the fraternity with a total membership of 2,094. The churches had received 16v3 by baptism, and 135 b\' letter. The sessions of 1886 and 1887 had few incidents beyond the usual order of business of the body. In 1887, T. H. Smith was made moderator in the place of H. L. Johnson, who, 133^ the way, was absent. That year the Hopewell and Macedonia churches were re- ceived in the fellowship of the Association. And the following resolution was adopted : "Resolved, That we, as an association, turn over our missionary and colportage work into the hands of the Convention Board, asking them to co-operate with our Executive Board in the employment of a mission- ary and colporteur to labor in our bounds during the incoming year."' HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS 1058 The session of 1888 was held with the Turkey Creek, Calhoun eounty. The Assoeiation then had ehurehes in the eounties of Calhoun, Lafayette, Yalo- busha, Pontotoc and Chickasaw. The Association in 1888, saw fit for the first time to electa treasurer. A. A. Bruner, one of their l)est men, now livin The report on Sunday schools In^ F. C. Gregory shows that the statistical table stands about as it did' the last 3'ear. J. B. Hamberlin having been appointed missionary to Vicksburg, his place was supplied b^^ R. N. Hail, of Crawford, Miss., who took charge of the eastern divi- sion of the Coast, but the western division was left without ministerial suppW. The work of Bro. Hall, while he w'as on the Coast, was blessed of the Lord. Besides serving the churches of Moss Point, Scranton and Ocean Springs, he did some faithful and effectual work on Bluff Creek, which resulted in the baptism of five or six persons and the organization of a church there. This w^ork was among a people who had l^een left with no one to care for their souls. Like his Mas- ter, Brother Hall preached the gospel to the poor. His. work in this association expired September, 1 SSO. The Palmetto street, Broad street and St. Francis street churches of Mobile, and Bethany church, of Whistler, Ala., asked for letters of dismission from this body to join an Alabama association. Their request was granted. The withdrawing of these churches from this association was regretted loy every one who w'as informed as to their worth in the kingdom of our Lord Jesus. They had added much to the high standing and labor of love of the bod}- as long as they continued memlDcrs of it. The Association felt strong, and greatly encouraged by their presence, wise counsel and work of charity ; and it w^as with a feeling of sadness that their letters were granted. These churches felt that it would be to the interest of the Master's kingdom to withdraw^ or they would not have done so ; Ijut, l^e this as it may, ^vhatever was gain to others where they went to labor ,^ was lost to us, £ind we feel it most sensibh' to this dayx 1090 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. and our hope is that they will feel ere long like return- ing to their brethren of the Gulf Coast Association, who stand ready to give them a heart\' welcome. Our hope of their return is brightened as we learn that the3^ have not united with an Alabama association, but still hold letters froin this body. The Association at this meeting, in New Orleans, did not seem to be like her former self. It appeared as if indifference, or something else, we know not what, had gotten possession of most of the churches, and they ■came well nigh leaving the Association to take care of herself. The linancial statistics show amount contributed to missions, $421.30; number of baptisms, 41 ; total meml3ership, 1,335, The Mandeville and Union churches did not repre- sent themselves hj delegate or letter. TheSundaj'-school statistics show number of schol- ars and teachers, 958 ; amount contributed to mis- ons, $20.60. The Sunday schools of Broad street and St. Francis street churches. Brook Cedron, Friendship, Ocean Springs and Union churches did not send reports, hence the foregoing table is not complete. On motion adjourned to meet with Scranton church on Friday betore the fourth Sunda3^ in April, 1881. M. C. Cole to preach the introductory sermon, with J. E. Thigpen as alternate. The Association met in its fourth annual session with the Scranton Baptist church on April 22, 1881. The moderator being absent. Clerk M. B. Richmond called the Association to order. Prayer was offered by J. B. Hamberlin, and O. D. Bowen was elected tempor- ary^ moderator. Eight churches were represented by delegates and ])y letters. The Association went into HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1091 the election of officers with the foHowin^ result: O. D. Bowen, moderator; AI. B. Richmond clerk, and C. AI. Liddle, treasurer. Visiting brethren were invited to seats in the body. J. B. Hamberlin, of Vicksburg; L.S. Piker, of Baton Rouge: Geo. B. Eager, of Mobile, and Hardy Smith, of Hobolochitto Association, took seats in the body. The reports on the subjects upon which committees had been appointed to write, were called for, but none \vere ready excejit those on Home missions and Rela- tion to Colored People. These reports were read, dis- cussed and adopted. And the subject of Foreign mis- sions and Sunday schools were discussed at some length wnth profit to those who were present. A district meeting was organized and the pro- gramme laid out for the first meeting, which \vas to take place at Handsboro, on Thursday night of Octo- ber 27, 1881. Essayists were appointed to write on subjects of much im])ortance, but by reason of neglect the meeting did not take place, and consecjuently the programme was not carried out. The destitution on the western division of the coast work, caused by the moving awa}^ of Brother Hamberlin, was filled for three months of this year by I. A. Hailey, then of the Louis- ville Theological Seminary. Brother Hailey served the churches at Bay St. Louis, Handsboro and Biloxi, with satisfaction to those who love the Lord and love plain earnest gospel preaching. It should be said that Elder Hailc}' had l)een called to the pastorate of Moss Point, Scranton and Ocean Springs churches lieforc this Asso- ciation meeting. He had accei)ted the call, and was expected to arrive in a few days and take charge of the field as a missionary of the State Board. O.B. Bowen, of the Chickasahav Association, and who had been a 1092 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. missionan^ and evangelist of the State Board in the counties in the eastern part of the State, was called ta the pastorate of Biloxi, Handsboro and Bay St. Louis churches, and arrived on the field November -i, 1880, and was continued as missionary of the State Board in this field of labor. The statistics show number of bap- tisms twenty ; total membership 551. Amount contri- buted to missions, $276.35. Number of Sunday school scholars and teachers, 565. Amount contributed to missions, $10.10. The appointment of M. C. Cole by the State Mission Board of Mississippi to the work in New Orleans, was made. Brother Cole to labor as pastor of the First Church, which is so weak numerical^ and financialh' as to necessitate his appointment by the board and the supplementing of his salary. He enters his work as one w^ho feels the burden of souls, and we ma3^ expect a harvest from the great field so white with the harvest. This meeting of the Association, which was poorly attended, was a good one. Those who were in attend- ance felt that it was good to be there. The brethren were stimulated and encouraged to go forward, and when the meeting adjourned the\- returned to their homes, determined that, with the help of God, they ^vould endeavor to be more useful in His service, and to make the attempt to redeem the dear Association from the slough of indifference and dispondencv into which it appeared to have fallen. On motion adjourned to meet with Moss Point church on Friday before the fourth Sunday in April, 1882, and O. D. Bowen to preach the associational sermon. The past associational year is fraught with much that is encoura-ging. An advance movement has been made almost all alonj? the line. We will refer to the HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1093 ■work in New Orleans. After the resignation of J. O. B. Lowry, Sylvanus Landrum, D. D., of Savannah, Ga., w^as called to the pastorate of the Coliseum Place «tci lor faithful and efficient ser- vice rendered the Assojiation ndiile clerk. That session of the body was lield witli the Bluff Springs church, Choctaw county, which is two miles east f)f Grady, and four miles south of Eujjora. The writer while President of Carrollton Female College was for a short time ])ast()r at Eujjora, and happens to know something of those people. J. II. D. Watson of Kenego, was, in 1897, pastor of that churcli, and C. A. Lindsey of Eupora, ck-rk. 1180 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, The report on Sunday schools showed a slight fall- ing off in Sunday school work. There were eleven schools reported in 1897 and onlyninein 1898. $72.00 Avas paid by the Sunda^^ schools in 1897 for various purposes, and onh' $30.85 in 1898. The churches of the Chester Association were in the main in the country, \vhere conflicting church services in the neighborhood contiguous to the Sunday school serioush' militates against the interest and attendance of the Sunday school. The Sunday scliool in the country is kept up onlv by the dint of labor and- unchanging perseverance. W. A. Edwards \vas, in 1898, still colporter for the Association. Nobody had superceded him. He sold that 3'ear 35 bibles, 4-2 testaments, and 60 religious books. He traveled 422 miles, preached 22 .sermons, and attended as a visitor 15 pra3^er meetings. The seventh annual session of the bod)' was held with the old Mt. Pisgah church, beginning September 30, 1899. The officers of the previous year were re- elected. The Association had in it, at that time, nine or- dained ministers, and three licentiates. They were favored in having one 3'oung minister at Mississippi College, M L Oswalt. A collection was taken to keep him in school, amounting to $58.00. It was recom- mended that each church take a collection for minister- ial education. A good report on the Orphanage was presented by R. M. Cotton. Pending the discussion of the report by W. H. H. Fancher, and W. L. A. Stranburg a collection was taken for the Orphanage amounting to $20.15. This speaks well for the generous sentiment of the mem- bers of the Chester Association. The session of 1900 was held with the Beulah HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. llSl church, Choctaw county. W. H. H. Fancher still held the sravel and S. B. Dobbs was vet their scribe. There were then 31 churches in the Association with a total membership of 2,713. The Bear Creek church was then the largest, having a membership of 242. W. H. BUick of Weir, was pastor of that chuixh. The Bluff Springs church had the largest ingathering, having received 21 bj' baptism, three bN^ letter and restored one. The report on Publications placed The Baptist, the Foreign Mission Journal, the Home Field find the Orphan's Gem befoix their reading public as worthy of patronage. These recommendations showed that the Chester was in full sympathy with our organized State work, and in line with the denomination in missionary activitj'. W. J. Wilson, chairman of thecommitte on Missions, gave a statement of their l)cnevolence. They gave that year to Alinisterial Education $46.77, to Home mis- sions $38.40, to State missions $12.40, to Foreign mis- sions $52.25, to General missions $39.42, to Sunday schools $19.56, to Relief of the Poor $17.25, to Missis- sippi College $5.00, to the Orphanage $16.90, and to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary $1.98. mak- ing a total of $249.93. This was in advance of the contributions of the previous yefir $79.34. The Sundav school table shows that ten churches had Sunday schools with a total number of pupils amounting to 459. The churches rejjorting Sunday schools were: Ackerman, Bluff Springs, Clear Springs, French Camp, Fellowshi]), Providence, Bethany, Wood's Springs, Wake Poorest, and Mt. Pisgah. The commit- tee on Sunday schools very wisely recommended the organization of a Sunday school convention, represent- ing the Sundav schools of the churches in the A.^^socia- 1182 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. tion. W. A. Wilson ^Yas elected president of the convention, with two vice-presidents, one for each dis- trict of the Association. The Chester Association is a 3'oung body, with line possibilities. It is large, and composed of people of genuine worth. The discipline in the chtirches is firm, and the missionar3' conviction on the increase. The ministry is well informed, and sweet in spirit. At the beginning of this centur^^, they are harmonious and full of hope. May no evil genius creep in among them to mar their peace, or stop their onward movements. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1 1 H3 CHATTER XLIX. UAXKIN COUNTY ASSOCIATION. As the iicime of this institution indicates, the chiirclies that compose it are in Rankin count}-. We haYC htid three associations in the State Ijearing the names of as many counties— The Rankin County, The Scott County, and the Copiah. (Loiter Lawrence County, Lincoln County, and Lauderdale Count}')- The chiet reason for the formation of the Rankin County Association was the development of Ba])tist forces and Baptist possil)ilities witliin the county limits. It was thought, that to the true missionary conviction, would be added the hel])fulness of contiguity jind consangui- nity. Another advantage ^vas the ease and readiness with whicli the meetings of the institution could be reached. The Rankin County Association was constituted at New Prospect church, October 25, 1898. The churches that went into the organization were: Concord, An- tioch, Oakdale, Fcannin, Leesl)urg, County Line, New Prospect, Clear Creek, Rock Bluff, Pelahatchie, Galilee, and T'nion. Nearly all of these churches were from the Springtield Association. Pannin and Lilierty were from the Central Association, Mt. Pisgah, Leesburg and Reho])()th were of the old Mt. Olive Association. The men prominent in the creation and constitu- tion of the body were: W. P. Chapman, T. J. Miley, 1184 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. W. H. Boone, J. T. Longmire. and Dr. ]. E. Noble. J.T. Longmire did the writing that was necessarj^ before the delegates from the churches met to organize the body, and Dr. J. E. Noble worked np the sentiment that induced the churches to form the union. They went into permanent organization by electing Dr. J. E. Noble moderator, and J. T. Longmire, clerk. The second annual session of the bodj^ was held with the Antioch church, beginning October 6, 1894, W. P. Chapman was chosen moderator, J. T. Longmire, clerk, and D. M. Robbins, treasurer. The report on Sunday schools, presented by W. H. Boone, was un- usually spicy. It stated that not more than one-fourth of the church members attended Sunday school, that there were in all 3,000 white children in Rankin county, and less than 40 per cent, of them were in the Sunday schools : and that with pride it could be said that nearly all the churches in the Association had Sunday schools. Under the head of Missions we glean these two ex- cerpts : " Let everj^ pastor bestir himself upon this ques- tion— how to do mission work, and report to the church. Let him take collections when there is hope of getting something. Don't wait until all the money is gone from the country, and then blame your church.'' " Our Home missions offering for last year (State of Mississippi), amounted to $1,809.07, and, by agree- ment made with the Home Mission Board, our State missions have received from the Home Board during the last year $1,125.30. So we have received back from that Board within $683.77 of the amount of our offerings for Home missions last year." Attention was called to the fact that the Board of Alinisterial Education was needing means, and that HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1185 they had two excellent 3'oung- men who were preparing themselves for ministerial usefulness at Mississippi College. The statistical table shows that the churches had reported $46.30 contributed to Ministerial Educa- tion b}' live of their churches. The Association of 1895, was held with the Reho- both church, which is a few miles northeast of Pelahat- chie. W. P. Chapman was elected moderator, D.J. Mile3% clerk, and M. L. Boone, treasurer. The Barker Prairie church w^as received. It is noticeable that the body had no Executive Committee or Associational Board. Perhaps one reason for this omission w^as, that the territory w^as already supplied with a sufficiency of churches, Avhich needed but to be developed by dint of work and fine pastoral oversight. Let us give some attention to their tabular statements. As far as it was possible, they tabulated all their work. The amount given in 1894-5 to pastors" salary was $819.00, six churches of the eighteen excluded from the statement. They gave $86.85 to Foreign missions, $59.40 to State missions, $v36.65 to Home missions, $82.75 to Ministerial Educa- tion. Fourteen churches of the eighteen had Sunday schools with a total average attendance of 336, and three churches reported contributions to Woman's Work. Taken as a ^vhole, the year's work was quite complimentary- to the body. The fourth annual session was held with the Galilee church. T. J. Miley was elected moderator, D. J. Miley, clerk, and L. Ai. Boone, treasurer. The presence of J. R. Johnston and J. H. Whitfield is noticeable. The Association had in it, at that time, some of the best citizens of Rankin county, among whom were Ed. Mar- tin, W. E. Ross, W. S. Searcy, A. Patrick, W.W. Patrick, 1186 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, W. M. Waklrop, J. E. Nol^le, J. E. Kersh, D. M. Rob- bins, T.J. Loiigmire, J. M. Fr^mklin and W. P. Franklin. From the repoi't on Missions we get this language : ^^ What are YOU doing for the mission \vorl<:.'' Are you happy in the work ? Are you giving as God has pros- pered \'ou ? Are you giving lovingly, joyfulh-? * * * Here is what we did last year. Is it enough for 1,326 Baptists ? Can we expect God's blessings upon us with such giving? * *' * Foreign missions $86.85, State mis- sions $59.40, Home missions $36.65.'' Eleven of the twent\^ churches had Sunday schools,, with an avei age attendance of 178, \vhich was a smaller number of pupils than was reported the A^ear before. In fact, there was a decrease that 3'ear in all 1)ranches of their Avork. In the year 1897, there was no meeting of the Asso- ciation. The yellow fever epidemic stopped all of the wheels of progress in our State until the first of Decem- ber. After that time the inclemency of the weather prevented a gathering of any consequence. The clerk Avas, therefore, instructed to gather all the facts he could as to the work of the churches through the \^ear, and issue a statistical table. The table showed that the churches had contributed to Foreign missions $92.35, to State missions $91.10, Home missions $30.20, Ministerial Education $15.00, and to pastors' salary $924.15. The sixth iinnual session of the Rankin Count\^ As- sociation met with Concord church. The County Line, Mount Hill, Mount Pisgah, and Liberty churches were not represented. T. J. Miley was elected moderator, W. P. Franklin, clerk, and J. M. Patrick, treasurer. The first item of interest was the closing part of the report on Ministerial Education. It was recommended HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1187 that all ministers use the advantages offered In- Missis- sippi College, and the preachers' institutes of the State. The institutes held at that time Idv Dr. R. A. Venable and others were productive of much good to our preachers, who had been denied the advantages accru- ing from a course in a theological seminary. We cannot forbear giving the extract from their report on temperance: "We believe that the social drink is a great evil, and lies at the bottom of all the evils growing out of the \vhiskey question. Therefore, the man who takes the social drink is an enem\' to the temperance cause, and should be so regarded by Chris- tians, and so dealt with by the churches." The work of the Rankin County Association, one is impressed, is in the hands of strong, thoughtful men — men who plan well and execute wisely. They have a purpose in view, and keep their energies directed to that end. Their session of 1899 was enlivened by the presence of A. V. Rowe, the efficient corresponding sec- retary of the Convention Board. The clerk and treas- urer of the' previous year were re-elected, and W. H. Boone was chosen moderator. The churches, in 1899, giive to Foreign missions ■$88.60, to State missions $85.60, to Home missions $60.30, to Ministerial Education $26.35, to Sustenta- tion $44.65, to Mississippi College $23.40, to Orphan- age $20.15, and to Woman's Work $35.93. Of the 17 churches in the union, seven (7) did not report Sunday schools. The ten Sunday- schools reported had a total average attendance of 234, and a total attend- ance of 416. Two things are clearly noticeable about the Rankin County Association ; one is the observable harmony in the bod^', and another that they make honors ec^ual. 1188 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. In some of the assoeiations in the State, especiall^^ the old ones, it was expected that one of two prominent preachers would be elected moderator. This was not true in the Rankin Count3^ In 1894, Dr. J. E. Noble was moderator; in 1895, W. P. Chapman; in 1896 to 1898, T. J. Miley ; in 1899, W. H. Boone. He was re- elected in 1900 and in 1901, T. J. Miley. T. J. Bailey, A. V. Rowe and W. T. Lowre3^ were at the meeting of 1900. In the report on Ministerial Education the information was given that there were then thirty young preachers in Alississippi College, twenty of whom received help from the Board of Min- isterial Education. The Board needed about $100.00 a month to carry on its work, and no salary was paid any ofhcer of the Board. The Sunday-school w^ork was showing gratifying progress. In 1899, ten Sunday schools were reported ; in 1900, thirteen. Many of the pupils had professed religion, the year before only nine, in 1900, thirtj'-six. Let us compare the work of 1901 with the work of the first year of the body. For Foreign missions in 1894, $111.14, in 1901, $124.03 ; for State missions in 1894, 86.60, in 1900, $76.46; for Home missions in 1894, $38.75, in 1901, $92.40; for Sustentation in 1894, $20.50, in 1901, $57.35. In 1894, there were seventeen churches enrolled with an aggregate member- ship of 1,479. These figures show a gratifying increase in everything except the contribution to State missions. The Rankin County is to be complimented for the even support given to all the lines of our benevolent work, It, unlike some associations, has not had a pet enterprise, which has been permitted to overshadow other causes. If the3^ deemed any one enterprise of superior importance to all the rest, it does not appear HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1189 in the financial statements. L. S. Foster, superintend- ent of the Orphans' Home, was, for a while, pastor of one of their churches. While they contributed to the support of the Home, it was not shown any favoritism. The Rankin County Association is also to be con- o^ratulated on the neat preparation and mechanical Avork done on the printing of their Alinutes. They are orderly and printed in open bold t\'pe that is pleasing- to the e^-e. ]May the Lord's blessings continue with them. 1190 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER L. PEARL VALLEY ASSOCIATION. This Association was constituted in 1886. The ter- ritory of the Association is in the upper Pearl River country. It embraces the northwestern part of Nes- hoba county, the northeastern part of Leake, the south- western part of Winston, and the southeastern part of Attala. Seven churches went into the constitution of the body. Of these, two were from the Louisville Associa- tion, two from the Mt. Pisgah,two from the Kosciusko, and one from the Harmony. Four of these churches are in Neshoba county. Pearl Valle^^, Salem, Black Jack, and White Oak; two are in Leake, High Hill, and Mt, Pleasant; and one in Attala, East County Line. E. S. Clark was the first moderator of the body; and E. W. Pilgrim the first clerk and treasurer, and wa annually elected to fill the double position for man^^ years. The Association is in co-operation with the General Association. In 1888, the body met with Alt. Pleasant church. The ordained ministers were: J. N. Xewburn, E. S. Clark, E. E. Hollis, E. L. Taylor, S. C.Eastham, and I. R. Jennings. The aggregate membership of the churches were 328. I. R. Jennings was their moderator that year. On the Sunday- embraced in the meeting, W. B. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1191 Hollis preached a sermon on "missions,"' after which a collection was taken amounting to $5.50. It is said of the afternoon worship that, " E. S. Clark closed by giving- an opportunity for prayer, when the whole con- gregation came forward and gave their hands." How- sweet and how pleasant such occasions. The free and open abandon, and the easy approach of such an occa- sion to souls, can only be appreciated rightly by one whose ministry- is in a cold formal town or village church. At that meeting due and appropriate S3^mpath\^ was shown for E. S. Clark, who had shortl}^ before lost his wife and son, and had himself suflfered in a pro- tracted illness. I'reaiuble and resolutions were adopted as to co- operation with general bodies. It was declared a lead- ing purpose of theirs to supply their destitution and "to assist all missionary bodies of the same taith and order in the great Christ-like work." It was further said, "we cannot afford to have our liberties taken from us by binding ourselves to co-operate with either of them to the exclusion of the others." Young ladies, who say they do not intend to marry, are ofter will- ingly led to the hymeneal altar. The fourth annual session was held with the High Hill church, beginning November 2, 1889. The Ocobla church was received into the organization. E.S. Clark v^as chosen to priside over the body. Committees re- ported on Queries and Requests, Home and Indian missions, Saljl^ath schools. Nominations, Finance, and Bible and Puljlication. The Committee on Finances of the body reported $22.90 on hand. Of this amount $16.20 was sent to the Association for associational purposes ; the remainder was for Home, Indian, and Foreign work. 1192 HISTORY QF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. In 1890, the body met with the Pearl Valley church. The officers of the previous year were re-elected. The Pearl Valley Association, at the time, corresponded -with Mt. Pisgah, Harmony, Kosciusko, and Louisville Associations. It is noticeable that for three consecutive years; the theme of the sermons preached on the morning of the Sunday embraced in their meeting was "missions, and that invariabh^ a collection was taken for missions after the sermon. We lind this language in the report on Indian mis- sions : " We feel it our duty to aid in christianizing the Indians, and recommend that, if we have the funds, we employ some brother to labor in the bounds of our As- sociation as far as our means will go.'' The meeting the following year was with the White Oak church. S. C. Eastham was made moderator, and P. T. Barrett, clerk. A. Winstead was a visitor from the OktelDbeha Association, and preached for them at 11 a. m. on Sunday. E. S. Clark was their missionary in the bounds of the Association. He spent eleven days, and traveled 60 miles, and preached ten sermons. Year b^^ year, the preamble and resolutions were printed in the Minutes, in which they stoutly refused co-operation with any general body.. Old maids are sometimes persuaded to marry. In 1892, E. S. Clark was again called on to preside over the body, and P. T. Barrett was the second time called on to record their proceedings. Letters were read from eight churches, and Mars Hill church was re- ceiYed into their union, and the right hand of Fellow- ship extended to its delegates by the moderator. During the sitting of the body, a collection was HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1193 taken to aid in building a house of worship for the Indians of Neshoba county. E. S. Clark was still their missionary, and the treasurer was ordered to paj- him in full for labors. Of the reports we notice that it is said, that Sunday schools are "good for children," as the3' train the child to think, and keep them out of mischief. The Commit- tee on Publications usually recommended Kind Words and the Mississippi Baptist, edited by N. L. Clark at Newton. In 1893, S. C. Eastham was again chosen moder- ator. Time about is fair play, and neither he nor E. S. Clark could complain of stolen honors. Their list of ordained ministers had been reduced to three names : E. L. Ta3'lor, S. C. Eastham, and E. S. Clark. At that time there were nine churches in the organi- zation. Six of them were in Neshoba county, one in Leake, one in Attala, and one in Winston. That year 55 persons were received into the churches by baptism, and the churches had an aggregate membership of 394. The report of the Committee on Finance showed the total receipts of the year to be $38.45. The following year H. Savell was elected modera- tor, and E. W. Pilgrim was again chosen clerk. H. Savell is of North Bend, Neshoba county. At that meeting of the body, on Sunday, S. N. Smith, a Choc- taw, preached, and explained his missionary work, closing his services by a praj^er in his own language. He was the Indian missionar\' of the Pearl Valley Asso- ciation. At the session of 1896, E. L. Taylor was chosen to preside over the body. There were thirteen churches in the organization with a total membership of 607. Five Sunday schools were reported with a total attendance of 177. 1194 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The pastors of the churches were: E. L. Taylor, J. J. Ingram, E. S. Clark, C. E. HolHs, Z. M. Dunn, and T, G. Ward. The recommendations made by the Committee on Publications Avere, in 1895, (|uite extended. The report was signed by T. G. Ward. The Baptist Record, The Layman, and Mississippi Baptist, were all commended as good and safe reading. In the report on Foreign missions is this language : " We would earnestly recom- mend that the total membership give this feature of the gospel due consideration, and especially the ministers of the gospel." The Association of 1896 elected E. L. Tayfor moder- ator, and S. 0. Shepperd, clerk. The meeting Wcis \vith High Hill church. New Black Jack church was received into the organization. It was in that year that the bod^^ began to feel an affinity for other equal and general organizations. C. C. Arn,old was sent as a corresponding messenger to the General Association. The General Association was doing missionary' work in that section of our State among the Indians, and a fellow feeling produces kind- ness, kindness leads to affection, and affection to con- nection. These are the linger boards. The Harmony Association was, at that time, inter- esting itself in a high school enterprise. Adjoining dis- sociations were invited to engage with them in the undertaking. The Pearl Valley gave the movement a hearty approval, and, with maiden coyness, "pledged co-operation," and invited auA- person interested in the school to canvass their territory in this interest, ap- pointing a c(jmmittee of three to report on the school at the annual sessions of the Association. At their twelfth annual session, T. G. Ward was HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS 1195 elected to preside over the body, and S. O. Shepperd again had charge of their records. Two churches were received into the organization, Friendship, and Fort Ne- cessit3^ Corresponding messengers were received from Oktibbeha, Mt. Pisgah, Harmony, and Kosciusko asso- ciations. Committees reported on Queries and Requests, Home, Foreign, and Indiana Missions, Sunday schools, Publications, Temperance, Nominations, and Obit- uaries. The report on Foreign Missions was concluded thus: "Then brethren ot the Pearl Vallc}^ Association, let us come up and help in the great work of Foreign Missions." By special order of the body, the money they had on hand tor Foreign missions was to be sent to the General Association. A bouquet was thus handed to the General Association through the garden gate. During the associational year, their Executive Board had H.Savell employed at Park's School House, and S. 0. Shepperd at Mt. Hope. Scott York was their Indian missionary. In 1898, E. S. Clark was again elected moderator. He held this position in the hrst meeting of the Associa- tion. It is to this worthy brother that we are indebted for the uses of a file of Minutes of the institution. One who knows him well has said that he is a good man and most highly respected in all that part of the State. The following resolution was printed in their Min- utes that 3'ear : "Resolved, Thfit the doctrine now taught b\' H. Savell, viz: That the people are not now dead in tres- passes and in sin, is held by this Association as false, and would recommend that his church deal with him." In 1898, there were 15 churches represented in the Pearl VallcA', with a total membership of 539. Their 1196 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ordained ministers were: E. S. Clark, E. L. Taylor, T. G. W^rd, I. T. Alassey, H. vSavell, and vS. O. Shepperd. The session of 1899 was to be held with the East Count3^ Line church, in Leake county. D. B. Cannon was to preach the introductor3' sermon, wdth E. S. Clark as alternate, and H. Savell, the missionary sermon. In 1898, the preamble and resolutions on co-opera- tion were still printed in their Minutes. But that year, it was ordered, that " the Foreign and Indian mission fund be sent to the General Association." We are now informed by N. L. Clark that the Pearl Valley is doing some work in co-operation with the General Associa- tion. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1197 CHAPTER LI. SCOTT COUNTY ASSOCIATION. This association was what its name indicates, i. e., an organization composed of the churches in Scott count3\ It was composed largely of churches that had held membership in the Springfield Association. It was constituted in 1894, holding its first session in that year with the church at Harpersville. The convention, called to consider the subject of a Count\' Association, convened with the church at Forest a few months be- fore the organization of the body. For the sake of lucidness in the stud\^ of this insti- tution, it ma3' be well to say that Scott count\' is east of Jackson, and lies directh' between the counties of Rankin and Newton. It is inhabited by a thrifty, hon- est, and industrious people, and is well occupied by Baptist churches. Its northern half is in the central prairie region of our State, and the southern half is in- terspersed with a variet\' of timber. The county is de- cidedly rolling, and noted for its cool and refreshing springs of limpid freestone water. Its second annual session was held with the Jerusa- lem church, in the northern part of the county, begin- ning September 7, 1895. The introductor3' sermon was preached bj^ W. S. Ford. The officers of the pre- vious 3^ear were re-elected — Z. T. Faulkner, moderator, L. B. Bilbro, clerk, and A. C. Farmer, treasurer. The 1198 KISTOKY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. bodv was at that time composed of twelve churches, which had a total membership of 53 4 males and females. The Association did not have an Executive Board, and the report on missions that year did not mention an\' field of missionary labor. The report of the Com- mittee on Finance showed, as collected on the Sunday'' embraced in their sitting, $5.10 for Foreign missions, and $3.10 for Home missions. A number of the churches were reported as being in a prosperous condition, among which were the Bethle- lem, Harpersville, Alt. Olivet, and Morton churches. The Bethlehem was the largest church in the fraternity, having 153 members. The Harpersville church received that rear by baptism thirteen persons, and the Alt. Olivet, live. The report on Temperance elicited a good interest. Z. T. Faulkner made a fine speech on the subject, and the privilege to vote upon the adoption of the report ^Yas granted to all who were present. In the report read bv G. C. Harper, we find this larguage: "We be- lieve it contrarj^ to Christianity to encourage the whis- key traffic in anj^ wa3'. We would further recommend the churches of this Association to withdraw fellowshii3 from all members who support saloons by their vote or patronage." Reports were also read on Sunday schools and Education. The session of 1896 was held with the New Pros- pect church. J. Ai. Pearson was chosen moderator, L. B. Bilbro, clerk, and A. C. Farmer, treasurer. There were then in the churches the following ordained min- isters: Z. T. Faulkner, W. S. Ford, J. AI. Pearson, J. C. Foster, J. C. Denson, and W. B. Brantley. Contributions were sent to the Association for the general objects fostered bv our convention, as follows : HISTORV OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1199 Home missions $11.60, Foreign missions $8.65, State missions $10.45, Sustentation $1.10, Ministerial Ed- ucation $10.00, and also for Indian missions $1.00. The money on hand for State missions was ordered to be sent to A. V. Rowe, Corresponding' Secretary of the Convention Board. At this meeting of the Association interest centered in an institution of learning favorably begun b^' the Harmon\^ Association, for the fostering care of which co-operation was invited from adjoining associations. This resolution was adopted by the Scott Count\' As- sociation : '^Resolved, That the Scott County Association hereby declare hearty SA'mpathy with and co-operation in the movement, and that our people be hereby urged to lend their influence and patronage to the school and to encourage it in ever3^ wa^- possible.'" The agent of the school was invited to canvass their territor3^ in the interest of the institution. Mississippi College was heartily endorsed. The fourth annual session of the body was held with the Mt. Olivet church. The Mt. Olivet church is eight miles northwest of Forest. W. S. Ford Avas elected moderator, L. B. Bilbro, clerk, and W. A. Gate- wood, treasurer. The Beulah church was dismissed by letter to join another association. A. V. Rowe was present at the opening of the ses- sion, and it is said, "delivered an able discourse from Hebrews 6:18 to an attentive audience.'' Later in the meeting he addressed the body in the interest of mis- sions. He received from the treasurer for Foreign mis- sions $19.85. A collection was taken on Sunday for the Orphan's Home at Jackson, amounting to $7.20. The fourth annual session was held with the Hope- 1200 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. well church, convening on Saturday before the fourth Sundax' in October, 1898. The officers of the previous session were re-elected. There were then eleven churches in the Association w4th a total meml)ership of 481, w^hich shows a loss in three \^ears of one church and 53 members. It began to appear that the organization of the Scott County Association was a misconception. About the usual amounts were reported for the missionar\' fields, $5.00 for State missions, $4.50 for Home missions, and $4.00 paid N. L. Clark for Indian missions. These amounts passed through the hands of the treasurer. Of course, they did not cover the contri- butions made b}^ the body to missions. Nearly all our churches send their contributions to the various boards before the meeting of their respective associations. But the Association w^as not satisfied with the lack of pro- gress shown b\' them, and their leading men were cast- ing about in their minds for a.broader basis of w^ork. In 1899, a committee was raised, to consider the advisabilitj' of seeking larger fraternal relations in the union of the Scott County and the Springfield associa tions, nor did the Springfield seem disinclined to the wedlock. The committee consisted of J. IVI. Stephen- son, G. A. Park, J. T. Sessum, W. A. Gatew^ood, and J. W. Jones. The committee w'as to report at that sitting of the body. The\^ advi.sed tne consolidation of the two institutions, and recommended the appoint- ment of one delegate from each of their churches to meet a like delegation from the. Springfield Association at the place and time that should be indicated by the Springfield. Their delegates were to lie clothed with power to act for their association. J. AI. Stephenson, of Morton, was chairman of the committee which made these suggestions. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1201 In the year 1900, the Association met with the church at Morton. This historian, in company with T. J. Longmire, of Pelahatchie, presented himself Ijefore the Association on Monday, and was in time to take part in the formation of the nuptial relation consum- mated between the two loving associations. It was found that all the churches of the Association had in- structed their delegates to go into the new affinities, and the representations of the churches of the Spring- field Association were present with the same loving intent. Seldom has love been more reciprocal. The convention for the purpose of organizing- the new association made Z. T. Leavell jjresident, who^ officiated with good grace in the consummation of their nuptial vows. Fifteen churches were represented. H. H. Harper presented a resolution which was adopted, to the effect that the new body be called the Hopewell Association. Z. T. Faulkner was chosen moderator, Hi Esterland, clerk, and W. A. Gatewood, treasurer,, and they were ready for housekeeping. Rules of Decorum, Gospel Order and Abstract of Faith of the Scott County Association were adopted, and Z. T. Faulkner, S. H. Kirkland, and J. M. Stephen- son appointed as representatives to the next meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention, and the honey- moon was waxing warmer, and preparations for work begun. Ma3' the Lord bless the union through all coming years. Z. T. Faulkner appears to have been a leading man in the Scott County Association. He was the first moderator of the body, and afterwards was honored bv his brethren bv being placed in the same position in 1896, 1898, and 1900. In 1897, F. W. Suddoth, of" Hillsboro, was their moderator, and, in 1898, W. S. Ford presided over the body. 1202 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, S. H. Kirkland is a lawyer by profession, is a ready and Spicy speaker, and added much interest to the meetings of the body. He is now^ w'^ell advanced in years and is universally respected for his talent and probity. Sometimes he is called upon to act as district attorne3^ in his judicial district, which position he fills with credit and distinction. J. M. Stephenson is a merchant in Morton. He was reared an orphan, and is an independent thinker. His business has grown through the passing years, and his circumstances are eas^^ He has been sheriff of his county and won an enviable record as a county official. He is superintendent of the Sunday school in Morton. Dr. J. N. Denson is a man of great catholicity, a good speaker, and an ardent Sunday-school worker. He comes of worthy ancestry, and is universally es- teemed. Other members of the Scott Count^^ Associa- tion arc equally as worthy as these who have received favorable mention, but are not so well known b}^ the Avriter. May many years of usefulness be granted them. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1203 CHAPTER LII. TALLAHALA ASSOCIATION'. Of this association little is known by the writer. Repeated efforts have been made to get some informa- tion as to the churches composing it, its constitution, and its operations, but all in vain. Some facts will elude our grasp, and are not to be overtaken by our best eiforts. Six months agone, N. L. Clark suggested that needed information could ])e gotten as to the workings of this bodj' from M. Walters, of Laurel. He was writ- ten to, and the letter returned to the writer, as he had, doubtless, changed his postoffice. Then N. L. Robert- son was appealed to for information, who was confi- dent that he could get all the wanted facts. Some months passed, and he \vas written to again urgently. He, in reply, expressed great surprise that the facts had not been forwarded to me some time before, and said that he would write to M. P. Bush, of Laurel, to send Minutes of the proceedings of the body at once. No Minutes came, and then this historian wrote to M. P. Bush, and has not been able to hear from him to this Avriting. Happy Tallahala, to this writer, the receding rainbows end, a " will-o'-the-wisp," the food ofTantalus. 1204 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER LIII. THE LEBANON ASSOCIATION. This Association was formed for the convenience and development of the churches along and near the New Orleans and Northeastern Railroad. The^- were along this railroad from the State line on the south to Meridian on the north. These churches were at Nichol- son, Poplarville, Lumberton, Purvis, Hattiesburg, El- lisville, Laurel, Sandersville, Immanuel Church of Mer- idian. The two churches, not on the line of this railroad were, Indian Springs, near Hattiesburg, and Augusta,, the county seat of Perry county. In response to a proposition made through the Baptist Record, the delegates representing churches \vishing to form a new association met at Hattiesburg, November 27, 1894. The churches are indicated by the names of the places just mentioned. The delegates that assembled were buoj^ant with hope for the future of their section of the countrj', and were men of energy and enterprise. They were also men who believed they espoused something and had honest convictions as to the truth, the basis upon which their denomination of Christians was established. The Association w^as not named for anything in its bounds. Nearly all the associations in South Missis- sippi were named for some creek or river that threaded their territory. There is no Mt. Lebanon in that part HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1205 of the countr\', nor is there a Lebanon church in the union. A committee was formed in the first meeting ot the bod\^ to give a name to the organization. Their report is in the Minutes. The Association was named for Mount Lebanon in S^-ria. The mountain is noted for its fruitfulness, and for its tall sweetly-scented cedars, whose roots fasten upon the rocks of the ever- lasting hills. In the closing paragraph of the report we find this language: "Ma3^ the children of God who have and who shall be hereafter united in the work of the Lord in this Association, have abundant grace to grow higher in the divine life, and become stronger every da3% like the beautiful cedars of Lebanon.'" As to the motives that actuated the originators of this union, no happier expression could be given to them than we find from the smoothly flowing pen of O. D. Bo wen. He was appointed to write a brief intro- duction to the first Minutes of the first meeting of the bodj'-, setting forth the objects and purposes of the As- sociation. This introduction is historic and will be given in full. "Acting in compliance with the request of the Leb- anon Baptist Association, the writer takes pleasure in introducing this bod\^ of fellow-laborers to the broth- erhood throughout the country-, and would state the motive b_v which the churches were actuated in forming the body, and the object for which it was organized. "1. We believe that the principle of love to God and love to man influenced God's people to do what they believed would promote his glory and the well- being of his creatures, and being guided, as we believe, by the spirit and providence of God, and in the exercise of their God-given freedom of church independence, thev have organized this Association in the district of coun- 1200 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. try in which the Creator has placed them, and in so doinjy they feel assui'ed of his approbation. "2. The object or purpose for which this Associa- tion was organized is consonance with the foregoing. But to be more explicit : It is that churches may, through the union of consecrated forces, carry out the will of the great head of the church, as found in Matt. 28:19, 20 — "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations," etc. It is its purpose to assist in extending the Redeemer's kingdom from the pine woods of Alis- sissippi to the uttermost parts of the earth, to give the gospel to the poor, to rescue the perishing, to lift up the fallen, to promote the interest of the Savior"s cause among men b\' fostering and helping ever\' branch of Christian benevolence as outlined in the Holy Scripture. It is also its purpose to wage an aggressive war against every form of evil which blights our land. "3. This Association of churches has taken its stand by the side of the infallible word of God, and will contend earnestly for the faith which was once delivered to the saints. The principle of unfailing fidelity to Christ is inscribed upon its l)anner, and in His name we trust, and upon the Holy Spirit we rely for success. We extend the hand of fraternal fellowship to our sister associations, and crave an interest in the SA-mpathies, love and prayers of God's people,"' etc. At 9 : 30 a. m. the devotional exercises were begun, L. M. Stone, of Meridian, conducting the meeting. O. D. Bowen was called on to preside over the body in its temporary' organization and Charles G. Elliott to act as clerk. The churches and delegates being enrolled, b\' unanimous vote the temporar\^ ofHcer^were elected to act in the permanent organization. The constitu- tion, articles of faith, and rules of decorum being HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, 1207 adopted, the child jjroperly named and the committees formed, the bed}' went regularly at work. It may be well to say that to this da\' the union has not found it necessary to change its moderator or its clerk. The first act of the organized body was to assert itself as to its alliance £ind co-operation with the Bap- tist State Convention in all the departments of its work. Five delegates to the Baptist State Convention were appointed by the moderator, and an executive committee of live Wcis raised to correspond and co-op- erate with the State Convention Board with a pros- pect of supplying destitute places in their bounds. The first Executive Committee consisted of L. E. Hall, T. J. Hardy, W. B. Holcomb, W. C. Anderson, and W. W. Mitchell. The body recognized the presence of J. A. Hackett, L. AI. Stone, A. V. Rowe, J. L. Finley, T.E. H. Robinson, J. P. Williams, X. L. Robertson, and J. E. Davis. The first report read before the ])()d\' was on tem- perance. It expressed the firm conviction that prohibi- tion was the only correct moral attitude of the church of Christ as to the li(iuor traffic, and that individuals and churches should use their influence at the ballot for the election of men, who oppose the evil of strong drink. The subject of Ministerial Education was well pres- ented by a committee, of which C. G. Elliott was chair- man. The report on Sunday schools was peculiarly fitting. It cut to the point at once. The churches re- ported 1,002 pupils in their Sunday schools, while thev had a total membership of onh' 1,131. That was ex- cellent. Joy was expressed that B. X. Hatch was doing work under the Convention Board as State evangelist for Sunday schools. The report on Missions covered the field, and the report on Publications was satisfac- tory, and in line with all th.e organized work. 1208 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The first session of the Lebanon presaged an exist- 'cnce of nsefnhiess for the body. It had in it an unusual number of strong men. The names of eight ordained ministers were in the printed list, and three promising licentiates. The second session of the Lebanon was held with the church at Poplar ville, beginning September 12, 1895. The Heidelberg church, which hoped to enter into the constitution of the Association the j'car' before, ^'as received into the union. The Association was then composed of thirteen well organized churches. The age of the same churches appears in the Minutes. In some of the Minutes of the oldest associations the number of vears the churches had been in existence was given. It is good information. The Ellisville church was the old- est, being constituted in 1882. Of the thirteen churches that composed the Lebanon, the Elhs ville church was also the largest, having 202 members. The Hatties- burg church, constituted in 1884, had a membership of 185. The Heidelberg church was the smallest, having only twenty members. The total membership of the churches had increased during the associational year from 1,131 to 1,183, but the attendance upon the Sun- day schools had largely decreased, falling back to a total of 740. The statistical table of 1895 makes a fine financial showing. None of the benevolences fostered by our people seemed to be overlooked. Their contributions to State missions, Home missions, Foreign missions, Sustentation, Ministerial Education, the Southern Bap- tist Theological Seminary, Local Benevolence, Sunday School work, and pastors' salary made a grand total of $5,875.15. Seven of the thirteen churches had prayer meeting weekly. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1209 Two or three of the reports put before the body have in them the important facts as to their projected work. The report on Colportage read by R. A. Vena- ble has in it three wise recommendations. As the Leb- anon was 3^oung, co-operation was suggested with the Chickasahay Association in the employment of an efficient colporteur, and that a committee be appointed to confer with the mother association about the mat- ter, and the assistance of the Convention Board sought. • The report on Woman's Work decried "women preachers," but declared that the women in their legiti- mate work needed the encouragement and aid of the pastors in organizing societies and carrying on their w^ork. The report of Mrs. E. V. Clark, the vice-presi- dent of Woman's Work in the Association, was ap- pended to the annual report. Six societies were re- ported. These societies were weak but cheerful, and were aiding in missionary and church work. The Association of 1896 met with the Ellisville church on Thursday morning, September 17. All of the churches were well represented. The Shady Grove church, Jasper count\% was received into the union, and also the Lacey Baptist church. The visitors were A.\'. Rowe, J. G. Sibley, J. M. Phillips, and J. A. Hackett. The associational sermon was preached by \V. B. Hol- comb on the " Guidance of the Hoh^ Spirit."' Dr. Whitsitt, on the histor\' of English Baptists, received more than a passing notice. Early in the ses- sion a resolution was offered by W. M. Conner on the subject, which was referred to a committee of three, which had instruction to report during the sitting of the body. Few men have the opportunity of producing a more far-reaching sensation than did that noted scholar. How it ever impressed itself on him to malign 1210 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, his own (lenoinination taxes thouoht. The reputation of having found something new in histor\' must have been very seductive to him. It did not re(]uire any great length of time for the committee appointed to tie their "whereas'' and "resolved"" together. The gun was loaded, and all they had to do was to pull back the hammer. Thought was already formulated, and sen- timent established. And why should it not have been so. The rough hand had been placed on the heritage of the fathers, and an attempt made to mutilate Bap- tist history, and that too by the president of our South- ern Theological Seminary. The report on Colportage read bj^ L. E. Hall was brief. It could not give the work done in the co-opera- tion with the Chickasahay Association, Ijut recom- mended that the committee be continued with instruc- tion to learn the amount of debt incurred bA' the joint committee. It is not stated in the Minutes that the report was discussed. While the enterprise seemed in a discouraging condition, much good work was being done b^^ the colporteur, J. M. Phillips, in East Alissis- sippi. He was cordially invited, b^' resolution, to A'isit any part of the territory of the Lebanon Association. The remaining five years of the history- of this As- sociation, we shall consider topically, as matters had so far formulated in 1S97 in the organization that no movement threaded its wa\' through the consecutive year. The topical method allows due consideration for each line of work in uninterrupted sequence. Each 3'ear the Lebanon had a strong report on temperance. True, the prohibition movement had won acceptance before the formation of this Association. The counties in which the churches were locfited were all under ])rohibitory law before the origin of this m"- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1211 organization. But a drink made of hops was for a time allowed as a beverage b\' State law. The law was abused, and certain proportion of alcohol put into the liquid, beyond the limitation set bj^ the State, which could only be discerned by a strict chemical anah^sis. In 1895, the Lebanon passed the following resolu- tion : "'Resolved, That it is the sense of the churches com- posing the Leijanon Baptist Association assembled at Purvis, Mississippi, December 2, 1S97, that the law legalizing the sale of what is known as 'hop tea' should be repealed, as the retention of this law on our statute books is a reflection upon the fair name of the State of Mississippi.'' It was recommended that the churches should circulate, as citizens,. petitions, requesting the legislature to repeal the odious law. The law \vas re- pealed. The two following years the evil of strong drink was strongh' condemned. But, in the \'ear 1900, an- other dodge of the demon drink was being closely ob- served. The stringent laws made by the last meeting of the legislature to scout the "blind tigers" was heart- ily approved. This screened beast, wily though it is, has been captured too often, but having multitudinous shapes, it appears in the dark and secluded spots of our town, and lurks there despite the most sleepless vigi- lance. A correct public sentiment is in all grades of society, and a due respect for reigning law is the only corrective of the secluding evil. Some of the warmest supporters of sustentation are in East Mississippi. Capt. \V. H. Hardy, long of Meridian, lately of Hattiesburg, was the first president of the State Convention to insist upon the formation of a Board of Sustentation, and the first Board foster. 1212 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ing this benevolence was in Meridian. In 1896, it was said that the Lebanon was taking more interest in sustentation than before, and that there was great need among the superannuated ministers in the State. In 1899, seven churches of the Association contributed to the sustentation fund, and the following year this number of the churches was increased by one. For a part of the period of the history of this or- ganization we are now considering, the Baptist Con- vention paper was published in Meridian. They were true to The Record. No word of complaint as to that paper appears on their Minutes. The Record was re- commended that 3'ear as worthy of support, and re- iiewed mention. In 1898, in the report it is said : " We are glad to learn, that the Baptist Record and the Layman have been purchased by a stock company with the view of giving us one large, sound, well-managed, well-edited paper, and we earnestly recommend that our people give this new paper their hearty endorsement and sup- port." It is seen that there was no ill will engendered by the removal of the paper interest from Meridian to Jackson. In 1899, the redubitable J. R. Parish was chairman of the Committee on Publications. He loved the Bap- tist Record as none of the rest of us loved it — his affec- tion for it was unfailing. He said : " We recommend to our people to give our new Baptist paper a tair and honest chance to accomplish its great and important mission.'' The price of the new paper was $2.00 a year. Some objected to this. They said they could get papers for half the amount. The answer was given "A ton of rotten corn is worth less than a peck of sound." In 1901, the Association was urged to observe HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 121,S the second Siinday in December as the " Baptist day," with a special effort to increase the circulation of the paper. None of our cherished benevolences are more readily supported than the Mississippi Baptist Orphanage. It m£lkes no appeals for support, but it has not known a day of real need . The commendations of the Lebanon, and its ready support, was hearty from the opening of the doors of the institution. In 1899 they said : "It behooves us to keep this work in view, remembering that there is a crj'ing need for everything given.*' In 1901, the prospective central building of the Orphanage was spoken of encouragingh', and doubtless, many of the good men of the Lebanon have bricks in that build- ing, now being occupied b^^ the Lord's little ones. Woman's Work was tenderly fostered by this new organization. The kindly treatment of the work b\' the brethren has in it the courtly bearing of Christian gentlemen. They w^ere ever ready to extend a hand politely to the women toiling upwards in the Master's work. Mrs. E. V. Clark, vice-president in 1897, was requested to visit all of their churches as soon as pos- sible and organize societies, and they w^ould raise the money to pay her expenses. The next ^^ear she reported that the funds raised for her expenses were more than am- ple, and that she had organized seven societies. In 1899, vshe reported $65.00 given to the frontier missionaries, and $135.69 through the regular quarterly collections. Her report was happilj^ spoken to by Mitchell, Hall, Elliott, Roper, and Parish. In 1901, the Association's vice president, Sister Bessie L. Stapleton, organized ten societies, and W. B. Holcomb three, making a total of sixteen societies in the Association. The Lebanon has not supported an annual Sunday 1214 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. School Convention, l)ut has kept up a liveh' interest in the work. The body has more than the usual number of town churches to be found in similar organizations in the State, which has favored the average attendance upon the Sunda}- schools until it stands so far as is known without an equal in the associations of the State in the ratio of Sunday-school pupils to the church membership. In 1898, five churches of the body re- ported Sunda\' schools with an attendance larger than their church membership, and in 1899, nine churches made a like report. While the Association had gained in the current year in church membership 123, it had gained in attendance upon the Sunday schools 367. The total membership of the churches that year was 1,746, the number of Sunda3^-school scholars was 1,756. In 1900, in the report on this subject, it is said: "We note that there has been an increase of one Sunday school. The Lebanon is the banner association of the State in the Sunday school procession. The reports placed before the Association on Educa- tion usualh' embraced Ministerial Education, Stone Female College, and Alississippi College, and were usualh' well discussed. Sometimes Hillman College, or Blue Alountain Female College would receive favorable mention. The Association adopted the one-report method as to missions, and retained the method year by year. In 1899, these preambles and resolutions were adopted : " Whereas, the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad has opened up an important field for mission work between Hattiesburg and the Gulf, and "Whereas, the Baptists along this road are turn- ing to the State Convention for help in developing the spiritual condition of this country', and HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1215 " Whereas, we know that now is the time to oc- cupy the field, if we are going to do so at all, therefore, ^'Resolved, First, that we urge our Convention Board to put at least two strong men on this road, at once, if they can be secured. Second, that these men he suj^ported iDy the Board, so they can turn their attention to building up churches along the line and planting others, instead of having to try to get their support from the field."' The Gulf and Ship Island Railroad travei'sed the centre of their territory, and they began to prepare for the onset. In 1899, it was said that telling results of missionary- work could be seen in the spiritual condition of that neglected country. L. E. Hall was making himself felt along the Gulf and Ship Island Railroad, and in the contiguous country. J. G. Sibley was fur- ther south, and J. B. Searcv on the coast. They were strong men, well equipped, and well adapted to the undertaking. Three or four things must in conclusion l3e said about this intelligent and progressive bod3\ Its Min- utes are all neat, legible and shapeh". They attract attention, and provoke remark. The Alinutes of 1894 were printed by John M. Alurphy, at Meridian, and are pleasing to the eye. From that time on they were printed by the Brandon News, and were, without ex- ception, models of mechanical skill. The field of the Association is ideal. The churches are, in the main, in good towns, and composed of a people who are working together for the development of their country, without jealousy or ill-feeling, and with all of the sturdy mental and spiritual build of men well reared in good country homes, and trained in scrupulous country churches Such men constitute a large part of the wealth ot our State. 1216 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The evident life of the Lebanon is itself attractive. It is life well directed. The irrefragable lightning will rend the oak to splinters, but the controlled electricity moves harmless to the accruing benefit of man. Life well directed is needful in the promotion of all benevo- lent enterprises. Such is the life instinct in the Lebanon. There has been displayed by the body a beautiful harmony ot action. No page of the Minutes is blurred b^^ the appearance of rancor. "Blest be the tie that binds our hearts in Christian love" is a good old Bap- tist song, written by a Baptist preacher, and surely from him, the members of the Lebanon are in direct line of succession. The blessings of high heaven remain with the Lebanon. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1217 CHAPTER LIV. TRINITY ASSOCIATION. The Trimt3^ Association is in the counties of Chick- asaw, Clay, and Webster. It was constituted in Octo- ber, 1895, of churches from the Aberdeen, Columbus, and Zion Associations, it was the Trinity. The churches that went into the constitution of the body were: Bethel, Cross Roads, Montpelier, Pine Bluff, Pleasant Ridge, Double Springs, Spring Creek, Mount Pleasant, Maben, Cumberland, Arbor Grove, and Wake Forest. The churches that have been re- ceived since are : Amit}^, College Hill, Arbor Springs, Monta Vista, Bentley, and Hohenlinden. J. F. Mitchell was moderator of the Trinity Asso- ciation at its five sessions from its constitution, S. M. Hightower w^as clerk for four years c^nd L. M. Pearsall has been treasurer through the existence of the body. S. M. Cole was moderator in 1900 and 1901, and A. J. Davis is at present their efficient clerk. The ministers in the organizationof the Association were: vS. M. Cole, J. L. Arnold, A. J. Porter, J. A. Dal- ton, J. F. Mitchell. The second annual session of the bod3^ was held with the Pleasant Ridge church, and the third with the Cross Roads church, beginning October 22, 1897. Eighteen churches were represented, which had a total membersliip of 1,252. The prominent visitors were: 1218 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. David Burney of the Chester Association, J. L. Wilson of the Aberdeen, A. V. Rowe, Corresponding Secretarr ot the Convention Board, and W. A. Hurt, representing the Layman. The usual reports were made on Pas- toral Support, S^^stematic Benevolence, Periodicals, Home and State missions. Temperance, Aiinisterial Education, and Sunday' schools. The churches gave that 3'ear to Home missions $14-. 80, and to Foreign missions $18.91. The fourth annual session was held with the Arbor Grove church, the fifth, with Spring Creek, and the sixth at Mount Pleasant church of Webster county. In 1900, there were 20 churches in the Association with an aggregate of 1,321 members. The Wake For- est church was the largest, having a total membership of 153. S. M. Cole was their pastor. The next in numbers was the Bethel church with an enrollment of 119. J. F. Mitchell was their pastor. The third in size A\'^as the Cross Roads church which had a church list of 103. The Finance Committee of that year reported re- ceived for Foreign missions $51.65, for State missions ■$1.50, for Home missions $10.15, and for the Orphan- age $9.20. Among the reports of committees, we find this state- ment in the report on Temperance: "We learn that ninety per cent, of the inmates of the penitentiary are there from the effect of the liquor traffic." The report of the Committe on Periodicals recommended The Bap- tist, of Jackson, Miss., The Texas Baptist Standard, The Pastoral Visitor, and the i^ore/g"72 Amission Journal. A good report on the Orphanage was presented by A. M. George, chairmain of the committee. In the report of the Committee on Sunday Schools, we find this Ian- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1219 guage : "With much regret we noticed from the read- ing of the letters from the different churches that about one-fourth, or perhaps less, reported no Sunday schools.'' That was a good comparative report from the churches of the body ; better, by far, than man\' of the Associa- tions composed of country- churches could report. The ordained ministers of the Association at that date were: J. L. Arnold, X. Baker, S. M. Cole, W. J. Caldwell, J. A. Dalton, J. L. Foster, L. L. George, J. F. Alitchell, F. H. Aliddleton and J. P. Wofford. One of their most active ministers, and one most interested in the history of the body is J. F. Mitchell. His Associa- tion has delighted to honor him, and he is devoted to the work of the Association. We are told that the Trinity Association "has in- creased in interest since its organization,"' and "is mov- ing along on the different lines pursued by our denomi- nation." May its star ever increase in magnitude, and its usefulness know no limit -but the end of time. 1220 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER LV. SOUTH MISSISSIPPI ASSOCIATION. This Association is composed of churches in the coun- ties of Amite and Pike. On October 31, 1896, represen- tatives of five churches met with the Jerusalem church in convention to consider the advisabilitx?- of organiz- ing a new association. The Jerusalem church is in Amite county, and is one of the oldest churches in our State. It is about two miles north of Gillsburg. The leading ministers in the convention were : R.J Boone, T. C. Schilling, and J. M. Cook. It appears that there was some discussion as to the advisability of going into the organization, but a motion prevailed to project the new enterprise. In the permanent organ- ization of the bod}', J. M. Cook was chosen moderator, and W. P. Smith, clerk. The churches entering the new institution were : Jerusalem, Os\'ka, Alt. Vernon, Amite River, and New Hope. The body was called the South Mississippi Association. Committees were appointed to report at that sit- ting of the Association on Publications, Finance, Edu- cation, Missions, Temperance, and Sustentation. On the Lord's da^-, T. C. vSchilling preached at 11 a. m., and J. M. Cook at 1 p. m. On Monday Articles of Faith, etc., were adopted and the report of committees heard. Correspondence was agreed upon with the Mis- sissippi, Mississippi River, Bogue Chitto, and Fair HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1221 River Association, and with the Baptist State Conven- tion. Two of the churches reported Sunday schools. The second annual session was held with the First Church, Osyka, beginning December 18, 1897. The officers of the previous year were re-elected. In fact, they were elected 3'ear by year to this date. The writer does not enjo^^ a familiar acquaintance with W, Pratt Smith, l)ut knows J. M. Cook well. He is a minister with more than ordinary ability and is a pious, devout, and consecrated Christian. He is especially gifted in pra3xr, and of a reverent and subdued spirit when mak- ing his appeals to a throne of grace. Two visitors were recognized, A. V. Rowe, representing the interests of the Convention Board, and R. J. Boone. The Gills- burg church was received into the union, but called for a letter of dismission the following j^ear. Four of the six churches reported additions during the associational A^ear, the Gillsburg church receiving eight by baptism, Mt. Vernon eleven, Jerusalem one, and Osyka one. The total membership of the churches was 405. Four churches reported amounts contri- buted to missions, amounting to $52.95. The Association convened with the Mt. ^Vernon church, December 3, 1898. The late date of their meet- ings was caused bx^ the appearance of j^ellow fever in New Orleans, and different parts of our State. There w^ere 17 delegates in the union, the Os\'ka church not being represented by letter or delegates. Two mes- sengers were present from the Mississippi Association, W. K. Anderson, and William McNabe. Their program for services on Sunday was not carried out, on account of the inclemency' of the weather. The usual reports were placed before the body. In the report on Sunday schools, pleasure was expressed 1222 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. that some of their ehurehes were making progress in the Sundaj' school work. The churches were urged by the Association to exercise a kind but firm discipline with members addicted to strong drink. A hearty co- operation with the Convention Board was kindly recommended. The Baptist, and the Foreign Mission Journal were commended to the readers of the bod^'. Their fourth annual session was held with the New Hope church, beginning September 16, 1899. The in- troductorA' sermon was preached b\' J. M. Cook from Heb. 11:10. J. H. Lane and E. A. Bates were received as messengers from the Mississippi Association, and Jesse Carpenter from the Mississippi River. (3n Sunday morning a "mass meeting'" was held, and the report on Sunday schools read and discussed. At 11 a. m. J. H. Lane preached a sermon on "What Baptists Beheve and Hold." Preaching- at the same hour in a grove near by, by J. R. Bayham. The mis- sion collection amounted to $8.30. Preaching in the afternoon by W. A. Hewitt. Onh^ four baptisms were reported, and the churches reported 'IBS members. Three churches contributed to missions, Mt. Vernon giving $3.25, Osyka $6.10, and Jerusalem $5.00. The fifth annual session was held with the Jerusa- lem church, beginning September 8, 1900. Onlv four churches were represented, Amite River, Mt. Vernon, Jerusalem, and New Hope. Nothing is said aljout the disappearance of the name of the First Church, Os\dva, but it is known that about that time the difiliculties, which had iDcen menacing the peace of Baptists in Osvka, had l3een adjusted, and a union of the two churches realized by the friends of peace. The consoli- dated church sought other afliliations. The introductory sermon was preached bv J. Prcs- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1223 ton Harrington from Col. 1:18. The sermon on Sunday -was preached l)y J. H. Lane, after which a collection was taken for missions amounting to $10.50. The re- port on Ministerial Educ^ition was read and adopted, and a collection taken for that object in cash and pledges, amounting to $26.00. On Monday, a report was read on the Orphanage, and a fine interest manifested in that benevolence. They took a collection for the Orphanage, in cash and pledges, of $26.05, and appointed a committee of one from each church to collect money, and look after the interest of this object. There was only one ordained minister in the Asso- ciation, and four churches with a total membership of 318. Two of the churches reported amounts given to missions, Alt. Vernon $3.00, and Jerusalem $4-. 00. This Association is young, small, and struggling, but with prospects as fair as other associations, which years ago had small iDcginnings, but are now among our strongest and best. The life of associations is as the career of individuals, beyond calculations or conjec- ture as to what their future will be. The Lord's bless- ings attend this vouns: association. .1224 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER LVI. LAWRENCE COUNTY ASSOCIATION. This Association was organized October 26, 1901, at Calvar^^ church in Lawrence County, Miss. A fra- ternal conference composed of delegates from several churches in Lawrence county was held in Monticello, the county- seat of Lawrence, the last of March, 1901, ■which decided on the advisability of the constitution of the new iDody. The Association was the third Baptist association formed in Lawrence county. The Pearl River was con- stituted at Dilling's Creek church in 1820, and the Fair River at Shiloh church in 1872. Besides this, churches in the county had been in the Strong River and Pearl Leaf Associations. Two of the churches that went into the constitution of the Lawrence County Association are among the oldest churches of the State, Bethany and Silver Creek, Lawrence county was settled early. Theold "Three- Cut-Road" from Georgia to Natchez ran through the county, which was the highway for emigration to the west. The Lawrence county has no railroads, unless it be some spur tracks for the convenience of milling- interests. Its inhabitants are prosperous, contented, and religious. The Lawrence County Association was composed History of Mississippi baptists. 1225 of fifteen churches, all of Lawrence county. Eight (8) of the churches were from the Pearl River Association, viz: Bethel, Clear Springs, Crooked Creek, Calvary. Hepzibah, New Hope, Silver Creek, and Society- Hill. Five (5) of them w^ere from the Fair River, Antioch, Monticello, New Zion, Rehoboth, and Shiloh. The re- maining two were from the Pearl Leaf, Bethany, and Whitesand. D. AL Lee was chosen temporary chairman and \V. J. Armstrong temporary- clerk. It was agreed, upon motion, that the new bod\' be called the Lawrence Count\^ Association. D. M. Lee was chosen moderator, W. J. Armstrong, clerk, and A. T. Longino, treasurer. The usual Articles of Faith, Rules of Decorum, etc., were adopted. No work was undertaken beyond due preparation for the meeting of the body in 1902. The leading spirit in the organization was J. P. Williams, of Silver Creek. J. P. Williams is a worthy graduate of Mississippi College. He is a pious man, of rare common sense, and one of our best preachers. He is in the country from preference. He is pastor of some of the largest churches in the State, and exerts an ex- tended influence. He says that when a preacher fails in the country, he goes to a town to preach. He has a great field of lal^or, and may he be granted many j^ears of usefulness. 1226 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. CHAPTER LVII. THE XOX-CO-OPERATIVE ASSOCIATIOXS. These associations are composed of the people usu- alh^ called anti-missionary, and sometimes, derisively, "Hardshell Baptists." They call themselves Primitive Baptists. Wishing to extend to them all courtesy' that a historian should, we shall speak of them in terms least offensive to them. The so-called Primitive Baptists of our State are not to be traced to the original division of Baptists in 1814, but have gone out from Missionar\' Baptist asso- ciations. This ma^' not be true in the exception, but is in the rule. We shall so find the historical facts in the writing of the history of the individual associations. Their articles of faith are, in the main, excepting the reference to feet washing, consonant with the articles of faith adopted by the great liody of Baptists, but their constitutions are, in many essentials, peculiar to themselves. For the sake of lucidness, their articles of faith and constitution will be given, as they appear in the Minutes of the Bethany- Association. The constitu- tion in the Alinutes of the old Primitive Association is not so full as in the Minutes of the Bethnny. CONSTITUTION. Article 1. (The name of the Association.) Art. II. This Association shall be composed of mem- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1227 bers chosen annually b\^ their respective churches, and each church shall be entitled to three delegates, who on presenting letters certifying their appointment, shall be entitled to seats. Art. III. The Association shall have a moderator and clerk, who shall be chosen immediately after the organization of each session. Art, IV. This Association shall hold regular an- nual sessions, at such places and from time to time, she shall designate, and when convened shall only sit as an advisory council. Art. V. This Association shall' never possess a single attribute of power to lord it over God's heritage, but forever disclaims all right to interfere with the in- ternal concerns of any church, and holds each church to be independent in all matters of internal government. Art. VL This Association may withdraw from any church that shall become heterodox or disorderly. Art. \TI. This Association forever disclaims all con- nection with every modern missionary society, by what- ever name called. Art. VIII. No church shall hereafter be admitted into this union until she shall first produce satislactory evidence of her being opposed to all modern missionary schemes ; neither shall there be any newfy constituted churches admitted into this union until they have first, presented copies of their faith, and l^y whom consti- tuted . Art. IX. This Association shall have power to adopt such rules of government, while in session, as she may deem proper, sul^ject to amendment; provided, however, the same shall not conflict with this Consti- tution. Art. X. This Association may hold correspondence with such associations as she mav deem orthodox. 1 228 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Art. XI. This Constitution shall not be altered, or amended, until two-thirds of the churches composing this union shall require the same. ARTICLES OF FAITH. Article 1. We believe in one God, and the Trinity of Persons in the Godhead — the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Art. II. We believe the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the revealed words of God, and are the onU^ rule of faith and practice. Art. III. We believe in the fall of Adam and conse- quent depravity of human nature, and that all men, by nature, are in a state of wrath, and utterly unable to recover themselves by their ow^n tree will and ability into the favor of God. Art. IV. We believe that God, before the founda- tion of the world, chose a definite number of the human race in Christ Jesus to salvation, and they in pai'ticular are saved. Art. V. We believe that sinners are justified only through the merits and efficiency' of the obedience, death and resurrection of Christ imputed to them. Art. VI. We believe that all those who are called quickened, regenerated, and justified are preserved in Christ and kept by the powder of God unto salvation, and can never fall away and finally be lost. Art. VII. We believe Jesus Christ, who is the Head and Law Giver has instituted the ordinances of Bap- tism and the Lord's Supper, which are to be perpet- ually observed by the church to the end of the world. Art. VIII. We believe that Baptism, the Lord'sSup- per, and Feet Washing are ordinances of Jesus Christ, and that true believers are the only proper subjects, and the proper mode of baptism is immersion. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1229 Art. IX. We believe in the resurrection, both of the just and the unjust, and the happiness ot the righteous^ and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal. THE PRIMITIVE ASSOCIATION. The bod^' held its sixteenth annual session last year. As is true of the other non-co-operative associations^ the histor3'^ preserved is meager. We can only give such information as to them as has been preserved b\' writ- ten records that are available. The Primitive Association is located in the counties of Carroll, Holmes, and Yazoo. It is at present com- posed of five churches, Lebanon, Sweet Water, Oak Ridge, New Providence, and Bethany. The Lebanon church; with Durant as its postoflice, has 36 members ; Sweet Water, at Coila, has 52 members ; New Provi- dence, Cecil, has 27 members; and Bethany, Tierce, 14 members. The membership of Oak Ridge is not known as it was not represented in the Association last 3'ear. This Association was constituted in 1S39 of four churches: The Yazoo, Hickorj^ Springs, Rock}^ Springs, and Lebanon. The last named church is the only one of the four so denominated in the present list of churches • but possibly some of them have changed their names. The Primitive Association got its rise out of the old Yazoo Association. The history of the dissolution of that body is given in our consideration of the Yazoo Association. The dividing wedge was the question of missionary operations. The churches were not agreed on the way their evangelism should be carried on, and the^' came to the parting of ways. Some of them went into the constitution of the Primitive Association, and some to the Zion Association. The Doak's Creek church went into the formation of the Mt. Pisgah Association. 1230 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Ill 184-4, this body had in it vSeven churches with a total membership of 1896; in 145 nine churches witk 497 ; and, in 1846 the churches had 523 memljers. The bod\' met in 1900 with the Bethany church, Yazoo county, and meets this year with the Lebanon church which is eight miles south of west of Durant. It convened last year on Friday before the fourth Sunday in September. S. J. Wilkinson was moderator, and W. J. Owen, clerk. The messengers from the churches were : D. Musselwhite, W. J. Owen, John Moore, J. M. Palmer- tree, S.J. Wilkinson, C. AI. Tierce, and E. L. Johnson. The churches composing the iDody had an aggregate of 129 members. Their ordained ministers were : G. K. Guess, S. J. Wilkinson, and J. W. Woods. The sum of $10.50 was received from the churches for associational purposes. LITTLE ZION AvSSOCIATION. Because of its age, the Primitive Association w^as considered first among the associations that are claim- ing our attention. We will now begin with the bodies in the southern part of the State, and proceed north- ward, being interrupted onlyl3y the chronological order of the associations. The Little Zion Association is located in the south- eastern part of the State. Its churches are in the coun- ties of Jones, Green, Wayne, Marion and in Mobile county, Alabama. Two of the churches are in Alabama, Lebanon, and Pleasant Grove. Two churches are in Jones county, Lebanon at Ovett, and Palestine, at Hoy; one in Green, Philadelphia, at Richston ; and two in Marion, Pleasant Home, Purvis; and Bluff Springs at T'alawah. In Robertson's account of the dissolution of the Leaf River Association, which was in 1845, we find that HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS 1231 there was a number of the churches of that body which was opposed to missionary societies, bible societies, etc., which formed themselves into the Primitive Baptist Association. He says that the Association "existed for a few years only'' and became extinct. The senti- ment aga;nst organized Christian efforts, we may well conclude, did not die with the Association, but remained with some sort of expression in that part of the State. The Little Zion Associ^ition held this rear (1902), its eighteenth annual session with the Lebanon church, the last of September. The eight churches composing it, have a total of 133 members. The pastors of the churches are: John Mason, J. J. Alassey, L. F. EasW, and J. A. Parker. Their officers last year were: L. F. Easlej', moderator, and Luke Mason, clerk. The svim of $17.50 was reported on hand Idv the Committee on Finance. BETHAXV ASSOCIATION. This body is now 58 A^ears old. It has in it nine- teen churches, which are in the counties of Newton, Scott, Clark, Leake, Neshoba, Yazoo, and Attalla. The churches composing it have 634 members. Antioch, in Scott county is the largest of the churches, having 65 members. This is the strongest Association of their order in the State. In 1846, the body had in it 9 churches with a total of 198 luemliers. In 1900, J. R. Willis w^as moderator, and W. W. M. Banks, clerk. The Association corresponds with the Primitive, the Amite, and the Good Hope Associations. It has in it 15 ordained ministers, two of them in Scott county, four in Leake, seven in Newton, one in Neshoba, and one in Clarke. N. L. Clark, in his histor\' of the Mt. Pisgah Asso- ciation published in this w^ork, gives a good account of 1232 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the division of that association on the question of mis- sionary operations, which gave rise to the organization of the Bethany Association. We take the Hberty of quoting a few sentences from what he has written on the disturbance in the Mt. Pisgah Association in 1843. He says, that on Monday embraced in their session, "Sadness pervaded the whole delegation, and much ap- prehension was felt. * * * Early in the da3', during the discussion of a cjuestion, more or less involving the subject of missions, the climax was reached. Roderic R. Fortson, rising from his seat and addressing the As- sociation in a short talk, closed b\^ sa\ang : ' I am not of you, and that it may be manifest that I am not of 3'ou, I now go out from you,' and, suiting his actions to his word, lett the house, followed by a number of delegates that agreed with him in sentiment. "■ Elder Wilbanks, the leader of the opposers to the missionary sentiment of the Mt. Pisgah Association, Avas moderator of the Mt. Pisgah, and Joel Harvey, a visitor, and a "non-fellowshiper '" was appointed to preach on Sunday, but was not so allowed by the As- sociation. We are not told what churches went out of the Mt. Pisgah Association to form the Bethany, but are given to understand that the anti-missionary sentiment was, at the time, strong in the Mt. PivSgah Association. We find in the Minutes of 1900, obituary notices of the death of two of their ministers, A. J. Craig, and J.. G. Crecelius. This was a great loss to the Betham' As- sociation. A.J. Craig died in Meridian, January 1, 1900. He wq,5 a native of Illinois. He came to Mississippi in 1872, and was ordained to the work of the ministry in 1881. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1233 J. G. Crecelius was the grand old Roman of the As- sociation. He was born in Washington count}', Tenn., in 1815. He came to Mississippi in 1837, and settled in Scott count}'. He joined the Antioch church in 1841, being baptized by Stephens Berr}'. He began to preach sometime afterward. He was in the division of the Mt. Pisgah Association, and in the constitution of the Beth- any Association, in which he served as clerk several 3'ears, and moderator two years. By the people of Scott county he was several times placed in high posi- tions of trust, being for a while in the State legislature. GOOD HOPE ASSOCIATION. This institution will hold its thirteenth annual ses- sion beginning on Saturday before the fourth Sunday in October, 1902. It was formed of churches of the Beth- any Association in the southern part of its territory. Its churches are in the counties of Jasper, Smith, Scott, and Simpson. It has the Bethany Association north of it, the Little Zion south of it, and the Amite west of it. The Good Hope Association now has in its affilia- tion ten churches, which have an aggregate member- ship of 245. The Alt. Olive church in Scott county is the largest, having a membership of 36. The pastors of the Association are: N. C. Wade, D. R. Pittman, J. S. Thomas, C. C. Smith, T. S. Monar, J. T. Gray, A. L. Wade, E. A. Searcy, and J. A. Kened}-. At the session of 1901, J. L. Joyner was chosen moderator, and A. B. Amason, clerk. The Committee on Finance reported the sum of $21.05 on hand for as- sociational purposes. Beside the pastors, whose names. have been given the ordained ministers of the body were: J. L. Jojmer, J. E. Alderman, C. P. Mvrick, S. D. Edwards, C. L. Clark, S. R. Scott, J. J. Massey and A. B. Amason. 1234 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Under the head of " Reasons and Appeals " are given, as under the same head in the Minutes of the Bethany Association, five reasons for their dissent from Alission- ary Baptists. They were : First, because they pub- lished to the world that there are more ministers of the gospel than money to send them out; second, that the lack of monej^ was obstructing holy enterprises; third, because of the practice of buying life membership to societies : fourth, because the^' employ men at high wages to preach and act as agents in collecting money and laying the claims of education before the churches ; and fifth, iDccause the3^ hold and publish to the world that large sums of mone}' can be spent with prudence, economy and profit in advancing Christ's Kingdom, making it appear that "the advancement of Christ's Kingdom is entirely dependent on the amount of mone\^ that can be raised, thereby placing the salvation of God's church on human effort and contingency." Mis- sionar3" Baptists were only held to be in disorder for ■"endeavoring to carry on such worldh- and unscrip- lural miCasures." The\'- assert that the3^ are "Baptists of the old school," and regretted thatthe "new school'' had sin h'ing at their door. AMITE ASSOCIATION. This bodv, as its name indicates, is in southwest Mississippi. It convenes this 3'ear with the Middletons Creek church, Franklin county', on Saturday before the third Sunda}^ in October. Middletons Creek is in the southeastern part of Franklin count}', flowing northwest and empt^-ing into the Homochitto River. The churches of the Amite As- sociation are in that territory. In 1854-, the old Mississippi Association was HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1235 troubled by the assertions of Rowland Wilkinson, that Baptists had departed from the faith, practices, and usage of the churches of former days, and for the sake of filthy lucre had entangled themselves with conven- tions, associations and boards, thus infringing on the independence of the churches. He was excluded from the Zion Hill church, and became pastor of the Mt. Olive church, and then fellowship ^vas withdrawn b^- the As- sociation from the Alt. Olive church. Thus the anti-rfiissionar3^ spirit began to show it- self in south Alississippi. The Amite Association is not strong numerically l)ut has some good men in it, some choice spirits. LITTLE BLACK ASSOCIATION. The bod}- is south of east of the Primitive Associa- tion, and north of the Bethanv Association. It is in the section of the State covered by the counties of Attala, Winston and Choctaw. The .\ssociation is composed of seven churches. Their numerical strength is unknown to the writer. James Davis, and J. D. Dean are pastors in the Associa- tion, and leaders in the bod^-. Strange to sa\' no mention is made of this Associa- tion in the Miniites in hand of the associations of this order. The Alinutes of the Primitive and the Bethany', of 1900, do not refer to this body in the appointment of messengers to affiliating bodies. All the writer knows of the Little Black, therefore, has been gotten from a short note written him by W. H. H. Fancher. What is given must be correct if not satisfactory-. If anything more can be learned of the bod\^ it will be added to these statements of facts. No pains will be spared to secure the most interesting facts, if they are in anywise available. 1236 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. LOOSACOOXA ASSOCIATION. This institution was constituted in 1839. It was composed of four churches that went out of the Yalo- busha Association on account of an advanced move- ment of that body in missions. The churches going into the organization of the Loosacoona Association were in the counties of Carroll and Yalobusha. Four small churches at first constituted the body, viz: Hopewell, which had 22 meaibers; Shiloh, with 28 communicants; Mt. Carmel, with 15; and Loosa- coona, wdth 32. In all 97 members. In 1843, the Loosacoona Association had four churches in its union with an aggregate of 137 mem- bers. The body continued to exist until 1863, in which 3'ear it was dissolved. HOPEWELL ASSOCIATION. ' This bod\^ was constituted in 1865 in Pontotoc county. The western part of its territory covers the ground upon which the old Loosacoona Association held its existence. The Hopewell Association is in the counties of Lafayette, Pontotoc, Yalobusha, Calhoun and Montgomer3\ The first moderator of the Association was James Castleberry. He was succeeded in the position bA' M. C. C. Maples. After him came in the order named: E. A. Meaders, William Guess, and A. B. Morris. The churches composing the Hopewell Association in 1896 were: Friendship, near Pittsboro, Calhoun county-; Hopewell, near Coffeeville; Elam, its clerk's postoffice at Water Valley ; Pilgrims Rest, near Delay ;_ Antioch in Lafayette county ; Loosacoona, near Coffee- rille; Mt. Pisgah, its clerk's postoffice being Winona ; and Indian Creek in Yalobusha countv. These ten HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1237 churches in that year had an aggregate membership of 391. The pastors of the churches were: N. W. Eu- banks, G. W. Wardlow, A. B. Morris, Wm. Burdeshaw, E. D. WilHams, A. S. Perkins, D. J. Neal, and J. P. Pilkinton. The most noted Hving preacher in the body is A. B. Morris. He is universally respected, and is noted for his kindness of heart, knowledge of the Bil^le, and ability as a sermonizer. He is strenuous in his laelief as an "Old School Baptist."" The most noted of all the moderators that have presided over the Hopewell is E. A. Meaders, who lived near Water Valley-. "Old Brother Meaders," as he was usually called, was known in several counties in North Mississippi, and was held in universal esteem, as a conscientious man, and a good preacher. He was about five feet and ten inches tall and in advanced age, somewhat stooped. He died in 18S9, and was 86 3^ears old at his death. He was a man of great strength of character, and practical ability. THE ZIOXS REST ASSOCIATION. This bod\^ of non-co-operative Baptists was of early date, being formed in 1838. It was at an earW day mainly in Kemper and Neshoba counties. At the break- ing up of the old Choctaw Confederation in 1837, the Choctaw Association and the Louisville Association, and the Zions Rest Association were constituted of the churches of the Confederation. Some of the ministers who were in the Confedera- tion went with the anti-missionary element ; among them were: Wade H. Crawford, Halbrook, "Grandpa" Pace and Edwin Pace. After some years Halbrook anti Edwin Pace returned to the Missionary- Baptists. 1238 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. In 184-2, the Zions Rest Association had in it four ministers, and the 18 churches composing the body had an aggregate of 585 memlDcrs. In 1844, the ministers of the body were: James Alvvood, William Allen, and Wade H. Crawford. In 1841, Michael Ross of the Choc- taw Association, spoke of them as downcast and of "broken ranks."' But many of their old associations maintained their existence through many j'cars of dis- couragement, and exist to-day. TOMBIOBEE ASSOCIATION. North of the Little Black Association is the Tom- bigbee. It is in the counties of Chickasaw and Monroe. The writer knows little about the organization except what has been written him Id^v A. B. Morris of the Hopewell Association, and that it is in the list of cor- respondence erf the Hopewell Association. Elder Morris sa\'S it is jvist east of the Hopewell Association, which would place it in the counties mentioned above. LIBERTY ASSOCIATION. This body is composed of churches in Alississippi and Alabama. Three of the churches are in Mississippi, and in Itawamba country. These three churches are Marietta, New Ramah and Fair View. Marietta has 32 members, New Ramah 67, and Fair View 18. The3' arc every whit anti-missionar\' and believe in foot-washing. VVc are told that the^- are "a pretty good folk."' They "split off"" from the Little Vine As- sociation, which is in that part of the State. It is said that the Little Vine has "split'" again, has only two little churches in it, and is about dead. NEW HOPE ASSOCIATION. The New Hope Associfition is west and north of the HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1239 Liberty Association. It is in the counties of Tisho- mingo, Alcorn, Prentiss, and Union. Its territory ex- tends from luka on the north to New Albany on the west. Its bounds are oblong, extending from the southw^est to the northeast. The Association w^as constituted in 1842, and is now sixt^' years old. It is at present composed of ten churches, Alt. Pleasant, postoffice at luka; Sardis, Ri- enzi; Antioch, Corinth; Little Flock, Barnsville; Hope- well, Racket : New Hope, Brown's Creek ; McKay's Creek, Burtons; New Providence, Dennis; Zion's Rest, Booneville; and New Prospect, Baker. Its present membership is 332. The body met last year with the Sardis church, Alcorn county-, Se])teml)er 9, 1901. The New Prospect church was received at that meeting of the Association. They met this year with the New^ Providence church, which is twenty miles south of luka. Their ordained ministers are: J. D. Huddleston, Hickory Plains ; J. T. Blanchard, Brown's Creek; M. Hardwick, Burnsville ; J. J. Akers, luka; J. E. Shackle- ford, Burtons; and T. B. Dalton, Corinth. In 1891, M. Hardwick was moderator, and J.W. Barnett, clerk. In the articles of faith of the body there is nothing said about "foot-washing"' as an ordinance, but there is an article against "secret organizations,'' in which it is said, "We believe from experience that no good can result to the church of Christ from any secret or- ganization.'" TALL.\H.A.TCHIE ASSOCIATION. It has been impossible to this date to secui'e any copies of the Minutes of this bod3^ It is situated in the northwestern part of the State, west of the New Hope Association. It is an old institution. According 1240 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. to the Baptist Register of 1844, at the session of 1844, there were fourteen churches in the Association which had a total membership of 317. Through A. B. Morris, we learn that the body is still in existence. Near the -Tallahatchie is also the " Regular Baptist Association," about which we can learn little beyond the fact that it still exists. Baptist Schools and Colleges. PART II. History of Mississippi Baptists. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 124-3 OUR PIONEER WORK IN EDUCATION. Until the assuminji^ of the control of Mississip^ii College bv the Baptists of oui' State, fill work done by our people in education may be denominated pioneer. Until that time the State Convention merely indorsed the educational \vork done b\- individuals, and rec- ommended the patronage, and support of the projected institutions of learning. In 1845, in the report on education, placed before the State Convention by James G. Hall, of Grenada, it is said, "This Convention has never collected or disbursed an^- funds, appointed any trustees, or otherwise hjid any agency in m^maging said institu- tion {^[udson Institute), and. in our opinion, isin no way responsible for it." The Judson Institute was, to that date, their only projected educational enterprise. Yet, the "Mississippi Bajjtist Educational Society'" antedates the Baptist State Convention.- It was constituted .March l-i, lcS35. The following resolutions were adopted at that first meeting of the Society, "Resolved, That this Society deem it necessary as soon as practicable to estaljlish a schot^l combining manual labor witli study, having for its object the education of pious young men for the gos- pel ministry, and such others as the Board hereinafter named shall See fit to admit to a participation of its l)enefits; the same to be un- der the control of the Society." ''Resolved, That to carr}' into effect the object proposed in the foregoing, this Society will forthwith appoint a Board of Directors (now Board of Trustees), whose duty it shall be to adopt such meas- ures as the3- ma}' judge necessai"}-; to collect funds, select a suitable location, and carry into operation an institution of the above char- acter." The Societv ficcepted a constitution composed of ten articles which designated the name and design of the organization, together with the officers of tlie body, and their respective duties. A Board of Directors was constituted at this first meeting of the Society. Its (organization was complete and the body read}' for work. The Board of Directors, immediately upon the adjournment of the meet- ing of the Society, appointed S. S. Lattimore, general agent "to col- lect funds, receive subscriptions, etc, to carr}- into effect the impor- tantdesign of the Society, to wit: "The establishment of a manual la- bor school, to be under the control of the Baptist denomination of this State." The first annual report of the Hoard was made Xovemljcr 28th , 124-4 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1835, at an adjourned meeting of the Society. In that report, it was stated that their agent had secured a subscription amounting to $30,000.00, paya1)le infive annual instaHments; the first in stallment due January 1st, 1836. It is also said "If tA/s much has been ac- complished in the short space of eight months from the organization of your Society, and by our hitherto feeble efforts, what may we ex- pect when the important oliject we have in view shall have been fully understood?" T'he locfition of their institution of learning was deemed a matter of paramount importance, and a delay of a few months in this matter was regarded as time wisely employed. They were desirous of pro- curing a location that promised health, and would give satisfaction to all interested in education. But soon after this adjourned meet- ing of this Society-, the committee united on the selection of Society Kidge as the place for their denominational school. Society Ridge was in Hinds county, about ten miles west of north from Jackson, and about the same distance from Clinton. Four hundred acres of land was barganied for, and preparations made tor the erection of suitable school buildings at once. At the last meeting of the legisla- ture before this action of the Board, a charter kad been obtained with the college priviliges, granting the right to hold property to the amount of $200,000.00, to graduate students, and confer degrees. The name given to the school was "Judson Institute." This was a good beginning of our educational work for that day. Much of our State was still unsettled. North Mississippi was just being vacated by the Indians, and South Mississippi was but sparsely populated. There were at that date only 4,287 Baptists in our State, and nianv of them strenuously opposed to systems of educa- tion. The population of the State was less than 300,000; Natchez was the largest town in the State, claiming a population of about 4,000. But there were at the time 1,500,000 children in the United States, without the means of procuring an education, alarge number of whom were in Mississippi, and Baptists have ever been bold to un- dertake work for the weak and the oppressed. The Educational Society met in its second annual session afe Mound Bluff, OctoVjer, 7th, 1836. Lee Compere was in the chair, and T. S. N. King acted as secretary'. The treasurer was absent, and no financial report was made. The Society adjourned to meet m Washington, Adams county, on Thursday before the fourth Sun- day in December, 1836. The Executive committee consisted of Ben- jamin "Whitfield, O. D. Battle, William Whitney, W. J. Denson, and T. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1245 S. N. King. Feai's were expressed that Society Ridge was not the liest place for the Judson Institute. According to appointment, the Society met at Washington, De- cember 22, 1836. L. B. Holloway, who had been graduated from a college in South Carolina, w^as chosen to take charge of the institu- tion, and S. S. Lattimore was to teach Greek and Latin. A committee had been appointed to examine the location at Society Ridge, which deemed it best to remove the school to a place more salubrious, and where the land was more fertile and productive. The new location ■was about five miles south of Ra3-niond in Hinds county, near Pal- estine church, one of the most active churches in the State. A plot of 630 acres of land was procured for the neat sum of $12,000.00, on •which to build the manual labor school; this land to be paid for in three annual installments. (See second annual i-eport of Educational Society.) The Educational Society met conjointly with the State Conven- tion in its first annual session at Palestine, Maj- 5th, 1837. The West Tennessee Baptist Educational Society petitioned the Mississippi Society to unite with them in the establishment of a school of learn- ing, which proposition was promptly rejected. In December of that year, it seems that confidence in the final suc- cess of the Judson Institute was seriously impaired. Ashley Vaughan, editor of the SoutJb-Western Religious Luminary, went to Palestine to examine the state of affairs in the school. He reported in his paper that much prejudice had to be encountered, and that the Board of Trustees had not at all times been wise. Gloom was gathering over the enterprise. It is true, that there was not a sufficient number of Baptists in the State to uphold such a school of learning, and the work was pioneer in character, and should not have been expected to be productive of large results. In 1838, the report on education, placed Isefore the State Conven- tion by N. Robertson, Jr., had a resolution attached which was com- posed of one line, urging the support of the Judson Institute. In February 1838, the Religious Luminary suspended publication as a Mississippi paper, and consequenty we almost lose sight of the old Mississippi Baptist Educational SocietA'. The following year, in the report of the committee on education to the State Convention, the importance of the Education Society, was enforced, and the Judson Institute strongly commended. Wil- liam AI. Ta3'lor, a graduate from Brown University, was in charge of the institution. Praiseworthv mention was also made as to the 124-G HISTORY OF MISvSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. new school enterprise at Aliddleton in Carroll county. S. S. Latti- niore ot Hanover College, and George W. Ilufham of the University of North Carolina, were in charge of the institution. A resolution was adopted recommending that B. Whitfield, A. P. Bradley, S. S. Lattimore, A. S. Bayley, and N. Robertson, Jr,, be a committee "to look out the iiiost suitable location for a college,'' and they were em- powered to adopt the necessary measures to conserve this purpose. In 1S40, that committee reported that Middleton was thought to ))e in all respects, the place for the college. It was near the geo- graphic center of the State; had excellent springs of free-stone water^ and was unsurpassed in the State for its heidth record. In fact, on the fourth of March previous, the school at Aliddleton, alread}^ re- ferred to, had been merged into the Judson Institute, and the new co- alition was happv, if not prosperous, at- the time of the sitting of the Convention. The school had nearly si.xty students, cindwas Avarmly cherished b^' the church at Middleton, a church in membership more than t\vo hundred strong. A full college cvirrieuluni Avas made to be assumed at the opening of their next session. College btxildings were erected as rapidly as possible, for the ac- commodation of a "large number of students," and ~the trustees in- curred liabilities. The following resolution was cidopted by the Convention of 1841 : "Resolved, That the Board be authorized to make such arrange- ments as may be necessary to bring the Judson Institute legally un- der thL' direction of this body." The following year, it was suggest- ed by the committee on education, that $100,000,00 endowment be raised. It was hoped that "the child will receive protection and sup- port from the parent, and the parent will be honored and elevated by the child;" but the papers of adoption were not yet in a legal form. The following year, a strong c(jmmittee of sixteen wasappointed "to examine the Judson Institute, ajid other places for the seat of a per- manent literary institution." This committee accomplished nothing. The Convention Board, in 1844, said' "If talking, and passing resolutions, and appointing' committees, wouldbuild colleges, we would have had onelong since." In 184."), the memorable statement was made by J. G. Hall in a report that "under the charter of the Institute, the Convention could have no part in the management of the institution, until a change could be effected by the legislature." This threw a flood of light on the situation. The convention did not own the institute, and could have no control over it. It had not collected or disbursed any of its funds, or appointed at any times its trustees. HISTORY OF M.SSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1247 The tbllowing year, nothing was said of" the Institute, either in the report of the general Board of the Convention, or in the report on education. The Convention seemed far out at sea in the educa- tional bark. In 1847, they thought they began to see some signs of land, some drifting sea - weeds, and some birds of the land. The report on edu- cation was read liy E. C. Eager. He said the facilities for the in- struction of the sons and daughters of Baptists Were multiplying. A female seminary of high order had been established .'it Black Hawk, Carroll county, under the management of E. \V. Tripp, an educator of eminent ability. But the institution was of short life. In 1848, the General Board of the Convention had recommenda- tions to make as to the establishment of a college in the State that were deemed too radical. A special committee was appointed on that part of the Boards report, which advised that it be stricken out, and the assertion be inserted that they recommend the consider- ation of the matter. It is wished' that we had their recommenda- tion that was stricken out, as it surefv created talk, and stimulated thought. The General Board was then assisting J. T. Powell at Mercer UniversitA', William B. Gallman at the same school, and Jes- sie Hollis at Georgetown College. The sum of $161.92 was given that year to Ministerial Education. During the ensuing conventional year, a Mississippi Baptist Edu- cational Society was foi-med. It met with much favor, and was to be, under God, an institution of great usefulness. The first annual meeting of the body was held at Raymond, beginning November Sth. 1849. K. Warner, of Raymond, the beloved physician, was its first president. Connected with the Societ3% were the familiar names of E. C. Eager, M. W. Phillips, W. C. Crane, W. L. Balfour, W. H. Taylor, George Stokes, B. Whitfield, H. W. Griffith, and Daniel T. Deupree. The Society held (juarterly meeting at the same time, and place as the General Board. In the year 1849, the pioneer work of Mississippi Baptists closed^ as in 1850, they assunud control of Mississippi College at Clinton, and recognized the flowering of female education among the Bap- tists of our State. It now becomes our honorous task to follow the footsteps of the Baptists of Mississippi in the their systematic efforts to foster denomination! education. 1248 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. AMITE FEMALE SEMINARY. The old Mississippi Association made onl^' one school venture "^je- fore the Civil War, which was the esttiblishment of Amite Female Seminar3- at Liberty, the county seat of Amite county. The projec- tion of the enterprise was made by the citizens of Liberty, and the citizens of the county adjacent to the town, in 1853. The school had a class of good, sturdy, honest people upon whom to rely for a sup- port and patronage. The Associcition which met at New Providence church in Octolier, 1853, was memorialized by the friends of the enterprise. They prayed the bod}' to adopt the child. The memorial met with coveted favor, and was responded to by a report made by a good committee of >\-hich Zachariah Reaves was chairman. The report of the com- mittee was favorable to the enterprise. It I'ecommended also, that a Board of trustees be appointed for the Seminary by the Associa- tion every three years, if a charter for the institution could be gotten that would admit of it. The following year, the time of the Association was consumed in the consideration of troubles between two of its churches. But in 1855, a committee was appointed to visit the school, and to report at the sitting ofthebod}'^ in 1856. This committee attended the ex- aminations of the Seminary in July 1856, and were highly' delighted with the proficiency of the pupils, and the management of the insti- tution by Prof. M. S. Shirk, its principal. It was recommended that the relation between the Association be continued, aud public pat- ronage solicited. The town of Liberty was wiiolesome, its religious advantages the best, and its moral sentiment correct. The following year, five young ladies were graduated from the Seminary. It vi'as suggested l)y the Board of visitors to Prof. Shirk that he adopt a uniform dress tor the pupils. Twenty-seven mem- bers of the Association were appointed a Board of visitors for the school for the coming scholastic year, with their moderator, Zacha- riah Reaves as chairman. In the fall of 1858, the visitors reported to the Association that the weather was inclement during the annual examinations ot the Seminary, but the attendance large. There was no effort made by the students at display, Ijut great accuracy shown in their recitations. Their school building, sufficiently spacious to accommodate several hundred students, had grown to completion. Though under the con- trol of the Mississippi Association, the Seminary was not "a secta- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 124i> rian school," and was coiniuended by the visitors " to puliHc confi- dence and patronage." Preparations were made to board young; )adies from a distance, with the principal of the school. In 1859, the Seminary was highly prosperous. The adoption of the uniform dress among the young ladies was highlj' satisfactory, and was commended In- the visitors. The departniL'nt of calisthenics had been added to the school, and was reaping a large measure of public favor. It \vas deplored that the institution had no Sunday school library. The following ^^ear, another large Board of visitors ■was appointed, and the school enjoj'inga large patronage and wann support. In 18f31, there was one death in the school, a Miss Cox, who is said to have been a ver^^ amiable young lad^'. This was the only death that occurred in the school in the history of the Seminar\^ It "was said, "parents can find no better place in which to place their daughters to be educated." Liberal patronage for the Seminary was earnestly solicited. In a communication received by this historian from George F. Webb, a well known attorney of Liberty, it was given as unwritten information that the Amite Female Seminary continued its existence until its fine school property was burned to the ground by the federal . troops during the Civil War. Prof M. S. Shirk, who was principal of the Seminary through the A'ears of its usefulness, was one of our best educators, and a man of great karning, and enlarged .sentiments. He was born in the Buck- e3'e State. He was graduated from Madison University in 1848, and came to our State on his second visit to share, if God should wi.'-h^ the fortunes of our people. He did a good wf)rk for the young ladies of South Mississippi, by whom in common with many otliers. he is Held in grateful remembrance. THE COLDWATEK BAPTIST FEMALE SEMINARY. In 1849, a resolution was presented to the Coldwater Associa- tion by R. T. Sanders, praying that body for a committee of three to consider the advisabilit}- of establishing a female school in their bounds, to be under the management and control of their Associa- tion. The committee was composed of R. T. Sanders, W. W. Buch- anan, and S. Williams. This committee suggested that another- committee of twent\-- twc members be appointed to solicit subscrip- tions for the erection of suitable school buildings, that a board of 1250 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. trustees be appointed, two- thirds of whom should he Ba^itists, and that the name of the school be "The Coldwater Baptist Female Seminary." The following 3-ear, the committee of twenty -two made a report early in the session of the Association. It had a meeting at Mount Zion church. Chulahoma offered $8,000.00 if the school should be located there, and Hernando $8,500.00. Chulahoma was thought to be the 1)etter place for the Seminar}', and secured its location. S. Hallibur- ton was made the financial agent of the school, and had secured a good subscription outside of Chulahoma. Josejih K. Hamilton was chosen to take charge of the new enterprise, which was to begin la- bors the first Monday in February, 1851. In 1851, the pastors were re(|ucsted to bring the peciiniary needs of the school before their churches in the month of December. The incorrect report had gone out that only the children of Baptists would l)e admitted into the Institution. Of course this was only idle rumor, as no school of any denomination is constructed on such a basis, and the report was easily refuted. To the sadness of the friends of the Institution, in 1852, two of the trustees of the Seminary resigned their positions, T. K. Sanders and R. Phillips. T. R. Sanders was dissappointed at the location of the enterprise at Chulahomri. The Seminary had, in its last session matriculated seventy- -five young ladies. It then had an imposing board of visitors, among whom were J. R. Graves, then of Nashville, Tenn., C. R. Hendrickson, of Memphis, and William L. Slack, then of Denmark, Tenn. The school entered the new sjiacious brick building in March of that year. In 1853, the Seminary had a matriculation of seventy- -five pupils, and in 1854, an enrollment of ninety-one. There was the usual ebl) and flow of school work until 1857. That year the trustees did not put an annual report before the Association. J. R. Hamilton made a ver))al report to the body as to the condition of their school, and stated the painful fact that he had, as principal placed his resigna- tion l)efore the trustees to take effect the last of the year. He had managed the affairs of the school discreetly, and his resignation was to be deplored. J. R. Hamilton was succeeded by B. F. Thonuis Avho did not remain with the school longer than the close of thatses- .sion. W. J. Berryman of Virginia was then chosen to assume control of the Seminary. The school was in bad shape. The .school build- ings had been injured liy a tornado, and the institution was carrying a debt of $3,000.00. The furniture of the school was sold to save it from foreclosuie. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1251 111 1S5'J, <;l()()in was still hani^iiiji like a pall over the Seminary. The loni^ illness of W. J. Berrynian prevented their opening until the eleventh ofOetober. The trustees were standing responsible for the del)t, yet no relief was coming to them. But the follo\Ying year, James L. Mabry stood for a thousand dollars of the debt, and Wil- liam A. Anthony, president of the Board of trustees, executed his bond for the remainder of the debt to stand until the Association could pay it. The noble action of these two men brought hope for the cnterjjrise, and the ])rospeets of the school were re]iorted Cjuite flattering. The institution was so serioush- injured by the Civil War that it did not recover from the shock. The hcjusehold effects of the school had been sold to j^revent their seizure by the Federal troops. The house, damaged during the War, had in part fallen down, and all that was valuable was the material in the l)uilding. Its obligations ^vere generously met by the members of the Coldwater .\ssociation, and, in 186(3, the Coldwater Female Seminary was numbered with the departed female schools. JACKSON FEMALE INSTITUTE. In the rejxjrt made to the Baptist State Convention in 1853, on Education, this institution of learning was classed among the Bap- tist female schools of Mississipjii. It was then under the supervision of Harvey Ball. The Institute was located on West Street. It was just north of where the North Jackson Public School building now stands, on land that is now (TrifHth Street. The house wascheaji in its construction, iind its value of little ccmsecjuence. The school was from the fall of lSo4- to the tall of 1856, under the control of A. R. Green. He was succeeded by, William Cheeney, who was its last Baptist teacher. The Institute was not extensively patronized. It was called h Baptist schof)l, a:id wore the distinction mostlv to denominate a difference between it .ind another school in Jackson run by a Prot. Strickland who was a Methodist. LEXINGTON FEMALE COLLEGE. This institution of learning was established in 1853. By a'kind providence, that year good school property in the town of Lexing- 1252 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. ton was available to Baptists. The propert}- was well situated,, and thoroughly adapted to school purposes, the value of\vhich was estimated at $10,000.00 The Yazoo Association, at its meeting in 1853, agreed to accept the property on the terms specified by -the citizens of Lexington. The school was to have a Board of twenty - seven trustees, which was to hold an annual meeting at the time and place of the com- mencement exercises of the institution. This Board ap]3ointed by the Yazoo Association was duly organized after the adjournment of the Association, Benjamin Hodges being chosen its President, A. V. Row^e, Sr. Secretar\', James N. McLean Treasurer. A. \V. Cham- bliss was elected to preside over the institution. The first session of the school was highly gratif\'ing. It closed Avith a matriculation of eighty pupils. At the time of the meeting of the Association, in 1854, the second session had begun, and the In- stitute had an enrollment of 116 pupils. Along with this bright out- look was a problem of canceling a debt. With the conveyance of the property to the Association was a debt of $1,500.00. There was also an understanding that the Association was to put $5,400.00 in the school building, and the erection of other necessary buildings. The last named amount was to be contributed annually in five in- jstallments. Before the next sitting of the Association, Prof A. \V. Chanibliss had resigned his position in the school. In 1855, the terms of the transfer to the Association, by the former owners of the property, was so far modified as to release the Asso^i Uion from the ol)ligation of expending $5,400.00 on the property in five years. The transfer was made unconditionnl. But the Board of Trustees thought it best to proceed in the erection of a Steward's H:ill. But it was finally agreed to purchase " the Mayo property*,'' contiguous to the college, instead of erecting a Steward's Hall. The propertv was new, cheap, and available, b_v payments on the installment plan. Prof. A. S. Bayley was in chargeof the school in 1856, but resigned July 16, 1857. He was a good teacher, but deficient in the manage- ment of the affairs of the institution. Prof D. .\. Holman was elected to fill the vacancy caused by his resignation, after Avhich the pros- pects of the Lexington Female College began to become more cheerful. In 1858, it was agreed that the next legislature be reciuested to so far alter their charter as to enable the Board of Trustees to fill all vacancies in the school, and to have plenary power in the manage- ment of the institution. T. S. \Yright was their financial agent in HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1253 xhii session of 1857 — 1858, and had succeeded in canceling their debts. The Board of Trustees then had good notes in favor of the institute, amounting to $4,000.00. The Trustees of the school put no report before the Association in 1859. The following 3'ear, they reported that they had been en^ deavoring for two j'cars, to collect money on the notes drawn in favor of their school (then known as Central Mississippi Female College,) but on hand only about $600.00. In the fall of 1858, Prof. H. Williams was elected president of the College, but did not assume control of the school until September 1859, and served the Board only five months. In 1861, the school was conducted Ijy a number of \-t)ung ladies. A boarding house was nearing completion. Then came the sad years of the Civil War with the blight of death for many of our useful ipstitutions of leaiMiing. During the time no reports were made to the Yazoo Association by the Board of Ti'ustees of Central Mississippi Female College. Th'e institution was warmlv cherished, and did much good for the young ladies of Central Missis- sippi. MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST FEMALE COLLEGE. This institution of learning was located in Hernando. The ori- gin of this school was in the collegiate year of 1849 — 1850. The school was opened in January- 1851, and chartered in 1852. Her- nando gave a larger financial inducement for the location of the Cold Water Female SeminarA' than Chulahoma, but for some reason the school was domiciled at Chulahoma. J. R. Hamilton, one of the presidents of that Seminarj' saj's, "Before there was any other Bap- tist school in North Mississippi, were taken the incipient steps for its establishment." The incipient steps for the establishment of the Cold Water Female Seminary were taken in the fall of 1849, though it opened in Febuary 1851. So the statement above, madebvj. R. Hamilton must be correct. The Mississippi Baptist Female College Avas fostered, and perpetuated, soleU' liy the energ\- and influence of William Carey Crane. He was one of the strong men of the Conven- tion, and hoped after the claims of Henando on the Cold Water Semi- nary were disregarded, to give his school State reputation, and to secure patronage from the State at large. In 1850, a, proposition from the trustees of this institution to in some wise link it on to the Convention, was recognized b^- the Con- 1254 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. vention, jiiid a coniniitteo rriisL-d to report on the rcciucst. Tliat committee responded with tlirec resolutions; their eftorts to huild a female school were highly commendable, that a hand of visitors of ten would Ije annually appointed, and that the Convention held it- self in readiness to do as much for any similar institution in the State. This favor was awarded the institution annually. We have their report of 1852, in which we learn that one youny; lady was graduated that 3'ear in the full scientific course, and one in a partial course, and that the classes examined evinced proficiency and entire lionestj'. The school had between seventy and eighty pu|)ils that scholastic \'CJir. In ISovi, a jiage of the Convention minutes was covered with an extended report of the visitors. John J. McKea, governor elect of the State, w^isthe commencement t)rator. Two young ladies gradu- ated with the highest honors of the College. .\n endowment was in contemplation, and remained there. There was a class of eleven sen- iors for the connng session. A resolution was adopted inlj<,")4, by the Convention, iv(|nesting everj' fem^de school in the State, under Baptist control, to jmblish in the minutes of that body, anabstract of the condition of their schools. The desire was manifested to show no partiality in the honorable mention of any female school. This resolution created (juitc a ripple, but was adopted. In ISoo, two schools availed thtmselves of this privilege. Central Female Institute, and the school at Hernando. In 185G, the .Mississip])i Female College was granted <'i page of the Convention minutes. The names of all the teachers are given, ■what the College was doing, and the healthfulness of Hernando were made known as needed information. The following vear, William Carey Crane became president of Semple Broadas College at Center Hill, DeSoto county, and we hear no more of the female school at Hernando. It lived out its day, and is now a thing of the past. CENTRAL FEMALE INSTITUTE, ok HILL.MAN C()LLE(iE- The history of this institution, given l)elow. was written in ]).-irt by the Trustees of the College. Their writing extends to the year 1889. The writing of this history from that time to the close of the centurv, has been kindly i)resented to this work l)y Charles Ililhnan Brough. Okhun, n.\mh, a.xi) i.oc.\tion: — .\t a meeting of the Central 15<-ip HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1255 tist Association of Mississipjii, held the first of October in the year 1853, measures were taken to carry into effect what had for some time been contemplated b^- prominent members of the denomination, viz., the establishment of an institution of learning in the Central part of the State for the education of young women. Because of the intended location near the capital and geographical center of the State, which fact had also determined the name of the Association, the name of "Central Female Institute" was given to the institu- tion. Clinton, after no inconsiderable canvassing of the merits of the neighboring towns, was selected as the immediate location. The reasons which determined the selection of this place in preference to others which could boast of greater size and more natural and archi- tecturjil attractions, were the following: First — Its heathfulness. Being situated on the water-shed be- tween the Pearl and the Big Black rivers, it was free from the mias- matic influences which are wont to give rise to epidemic diseases. Second — It was accessible from its situation on the only rail road of any considerable extent, then in the State, and at a point thirty- five miles from Vicksl)urg, the princi])al river port, and ten miles from Jackson, the capital. Third — It was the seat of .Mississippi College, which the year before had been adopted by the Baptist denomination as their State institution for the education of young men. The facilities which it thus gave to parents to educate their sons and daughters near each other, was considered a very desirable feature of the location. Org.\^xiz.\tio.\ .\.Nn I.\"Corpor.\tio.\ : — The Association already re- ferred to, appointed a Board ot twenty-two trustees to carry into effect the plan of organization. This Board held its first meeting on the thirteenth of October, 1 S5y, and at this meeting and the subseciuent «)ne on the nineteenth, made arrangements by which buildings and teachers were provided, and in a few days thereafter, this Institute was enabled to start out on that educational course which it has mi- interruptedly jjursucd till tlie present day. .\t a meeting ot the Board on the second of February, 1S.")4-, a committee was ajjpointed to procure from the Legislature of the State a charter. This com- mittee having oljtained the charter, reported it to the Board at its ne.xt meeting on the sixth of April immediately following, and the char- ter being then and there approved, and accepted by the Board, the Institute from that time became clothed with all the powers of an incorporated institution of learning. Irs FOiNDKKS .\Ni) p.\TKo.\s: — Within the limits to which we are 1256 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. sK'cessarilv confined, it is impossible to notice properh' those who by their friendly influence have contributed to its establishment, and, in fact, it seems almost invidious to mention any among so many who have warraly advocated its claims. From peculiar position they- have occupied reference' may be madL' to three without exposing us to the charge of having made distinctions among its friends. These three were M. D. Phillips, Benjamin Whitfield, and Rol)ert Xells, who each held the position of president of its Board of Trus- tees, and together continuously occupied that position till the twenty- first of April, 1888, when, after holding the ofiice for nearly thirty years, Robert Kells surrendered it at death's command, AI. VV. Phillips claimed to be its father, inasmuch as he was the first to per- ceive the necessity of such an institution, and to advocate its estab- lishment. He was a member of its first Board of Trustees, and was the first president of that Board after the Institute liecame a char- tered institution, and witVi three others contributed the money neces- sary to purchase the building, in which its first exercises w^ere con- ducted. From the beginning till his death in February last, he was ever its warm friend and supporter, contributing to it, to the utmost of his ability, his money, his time and his influence. Benjamin Whitfield was also one of the first Trustees, the presi- dent of the Board while it was unchartered; and for some \'ears sub- se(|uently, and was another of the four who contributed to purchase jtsfirst bailding.s. His trusteeship, hecontinued to hold till the time of his death which occurred June, 1872. It was in a great measure due to his earnest effortsthat its buildings were not taken during the war for military hospitals, and, like others thus used, destro3^ed. Truly, therefore, it maj' be said that the Institute owes its present existence to his persistent resistance t<} the efforts of those who then, from sinister motives, sought its destruction. Robert Kells, who, as already stated, died during the collegiate year of 1887 — 18S8, had completed more than thirty years of his trusteeship, the larger portion of which he had been the president of the Board. Like those already mentioned, he ever took a deep in- terest in the welfare of our institution, and in this feeling, he had the warm sympathy of Mrs. Kells, the daughter of the venerable M. D. Phillips, to whom we have just referred. During her lite time, she was ever in accord with her husband and father in their eftbrts to build up the institution. Of the o;-iginal trustees, much the larger portion have gone to their reward. Many of those, and others, deserve to have their ser- vices mentioned, but as already intimated, our limits forbid. HISTORY OF MISST«;cTrr^| BAPTISTS 1257 BU1I.DINGS AND SROt'NDS— Thc original buildings were those ■!)elonging to a private residence; but from time to time these have been enlarged and chan-jed. and others added to them, till ample ac commodations are now furnished for sixty boarding, and one hun dred or more day pupils. The grounds around the institute consist of about nine acres, which are laid out in grass plats, flower and vegetable gardens, orchard, etc.. ornamented with shade and ever- green trees, altogether making the surroundings unusuallv attractive and well calculated to teach the young ladies how to make home- surroundings beautiful. At the beginning of the war, a new edifice designed to be the largest for school purposes in the South-west, was m progress, and had advanced as far as to the second story, but this enterprise, like most others in the South, had to be stopped, and when peace came, the trustees, finding themselves in debt with their assets rendered worthless b^- the general. bankruptcy of the country, felt obliged to abandon the undertaking. To the president of the institution, they made over this unfinished edifice and its nineteen acres of ground, incltiding a beautiful grove in the midst of which the building had been placed, and they also made over to him the other grounds and buildings which were then, and now are occupied by the school, on the condition that he would pav the debts. These debts he paid, and the property consequently became his. Without the means to complete so costly a building, h.' turned his attention to the enlarging and improving the buildings alreadv in use, and to the beautifying of the grounds as already described. How THE INSTITUTE HAS BEEN SUPPORTED:— As may i>e inferred from the foregoing, the pecuniary support of the institution depends entirely upon the president who secures the faculty and is responsilile to them for their salaries as well as for all other expenses incurred in carrying on the school. Without any income from endowment or other source, except what it has derived from its tuition and other iees, it has been so conducted as to maintain a large and efficient faculty, and to give the president the ability to bestow the benefaction of an education in part, or entirely upon manv a deserving voung lady who otherwise must have been debarred of its advantages. The discipline and general management of the school have always, or at least for the last thirty-three years been given ipto the hands of the president of the faculty by the Board of Trustees, which has stood to him in the relation of an advisorA' council, rather than as an authoritative, managing body'. A third of acentury of experience has shown the wisdom of such an arrangement. No institution has 1258 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. been more crticicntly conducted, uniformly ])rosperous, even in the midst uf the most untoward circumstances, nor has given yroater satisfaction to its numerous patrons than this. The Board of Trustees urtjanized as a self- perpetuating body, has been less under the control of outside influences than it would have been, had it been suljject to periodical changes, and has thus l)eea enabled to maintain in feeling and action, greater harmony with the president and his assistants in the faculty. Oneness of purpose has been' carried out, cind has exerted its influence greatly to the benefit of the school. Pl.\..\ OK ()K(;.\..\iz.\tion: — It was the design of the fouiulers in establishing tlie Institute, to make it a school of high grade, where young ladies could ol)tain as thorough and extended an education as could be obtained in the best institutions, and not inferior, taken as a wliole, to the usual College course of young men. leaving oft" or curtailing tlie extent of some studies, and jiutting on others, or in- creasing tile extent to which the\' were to be pursued, and thus adapting the itellectual training to the peculiar spheres to be occu- pied, knowing, however, that comparatively few youngladies would be found willing or a])le to trike the full course, and tliat no suitable training school for even those few existed in the part of the country from which the patronage was principally to come, to give ])roper preparatory training, and also to extend the advantages of a thorough ])artial education to such as would take onh' this, they connected with it a Prejiaratory course of instruetion where pupils could properly be prepared to enter upon the collegiate course. .\s a result, many ])upils have oi)tained here their entire education, oc. cu])yinga ])erio(i of ten or more years in its completion. As thorough- ness, rather than su])erficiality. intended to be a lending charactcri.s- tic of this institution, great care has always been taken in selecting its instructors, to obtain such as were known to have been educated in tho.se schools whei-e the best methods of education are understood, and'niost thoroughly practiced. Consequently, this institution has secured a reputation for thoroughness of which few can boast. Attkndanci:: — The number of ]m])ils has ranged between fitty- five and one hundred and sixty-eight, making an average ot about one luuulred for the thirt-six years of its existence. A larger number would have been averaged had not the limited accommodations ^omjjclled, not unfrequently, the turningaway of applicants, and had not a four years' war, with its immediate and subsecpient effects, diminished the average. Setting aside that jx-riod, there is shown HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1259 an average of about one hundred and twenU'-five as the yearly attendance. This has been about as large a number as it could con - veniently accommodate, thus giving to the institution from year to year what might correcth' be considered a full school. WhV the I.NSTITUTE H.\S XOT BEE.X .allowed to l.NCRE.VSE ITS NLT.MBERS:— .\s already Stated, orimplied, almost every year it has well filled its boarding accommodations and not unfrequently been obliged to turn away tho.se who would have boarded in the Institujte From long experience, the managers of the institution have learned that its educating power is very much diminished in its effects upon pupils boarding in town, and therefore they have not encouraged, of late years, the attendance of such, though by so doing a much larger average might have been maintained. Convinced as the president has long been, that much better and more enduring educational work, can be done in an institution whose number of jiupils is suffi- ciently large to give the proper stimulus, and at tiie same time not so large as to make the direct personal influence of the president and other headsof the departments, of slight or noefiiciencv, he has never been ambitious to have the institute great in numbers. Conseciuent- ly, he has never, since tlie first yertr, gone about eanvassiny for stu- dents, nor sent an agent i. J. Z. George said: "I hear good re- ports from Carrollton Female College. I know of no betterlocation for a school of that character." Elder J. B. Gambrell said; "The situation is beautiful, the building is second best in the State, and the location, in the suburbs of Carrollton, is not excelled for health- fulness, or desirability, any where in our bounds." Hon. Fred Beall, 1268 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. of West Point, generously said of the president: "I know of no one- better qualified, or more worthy to have charge of a female college." The session of 1890-91 was exceedingl 3' gratifying. The enroll- ment was 120. Three young ladies were graduated that session — Meady Eggleston, ot Carrollton, Sallie C. Liddell, of Shell iMound, and Lena Staton, of Pickens. There were four additions to the fac- ult}'— Miss Lallah Kimbrough, of Carrollton, Miss Hallie Nelson, daughter of Elder V. H. Nelson, and Mrs. M. "J. Nelson, of Oxford. Miss M. Annette Pierce, of Greenville, had charge of the department of music, with Mrs. Z. T. Leavell as assistant. The session of 1891-92 was about as the collegiate year jirevious. Miss Flora Nelson and Miss Lucie Woods, of Carrollton, were grad- uated from the literary department, and Miss Mary Gee, of Carroll- ton, in music. Miss Emily Crouch, of New Orleans, was added ta the faculty as teacher of Physical Culture and Kindergarten, and Miss Maggie Webb was in charge of the department of music. MARY WASHLXGTON FEMALE COLLEGE. The Chickasaw Association, in 1850, adopted a resolution re- (juesting their messengers to the Abei'deen Association to sulimit a proposition to that body to unite with them in the establishment of a female school of high order to be under the control of Baptists. It was understood that should the proposition be favorabl^^ received bj- the Aberdeen, that the moderator should appoint three others* who with the messengers, should constitute a committee of seven to meet with a like committee of the Aberdeen, to locate the institution of learning and to adopt necessary plans for the opening of the Seminary. The following year, 1851, the Joint committee reported to the Chickasaw Association, through their chairman, William H. Hol- combe. The other members of the joint committee were Elijah Moore, Elijah Smith, and Simon R. Spight. They reported that the institu- tion had been located at Pontotoc on a lot of foi'ty acres of land. They had a spacious building, sufficiently large to accommodate one hundred students, and valued at $6,000.00. Col. G. G. Reneau had also given them seventeen acres, and nine members of the committee gave one hundred acres adjoining the other land, making in all 157 acres. The Board of Trustees was to consist of twenty members^ ten from each of the two associations. The school was to open January 1, 1852. The school was incoqiorated this year. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1269 The session of 1852-53 was highh' satisfactory. The college was then under the direct patronage of the Chickasaw, Choctaw, Colum- bus and Aberdeen associations. Dr. H. H. Tucker, who spent the most of his life in Georgia, a well known educator and theologian, was then president of the institution. Eighty pupils matriculated the first session. The situation was lovely, and the air salubrious in that "region of hanging grape," as the name Pontotoc signifies. It was said that the institution was enstamped with "the broad seal of heaven's approbation." Martin Ball and wife had charge of the Steward's Hall, and were due much credit for "their faithfulness in discharging the arduous and responsible duties." J. R.Davis was agent of the institution in 1851-52, Dr. Hampton in 1853, and E. B. Aiken in 1854.. The associations annually appointed the trustees of the institu- tion, and for a number of j^ears the school was highly prasperous. Dr. William L. Slack was president for three years, beginning in the fall of 1853. He was well and favorably known as an educator and a practicing physician in North Mississippi. He was succeeded by Prof. Bateman, who had charge of the institution until it closed doors in 1858. Wm. Keeney was at one time connected with the school. The report made to the Chickasaw Association on education had in it this language: "Marv Washington, a female college located at Pontotoc, Mississippi, we regret to sa3-, has gone down." The Mary Washington did much good for the \-oung woman- hood of North Mississippi. Many of the students 3'et live, and are char- acterized by thought and refinement. These names have been fur- nished the writer, which we add to those already- spoken of— Laura Coleman, Annie Coleman, Nettie Coleman, Carrie Hornburger, Bettie Leland, Mary Prude, Eliza J. Mallory, Sue Brock, Eliza Nash, Bettie Boland, Addie Ware, Mary Cannon, and Marj- Heard. The Mary Washington had some able educators as its prosidents, and is a pleasant recollection to many now growing old. When the school was in its prime, the writer was a bo\% just eight miles away, but too 3'oung to be fascinated by its charming pupils. In 1853, there were ninety-four pupils enrolled, of which twelve were studj'ing the ancient languages, and forty-seven were music pupils, using four pianos. In the list of students we find the names of Mary E. Anderson, (Mrs. Ervin, of Columbus), Mattie J. Butler, (Mrs. Nelson, once missionary in New Orleans), Joanna L. Ball, (Mrs. L. R. Burress, of Geevllle), and S. Fannie Forman, (Mrs. Dr. C. G. Mitchell, of New Albany). The school sent out two graduates 1270 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. thr.it _vear. S. Fannie Forniin, of Noxnhec, and R. P. Sniilli, of Ok- tibbeha county. "M. Ball and lady" were still in char<;jc of the Steward's Department. The young ladies were required to rise at live o'clock in the morninj;, and study an hour befcjre breakfast. The institution had a costly philosophical and chemical apparatus. UTICA FEMALE INSTITUTE. In 1851, the Yalobusha Female Seminary had a representative at the meetinja; of the Central Association. He was there with a re(|uest that the Central Association c(j-operate with the Yalobusha Association in their patronage and support of that school. Dr. M. W. Phillips, then a wealthy planter at old Auborn, and a man of much fondness fov learning, wished the Central Association to take cognizance of a school in their bounds. He presented the following preamble and resolution : " We learn with great pleasure that our beloved brother, W. H. Taylor, has a female institute at Utica, now in successful operation, with all the necessary appliances toward giving to the females of our country a finished education. Be it therefore, "Resolved, that we do hereby most cordially recommend said Institute to the patronage of our denomination, "etc. The third session of the Utica Female Institute, as such, began September 22, 1S51. Tiie school-room was 40 by 2('> feet, conven- iently arranged and well furnished. Another room .30 by 18 feet was to I)e ready for use by the first of 1852. It appears that the school was really a private enterprise of the Taylor family, but was at that time aspiring to a higher life. From a private letter written by G. W. Minims, of Utica, a wor- thy Baptist of a long life of great usefulness, we make the following ((notation : " Mrs. \V. H. Taylor had a female school here about that time, (1851), in fact, it had existed years before that time, but had not existed continuously. * » • Rev. VV. H. Taylor was at that time associated with the school as principal , when Miss Alary J. Callaway had charge of it. The first graduating class of the school was in 18()9, when two young ladies were granted diplomas. At the close of each session to 1881,. except in 1871, 1876 and 1877, there was a class to he gradu- ated. The largest graduating class was in 1874, when six "sweet-girl gradutites" received their parchments tied in a blue ribbon. F'roni 1869 to 1880, twenty-nine graduates went forth from the school. In 1879-80, there were ninety-nine pupils ih the literary depart- iTient ; there was an art class of twenty-seven, a music class of eight- een, and a French class of eight. In the course of study the young ladies studied Latin, reading Caesar, Virgil and Horace; read the New Testament in (^reek, and took extended studies in German and French. The information at hand as to the Seminary does not extend beyond 1880. At that date Dr. T. G. Sellers had a school at Stark- Tillc, and Dr. L. M. Stone opened his college in Shucjualak in the fall i HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1275 of 1880. The churches at Starkville, Macon, and Shiuinalak arc all in the Columbus Association. Professor Buck did not advertise his school largely, but received a liberal patronage from Macon and Noxubee county, especially. Seventeen of the graduates to 1880 were from Macon, and four from Noxubee county. There is no calculating the good done a town by such a school. EAST MISSISSIPPI FEMALE COLLEGE. This instituti(in of learning was at Aberdeen. In 1866, it was commended in a report read before the Aberdeen Association. A. W. Chambliss was in charge of the school. It was founded by the Bap- tists of Aberdeen. In 1867, it was said to be enjoying continued prosperity. The session of 1867-68 oj^ened with twice the number of pupils of the same date the year previous. In 1S67, these two resolutions were passed l)y the Al)erdeen As- sociation : "fiesolved. That the Association adopt the college, and cherish it as a noble exponent of the liberality and energy of our brethren in Aberdeen, and, by every means in our power, we will seek its pros- perity. "Resolved, That we invite from our brethren in .\berdeen iin aunucil report at our Association of the progress jind prosperity of East Mississippi Female College." Strange to say, we find no further mention of this school in the Minutes of the Aberdeen Association, and no other information jis to its future is at hand. It is easier to start a female school than to give it the needed support and patronage to assure its perpetuity. In 1877, there was a female scho(jl in Aberdeen cjilled "The Aberdeen Female College." Prof. M. E. Bacon was president of it. The school received special mention in the Minutes of the Aberdeen Association that year. It was commended again in 1878, along with two other female schools. Its existence was transient, as was the life (;f many of our projected female schof)ls. MERIDIAN. FEMALE COLLEGE. Meridian, in 1865, as now, had in it a number of men of large public spirit. The idea of the Soldier's Orphanage at Lauderdale ■was conceived in the minds of men in Meridian. 1276 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The Meridian Female College began exercises in 1865. The school 1)uilding stood on the ground now ornamented by the beauti- ful pastor's home of the First Baptist church of Meridian. The boarding house was on the lot adjacent to the west. The boarding house of the college was built under the direction of Prof. J. B. Hamberlin at a cost of $4,000. On the spot where it stood is now a large residence belonging to G. A. Aden. The school building was the building of the academy at old Marion, which was about eight miles from Meridian. It cost the Meridian College in 1865 $3,000.00 in Confederate money, and it cost $1,500.00 to have it constructed in Meridian. The Meridian Female College was started going In- J. B. Ham- berlin, who was its first principal. He had control of the school for seven years, or until 1872. In the fall of that year. Prof. L. M. Stone became president, who successfully managed its affairs until 1877. He was succeeded by C. M. Gordon, who presided over the institution until June 1880. In 1880, M. T. Martin assumed its control. He was in charge one or two years, and gave place to Prof. T. A. Moore, who had been assisting him. Miss Mannie Woods, sister of Charles Woods of Meridian, now Mrs. Phillips, succeeded T. A. Moore, and was last in the control of the Aleridian Female College. The College for the greater part of its existence enjoyed a good patronage. The citizens of Meridian took great interest in it, and gave it a liberal patronage. Among its pupils were: Mrs. Dollie Garner Spinks, wife of Dr. E. E. Spinks, who is at present the mayor of Meridian. Also Mrs. Minnie Broach, Mrs. Ella Hurlbutt Woods, and Mrs. Ma.ttie Lott. Among the best friends of the College were: J. K. Phillips, who was President of the Board of Trustees through the existence of the school ; J. G. Flournoy for a long time Secretar\^ of the Board, and was succeeded by L. A. Duncan, a friend to all ennobling enterprises. The Meridian Female College is among the departed female schools of the State. That so nianj' female schools sprang up in Mis- sissippi before the Civil War, though many of them were ephemeral, was a compliment to the courtliness and educational spirit of their projectors. All of the oaks that spring from the acorns do not reach their fiftieth years, nor do all the children born live to their majority. -Schools have life, live out their da}' and die, but they do good while living, and leave a thirst for education that svirvives them. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1277 vSTARKVILLE FEMALE INSTITUTE. In Foster's History of the Columbus Baptist Association, we find this language: "'Elder Sellers has been a laborious and success- ful educator. * * * The citizens of Stark ville, in 1870, determined to establish a female institute, and elected him to the presidency of the new enterprise." From this quotation two things areapparent, the Starkville Female Institute was established in 1870 and by the citizens of Starkville. The school was not the projection of any Bap- tist organization. The school was only once recommended by the Columbus Asso- ciation to the churches composing the body. At the meeting of 1S76 this resolution was adopted: "Resolved, That this body takes great pleasure in recommend- ing the Starkville Female Institute to the favorable consideration of the members thereof, and the country atlarge,as well worthy of gen. cral patronage." Dr. T. G. Sellers was, from first to last, the principal of the insti- tution. He was graduated from Union University' of Murfreesboro, Tenn., and was distinguished as- well as an educator as a preacher and pastor. His facultj' was always^^ood, and the management of pupils orderU'. No severe adverse criticism was ever jiassed upon his administration of affairs. The college building was ample and sufficient for ail demands. It was a large frame building two stories high, with the study hall and recitation rooms adjacent. It was well located in a desirable part of the town. Large patronage to the school was not sought, yet the Institute was well supported. In the fall of 1878, eightj' students were in at- tendance early in the session "with a daily increase." For a while V. H. Nelson aided in securing patronage. He induced quite a num- ber of young ladies from the Delta to attend the school. Miss Hallie Nelson, his oldest daughter, is a graduate of the institution. On account of a change of the general educational workof Stark- Yille, it was deemed best b}' Dr. Sellers to close the institution in 1892. The school had done good substantial educational work for more than twenty vears. In 1892 the property was sold by the principal to the citj- authorities. Dr. vSellers returned to the pastor- ate in Starkville and in that great work closed his useful life March 11, 1899. 1278 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. • BLUE MOUNTAIN COLLEGE. BY \V. T. LOWEKY. This famous institution for girls and young women now has an annual enrollment of more than three hundred students, more than two hundred and fifty of whom being boarding students. The insti- tution is and ought to be inseparably connected in the minds of the people with its noble founder, the late lamented General M. P. Low- rey. The institution is now (December, 1902), in the 30th year of its history. It has had three presidents, all Lowreys. General M. P. Lowrey was president from 1873 to 1885, his eldest son. Rev. W. T. Lowrey, D. D., from 1885 to 1889, and another son, B. G. Low- rey, M. A., since 1898. Moreover, the institution has had the same lady principal from the opening day of its first session until now, Mrs. Alodena Lowre^' Berry, the eldest daughter of the founder. To her very much of the success of the institution is due. After this brief statement let us trace the history of the institution more min- utely. When the Cival War l)egan Rev. Mark Perrin Lowrey was a Bap- tist preacher, 32 yeai's old, located at Kossuth, Tishomingo (now Alcorn) county, Mississippi ; and was pastor of the Baptist churches at Kossuth and Ripley, Miss. He was recognized by those who knew him as a 3'oung man of unusual good sense and of unquestioned integrity and sincerity. He entered the armA' as captain of a com- pany composed mostly of his church members and neighbors, he quickly rose to the position of Colonel of the 32nd Mississippi Regi- ment and then to that of Brigadier General, having charge of Low- re\'"s Brigade in Cleborne's Division in the Army ot Tennessee. When the war closed General Lowrey had little mone3% a- big reputation and a big family. Two questions presented themselves : First, how can I build up my down-trodden country ? Second, how can I educate my children ? Within a few 3'ears a plan had been shaped. He decided to found and build up a school for girls. He took time to get ready. A location must be found, his two oldest daughters must be prepared to assist in the enterprise, etc. In 1869 he secured possession of the Brougher Springs, the old ante bellum Brougher residence and a half section of land surrounding them. This charming location was in Tippah county, six and a half miles southwest from Ripley, the county seat. There are two high, large hills whose peaks are one mile apart, between these there is a narrow valley. The hill west from the valley- is " Blue Mountain." From HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1279 the viillcy there is a gradual slope for a hundred yards and then a steep asecnt. At the foot of this steep ascent there burst forth a number of springs of the purest freestone water. The whole group discharge probably 100 gallons a minute. The old Brougher resi- dence was located in a beautiful hickory grove about one hundred yards from the boldest of these springs. In 1873, Gen. Lowrey built near the residence n neat little framed school house 36x24 feet, and in Septemljer he and his two daughters, Misses Modena and Mai-garet opened a school under the name of Blue Mountain Female Institute. A few A-ears later the word "Col- lege" was substituted for Institute. The first session's enrollment was 50 students, 27 of them being boarding students. When the school opened there was no railroad and no town, the nearest rail- road point being Ripley, six and a half miles away. Gen. Lowrey, however, had secured a postoffice with dailv mail and had induced a friend to move in and open a general store; he had Jilso induced a good physician to move to the community. Twenty-seven boarding students the first session, at that period in the history of North Mis- sissippi, in a school opened at a country residence, six miles from the railroad, was remarkable. The attendance was due doubtless chiefly to two causes: First, Gen. Lowrey's large popularity as soldier, citizen and preacher. Second, the popularity and extensive acquaint- ance of his two daughters. They had both graduated at Dr. Slack's female seminai^y, at Pontotoc, and Miss Modena had taught there for two years. From the day the school opened success has been written on every page of the historj- of the institution. General Low- rey was president 11 years. From the start the patronage steadily increased; in fact, it increased as rapidly as provisions could be made for the care and instruction of pupils. In 1896, three years after the school opened its first session. Miss Modena Lowrey, the lady principal, was united in marriage to Rev. W. E. Berr^-^, a graduate of Mississippi College, who at that time be- came connected with the school as one of the proprietors and man- agers and as professor of Greek and Latin. Prof Berry has been connected with the institution for 27 years, and his wise counsel, energetic work and consistent life have been of incalculable value. In February 1885, Gen. Lowrey dropped dead in the railroad ticket office at Middleton, Tenn. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Rev. W. T. Lowrey, who was a graduate of Mississippi College and who had been for 3^2 years a student of the Southern Baptist Theo- logical Seminary at Louisville, Ky. The institution continued to 1280 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. fcruw. Ill 18S9 Prof. B. G. Lowrey entered the institution as one ot the proprietors and as professor of English. He had just returned from Tulane University, New Orleans, where he had taken a special coiirse in English after graduating from Mississippi College and teaching a year at Pittsboro, Miss. In 1893, T. C. Lowrey became one of the proprietors and took the position of Secretary' and Treasurer. He was a twin brother to Prof. B. G. Lowrey, had graduated in the same class with him at Alississippi College and had responsible business positions in Mem- phis, Tenn., Atlanta, Ga., and San Francisco, Cal. In 1898, Dr. W. T. Lowrey accepted the presidency of Mississippi College at Clinton and was succeeded in the presidency at Blue Mountain by Prof. B. G. Lowrey. On December 1st, 1898, occurred the death of Mrs. Sarah Holmes Lowrey, the honored widow ot Gen. M. P. Lowrej'. Probably no other person living or dead deserves more credit for the great work at Blue Mountain than this wise and Godly woman. For 25 years she had stood at the head of the boarding department and her wise counsels had always had weight in the management of the institu- tion. She was succeeded in her position by her widowed daughter, Mrs. L. L. Ray, who has proved most worthy of her charge. In the spring of 1899 the institution passed through the fire. Two buildings were burned, one being the old Brougher residence and another being a splendid new domitory of 34 rooms. These buildings have been replaced b}' two large brick structures and the "fiery trials" have left the institution better equipped than ever before. It is said to be now the most largeh- patronized private female seminar}' in the entire South. With more than 300 students, more than 25 officers and teachers, thousands of former students scattered throughout the country and a history running through 30 years of unbroken prosperit}', there are surely Ijright prospects ot magnificent future work. LEA FEMALE COLLEGE. BY CHARLES H. OTKl.M. Lea Female College was established in the fall of 1877, and char- tered in October of this year. It was named in honor of the Lea family, bec.'.use two of its lady members contributed a considerable sum of mone}', $1,750, for the purchase of the old Academy property HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1281 in the town ot Summit, in the county of Pike, Mississippi. About $1,500 Avas donated b\- friends for the same object. $1,000 of the last named sum, was given by a Presbyterian lady. The property consisted of two squares of ground and a two-story slate-covered residence, constructed originall3'' for a school, some eighteen years before the time I became the owner. The main struc- ture, and an old dillapidated building used as a kitchen, and about twenty-twt> hundred feet of fencing, were very much out of repair. The purchase price of the property, the cost of painting and replas- tering the main building, the cost of a new fence and other improve- ments, involved me in an expenditure of over five thousand dollars. In a few A-ears, I added a school building eighty bj' forty-two feet, a main building containing three rooms, a dining-hall thirt3'' by forty feet, and a small house used for laundry purposes, the improvements costing some twenty-five hundred dollars. To meet these heavy ob- ligations, I sold mj' property- in the sviburbs of Summit, twenty-three acres, with a six-room residence, besides a dining-room and kitchen, and necessary- outbuil'dings at about one-fifth the co.st price, and ap- plied it to the paA-ment of m^' debts. A small personal inheritance of niA' father's estate, and my wife's share of her father's property, were used for the same purpose. The school was small the first j'car — about forty pupils. With the aid of one teacher and the service of a music teacher, given in part in the literary department, we were able to instruct the classes. There was an increase in numbers the second session. The third or fourth month of the third session we were able to move into the new school building. It was about this time, that by the advice of Judge Hiram Cassid\', Sr., I admitted pupils, stud3-ing the text-books of the public school course, under the provisions of a special high school law. The enrollment was largely- increased, and this necessitated additional school furniture and other appliances. During the four months that these pupils, admitted under the law mentioned, were instructed b\' mj- teachers and myself, not a dollar of revenue was paid b}' them as individuals. The superintendents of the counties of Amite and Franklin, al- lowed the accounts for the pupils from their counties. The whole sum for four months did not exceed ten dollars. Nearh' all these pupils were from Pike county, the majority from Summit. The superintendent of the public schools for Pike county refused to recognize this high school law. It was tested in the Cir- cuit Court and was decided to be unconstitutional, and this decision was aflirmed by the Supreme Court. 1282 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. I was rcsponsil^lc to in_v teachers for their salary. This with other expenses incurred involved me in a loss of over six hundred dollars. I borrowed five hundred dollars at ten per cent, interest to pay my teachers. By the end of the third session my expenses were larjtjely in excess of the income. The fourth session was quite an improvement in the finances of the college. There was a gain of .seven dollars over all expenses. Six distinct expense accounts were kept. Financialh-, there was no success in the undertaking. It was a hard struggle from 1877 to 1894— seventeen years, during which I devoted faithfully and conscientiously, seven hours a day to the work of instruction This time belonged to the pupils, and no other work was allowed to interfere with the duties of the school room. The business affairs of the institution, posting books, correspond- ence, the keeping of records, and books of three fratei'nal orders, the weeklv and monthly posting of the books of three mercantile firms during various years of this period, and for four years, the keeping of the books of the South Mississippi Fair Association— all received attention after school hours. I taught over a hundred pupils the science of accounts; but this extra work was given to night classes, and during summer months in vacation. During .seventeen years, the average annual roll of Lea Female College was from sixty to seventy pupils; boarders from seven to fifteen. The music department was as small as ten and as high as thirty. Most of the time there were from three to five assistant teachers in the literar}' department, and one music teacher. In seventeen yejirs, sixty-eight young ladies were graduated from this institution. In addition to a written examination in the studies of the senior class, no young lad3' was awarded a diploma that did not pass a creditable examination on five hundred selected words in spelling, on the fundamental principles of English grammar, and on about one dozen problems in arithmetic, covering practical matters m every-day life. Ever3- senior wrote about twenty essays during the session, each jjaper containing from five hundred to one thousand words. The character of the work done may be inferred in some degree from the studies in the last two years in the collegiate course, and from the text-books, use for this purpose. In the junior class were taught Gcnung's Rhetoric, Shaw's English Literature, Steel's Chem- istry, Natural Philosophy, Peek's Ganot, Myer's General History, Algebra (Bourdon) Davies, or Wentworth; Geometr3% Davies or Wentworth. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1283 There were weekly lessons for both classes in Mental Arithmetic, word lessons and in Elocution. Whenever the progress of these classes enabled us to do so, one or more of Macauley's Essays on Milton, Addison. Warren Hastings, or Tennyson's "Elaine," or Goldsmith's Vicar of W^akefield, Chaucer's Canterljury Tales, Spen- cer's Faerie Queene, or Shakespeare's Hamlet, were studied for both thought and expression. Students studying Latin, read Cassar, Virgil, Livy, Cicero, Sallust and Horace. Pvipils of all classes were encouraged to read, especially on Sun- day. To this end, a small library was provided, and for years, every Monday morning, the author read, and the number of pages read by each, were reported and placed on record. If the plan served no other purpose, the readers were in company with enduring thought. The first half hour, after the opening of the school on Monday, was generally devoted to a "talk" on some practical subject con- nected with the work of the school room, such as inattention, how to study, difficulties in mastering lessons, order, using time aright, faithfulness and thoroughness in work. Then, too, behavior and character furnished numerous topicsfor these Monday morning talks It gave the opportunity to arouse thought, and press home to the conscience of these impressible minds, earnest duties to be lovingly and cheerfully performed. A Christian atmosphere pervaded the institution.. Duty to God, to self, to our neighbor was taught as the supreme motive to direct life to its truest end. The hidy teachers, were chosen for their fitness, intellectually and morally, and their aptness to impart instruction. With two or three exceptions, they were Christian women, whose example and influence were refining and ennobling. They were re- sponsive to every service that had in view the intellectual develop- ment or the moral improvement of the pupils. Such was the institution. Had the name by which it was known to the public as a college, to bj chosen now^, a more modest designji- tion would be selected. The w )rk done, with whatever imperfections characterized it, \\:is f-iitliful! v and conscientiously performed. Some of the facts recited as substanLi d material in the story of the institu- tion, may be regarded as chaff, lat are in reality, the precious wheat. The aim, the lite, the studies, the character of the teachers; and the burden, the toil and the sacrifices of the principal in directing this educational work constitute the web and woof of the seventeen years of its life. 1284 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. DR. STONE'S COLLEGES. Prof. L. M. Stone was reared and edutated in Alaljama, his Alma Mater being old Howard College at Marion, Ala. His first appearance in our State as a teacher was in his connection with Meridian Baptist Female College in March, 1873. Rev. J. B. Ham- berlin was the owner and president of the College, but his health failed, and Prof Stone took his place for the time. He conducted this College until June, 1875, when he was engaged by Dr. T. G. Sellers to join him in the conduct of the Starkville Female Institute. At the end of two j^ears Prof Stone's connection with this school ceased. He then went to Gainesville, Ala., to take charge of a school for girls. In the spring of 1880, Prof Stone returned to Mississippi, hav- ing made arrangements with the citizens of Shuqualak to open a school there. Shuqualak was then a small town on the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, fifty-two miles north of Meridian. He erected build- ings for domitory and teaching jjurposes that summer, the citizens making a donation of $500.00 in cash and one acre of land. The school was east of the Mobile and Ohio Railroad, and south of the main street running east and west. About $5,000.00 were expended for buildings and lots, there being three acres for the l)oarding de- partment, and one acre for school houses. The first session more than sixty pupils were enrolled. Prof Stone's college work at the several places lie had taught had shown him a fine educator and a (Christian gentleman. Although raised and educated in another State, and not having the benefit of college mates' influence and aid, he gradually gained patronage from differ- ent pai-ts of the State, until Shucjualak Female College took front rank with the female schools of the State. The' attendance was usually from 100 to 125 students, about half of them being boarders. Buildings were added until about $10,000.00 had been expended on the school, beside the equipment in the item of apparatus, pianos, library and furniture which were very expensive. Nearly one hundred young ladies were graduated from Shucjua- lah Female College, many of whom now fill high and responsible positions as teachers in this and other States. Many professed faith in Christ, and were baptized by Dr. Stone, during the diftereiil ses- sions of the college. In fact, seldom did a young lady leave the col- lege, who had not only professed Christianity, but was possessed of modest Christian virtues. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1285 In 1893, after thirteen prosperous and happ\' years with the college at Shuqualak, Dr. Stone was induced to move his school to Meridian, as a more central location. Buildings were erected three miles from the city on the dummy line. This arrangement was never satisfactory to Dr. Stone. The distance from the city to the college seriousl3' militated against the institution. The school was called Stone College. Four and a half years were spent here under great difficulties and embarrassments. Dr. Stone spent much of his own means here, and did some of the hardest work of his life. Under the circumstances, the attendance was good, but the expenses were, in- deed, heavy. The dummy line being removed. Dr. Stone returned to Shiuiua- lak in January, 1897, carr^nng with him fifty-si.x boarders — all that he had at Meridian, with six of his city day pupils. The remainder of this session was successfully taught at Shuqualak, and Prof. Stone felt located for life on his "old heath." But hope, it is said, sometimes smiles to deceive. This session closed with 142 students, with more than sixty boarders in the dormitory. On the night of the 11th of June, the school property was burned to the ground. All the appointments of the dormitory and school w^ere lost except four "pianos, beside private personal belongings. The insurance was $5,200.00, which lacked muchof coveringtheloss. The loss was so severe, and Dr. Stone's health so badlv impaired, he could not be induced to rebuild. This was the ending of the school life in our State of one of our best and most laborious teachers. The results for good in elevating homes, making lives happ}', and culti- vating the spirit of Christian education, cannot be estimated. The historical facts here given are substantialh- what the writer has re- ceived from Dr. Stone. May success attend him in his present school ^vork in Louisiana. EAST MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE. At the meeting of the General Association of Regular Baptists- of the State of Mississippi in 1880, the Committee on Education, with William Thigpen, chairman, recommended the placing of a male and female .school of high grade under their care and control. They could thus educate their children at less cost. The appointment of an edu- cational board of seven was recomm>nd-'d, who should select a loca- tion for their school "suitable on account of health, morals, and the strength of the communitv," as near the centre of the Association as 1286 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, possible. The Educational Board consisted of William Tiiii;peii, A. Gressett, J. E. Brunson, T. W. Graham, B. F. Duke, I. I. Barber, and J. L. Hardy. This Board, or Standing Committee, reported to the Association the following year: It held its first meeting in March, 1881. They then requested difterent communities wishing such a school to pre- sent inducements for the locating of the institution. After consider- ing propositions carefully and due deliberation, they, in April, located the school at Garlandsville, Jasper count}-. Garlandsvillc is a little east of south of Newton, about fifteen or twenty miles. Prof. Darling, of Atlanta, Ga., was tendered the position of prin- cipal. The original design was to use the Baptist church as a school room. The appointment of a board of trustees was recommended by the Standing Committee. The Board consisted of William Thig- pen, I. I. Barber, M. F. Berry, D. E. Chapman, J. L. Hardy. AI. G. Turner, and C. B. Massingale. In the fall of 1882, Prof J. W. Brown had charge of the school. He was said to be "in everyway competent and worthy." Within the past year a large and commodious school house had been trected. The house was 30 by 50 feet, and was substantially built. But it seems that, for some reason, they were not satisfied with the location of their school. The session of 1883-84 was taught at Sylvarena, Smith county. It was thought to be a better location than Garlandsville. In 1884, the prospects for the institution were flattering. It was presided over by Prof. E. vS. Robinson. It was recommended that the school be permanently located at Sylvarena. The local trustees had deeded the property to the institution. The property consisted of thirt^'-eight acres, schf)ol buildings, residence, etc. The infant enterprise was well located. Prof. Robinson resigned his position in April, 1885, and was suc- ceeded by Prof. |. M. Davis. Prof Davis had as his assistants: W. C. Anderson and F. D. Baars. The school was meeting with favor, and was well officered. The following year. Prof J. AI. Davis was still in charge of the school, then called the East Mississippi College. We find this lan- guage in the report on Education read before the General Associa- tion in 1886. "It is true (as you have or will learn from the report of the Board of Trustees appointed at your last session) that the school is not that of the General Association as heretofore." But they still gave the school the benefit of their pix-stige and support. HISTORY OF R5.SSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1287 The session ot'1886-S7 was thj last to rejjive special considera- tion from the General Association. In the fall of 1887, the Sylvarena school was classed with a number of others that were thought to be equally worthy of mention and patronage. The design of education was not a part of the original plan of the General Association. The body was formed for the evangelization of southeast Mississippi. It ■was purely a missionary liody. It might have l)een better, if it had been cast in larger molds, l)Ut we must not deal with conjecture. BAPTIST FEMALE COLLEGE. Almost inlmediateh' ujjon the suspension of the Mary Washing- ton Female College, was the Baptist Female College projected at Pontotoc. The school was opened in the scholastic year of 1858-1859. Through all the years of the existence of this college. Dr. William h. Slack was its president. He was abh^ assisted In' his cultured wife, who was remarkably proficient as a teacher. Dr. Slack him- self was a great teacher. One of their students, at one time ex- pressed her views as to the two teachers in the algel)raic e(|uation, "Two Slacks equal one Tight." The College was not pretentious. Dr. Slack had a commodious house of two stories in the town of Pontotoc, just north of the Bap- tist church. In this, he conducted his boarding department. A school room was erected in the yard for study and class work. Dr. Slack was a very busy and useful man. He had a drug store in the town, and was a practicing physician. He had charge of the Baptist church in the place, to all of which were attached his numer- ous school duties. The Baptist Female College was not at any time remarkal)le tor its large attendance, but received a good patronage from the coun- ties of Pontotoc, Tippah, Union and Lee. Its local patronage was limited in the town of Pontotoc by the claims of a Presbvterian female school, which was well officered and liberally supported. The existence of the school was by no means ephemeral. It was in successful operation for about twenty years. The session of 1874- 1875 was advertised as the seventeenth. That year the faculty con- sisted of Wm. L. Slack, Mrs. Angie S. Slack, Miss Nannie F. Sloan, and Miss Maggie Leavell. Numbered among the students, who enjoyed the advantages of this good school, were: Mrs. Modena Lowrev Berrv, Mrs. Corra 1288 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Berrj' Leavell, Mrs. Janic Lowre^- Sanford Graves, Mrs. Lizzie Berry Iveavel], Mrs. Maggie Leavell McWhorter, Mrs. Nannie Sloan Tay- lor, Mrs. Emma Berry Pitts, and Mrs. Emma Leavell McWhorter. During the years the school was in successful operation, there ATas no railroad reaching to Pontotoc. Very little eftort was made to advertise the school. It lived solely upon its mei'its. DR. ZE.\LY'S vSCHOOLS. Dr. J. T. Zcaly was a native of South Carolina. He was, for some time, pastor of the church in Newberry' in that State. He came to Mississippi in 1875 from Houston, Texas, to become pastor at Jackson. In 1879, he opened a school in Jackson for young ladies. It is said that he was quite successful in his work. He taught five years. In 1884, he took charge of a school in Canton, where he taught three%'ears. His school in Canton was well patronized, and had in it some choice young ladies. He took charge of the Young Ladies' Female College in Winona in 1887, succeeding the lamented President M. E. Bacon. This school was under the guidance and control of Dr. Zealy, until his Iiealth became too feeble^to attend to school duties. In this school, he had quite a number of boarders, and gave diplomas to a number of young ladies. The school buildings of the Winona Female College were east of the I. C. Railroad, on the hill between the I. C. depot and the cross- ing of the Southern Railroad. The boarding department was a large two-storv brick building, commodious and comfortable. The school rooms consisted of a frame building in the yard, which was well seated and convenientl3' arranged. It is said of Dr. Zealy that, "he was a wise and prudent leader, a good man, and lived long and well in the blaster's service." He received his education in the State military school of South Carolina. He died December 10, 1893. W.\RRHX FEMALE INSTITUTE. This institution of learning was established in O.xford in 1880. It was opened for pupils in the fall of that 3'ear b_v Mrs. C. A. Lan- caster. Mrs. Lancaster was born and educated in Albemarle county, HISTORY CF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1289 Virginia, and was reared in the scholastic influence of the University «)f Virginia. She was induced to come to Mississippi by Dr.J.L. Johnson, who was then occupying the chair of English in the Univer- sity of Mississippi at Oxford. Warren Female Institute was located on property south of the Baptist church, which had long been used for school purposes. The building was improved, and made attractive for the opening of the school. In 1887, the buildings were so enlarged as to make room for twenty-five boarding pupils. No special effort was put forth to make it a large school, yet it enjoyed a liberal and paying patronage. It commanded the best • support from O.xtord and the University. The students from the school invariably took a high stand on entering the University-, and could enter as far advanced as the Sophomore class. It was said: ^'The aim of the principal is to give thorough' instruction to those under her care." It is seldom that one reaches an cj/m as nicely as she did in her class work. Warren Female Institute was well spoken of l)y high authoritv and competent judges. Chancellor K. B. Fulton said it was of "very great worth to this community. ' Ex Chancellor Edward Mayes said: "I have two daughters there, and am perfectly satisfied with the results. In our University facultv meetings, the school has often been mentioned for the thoroughness of its work in preparing stu- dents for college." Dr. J. J. Wheat said : "Her pupils have alwavs taken high stand in the University." At the close (jf the session of 188.1-82, diplomas were awarded to Miss Julia To\- Johnson, in French, Latin and Mathematics; to Miss Helen Quinche, in French; to Miss Minnie Wohlleben, in HistorN-^ and Engli-sh Literature; and to Miss Willie Richmond in Mathematics. In 1884--85, Miss Kate Skipworth was given the degree of M. A. ; and in 1885-86, Miss Ethel Moss and ^'iss Cora Anderson received diplomas. Miss Mar^' Mayes and Miss Daisy McKie were graduated in 1866-67; Miss Jessie McKie, Miss Ouida McLeod, and Miss Mat- tie Jackson in 1887-88; and Aliss Holland Falkner and Miss Cor- nelia 0/erstreet in 1889-90. Warren Female Institute enjoyed ci life of good service. The dis- cipline was firm to the verge ot rigidness, the instruction exceedingly thorough, and th; manag^meat strictlv co.iscientious. 1290 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI COLLEGE. Two valuable contrihtitions have been made to the historv of Mississi])pi College. One is a brief history of the institution written bv Dr. A.V. Kowe, corresponding secretary of our Convention Board. The pamphlet was published in June, 1881. The other is in the form of a report to the Central Association in 1900, written bv Capt. W. T. Ratliff, the president of the Board of Trustees of Mississippi College since 1872. One of these. Dr. Rowe, adheres to the chronological order (jf occurrences strictly, and shows the highest respect for the recorded facts. The other, Capt. Ratliff, writes as a promoter of the interests of the college, and as an eye witness of what has transpired relating to the school since 1852. The writer does not see how he could improve upon their work. By their consent, he will use parts of what they have both written, as one fills out facts overlooked by the other, using, in the main. what Dr. Rowe wrote in the beginning of this history- of the college. and concluding with what has been written by Capt. Ratliff of the college from 1889 to 1900. There is a gap of six 3'ears between the history written by Dr. Rowe and 1889, which will receive the atten- tion of this historian. This course shall be pvirsued for the reason mentioned a hove. and because the health of the author is rapidly .failing. For two years he has been closelj' confined to his de^k through the dav and late at night, until he has lost thirtv-five pounds of flesh, and needs rest. The following historical account of the college, given bv A. \'. Rowe, explains itself: Individual prosperity is not a matter of mere dollars iind cents. National prosperity must not be measured by the number of inhabi- tants merely that arecounted in its census tables. No less should the growth of fi denomination of Christians be shown merely from the number of names recorded in the Year Book. Gideon had no reason to be proud of the number of the men who followed him to victory. David afterwards rejoiced in the hosts of numbered men, liut to feel the keen piercing arrows of God's wrath. Long before Patrick Henry's famous speech before the Yirginia AssembK', the pen of in- spiration had written, "The battle is not to the strong." It is not in the numbers, but in the proper use of the few, that great enter- jjrises succeed and become blessings to the world. The instances of HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1291 success which mark all classes of great enterprises, show no excep- tions to the generalrule; and, if there has been any success at all in .their history', it has been achieved in the face of indifference on the part of the greater number of those whose care the\' should have enjo3'ed. The scorn which was heaped vmsparingly upon the first modern missionaries required something more than human determination to face it. With a heavy heart the man of God miist have turned into the back streets to escape the words of reproach which should have been words of benediction and pra^-er. The cr^-. "What will the shoemaker do ?" followed him to his work and rang in. his ears by day and by night, for years, until God himself had hushed it with the songs that made India vocal with Immanuel's praises. The his- tory of Mississippi College does not lead us through the flower\' fields of Elysian ease. Its career has not been beside still waters and in green pastures. The storm has blown so wildly l)y, that some have cried, "We perish." The jagged rocks of adversity have made many a bruise, and the weary-worn workmen have sighed heavily over the wounds. To appreciate this institution it will be necessary to look at the general history of education among our people in the State. The "meeting to consider the propriety of forming a Baptist State Convention" in Mississippi was held at Washington, Miss., December 23, 24, 1836. The second article of the con.stitution then adopted, pledged the convention to "promote religious education." In the first meeting of the convention at Palestine, Hinds county. May 5, 6, 1837, the Committee on Education called attention to the increasing desire on the part of the Baptist denomination in the State to promote education. For two or three years a few lirethren had been considering the project of a manual labor school. The committee further state in their report : " In March, 1835, a general agent was appointed to test the feeling of the denomination in this respect. Something like 150 subscribers have lieen obtained, and upwards of $135,000 have been subscribed, and between $6,000 and $7,000 have been collected. A tract of land containing more than 600 acres has been purchased, a farm is now going on and the insti- tution ready for the reception of students. * * * Provision is made in this institution for the education of pious young men for the min- istry." The first article of their constitution reads thus: "This Asso- ciation shall be known by the name of the Mississippi Baptist Edu- cation Society, the first objeat of which is the education of such 1292 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. pious young men tor the gospel ministry, who in the opinion of the churches to which they belong, and the directors of such schools as may be established by the SocietN', or others appointed for that pur- pose, are called of God to preach the gospel ; secondly, the instruc- tion of youth generally in such liranches of literature as the means placed within their control, from time to time, may enable tliem to afford." This is the fii'st mention in the literature of our convention of any educational interest among the Baptists of our State. The school spoken of here was the Judson Institute, located near Pales- tine Church, in Hinds county. L. B. Holloway was its first teacher and president, and S. S. Lattimore its first agent. It should be borne in mind, howeveV, that the Judson Institute was not a Convention school, but belonged to- an independent society as above styled. The convention sought by resolution to secure the support of the de- nomination for the institution but never had any organic connection with it. The Judson was moved to Middleton. A vigorous report before the convention ot 1841, at Brandon, was adopted, w'hich authorized the Convention Board "tt) make such arrangements as may be necessar}' to bring the Judson Institute legally under the direction of this bod}-." The school was reported as being almost in " readiness for the accommodation of a large numljcr of students, and as many professors as are sufficient for a college course." Money was lacking for the professor's salaries. There was no library ni)r philosophical apparatus. Students could not receive so thorough and complete a training as was desirable, and those in the school were expecting to take a collegiate course elsewhere. The demand on the Institiite was for a more e.xtendcd course of stud}'. To main- tain their present standing it was necessary to become a full blown college. The trustees had incurred heavy expense in maintaining it thus far, and unless the denomination rallied to its support failure must be the result; and yet, to make a success of the enterprise there must be a change in the amount and kind of work done. The move- to Middleton had not been productive.of that good which was ex- pected. The chief difficulty, however, seemed to be a general spirit of indifference, for in the convention of 18-t2, at Tocschish church, Pontotoc county, the report on the work of Judson Institute states, that "the relationship existing between the Institute and the de- nomination is that of an uninteresting daughter and a selfish penuri- ous step-mother." It was hoped, however, that an interest might be worked up that would result in an endowment of $100,000. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1293 There was considerable doubt on the part of man}- brethren as to the success of the Judson. It had failed thus far to unite the brother- hood of the State. The action of the convention in adopting the in- stitution was defective, as was shown the following A-ear (1843), at the Mound Bluff meeting, for want of an amendment in the charter of the Institute. The Board presented a proposition from citizens of Canton and vicinity, which led to the appointment of a committee of fourteen, who were required to examine the inducements offered at Aliddleton and Canton respectively, and make a report at the next meeting. The Judson does not seem to have ever rallied, but fell into other hands and was lost to the denomination. The proposition from Canton resulted in nothing. An effort to buy and place in the hands of the convention certain property, w^as made by some mem- bers of Fellowship and other churches, in Jefferson county, for school purposes, but resulted in failure. The night after this failure, Wil- liam Coleman, James Snodgrass, and E. C. Eager, spent in Clinton, with Dr. Stokes. After having given a history of their recent failure to Dr. Stokes, this gentleman, who was a member of the Board of Trustees of Mississippi College, said to Mr. Eager: "I have an idea I wish to express to you in confidence." He then stated that Mis- sissippi College Avas then in a low and unpleasant condition, — that it was not a Presbyterian, nor any other denominational school — that it was a public State school, and under the control of its Board of Trustees and their successors, and he believed the Board, and the community, worald give it up and convey over their rights and pow- ers to the Baptist denomination of Mississippi, provided they would take hold of the matter in earnest and do their best to make it a college worthy of the name, " Mississippi College." These two men agreed to do all they could to further the matter in private. Dr. Stokes soon had the Board of Trustees on his side. They called a mass meeting of all tjie citizens and friends of education in and about Clinton. They unanimously voted to offer the college and all of its appendages to the Baptists of Mississippi through their State Con- vention, soon to meet at Jackson, on certain specified conditions, and appointed a committee to carrA- out this offer. Accordingly-, on November 11, 1850, during the afternoon session of the convention, the committee appointed to investigate the claims of Clinton and RaA'mond, made the following report : That they had given the sub- ject their most patient and earnest attention, etc. This institution had been in operation since 1826, when it was chartered by the Legis- ature as Hempstead Acadenn-, and was put in charge of a Board fol 1294- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Trustees who seemed to represent tlie community of people in cind about Clinton. In 1827, the name was changed by act of Legisla- ture to Mississippi Academy, and in 1830, to Mississippi College. Under the.se different names the institution had a chequered course. Having a decided aspiration to a position among the best institu- tions, but all the while it was poor and unable to secure an endow- ment. In October, 1836, Mr. Eliot, was elected the first president of Mississippi College. His associates were Mr. Maxwell and D. M. Eliot. The college became so much in debt to these gentlemen that the3' resigned in November, 1837. The gross earnings at this time were less than $580, with $8,000 suljscribed, of which only $2,000 was availal)le, while .the expenses amounted to $6,000 per term. The next effort of the trustees was to bring about a union with the Board of Trustees of the sixteenth section fund, to establish a " respectable school in Clinton."' This union, if ever accomplished, resulted in little good to the college. In 1840 the affairs of the col- lege had so declined that the members of the Board seemed desirous to get rid of the care of an institution whose prospects were so dark. At one meeting of the Board there were seven resignations. In 1841 and 1842 the meetings of the Board were occupied chiefly in receiving resignations and electing new members. In April, 1842, an ofter of the college was made to the Clinton Presbytery, to be exclusively under their control. Articles of accept- ance were agreed to and the institution was to begin a new life under the patronage of a Christian denomination. The Board was remodeled according to the wishes of the Presby- tery. Under the new^ management the institution made more solid advancement. It became necessar\' to talk in the Board meetings of the form of diplomas to be used in time to come. The honorary degree of D. D. was conferred on Rev. A. Newton, Rev. A. Converse, of Philadelphia, Rev. Elias Converse, of Philadelphia. A theological professorship was added and Dr. Newton called to fill it. [Its first graduate, and first student to receive a diploma from an institution in the State, was Augustus M. Foute, Jr., of Jackson, Miss., who b:.'came quite a prominent lawyer in this State, and after- wards moved to Memphis, Tenn., where he continued the practice of his profession. — R.\tliff.] Rev. P. Cotton was its president, and he seemed to inspire the hopes of success to such a degree that the trustees became individ- ually responsible for large sums of money, when, to their dismav, he '>ft"ered his resignation, having been tempted by a better offer else- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1295 where. The Board iininediatelN- selected Rev. C. Parish, who he" came president in 1848. In the foUowing year four names were added to the hst of Ahtnini, among whom may be mentioned Rev. Oscar Newton, now of Crystal Springs. There was 3'et no endow- ment and the president received his pay from the tuition with $200 besides. The affairs of the college began again to decline, and an exhibit of their condition was' made, showing that there was an indebtedness of $782.33, and no money to payit, andlnit little patronage. In this state of things, believing that its failure was due in a great degree to its denominational character, the Board asked the Clinton Presby- tery to release them from any and all obligations in the matter, which Avas done in July 27, 1850, in these words : Resulved, That this Presbytery relinquish forever our right to nominate gentlemen to fill vacancies' occurring in the Board «)f Trus- tees of .Mississippi College, and that the relation, heretofore existing between this Presb3-tery and the Board be hereby dissolved." This was immediately followed by a resolution on the part of the Board: That the Board do now tender this institution unincumbered by any claims on their part to this community and agree to elect as their successors any persons who may be nominated by the community. A public meeting of the citizens was called to meet at the Presbyter- ian church, in Clinton, to -rnggest measures for building up a literary institution at this place. Resolutions appointing a nominating committee and committee for liquidating indebtedness were made, and one to procure a (luit claim from the Presb^-tery. A new Board was organized which im- mediately began to canvass for president and teachers. The jjresi- dency wag offered Rev. W. Carey Cran;;, the professorships of Lan- guage U) Rev. I. Comfort, and of Mathematics to Rev. C. Parish. The last name was the only one who showed a willingness to accept. August 12, 1850, at a meeting of the Board a communication was received from Rev. T. Ford which was sent back to him. This was followed by another from the same source August 20, which, on motion, was laid on the table. Augvist 26, the following resolution passed, that .Mr. Ford Ije re- quested U) correspond with such members of the Baptist church as in his opinion would take an active interest in the matter on the sub- ject of establishing a Baptist college in Clinton on the basis as that of the present Board of Trustees, and we will turn over to them the present building of the Mississii»pi College. 1296 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Resolved, further, That he, Mr. Ford, be authorized to make no offer but only address letters of incjuiry. Ill November a committee was appointed to notily the conven- tion that the Trustees of Mississipjii College wish a conference on the subject of establishing a college at this place, and will meet the con- vention at any time and place designated. This committee made reportat the ne.xt meeting, November 30th, that the\- had met the convention, November 11th, 1850, and had made a tender of the entire buildings, grounds and apparatus bc- ^longing to Mississippi College on the condition that said convention, or those acting for it, use said buildings and apparatus for school oi' college purposes. In the fall of 1850 the school (opened its first session under the auspices of the Mississippi Baptist State Convention. It was with- out endowment, grounds and building much out of repair and a his- torj' by no means inspiring. The trustees, however, had faith in what they were undertaking, and Avith high hopes, pledged them- selves, individually, for claims to the amount of $1,700, and con- tributed between $600 and $1,000 for the purchase of additional apparatus. It was deemed right to make only such advances as the institution itself made a demand for, and with this idea, I. N. Urner was made principal of the Preparatory Department. The first ses- sion began with one teacher and closed with three. There'were en- rolled during this session eighty-four students. The Baptist State Convention met in 1851, at "Aberdeen and re- solved to raise $100,000 endowment, and \V. M. Farrar was employed as agent for said college tor the ensuing year. The session of 1851— 1852 opened with nearh' as many students as the previous session had closed with. There were students prepared for college classes, but the trustees said it would be derogatory to a denomina- tion nnmbering 30,000, to call an institution a college which has not a dollar of available endowment. The resolutions of the Aberdeen Convention and the appointing of an agent, had committed the denomination to the cause of Misis- sippi College. Henceforth, it is to be intimately linked to the for- tunes of the denomination, and its success must largely depend on the disposition of the Baptists of Mississippi, to sustain this child of Providence. Those in charge of the college were keenly alive to this fact, and in their first report U) the Baptist State Convention in November, 1852, tit Clinton, they sought to impress it on the denomination. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1297 In the convention, nearly the \\'li<»Ic day on Saturdav was tjiven to the LH)nejie, and there \v£is represented as having been secured in all. towards the immediate endowment of the college, the suniof $20,4-H() of which the agent hjid collected $13,992. With renewed contidence in the ultimate success of this undertaking, Kev. H. C Eager began ^vork as agent, immediately after the convention, to com])lete the endowment. The session of l;5 was marked by the issuance of the tirst: catalogue, in which are enrolled ninety-two students. I. N. I'rner has been promoted to principal and lecturer on F'hysic^d Science: j. M. Granljerr}', principal of I'reparatory Department: H. S. Hradford, teacher of Mathematics. lu the first catalogue are Ibund the names of .\le.\anderCaperton, now of Louisville, and editor of the Western Recorder ; Edwin Btinks. now a lawyer in Te.xas, cind John B. Hand)erlin, pastor of Baptist church, Vicksburg. and G. B. Eager, pastor of St. Francis Street church. Mobile, Ala. : Wni. Katlifl", now president of Board of Trus- tees; Thos. Walton, now ])hysician in Ahdjanui. In the following session, IcS.IH— ISa^, college classes were organ- ized. The buildings then were what are known as the middle build- ing, the Preparatory Department ;ind the brick house destroyed by fire, three ^-ears agcj. The apparatus on hand was worth $2,()0(). The State Convention met in ISo.'?, at Columbus. The agent re- ported a total on endowment fund of $fi(),00() and an increasing- interest on the part of brethren all over the State in the enterprise. In June of the next year the second catalogue was issued, showing- number of students to be \'A7, oi' whom thei'e was one senior, (i. C. Granberry, who thus became the first graduate under the Baptist regime. The other college classes were re])resented as follows: Two Junior, five Sophomore, and nine Freshmen. The endowment work was progressing well, and by the meeting of the convention in ISo-t, at Hernando, $80,000 was reported by the agent, E. C. Eager. The session of 1854— 1X5"), was taught by rive gentlemen: I. X. Urner, professor of Mental and Natural Philosophy, and chairman of Faculty: J. M. Ellis, professor of Greek and Latin: Walter llillman, professor of Mathematics and Astronomy; S. S. Granl)erry, jjrincipal Prepatory Department : W. B. Gallman, assistant princii)al Frepar atory Departnient. The nundjcr of students ctitjdogued was 128„ ikli undergraduates. In the fall of 1855 the convention met at Clinton. Owing toi 1298 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. sickness of .-i^cnt the amcjunt of endowment liad not been largely increased. The Board was not discourajjed. Theyl)e>jan to feel that the college was an assured success, and were contemplating^ the en- lar<;ement of facilities, but were hesitatinut nnn'e room w;is e(|ually neces- sary. In the session of 1 S.^C)-.")?, there were other changes in the t'acvdty: Ji. A. Steel, now a jjrofessor in Mercer University, was professor of Greek and Latin; DeWitt Williams, professor of ^Mathentatics and Naturiil Philoso])liy. The senior class num])ered six: J. W. Coleman, K. L. Com])ere, li. (i. .Mullins, B. F. Passmore, G. (i. Simms, and N. (i. Wise. Whole number of students during the term, one hundred ;ind twenty-eight, of whom forty-seven were in college classes. Wlien the convention met in Lexington, in May, 1857, the cn- , amount due and not yet paid $6,01 2. ;i(). HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1299 Durin.iu the silling- of" the cdinciition, in accordaiK-i.' with ihc de- si re of the Board as expressed in the reixjrl, tiie endowment was raised to $102.S()0. The Board liad Oeen waitini^' anxiously the completion of the endowment, as determined on at Aljerdeen, to $100,000, and had on foot a i)rojeet to increase the fund $30,000, and at the same time raise a building fund of SvlO.OOO. The session of 1857-58 opened witli six teachers: 1). \V. C. Wil- liams occupied the chair of Mathenuitics and Natural Philosophy ; T. H. Clark was assistant teacher in the Preparatory Department in the fall, A. K. Cranberry in the sprinij term. The session was marked by the .uraduation of seven seniors, whose names are as follows: Edwin (Tray Banks, I). S. Bnreh, C. E. Crawford, E. R. Freeman, C.K.Henderson, T. \V. Simms, and AI. j. Thigpen. Besides these, there were one hundred and twenty-one luulerjjraduales. When the convention met iri 1S5S, at Lil)erty, a stirring report from the Board, setting forth some of the past and the jircsent of the college, was received. From an institution of one teacher and fourteen students, it had grown in six and one-half years to a college with all the classes in full operation, and five tcjichers. There had been graduated fourteen young men, some of whom had taken ]iositions in aifairs oi church and State of no me;in character. When the college l)egan its course under the direction ot the eon vention, there was not a Baptist church in miles of Clinton, and not a single B:iptist in the town, but after six and one-half years the Baptist church had I)ecome the strongest of the five churches in the town, numbering one hundred and eighty, and were now ready to give $3,000 in connection with the effort to build a chapel, to be used as a church and college chajiel. This growth was in a large measure due to the college influence. Atfibular statement of its financial jirospeets was given, showing: Endowment Fund ------------ $102,800.00 Amount duj oi this fin 1 -------- 84,000.00 eo!l.-,-fd ----------- 34.,994.76 dujail :i );: c )lL--;.-d - ------ 49,005.24 notyetduj ----------- 18,800.00 Interest, total amount duj --------- 21,917.91 collected ------------ 13,439.40 due and not collected ------ 8,478.51 Three hundred aud fifty nantes w-ere on the roll that made up this amount. These stibscribers lived in different parts of the State, 1300 HISTORY OF MlSSISSIPn 15APTISTS, sliDwiii,;;- ihat llio colk'.uv liad a claim .l;vik- rally on the people of our St'ite. It was found necessary to have aticnts then to collect these subscrijJtions, and from this source, and that of tailure to collect interest, there \vas an annual loss of $^,500 to the college. Durinj^- the year ahont $o,()00 had been raised on the Cliapel Fund, and to add as much more was the earnest desire of the Board, SI) that all necessary appointments nii_>jjht be secured for a yet more extended usefulness. This rei:)ort was received in the same spirit in \vhich it was made, and there were $1,12." subscribed towards the completion ot the Chajjcl I-'und. The session of IS,")!-!-;")!) was bciiun with six teachers, a liraduate of 1858 havinu^ been appointed tutor — Mr. I). S. Hurch. This session the numljer of .i^raduates were three, H. I-\ Mullins, E. H. Williams and J. H. York, and the undergraduates were one hundred and sixty-seven. In point of numbers the college had dis- tanced three-fourths of the one hundred and fifty colleges in the United States, and was ahead of all in our State. The Chapel Fund was reported at tiic Canton Convention in 1859, to be .$12,000. The contract for the building had been made, exclusive of the sjiire. for $18,000, and the building was in course of erection. The ninth session, 18.59-60, was taught with the excei)tion of Granberry and Burch, by the same professors. Messrs. York, of the class of 1859, E. G. Banks, of class of 18.58, were tutors. There were three graduates this session — B. W. Bullock, j. L. Pettigrew, and J. G. E. Williams, with an undergraduate attendance of 198. To the convention which met in Natchez, 1860, the trtistees sent their an- nual report, full of ho])e for the future aufl congratulations for the present. The college chapel was rapidly appro.aching completion and expectancy was on tip-toe as to the next commencement exer- cises, which would be held in the new building. The amovtnt prom- ised for the chapel was not, however, all secured, and with the completion of the chapel there would be needed $9,000 to meet the last i)ayment. After the reading of the report there were three brethren who m.ide speeches, of which that of Isham Harris was specially forcible. Pledges to the amount of $2,255 were given, thus providing for one-fourth of the needed amount. The chapel was so far comi)leted th;it the commencement exercises were held in it, as expected, but was not fully finished and paid for until the following fall. The last payment was made, but $4,000 had to be borrowed for this purpose, from the endowment fund. The l)right hopes of great success, ;ind the fair ])romises attending the work often years^ HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1301 seemed iicaivi" realization. The noble men who had uuided ilius tar the interest of Mississijj]:)! Colle. N. R. K 7,920.00. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1303 Cotton inonev in treasury ------- 900. OO' Monevs h^aned to several parties 5,260.00- $104.,649.00 C. S. securities ------- $1,4.80.00 C. S. nionev -------- 100.00 $1,530.00 Here was still an endowment of over $100,000, hut all on paper, and no prospect of its ever being elsewhere. The college was owing a little over $7,000, balance t)t" unpaid salaries. Ot the one hundred and eighty-five scholarships only seventy-eight had been paid in full. The owners of these were exer- cising their rights accorded to them, and in the session of 18G5— 6(> there were two-thirds of the students who had existed on scholar- ships, and thus only one-third of the expenses were niei. In this critical condition of affairs strenuous efforts were made Lo realize something on the notes and unpaid endowment schohirships, where parties were able to pay. In Alay, 1867, Mr. Urner obtained judg- ment against the college for amount due him on salary, f(;r $(>, 681.5,1, but agreed to .settle in full for $6,000, if the Trustees would pay l)y January 1st, 18()8. The Board had resolved to re-open tlie college in the fall of 1867, but were without means to make some necessary re])airs and with little prospect of meeting the ]iayment due Jan- uary- 1st. In their ])erplexity they turned for help to President Hill- man, whom they earnestly solicited to go North and endeavor to. secure contributions from the benevolent, or in some way ol)taiiithe necessary money. President Hilbnan's school demanded his atten- tention to that extent that lie did not think hecouldleave. Mrs. H.,. however, went in his place, arid at no expense to the college or its friends, obtained contril)utions and loans sufficient to lift the judg- ment and put the buildings in repair, with additions to library. September 21st, Mr. Hillman was elected president of the college and began his laliors in that cjipacity. In the latter part of October the session began with an attendance of two students in the Fresh- man class and nine in the Preparatory Department. During the ses- sion the number was increased to twenty-nine. There were (jnly two teachers — the President and Mr. Critz. This looked indeed like a 'forlorn hope, and especially so when we consider the general indiffer- ence on the part of the convention and the people who were most ex- pected to give their sympathy. There were, however,, son.ie men loOl- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. JiiUTcslcd in ils linal siu'cess, and wlm were at this time nu-nibci's of tlicconvcntion. and soon l)ccamc nicniljcrs of the Board — the mention of wliose nanus would suffiee to make a guarantee t(i their work : rettigrew, Haekett, Loina.x, Ratliff, Kells, Wahie, and Hall. The session of lS()S—(>') iuid an attendanee soniewliat larger with the Sophomore and I-'reshniaii elasses organized. Rv the terms ot the agreement under whieh President Hillman ::idvaneed mouev lor the jjaynient of the mortgage, the iailure to pay him 1)v January, iSli",), would in\dl\e the forfeiture of the whole pro])erty. When the eonveution met in Canton, lS(i',), the sjjeeial eontmittee in behalf of the eonveution to advise with the Bo£ird, reported, through J. A. Maekett, eliairman, tlieir failure to relieve the eollege, .;ind that the " property, aeeording to the terms of the agreement Avith the Trustees, had jiassed into his hands f< u" the term often vears." Before the eon\ention adjourned, in eonlerenee with Speeial Committee on .Mississi])pi College, W. S. Wehl), ehairman, as re- ported by the eommittee, President I lillman generous! v ]>roposed to grant an e.xtension of time — say eight or nine months — hel'ore the legal loreelosure oi his moi'tgage, ])ro\'ided the eonveution shoidd t:ake measures to redeem the ])ro]K'rl_\- within this time. After the report, pledges and gifts to the amount of $2,St)0 were made, and resolutions were ])assed ealling for a eontril>ution of $10,000 to meet the debt. The agent wdiose labors had been most signally blessed in the first effort to endow, was again ealled on to enter upon the work of seeuring the amount ; and by the meeting of the eonveution in AVest Point, in isTU, there was laeking .$1.4-1.'.'..2.' of the whole iimoiuU. Mean while, the session of 1 S()'.)-70 had been in ])r()gress, -with something of the t'ormer eharaeter ol the eollege. The faculty had been enlarged, and the instruetion given in all department.s was in the highest degree satistaetory. President Hillman taught the classes ol .\Ior;d and lutelleetual Philoso]ihv and Evidences- of Christi.'tnit \- ; P. I), [ones, .a graduate ot Hrown, was ))rof"essor ot Cireek and Latin and Literature: .M. T. .Martin, |)rineipal Frepar;i- torv Department; (i. B. hunger and W. C. Friley, nuanbers oi the [unior Class, were assistant instructors. There \\'ere entered this .session, 101 students, of \vhom twenty were in eollege elasses. .\ recommendalion of the I'oard, that a eo-o])er;aion w ith the Ba])tist.s -of Arkansas and Louisiana, was agreed to, and ])lans were imme- enj. Whitfield, prot'essor of Analytical Chemistry and Cico- logy; r .\I. Woodman, i)rinci|)al rre])aratory Deiiartment ; R. S. Jackson and W. C. Frilev, assistant instructors; 1.");! stinlents were enrolled, of whi>m three graduated — (".. H. Eager, W. C. Frilev. and (t. B.Banks. Nine years had ])assed since a diploma had been granted from Mississippi College; years full of earnest sohcitnde and anxious care ; care not only as to the continuance, but the verv existence of the college. From tlie ])rou(i institution of le;irning her buildings had been changed into the camps of hostile armies, and then for months the yellow flag of the hospital was floating in the breezes of her grand old oaks, and when i-ongh-visaged w.ar liad gone, leaving behind the mournful evidences of his stay, buildings and grounds de- serted, silent, dilapidated, with blackened ruins all around, and blighted hearthst)nes and bankruptcy — there was needed a prophet's eye to see the phoenix in the scenes of the commencement of 1871. The rcpc^rt of the Board to the Crystal Springs Convention was full of hope, and yet there had not been the financial success attending college that was desirable. The agent, Rev. E. C. Eager, had been compelled to resign on account of sickness. A. X. Lomax was prose- cuting this i)art of the work with his accustomed zeal, but owing to the financial condition of the country, did not accomplish much. 130G HISTORY (JF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS.' Tlic scssii)u i)t" 1S71-7L' opened rt;iU(jriiij;l y. Tlic ci)llc.i;c Itad f\i(lciul_v made a tine impression as to its condiiel on the vonth of ' our Suite. 'IMiere were, (lnrin<; the session, enrolled lo',) names, three of whom were members of the Senior elass — 1\. \V. (irifHth, H. T. Iladdiek. and A. \'. kowe. There were, likewise, scjme changes and additions to the faenlty. M. T. Martin was jjrofessor of Mathe- matics; I'. M. Woodman was professor of (ireek and Latin Lan- li^ua.ijes and Jviler.-Ltnre ; (leorsie Wharton, tutor of .Mathematics ; J. H. Eager, tutor of Mathematics; H. C. Timherlake, in-inei]);d Tre])- arator3' Department; I). S. liurch, assistant instructor; j. P. Snecd, rissistant instructor; \\'. S. Wehh, Lecturer on ThcoloLiv. W'hen the cou\-ention met in Meridian, in LS72, the Hoard was ;d)le to report the co11c,l;'c out of del)t. This work hrid i)een success- tully comi)lctcil mider the Labors of Professor Martin, who, at the earnest retpiesi of the Hoard, had vacated, tcmi)oraril_\-. his position in the Faculty for this es]iecial purpose. 'I'he noble, generous efforts of Professor ALirlm will c\"er be held in grateful remembrance bv all who lo\-e .Mississip])i College. The judgment which had been st.aved oH for hve years l)v the intervention of Professor Ilillman, who had stood between the Bap- tists of Mississippi ;ind the u])lifted hammer of the Sherifl', had at last been met. In an im])rompLu speech ofgrc.at ])owcr he delivered once more into P)aptist hands their college, free from debt. Witli .a remembrance of what .Mr. Hackett reported to 1S(')9, at Meridian, I recall some expressions of this speech that could not be reported: ".My brethren, I confess that I have ])assed through a great tempta- tion. Ves, it w;is a temptation. In the time that I li.ave held this mortgage 1 could have doubled, yea, (piadrupled my monev. but, thank God. the tem])tation is ])assed. I can deliver these papers into the hands of the Hoard, as I have .all .along desired to do, with the college tree from debt." [But while the work of reorganizing was going on, the debt was all the time increasing, until it reached the ])oint th.ai gave nuich anxious concern lo all who were interested in the wellare of the col- lege. The most earnest .and vigorous eflorts were nuide to r.aise the money with which to pay oif the debt. Every experiment tried h.ad ended in failure, when Prof M. T. .Martin. y)f the ch.air of M.athe- niatics, asked for the ])rivi]ege of entering the Held as ;i volunlarv agent, without ch.arge, to ni.ake one more effort to save the life of the college. The authcjriiy lo do so w.as gr.anted, .and by .almost superhuiuan effort on his ]),irl, .aided bv a few friends who believed in HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1307 his ability, within ninety days, had all ot the money in bank to pay the debt, which had increased from $6,500 to $10,000, and at the meeting of the Baptist State Convention held in Mtridian in 1872. the last dollar due Dr. Hillman and other creditors, was paid, and the mortgage held over the college property was cancelled. There was great rejoicing among the Baptists of the State over this great achievement of Prof Martin. The self-perpetuating Board resigned and a new Board of Trustees ejected in their stead, who organized by the re-election of the Rev. Benjamin Whitfield president. Before the rejoicing throughout Ihe State over the payment of the debt against the college had ceased, the hearts of every friend of the college and every good cause, was saddened by the news of the death of the venerable President of the Board of Trustees, the Rev. Benjamin Whitfield. The college never had a better friend, or a more libera! jjatron. He had given more time and thouulu to the college than any man of his da}-, and had contributed liberally of his nionev. His memory will be cherished as a precious legacy to the institution as long as it has an existence and as long as men and women con- tinue to appreciate that which is noble and self-sacrificing. The writer of this report was elected as his successor, at the July meeting of the Board in 1872. — Capt. R.\tliff.] But this freedom from debt did not mean that there was a sur- plus in the treasury. Hence, the report ot Committee on .Mississippi College, by W. S. Wel)b, chairman, called at once attention to the urgent need of an endowment, so as to carry on an institution of the grade proposed in this one. The convention committed itself to engage in raising an endow- ment of $100,000, which it was thought could be eflfected in the three States, at an early day. A i-eport was adopted looking to the change of charter so as to secure the co-operation of Louisiana and Arkansas, and a committee appointed to confer with the Board of Trustees, on the subject. The work of endowment was given into the hands of Professtjr Martin, who reported $37,000 in subscription, at the convention which met in 1873. at Aberdeen. To this add four railroad bonds at $1,000 each, lost in 1860, recovered less expenses; their results $40,- 000 as the incomings of the conventional year, exclusive of the tui- tion. The convention remanded the interest to the churches and pastors, for co-operation with the agent. The fall session of 1872-7.3 opened with a considerable advance made over the number of last session. There were, however, only 130!S HISTORY UF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. two in Senior Class — X. M. I Iollin,L;s\vorlh and (ico. W'harlon ; 188 ■were in alUiuianco in the undcri^raduatc classes. Dnrinu the vcar, a clianyv had been made in the course ot sludv, so that the collejic was divided into six schools, leaving it oj^tional Avith the student as to which he would enter. A certificate of. "gradu- ation should be j^iven in each oi" these schools, and a full diploma only after the com^jletion oithe full course. The I'acully, durin^i this SL-ssion, consisted of President Ilillman, professor of Moral and InLelleclu'al Philosophy; Theo. Whitfield, professor of (ireck and Latin; .\I. T. Martin, professor of Mathe- matics; H. \V. (iriffith, tutor in M;iihematics and principal Commer- cial I)c])artmcnl ; II. C. Tindjerlake, jirinciijal Preparatory Depart- ment; j. II. lia^er, assistant instructor; \V. E. Owin, assistant in- .struclor; W. S. Webb, instructor in Theology. The session of 1873-74- was nifirked by the adoption of the new ])lan of study. The following students were graduated : J. G. Col- lins, J. II. B.iger, H. E. King, W. E. Owin, H. L. Owin, W. W. Rocket, antl T. E. Talbert. The lull number in attendance was 1();>, and in the Faculty there was also considerable change: W. S. Wel)b, presi- dent and ])rofessor of Aloral ;ind Intellectual Philosojihy ; J. L). Cole- man, ])r(ilessor of (ireek; II. C. Tindierlake, professor of Eatin ; AE T. Alartin, [)rofessor of Mathematics; B. H. Whitfield, ])rofessor of Naturjd Sciences ; I). S. Burch, principal Prejiaratory Department; F. W.. Brofidus, teacher of French ; W. E. Brown, librarian. The first year ol' the new man.igement closed with a deficit of $2,906 in current ex]jenses, showing evidently, that the notes given for endowment were not being met ])romj)tlv. It will be remem- bered that this was the year of the money panic, when not only at the South, but also at the North, the stinngency in money matters was severer than Ibr many ve.ars before. Many scliools had been forced to close their doors. The stringency in the money market was followed l)y the ;dmost total failure of the croi)s in Mississijipi, in 1S74-. So that the college reported a small debt to t heconwntion at Hazlehurst. The old schol;irshii)S were being jiartly used tor ])aying tuition, and while these were in use the tuition would, ot course, be small. An effort was made to secure the sin-render of these, which succeeded so well that this work w;is considered as the most tavorable thing done during the year. Ol the 200 schokirshi]) notes secured t)n the endowment, as has been said, eighl\- of them paid, and each. holder was entitled to enter HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI I5APTISTS. 1309 a student without paving .-iiiv tuition. Wc found tiiat just in pro- portion as the college was not able to carry these scholarships, the holders were disposed to use them. .\s the principle involved in this experience is one well recognized in l)usiness affairs, avc could not complain, and were much surprised, hut were none the less troubled to know how to meet the difficulty. When it was^ evident that the right to use the scholarships would in most cases be exercised, it was plain to any thinking mind, that it would Ik only a question of time when the college would have to be abandoned by the denomination, as the incumbrance imposed by those scholarships, was greater thiin the vfdue of all the liuildings, grounds and other belongings of the college. What could be done to meet this difficulty was a (|uestion often discussed between the presidents of the Board and Faculty, and Prof. Martin. After much deliberation, and anxious discussion. Prof. Martin proposed that if a man could be found who would ac- ceptably fill his place in the chair of Mathematics for a few months, that he would ttndertake the work of inducing the holders of these scholarships to surrender them to the college. Within a few h(jvirs from the time Prof. Martin submitted his proposition, John H. Eager, a member t)f the Senior Class had l)een secured to take the Mathematics, and Prof. Martin was ready for the field. He was the the owner of a good S£iddle horse at that lime, and betore the sun ot that day began to wane, he was many miles from Clinton on his great mission. It was not long before a message came from him that read like this: "Horse given out, have secured another, and six scholarships." This messtige was followed in a day or two by .an- other of like import, then another, and thus they came from day to day and week to week, until we hafl notice of (|uite a number ot horses left by the wayside, but at the end of six weeks tiie Pro- fessor rounded up at Clinton with the eighty scholarships, except a few, surrendered to the college. — R.\tliff. In the report of last year, the Board had called attention to the great centennial work then inaugurated by Baptists all over the South, and attention was again called to it at the Hazlehurst meet- ing. A committee was appointed, whose report was heartily adopted, connuitting the centennial work into the hands of James Nelson, with a committee fi-om each district association and a Board of Managers, located at or near Clinton. This celebration of the 100th birth-day of American Liberty in which was secured, for the fcrst time, the priceless boon of religious lilierty, was deemed an occa- 1310 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. sion.of gratitude unci of tliank-offfiiiiiis in whicli all niii^lu appro- priately ^ivc at least, $1.00 as a manifestation of appreeiation. To further eneourajic this movement, a plate was struek, having thereon jin en^ravinji' of eh^ipel Jincl laees of president and professors, with ji eertificate in eenler, all beautifully gotten up. The session of 1874-75 had not numbered as many students as the last, for the total shows 145, with seven graduates — \V. E. Berry, C. R. Freeman. A. H. Longino, A. J. Miller. T. N. Rhymes, J. W. San- ford, C. W. Webb. B. W. Griffith was tutor of Mathematics, R. I). Miller, assist, to endow the ])resident's chair with $4,S00, to be paid in ecpial annual installments. The charter had remained unchanged as to the co-operation of Arkansas, which had ceased. It was, therefore, recommended that the section having reference to Arkansas be stricken out. The session of 1879-SO w.'is taught by same professors, with addition of George Wharton, ])rofcssor of (ireek; E. .\. Pace, princi- pill I'reparjitorv' Department, During the session there were cJitii- Jogued one hundred and ninety-one students, of whom there were five graduates — J.J.Jackson, T. S. Powell, I. P. Trotter, J. J. White, and J. B. Wilson. This number was in excess of any since the war. When the convention met in Okolona, the change in ch^irtcr ordered in 1S79, was reported as made, and with it a provision whereby property might be safelv- left to the college in wills of jiersons so inclined. A financial statement made at the meeting shows : Amount invested — endt)wnient funds . - . . $8,690-75 Received from all sources ..-...- 7,165.55 While the amount of disbursements w£is . . . - 5,772.91 A statement which challenges, in one respect at least, the pay- ment ofexpenses, that of nnv other first-class institution in the land. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1313 The professors' salaries for session of 1879-80 were $4,220.00, and comparisons of this amount with the amount of tuition, will not fail to show whence it came. As we look over this history, nothing- impresses us more than the devotion of the men whose instruction are here enjoyed. In 1850, when the colk-.tje was first put in operation, there was one teacher; he remained until ISfiG. Associated with him, at.diftei-- ent times, were twenty professors and teachers, during a space of fifteen years. Most of the ehanji-es were in assistant teachers, the professors rarely changing. From 1867, when President Hillmaa took charge of the present session, there have lieen twenty-three professors and teacher^, the changes occurring mostly in the Prepara- tory Department. During this later period, in spite of the poverty of the college, there have been hut four teachers retired from their positions as professors. There have been, in all, three presidents. From 1850 to 1861, there was an attendance of one thousand, three hundred and thirty-four students. From 1867 to 1881, there were two thousand and eight— making a grand total of three thousand and four hundred and twentv-two students who have attended on the instructions of Mississippi College — an average ot one hundred and fourteen for all the time of its e.xistence : and leaving out the war, an average of one hundred and thirt\'-six and tour-titths. Ot this number, there have been one hundred and four graduated; thirty- nine took their degrees before and during the war, and since the war there have lieen sixty-five, making one graduate to every thirty-tour students; and leaving out the war, one to thirty-two students. These men have l)ccn workers in ;dl the pi-ofessions of life, making impressions on the thought and aeiions of the age. When we take into consideration the difficulties under whicii the work of Mississippi College has been carried on, it sliould be a mat- ter of just pride and congratulati(jn that so much has been done. From 1850 to 1857 was consumed in securing subscriptions ol schol- arships for the first endowment. The sum of $102,800.00 was secured in the one hundred and seventy-five scholarships sold. Only seventy-eight of these were ever fully paid. .\ judicious investment of the monev, however, enabled the Borird to meet nil iheir debts promptly. During the war, tliere was a continual outlay with no return. Since the \var the work has been done under greater tliseouragement than ever. From a subscribed endowment of $4-0,000.00, only $15,- 000.00 had lieen of anv actual service so far as vieldiim a revenue 1314 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. j"or lhcVollcf the old promissory notes that the college held against in- dividuals. The following year Z. T. Lea\cll of O.xford, was employed as Financial and Bductitional Secretary of .Mississi]i})i College, who was to collect money for the tem])orary suj^port of the college and to settle the old notes in hand. He was engaged in this work for two years, and was succeeded by I. H. Anding, who held the position until the formation of the Convention Board in 1885, this Board having the oversight of all the work of the convention. J. B. Gani- brell was made Corresponding Secretary of the Convention Board, and had the oversight of the financial affairs of the college. lie was succeeded by J. T. Christian in the summer of 1S87, who looked after the college finances until the convention entered upon the onward movement spoken of by Ca])t. Ratliti below this writing In 1S8.S, the enrollment of the college reaclud 2-t4, the largest in the history of the school. The patronage was through this period satisfactory. r.v CAi'P. w. r. K.\ ri.ii'i-. Although tliL' college was doing well and the faculty was not •com ])laining of small salaries, the time came when it was obvious to <'dl, that the revenues of the college must be increased. So in 1881), the Board decided to make an effort at endownu-nt, and em])loye(l Dr. J. B. (".ambrell as agent to get it up. He entered the held, and Avith the aid ol' the ])astors aiul others, within three years $60,000 was subscribed ; $4-(), 000 of which was collected before the terril)!;; panic of 1893 came on. The eonnlry was so ])rostrated by that financial maelstrom, that the balance of the subserii)tion has never HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1315 been collected. But the $40,000 paid in and invested in bonds, has been a great blessing to thecollege, and unites Bro. Gambrell's name to the college in everlasting remembrance. In 1892, Dr. W. S. Webb resigned the presidencv of the college after eighteen years' efhcient service, through some of the most trying- periods of the college's life. No mortal can estimate the amount of good Dr. Webb accomplished for the \vorld through his connection with Mississippi College. There are to-day many men at home and abroad filling places of great importance and usefulness whose lives have been fashioned in a large degree by his masterful hand. Dr. R. A. Venable, an alumnus of the college, was elected as Dr. Webb's successor. He proved himself, in this position, as he has everywhere, to be a strong man, and as a most capable instructor. He did much toward popularizing the institution \vith the masses by actively canvassing for it, and delivering a great numl^er of inter- esting and effective lectures in its interest. After four yeai-s of suc- cessful management, he resigned the presidency of the college to enter the more congenial field of the pastorate. On Dr. Venable's resigna- tion. Dr. J. W. Provinc, professor of Natural Science, was made Chair- man of the Faculty, and was after the second year elected president. While improvements had been made in all the other departments of the college, ver3' little had been done to the buildings. Dr. Provine at once entered into the work of renovating the old buildings and making such changes Jis would better adapt them both in service and looks, to the ])urposes for which they are used. How well he performed this work, a visit to the old college will readih' show. Ever^' building and every foot of grovmd on the campus tells the same stoiw of change for the better. During his administration there Avas raised and expended on the college in improvements more than $8,000, l)eing largely in excess of all that has been made since the AVc'ir. Dr. Provine accei)ted the position as Chairman of the Faculty at the earnest solicitation of the Board, and it was understood all the while that he had no ambition to hi- at the head of the institution, but much preferred a ])rolV>so;-ship, and although he had heen elected pi-esident Ijy a unanimous vote of the Board of Trustees, in 1897 he resigned his presidency and retu.Mcd to his chair of Natural Science. His administrtition was in every waA' a success. It was during his term that one year the college boasted of a surplus in the treasury after paying all expenses. Just as the college had become self-sup- porting, another great trial was in store for us. This time it was 131G HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI IJAI'TISTS. Wdt (lcl)t, ])aiiics or sliorl crops, hut iifstilciKV. ( )ii llic ()tli of Scp- tciuUcr, 181)7, yc-llow lever appeared in Ivdwards, and l)et()re the ciuT of the week was taken to Clinton. Ahout tliirty students had as- sem1)Ied on the eolle,t;e grounds in ;idvanee of tlie openin.y. How to protect these vouul;- men who could not ,<.;et away from Clinton on account ot ri^id (|uarantine liecame a serious (|uestion. Thev were placed on the collejie campus and (|uarantined against the infected portion of the town, and tents ])rocu red from the State if their use became necessary. Through the active exertions of the president of the college and the prudence of the students they all escaped the scoui'.iit', although the numl)er of cases of fever in the town reached nearly one hundred. When the pestilence sul)sided in November many of the former students had gone to other schools, and some Avho had not, were afraid to come to Clinton. The attendance was so much reduced, and the resources of the college so cut dcnvn, that disorganization threatened us. .\gain the ([uestion that had so often arisen in the past, was uj) tor settlement. \\z: What can wc do to meet the pending danger ? As soon as it was safe to do so, the trus- tees were called together and a joint meeting with the State Board Avas held, when it was decided to make an apjieal to the denomina- tion and friends of the college to contribute that year as much as ,$,'{, 000 towards college support and to ask President W. T. Lowrey, of Blue Mountain, to lead the movement. The I^ord greatly blessed the effort 1)y putting it into the heart of President Lowrey to accept the work, and into the hearts of the people to give the amount needed. $3,300, and the session closed free from debt, with the faculty ])aid. Dr. j. \\'. Pro\ine having tendered his resignation as president of the college. Dr. W. T. Lowrey was finally induced after much solicitcition on the part of the trustees, to accept the presidency, and entered upon his duties in September, 1S98. Although the yel- low fever did not come to Clinton that year, yet as it jirevailcd in both Edwards and Jackson, the attendance of students was again greatly interfered with, making another appeal to the denomination necess.ary for college su]i])ort. The brethren res]ionded nobh* and iinother hard year was tided over successfully. The report made by the trustees to the convention at its last .session, showed that in the face of epidemics of yellow fever, small-]5ox and measles, the second year of President I^owrey's administration closed with greatly in- creased patronage and free from debt, on account of current ex- penses. The irreatcst number of siudcnis e\-er enrolled in any one year, HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1317 i(2ol)) MIX' now in attciulaiifc at tlic cermitting these resolutions to be adopted. Their trend was correct, they encouraged education. That they were too limited is true. But for whose eyes were they intended ? We must not expect too much of the people. The statutory laws of Aloseswere intended for the Jews in the wilderness, and were wise and safe at the time, though manv of them would not be ac- 134S IIISTORV f)F MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. cepted in the United States for to-day. People have to be led up to advanced measures. A man is only the better for the gradual accumulations of experience and observation, Just here it may not be amiss to give some ([uota- tions from the Minutes to show their attitude and alti. tude as to the general benevolences of co-operative Baptists. In the report on missions we find this lan- guage: "As regards the home field, we can only speak as to our own State. The Baptist State Convention is doing a great work on our coast ; various associations are engaged in supplying the destitution in our l)ounds. But there is a large field between us and the coast as yet l3ut partially supplied ; the General Association of southeast Alississippi was revived mainl3^ to occupy this field."' In the report on Sunday schools it is said : *' We urge the establishment of a strictly Baptist Sun- day school in every church."' In the report on Educa- tion it is asserted that "the Mississippi College, at Clinton, can safely he recommended for our bo\'S." Their .session of 1877 was held with the Sylvarena church. Twenty churches were represented and two associations, Mt. Pisgah and Salem. As usual N. L. Clark was chosen moderator, and Benjamin Thigpen, secretary. Correspondence was received from the Ho- bolochitto and Springfield Associations, and from the convention. The report of the Executive Board showed that their missionary had given 180 days of service, had baptized twelve believers, and had traveled about 3,000 miles. The Association was urged by the Board not to relax, but to increase their efforts in sending the gospel to the destitute within their territory. They received that year the smn of $360.70 for their missionary work. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 134-9 It was usual for them to recommend the Southern Baptist, pu1)hshed at Meridian by A.Gressettas sound, and adapted to their wants. It was their paper, and published in their interest, and they lal3ored to extend its circulation. But they, in iiddition, recommended the Baptist Record, pulilished at Clinton in the interest of the convention. They said it was prohtable to read it. Their meetini;- in 1S78, was, of necessity, disturl)ed by the prevalence of yellow fever in their ])art of the State as well as other parts of our conmionwealth. They met in October with Providence church in Perry countv, and after transacting some business, adjourned to ineet December 7, 1878, with the Union church, Smith county. James P. Johnson acted as president and X. L. Robertson, secretary. At that adjourned meeting the Executive Board re- ported that I. Anderson had given them 121 days of service, had baptized eight, and had traveled 1,930 miies. W. D. Maguoirk gave eighty days to the Board. The Board was out of debt, and the prospect.s encour- aging. Their total receipts that year amounted to the sum of $118.00. The death of one of their missionaries was reported that year. On September 24, 1878, \V. D. Alaguoirk passed to his reward. Suitable resolutions were adopt- ed as to his death. He was held in high esteem In-- those who knew him. In 1879, the Association met \vith the Fellowship church, Jasper county. Twenty-four churches were represented by delegates, and five associations contri- buted to their funds, Ebenezer, Bethlehem, Salem, Alt. IMsgah, and Hobolochitto. M. T. Martin, as usual, was with them. He was reared in their midst, and his pres- ence at the meetings of the General Association scarcely elicited a comment. 1350 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. The crowning act of this Association was the revival of their interest in Indian missions. The re- port read by L. P. Mnrrell Avas strong and impres- sive. It recommended that they enter at once upon the work of Indian missions in Mississippi. A meeting of all the friends of this mission was asked for the fol. lowing da3' when subscriptions were taken for the furtherance of the work. A special board of ten was to be appointed to look after this interest. The meeting was held with hopeful results, and the board of ten ap- pointed, and a special committee appointed, consisting of J. A. Chambers, J. E. Brunson, and J. L. Hardy, to attend the next meeting of the State Convention, and solicit aid for the Indian mission work. The session of 1880 was held with the Oak Grove church, Lauderdale count3\ N. L. Clark, their nestor,, w^as again elected moderator, and Benjamin Thigpen, their ready scribe, their secretar\\ The name of the Red Creek Association appears in the list of their con- stituency. It had only recentU^ been constituted of churches of the Hobolochitto Association. The name of the southeastern Association is in the list of corres- pondence. At the Ma3' meeting of the Executive Board G. W. Rainer was appointed missionary in the northern part of their territor3'. L. A. Duncan was appointed to the work of Sunda}^ schools within the bounds of thebod3^ J. P. Johnson in the current A-ear had labored 140 days, baptized 18, and traveled 1,859 miles. The following resolution was adopted b\' the body : " Resolved, That in view of the destitution yet re- maining in the bounds of this Association, and adjacent thereto, that the Executive Boards be, and are hereby authorized to make such additional appointments as HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1351 will meet the demands, as far as praeticable, and also to consider the utility and propriety of appointing- an evangelist to labor among the churches for the advance- ment of the cause of Christ, the increase of the mission spirit both Home and Foreign." L. A. Duncan made an extended and interesting re- port of his work in Sunday school interest. He had visited churches in the Liljcrty, Mt. Pisgah,and Spring- field Association and had stirred up much interest in the work. Just like him. The report on Indian missions was short but sensi- ble. In it the suggestion was made that a Choctaw minister from the West be secured to preach to the Choctaw Indians of our State: and that a Board often be pppointed to look after their Indian missions. The neat sum of $876.65 was on hand for the associational work. Their annual meeting in 1S81 was held with the Salem church of Jasper countv. It was full of interest. The subjects of missions and education were didv con- sidered and discussed. There was a thorough awaken- ing on the subject of education. In the report of Edu- cation we find this language : " We are glad to know that a high school under the care of this body is about to be established at Garlandsville, Miss., also, we are glad to know that there are other schools of high order contemplated in the surrounding country."' A standing committee on Education reported through William'jThigpen, the chairman. This commit- tee was appointed at the session of 1880. It held its first meeting in March, 1881. They then recjuested communities wishing to establish a high school to re- port to them at an April meeting. After due delibera- tion the high school was located at Garlandsville, 1352 HISTORY OF Mississippi baptists. Jaspcrcounty, just ]jcl()\v the line ol Newton and Jasper. A Professor Darlini>-, of Atlanta, Cia., was tendered the position of ])rineipal. The oriiiinal intention was to use the Ba]jtist ehurch at Garlandsville as a sehool room. The ajjpointnient of a board of trustees was reeommended by the standing eommittee. Missionaries were appointed for the assoeiational year of 18S1-.S2. J. P. Johnson was reappointed to oecuin- his ])revious held of labor. H. B. Coojjer was to supply destitution east of Johnson's held, and S. O. Y. Ra\' was to ]mt one-fourth of his tiine in the Liberty Association. The Executive Board rej)orted that they had held •four meetings, one in December, 1880, and the others in January, May and July, 1881. At the December meet- ing J. A. Hitt was employed for one-fourth of his time. In Jfinuary I. Anderson was secured to labor in Marion county, and G. W. Kainer was commissioned to visit Philadelphia, Miss., as a destitute point. Johnson gave 145 da3'*s la])or, hi\])tv/.c(\ fourteen jieople, and consti- tuted two churches. Anderson baptized four believers, and organized one church. Hitt traveled 800 miles, and constituted one church. Kainer had misfortunes with which to contend, but traveled 240 miles. The General Association very tenderlv noticed the death of C. AI. Gordon wlio died in Okolona, September 25, 1881, from the effect of a burn received from an ex- ploding lam]). On Tuesday night, alter preaching on the text, " Peace I leave with you, my jx'ace 1 give unto you,'" while extinguishing the lamp l)efore retiring the fatal accident occurred. He was declared by the Gen- eral Association to be an efficient and al)le minister. He was for a term of years a resident of Meridian. In 1882, the bodv met with Bethel church, Xewton HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1353 county. George Whitfield, J. B.Gambrell, R. E. Melvin and J. H. Whitfield were with them as fraternal mes- sengers. Of course X. L. Clark was elected president, Benjamin ThiLi:|>en, secretary. The Garlandsville high school was the largest item of business. The Board of Trustees reported, and anew board was a]3i3ointed. Each meml)er of the body was, upon resolution, recjuested to solicit funds for it, and to get some cash to relieve the emliarrassment of the Board. Prof. J. W. Brown was in charge of the educa- tional work of the institution. In the i^assing year, a large and commodious school Ijuilding had been erected. The house was 80 by 50 feet, and sul)stantially built. N. L. Clark said : " We are much imjiressed with the imi3ortance of this school." The first of januaiw, 18M5, Peter Folsom, a Choc- taw Indian, arrived from the nation west of the Alissis- sippi river, and Avas cmj^loycd as missionary to the Choctaws in our State. At the meeting of the Associa- tion he had labored 24-3 days, baptized forty persons, and constituted one church. P'or two or three months he was assisted by a young Choctaw. The Indian work \vas in a gratifying condition. The total receipts for Domestic missions that year were $662.85, for Foreign missions $77.4-0, and for Indian missions $316.75. Their session of 1883 was held with Zion Hill church, vSmith county. T. D. Bush and J. H. Whitfield were received as a part of a committee appointed by the State Convention to confer with the members of the General Association as to closer co-operation between the two bodies. A good committee was appointed to consider their request. The committee reported through J. P. Johnson. If friendly intercourse between the two bodies was all that the convention sought, it would ba 1354 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. most «;raciously awarded ; but if the sending of the em- bassy- meant the dissolution of the General Association to form one general organization for the State, it was met with a positive denial. There was a decided npple over the surprise of affairs, and the committee went home with small comfort. The supporters of their high school enterprise were becoming unstable. It had been discovered that the school had been located unwisely at Garlandsville, and it was recommended that it be moved to Sylvarena, Smith county. In their report on Education made b3' A. Gressett it was suggested that the change was a ^vise one, and that the^- should " have no further reasons for complaint on this score.'' Jesse B. Murrow, their young Chacta^v preacher had died during the year. But he had baptized fifty persons, and constituted one church before he was called awaj'. The other missionaries laboring under the direc- tion of the Board were: J. P. Merritt, J. P. Johnson, C. C. Vaughan, H. B. Cooper, and J. D. Knight. They had all baptized 199 persons, and constituted ten churches. This was a line showing lor their year's work. In 1884, at the meeting of the Association at P*op- larville, the furrowed brows of some of the members had not become smooth h'om the irritation caused l^y the request of the embass3^ from the convention made the 3'ear previous. Much regret was expressed at the efforts made b^^ the convention through the State Board to disintegrate the General Association. It was said, "If our brethren continue a course so unkind, it must, as it appears to us, result in the disruption of those friendly relations that ought to exist, and, unpleasant as it would be, the discontinuance of even fraternal correspondence. ' ' HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1355 J. P. Johnson labored the next ^-ear under the diree- tion of the Hobolochitto Association without restraints. J. P. Merritt occupied his old field. J. B. Flanagan was to be on the N. O. & N. E. Railroad south of Hat- tiesburg. T. E. H. Robinson was to be at Eastabuchie and the country adjacent. W. W Crawford was to labor in the suburbs of Meridian. . Elder Jack, their In- dian missionary-, was to continue his work with the ChoctaAvs. The churches were urged to contribute liberally toward the support of their missionaries, and to the Choctaw missions. The Finance Committee re- ported $1,170.65 on hand for missions. The trustees of the high school at Sylv^irena were cheerful. The school had been domiciled at that place two sessions. It was then presided over by Prof. E. S. Robinson. It was recommended that the school be located permanently at Sxdvarena. The local trustees had deeded the property to the school. The property consisted of thirt\'-eight acres of land, school liviildings, etc. No iDctter state of things seemed desired by the trustees for the infant enterprise. It was a desirable institution, located in a good fertile country at the head- waters of the Leaf River. The people of the com- munity were in good financial condition, and ready for an onward movement. The bod\' seemed perfectly content \vith its officers. From \-ear to year they elected X. L. Clark president, Benjamin Thigpen, secretary, and D. T. Chapman, treasurer. The session of 1885 was held with the Fellowship church, Jasper county. Correspondence was received from the State Convention, Hobolochitto, Red Creek, and Chickasahay Associations. The missionaries appointed the session before had 18o(> HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, done !4"c)()(l work. They had spent in service 614 days, had l)apti/cetl 152, and constituted ten churches. These were the best days of the Association. The meeting' ot the body ^vere harmonious, and the Lord was greatly blessinii" their missionary endeavors. The Sylvarena High Scliool had passed a checkered existence. Their principal. Prof. E. S. Robinson, re- signed in April, 1886, and was succeeded in office l3y W. C. Anderson, who remained in charge of the school only to the close of the session. For the session of 1885-86, the trustees had secured a faculty consisting of Profs. J. M. Davis, \V. C. Anderson, and F. D. Baars. They Avcre well plciised with the location of the school. The session of 1SS6 was held with the church at Decatur, of which N. L. Clark has now been pastor for more than fifty-tive years. The annual sermon was preached by J. AI. Aloore on the necessity of testimony in order to faith, and was well received. The Association in 1886 received a good re])ort on Colportage. In it a number of good things were said: "It is simply carrying out the Savior's injunction to go from house to house with the gospel."" " But the main benefit of Colportage work is ])erha])s the more general circulation of the ScrijDtures, and the encouragement to study them."' . In 1888, five resolutions on Colportage were adopted by the Association as they were submitted by the committee ajjpointed to report on that subject. A committee of five was to be a])pointed by the ]:)resident to take charge of the work; a collection to be taken at once to create a fund with wdiich to 1)egin the work ; the pastors and missionaries were ret[uested to take collections Ibr Colportage in December; the committee Avas to ])rocurc a su])])ly of ])ooks and tracts i'or sale HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS, 1357 and the committee ^vas to have the privilege of organi- zation, and authority to carry on the ^York. A collection amountinii' to $5.4-5 was taken at once. L. A. Duncan gave a numl)er of good books suita1)lefor early sale, and in November forty-five bibles and seventy- five testaments were received from the American Bap- test Publication Society. With this supply the work was begun. Bibles and testaments were given free of anj^ charge to families that were destitute Or un^ible to bu\' them. In Fel)ruary, $13.35 ^vas received from liljeral donors, and in April they purcliased $4-2.69 worth of denominational l)ooks and tracts, which they put on sale. J. E. Brunson was of valuable service in their sale. So the work l)egan, and went on. The Association had a special grievance in 1886, It had been misrepresented in a historical statement, made in CathcarV s Baptist Encyclopedin. A commit- tee Avas formed to write a "defense" of the General As- sociation with J. E. Brunson rought out by a stcx-k ])ub- lishing company. During the associati(mal year of 1887-88, their missionaries in their bounds were : Alerritt, Bush, Johnson, Davis. Freeman, Jackson, and Williamson. The}- baptized 119 believers, constituted eight churches, and traveled 7,130 miles. The following year they had in the field Johnson, Merritt, Sammons, Jackson, Clark, and Davis, who Isaptized ninety-two, constituted three churches, and traveled 5,4-84> miles. In 1889, the body met with the Oakland church, HISTORY OF MlSSISSirn BAPTISTS 1361 Newton county, and in 1890 with Alt. Xebo church Jasper county. In these two years, A. J. Freeman was elected first vice-president. The other offices w^ere filled respectively iDy those who held long encum- bencies. In 1890. the Association was positive in its report on Temperance. Yearly, let it be said, they reported on this subject. An excerpt from their report in 1890, will be sufficient to show their attitude toward the drink habit : " We, as members of this Association, do most solemnly protest against its (intoxicant's) manu- facture and sale, £ind pledge our influence in the exer- cise of our rights as citizens of this free country', socially,, morally, and religiously to work for its speedy over- throw, and, to this end, \ve invoke the aid and bless- ings of Almighty God." Between 1890 and 1895 there were some changes of officers of the Association. Through those years X. L. Clark was still honored with the presidency of the bod}', and D. T. Chapman was treasurer. Benjamin Thigpen was clerk from 1891 to 1894 when B. F. Roper was chosen to fill the position. Ro])er filled the position to the end of the century. The place of the two vice-presidents were filled by A. J. Freeman, J. P. Johnson and G. W. Rainer. William Thigpen was cor- responding secretary in 1893, '91, and "95. In this period the subject of education was consid- ered by the body annually, but without definiteness. Thej were fostering no school enterprise, but showed an interest in education. Mississippi College, Blue Mountain, Shuqualak, and Stone Colleges were com- mended in 1893. Hillman College was also commended the following year. In 1895, no objection was urged against Ministerial Education, but it was thought 1)est 13G2 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTIST^?. that youn<,^ preachers seek education at home without nei^lecting pastoral labors. In this period, only one report was made on Col- portai^e, in 1894. The committee was composed of G. \V. Bo\^d, and h. A. Duncan. Colportage was said to su^jplement the preaching of the gospel. The printed truth was left in the homes to do its silent work on those who do not go to church. No recommendations were made at the concluding of the report. During this time reports were also read as usual on Temperance, Nominations, Publications and Sunday Schools. The 3'ear 1891 showed considerable activity- in their mission work. Their associational missionaries were: Abner Walker, J. P. Johnson, and G. W. Boyd. Beside these, they had in the Indian field five missionaries: Jackson, Johnson, Williamson, Baker and Thomas. The missionaries reported sixt^'-one baptisms, and con- stituted Vive churches. Their collections from churches for Domestic missions were $4-75.75, for Foreign mis- sions $234.74. and for Indian missions $105.23. Their grand total receipts reached the footing of $1,663.38. In 1S91, it was recommended by the Committee on Missions that a Foreign Mission Board be appointed "to awaken deeper interest in the churches and asso- x'iations"" in this cause. The\' were not satisfied with their contriliutions to the foreign work. The Board Avas formed and reported the following year. The\' had done little. The\' organized in June, 1892, and after deliberation on the ([uestion, decided that all the\' could do was " to endeavor to stimulate the people to more liberal giving to the cause of Foreign mission."* To produce this result, their corresponding secretary, Wil- liam Thigpen, was directed to write a number of arti- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1363 cles on the subject for the Alississippi Baptist. The sum of $407.69 was received that year for Foreign missions. The report of the Executive Bo£ird to the Associa- tion in 1893 showed onh- fort\'-nine baptisms. Eight missionaries were in the field. The\' were looking with pride to the almost miraculous success the Lord was granting them among the Indians of the State. Not only could the gospel reach their souls, but they showed their faith by their liberal offerings to the cause of Christ. A new era seemed approaching in their benevolence to Foreign missions. This was well. Their mission- ary spirit was being enlarged. A special committee on missions reported to the body in 1893 w^hich took ad- vanced ground by recommending that the Foreign Mis- sions Board of the Southeastern Baptist Convention to set apart one missionary to be supported in part or in whole b\' the Association. All the pastors, who w^ere' in SA'mpath^' with this movement, were requested to take collections for this cause semi-annualh'. In 1894, the Executive Board in its report showed that the advanced measure had been adopted b\' the churches. W. A. Wilson, Foreign missionary in Alexico, had been adopted by them. He was doing a good work, which \vas a cause of congratulation. The Board had in its employ that year eight mis- sionaries. They had liaptized 101 persons, and had constituted three churclies. They were encouraged l)y their success in their Foreign and Indian mission work. The Association is to be congratulated upon its success in mission work in 1894, and 1895. W. A. Wilson, located at Guadalajara, Alexico, had baptized tw^enty-one believers. He was supported entirely by 1364 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the General Association. J. I*. Johnson, in the coast country had iDaptized eight and constituted one church. Three Choctaw preachers were lal^oring among their people, but they needed a white minister to labor among them, and to wisely direct their movements. The motto of the General Association at that time was, " Onward ! Onward I in the great conflict for truth." The information at hand as to the workings of this body tor the last five years of the century is meager- and unconnected. The historian can neither make his- tory nor guess at facts ; his statements must be as to. well authenticated occurrences. In 1896, the Association met at Ait. Pleasant church, Newton, county, in 1897, at Sylvarena, Smith county, in 1898, with Spring Hill church, Jones county, and in 1900 with Goodwater church. Smith county. To the last session of the body (1901) N. L. Clark was president, B. F. Roper, secretary, and D. T. Chapman,, treasurer. There were some changes as to the vice- presidents and corresponding secretary. The associa^ tions connected with the body in this period remotely and directly were: New Liberty, Tallahala, Ebenezer,. Mt. Pisgah, Salem, Red Creek, Bethlehem, Choctaw, Pearl Valley, Oktibbeha, and vScott county. In 1897, there was great stringency in monetary affairs, and the missionary force of the Association was somewhat smaller than usual. J. P. Johnson superin- tended their cost work under the management of their- southern or branch board. Isham Johnson, Choctaw, was at State Line, Green county, for one-half time ; Jackson, Choctaw, was in Newton county, and Seboni Smith in Neshoba. Special direction 'was given to their Foreign mis- sion work in 1897. They wished the appointment and HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1365 ■direction of their work to be in the hands of the Asso- ciation or the Executive Board : the Board was to choose a man on the field, and provide for his support at once. It was not wished to at once act independ- ent of the Foreign Mission Board at Richmond, Va. This action indicated a nervousness. It seems that there was somewhere a sensjition cord. After long years of harmonious and successful action in Domes- tic and Indian missions, is the Foreign mission work, the noisiest of them all, to he a cleaving axe? In 1898, their ])rinted minutes wei'e Ijrief and frag- mentary. The re]){)rts of tlie various committees ^vere not printed. J. P. Johnson was apjjointed to labor in the ensu- ing year in the Southeastern Mississippi mission, and was to devote all the time he could to the work. The appointment of the Choctaw missionaries was left to tl;ie Executive Board, and N. L. Clark was ap]3ointed as general supervisor of Indian missions. The tenth resolution adopted was to the effect, "That the refpiest of the Salem Association lie granted, and that our treasurer forward, as he may be in- structed, all funds sent l)y that body for the promotion ot the Foreign mission work upon the Gospel mission ])lan."" In 1900, the closing year of the century, full reports were re^id on all the lines usually encouraged by them with reports on Colportage and the Orphanage at Jackson. The Association was larger than iisual, sixty- two churches loeing represented. Their report on Missions, read hy L. J. Coughman, had some touching thoughts in it: "We cannot but feel grateful to God for the Jilessings upon the work of the General Association, and especially in the south- 1366 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. eastern part of Alississippi, where was onee a state of heathenism, but now moves and acts under the in- fluence of morality and christianit3^■' Their work among the Choctaw- Indians of our State was in a cheerful condition, and their missionary- in Mexico, then J. G. Chastain, w-as active and success- ful in his mission. After a patient stud}- of the histor\- of the General Association, one feels tenderly for the aged men, solong the liurden bearers in that broad field of labor. For more than a half century their toils have been great. They are now- bent with age, and their life's w-ork nearly done. As they look out on the fields w-hitening to the harvest the spirit of their earW manhood comes to them. But feeble limbs cannot now- respond to the bounding spirit as in daA-s of j^ore. The Lord has his Joshuas, somewhere to stand in the place made vacant by the withering touch^of time. May no shadows fall between these aged Nestors, as the sun is going down ; but may thcA' be strengthened and warmed in the chilly twilight of life In- the sure elbow touch of their life-long comrades in the strife of 3-ears for the supremacy of Christ. o BENEVOLENCES OF THE STATE CONVENTION. — MINISTER- IAL EDUCATION. Baptists have not at any time held that one called of God to preach the gospel should of necessity l^e edu- cated before entering the ministry. Some of our educated ministers have been most successful in w-inning souls to . Christ. Some ot them, uneducated in entering the min- istry, have improved themselves b\^ hard study, perse- verance, and dint of labor, until they have taken posi- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1367 tion with those who in youth wei-e more favored in mental training. Godliness is of first importance in the Baptist min- istr3^ No amount of learning- is equal to it in the eyes of our people. But he, who is deeph' pious and has a consuming desire for the reclamation of the lost, is bet- ter prepared to accomplish his high purpose, if he is so educated that his mind has adequate grasp of a thought, and he has jd roper language to express him- self lucid U'. Three or four things arc potent agencies in leading- worth}^ 3^oung men to respond to God's call to enter the ministry. One is the desire of godly parents that some of their boys be ministers ; another, the aid of worthj^ Christians in directing them toward the holy calling. As a usu^d thing young men get their consent to go into the ministry, who hold membership in wide- awake churches. Not infrequently is it true, that the nearness of some good school of learning, at which they ma\^ get rid of superfluous ignorance, has much to do in aiding bright and thoughtful young men to respond to a call God has already made them to go into the sacred calling. Baptists are not novices in the work of Alinisterial Education. In 1689, a Baptist association, composed of 107 churches, had a memoralile meeting in London, England. On the third day of their meeting, it was resolved to raise funds to aid weak churches in su[iport- ing their pastors, and "to assist those members that are disposed to stud^-, having an inviting gift, and sound in the faith, in attaining a knowledge and under- standing of the languages — Latin, Greek and Hebrew." Thus it is seen that Baptists supported Home missions^ and Ministerial Education 213 j^ears ago. 1368 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. Thomas Hollis, a merchant in London, En«j,hind, in 1721, made a grant to Harvard College for Ministerial Education, with the express tinderstcinding that Bap- tist ministers were to use a portion of it. In 1722, the old Philadelphia Association in session, recommended to the churches ''to make inquiry in their own ranks, and see if they have any young men hopeful for the ministry and inclined to learning; and, if thev had any such individual to give notice of the same to Air. Abel Alorgan, that he might recommend them to the college .(Harvard) on Mr. Hollis" account.'" Baptists resolved, in 1755, to establish a school for the education of candidates for the ministry. It was located at Hopewell, X. Y. This was their tirst eft'ort at, establishing a denominational school of their own for the education of their 3'oung ministers. After ten vears it was merged into Rhode Island College, which was chartered in 1764-. That college is now known as Brown University. In Furman"s history of the Charleston Association, in South Carolina, he says: "In 1757, the expediency of raising a fund to furnish suitable \'oung men for the ministry with a competent share ofJenrningwas taken into consideration, and Tt was recommended to the churches generally to collect money for this purpose.'' Among the first beneficiaries of this fund were, Evans Pugh, Edmond Botsford, and Samuel Spillman. The last named was for many years the eminent and suc- cessful pastor of the First Baptist church, of Boston, Massachusetts. In 1819, Baptists had fourteen colleges and seven theological seminaries, with 1,200 pupils. The South- ern Theological Seminary is the largest school of its kind in America. Baptists now have thirty-six colleges HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1369 and universities, with 12,000 students, £ind invested kinds amounting to $36,000,000. In 1817, the old Mississippi Association in our State adopted the following- resolution on Alinisterial Education : "^esoirec/ uniinimously, that this Association rec- ommend and support a phin for raising a fund, for the special purpose of promoting the proper education of pious young men, called to the great and important work of the gospel ministry." Dr. David Cooper, James A. Ranaldson, and Benjamin Davis were appointed to report to the Ijodv a plan of education. The commit- mittee recommended, first, that a special committee of seven be appointed to collect funds and donations to the school: second, that this committee draft constitu- tion and Ijy-laws; third, that the churches be asked to contriljute, yearly, to the educational fund; fourth, that the address to the churches on the suliject of edu- cation take the place of the annual circular letter. The address of the Committee on Ministerial Edu- cation was pul)lished in their Minutes. It is a strong- document. The following years the constitution and by-laws were presented to the Association and adopted. The constitution stated it as the avowed purpose of the society "to assist pious, evangelical young men, called to the work of the gospel ministry, in receiving literary and theological education."" Wehearno more of this society after 181S. Inl8l9, eight churches ot the Mississippi withdrew to form the Union Association, and several others exjjressed their intention of forming an association, now known as the Pearl River. These new movements left the old asso- ciation with only sixteen churches out of thirt3^-one, and confused the plans of the body on education, and the enterpi-ise failed to take definite material shape. 1370 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. In a few years it was discovered that the Union. Association was the progressive association of the State. Nearh' two yeai-s before the Baptist State Con- vention was constituted the " Mississippi Baptist Edu- cational Society- "■ was organized. The prominent men of the society were of the Union Association. The so- ciety was constituted Alarch 14, 1835. On its Board were such men as S. S. La,ttimore, Norvell R.Granberry, W. J. Denson, Norvell Robertson, Jr., Lee Compere,. Benjamin Whitfield, and Ashle3'' Vaughan. In the first article of the constitution the design of the society was made manifest. Its " first object was the education of pious young men for the gospel minis- try.'' The society was, in the nature of the situation, compelled to establish its own school, as Baptists had no school in existence in the State, and there was no other general existing organization to start such a school. The history of their school enterprises is given in the Pioneer Work of Mississippi Baptists in Educa- tion, pubHshed in this work. In the permanent organization of the societ}-, Lee Compere was president, and T. S. N. King, secretary. At its second meeting at Mound Bluff church, Octol)er 7, 8, 1836, L. B. Hollowa^^ was chosen president, Ash- le3' Vaughan, first vice-president; William Whitney, second vice-president : T. S. N. King, secretary, and W. J. Denson, treasurer. It was said by Ashley Vaughan that the societ3^ "met with unexpected encouragement and success.'" The societ3' had a general agent in the field, and, in May, 1837, he had secured 150 subscribers, and the sum of $35,000.00 was subscribed to the school designed to promote Ministerial Education. The third annual session of the societj^ was held at Palestine church. Hinds county, beginning May 5, 1837. HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1371 The officers of the previous year were re-elected, except that N. Robertson, Jr., was asked to act as second vice- president. A proposition was placed before the society by the West Tennessee Baptist Educational Society to unite the two bodies for the purpose of estal^lishing a seminary of learning. The Alississippi society- did not deem it best to go into the union. In 1838, the Baptist State Convention was a fixed fact; its future seemed assured. That year the Missis- sippi Baptist Educational Society- proposed to relin- quish and transfer the right of electing a Board of Trustees of Judson Institute to the convention. The convention considered the propriety of taking charge of the institution, and the educational society was vir- tually inoperative. But the following year we are told that the society was toiling with its educational work on the brink of despair, and the convention was expressing itself about its situation in a highly dignified manner. The Com- mittee on Education said: "Connected with this sub- ject, the importance and prospects of our educated min- istry present themselves to our careful attention. " * * Your committee beg leave to enforce the importance of this society (educational) imd the necessity' of united effort in sustaining its interests." That was prett3^ language, but the educational societ^^ wanted help. In 1840, the convention passed preamlole and reso- lution to the effect, tlie design of Judson Institute was for the education of the young ministers, and that the churches should seek out such, and send them to the Institute, and pay their board and tuition. The con- vention was still dignified and showed much caution as to la3'ing its hands on the worthy- but sinking enter- prise. The Institute was then at Middleton, Carroll 1372 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. county. It had been transferred to that place from Palestine, and when it reached Middleton it was con- solidated with the " Middleton Literary and Theologi- cal Institute." But some things that look large have verA' little nutriment in them. The school was verging toward failure. The Institute was exalted as much ^is possiljle bv its friends, and the convention agreed to take such legal steps as would place the institution under their care and support. The convention was encouraging Ministerial Education, but with much caution every way. The report of their treasurer in 1840, 1841, did not show an\' receipts for Alinisterial Education. In 1843, the convention disclaimed any vital con- nection with Judson Institute, and proposed to "en- courage by our prayers and contriljutions the Western Baptist Theological Institute (at Covington in Ken- tucky."') In 1844, X. R. Cranberry said: "If talking, and passing resolutions, and cippointing committees, would build a college, we should have had one long since." The Covington school was again made promi- nent. Resolutions were passed, in 1845, on the improve- ment of the rising ministry-. But there is no yeast in a resolution to make the ministry rise. Georgetown Col- lege, Howard College, Mercer University, and the Cov- ington theological school, all received favorable men- tion. These commendations were received the follow- ing year, and the Southern Baptist Convention asked to locate a theological seminary for the South. Minis- terial Education was still al)sent from the list of objects aided by the convention. In 1847, a moi-e hopeful da3' had come. J. T. Pow- ell, a young minister of our State, had l^een acce])ted as HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 1373 a beiieticiary at Alercer Uiiiversit3'. He was a promis- ing \'oung man. Wm. Care^- Crane, corresponding sec- retary of the General Board, said: "In the cause of education a mere beginning has been made.'* The sum of $79.70 was reported as received for Ministerial Edu- cation 133' the finance committee. But a commendable enthusiasm had taken hold on one man in the convention on A'linisterial Education. That man was William Carey Crane. He was a pastor in Yazoo City, and was in the Central Association. In 1S4-8, an appeal was made to the Central Association to aid Jesse Hollis, a ministerial student at Georgetown College. The Board of the Association had to reply that it had no authority to do such work, but called on the churches to help Hollis or to form an Educa- tional Society. The fire was beginning to blaze. The Central Association met on the 8th of October, 1848, and the State Convention on the 9th of Novem ber following. William Care\'' Crane preached the con- vention sermon from Acts 16 : 25, 26. His theme was " Alinisterial Education." In the afternoon of the sec- ond day of their proceeding, on his motion, the bod\^ went into committee of the whole on the report of a special committee on the establishment of a Baptist College in the State for the promotion of Ministerial Education. The committee of the whole could only report progress; but a committee of five was appointed to report on the debated clause of the report of the General Board. The report of that committee was a dispointment to Crane. The3' made the clause sa^- that the\' were only discussing the advisability- of establishmg a col- lege. The Convention Board had aided that \'ear the following ministerial students : J. F. Powell at Mercer 1374 HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. University, $50.00; Wm. B. Gallman at Raymond, $50.00 ; and Jesse Hollis at Georgetown College, $50.00. It is a little difficult to choke the life out of a rising- enthusiasm, or to silence a man who is truly in earnest. An educational society was speedily formed, and the friends of the onward movement organized for success- ful effort. The societ\' held its regular quarterly meeting July 28, 18 i9. William Carej^ Crane was president,, and J. B. Stiteler, secretary. The constitution and by- laws were read. The second article of the constitution read: "The object of this society shall be, to aid indi- gent young men, called of God to preach the gospel, in acquiring an education, and, with the design, when in the providence of God it may be thought advisable, to establish a literary institution." According to their by-laws, the candidate for the ministry was to be well recommended by his church, and be examined by the Board of Ministerial Education as to his Christian ex- perience, call to the ministry, and his views of faith and doctrine. In 184-9, the Convention Board had William B. Allen at Mercer Universit}', Jesse Hollis at Georgetown, and Daniel H. Dobbs at Macon, Mississippi. The churches were urged to adopt some system of raising mone3^ for Ministerial Education, and Mercer Univer- sity, Union University, and Howard College, received favorable mention. The Minutes of the first annual report of the Alis- sissippi Baptist Educational Society were printed with the Minutes of the State Convention. Dr. R. Warner, the pious ph^'sician, was present. The annual sermon on education was preached by S. J. Caldwell. In the annual election of officers, G. W. Allen was chosen presi- HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. 137b ''ent, J. B. Stiteler, recording secretary, S.J. Caldwell, corresponding- secretary, and M. W. Phillips, treasurer. The following resolution was adopted : ''Resolved, That this society will make strenuous effort to receive under its patro^^age all young men called to preach, that ma\^ apply, sustaining the quali- fications prescribed in the constitution." The second annual meeting of the society was held in Jackson, beginning November, 1850. J. M. Frost, agent for Georgetown College and Covington Theo- logical Institute was present and "made some interest- ing statements from said institutions." He was kindly received, and a good committee appointed to report on his propositions. But Mississippi Baptists were get- ting ready to go to housekeeping to themselves. It was asked of the churches that they seek and en- courage young men called to preach, and aid them in getting a liberal education. The claims of the society were declared to be inferior to no other object, and a de- termination was expressed to assist in the education of every worthy, and dulv certified young minister, who should apply for aid. M. \V. Phillips, their treasurer, reported the sum of $318.40 on hand. The beneficiaries of the Board were: W. B. Gallman, J. A. Hollis, D. H. Dobbs, AT L. Crawford, W. B. Butler, J. A. Ard, C. C. Lee, and R. W. Priest. The Board made haste to record the following sen- timents : " We do not wish learning to be substituted for piety. Far from it — since piety is the first great, in- dispensable prerequisite to the sacred office. A minis- tr3^ without piety will be a withering curse to the church." E. C. Eager was president of the society in 1851. Upon a call for annual and life members and directors, 137(^ HISTORY OF MISSISSIPPI BAPTISTS. the sum of $789.01 was raised for Alinisterial Pxliiea- tion. The fact was reiterated that : " Any person mav beconie a member of this society by paying annually the sum of one dollar or more : a life member by the pay- ment at one time of ten dollars; and a life director by the payment at one ti.ue of twenty-live dollars" The following year the Educational Society had