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The Barnwell Baptist Association, by Clara Johnston Hitt, 236 pages, published 1914 |
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The Barnwell Baptist Association, by Clara Johnston Hitt, 236 pages, published 1914 |
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The Barnwell Baptist Association
ELEVENTH SESSION — 1866.
Rev. F. J. Sanders preached the Introductory Sermon from Gal. 6:9—`And
let us not be weary in well doing for in due season we shall reap if we faint
not."
Rev. L. H. Shuck was reelected Moderator and Rev. J. F.
Buist was elected Clerk.
President C. H. Judson, of
Rev. J. F. Buist, Rev. F. J. Sanders, and Rev.
C. A. Baynard were made a committee to examine
a manuscript history of this Association written by Rev. L. H. Shuck. This
committee endorsed Bro. Shuck's History and recommended
it to the churches. It is now a very valuable source of information concerning
some of the early meetings of this body. Only a few copies are
extant.
On Saturday, Revs. J. F.
Buist, Wm. Richards, S. B. Sawyer, and W. H. Dowling
preached.
On Saturday, Rev. W. D. Rice, of the State Mission Board, and Prof. C. H.
Judson, of the Sunday School Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, made
appeals and took collections for their respective missions.
Rev. L. H. Shuck preached the Charity Sermon from Rom.
Rev. J. F. Buist preached in the Methodist church
and Rev. A. W. Sanders preached at night.
The General Committee through Chairman Jones M. Williams reported inability
to collect more than half of the amount subscribed for Rev. W. C. Baxley.
For the ensuing year the General Committee was appointed as follows:
Jones M. Williams, Willis Stansell, C. M. Dewitt,
and the Clerk and Treasurer.
A committee appointed to consider the Revised Constitution of the State Baptist
Convention approved the amendments made and recommended the cooperation of
the General Committee of this Association with the Executive Board of the
State Convention.
A committee on the colored population advised adopting the plan suggested
by the Baptist State Convention. This plan embodied in a report over J. C.
Furman's name is appended in the minutes in full. It tells of the lack of
teaching, of the legal obstructions to teaching and their recent removal,
and of the duty of Christians to teach the colored people to read and to
put the New Testament into their hands. It plans for the formation of separate
churches for the colored brethren when they so desire, and advises and encourages
the white brethren to aid and teach them in every possible way.
The committee appointed at the last meeting to assist the Treasurer in making
his report found that the loss of moneys in his hands was incident to the
fortunes of war for which the Treasurer was not responsible.
At this time there were four divisions for union meetings.
A committee of one was appointed in each church to stir up interest in Sunday
School work, the churches being asked to report
annually to the Association the condition of their Sunday Schools.
The South Carolina Baptist, published in Anderson, S. C., and Kind Words,
a Sunday School paper, published in
Arrangements were made to employ a missionary within the bounds of the
Association.
The Association lamented "the growing evil of dancing in their
midst."
Bro. G. N. Askew was received as the beneficiary of the Association and
arrangements were made for defraying his expenses at the Seminary.
Resolutions were adopted on "the death of our beloved and venerable brother,
Robert Kirkland, whose services both in the organization and support of this
Association were of inestimable value." Robert Kirkland had been for
years chairman of the General Committee.
The Association adjourned to meet with the Springtown church on Friday before
the second Sunday in November, 1867, Rev. J. H. Hoover to preach the
Introductory, and Rev. J. F. Buist, the Charity,
Sermon.
TWELFTH SESSION - 1867.
In the absence of the appointee, Rev. J. O. B.
Dargan preached the Introductory Sermon from Col.
2:6.
Moderator L. H. Shuck called to order and the delegates were enrolled. He
then, having removed his church membership to the Savannah River Association,
resigned the office of Moderator.
Rev. Wm. Brooker was elected Moderator; Rev. J.
F. Buist was reelected Clerk and T. J. Counts was
made Treasurer. Brethren D. M. Johnston and S. E. Woodward are mentioned
as tellers upon this occasion.
Seven Pines church was received into the Association through her delegates,
Edward Harley and U. Sullivan.
Messengers were received from the
Rev. J. O. B. Dargan, General Agent of the Baptist
State Convention, and Rev. Wm. Richards, of
A most important matter took place at this meeting in the ordination of two
colored candidates into the Christian ministry. Brother T. J. Counts brought
the matter before the body in behalf of Friendship and
On Saturday, Revs. L. H. Shuck and W. B. Shaw
preached.
Rev. J. F. Buist preached the Charity Sermon on
Sunday from II Timothy 2:2. At the same hour Rev. Wm.
Brooker preached to the colored people in the
grove.
Brier Creek church was stricken from the list of churches, and a committee
was appointed to inquire into the cause of
The letters from the churches told of coldness and
lukewarmness, but many had flourishing
Rev. W. C. Baxley, for many years a laborious and useful minister of the
Gospel in this Association, had been removed from his earthly labors during
this year. "Though for many years blind and in declining health, he continued
to preach the Gospel, as he had opportunity, until called to his reward.
He maintained to the end the character of an exemplary Christian and zealous
minister of the Gospel."
The churches were placed in four divisions for union meetings in 1866 and
have been so continued.
Jones M. Williams, chairman of the General Committee, reported great destitution
in our land and lack of means to procure a much needed missionary in our
midst. The pledges made Brother Askew were only partly paid.
The General Committee for the ensuing year was composed of Jones M. Williams,
Willis Stansell, C. M. Dewitt, and the Treasurer
(T. J. Counts).
THIRTEENTH SESSION - 1868.
The officers were reelected.
It is interesting to note that A. F. Free, who had been Treasurer from the
beginning until the last session, was appointed on the Finance
Committee.
Saturday was spent in religious exercises, Rev. W. H. Dowling preaching in
the morning and Rev. S. B. Sawyer in the afternoon.
The Charity Sermon was preached by Rev. F. J. Sanders from Eph.
2:4.
In the afternoon the Association joined with the Friendship church in the
celebration of the Lord's Supper, after which a colored licentiate was ordained
into the Christian ministry.
Jones M. Williams reported for the General Committee that it had been difficult
to raise funds to defray the expenses of our beneficiary (G. N. Askew) in
the Seminary, for want of promptness to pay on the part of those who have
pledged. They also reported much destitution within our bounds and no funds
to support a missionary. They recommended the adoption of some speedy measure
to raise funds for this purpose.
The General Committee appointed for the next year was
: Jones M. Williams, Willis Stansell, J.
W. Hair, with the Clerk (J. F. Buist) and the Treasurer
(T. J. Counts).
The following relative to the death of Rev. J. J. Ray appears in the
minutes : "Brother Ray was a native of
The Great Saltkehatchie church sent up the
query : "Is it right for members of the church to
retail ardent spirits, either directly or indirectly." The committee to whom
this query was referred replied through Chairman W. H. Dowling as follows:
"We reply emphatically, without hesitation, it is not right. In our opinion,
no member of the church, or anybody else, except physicians and druggists,
should either retail it, give it away or drink it, and only in cases absolutely
and positively medicinal."
It was resolved to hold a Sunday School Association at Williston the first
Sunday in May and Saturday before and that each Sunday
School in the Association be requested to attend
with their superintendent, teachers, pastors and children.
Each union meeting district was asked to hold a quarterly meeting within
their bounds.
The South Carolina Baptist, published at
Fifteen dollars was paid the Clerk and the residue of Association fund was
applied to the liquidation of debts for publishing the History of the Barnwell
Association.
The next meeting was appointed to be held at
THE FOURTEENTH SESSION - 1869.
Rev. F. J. Sanders preached the Introductory Sermon from Numbers
14:24.
Rev. Wm. Brooker was reelected Moderator, Rev.
J. F. Buist, Clerk and T. J. Counts,
Treasurer.
Hickory Grove church was received into the body.
Prayer meeting was conducted on Saturday b? Brethren P.
J. Hiers and Jonas
Trowell. Rev. J. G. Williams preached from
Matt. 20:6 and Rev. S. Wilson from Ps. 119:11.
On Sunday, prayer meeting was conducted by Brother J.
McNab and Elder S. E. Woodward. Rev. Wm.
Brooker preached the Charity Sermon from Rom. 10:17.
Rev. J. F. Buist preached later from Phil. 1:23,
24. Revs. G. Walker and J. S.
Perryclear preached in the grove.
Out of twenty one churches sixteen reported good Sunday Schools. These were:
Healing Springs, Great Saltkahatchie, Springtown,
Rosemary, Double Pond,
"Peace and harmony abounds" throughout the Association.
The churches in each of the four divisions for union meetings were: First
Division:
Second Division:
Third Division: Williston,
Fourth Division: Healing Springs, Blackville, Double Pond,
The General Committee through Chairman Jones M. Williams reported great
destitution and an imperative need for laborers in our bounds, no missionary
work having been done during the past year because of lack of funds. The
Association finished paying for the publication of the History of the Barnwell
Association and its Churches by Rev. L. H. Shuck.
The following is taken from Treasurer T. J.
Counts's report: The funds sent up to the Association
amounted to $196.15. This included Sunday's collection of $44.80. Healing
Springs sent up the largest amount ($18.10) and
Seven Pines the next largest ($15.00).
The Working Christian, The Baptist, and the Religious Herald were recommended
to the patronage of the brethren. The sum of $44 was raised for the Working
Christian.
The Association heard with pleasure of the formation of the Baptist Sunday
School Association and received as corresponding messengers from that body
Wm. H. Duncan and Ed. Harley. The churches were urged to organize Sunday
Schools and unite with the Sunday School Association. It is interesting to
note the names of the first representatives to the Barnwell Baptist Association
from the Sunday School Association. It is also meet to state that in the
minutes of the Barnwell Baptist Association the name of W. H. Dowling constantly
recurs in 1868 and 1869, the years in which, as a body, cognizance was taken
of the organization of Sunday School workers.
The committees appointed at this meeting were seven in number: Preaching,
Finance, Nomination, Correspondence, Time and Place of Next Meeting, Deceased
Ministers, and Letters.
Brother Askew, having finished his three years' course at the Seminary, Brother
R. W. Sanders was taken up by this Association in cooperation with the Savannah
River Association as a beneficiary student at the University.
The General Committee for the ensuing year was appointed as follows: Jones
M. Williams, J. W. Hair, W. W. Woodward, with the Clerk and Treasurer of
the Association.
The next meeting was appointed to be held at Allen's Chapel with Rev. W.
H. Dowling to preach the Introductory, and Rev. J. F.
Buist, the Charity, Sermon.
FIFTEENTH SESSION-1870.
The session of the Barnwell Baptist Association in 1870 was held with the
Allen's Chapel church. The Introductory Sermon was preached by Rev. W. H.
Dowling from Heb. 12:1.
Rev. Wm. Brooker was reelected Moderator; Rev. J. F. Buist, Clerk, and
T. J. Counts, Treasurer.
Hunter's Chapel and Joyce's Branch churches were received into the Association.
Messengers were received from the Charleston, Savannah River, Edisto, Reedy
River, and Colleton Associations and from the Barnwell Baptist Sunday School
Association.
Saturday, as usual, was devoted to religious exercises. After prayer meeting,
Rev. S. B. Sawyer preached from Luke 12:20; and, after intermission, Rev.
J. H. Mendenhall from Matt. 16:26. Rev. J. F. Morrall preached in the grove.
On Sunday morning, a Sunday School meeting was held at eleven o'clock. The
Charity Sermon was delivered by Rev. J. F. Buist from I Cor. 9:14. Rev.
J. G. Williams preached in the grove from Acts 24:25. In the afternoon, Rev
J. F. Morrall preached from I Tim. 6 :12, and Rev. J. K. Mendenhall in the
grove from Luke 23:33.
The General Committee was retained unchanged. This committee reported inability
to do much with the limited means at hand to relieve the great destitution
within their bounds. They reported the amount ($108) paid to our beneficiary
as inadequate and recommended a more bountiful provision for him.
Liberal contributions were made to our beneficiary, Rev. R. W. Sanders, to
continue his studies at Furman University.
Revs. J. K. Mendenhall and J. G. Williams made addresses in behalf of Furman
University. The sum of $1,105 in bonds and some cash was collected and one
brother from each church was appointed to raise and forward further funds.
Rev. J. F. Morrall presented the claims of State Missions and a collection
of $46 was taken up.
The sum of $28 was collected for our venerable brother, Thomas Dawson, whose
services to the Association have been inestimable.
Rev. B. M. Cave died in September in his ninety sixth year. He was instrumental
in organizing and building up Friendship and Gent's Branch churches. "He
died as he had lived, in full assurance of a blessed immortality beyond the
grave."
The union meeting divisions were continued as last year, Hunter's Chapel
being placed in First Division and Joyce's Branch in Third.
Fourteen churches reported Sunday Schools. Those not reporting one were Healing
Springs, Philadelphia, Bethesda, Gent's Branch, Blackville, Mt. Pleasant,
Mt. Olivet and Mt. Calvary.
Only Healing Springs and Mt. Pleasant reported coldness. All others were
in good condition except Bethesda, which reported nothing of interest. Many
additions to the churches were reported.
The Treasurer reported funds sent up to the Association as aggregating $305.
This included the Sunday and Monday collections of $170.20.
The Sunday collection of $57.90 was equally divided among Furman University,
State and Foreign Missions.
The churches were requested to send up a specified amount for a permanent
fund for the benefit of widows and orphans in this Association.
The churches were also asked to furnish statistics at the next meeting of
this body showing the amounts contributed during the year to benevolent causes
and to the salaries of their pastors.
The Working Christian was recommended to the patronage of the brethren.
"Peace, harmony, and brotherly love have characterized our intercourse here,
and a pious zeal for the promotion of the cause of the blessed Master prevails
among us."
From the report of the Committee on Correspondence presented by Chairman
Lewis M. Ayer we learn of the lamentable condition of the Negroes who had
withdrawn from our churches and set up worship for themselves. The brethren
everywhere were urged to instruct and help them whenever possible.
The next meeting was appointed to meet at St. John's, the Introductory Sermon
to be preached by Rev. J. J. Getsinger and the Charity Sermon by Rev. F.
J. Sanders.
SIXTEENTH SESSION-1871.
The sixteenth session of the Barnwell Association met at St. John's church
as appointed. The Introductory Sermon was preached by Rev. J. K. Mendenhall
from Habakkuk 3:1.
The Moderator, Clerk and Treasurer of the past year were reelected.
Graham's Baptist church, formerly known as Cedar Springs, now Denmark, was
received from the Edisto Association.
The Charleston, Reedy River, Colleton and the Barnwell Baptist Sunday School
Associations sent messengers.
It is interesting to note that in response to the invitation to visiting
brethren to take seats in the body Rev. J. G. Williams, of the Colleton
Association, accepted. On Saturday after prayer meeting, Rev. J. F. Buist
preached from Eph. 4:11-12. Afterwards, Rev. Isaac Nichols preached from
John 18:36. Rev. Wm. Brooker preached in the grove from I Cor. 13:13.
On Sunday morning, Sunday School addresses were made by Brethren Wm. H. Duncan,
D. H. Rice, and L. M. Ayer. The Charity Sermon was preached by Rev. F. J.
Sanders from Romans 1:16. At the same hour, in the grove, Rev. J. K. Mendenhall
preached from Heb. 2:3. In the afternoon, Rev. M. R. Snares preached from
Eph. 4:14, and Rev. G. N. Askew, in the grove, from John 1:14.
The General Committee reported lack of funds. All that had been done was
the payment of $145 to the completion of the education of R. W. Sanders.
The General Committee for the next year was appointed as follows : Jones
M. Williams, J. W. Hair, B. F. Peeples and the Clerk and Treasurer of the
Association.
Williston made no report and a Committee of J. W. Hair, J. M. Cave and D.
M. Johnston was appointed to inquire the cause of Williston's failure to
be represented in this body.
The twenty three other churches with the exception of Healing Springs, Bethel
and Canaan reported good condition. The churches with live Sunday Schools
reported best conditions.
After addresses were made in behalf of Furman University some bonds and cash
were collected for her.
The brethren responded liberally in behalf of "our venerable and much loved
brother," Rev. Thomas Dawson, who was present.
The sum of $196.07 was sent up to the Association. This included $37.32 collected
on Sunday and divided equally among Furman University, State and Foreign
Missions.
A debt of $25 due by Rev. R. W. Sanders while a beneficiary at Furman University
was liquidated. This was recommended by the General Committee who reported
that R. W. Sanders had completed his work at Furman University with distinction.
The Working Christian was endorsed.
It is significant that the minutes state that all the delegates were present
on Sunday morning at the Sunday School meeting. It is especially so in view
of the fact that at the session of 1869 a resolution was passed that every
member not answering to his name at the calling of the roll, before final
adjournment of the Association, be marked a defaulter unless such member
had the permission of the Association to be absent.
The next session was appointed to meet with the Healing Springs church, Rev.
Moses Boynton to preach the Introductory, and Rev. J. F. Buist, the Charity,
Sermon.
SEVENTEENTH SESSION-1872.
The seventeenth session of the Barnwell Association was held with the Healing
Springs church, commencing on Friday before the second Sunday in November,
1872.
Rev. M. B. Boynton being absent, the Introductory Sermon was delivered by
Rev. J. G. Williams from I Peter 2:7.
The former officers were reelected.
Spring Branch, Pleasant Mountain, and Bamberg, three new churches, were received.
Mt. Pleasant was the only church unrepresented. A committee was sent to find
the cause of her failure to send delegates.
Messengers were received from the Savannah River, Charleston, Edisto, Fairfield,
Orangeburg, Tiger River and Colleton Associations and from the Barnwell
Baptist Sunday School Convention. This is the first time that the last named
has been styled Convention.
Ten committees were announced: On Preaching, On Finance, Correspondence,
Nominations, Time and Place of Next Meeting, Deceased Ministers, Letters,
Union Meetings, Circular Letter, and Auditing Committee.
On Saturday, after prayer meeting conducted by Rev. George Walker and P.
J. Hiers, Rev. L. M. Ayer preached from I Cor. 1:23, 24. After intermission,
Rev. Arthur Buist preached from Acts 26:28.
On Sunday morning, prayer meeting was conducted by Rev. W. G. Mack and a
Sunday School address was made by W. H. Duncan. The Charity Sermon was preached
by Rev. J. F. Buist from I Cor. 16:2. Rev. M. R. Snares preached in the Academy
from Matt. 16:26. After intermission, the Centennial Sermon of Healing Springs
church was preached by Rev. A. P Norris. At the same hour religious exercises
were conducted in the Academy House by Revs. Arthur Buist and George Walker.
A large and attentive congregation was assembled for these exercises. At
this meeting there was a full attendance of ministers, all churches but one
being represented. The country had been blessed with good health, good crops,
glorious revivals in most of the churches, many converts and much Sunday
School zeal. Kindly relations had been restored between the white and colored
races.
In the past year the churches gained in number from twenty four to twenty seven;
and in membership from 2,593 to 2,721.
The General, Committee in their report expressed gratitude to God for the
gift of Arthur Buist and L. M. Ayer to the ministry.
It was resolved to open the churches on the fifth Lord's Day in December
for prayer that Almighty God forgive our national sins and restore our beloved
South to peace and prosperity.
Sunday's collection was divided between State Missions, the church at Rome,
and Furman University.
Rev. J. K. Mendenhall presented the claims of Furman University and received
some bonds and some cash. He asked that each church raise from $200 to $500
in bonds.
The Association gave $25 to Pleasant Mountain and $75 to Bamberg for building
purposes. Twenty dollars was contributed toward paying for the printing of
the minutes of the State Convention, and the churches were asked to defray
the expenses of delegates sent from this Association to the Convention.
The ministers of the Barnwell Association at this time and their post offices
were as follows:
G. N. Askew Blackville
L. M. Ayer Buford's Bridge
M. B. Boynton Buford's Bridge
Wm. Brooker Blackville
A Buist Barnwell
J. F. Buist Bamberg
W. H. Dowling Buford's Bridge
J. J. Getsinger Bamberg
P. J. Hiers Barnwell
J. M. Hoover Buford's Bridge
W. D. McMillan Blackville
F. J. Sanders Barnwell
George Walker Midway
J. G. Williams Bamberg
S. E. Woodward Williston
The money sent up to this Association amounted to $275.29. Of this $57.48
was Sunday's collection.
The next Association was appointed to meet at Rosemary, Rev. W. H. Dowling
to preach the Introductory, and Rev. Arthur Buist, the Charity, Sermon.
EIGHTEENTH SESSION-1873.
This session of the Association met with the Rosemary church. Rev. W. H.
Dowling preached the Introductory Sermon from Rom. 8:28.
The former officers were reelected.
Treadway church was received into the body. All the churches were represented
except Mt. Pleasant. A special prayer for the churches complaining of spiritual
barrenness was led by Rev. Thomas Dawson.
Revs. G. W. Hicks and M. R. Snares are mentioned as visiting brethren. Messengers
from the Savannah River, Charleston, Edisto, Fairfield, Orangeburg and Tiger
River Associations, and from the Barnwell Baptist Sunday School Convention,
were present.
On Saturday, prayer meeting was conducted by Brethren B. C. Byles and P.
J. Hiers. Rev. J. C. Furman preached from II Sam. 24:24. Rev. Thomas Dawson
preached in the old church. After intermission, Revs. J. G. Williams and
J. C. Furman presented the claims of Furman University and a number of bonds
were secured.
On Sunday morning prayer meeting was conducted by Brethren M. B. Boynton
and G. N. Askew. The Charity Sermon was preached from I Cor. 7:23 by Rev.
A. Buist. At the same hour, Rev. A. W. Lamar preached in the grove from Heb.
9:27. After intermission, Rev. J. D. Durham preached from Gal. 1:1, . and
Rev. J. G. Williams in the old church from Matt. 11:12. On both Saturday
and Sunday nights, there was preaching at Williston and in the neighborhood
of Rosemary.
The churches with two exceptions reported a prosperous condition. Sunday
School work continued to increase in interest.
A collection was taken for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary consisting
of money and provisions, Rev. J. C. Furman having spoken in her behalf.
Rev. A. W. Lamar presented State Missions and a collection was taken of $22.03.
The sum of $36 in cash and $5 in subscription was presented to Rev. M. R.
Suares to help publish his sermons.
A collection of $30.50 was taken for our aged brother, Thomas Dawson.
The moneys sent up amounted to $272, including Sunday's collection of $71.40.
A committee was appointed to meet with the Executive Committee of the Sunday
School Convention and pledge $216 to help put an efficient missionary in
the field during 1874.
Jones M: Williams, W. H. Duncan, W. H. Dowling, Y. G. Williams and J. F.
Buist were appointed a committee to revise the Constitution and report at
the next meeting.
The next meeting was appointed to be held at Joyce's Branch church with Rev.
J. J. Getsinger to preach the Introductory, and Rev. J. G. Williams, the
Charity, Sermon.
NINETEENTH SESSION-1874.
This session of the Association was held with the Joyce Branch church. The
Introductory Sermon was preached by Rev. Thomas Dawson from I Peter 2:9.
The former officers were reelected. D. P. Sojourner, J. W. Hair and H. K. Gillan were tellers upon this occasion.
The Reedy Branch church was received into the Association.
Canaan and Mt. Pleasant churches were erased from the roll, these churches
having become disorganized and no more in existence. In 1873 Canaan asked
for help to build a church and to pay their .pastor. It seems that the Baptists
and Campbellites had jointly erected a building and the Campbellites getting
the more numerous had taken the house.
Hickory Grove was unrepresented.
Rev. W. D. McMillan led in prayer for those churches complaining of spiritual
barrenness.
The following visiting brethren accepted seats in the body: Rev. J. O'Bannon
Lowry, Agent for the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary; Rev. M. R. Suares,
and Rev. Thomas Dawson.
Messengers were received from the Savannah River", Edgefield, Colleton and
Saluda Associations and from the Barnwell Baptist Sunday School Convention.
On Saturday prayer meeting was conducted by Revs. J. J. Getsinger and S.
E. Woodward. Rev. J. O'Bannon Lowry preached from Phillippians 3:13, 14.
Rev. G. N. Askew preached in the grove from John 13:2. After intermission,
Brother Caughman, Agent of the Palmetto Orphan House, presented that institution
and took up a collection of $50.25. Rev. J. G. Williams then made an appeal
for Furman University and some bonds were secured.
On Sunday, prayer meeting was conducted by Rev. W. D. McMillan. The Charity
Sermon was preached from Judges 5:23 by Rev. J. G. Williams. Rev. J. F. Morrall
preached in the grove from John 21:16 followed by the successful presentation
of the claims of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary by Rev. J. O'Bannon
Lowry. After intermission, Rev. J. F. Buist preached in the house from Acts
20:35 and Rev. C. Baynard in the grove from Luke 16.
"Thus ended a happy Sabbath day."
The Constitution and Rules of Decorum were read and upon the recommendation
of the committee appointed to revise the Constitution the Constitution was
slightly amended in respect to the admission of new churches.
From the General Committee's report we find that the missionary employed
jointly by the Association and the Sunday School Convention was Rev. W. D.
McMillan for seven months at fifty dollars per month. A misunderstanding
having arisen as to how much credit should be given to the Association and
how much to the Convention for moneys collected from the churches by the
missionary, no further effort was made to keep a missionary in the field.
Brother David H. Rice, of Springtown, one of the prominent members of the
Association, zealously devoted to its interests, passed to his final reward
during the year. "Such was the character of his piety, and the purity of
his, life that he commanded the entire confidence of his community, and his
brethren at large, winning the affection of all who knew him."
The churches reported a highly prosperous condition. Two hundred and fifty two
members had been added to the churches during the last associational year.
The Seven Pines church asked that the Association as an advisory board suggest
to the ministers of this Association that they owe it as a duty, to attend
and assist in the exercises of the Sunday School Convention.
Brother F. C. Hickson was adopted as beneficiary student. Revs. J. F. Buist
and J. G. Williams were appointed a committee to superintend his education.
Cash to the amount of $37.25 was taken up for him and pledges from churches
and individuals to the amount of $101. The unappropriated Association mission
fund in the hands of the Treasurer was given him.
The pastors of the churches were asked to bring the claims of the Seminary
before the churches at least semiannually.
The churches were recommended to liberally support their pastors and the
poor.
The churches were again requested to send up a statement of money paid during
the year for all purposes.
The Baptist Female College at Greenville and the Blythewood Female Institute
were recommended to all young ladies seeking a thorough education.
Sixty dollars in cash was subscribed to the Working Christian.
A collection was taken for Brethren Thomas Dawson and M. R. Suares amounting
to $39.20.
The Treasurer reported $295.78 sent up, including $50.55 collected on Sunday.
This, Sunday's collection, was divided between the Southern Baptist Theological
Seminary and State Missions.
The next meeting was appointed to meet at Hunter's Chapel, Rev. G. N. Askew
to preach the Introductory, and Rev. Arthur Buist, the Charity, Sermon.
TWENTIETH SESSION-1875.
The twentieth session of the Barnwell Baptist Association was held with the
Hunter's Chapel church in 1875. The Introductory Sermon was delivered by
Rev. G. N. Askew. The Association was called to order by former Moderator,
Rev. Wm. Brooker.
The following officers were elected: Rev. J. F. Buist, Moderator; Rev. W.
D. McMillan, Clerk, and Bro. T. J. Counts, Treasurer.
The Barnwell, Edisto, Elko and Mt. Tabor churches were received into the
Association.
Messengers were received from the Edgefield, Colleton, Saluda, Orangeburg
and Charleston Associations, and from the Barnwell Baptist Sunday School
Convention.
Article II of the Constitution was amended so that churches may be received
by delegate or letter.
"In view of the gracious outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon the churches
during the past associational year, Rev. A. Buist was requested to lead in
a prayer of thanksgiving to God for these evidences of divine favor."
On Saturday after prayer meeting conducted by Revs. J. L. Rollins and S.
W. Ackerman, Rev. W. C. Lindsay preached from Jude 5:11.
Prof. Judson made an appeal for Furman University and a number of bonds were
secured through his efforts and through those of Rev. J. G. Williams.
Rev. A. W. Lamar presented the claims of State Missions and a collection
of about eighty dollars was taken up.
In view of the many pressing demands and the great need of divine grace and
wisdom in the direction of effort, Rev. Wm. Brooker was asked to lead in
prayer that the Great Head of the church would direct all deliberations.
On Sunday morning, Rev. A. W. Lamar addressed the Sunday School. Rev. A.
Buist preached the Charity Sermon. Rev. Wm. Brooker preached in the Academy
building. After intermission, Revs. A. W. Lamar and J. F. Buist preached.
The General Committee reported that our beneficiary, F. C. Hickson, had completed
his studies at the Greenville High School and was pursuing his studies in
the Junior Class at the University so as to give promise of future usefulness.
The next General Committee was appointed as follows: J. M. Williams, J. W.
Hair, B. F. Peeples and the Clerk (W. D. McMillan) and Treasurer (T. J. Counts).
Brother O'Bannon, now at the Seminary, was adopted together with Brother
Hickson as beneficiary.
The churches were divided into five divisions for union meetings.
The churches were again requested by resolution to furnish the Association
annually with financial statistics. They were also by resolution recommended
to raise an apportioned amount for State Missions.
Sunday's collection of $32.38 was divided between the Students' and Beneficiary
Funds.
The Widows and Orphans' Fund on hand was given to Sister Margaret Hiers,
who was old and blind.
Revs. Wm. Brooker and M.R. Suares were each requested to speak ten minutes
on Foreign Missions. Rev. Thomas Dawson added a few interesting remarks after
which a collection of $10.31 was taken for this work.
Brother Lamar solicited subscriptions for the Working Christian.
The Sunday school children of Mt. Tabor contributed one dollar to Foreign
Missions through Rev. W. H. Dowling.
Rev. J. F. Buist read an interesting paper on State Missions. This paper
was published in the minutes of the Association.
The Indigent Ministers' Fund was equally divided among our aged brethren,
Dawson, Suares and Woodward. Collections amounting respectively to $11.70,
$9.10, $7.45 were taken up for them.
A collection of $8.50 was taken for the Seminary Students' Fund.
Resolutions were passed that in this centennial year of our nation, we endeavor
to endow fully Furman University and the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
By request of the Moderator, Rev. Wm. Brooker offered a few parting words
which touched the hearts of all. The hymn, "Blest be the tie that Binds,"
was sung, the, parting hand given, and the Association adjourned to meet
with the Graham's church on Friday before the second Lord's Day in November,
1876. ,
The Treasurer reported $273.84 sent up, and $126 paid to the State Mission
Board during the year. This last was sent directly to the agent of the Board
from the churches. There were probably other contributions to this and,other
purposes but there was no report of them.
There are probably numerous errors, despite my checking. Please try
to be very explicit about where errors are in the text when you
Email me.
FOC
Copyright ©2000-2018, Frances B. K. Bundy, all rights reserved. This
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