Coffee County AlArchives Church Records.....Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Records, Elba, ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/copyright.htm http://www.rootsweb.com/~usgenweb/al/alfiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Nancy Poquette npoq@hotmail.com December 3, 2007, 3:46 pm Bethany Primitive Baptist Church Records, Elba, Coffee County, Alabama, December, 1828 to 1847 Volume I Written on flyleaf page: Lowndes County, David Donaldson Day Book Page 1: Bethany Church Book We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, having emigrated into the state of Alabama ____ County of Dale; do unanimously agree to be constituted into a church styled the Bethany Baptist Church of Christ, on the following articles of faith: 1st We believe in one only true and living God, and that there are three personalities in him; the father, son and Holy Ghost; and that these three are one. 2nd We believe the Scriptures of the old and new testament to be the word of God, and the only rule for faith [__] practice. [There may have been a fragment of a word or a complete word in the brackets. The photocopy did not reveal it.] 3rd We believe in the doctrine of eternal and particular election. 4th We believe the doctrine of original sin. 5th We believe in man’s inability to recover himself from the fallen state he is in by nature by his own free will ability. 6th We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God only by the imputed righteousness of [____] [too faint to read from photocopy.] 7th We believe God’s elect shall be called [________] and sanctified by the Holy Ghost. 8th We believe that the saints shall persevere in [_____] and never finally fall away. 9th We believe that baptism and the Lord’s supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ and that true believers are only subject of those ordinances and the true mark of baptism [______]. 10th We believe in the resurrection of the dead and general judgment. 11th We believe that the punishment of the wicked be everlasting ________________. Page 2: 12th We believe that a minister has the right to administer in those ordinances but such as are regularly called and come under the imposition of [______] the Presbytery. Subscribed to 17th December, 1828. Archer Carter Matthew Burt Herron? Wise Archibald Rials John McCain Kesiah Rowe Zelpha? Nelson Rebecca Wise We do certify that by the request of the brethren and sister above named that we constituted them into a church called the Bethany Baptist Church of Christ on December 17th, 1828. Presbytery George Brown, Willamon? Hill Page 3: Saturday, December 28th, 1828. The church met in conference, received by [________]. Test Elizabeth Rials. Saturday, Jan. 26th. Rec’d by experience, Sister Fanny. The church in conference, Feb. 4th, 1829. Whereas a complaint was laid in against Brother John McCain for neglecting attending our conference, we appointed brother Herron? Wise to cite him to our next conference. The church in conference April 25th [_____]. 1st Took up the case of brother John McCain for the charge laid against him for neglecting conference and also for habit of making use of improper language, his refusing to give satisfaction. We excommunicate him. 2nd Agreed to call a presbytery to ordain a deacon. 3rd Agreed to commune at our next August meeting. 4th Appointed brother Archer Carter our clerk. The church in conference Sept. 26th, 1827. Received by letter, Sisters Beady Owen and Rebecca ?Cauly. The church in conference Feb. 26th, 1831. Received by letter, brother Joshua Dickson. The church in conference March 24th, 1831 Rec’d sister Elizabeth Donaldson by letter. The church in conference April 25th, 1831 Rec’d by voucher, brother David Donaldson. Page 4: The church in conference, May 25th, 1831 Rec’d by experience and baptised the sisters Nancy Miller, Priscilla Donaldson, and Rebecca Bankston. The church in conference, June 24th, 1831 Rec’d by experience and baptised sister Elizabeth Donaldson. 2nd Liberated? Licensed? our beloved brother, David Donaldson to preach the ever blessed Gospel of Christ where God, in his divine providence may send him. The church in conference, July 22nd, 1831 Received by experience and baptised the sister and brother Elizabeth Boyse? and Elijah ?Cheser. The church in conference, August 7th, 1831 Rec’d by experience and baptised Brother John A. Owen. The church in conference August the 24th, 1831 Appointed brothers M. Burt, D. Donaldson, A. Carter as delegates to the associates. Saturday, 15th [___], 1831 Rec’d the sisters by experience, _____ _____ and Priscilla _____. Brother A. Carter and Sister Elizabeth _____applied for a letter of dismission. Granted. There being no clerk and no ___________ made? of our last conference, I ?hope? ____________________________________________. Page 5: Saturday, December 24, 1831 Met pursuant to adjournment. Proceeded to elect a clerk. Brother J. A. Owen was unanimous by chosen regular clerk, and opened a door for the reception of members. 1st Received by letter, Brother A. Carter. 2nd Received brother D. Donaldson by letter. 3rd Took up the references relative to the accusation laid in against Brother Dickson. He not being present, the case was referred till next conference. Brother Rials nominated to cite him to the next conference for trial. 4th Took up the reference of the petition of Brother J. A. Owen relative to a constitution of a church at the school house which was withdrawn. 5th Authorized Brother Rials to purchase vessels for the use of the church, which we promise to pay him for when delivered. 6th Agreed to wash feet at our commune meeting in April annually, then adjourned till the Saturday before the fourth Sunday in January. J. A. Owen, clerk. Saturday, January 24, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Took up the ___________________. Brother __________ he made ______- acknowledgments and _____________________________________________________ 2nd _______________________________ the fourth _____ April next. ___________ day before the fourth Sabbath ____________ J. A. Owen, CC. Page 6: March 24, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members either by experience or by letter. 2nd Inquired for the union of the church, and brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] came forward and acknowledged himself to have been guilty of excessive ?pation? and unchristian-like conduct, and after hearing his acknowledgements for the same, and seeing visible marks of repentance for his wrongs, the church forgave him and restored him to fellowship, but thought it most advisable to withhold his license, and let him remain silent until the brethren of the sister churches should become acquainted with the proceedings of this church on this case. 3rd Appointed Brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] to procure wine for our communion in April next, then adjourned till the Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in April next. J. A. Owen, clerk. Saturday, April 21, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Reconsidered the case of Brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] and set him at letter ?by to preach the Gospel. 2nd Resolved that all members of this church, particular the male members, shall attend our conferences, and in case of failing to do so, that they do rise at the next conference and give satisfaction to the church, and in case they shall not attend two meetings, that the church shall send some of the brethren to cite them to conference to be dealt with for neglect of duty. Then adjourning till Saturday before the 4th Lord’s day in May next. J. A. Owen, Clerk. Saturday, May the 22nd, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. 2nd The church ?joined in union. 3rd Agreed to call a Presbytery consisting of brethren W. Hill and T? W___ Page 7: to ordain our brother D. Donalson [Donaldson] to the administration of the Gospel, then adjourned till the Saturday before the 4th Lord’s day in June next. J. A. Owen, clerk. Saturday, June 23, 1832 Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. 2nd Brother J. A. Owen petitioned for an order for a constitution, which was granted. 3rd Brother Owen called for letters of dismission for himself and his wife, sister ____. Owen also for the sisters Brannon and Rebecca Cauley and Sister Terman? Also for Brother Chesher, which was granted, and brother J. A. Owen ordered to write them letters. 4th Appointed the brethren Wall and Dozier and Burt as a Presbytery to constitute the above dismissed members in a church at the school house in Covington County and ordered Brother J. A. Owen to carry the ?letters of this church to Brother Wall and Dozier to meet at said school house in Covington County on the Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in July next. 5th Delegated the brethren ?Burt, Donalson [Donaldson], Carter and Rial to the next union meeting to convene at ?Beuleut Church in P___ County on Friday before the fifth Sabbath in July next, then adjourned till Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in July next. J. A. Owen, clerk. Page 8: July ______ Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members; 2nd Rec’d by experience-one. 3rd Rec’d by letter-one. 4th Made choice of D. Donaldson, clerk. ?Sept. __ Met pursuant to adjournment. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d four. Oct. __ Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d by experience-two. One by letter. Nov. __ 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d none by experience. Restored one. 2nd Made choice of brother D. Donaldson, junior Deacon. April __ Met pursuant to adjournment. Opened a door to receive members. Received letter b [end of writing] Page 9: 1835, April 25 The church in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members; Rec’d by letter then viz, Brother Henry L? Cain? , Sister Amaly Coon nd Joseph W. Coon. May 23 The church in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d by letter one, viz, Brother James Coon 2nd Entered into a resolution to make a church fund, which was agreed on by a unanimous ___. 3rd On motion, made by one of the brethren and second in order to wash feet ___ ____ which passed. July 25 The church in conference 1st Rec’d and baptised brother Nathaniel Beck, Brother William Childer?, Sister Elizabeth Childer, Brother George Clark. Page 10: Brother Alexander Bodyford, Sister Brannan ?Talse? August the 23rd, 1825 Met in conference. 1st Opened a door to receive members. Received by letter Sister ?Mary Fairfield? September, Saturday 26, 1835 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany in conference 1st Opened a door for the reception of members rec’d by experience, Brother Thomas Clark and Sister Jane Beck. 2nd Proceeded to make arrangements for the association whereupon we appointed the brethren Burt, Carter and Coon, and in case of failure, Brother George Clark and contribute two dollars for the printing of our minutes. Saturday, October 24, 1835 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d by experience, Brother Daniel Sutly. Page 11: November Saturday the 21st, 1835 The church at Bethany met in conference 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience, Brother Pleasant Hemphill and Sister Susan Beck and Sister Elizer Clark and rec’d by letter Sister J? ?Siber? ?Secey? Saturday, January 24th, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Restored Brother Joshua Dickson to fellowship. Saturday, February the 26th, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. Brother Carter laid in a grievance against Brother Joshua Dickson for intoxication and using profane language and proceeded to appoint brethren Alexander N. Bodiford and George Clark to cite him to our next conference. Saturday, March the 28th, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. Took up the case of Brother Dickson and by his refusing to give satisfaction, we discommunicated him from the fellowship of the church. Page 12: Saturday, June the 25th, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter, Rubin Searcy and Lemuel Flaningham, and Nelly, his wife, and William Wasden. Saturday, September the __, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Proceeded to appoint [crossed out ‘to appoint’] to make arrangements for the association, whereupon we appointed the Brethren M. Burt, A. Carter, G. Clark, and in case of failure, H. Coon and contributed three dollars for the printing of the minutes. We ‘chused’ brother Nathaniel Beck as our deacon. October 22, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience, Mary Standby. 2nd Granted ___ Brother Carter a letter of dismission. October 23rd, 1836. Received by experience, Sister Nancy Standby, Sister Elizabeth Wasden and Sister Elizabeth Bodiford. Page 13: November Saturday the 26, 1836 The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience our beloved sisters Lucindy Poor and Judah Clark. Saturday, December 24th, 1836. The church at Bethany met in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter our beloved brother David Donolson [Donaldson] and our beloved sister Elizabeth Donolson [Donaldson] and Sufphona [Suphronia] Ray. January, Saturday the 21st, 1837. The church at Bethany met in conference. Appointed the brethren, Daniel Sutly? And William Childers to visit brother Pleasant Hemphill to know the reason of his not attending our conferences. Saturday, February 25th, 1837 The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter, Brother Thomas King and brother Elias Sexton and Celia Sexton, his wife. 2nd Took up the case of brother Hemphill and by his refusing to come forward and give satisfaction, we discommunicated him from the fellowship of the church. Saturday, March 25th, 1837. The church at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience our beloved sisters Page 14: Rebecca Kelly, Sister Catherine [crossed out Catherine] _____ King and received by letter, Sister Elizabeth King. Saturday, May the 27th, 1837 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter our beloved sister Priscilla Donalson [Donaldson]. Saturday, June the 24th, 1837 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany met in conference. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Received by experience, our beloved sister Nancy Martin. Saturday, August 26th, 1837 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany, met in conference. Made arrangements for our next association. Appointed the brethren: M. Burt, D. Donalson [Donaldson], A. Carter and A. Bodiford [in case of failure] delegates, and contribute three dollars for the printing of our minutes. Now finishes Brother Bodiford clerkship. Now commences Thomas King’s work in the clerk’s office in the year of our Lord, 1837, September 25. Thomas King, clerk. Page 15: Church met in conference Saturday, 23 September, 1837. After preaching, went into the business of the church. 1st Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d Sister Elizabeth Hall by experience. 2nd Went into the choice of a clerk, whereupon Brother Thomas King was appointed our regular clerk. 3rd An agrievance was laid in against brother Searcy for non-attendance at conference, whereupon it was agreed that the brethren M. Burt, D. Donalson [Donaldson], A. Carter should cite him to attend and give the church satisfaction. 4th The brethren and sisters A. Bodiford and wife, Thomas Clark and wife, and Judah Clark make application for letters of dismission, whereupon they were granted with the exception [This may have meant acceptance] of the brethren. Page 16: The Church of Christ met in conference on Saturday, the 28th of October 1837. Opened the door for the reception of members. Received Sister Elenor McDaniel. 2nd Granted the Brethren A. Bodiford, T. Clark, and G. Clark letters of dismission together. Sister Nancy Martin, dismissed. The Church of Christ met Saturday, the 25th of November 1837 and after preaching, went in to conference. Opened a door in the reception of members. David Donelson [Donaldson] offered himself and there was an objection issued against him by Brother Coons laying a grievance against him. 2nd Went into the call of Pastor for the year 1838 and called our beloved Brother M. Burt with a unanimous voice of the congregation, with both saint and sinner. The Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany met on Saturday, the 23rd of December, 1837, and after public prayer? our beloved brother M. Burt being absent, the brethren Page 17: chose Brother A. Carter to set as moderator for the present day. 2nd Took up the case of Rubin Searcy and wife, and expelled them both from the church. 3rd Took up the case of David Donason [Donaldson] and laid it over for the next conference. 4th Took in consideration Brother and Sister Danison [Donaldson], and for their dist____, expelled them both from the church. 5th Took in consideration the case of Sister ?Poan? and expelled her from the church for adultor. 6th Application was made in a letter for Sister Kelly and it was granted. 7th Application was made for Sister Ray to have a letter of dismission and it was granted. 8th and last request from the church, that David Donison [Donaldson] should give up his license to preach. January the 13th, 1838 The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after preaching by the beloved Brother M. Burt, went into business Page 18: and reconsidered the business that was done in conference on Saturday, the 23rd of November, 1837, and granted the brothers and sisters new trials. Called help from sister churches. Appointed A. Rials and A. Carter, with M. Burt as delegates to go after assistant brethren. A grievance laid against Brother A. Carter for misconduct in conference towards our moderator and changing the church of ?melsh? actions. January the 27th, 1838. We, the Baptist Church of Christ met on Saturday, the 27th, and after preaching by Elder D. Wood, went into conference and chose a committee to try the case between Brother Burt and Brother Carter and they all agreed that Carter excommunicated himself by laying down his letter and saying that he was no more of our brethren. 2nd Burt and Wasden applied for themselves and companions, letters of dismission and was granted them, with Sister Sutley, G. Coon. Page 19: 3rd Brother Beck threw up his deaconship, and _______ we should choose another and 4th Brother A. Rials dismiss self from us by saying that he was no more of us. 5th Took in consideration Brother Donison’s [Donaldson’s] case and got in confusion and ?broke up when dismissed. February the 24th, 1838. The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after prayers was made by Brother Childers. 2nd Opened a door for the reception of members and received Brother A. Carter again in fellowship and granted him license to preach the Gospel. 3rd Took in consideration the excommunicated brethren and sisters and ? expelled? them until a Godley? sorrow takes place with them. 4th Appointed a ?Friday __ ?before _____ our penance for prayer and fasting for the choice of a deacon. Met in conference on Saturday, the 24th, 1838. [No month given.] After preaching by Elder Wood, chose him for our moderator for the present day and presided? [probably meant proceeded] to business. Page 20: 2nd The committee appointed to go after David Donison’s [Donaldson’s] license, relates that he will not give them up. 3rd An agrievance laid in against Brother Wise by Aurelia Carter for false evidence. Appointed Brother King and with Brother Flaningham, to cite Brother Wise to our next conference. 4th Went into the choice of a deacon and unanimously chose Thomas King, on which the chose Brother Archer Carter to go after the Reverend Doisin. 5th On which the __ chose David Wood and L? Doizen to find the ordination of Brother Thomas King for deacon. 6th An application made by Sister Ray per a letter of dismission and which it was granted her. Thomas King, clerk, M. Burt, Moderator. Page 21: April the 22nd, 1835 Met in conference and after preaching by Elder Wood, called him for moderator on the present day. 2nd Took up the case of Brother Wise and laid it over. 3rd Altered our next meeting to the 3rd Sabbath and the Saturday before Brother ?Cane? agreed that he would go after Brother Dosier for help to ordain a D[eacon]. 4th [erasure] Agreed amongst the brethren that the Brother Clark should write an ?call for the church. May the 19th We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference after preaching by Elder Wood. 1st Took up the case of Brother Wise and laid it over. 2nd Excommunicated ___ Archa Carter for ‘senchren’ [censuring?] the church and misconduct. 3rd Resolved that the church commune the 4th Lord’s day in June next. On Saturday, July the 14, We the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and preaching by Elder Wood. Went in business and read the rule and rec’d it unanimously a rule for the church to be governed by. Thomas King, clerk. See page 20 [which is our page 34, the bold print page numbers]. Page 22: July 4th, 1838 2nd An agrievance laid against Daniel Sutley for testifying Arch Carter in a false evidence. 3rd Appointed Brother Sexton and Brother William Cane to cite him to our next conference for trial. 4th Resolve that Brother Thomas King be ordained for deacon by David Wood and Matthew Burt as Presbytery on Saturday before 2nd Lord’s day in August. 5th Resolve that we commune in August. August the 11th, 1838 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference on Saturday before the 2nd Lord’s day in August. 2nd Brother David Dolison [Donaldson] applied for a restoration and after his acknowledgments, was restored into full fellowship and to his license to preach the Gospel. 3rd Application for Sister Elizabeth Dolesan [Donaldson] and after her confession of her faults, she was restored to fellowship. 4th Application was made by Brother M. Burt for Sister Hareson’s restoration and was restored to fellowship. Page 23: August 11, 1838 5th Took up the case of Brother Suttley and laid it over till next meeting. 6th Brother Thomas King came under the ?handle of the Presbytery for Deacon. The Presbytery ____ David Wood and Matthew Burt. 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany, met in conference on Saturday, 10 of September, 1838, and after preaching, took up the case of Brother Suttley and throwed it out. 2nd Went in to the business of the association. Appointed brethren delegates D. Dolesan [Donaldson], W. _____, T. King, L. Flaningham. 3rd Contributions $2.50cts. October the 13th, 1838 We the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and after preaching by brethren David Wood and Matthew Burt, opened a door for the reception of members and rec’d Sister Safronia Ray [daughter of David and Elizabeth Donaldson] by letter. Thomas King, church’s clerk. Page 24: November the 10th, 1838 1st The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after the preaching by Elder M. Burt, went into business and 2nd David Donison [Donaldson] laid in allegation against Lemuel [?Samuel?] Flaningham ___ and said that he had told lies and ave 3rd laid it over until next Church meeting. 4th Appointed Elias Sexton and Thos. King to cite Laningham to the next meeting. December the 18th, 1838 1st The Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and took the case of David Donison [Donaldson] and Laningham and throwed it out. 2nd A. Rials offered himself and was refused. January the 12th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after preaching, opened the door for the reception of members. 2nd Inquired for the union and Brother Henry L. Coon give satisfaction. 3rd Application made for Lamuel Flaningham and wife for a letter of dismission and was granted. Page 25: March the 3rd day, 1839 Received by baptism, Brother John Standly, Sister Woods, Jon King, the first Saturday in March. 1st March the 9th, 1839 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Brother Joshua Dickson by restoration. 2nd Received Elder Allen Driskey, Sister ?Francley? Driskel, his wife, by letter. 3rd By experience and baptism, Sister Winey? Tanan. Thomas King, Clerk. 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference. A move made by Brother Driskey for church treasure, and throwed in one dollar, $1.00. 1st April the 14th, 1839 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and after preaching by brethren Driskell and Burt, opened the door for the reception of members and received by experience, Susan ?Menney and Brother Alfred Standley and Jan Holley. 3rd An appliction made Seley? ?Plat for a restoration to the church and made her confession for being excommunicated, and said that non-membership was at Monton [?mountain?] area on which the church 4th appointed Brother M. Burt to write her new letter of dismission on which we took her? ?own? wach? cane? Thomas King, clerk. Page 26: April the 13 [or 18th], 1839 5th Received Brother Standley Hall by baptism and Sister Miley Standley by baptism. May the 11th We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and an application was made by brother john Stnadley for a letter of dismission forDavid Dalleson [Donaldson] and wife, and it was granted. 2nd Appointed a moderator to write the ___ letter by request of the brother Clark. 3rd Received Joseph Hutchion? by experience and was baptised. Received Sister Nancy Hutchian?, his wife, by letter. June the 8th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference. The door was opened for the reception of members and Arch Carter presented himself and was refused. 2nd A move was made for ?Camber to prepare seats and a pulpit, on which Thos. King was to write a subscription for the same. 3rd An application made; Sister Tanan; a letter of dismission, Page 27: and was granted. 4th and said to communion the ensuing day and wash the feet on Saturday before the 2nd Lord’s day in July. We, the Baptist Church in conference. [No date given.] 2nd Appointed Brother Allen Driskell together with William Wasden and Thomas King and in case of failure, Joseph Hutchian? To go to the Council meeting in Piquie? [Pike?] County. August the 16th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference. 2nd A door was opened for the reception of members and received Brother ? Milton? Williams and Sister Ann King. September the 7th, 1839 After preaching by our beloved moderator from the charge given unto the eminent apostle Peter, ‘feed my sheep.’ 2nd Read the letter that was prepared by our Brother M. Burt to send to the council meeting. October the 11th, 1839 1st We, the Baptist Church of Christ met in conference and after preaching went in to the business of the church, and the letter from the council meeting was presented by Elder Driskill. Thos. King, clerk. Page 28: 2nd Read the letter and unanimous adopted the proceeding by the council. 3rd Appointed to go to the Association, beloved Brother Elder Allen Driskill, Edmon Russell and Josiah Hutcheson and in case of failure, Henry Coon. 4th Agreed on the contribution for the association and determined that it should be $2. and 50 cents. 5th Went in to the choice of a moderator and chose Elder Matthew Burt for our moderator until next association. 6th Received Jackson Wise by experience and was baptized by Elder Driskill. November the 9, 1839 Went in to conference, and nothing done. December the 7th, 1839 We, the Baptist Church of Christ at Bethany, convened together after preaching by Elders Wood and M. Burt 1st An application was made for a letter of dismission for Brother William Coon and was granted by the church. Thos. King, clerk. Page 29: 2nd A request was made for another deacon by Thos. King and was granted, that there should be another chose and ordained next meeting. 3rd An allegation laid in against Brother Suttley by Brother Sexton. 4th Appointed Brethren ?Biehle and Wasden to cite Brother Suttley to our next meeting for a trial for his talk. 5th The same said brethren to cite Brother Childers to give an account for his non-attendance at church meetings. January the 11th, 1840 We, the Baptist Church of Christ went into conference and made choice of deacon and chose Brother Elias Sexton and appointed next meeting for his ordination. 2nd Took up the case of Brother Suttley and laid it over until meeting as he was absent. M. Burt moderator. Thos. King, clerk. 1840. Page 30: March the 7th, 1840 The church convened together and after preaching by Elder Wood, M. Burt 1st and the reference of the ordination of the deacon was laid over until the next conference. 2nd Took up the case of Brother Suttley and settled it by his pleading ignorance. 3rd Restored Brother Rubin Searcy and his wife, Serabler? Searcy. Agreed to commune on the day foling [?following?] and wash feet. May the 11th, 1840 1st After preaching, church set in conference. Opened a door for the reception of members. Rec’d none. 2nd Ordained Brother Sexton deacon. May the 9th After preaching, church set in conference and was all in peace. 1st June the 13, After preaching by the beloved moderator, M. Burt, church sit in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Sister Rhoda Claxton. Matthew Burt, moderator, Thomas King, clerk. Page 31: July the 11 Met in conference and after preaching went in to the business of the church. 1st Appointed brother Wasden treasurer of the church to hold the funds. 2nd Received Sister Nancy Anderson under the ?wuthercane? of the church until it known whether she receives letter or not. 3rd An allegation laid against Sister Hollan. 4th and appointed Brethren John Standley and Nathaniel Beck to cite her to church meeting. 5th On the ensuing day, a reconciliation was made between Brothers Driskill and Sister ?Youlton? [Foulton?] August the 8th After preaching by Elder Wood, church went into conference. An interruption came in the church between Brother Suttley and Brother Childers and laid over until next conference. Brother Dickson made confession of drunkeness and on confession, received the brother in fellowship. Page 32: September the 12, 1840 1st After preaching church went into conference and settled the distress between the brethren D. Suttley and Childer. 2nd Received Sister Nancy King by letter and received ?Arrency King by experience. 3rd Appointed brethren as delegates: A. Driskill, E. Russell, J. Hutcheson and in case of failure, J. Wasden. Contribution 3 dollars and50 cents. 4th Received Nancy Williams by baptism and ?Kesiah Prescott, and was baptized. December the 12 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, went into conference 1st Adopted the rule of washing feet only twice a year, March and ?Nove? 2nd Called Brother Burt to our moderator seat. Agreed to commune on the Sabbath following, and did so. January the 9th, 1841 1st Church opened the door for the reception of members and received Prescilley Brannan by letter. 2nd Restored David Dollison [Donaldson] to fellowship. Thomas King. Clerk Page 33: 3rd An allegation laid against Brother Childers for not attending meeting, and appointed brethren to cite him to the next conference. February the 13 1st We, the church of, met in conference after preaching and opened the door for the 2nd reception of members and received Sister Talon? by letter. 3rd Received Brother Dolison [Donaldson] under the watchers [?] of the [?] church and grounds [?] March the 13, 1841 The church went into conference and granted Brother Standley and wife a recommendation to the court, and being no business, came to adjournment. April the 1st 1st We, the Baptist of Christ, met in conference and after preaching by the moderator, opened the door of the church for the reception of members, and 2nd Received Brother Edwin White by experience. 3rd Received Sister White by experience. 4th Received Sister Mary Morgan and Margret Morgan by letter. 5th Then received Brother and Sister Charles Ward and Mary Ward ____ determined. 6th In conference. That any brother missing conference shall make excuse for so doing. Page 34: We, the Baptist Church at Bethany resolve that we have made? to be governed by: It shall be the duty of the moderator to open conference by prayer or praise or both if he shall see proper. Then call for references. Then the clerk shall rise from his seat and ___ at them. If any, the moderator shall have power to suppress all disorder and any brother refusing to ?hear him shall be excommunicated or dealt with as the brethren shall see proper. 2nd Resolve that but one brother shall speak at the same time and not more than twice to the same matter without a second [?] and leave of the moderator. 3rd Resolve that our sisters have their voice in the reception or excommunication of any brother or sister. 4th Resolve that any brother missing 2 church meetings shall be cited to the 3rd to give their reason for so doing and if they shall refuse then to attend, shall be dealt with as seems proper to the brethren. 5th Resolve that we have no evidence except Gospel evidence, neither [?] listen to them. Resolved that any brother missing meeting shall make their excuse or not be admitted in conference. Page 35: We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference April the 10th, 1841 6th A rule determined in conference that any brother missing conference shall make their excuse at the next meeting or not be admitted in to conference. May the 8th Met in conference and after preaching, 1st opened the door for the reception of members and received Sister Jada ? Cook? [?Cork?] 2nd Request made by Brother L. Coon 3rd for letters of dismission ___ and was granted 4th Received Brother George by letter. Received Brother William Myley? By restoration and Sister Emeline? by Baptism. June the 12 We, the Baptist Church Christ met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Brother Driskell called for letters of dismission for him and wife and was granted and dismissed by letters. M. Burt, Moderator, Thos. King, Clerk. Page 36: July the 10, 1841 We, the Baptist Church of Christ, met in conference and opened 1st the door for the reception of members. Received Brother Zebediah Taylor. 2nd Agreed to correspond with churches Smyrna and Mount Pleasant. August the 7 Met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received [left blank, meaning none, presumably.] 1st Appointed brethren to visit Mount Pleasant Church with correspondence, E. Russell, G. Clark, N. Beck. 2nd Appointed M. Burt to write the letter to Mount Pleasant Church. 3rd Appointed the same delegation to visit Smyrna Church on their next quarterly meeting. 4th Appointed T. King to write the correspondence letter. Rec’d the ?minutes? and came to ?dismission? September the 11th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Appointed delegates to the association. Brethren E. Russell, E. Sexton and G. Clark. Contributed 3 dollars and M. Burt to write the letter. Page 37: 3rd An allegation laid against Brother ?Childers? and expelled him from our body. October the 9th 1st Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received one. [Smudge] and received from our sister churches Mount Pleasant, Enon and Smyrna churches correspondence, letters and messengers. [This whole paragraph xxxed out. 2nd Agreed that our yearly meeting should commence on Friday before the Lord’s day in September. 3rd Received and read correspondence, letters and messengers from our sister churches Mount Pleasant with a letter and messengers. A. Wasden?, H. Thomas, ___ Thomas L. Hutchinson?, M. W. ? Helms,. 4th Enon __ letters and messengers. D. Donaldson, H. ?Yopens? [?Topens?] 5th Smyrna__ letters and mesengers. A. Driskill, J. Hutchian?, C. S. Buford? 6th An application made by Amy Wood for a letter of dismission and 7th Appointed brethren J. Wasden, E. Sexton and Thomas King to visit David Wood and… Page 38: …if we see proper, to grant the sister a letter to dismiss, and if not, she was to have no letter and the committee on excommunication granted the sister no letter. November the 13th 1st Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Brother Collins and Sister Collins, Andrew Collins and Ruth Collins. 2nd Agreed to have a standing committee to arrange preaching and all ? depeal? cases. Alfred Standley, Nathaniel Beck. 3rd Sister Morgan applied for letters of dismission for herself and Sister Owens and was granted. Brother Milton Williams called for letters for himself and wife, and was granted. 4th Resolved that the Articles of Faith be read quarterly. December the 11th day, 1841 Church met in conference and after preaching opened the door for the reception Page 39: …of members and rec’d…Jan 25 2nd Took up the case of Sister Wood and laid it over until next conference. 3rd Nominated Elias Sexton and Thomas King to visit David Wood. 4th Three letters of dismission called for and was granted. 5th Church went into the choice of our Moderator and called M. Burt and Ed? Driskill as joint supplies. January the 8th day, 1842 1st Church met in conference and took up the case of Mistress Wood and laid it over until the next conference. January the 12th, 1842 Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Took up the case of Sister Wood and excommunicated her, and so adjourned until next conference. M. Burt, Mod., Thomas king, C. L. K. Page 40: March the 12th, 1842 1st Church met in conference and opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Received a letter from our sister church Shilo by the hand of Brother Carter. Read it and laid it over. April the 9th 1st Church met in conference and after preaching by the moderator, 2nd Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and rec’d none. 3rd Called for acknowledgments. 4th Called for references and took up the case of Archer Carter and dismissed it. 5th An allegation laid against Brother Allen Driskill by Sister Claxton accusing him of being not the man he professes himself to be, and appointed brethren W. Wasden, E. Russell and A. Collins to bear the letter to our sister church, Smyrna. May the 7th Church met according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to sit with us. Page 41: 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and rec’d none. Called for acknowledgments. [The next paragraph was written, then crossed out with an X]. Called for reference and was now an allegation laid against Daniel Sutley and __ laid out the case and excommunicated him. An allegation laid in by Edmund Russell against Daniel Sutley and we took up the case and excommunicated him, by his making abrupt language and saying he would be no more of us. This allegation was for telling of lies and he denied it, and it was proved against him and this man, Daniel Sutley raised a slanderous report about Sister Russell and told it. June the 11th, 1842 Church met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received Called for references and was none. Called for acknowledgements. There was a letter handed in by the hand of Sister Driskill and the committee sent out on it Page 42: and the committee throwed it out and would not have nothing to do with it. June the 11th day, 1842 1st The church met according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to a seat. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Called for acknowledgments. 4th Called for references and was none. 5th Sister Claxton called for a letter and it was granted her. 6th Church agreed to do away new standing committee and appoint one when wanted. August the 13th 1st Church met according to adjournment. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for acknowledgments. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Appointed brethren G. Clark, E. Russell, and in case of failure, Brother John Standley. 5th Contribution $2.00. Sister ?Campbell called for a letter and was granted. Page 43: August the 13th 6th Agreed to correspond with Mount Pleasant Church. Appointed brethren Collins, Whit, Taylor, Russell, Sexton, Bolton, Burt to write the letter. 7th Rec’d Brother __ Milton Williams, Sister Nancy Williams, his wife. Appointed Brother M. Burt to write our association letter. September the 10th Church met according to adjournment. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for correspondences and received a letter and messengers from our sister Smyrna church, by the hands of her messenger, J. A. Musgrave, J. Hutchinson, S. Buford, L. Coon. Also one from the Pleasant by the hands of her messengers, _______, M. W. ___ which was cordial. Received by giving them the right hand of fellowship. On other business, an action came to a close [this line was then crossed out] being applied to for a letter of dismission by Sister Nancy Sutley, which was granted and the clerk ordered to write it and give to her, and matter came to a close. Thos. King, Clerk. M. Burt, Mod. Page 44: January the 7th, 1843 Church met in conference and called for acknowledgments. Called for references and was none. Agreed that Brother and Sisters Taylor’s memberships should be retained in Bethany until they called for letter of dismission. Moved and seconded order that ?no should come to dismis ?heaval. March the 12th, 1843 Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. An application made for a letter of dismission for Brother White and Sister White and it was granted. Also for Sisters Nancy King and it, and the clerk ordered to write. April the 9th Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren to a seat. Called for acknowledgments. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. An allegation laid against Joshua Dickson for getting drunk and using improper language and excluded him from our body. Page 45: A move for dismission of, and was dismissed in order. May the 13th, 1843 Church met in conference and appointed Brother A. Collins for our moderator for the present day. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Church agreed to send a committee to visit Sisters Hemphill and Sister Sutley to know their reason for holding their letters. A move made for a committee to go of demand of Carter’s license to preach, to wit A. Collins, G. Clark, J. Standley. A move made J. Standley and J. King to visit M. Williams and cite him to our next conference. June the 10th Church in conference 1st and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references and 3rd Took up the case of sister Sutley and settled Page 46: June the 10th, 1843 Took up the case of Sister Hemphill and settled it. [This sentence was then crossed out.] 4th Took up the case of Archer Carter as demanding the licenses to preach, and he refused to give them up. 5th Took up the case of Brother Williams and settled it satisfactorily. 6th Took up the case of Sister Hemphill and by her acknowledgments and the acknowledgments of the Smyrna brethren, we settled the case. July the 8th 1st The church met in conference and according to adjournment and 2nd Invited visiting brethren to seat with us. 3rd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. 4th Brother A. Collins and Sister Ruthey Collins called for a letter of dismission and was granted and the clerk ordered to write these. 5th Appointed Brothers Clark and Brother Russell as a delegation to the general meeting. Thomas King, CCLK. Page 47: August the 12th, 1843 Church met in conference and 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for reference and was none. 3rd Brother David Daleson [Donaldson] came forward and made acknowledgements and was received by the church. 4th Chose brethren to go to the association. E. Russell, G. Clark, and John Standley, and in case of failure, Elias Sexton, and 5th Clerk ordered to write the letter. A move made then that the minutes be read, and come to a close. February the 6th, 1844 The church met in conference and after preaching by C. Curey, called Brother Curey as our supply for the present year. Received brother Cred Collins and his wife, Lidia Collins by letter and come to a dismission. Thos. King, CLK March 9 Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren to sit with us. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for reference and there was none. Moved and second in order that we come to a dismission. C. Curry, Mod. T. King, CLK July the 13th Church met in conference and after preaching by Brother M. Helames [Helms], went into business and opened the door for the reception of members and received Called for references and ___ Brother John Standley called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted. By the request of brothers sisters, we went into the choice of a deacon which terminated in the choice of Brother E. White and agreed that he be a deacon on Saturday before the second Sunday in August, and that Helms, Dozier and Curry [smudge] called as Presbytery. Moved that __ [smudge] correspond with Smyrna church on the 4th of July by letter and messengers A. Collins, Taylor, Cr’d Collins, E. Russell Page 49: Brother ___ to write the letter on matter. Came to a close. T. King, CLK. M. W. Helms, Mod. August 10th Met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and there was none. Sister E. King called for a letter of dismission and was granted. Delegates go to the Association and chose C. Collins, A. Standley, E. White and in case of failure, Z. Taylor. T. King to write the letter to the Asso. Brother Sexton called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife, and was granted. Church agreed to communion and wash feet the ensuing day. Move and second in order that we came to a close. Page 50: September the 7th, 1844 According [unfinished sentence.] Church met in conference. 1st Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 2nd Called for references and took up our association business, and read the letter and received it, and made the contribution, $2.00. The time of our communion until November. 3rd Moved and second in order that we came to dismission. Dismiss by letter Marget Bandes, this the 16th day of September, 1844. Thos. King. Church met in conference on this, the 9th day of November. 1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and 3rd Called for references and there was none. 4th Called for general business. 5th Being applied to for letters of dismission by the following sisters: Nancy Standley, Ann King, Geen [?Jean] King, Nancy King. Was granted and the clerk authorized to write letter and gave them. 6th Called for correspondence. None. Our brethren is requested to consider themselves at… Page 51: 3rd The ordination of our deacon _____ E. White being called for. 4th Brethren Joel ?Pate, J? S? ?Albritton? was chosen as the presbytery to lay hands on him, which they did do by the request of the church. 5th On motion, came to a close. Thomas King, CLK, Cary? Curry, Mod. September the 7th, 1844 The church met in conference and called her minister for the ensuing year, which is terminated in the choice of Moses Helems. Appointed Thomas King to write a letter to him and Creed Collins to born it. Jane Sinclair called for a letter by Thomas King and it was granted and the clerk was ordered to write it. Appointed Williams, J. Basilier? And George Clark to cite Milton Williams to our next conference and know his reason for not attending. Thomas King, CLK. Page 52: Along the left margin in several pages is written: Alexander Prescott was borned February 16, 1854. January the 11th, 1845 Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Brother Breand? and Brother Hellams, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and there was one, and laid it over, the parties not being present. Moved and second in order that for adjournment, and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, Moses Hellems, Mod. February the 8th, 1845 Church met in conference and after preaching by Brother Breant, sent into business of the church. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and rec’d none. Called for references and took up the case of Brother Williams and laid it over until next meeting. Brother Collins called for a letter of dismission for himself and wife and was granted and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, G. Breant, Mod. Page 53: March the 8th day, 1845 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and… Called for references and took up the case of Brother Williams and resolved that we ?bear with infirmities of Brother Williams and hold him in fellowship. Moved and second in order that we came to a dismission. Thos. King, CLK, G. Breant, Mod. April the 12 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats …Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. An allegation laid against Milton Williams which terminated in his excommunication. Moved and second in order that we adjourn. Thomas King, CL, G. Briant, Mod. Page 54: June the 9th, 1845 Church met in conference. Invited the visiting brethren to seats with us. 1st Called for references and was none. 2nd Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. 3rd Took up the business of the council meeting and appointed the G. Clark, T. King and A. Stanley, E. Russell to go to the general meeting. 4th By the request of M. W. Helams, release him from the moderator’s seat. By promise to attend us and preach to us as often as possible. 5th Called C. Briant to the moderator’s seat for the present year. G. Briant, Mod. July the 12th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Giales [Giles] Briant, a minister of the Gospel, by letter. Church again to commune and wash feet on the ensuing day. Page 55: August the 9th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Went into the nomination of delegates to the association and chose G. Briant, G. Clark, and T. King and in case of failure, E. White. Agreed that the contribution be $2.00. T. King to write the letter to the association, and also a letter to ?petition the association for a letter of dismission for convenience. NB-Dear Brethren, what I have done here is done but indifferent, but all particular matters is hinted at, so there? can be understood, so I shall come to a close. T. King, CLK, G. Briant, Mod. September the 12th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received Sister Sorrow Miller by experience and baptize put on the ensuing day. T. King, CLK, G. Briant, Mod. Page 56: September 12th, 1845 and received Archa Carter by restoration by his coming forward and making satisfaction for his former conduct and saying that he done what he did through ambition. Received Joshua Dickson by restoration. Both into fellowship. I, Thomas King, resign the deacon’s office and the brethren for my gratification, agreed to look out another to serve in my place. Read and received the letters to the association. [All the above on page 56 crossed out] September the 13th 2nd Received Archa Carter by restoration by his coming forward and making full satisfaction and saying that he put up them ?diminishments? about M. Burt through ambition. 3rd Received J. Dickson by restoration by his giving satisfaction. 4th Church agreed to look out another deacon to fill the place of Thomas King through his request Page 57: And for his satisfaction, it was his wish to resign his deacon’s office. 5th Read and received the letters to the association. 6th Moved and second in order that we came to a close and done according. G. Briant, Mod, T. King, CLK November the 8th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Took up the business of the association and chose messengers G. Briant, G. Clark, and E. Russell and in case of failure, T. King, and to make a contribution 1 dollar and 50 cents. Edwin White called for a letter of dismission for self and wife, and was granted them. T. King, CLK, Geals Briant, Mod. Page 58: January the 12th, 1846 Church met in conference 1st and opened the door for the reception of members and received… 2nd Called for references and was none. Moved in order that we come to a close. February the 7th 1st Church met in conference according to adjournment and 2nd opened the door for the reception of members and received one letter, Elizabeth King by letter. 3rd Called for references and took up the case of calling a deacon and laid it over until a convenient time. 5th and came to a close in order. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. March the 7th 1st Church met according to adjournment. 2nd Invited visiting brethren to seats. 3rd Opened the door for the reception of members and received… 4th Called for references and took up the case of choosing a deacon and laid it over until next meeting. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 59: April the 11th day Church met according to adjournment and chose Z. Taylor for clerk, protem. Opened the door for the reception of members and received ? Gelfrad Burt and Jacob Strickland. Called for references and took up the business of choosing a deacon and chose Brother George Clark. Archa Carter called for a letter of dismission and was granted. Appointed the brother Clark to write a letter to Brothers Dozier and Lang to come to our next meeting for the purpose of ordaining a deacon. Also Brother Hellems. The church agreed to choose another deacon next meeting. Moved and second in order that we come to a close. G. Bryan, Mod., T. King, CLK. May the 9th Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received… Page 60: May the 9th, 1846 Called for references and took on the case of a choice of a deacon and chose Zebedee Taylor. Chose and sent for a presbytery, Dozier and ? Pate and Hellems. T. King to write them letters, and come to a close in order. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. June the 13th Church met in conference according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened the door to the reception of members and received…Called for references. In case M. W. Hellems don’t come on the ensuing day that T. King write a letter to M. W. Hellems and ?bring it to him. 12 church letters called for and was granted. William J. Wasdin and his wife, Elizabeth; Nathaniel Beck and his wife; Edmund Russell and his wife; Elizabeth Childers, Jane Brannon, Page 61: June the 13, 1846 …Elizabeth Hall, Patsy Brannon, Zelfa? Bant?, Lucindy Haneson. Thomas King to write the letters. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. G. Bryan, Mod, T. King, CLK. July the 11th 1st Church met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received no. 2nd Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. 3rd Called for references and was none. 4th Called for general business. None of importance presents itself. 5th Inquired if the church is in the same mind as when they chose Brothers Clark and Taylor to the office of deacon. The answer is yes. Brethren G. Clark and Z. Taylor come under the hands of the presbytery. M. W. Helams and G. Bryan moved in order presbytery. M. W. Hellems, G. Bryan. Page 63: Moved and second in order that the church adjourn and came to a close. G. Bryan Mod, Thomas King, CLK. August the 8th, 1846 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for general business and took up the business of David Doldison [Donaldson] for getting drunk and fighting and making use of rough language and appointing G. Clark and T. King to go and talk with him and cite him to the next conference. Also, Brother J. Dickson for getting drunk and making use of rough language. Z. Taylor to talk with him and cite him to the next conference. Took up the business of the association and appointed brethren to go to the association: G. Bryan, George Clark and T. King. T. King to write the letter. Agreed to m__ up a ____ _____and agreed to commune and Page 64: August the 8th, 1846 …and wash feet in our next meeting. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. September the 12th Church met in conference according to adjournment and invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received… Called for references. Took up the case of David Doldeson [Donaldson] and laid it over until next meeting. Took up the case of Brother Dickson and disposed of it by forgiving of him. Read and received the letter to the association. Moved and in order that we come to a close. December the 19th Church met in conference and agreed to alter our time of meeting from the 2nd to the 3rd Sunday in each month. G. Bryan, Mod, T. King, CLK. Page 65: December the 19th, 1847 Church met in conference and the door for the reception and received none. Called for reference and took up the case of David Doldesan [Donaldson] and dismissed it by his giving satisfaction. Sister Sarah Nelson and Sister Nancy Miller called for letters of dismission and was granted and came to a close in order. G. Bryan, Mod, January the 16th, 1847 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Called for general business. February the 20th, 1847 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received David Doldeson [Donaldson] and his wife, Elizabeth. Called for references and none. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. Page 66: February the 26th, 1847 March the 20th Church met according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Church agreed to commune on the ensuing day and wash feet. T. King, CLK, G. Bryan, Mod. April 17th Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Moved and second in order that we come to a close. May the 15th The moderator and a few of the sisters met, and no conference was held. Thomas King, CLK. Page 67: Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received…Called for references and was none. Took up the case of J. Dickson and debated it and through his request, excluded him from the church. An allegation laid against David Doldeson [Donaldson] for drinking and wanting to fight and Brother David Doldeson [Donaldson-but probably meant to put another person’s name in here] sent to talk to him and cite him to our next meeting. And came to a close in order. T. King, CLK July the 14th Church met in conference according to adjournment and opened the door for the reception of members and received… Called for references and took up the case of David Doldeson [Donaldson]. Laid it over until next meeting. Moved and second in order that we came to a close. Page 68: Sept. the15 [or 18th] Church met in conference and invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received…Called for references and was none. Took up general business and appointed the delegates to the association, to wit: G. Bryan, G. Clark, Thos. King and in case of failure, Z. Taylor. The clerk to write the letter. Thos. King. Page 69: September 1847 The church agreed to commune and wash feet in the ensuing day. October the 16th Met together and on the ensuing day preaching by G. Bryan and M. W. Hellems, but no conference. Thos. King, Clk. November the 20th Church met in conference and opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Thos. King December the 18th Church met in conference invited visiting brethren to seats. Opened a door for the reception of members and by letter a black ____ belonging to Mr. Leray Taylor. Called for references and was none. Church ___ up money to pay for minutes and so closes the year of 1847. G. Bryan, Mod, Thomas King, CLK. Page 70: January the 15th, 1848 Church met in conference according to adjournment. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and was none. Having no business, come to a close. Thomas King, Clk. February-no conference March-no conference April the 15th Church met in conference. Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Opened the door for the reception of members and received by letter, to wit: Nancy Stanley. Called for references and was none and come to a close. Thomas King, Clk. May the 26th Met at Bethany pursuant t adjournment and set in conference. Opened a door to receive members and received none. Invited visiting brethren and sisters to seats with us. Called for references and was none. Received the above by the hand of Brother Doldeson [Donaldson]. Thomas King was not present. D. Doldeson [Donaldson] was clerk protem. Thomas King. Clk. Page 71: January the 11th, 1845 Church met according to adjournment and after preaching by Brother Briand and Brother Helams, went into conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Moved and that we come to a close an [the preceding words were then crossed out]. Called for references and there was one, and laid it over, the parties not being present. Moved and second in order that for adjournment and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, M. W. Hellems, Mod. February the 8th, 1845 Church met in conference and after preaching by Brother Briant, went into the business of the church. Opened the door of the church for the reception of members and received none. Called for references and took up the case of Brother Williams and laid it over until next meeting. Brother Collins called for a letter of dismission and was granted and came to a close. Thos. King, CLK, G. Briant, Mod. August the 19th, 1848: Called for references and was none. Agreed to call a conference on the 20th to arrange the business of the association and come to a close. Thos. King, CLK. Took up the business of the association and appointed brethren G. Bryan, Z. Taylor, and G. Clark and in case of failure, T. King to go to the association. The clerk to write the letter. December the 16th Church met in conference. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Took up the call of a minister and laid it over until next meeting in January. Page 73: December the 16th, 1848 Elder G. Bryan called for a letter of dismission and was granted. Resolved that we call our preacher our next meeting in January next. Thos. King, CLK. January the 20th, 1849 Church met according to adjournment. Invited visiting brothers and sisters to seats. Opened the door for the reception of members and received none. Called for references. Took up the call of a moderator and dismissed the call. February the 14th No meeti