Houston County Researchers: For the past 3 years, I have been compiling a book entitled: EYEWITNESS ACCOUNTS OF HOUSTON COUNTY, GEORGIA 1821-1871: Copyright 2000 by William A. Mills. I thought I had this book finished last year, but I keep finding more interesting items to include in it. By the time that I actually print this book, it may be too large to contain in one volume. But, there is no need to keep all of this good info hidden away. I stumbled across an original story written by a man who was born in 1826, and resided in Perry, GA for several decades. This story was supposed to be published right after the Civil War, but I cannot find any evidence that it ever was. I've checked everywhere that I can, and no one has ever heard of it before. ================>>> Portions from Chapter 12: On a beautiful, bright Sabbath day in May 1828, the Sabbath-school, still in existence and prospering in the M. E. Church, was organized. John Chain and Col. Cobb were the leading spirits and originators of that cause for our community. Of its importance and value to the moral and religious interest of society and to individuals, no one can form any just estimate. Years afterward, the Sabbath-school in the Baptist Church was organized and is yet prosperous, dispensing its blessings now as it has done since it was instituted. Many who are yet living, remember the beauty of that May Sabbath and the large assembly present at the old academy to witness the opening of our first school. The house was crowded, the windows and doors full, and many were outside who could not get in to witness or take part in the exercises. Many things might be said in reference to its first organism and the interest first manifested by all as compared with its present features in these respects. I desist, however, for reasons not necessary for me to mention here. For several years past, but two of its original members, whose names remained on the roll, were living. Last year, one of them, whose loss to the school can never be overestimated, ended her bright, useful career, leaving for our encouragement and example, a record which we hope never to forget or fail to imitate, trusting that our departure may be like hers, triumphant; and that "she being dead yet speak, speaketh" may be true of us. One other scene: a Baptist meeting held in the Methodist Church, the large crowds present, and the ministers, one of whom wore a suit resembling very much the Continental costume, with his white hair down on his shoulders, reminded me of the picture I had seen of William Penn as he is represented in conference with the Indians under the large oak at Philadelphia. During this meeting, I was impressed with the plain, simple dress and manners of those who attended from a distance, indicating clearly that their attendance was prompted by the desire to be benefitted, and they were not disappointed. The ministers of every denomination, in their dress, conformed strictly to the simple, primitive styles peculiar to each and their people (who, although not as exacting as the good old man who tried in every way to compel Bishop Bascom to adopt his notions of the proper dress for a preacher) were plain and economical themselves, and "loved to have it so". Their ministers "were of them", on a level with, neither above or beneath them. They were deficient in one respect, but in that, not unlike the membership of the churches in the present day, namely: the material support of their pastors, which is their due. But enough, for perhaps I have already said too much here, as this subject is considered by some, not the business of manuscripts. I saw only a few days, since at his post, Uncle Samuel Anthony. He appeared the same in every particular, as he did when I first saw him forty years ago, perhaps. He still lives a consistent, faithful and efficient representative of his church. While I looked at him, I remembered a remark made by someone not long since, that "he was the only remaining link between his school church of the present day, and that of former days, upon which Ichabod was written", and thought the one who said it, did not have his eyes half open, for while it is true that there is no man who has more friends and fewer enemies, who lies nearer the heart of the masses and more faithfully represents the former glory of the church he has served so long and well. There are now, and we predict there will be until the closing up of the Christian system, others whose lives will warrant the opinion that, upon the churches belonging to, and which are integral and essential parts of, it will never be written "the former glory has departed", never! Again, memory goes back and is wont to linger around and speak of individuals whom we were taught to respect and revere, whose portraits are still lifelike, their kindnesses sensibly felt, and even now, the distinctive tone of their voices fall upon our ears, but I must away. Memory, oh, memory! thou mysterious reminder of the sweet and bitter past, drive not away these departed loved and honored friends of my youth, nor erase from your faithful record, their admonitions and encouragements, for we would not if we could, forget them here, and trust that at our anticipated re-union, their society and their benefits may increase and heighten our joy forever. ~~ TO BE CONTINUED ~~ _______________________________________ William A. Mills Perry, GA [email protected] ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! 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