I have a question concerning terms of description. In the old church minutes or records, when someone is referred to as a Messenger is that a deacon or something of that nature? In the instance I am looking at there are also 3-4 listed so I would assume they are not ministers and some of them change occassionally but for the most part are some of the same base persons. Also, when someone is received into the church by letter what exactly does this mean? I had always assumed it meant transferring from another church to a new one with a letter of reference, but I am seeing mention of persons who have letters but are not turning them into the church-as if they moved to the new church district but refused to join the new church. Any help is much appreciated. Debra Carter tara37@comsys.net