Transcribed from handwritten Bethany Baptist Church records by Eddie Mikell, all rights reserved. E-mail mikell@virginia.edu for purchasing information on Lawrence County and Jefferson Davis County publications available on CD and hard copy. Now available on e-bay! (Eddie note: Interesting to note the introduction of Norvel Robertson! If you have followed this church, you know that Norvel and his son was ministers for many years at this church - Norvel was buried at the Mikell cemetery. I do not think I have ever heard of a church were another member "announced" there was a preaching in their midst. These notes certainly have been interesting!) Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January 1832 After sermons by Brethren William P. Carter and Martin, a door opened for the reception of members. Received Brother Norvel Robertson by letter. 2nd. A quiry submitted by Brother J. P. Martin with a request for the opinion of this Church thereon, whether it is proper in making application for ministerial aid to form a presbytery for ordaining a minister to make it to the minister as an individual or to the Church to which he belongs, which was laid over till next conference. Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in February 1832 After sermons by Brethren Carter and Martin, a door was opened for the reception of members. Received by letter Sister Rachel Taylor. Took up the queary submitted by Brother Martin at last conference and decided that it is proper to make the application to the minister as an individual. Brother Joseph Parkman came forward and stated he had fallen in an angry passion with one of his neighbors under the influence of which he had used harsh and improper language, and then the conference for which he says he is sorry. Application was made for Brother Levi Noble for letters of dismission for Sister White and Sister Bar, which was granted. Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1832 After sermons by Brethren Pittman and Carter, opened a door for the reception of members. Received by letter, Brother Joel Bullock and his wife, from New Zion Church, Marion County, which letter certified that Brother Bullock was an ordained deacon of that Church. Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1832 After sermons by Brethren Carter and martin, opened a door for the reception of members. No applicants. 2nd. Brother Granberry inquired to know what a member should do when he knew or believed that there was a member in the bounds of the Church, who possessed a figt that ought to be exercised in publick; upon which he was instructed to name the person and the gift upon which he stated that he believed, that Brother Norvel Robertson was in the possession of the gift of preaching, upon which Brother Robertson was authorized his gift in bounds of this Church.

> (Eddie note: Interesting to note the introduction of Norvel Robertson! If > you have followed this church, you know that Norvel and his son was > ministers for many years at this church - Norvel was buried at the Mikell > cemetery. I do not think I have ever heard of a church were another member > "announced" there was a preaching in their midst. These notes certainly > have been interesting!) > > > Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January 1832 > Received Brother Norvel Robertson by letter. > Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1832 > > > 2nd. Brother Granberry inquired to know what a member should do when > he knew or believed that there was a member in the bounds of the Church, who > possessed a gift that ought to be exercised in publick; upon which he was > instructed to name the person and the gift upon which he stated that he > believed, that Brother Norvel Robertson was in the possession of the gift of > preaching, upon which Brother Robertson was authorized his gift in bounds of > this Church. Eddie, I think these passages refer to Norvel Robertson, the son. The elder Robertson was born in 1765 and had been preaching a long time in 1832. As far as I know after he came to Mississippi, the elder lived in Covington County although he preached far and wide. The younger Norvel would have only been 36 and lived in both Covington and Lawrence Counties. Perhaps his gift for preaching is only just being discovered. I am descended from Jeffrey Robertson, the oldest son of the elder Norvell. Granberrys are also related by marriage to the Robertsons as Asaph Robertson married a Granberry girl. EdrieAnne Broughton