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: Man, bad week for drinking...) Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January 1831 Met in conference and after s sermon by Brother John P. Martin, a door was opened for the reception of members. No applicants. On the request of Mr. John Martin, Brethren George Granberry and Wylie White were appointed to meet Mr. Martin for the purpose of laying out and marking with proper corner past the reserved lot of ground two acres in a square from to use the benefit of the Bethany Baptist Church, which lot is to contain the Bethany meeting house as nearly central as the situation of the place will permit. Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in February, 1831. Met in Conference, and after a sermon by Brother Martin, a door was opened for the reception of members. No applicants. 2nd. Brother George Granberry reported that himself and Brother White in cooperation with Mr. John Martin, had according to appointment laid out the lot of ground granted by William Sparks to this Church for the use of the same, to the mutual satisfaction of the parties. 3rd. Brother James Bishop came forward and acknowledged that he had been drunk, which was laid over till next Conference. 4th. Received a report of intoxication by Brother Stamps and Brother Wylie White against Brother Elias Mullens as a charge appointed Brethren James Baggott and Bazel Smith to cite Brother Mullens to our next conference and answer to the charge. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in March, 1831. Met in Conference, and after a sermons by Brethren James Murry and Clark, a door was opened for the reception of members. No application. 2nd. Took up the reference of Brother James Bishop from last conference, upon which he was unanimously excommunicated. 3rd. Took of the reference of Brother Elias Mullens, the Brethren appointed to visit him reported that he acknowledged that he had drunk too much, upon which, he was unanimously excommunicated.