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! Fryday before the 3rd Sunday in January 1833 Met in Conference, and after a sermon by Brother Davis Collins, opened a door for the reception of members; no applicants. 2nd Brother Norvel Robertson, Jr., was examined by the Presbytery of ordination and was by them approved. 3rd. Ordered that the clerk be authorized on application of Brother Norvel Robertson, to give him a letter of dismission, expressive of his office, as an ordained minister of the gospel. Resolved that we adjourn to half-past eleven tomorrow. Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January, 1833 Met on Saturday pursuant to adjournment and after a sermon by Brother Davis Collins, appropriate to the occasion, Brother Norvel Robertson, jr., was ordained and set apart to the ministery of the gospel of Christ, by laying on the hands of Brethren Davis Collins, Francis Walker and John P. Martin with the usual ceremonies and charge and conference received the following credential or commission as an evidence of his function. STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, LAWRENCE COUNTY. To the Faithful in Christ Jesus, and all people of whom these present shall come. GREETINGS: Know Ye, that our well beloved and worthy Brother Norvel Robertson, Junior, the bearer, of these presents has been regularly called, examined, approved, ordained and set apart by the laying on the hands of the undersigned Presbytery, to the ministery of the Gospel of our Blessed Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, in presence of the Church and with her full approbation and consent. In consideration of which, we declare him fully authorized to minister and administer the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ in all places and to all people, wheresover God in His Providence may cast his lot. And we do commend him to God and to the Confidence of the whole Christian Church and friendly regar of all people, Given under our hands this 20th. Day of January, 1833 at the request of the Bethany Baptist Church in the county and state aforesaid. Davis Collins, Francis Walker, John P. Martin. A door was opened for the reception of members. William Sterling was received by experience and was accordingly Baptised on Sunday