MINUTES
OF THE
HELD AT
FISHING CREEK CHURCH, WILKES CO., GA. •
ON THE 1 lTH AND 13TH, OCTOBER, 1845.
PENFIELD, GA.
PRINTED BT BENJ. BRANTLY.
1845.
Library of
Emory University
J05^\
'JUN 10 1952 IKK8
MINUTES, &c.
Fishing Creek, October 10, 1845.
In consequence of the rain and high waters, a majority of the
body failed to attend the first day; there was, therefore, no busi¬
ness transacted.
Saturday morning, 9 o'clock.
The'Association met.—Prayer by brother E. Callaway.
1. On motion, proceeded to read the letters from the churches.
2. Re-elected Elder B. M. Sanders, Moderator, and Wm. H.
Stokes, Clerk.
3. Received letters of correspondence from the following bodies,
viz: From the Washington Association, a letter and minutes, by
brother Reeves; from the Hephzibah, a letter and minutes by N.
Polhill; from the Apalachee, a letter and minutes by brother Jack¬
son; from the Sarepta, a letter and minutes by brethren Mathews,
I. H. Goss, A. T. N. Vandivere, B. M. David and F. M. David;
from the Edgefield, S. C., a letter and minutes by brother Chiles;
from the Rock Mountain, a letter and minutes; also, a copy of
minutes from the Shiloh Association, Va.
4. Invited ministers of our own, and other evangelical denomi¬
nations, to seats with us. Brethren Richards, Jackson and Hol¬
land accepted.
5. Appointed the following Committees, viz: On Preaching, A.
Janes, Darden and James Cartledge, from the body, to act with
M. A. Lane and N. Wiley from the church.—On Finance, A. G.
Janes, W. Peek and T. Whaley.—On Nominations, Stocks, Irvine
and Crawford.—On Southern Baptist Convention, Thornton, Craw¬
ford and Stocks.—On the Decease of Ministers, West, Callaway
and Steed—On Business, Thornton, Mell and West.
6. Read and adopted the Report of the Committee on Business.
7. Appointed Correspondents as follows: To the Central Asso¬
ciation, to be held at Antioch, Morgan county, Friday before the
4th Sabbath in August next, Stocks, Sanders and Cox: To the
Washington, 12 miles N. E. of Sandersville, Friday before the 2d
Sabbath in September, Daniel, Steed, Collins, Hall, Neeson: To
the Sarepta, Kandler's Creek, Jackson county, Saturday before the
4th Sabbath in September, J. M. Jackson, Sanders, Bolton, M. A.
Lane, Callaway: To the Tugalo, Bachelor's Retreat, Pickens Dis¬
trict, S. C., Friday before 3d Sabbath in September, West, Morgan,
W. Jackson, Richards: To the Western, (place unknown) Saturday
before the 3d Sabbath in September, Moncrief, Thornton, J. Peek,
Irvine: To the Edgefield, Siloam, five miles North of Cambridge,
Saturday before 2nd Sabbath in September, Butler, Stokes, Craw-
I
ford: To tlic Saluda, 15 miles North of Abbeville C. H., Friday
before 2d Sabbath in August, Gunn, W. Jackson, Lane: To the
Edisto, (place unknown) Saturday before first Sabbath in October,
Brantly and Collins: To the Hephzibah, Silver Run, Columbia
county, Saturday before 3d Sabbath in September, Collins, Neeson,
Beck, Steed, Harley and Sanders: To the Savannah River, Beech
Branch, Beaufort District, S. C., Saturday before the 4th Sabbath
in November next, Harriss, Richards, Brantly: To the Apalachee,
Pleasant Grove, Clark county, Saturday before the 3d Sabbath ill
September, G. Young, J. M. Jackson, M'Norton, W. Jackson: To
the Rock Mountain, Salem, Newton county, Saturday before 2nd
Sabbath in September, Thornton, Harriss, Irvine, J. Peek: To the
Ebenezer, (place unknown) Saturday before 4th Sabbath in Sep¬
tember, Daniel and Hall: To the Flint River, (place unknown)
Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in September, Thornton, J. Peek
and Irvine.
Standing Resolution.—"Resolved, That when a min¬
ister, or other member of this body, shall be present at the meeting
of an Association in correspondence with ours, by presenting a co¬
py of our last minutes containing his name, he is to be recognized
as our Messenger to such Association."
8. The Executive Committee reported in part—Report concur¬
red in.
9. Heard Reports from Agents employed to sell the History of
Georgia Association.
10. Spent some time in hearing statements from brother San¬
ders as Agent of the Convention to collect funds in aid of Mercer
University, whereupon, a Committee, consisting of Butler, Hunter
and Daniel, was appointed to report upon the claims of that insti¬
tution.
11. The Nominating Committee reported, that W. H. Stakes
deliver the Introductory Sermon next year, and that V. R. Thorn¬
ton be his alternate; that P. H. Mell deliver the Missionary Ser¬
mon, and that B. M. Sanders be his alternate. Report adopted.
12. Appointed the next meeting of this body to be held with the
church at Powelton, Hancock county, to commence Friday before
the second Sabbath in October, 1846.
13. Appointed General Meetings as follows—viz: In the First
District, at Williams' Creek, Friday before the fifth Sabbath in
August next.
Second District,'at the Grove, Columbia county, Friday before
the fifth Sabbath in May.
Third District, at Bethesda, Greene county, Friday before the
third Sabbath in August.
Fourth District, at Fishing,Creek, Wilkes county, Friday before
the first Sabbath in August.
Adjourned to Monday morning, 10 o'clock.—Prayer by the
Moderator.
5
The Sabbath was wholly devoted to religious exercises. T. J.
Beck, who was under appointment to deliver the Introductory
Sermon, but failed on account of the rain and the failure of the
body to attend, commenced the services in the morning, and was
followed immediately by V. R. Thornton, with the Annual Mis¬
sionary Sermon; B._M. Sanders preached in the atternoon.
Monday Morning.
Met according to adjournment.—Prayer by brother Chiles.
1. Read and corrected minutes of Saturday.
2. Elected the brethren Sanders, Stocks, Thornton, A. Janes, E.
Callaway, Irvine, Mell and Stokes, to represent this body in the
Georgia Baptist Convention, to meet in the City of Macon, May
next, with power to fill vacancies with persons belonging to this
Association.
3. Read and approved Letters of Correspondence.
4. The Executive Committee finished their Report. See letter A.
5. Committee on Mercer University reported. See letter B.
6. Committee on the Southern Baptist Convention reported the
following Resolutions:
1. Resolved, That we hereby approve of the formation of the
Southern Baptist Convention.
2. Resolved, That we recommend the establishment of a South¬
ern Board, for the circulation of the Bible, and the printing of
other religious books.
7. The Committee on the Decease of Ministers, reported. See
letter C.
8. The Financial Committee reported. See letter D.
9. Requested the Clerk to superintend the printing and distribu¬
tion of 2,500 copies of these Minutes, and voted that he receive
thirty-five dollars for his services.
After prayer and benediction by the Moderator, the Association
adjourned.
B. M. SANDERS, Moderator.
W. H. Stokes, Clerk.
STATE OF THE CHURCHES.
Ordained Ministers in small capitals,—Licentiates in Italict.—Absentees. *
S
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a
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73
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35
By whom
Minister's Post
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CHURCHES.
DELEGATES' NAMES.
2
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Supplied.
Office.
-
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CD
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' Powelton,
Daniel,
Powelton,
D. G. Daniel, W. J. Harley, C. M. Irvine.
i
~2
"29
~3
~o
"1
97
67
164
Mt. Zion,
Daniel,
Powelton,
Jesse Lockhart A. Jackson,*
4
0
3
4
1
1
2
73
Horeb,
Stokes,
MayfieJd,
W. H. Stokes, T. Whaley,
2
1
4
19
3
0
1
76
49
125
White Plains,
J. Harrris,
Penfield,
A G. Janes, S Johnson, E. P. Jarrel, J. Moore,
J. Pilcher, W. M. Williams,*
3
5
10
4
1
0
1
204
Warrenton,
Harley,
Powelton,
2
2
1
2
0
0
0
42
New Providence
Beck,
Raytown,
T. J. Beck, H. Hight,
3
2
8
3
0
2
2
110
Long Creek,
Gunn,
Grawfordville,
T. W. Fowler, W. Harriss,
4
0
5
13
4
0
1
108
Williams Creek,
West,
Washington,
J. Darden, S. Torrence,
2
6
3
5
1
0
2
111
Bethel, Crawf'lie
Stokes,
May field,
W. Peek, J. Peek, J. Woodall, J. Chapman,*
41 13
4
12
1
0
3
214
50
264
Elim,
Gunn,
Crawfordville,
R. Gunn, J. M. Hall,
3
36
6
3
1
0
2
145
* Kioka,
Harries,
Appling,
J Harris, C Collins, GAP Whitfield, W Yarborough )
0
James Cartlege. (
3
3
6
•a s
4
53
198
251
Pine Grove*
Carter,
Washington,
B. Wilkinson.* R, Shanklin,
2
1
1
0
2
; 50
Sharon
Gunn,
Crawfordville,
L. G. Steed, J. S. Lasiter,
1
3,
2
3
o
0
1 o
70
Damascus,
Befck,
Raytown,
A. J. Hutchinson,* H. Sandere,
2
0
0
2
0
01 1
36
Grove,
Beck,
M
G. H. Cliatt, H. Neeson,
4
2
0
9
2
0 2
126
Bethleh'm, Beth.
Kennedy,
Appling,
S. Crump, H. Evans,
4
1
0
13
2
0 1
127
Aberieen,
J. T. S. Park, T. Skinner,
0
0
5
3
0 0
36
20
56
Double Branch,
West.
Washington,
R. Davie, S. Mosely,
1
1
4
2
4
0 0
59
ie
77
Sweet Water,
Steed,
Lombaray,
W. P. Steed, E. Burson,*
2
1
10
3
e
0 3
i
! 129
Union, Warren,
Carter,
Washington,
T. Grenade, G. W. Hardaway,
4
2
3
1
e
01 3
114
23 137
Augusta,
Brantly,
Augusta,
No Representation, No. as last year,
187
Springfield, Af.
J. Walker,
11
J. Walker, W. Hoxley,
46
9
7
14
19111
11731173
Thankful, do.
J. Walker,
tf
J Ramsey.
17
18
]
4|u; i
77| 77
Spirit Creek, do,
Ebenezer, do.
New Hope,
> Bethesda>
Shilo,
Smyrna,
Phillip's Mills,
Antiocb,
Beards,
County Line,
Greenesboro,
_ Penfield,
Goshen,
Clark's Station,
Sardis,
Newford,
Rehoboth,
Greenwood,
Lincolnton,
Salem,
Hepbzibah,
Fishing Creek,
Washington,
Friendship,
Bevordam,
Ebenezer,
Union, Lincoln,
Whites and Blacks!
J.'Walker, Augusta,
Carter,
Baker,
Baker,
Hill,
Thornton,
Wandivere,
I. L Brooks
CaHaway,
iMell,
(Sanders,
Bolton,
Bolton,
Callaway,
Bolton,
Callaway,
West,
Lane,
Gunn,
Carter.
Lane,
Crawford,
Mathews,
Callaway,
West»
Lane,
Washington,
Penfield,
11
Rehoboth ville,
Public Square,
Lexington,
Penfield,
Washington,
Penfield,
Mallorysville,
»)
Washington,
Washington,
Crawfordville,
Washington,
Elberton,
Washington,
No Representation, No. as last year,
Walker,
W. Moncrief,* J. Little,
V. R. Thornton, A. Janes, E. S. Hunter,
W. Moncrief, D. R. Malone*
H. C. Peek, J. W. Champion*
R. Anderson,* J. T. Hackney*
J. G. McNorton, R. E. McGinty G. Young,
W O Cheney, P. Briscoe, J. G. Holtzclaw, W L Cren-
ehaw,* C. D. Kinebrew,
T. R. Morgan, T. N. Rhodes,
P. H. Mell, T. Stocks,
B. M. Sanders, J. L. Daog*
O. Florence, J. Turner,*
I. N. Bolton, J. Norman,
E. Callaway, J. M. Jackson, G. W. Callaway,
W. T. Lane, F. M'Lendon, W. Jackson,
J. Silbert, W. R. Cox, T. J. Burdett,
D. Paschal, J. L. Paschal,
W. Dallas, J. Zellars,
J. McCord, J. Bently,
J. A. Carter, J. Florence,
M. A. Lane, T. Anderson,
N. M. Crawford, F. Ficklin, D. E. Butler,
J. Danner, S. S. Howard,
S. Callaway, S. H. Willis,
J. Q,. West, George McKinney,
M. S. Anthony,* J. Harper,*
330
4
1
2
0
0
3
55
55
1
1
0
2
1
0
54
3
15
7
8
0
3
5
187
4
0
2
11
2
1
3
104
1
4
6
4
3
0
1
104
3
6
10
16
3
0
1
140
1
3
12
4
3
0
3
118
52
170
4
9
6
6
0
0
1
166
98
264
1
0
0
12
2
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91
4
1
9
8
1
0
2
38
56
94
2
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8
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86
1
87
3
1
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105
2
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5
1
0
0
75
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1
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1G
2
3
5
1@2
4
6
11
13
3
1
0
154
2
3
2
8
6
0
3
90
93
183 -i
3
0
1
9
3
2
2
118
4
3
4
1
0
0
0
45
2
0
0
2
3
0
2
70
4
1
3
9
1
0
1
65
1
5
3
9
8
1
2
36
104
140
4
5
7
5
6
2
1
27
140
167
3
13
1
8
2
0
2
58
22
80
3
I
1
6
0
0
2
44
19
63,
4
3
1
13
0
0
4
50
57
107
4
2
0
0
0
0
0
56
240
214
345il8j50
92
7222.
8
APPENDIX.
A
The Executive Committee of the Georgia Association beg leave
to submit the following
REPORT.
Domestic Missions within the State.
It will be recollected that the Washington and Hephzibah
Associations took action upon this subject last year, and that a
respectable subscription was obtained in each of these bodies, and
a wish expressed that this Association might co-operate with them
in establishing a mission in some of the lower counties of the State.
The Georgia Association responded to this request, and-a subscrip¬
tion amounting to two hundred and seventy-eight dollars was
obtained. But owing to the fact, that no suitable missionary could
be found, these subscriptions have not been called for up to the
present time. Of late, however, the Executive Committee of the
Convention having engaged the services of bro. D. G. Daniel for
the next year, to occupy the above mentioned field, the whole
amount will be required. We would therefore, suggest the proprie¬
ty of all these subscriptions being collected with as little delay as
possible.
Southern Baptist Convention.
In consequence of certain difficulties existing between Northern
and Southern Baptists, with respect to Missionary operations, a
Convention of Southern brethren was held in Augusta, May last,
the design of which was, to devise ways and means whereby all the
benevolent objects contemplated by us as a people, might be more
efficiently promoted. In view of this important movement, we
would respectfully urge the churches of our Association to adopt
vigorous measures to enable the several Boards appointed by the
above mentioned organization to prosecute their praise-worthy de¬
signs. *
Operations in the Churches.
K
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fowelton,
Alt. Zion,
Horcb,
White Plains,
Warrenton,
New Providence,
Ling Creek,
Will iams Creek,
Bethel, Crawfordville,
Elim,
Kiokee,
Pine Grove,
Sharon,
Damascus,
Grove,
Bethlehem,
Aberleen,
Double Branches*
Sweet Water,
Union, Warren,
Augusta,
Springfield, Af.
Thankful, „
Spirit Creek, Af.,
Ebenezer, Af.
Newhope,
Bethesda,
Shilo,
Smyrna,
Phillip's Mills,
Antioch,
Bairds,
County Line,
Greeneaboro,
Penfield,
Goshen,
Clarks Station,
Sardis,
Newford,
Eehoboth,
Greenwood,
Lincoln ton,
Selem, Lincoln,
Hepsibah,
Fishing Creek,
Washington,
Friendship,
Bcverdam,
Ebenezer,
Union, Lincoln,
2
5
rs
O
0
4
25
200
p 2m
1
4up
0
0
UNI ON.
55
p lm
2
0
1
0
3
22
100
60
p 1m
2
4
2
1
4
37
50
2
p 1m
2
I
1
1
2
2
4
0
1
6
70
100
none
1
4
2
1
2
0
0
0
none
1
0
0
1
0
0
0
0
none
1
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15
30
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1
1
0
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none
1
0
1
0
0
0
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1
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0
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none
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1
0
0
0
0
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2
1
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0
30
100
o
0
4
4
1
1
13
80
400
most
4
4
2
3
4
4
1
2
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
0
4
35
300
p 1m
1
p 1m
1
4
0
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0
0
0
0
1
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1
1
0
0
1
0
2
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1
0
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15
80
p 2m
4
5
5
8
17
00
800
800
WP WES
1
1
1
1
3
85
1
4
1
2
1
1
0
1
4
0
0
5
mow.
2
0
1
1
4
1
0
4
4
1
0
3
20
100
w. P. m
1
1
1
0
0
2
1
•
1
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
32
20
50
409
1405
aeh month.
10
B
The Committee appointed to report upon the subject of Educa¬
tion, submit the following:—
The necessity for educating the rising generation, is too pal¬
pable for argument; so that the only question which can arise
among the friends of this cause is, how shall the means be provided
to establish a place or places where instruction may be had? For
the Baptists of Georgia, the question of place is, beyond a doubt,
settled, and that too by the wisest heads and most generous hearts
amongst them—Mercer, Armstrong, Marshall and others,—whose
strength and money, which were the Lord's, have been freely ex¬
pended in the progress of this work.
The means too, in part, have also been provided; but facts do
warrant the assertion, that the Baptists in Georgia, are not doing so
much, in this great cause, as their ability and the necessity of the"
times require.
Now the truth cannot be disguised, that the rearing and endowing
of one College even, is the work of time, and therefore, to be accom¬
plished only by degrees; and hence is urged the necessity, for
renewed, continued and untiring effort.
Again: Although we have a place, and means, and men employ¬
ed at that place, by those means, we have not that number of
students, (only about 70) which might reasonably be expected.—
How can workmen even, with the implements of their art in hand,
work without materials ? So is it equally impossible for Professors
to conduct a college successfully without pupils.
Your Committee then think, that the present is a time, calling
loundly and imperatively, upon the Georgia Association, and all
Baptists in the State, to bestir themselves right away upon this sub¬
ject ; and they are also of opinion that nothing better can be done
than to give a liberal and continued support to Mercer Univer¬
sity, and the Preparatory School connected therewith. By sup¬
port is meant, a supply of st udents equal to the capacity of the
School and College to instruct. There is a demand also, for the
two additional professors appointed prospectively by the Board of
Trustees at it last meeting, growing out of the fact, that, Southern
Baptists have taken a stand on several great and vital questions,
f^om which they never can recede, and as-such, are now compelled
to do that for themselves, which heretofore they permitted to be
done by others.
Therefore your Committee offer the following Resolutions:
1. Resolved, That we highly approve and cordially recommend
Mercer University to the support and patronage of the public,
and more especially to our own denomination.
2. Resolved, That the appointment of two additional professors,
which was made by the Board of Trustees at its last meeting, is,
in the opinion of this Association, necessary and proper at the
present time, to place the University on that high ground it should
occupy as a Southern Institution.
11
3. Resolved, That to make any Institution of learning useful, one
requisite, not the least important, is, that students be had to receive
instruction; and that any plan which will effect this object at our
College, ought to have the hearty approbation and substantial sup¬
port of members composing this Association.
All of which is respectfully submitted,
D. G. DANIEL, )
E. S. HUNTER, V Committee.
D. E. BUTLER. )
C
The Committee to whom was referred the subject of the decease
of Ministers, beg leave to report, that after making inquiry of as
many brethren as opportunity afford, they can learn of but one
case claiming attention.
Brother R. V. Asberry departed this life on the 20th of July last,
and was at the time of his death a member of William's Creek
Church, Warren County; amongst whom he labored as a useful
minister, though not the Pastor, for twelve years and upwards.—
Your committee feel that by the death of this beloved brother,
the cause of Christ has lost the services of one who was faithful,
diligent, and always ready to assist in every good work. He was
taken from life suddenly, in the midst of great usefulness ; yet was
he resigned to death, and we trust, has entered the rest that remains
to the people of God. We therefore feel, that in this dispensation
of Providence, the injunction of our Saviour should be impressed
with force upon our minds, " Pray ye the Lord of the harvest, that
he will send forth laborers into his harvest."
We deeply sympathise with his afflicted family in the bereav-
ment.
J. Q. WEST, )
E. CALLAWAY, V Com.
W. P. STEED. >
12
D
The Committee on
Finance have received from the Churches composing the
Georgia Association and from i
ndividual,
a, as follows:
CHURCHES.
Minute Fun
©
a
ft
o
Foreign Mi
Domestic Mis
Indian Mis.
jV Orleans C
3
a
o»
8»*
g
p
Hi
c*
k
Anlioch,
$2 50
8
$ :
810
$
Aberleen,
2 00
1
2
5
8
5
5
Augusta,
Belhel, Crawford'e,
Bethlehem, Bethel,
3
25
25
1
20
Bairds,
3
15
7
10
Beverdam,
1 50
2 75
15
Bethesda,
2 50
23 30
15
10
Clarks Station,
1 50
8
0 70
9 50
50
County L'ne,
1 50
5 62
2 50
Damascus,
1 00
2
Double branches,
2
6 56
2 36
9 £5
50
Ebenezer, Wilkes,
1 50
52 30
5 78
4 05
Elim,
3
15
10
Fishing Creek,
1 50
1 75
Friendship,
1 00
Greenwood,
2
8
8
15
Greenesboro,
2
10
30
Goshen,
1 50
9 75
Grove,
1 75
6 02
6 50
13
Hepzibah,
2
6 60
80
Horeb,
2 50
2
Kiokee,
2 50
1
4
28 50
26 50
5
Lincolnton,
1 00
1 25
Long Creek,
2
4 50
9 15
Mt. Zion,
2
7
Newford,
2
12 75
New Hope,
1 50
2 62
7 50
New Providence,
1 50
30
Penfield,
2
17 50
24 35
37 55
19 50
Pine Grove,
1
20 25
Powelton,
3
Phillip's Mill,
2 50
13 50
Rehoboth,
2 50
5
6 93
6 92
5
Salem,
1 50
6
Sardis,
3
15 62
2 50
5
Shi loll,
1 50
5
Sharon,
25
4
I
Smyrna,
1 75
3 72
3 73
Sweetwater,
3 00
7 50
Union, Lincoln,
1
1 75
Union, Warren,
2 50
10 25
5
Warrenton,
1 00
White Plains,
3
10 68
9 18
18 33
Williams Creek,
2 00
2 25
3 50
2
5
Washington,
1 50
17 50
18 50
15
5
Springfield, Af.
3
5
Thankful, Af.
1
Rev. J. T. Irvin,
5
5
Collected on Sabbath.
60 73
1 50
13
J. S. Laesiter, N. Orleans Ch.,
Maj. W. Alexander,
P. VF. Sails,
Rev. M. A. Lane,
F. C. Armstrong,
Rev. J. A. Carter,
T. P. Burdett,
D, Herndon,
John Wright,
A friend,
A colored sister,
Females of Powelton, For. Mis
Rev. W. P. Steed.
S. D. Durham.
Crawfordville Female Society
1 00
5
5
5
5
6 25
3
10
5
5
05
17 75
20
5
for Indian Missions, 16 75
Sundry persons for Washington
Association Mission, 35 35
Constitue Rev. J. Harris, life
member Indian Mis. Asso. 30
Mrs. Ann Wilson, Indian Mis, 2 50
Fishing Creek, Stephens and
Simons, 8 00
Lincolnton, Stephens, & Simons, 18 75
Bethesda Southern Dom. Mis., 15 00
Mt Zion, Educate Ministers, 7 75
Penfield, Bible cause, 8 75
Penfield, collection at conceit of
prayer, 13 35
Springfield, Af. Mission, 5 00
RECAPITULATION.
General Purposes,
Foreign Missions,
Domestic Mission,
Indian Missions,
N. Orleans Church,
Washington Asso. Mission,
Southern Dom. Mission,
Education of Ministers,
Bible cause,
Sale of Geo. Ass. Histories,
Paid Minute Fund to W. H,
Stokes,
$177
323
217
2R1
180
219
15
7
8
14
$1,444
89
Paid to V. R. Thornton, Dele¬
gate to the Indian Mission
.Association, the Indian Mis.
Fund. 281 58
Paid to B. M. Sanders, for the
Treasurer of Geo. Baptist
Convention—balance, 1,163 32
A. G. JANES,
W. PEEK,
T. WHALEY,
Oct. 13, 1845.
$1,444 90
SFin.
Com.
CONSTITUTION AND DECORUM
OF THE
GEORGIA ASSOCIATION.
"We, the churches of Jesus Christ, who have been regularly
baptized upon a profession of our faith, are convinced, from a series
of experience, of the necessity of a combination of churches; and
of maintaining a correspondence, for the preserving of a federal un¬
ion amongst all the churches of the same faith and order.
And as we are convinced, that there are a number of Baptist
churches, who differ from us in faith and practice; and that it is
impossible to have communion where there is 110 union, we think
it our duty to set forth a concise declaration of the faith and order,
upon which we intend to associate, which is as follows:
1st. We believe in one only true and living God; and that there
as a trinity of persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son, and
the Holy Ghost; and yet there are not three Gods, but one God.
2d. We believe that the Scriptures oftheOldand New Testa¬
ments are the word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
3d. We believe in the fall of Adam, and the imputation of his
:sin to his posterity. In the corruption of human nature, and the
impotency of man to recover himself by his own free will—ability.
4th, We believe in the everlasting love of God to his people, and
the eternal election of a definite number of the human race, to
grace and glory : And there was a covenant of grace or redemption
made between the Father and the Son, before the world began, in
which their salvation is secure, and that they in particular are re¬
deemed.
5th. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God,
only by the righteousness of Christ imputed to them.
6th. We believe that all those who were chosen in Christ, will be
effectually called, regenerated, converted, sanctified, and supported
by the Spirit and power of God, so that they shall persevere in grace,
and no't one of theui be finally lost.
7th. We believe that good works are the fruits of faith, and
,follow after justification, and that they only justify us in the si^ht
of men and angels, and are evidences of our gracious state.
8th. We believe that there will be a resurrection of the doad,
-and a general judgment; and the happiness of the righteous, and
the punishment of the wicked will be eternal.
And as for Gospel order :
1st. We believe that the visible Church of Christ is a congrega¬
tion of faithful persons, who have gained christian fellowship with
each other, and have given themselves up to the Lord, and to one
another, and have agreed to keep up a godly discipline, agreeably
to the rules of the Gospel.
15
2nd. We believe that Jesus Christ is the great head ofliis Church,
and only law giver, and that the government is with the body,
and is the privilege of each individual; and that the discipline of
the church is intended for the reclaiming of those christians, who
may be disorderly, either in principle or practice; and must be
faithfully kept'up, for God's glory, and the peace and unity of the
churches.
3d. We believe that water baptism and the Lord's supper, are
ordinances of the Lord, and are to be continued till his second
coming.
4th. We believe that true believers in Jesus Christ are the only
subjects of baptism, and that dipping is the mode.
5th. We believe that none but regular baptized church members
have a right to communion at the Lord's table.
6th. We believe that it is the duty of every heaven-born soul to
become a member of the visible Church, to make a public profession
ofliis faith, to be legally baptized, so as to have a right to, and to
partake of the Lord's supper at every legal opportunity, thro' the
whole course of his life.
Having laid down a summary of the faith and order upon which
we intend to associate; we therefore, purpose to mention for the
decorum of our association, the followihg plan or form of govern¬
ment :
Article 1st. Those members who are regularly chosen by the
churches in our union shall compose the association.
2d. The mem6ers so chosen, shall produce letters from their res¬
pective churehes, certifying their appointment, together with their
number in fellowship, those baptized, received by letter, restored,
dismissed, excommunicated, and dead, since the last association.
3d. The members thus chosen and convened, shall be denomi¬
nated the Georgia Baptist Association.
4th. This association shall have no power to lord it over God's
heritage; nor by which they can infringe upon any of the internal
rights of the churches.
5th. The association shall have a moderator and clerk, who shall
be chosen by the members present.
6th. If new churches desire to be admitted into this union, they
shall petition by letter and messengers delegates, and upon exami¬
nation, if found orthodox and orderly, shall be received by the asso¬
ciation ; and manifested by the moderator's giving the messenger
or messengers delegates, the right hand of fellowship. •
7th. No church in the union shall have aright to more than two
messengers delegates, till she shall exceed one hundred members;
and then she shall have aright to an additional messenger delegate,
for evefy fifty after the first hundred.
8th. Every query sent to the association, by any church in the
union', shall be read and put to vote by the moderator, whether it
shall be debated; and if there be a majority for, it shall be taken
up and investigated; but if not, it shall be withdrawn.—Provided
16
always, that those be first considered which affect the union of
churches.
9th. Every motion made and seconded, shall come under the
observation of the association; except it be withdrawn by the mem¬
ber who made it.
10th. Every member who speaks in debate shall rise from his
seat, and address the moderator; and shall not be interrupted while
speaking, except he depart from the subject.
11th. No person shall speak more than three times to the same
query, without leave of the association.
12th. There shall be tio talking or whispering in the time of a
public speech, nor reflections cast upon the speaker.
13th. No member shall exempt himself from the association with¬
out leave from the moderator.
14th. If any member shall break the rules of this decorum, he
shall be immediately reproved by the moderator.
15th. It is the business of this association, first, to provide for the
general union of the churches; secondly, to keep up a correspon¬
dence with those associations, of the same faith and order, that a
chain of communications may be preserved amongst the churches.
Thirdly, to give the churches the best advice they can in matters of
difficulty; and if the communion should be broken, between any
of the sister churches in the union, to enquire into the cause of the
breach, and use their best endeavors to remove the difficulty ; but if
the breach cannot bo healed, to withdraw from any church or
churches, whom they shall look upon to be unsound in principle, or
immoral in practice, till they be reclaimed.—Fourthly, to admit any
of the brethren in the ministry as assistants, if they shall judge it to
be necessary. Fifthly, to appoint a secretary to keep a book and
regularly record the proceedings of every association, and to see
that he is satisfied for his trouble. Sixthly, to have the minutes of
the association read (and corrected if need be) and signed by the
moderator and clerk, before the association rises, and have them
printed if they think pioper. Seventh, to mend this plan or form of
government at any time when the majority of the union shall deem
it to be necessary. Eighth, to adjourn to any time or place which
they may think to be most proper."