MINUTES OF THE ^ ORIGINAL, FREEWILL-BAPTIST, GENERAL CONFERENCE, HELD AT FREE-UNION MEETING HOUSE, GREENE C0. 3 N.C., On the 5th, Qth *lth and 8th days of November, A. D,, 1857. PRINTED BY WM. ROBINSON & CO, 'TS&IB&Njfij ^Affitt 1857, * ^ .A t • This was a faction of the General Conference of Free Will Baptists of North Carolina who separated in 18^3 over the question of membership in secret societies (especially the Freemasons). In 18£° this faction merged with the TTnion Baptists (although a majority of the congregations returned to the F.W.B. General Conference rather than enter the merger )• 3 THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 5th, 1857. Agreeably to previous appointment, the ministers, mes- sengers and delegates of the North Carolina, Original, Free- will Baptist Conference met at Free-Union Meeting House, Greene Co., N. C. at 12 o'clock, M. Elder Hiram Gr. Paul, who had been previously appoint- ed to preach the introductory sermon, attended and intro- duced Divine service, and preached from the 20th Psalm and a part of the 5th verse — " In the name of our God, we will set up our banners." Conference was then duly organized, by choosing Elders Hiram G. Paul, Moderator; Thomas Moore, assistant Mod- erator ; brethren William A. Brand, Clerk, and John Jackson assistant Clerk. On 'motion, agreed, that brethren John W. Linton and William Bennett be a committee of finance, to receive con- tributions, settle with the Treasurer and report to Confer- ence. On motion, agreed that brethren Owen W. Jones, Thom- as Weatherington and William W. Galloway be appoint- ed a committee of arrangements, to supply the congrega- tion and fill the stage with preachers during this Confer- ence. On motion, the committee who was to fill the stage with preachers, during this Conference," reported Elders Jessee Bennett and IS. J. Carrow to preach to the attending con- gregation on Friday. On motion, agreed that brother Irvin Jones attend the stage and receive a list of texts, taken by the different El- ders or preachers, during this Conference, and report a copy of the same to the clerk. On Motion, agreed that Conference adjourn till Friday, 10 o'clock ; prayer and praise by Elder S. J. Carrow. FRIDAY MOENING, NOVEMBER 6th, 1851 The Elders, Ministers and Messengers, .met agreeably to adjournment ; praise and prayer by brother Jesse Bennett. On motion, agreed that the letters from the several church- es be called for and read. The number of members, delegates, amount of contribu- tions &c,, were as the following table exhibits; If) re CHURCHKS. COUNTIES Louisen Swamp, Lenoir, Wheat Swamp. Bethel, Hickory Grove, South West, Imitation, Pitt, Tar River, •* Little Creek. Greene, Free Union, Hookerton, DELEGATES. 4 b 1 4 1 1 Goose Creek, Milton B. River Rit Swamp, Post Oak, Concord, Liberty, Newbern, Mount Zion, Free Union, Goose Creek, Pan lego, Union Chapel, Blount's Creek, Purgo Chapel, Rustei's Creek, Hood Swamp, Little Creek, Craven, Martin, Beau tort Carteret Wayne 5L. Hill, W. Falkner, I C. Johnson. Wm. Lassiter, Joseph Pitman, 2 R. Hill, S. J. button, 13 J. H. Jackson, A hner Smith, Not represented, Thomas Weatherington J.R.Dail, W. A Brand. (rvin Jones, B. Dixon, 5 Wm. Bennet, Jesse ) I Bennet, J no. Scott, $ 15 Represented by pastor, 2 26 F.Fulshire, H.T.Fulshire T. Pollard, By letter, S. Weatherington, Bv lener, 2042 1 By letter, 3f 3j Jno. Swinson, 29 2b' 2 2; By letter, | 3 M. J. Flinn, WWGaloway.LATaylor Not represented, S M. LintonJ.W.Lin-? I ton, Wm. E.\Vright,5 12 S. J. Carrow. Wm.Frazier, H.F.Smith, $ Thos Weatherington, ? I J.McGlohorn, J 4 6 25 4 2 5 5' o 1 1 $!c. 3 274 4 123|2 224 66,2 68 3 18 23 202 23 4b 2 119 110 83 111 66 10 3(5 50 50 4bU| 2| lj50 li M 76 20 83 2 m 22 1 2 22 45 1 23 20|| 19c 50 50 50 2; 50 50 On motion, agreed that the Finance committee retire, set- tle with the Treasurer, and report to Conference. EEPORT OF COMMITTEE. To balance on hand last year, Contributed this year, Wm. Bennett, J. W. Linton, Com, of Finance. $8 65 38 50 $47 10 5 On motion agreed that brother Jesse Bennett be ordain- >d, during Conference, as a minister. On motion, agreed that brother J. H. Jackson draw on the Treasurer for the sum of $4. On motion, agreed that the committee appointed to attend to the publishing of a Freewill Baptist Journal be contin- ued for the next year. On motion, agreed that brother John H. Jackson be ap- pointed to attend the Freewill Baptist Association, South. On motion, agreed that there be volunteers called for to attend the Cape Fear Conference, to meet in October next, which the following list will show : J. H.Jackson, Wm. A. Brand, 0. W. Jones, Elders Alfred Moore and Silves- ter J. Carrow. On motion agreed that Elder D. H. Miller's name be en- rolled on our minutes. On motion, agreed that the petitions for the next Gene- ral Conference be taken up. Voted, that our next Annual Conference be held with the church at Louisen Swamp, Lenoir county, and that it com- mence on Thursday before the second Lords day in Novem- ber A. D., 1858'. On motion, agreed that Elder S. J. Carrow be requested to preach the introductory sermon and that Elder Thomas Moore be his alternate. On motion, agreed that Wm. A. Brand transcribe and prepare these minutes for the press. On motion, agreed that there be 1500 copies printed. On motion, agreed that there be 100 copies of these min- utes sent to the Cape Fear Conference. On motion, agreed, that Wm. A. Brand, be paid $15 for his services. On motion, agreed, that the general treasurer pay over to the' Clerk $25 to defray expenses of these minutes. On motion, agreed, that the committee of Arrangements retire and report the names of the preachers to fill the stand on Saturday. Committee reported Elders H. G. Paul and Jesse Bennett. On motion, agreed, that Conference adjourn until Satur- day, 10 o'clock, A. M.; Praise and prayer by Elder iUfred Moore. SATUKDAY MORNING, NOVEMBER 7th, 1857. The ministers and delegates met agreeably to adjourn- ment; Praise and prayer by Eider B. B. Albritton. On motion, agreed that Elder B. B. Alhritton and H. (x, Faul attend to the ordination of Brother Jesse Bennet. On motion, agreed that the committee appointed to have Hymn Books printed make a report at the next Conference of how many books they have on hand, and how much, mo- ney they have on hand, as proceeds arising from the sale of the hooks. Resolved, That this Conference have learned with deep regret of the death of Elder John Barrow. Resolved, That in the death of Elder J. Barrow this Con- ference have lost an able and efficient minister; and that they tender their sincere and heartfelt condolence to the family of their deceased brother, in their sad bereavement. On motion, agreed that this Conference tender their thanks to the inhabitants of this vicinity for their kindness and hospitality during the session. On motion, agreed that Elder Jesse Bennett's name be enrolled on these minutes. On motion, agreed that Conference adjourn to time and place above mention ed. HIRAM G. PAUL, Moderator. THOMAS MOOBE, Ast Moderator. William H, Brand, Clerk. John A. Jackson, Ast. Clerk. The following is a fist of the Ministers, Preachers and El- ders belonging to the original, Freewill-Baptist Conference in Eastern North Carolina, who are known to be favorable to it : NAMES AM) POST OFFICES OF MINISTERS, Thomas Moore, Hookerton. B. B. Albrittox, Greenville. Hiram G. Paul, Newbern. S. J. C arrow, Beaufort. F. B. Silveethorn, Bay River. Alfred Moore, Kinston. Chas. JIoltox, Matthew Holtox, Bay River. A. B. Yaxx. I C. Wood, P. H. Miller, Jesss Bexxkt, Goklsborough, Newbern. Under the direction of the committee of arrangements^ the stage was supplied and the congregation was entertain- ed as follows : Friday, November 6th, 1857 — Elder Jesse Bennett intro- duced divine service and preached from Revelations, 22nd chapter and 1*7 th verse — "And the spirit and the "bride say, Come, and let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely/' Elder S. J. Carrow followed and preached from Matthew, 22nd chapter and 14th verse — "For many are called but few are chosen." Saturday Morning, November *Jth, 1857 — Elder H. G. Paul preached from Matthew, 12th chapter and 50th verse : "For whosoever shall do the will of my father which is in heaven, the same is my brother and sister and mother. " Elder S. Gr. Carrow followed by exhortation. -Sunday Morning, November 8th., 1857 — Praise and prayer by Elder Jesse Bennett. Elder S. Gr. Carrow introduced divine service and preached from 2nd Timothy, 3rd chapter and 5th verse — "Having a form of godliness but denying the power thereof: from such turn away/' Elder Thos. Moore followed and preached from Revela- tions, 4th chapter and 6th verse — "And before the throne there was a sea of glass, like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and around about the throne were four beasts full of eyes before and behind." Prayer and praise by Elder Thos, Moore, and all were dismissed. ANNUAL AND QUARTERLY MEETINGS. CHURCHES & COUNTIES. ANNUAL MEETINGS. Louisen Swamps, Lenoir, 1st Sun.iu Oct. Wheat Swamp, " 3rd " " Bethel, " 2nd r * Sept. Hickory Grove, " 2nd " Oct. South West, ' " 2nd " Imitation, Tar River, Pitt, 1st " Sept. Little Creek, Greene, 3rd £f Oct, Free Union. " 3rd " Aug. Hookerton, ** Goose Creek, Craven, 3rd " Oct. Bay River, " 4th 4f Oct. Rit Swamp, " 1st " Sept. Post Oak, " 1st " Aug. Concord, " 1st " Liberty, " 1st " 4f Newbern, Craven, Mount Zion, " Free Union, Martin, 4th " Sept. Goose Creek, Beaufort, 4th " Aug. Pantego. " 3rd " Sept. Union Chapel, " 2nd " Aug. Blount's Cieek, " 4th « Pungo, ** Rustel's Creek, Carteret, 2nd " Oct. Hood Swamp, Wayne, 1st " Aug. QUARTERLY MEETINGS. 1st Sun. in July, Jan., Apl. 3rd " " * 4 >* 2nd " Dec, March, June. 2nd " Jan., April, July. 2nd " «• ? " 1st * f Dec, March, June. 3rd " Jan., April, July, 3rd " Nov., Feb., May. 3rd 4th 1st 1st 1st 1st Jan., April, July. Jan., April, July. Dec, March, June. Nov., Feb., May. 4th " Dec, March, June. 4ih (t Nov., Feb., May. 3rd " Dec, March, June. 2nd - f Nov'r., Feb., May. 4th ts " " " 2nd " Jan., April, July. 1st " Nov'r., Feb., May. Dear Brethren : In the performance of the duty which you assigned me — that of transcribing and preparing the minutes of our Conference for the press, I have used dili- gence in trying to give all the statements correctly, and to do it in a manner that might be satisfactory to you, by fol- lowing the course pursued by others in preparing the Min- utes of previous Conferences. Please pardon all errors. Done by order of Conference. WM. A. BRAND, Cleric. Nov. l?th, A. D., 1857. .