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THE QUARTERLY  OF THE  TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL  ASSOCIATION

 VOLUME XII.  JULY, 1908, TO APRIL, 1909.

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE:

A. W. TERRELL,

GEORGE P. GARRISON,BRIDE NEILL TAYLOR,

Z. T. FULMORE,W. J. BATTLE.

EDITOR:

GEORGE P. GARRISON.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS:

HERBERT EUGENE BOLTON,EUGENE C. BARKER.

AUSTIN, TEXAS:  PUBLISHED BY THE ASSOCIATION.  1909.

The Texas State Historical Association.

Organized March 2, 1897.

PRESIDENT:

A. W. TERRELL.

VICE-PRESIDENTS:

BEAUREGARD BRYAN,MILTON J. BLIEM,

R. L. BATTS,LUTHER W. CLARK.

RECORDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN:

GEORGE P. GARRISON.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND TREASURER:

CHARLES W. RAMSDELL.

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:

A. W. TERRELL,E. W. WINKLER,

DUDLEY G. WOOTEN,Z. T. FULMORE,

DAVID F. HOUSTON,HERBERT E. BOLTON,

BEAUREGARD BRYAN,JOHN C. TOWNES,

R. L. BATTS,S. H. MOORE,

MILTON J. BLIEM,S. P. BROOKS,

LUTHER W. CLARK,BRIDE NEILL TAYLOR,

GEORGE P. GARRISON,DORA FOWLER ARTHUR,

CHARLES W. RAMSDELL,W. J. BATTLE.

CONTENTS.

VOLUME XII. JULY, 1908. NUMBER 1.

THE QUARTERLY  OF THE  TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL  ASSOCIATION

PUBLICATION COMMITTEE:

DAVID F. HOUSTON.

GEORGE P. GARRISON. BRIDE NEILL TAYLOR.

Z. T. FULMORE. W. J. BATTLE.

EDITOR:

GEORGE P. GARRISON.

ASSOCIATE EDITORS:

HERBERT EUGENE BOLTON.EUGENE C. BARKER.

AUSTIN, TEXAS.  PUBLISHED QUARTERLY BY THE ASSOCIATION.  Price, FIFTY CENTS per number.  [Entered at the Postoffice at Austin, Texas, as second class matter.]

The Texas State Historical Association.

PRESIDENT:

A. W. TERRELL.

VICE-PRESIDENTS:

BEAUREGARD BRYAN,MILTON J. BLIEM,

R. L. BATTS,LUTHER W. CLARK.

RECORDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN:

GEORGE P. GARRISON.

CORRESPONDING SECRETARY AND TREASURER:

CHARLES W. RAMSDELL,

EXECUTIVE COUNCIL:

PRESIDENT A. W. TERRELL,

EX-PRESIDENT DUDLEY G. WOOTEN,

EX-PRESIDENT DAVID F. HOUSTON,

FIRST VICE-PRESIDENT BEAUREGARD BRYAN,

SECOND VICE-PRESIDENT R. L. BATTS,

THIRD VICE-PRESIDENT MILTON J. BLIEM,

FOURTH VICE-PRESIDENT LUTHER W. CLARK,

RECORDING SECRETARY AND LIBRARIAN GEORGE P. GARRISON,

STATE LIBRARIAN JOSEPH MYERS.

Z. T. FULMORE FOR TERM ENDING 1909.

FELLOWSHERBERT E. BOLTON FOR TERM ENDING 1910.

JOHN C. TOWNES FOR TERM ENDING 1911.

BRIDE NEILL TAYLOR FOR TERM ENDING 1911.

S. P. BROOKS FOR TERM ENDING 1910.

MEMBERSS. H. MOORE FOR TERM ENDING 1909.

DORA FOWLER ARTHUR FOR TERM ENDING 1912.

W. J. BATTLE FOR TERM ENDING 1913.

The Association was organized March 2, 1897. The annual dues are two dollars. THE QUARTERLY is sent free to all members.

Contributions to THE QUARTERLY and correspondence relative to historical material should be addressed to  GEORGE P. GARRISON,  Recording Secretary and Librarian,  AUSTIN, TEXAS.

All other correspondence concerning the Association should be addressed until further notice, to  CHARLES W. RAMSDELL,  Corresponding Secretary and Treasurer,  AUSTIN, TEXAS.

FELLOWS AND LIFE MEMBERS  OF THE  ASSOCIATION

The constitution of the Association provides that "Members who show, by published work, special aptitude for historical investigation, may become Fellows. Thirteen Fellows shall be elected by the Association when first organized, and the body thus created may thereafter elect additional Fellows on the nomination of the Executive Council. The number of Fellows shall never exceed fifty."

The present list of Fellows is as follows:

BARKER, MR. EUGENE C.LEMMON, PROF. LEONARD

BATTS, JUDGE R. L.LOOSCAN, MRS. ADELE B.

BOLTON, PROF. HERBERT EUGENEMCCALEB, DR. W. F.

CASIS, PROF. LILIA M.MILLER, MR. E. T.

CLARK, PROF. ROBERT CARLTONPENNYBACKER, MRS. PERCY V.

COOPER, PRESIDENT O. H.RAMSDELL, MR. CHAS. W.

COX, DR. I. J.RATHER, ETHEL ZIVLEY

ESTILL, PROF. H. L.SHEPARD, JUDGE SETH

FULMORE, JUDGE Z. T.SMITH, PROF, W. ROY

GAINES, JUDGE R. R.TERRELL, JUDGE A. W.

GARRISON, PROF. GEORGE P.TOWNES, PROF. JOHN C.

GRAY, MR. A. C.WILLIAMS, JUDGE O. W.

HATCHER, MRS. MATTIE AUSTINWINKLER, MR. ERNEST WILLIAM

HOUSTON, PRESIDENT D. F.WOOTEN, HON. DUDLEY G.

KLEBERG, RUDOLPH, JR.

The constitution provides also that "Such benefactors of the Association as shall pay into its treasury at any one time the sum of thirty dollars, or shall present to the Association an equivalent in books, MSS., or other acceptable matter, shall be classed as Life Members."

The Life Members at present are:

AUTRY, JAMES L.KENEDY, JNO. G.

AYER, EDWARD EVERETTKIRBY, JNO. H.

BAKER, R. H.MCFADDEN, W. P. H.

BRACKENRIDGE, HON. GEO. W.MINOR, F. D.

BUNDY, Z. T.MOODY, W. L.

COCHRANE, SAM P.MOREHEAD, C. R.

COURCHESNE, A.NEALE, WM. J.

COX, MRS. NELLIE STEDMANRICE, HON. W. M.

CRANE, R. C.SCHMIDT, JOHN

DAVIDSON, W. S.SEVIER, MRS. CLARA DRISCOLL

DEALEY, GEORGE B.SUMPTER, JESSE

DILWORTH, THOS. G.WALKER, J. A.

DONALDSON, MRS. NANNA SMITHWICKWASHER, NAT M.

WEBB, MACK

GILBERT, JOHN N.WILLIAMS, JUDGE O. W.

HANRICK, R. A.

THE QUARTERLY  OF THE  TEXAS STATE HISTORICAL ASSOCIATION 

Vol. XII. JULY, 1908. No. 1.

The publication committee and the editors disclaim responsibility for views expressed by contributors to THE QUARTERLY.

THE RECORDS OF AN EARLY TEXAS BAPTIST  CHURCH.1

II.  1847-1869.

[Received] Brother Levi Jordin and Sister Cynthy Jordin his wife by letter.

Saturday July the 17th 1847

the church Met and in order proced to business chose Brother Douthet Mod.2 Pro tmn

1 Brother J W Parker presented a deed for the meting house land but not signd agreed to lay it over til next meting

2) granted Sister Manda Hays a letter of dismission provided she calls for it.

3) Brother J W Parker says he had bin angry and is sorry that it become nessary for him to persue the course he did and hopes it will never be nessary for him to take the steps he did the church after hereing all she could says she is satisfide

Ajournd in peace

Saturday the 14th of August 1847

the church Met and in order proced to business

1 Opend the door for Reception of Members Cald for Refference took up the case of the Metinghouse laid over untill the Sept Meting and the same committee attend to it as before agreed on.

appointed the Clk3 to prepare a Blank letter to our next association to be Readdy to examine at our next meting

Brother Sam Stewart cald for a letter of dismission Referd until Sept Meting agreed to apoint 3 of our Body to go with Brother Stewart to labor with him for peace with Brother J W Parker

apointed Brethren A Bennett Levi Jordin that committee

agreed that our next meting be at school house near Bro Jordins

John Parker T. Hanks Mo

Saturday Sept the 18th, 1847

the church Met and in order proced to business

1 chose Brother Boin Mod Protmn

2 Took up the refference relative to the Meting House agreed [upon] the same committee

3 read and receivd the letter to the association and appointed Brothren J W Parker Armsted Bennett John Parker and in case of faller of eithe[r] Levi Jordin to bear the same

4 took up the refference relative to the difficulty between Br J W Parker and Bro Stewart the committee reported general peace and the committee was discharged

5 Bro J W Parker informd the church that he had been informd that a report was in Circulation that the petitionary letter from Musstang Perary Church praying for his Ministerial aid was not made by the said Musstang Prarie church

Bro Parker presented the certificate of Brother D Halmark and wife certifying that the said letter was the act of the church which produ[ce]d general satisfaction refer to certificate

we hereby certify that in the Month of September 1847 the Musstang Perare church made an order to send a petitionary letter to our Sister Pilgrim church praying for the ministerial aid of Bro J W Parker Bro Parker was then the Moderator of the church and Brother Isaac Parker clerk Protmn and Brother J W Parker consented to become the bearer of the letter this is facts which is known unto us as we was than members and present and will testify the same when cald on

David M Hallmark Ashiby Hallmark

September 17 1847

Agreed that our next meting be at this place Agreed to petition for the next association to be held with us

Ajournd John Parker  Ch Clk4

Nov the 20th 1847

the Church Met and after divine Service proced to business

1 Chose Brother Boin Mod Prot

2 took up refference relative to building of the Meting house the committee made a report laid over til next meting

3 Brother Mead produced a certificate from Isaac Parker tha[t] he stated to Bro Mead that if Mustang Prarie Church had cald for the ordination of Bro J W Parker he had no recollection of it but that it might have [been] done and sliped his memory the church is fully satisfied on the subject

Ajournd

the Church Met Saturday before the 3 Lords Day in Dec 1847 Brother Hanks Moderator

took up the Case of the Meting House confirmed the first report of the Committee so fare as the Land is concerned and Receeved the Report of the Committee as Regards the Meting House Laid over the Case of building the Meting House until next Meting

2. Apointed Brethren Brown and Jordin to Draw up Sub[s]cr[i]ptions for signers to build Meting House and Report at next Meting in course

Ajournd John Parker  Clk Thomas Hanks Mo

the Church Met Satu[r]day before the 3 Lords day in January 1848 Brother Boin Mod Pro

invited visating Brethren to a seat with us of the same faith and order

Opend A door for the reseption of Members and receeved By Relation and acknowledge Brother Jasper Staar as a member of our Body.

Cald for the refference the only one laid over until next Meting

Ajournd in Peace John Parker Ch Clk

Church Met Saturday before 3 Lords day Feb[r]uary 1848 and in order proceed to Business

Brother Hanks Mod

1 Took up refference relativ to the Meting House Movd and Seconded that the order of the church be recended as to the Building the Meting House Cared

Agreed that the Meting house be built at the gravyard whare D Parker is buried and that Brethren Stephen Bennett John Parker Levi Jordin J W Parker and Reuben Brown be appointed to superintend the building of the house as fast as posible

Ajournd in Peace T Hanks Mod John Parker Ch Clk

Church Met Saturday before the 3 Lords [day] in March 1848

1 Apointed Bro J W Parker Mod Protmn

2 agreed to hold our next Meting at Brother kennedys

Ajournd in Peace

the Church Met third Lords day in March 1848

1 agreed to lisence Brother Jasper Stare to preach within the bounds of our association directed the moderator and clerk to certify the same to Bro Starr

Ajournd in peace

Ch met Sat before the 3 Lords day in April 1848

after prayr proceded to business Apointed Br J. W. Parker, Mod. invited visiting Brethren to a seat with us. Opend a door for the Reception of Members.

the Male members was cald on by Brother G. H. to Listen to his excuse Relative to Reports that had gotten out on him and to his Resolutions—to which the Ch agreed, and after hearing all he had to say advised him to desist and put away a Certain Woman he had Liveing at his House and he Refusing so to do the Church proceded to apoint Brethren A. Bennett John Parker and L. Jordin a Committee to Labour with Brother G. H. to convince him of his error and Reported as Follows Viz We the under Signd a Committee apointed to endeavour to Reclaim Brother G. H. have Labourd to Convince him of the Error of his Resolutions in which he Still Semes Resolved to persist and gives us no satisfaction

A. Bennett Jon. Parker L. Jordan

Laid over the Case of Br. G. H. to our next meeting—which is to be held at the old Residence of Eld. D. Park[er] Dec.

Apointed Brethren Jon. Parker J. W. Parker and L. Jordan a Committee to Labour with Brother G. H. and Report the same to our next Meeting Ap. 15th 1848

Jon. Parker Clk

3d Sat in Jun 1848

Ch met

1st Chos Brother J. W. Parker Moderator took up the Case of Reference Relative to Brother G. H. and a part of the Comittee not having seen Br G. H. agreed to Lay the same over til the next meeting Brethren Stephen Bennett and Jasper Starr added to the Committee next meeting to be held at Eld. D. Parker old Residence

John Parker, Clk J. W. Parker Mod.

3d Saturday July A. D. 1848—

Church met 1st apointed Br. Bowen moderator. Reference Relative to Br G. H. was taken up the Committee Report as folows— that as to the Woman Referd to the Committee finds no charge but that Br G. H. is due an acknowledgement, for his Remarks and Refer the matter to the Church for further investigation.

the Rules of decorum Cald for and Read relative to Brother G. H. the Referance laid over till next meeting and a Committee of 3 appointed to further inquier into the matter Viz Brethren John Parker Levi Jordan and Armstead Bennett, aptd Sd Committee and Requested Lo Report next meeting

John Parker Clk

Ch met Saturday before the 3d Sunday in August 1848

after prayer proceded to business aptd Brothr E. Bowen Moderator; invited Visiting Brethren to a Seat with us. opend door for the Reception of members Receved Br John Milford by Experience, into full felowship with us. Reference cald for. the Case of Br G. H. Was Reported as folows. We the Committee A. Bennett, John Parker and Levi Jordan, apointed to labour with Br G. H., have done So, and are satisfide with his acknowledgement and frankly forgive. unanimously Received by the Ch on motion and second the Clk. Write or prepare a Letter to the next association and have it at our next meting. apointed as delegates to the next association, John Parker, Jasper Starr and Levi Jordan. apointed Br J. Starr to Write to Br. Spurgin and Request him to attend our next meeting for the purpose of administering the ordinence of Baptism

done by order of the Ch John Parker Clk

Church Met Saturday Before the 3d Lords day in Sept. 1848

1 Apointed Brother C A Boin Mod Protmn

2 read and received the Letter to the Association

3 Receivd a letter from our Sister the Sardis Church requesting our Ordaind Authorities to assist in the ordination of Brother William Wolverton to the work or office of Deacon

Said request was granted

agreed to meet on Wednesday the 27th inst. for the purpose of attending to the Administering of the ordinance of Baptism

John Parker Ch Clk

Wednesday September 27th 1848

Church Met and opend A door for the reseption of Members and Received Brother Joel Stow by exsperience

2d Granted Brother John L Wilford A letter of dismission

Saturday Oct 14th 1848

the Church Met and in order proced to Business

1. Chose Brother Boin Mod, Protmn

2d Chose Brother Joseph Kennedy Clerk Protmn and their being no business AJournd

Saturday Before the third Lords day in Nov 1848

the Church Met and in order Proseded to Business

1 Chose Brother James W Parker Mod Protmn

2d By request of Brother Isaac Parker of Musstang Peririe Church a Committee of 4 was appointed to visit Said Church to assertain and Report the Condition of the said Church

Brethren John Parker Amsted Bennett J W Parker and Jasper Starr and as many of the rest of the Brethrien as can go Be appointed said Committee

3d Agreed to Add the following Item to our Rules of Decorum

If any Member fails to attend for three Metings it shall be their duty to make the Reasons known to the Church at the next Meting

4 Sister Jane Steward5 applide for a letter of Dismission which was unanimously granted

AJournd in Peace John Parker Ch Clk

Saturday before the 3d Lords day in December 1848

the Church Met and in order Proseded to Business

1 Chose Brother Jasper Starr Mod Protmn

2d the Committee to whom was referd the delegation to Musstang Perare church report tha have attended as directed and Say that the Members present acting as a church requested them to ask of the Pilgrim Church to send additional helps, to attend the church on Saturday before the 2d Lords day in January for the same for the purpose of assertaining the situation of the Sa[i]d Musstang Pererie

agree to Apoint Brethren A Bennett James W Parker and Reuben Brown to attend with the Brethren of Mustang Peririe Church and report their Progress

3d sister Jane Steward returns the letter which the church granted her last meting received in full fellowship

4 Laid before the Church a question to Say whether public transgressions should be publically dwelt6 with or privately agreed the same be laid over until next Meting

5 [A]greed to send a petitionary letter to our sister Fort Houston church for the ordination of Brother Bowin and that he be ordaind by the order of the Church agreed to send the same by Brethren Stephen Bennett A Bennett and Levi Jordan and the Clk is directed to write the same

6 agreed to hold our next meting at Brother Kennedys

AJournd in Peace John Parker Ch Ck

Saturday January the 20th 1849

the church Met and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Boin Mod Protmn

2 took up the refference

3 the Committee appointed to visit Musstang Perary Church reports tha had faild to atend owing to high waters report receivd.

4 the same committee continued and requested to report at the March Meting

5 took up the refference relative to dealing movd to indefinitely postponed vote a tie desided by the Moderator in the negative

agreed to discontinue the refference

Brother A Bennett from the committee apointed to visit Fort Houston church reports no meting at fort Houston the same committee be continued and requested to report at next Meting Brother Starr and John Parker aded to the committee

agreed to hold our next Meting at the same place

AJournd in Peace John Parker Ch Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the 3d Lords day Febuar[y] 1849 and in order Proced to Business

1 Chose Brother J W Parker Mod Protmn

2d Brother Stephen Bennett From the committee Apointed to visit our Sister Fort Houston Church Reported our request was unanimously granted by our sister Fort houston Church

3d Apointed a Committee of 1 to visit Brother Stow and know the reason of his nonattendance to Meting and report at our next Metin Brother A Bennett Said Committee

4 Agreed to apoint Saturday before the 3 Lords day in March a day of Fasting and prar and at night as many of the Brethren as se propper attend to the example of washing Feet

5 agreed to continue our Meting at Brother kennedys until th[e] Church seas propper to Move it

AJournd in peace John Parker  Ch Clk

the Church Met Saturday before the third lords day in March 1849 and in order proced to business

1 Chose Brother J W Parker Mod protmn

2 Took up the refferences

The Committee that was appointed to visit our Sister Musstang Perary Church Reported tha had not visited said church

the Church continues the same committee and tha are to report whenever tha may think propper

3 the committee apointed to visit Brother Stow reported he had sean Brother stow Brother Stow being present informed the Church his not attending Meting was not for want of fellowship to the Brethren But owing to his situation he could not atend which was satisfactory to the Church

4 Took under consideration the propriety of chosing A deacon and the same laid over until next Meting

AJournd in Peace.

Saturday April 14th 1849

the church Met and in order Proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Boin Mod protmn

2 Took up the refference relative to the Choice of A deacon and laid it over until next Meting

AJournd in peace

Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1849 the Church Met and in order Proced to Business

1 Br Hanks our parstor acted as Moderator

2 took up the refference relative to the Choice of A deacon Unanimously Chose Brother Armsted Bennett to the work or office of A deacon

3d Agreed to petition our Sister Churches Sardis and Fort Houston For their ordaind authorities to assist in the work of ordaining Brother Armsted Bennett to the work or office of A deacon

the Saturday before the third Lords day in June 1849 appointed Brothren John Parker and J W Parker to Attend Sardis Church and Brother Jasper Starr and Brother Stephen Bennett Fort Houston

AJournd in Peace John Parker Ch Clk

June Meting 1849

Church Met and in order proced to Business

1st took up the Refference from the last Meting Br J W Parker and John Parker Stated they attended the last meting of Sardis church and they agreed to answer the request Br Starr and Br Stephen Bennett States tha attended Fort Houston church Same report the report received and committee discharged.

2d Receivd Br Hanks from Sardis and Br Scriss7 Parks and Elder Boin from Fort Houston

the church went into the ordination of Brother Bennett as Deacon by Elder T Hanks E Boin J Parks and Stephen Criss as a Presbetry from our Sister Churches Sardis and Fort Houston ordained Bro Armsted Bennett to the work or office of deacon

3d Br I. J. request the male members in committee of the whole to walk with him on Motion agreed to answer the request and invite our visating Brethren to attend the same committee Brethren Hanks Bowin Crist and Parks the committee8 reported and made the following report agreed to appoint 3 members to inquire into the matter and report to next meting the report receivd and committee discharged A Bennett S Bennett and John Parker appointed said committee

4 agreed that our next meting be A communion Season and directed the Deacon to prepare the elements and that friday before be Set apart as a day of fasting and prar

5 Brother Hanks serjest9 the propriety of chosing a pastor the same laid over til next meting

AJournd John Parker  Ch Clk.

Saturday before the third Lords day in July 1849

the Church Met and in order proced to Business

1. Chose Brother J W Parker Mod protmn

2 took up the reference

the Committee that was apointed to examine into the difficilty with Br I. J. and Sister K. N. Made the following report

the committee to whom was referd the matter of Bro I. J. reports as follows we have as far as we could visited Bro I. J. and Sister K. N. Alis10 and we find that Sister K. N. has had a illegitimate child according to her statements and she says that I. J. is the Father of it we the Committee after a full investigation of the matter and a carfull atten11 to gospel order say that we believe that I. J. and K. N. should be excluded from the fellowship of this Church for the violation of the rules of decorum in pointed contradiction as well as the crime of illegitamacy against K. N. Ales —— Armsted Bennett Stephen Bennett and John Parker

the Church received report and committee discharge[d]

Movd and seconded that Brother I. J. and Sister K. N. be excluded from the fellowship of the Church for the crime of illegitamacy and pointed contradiction which was unanimously done

2 Agreed to Chose Brother E A Boin pastor of this church as Bro hanks feels he cannot attend us Brother Boin unanimously chose

Agreed to Petition Ft Houston Church for Brother Boin to attend us as pastor if in accordance with Brother Bowins feelings

appointed Brotheren John Parker and Jasper. Starr a committee to wait on Brother Bowin and Fort Houston church the clerk to give a certificate to the committee Agreed to write a friendly letter to Bro and sister eaton to know the cause of their not attending or representing themselves with us

6 tuck under consideration the Propriety of dividing the association as requested by the last year association

AJournd John Parker  Clk

Saturday before the third Lords day hi August 1849 the Church Met and in order Proced to Business

1 took up the references the commitee that was apointed to visit Fort Houston Church and Brother Boin reported tha faild to attend but wrote a letter to them and said request was granted

the Clerk informed the Church he had faild to write to Brother and sister eaton as directed the Church still agrees to write to Brother and sister eaton to know the reason of their failing to attend or represent themselves with us and also to write to Sister Polly thomas and Sister Rachel Culp to know the reason why tha hav faild to attend with us the church after considering the request of the Association says she thinks best to divide the Association

the church agrees to Liberate Brother John Milford to exersise a public gift in the bounds of this Church

apointed the clerk to prepare a letter to the association and present to the Church at next meting for inspection

Apointed Brthren Jasper Starr and John Parker a commitee to wait on Brother Levi Jordin and enquire the cause of his failing to Attend Meting and report at next meting

AJournd in Peace

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Sept 1849 and in order proced to Business

1 the Brother Clerk informd the Church he had wrote the letter to Bro and Sister eaton and others as directed and sent it

2 Read and receivd the letter to the Association and Apointed Brethren John Parker Armsted Bennett and Jasper Starr to Bear the Same or any other member in Lue in case of the absence of either agreed to send $4 for the prenting of our minuets

3 Brother John Parker from the committee appounted to se Brother Jordin reported he had not seen him the same committee continued and requested to report next meting

AJournd in Peace John Parker  Ch Clk

Oct Meting the Church Met Saturday before the 3d Lords day in oct 1849 and in order proced to Business

1 Took up the reference the commitee appointed to se Br Jordin reported and Bro Jordin Being present acknow[l]edge to the Church he had done wrong in failing or neglectin[g] to attend Church Meting and ask the Church to forgive him which the Church Frankly done

2d receivd the request of Bro R F Gipson and agreed to give him a manuscript of a previous letter of Dismission as a Member in full Fellowship with us

3 the petition of our Messengers to the association for the next association be and the same is ratafide

AJournd in peace John Parker Ch Clk

Saturday Nov 18th 1849

the Church Met and in order proced to Business

1 Read a letter from the delinquent Members on Navasot which gave us satisfaction

2 Granted letters of disMission to the following members Brother Benj eaton and Sister Malinda eaton Mary Thomas Rachel Culp and elisabeth welch

3 Receivd a letter from some scattering Members on the Navas sot Requesting our ordaind authorities to assist in Constituting them in to a Church Said request was granted the Church further apointed Brethren Jasper Starr and John Parker to attend with our ordaind authorities and as many of the Brethren as Can attend

AJournd in peace. John Parker Ch Clk

the Church Met Saturday before the 3 Lords day in Dec 1849 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Jasper Starr Mo protem and there being no other Business aJournd

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the 3d Lords day in Febuary 1850

1 Apointed Elder A Smith Mod protmn and there being no other Business aJournd

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in March 1850 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother J W Parker Mod protem

2 Brother Mead came to the Church and made Some statements relative to a charge against him for attending a ball and stated that if any of the B[r]ethrens felings was hurt he was sorry for it after proper acknowledgements he was forgiven

3d Br Joseph kennedy informd the Church that he had a few days since drank too much liquor on motion the Church receives his acknowledgements and freely forgive him

AJournd in Peace

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Aprile 1850 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother P O Lumpkin Mod protem

2 whareas a publication appeard from Brother Starr in self defence Charging the Pilgrim Church of not allowing him the said Starr the write of a fireman the Church Took up the Matter and Brother Starr came forward and gave satisfaction, to the Church

By order of the Church the following was ordered to be Spred on the Church Book as a part of her Minuets at hur Aprile Meting 1850

whareas a statement has appeard in a defence of Jasper Starr tending to implicate the Pilgrim Church in an unwillingness to afford the said Starr as a member of Said Church an opportunity to defend him self from Charges in Circulation against him and as said Church disclaims any such wish or intention but objected alone to the timeand occasion not believing the subject properly before her at the time and whareas the said Starr upon a full and far12 envestigation of the whole subject is satisfide that such alone was the why the Church refused to hear him at the time the said Starr is convinced that the Pilgrim Church had no intention of finally debaring him from a hering when the matter Could be legally brought before the Church according to her vew of order in such cases thare[fore] it is orderd by the Church with the consent of said Starr that the above statement be published by him in order that Justice may be done to all consernd

done by order of the Church at her regular meting of Business on Saturday before the 3 Lords day in April 1850

John Parker Ch Clk P O Lumpkin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1850 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother J W Parker Mod protmn

2d Brother Levi Jordin acknowledge his fau[l]t for nonattendance to Church Meting and the Church forgave him

3d Appointed Brothren A Bennett C Hufman and L Jordin A Committee to notify Brothren Crawford and Stow to attend our next Meting to answer the Church complaint for their neglect to attend the regular Ch meting

AJournd in peace T Hanks Mod. John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in June 1850 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Hanks Mod protem

2 took up the refference relative to the delinquincy of Brethren Crawford and Stow Br[o]ther Stow attend and gave satisfaction Bro Bennett says he saw Brother Crawford and Brother Crawford states bad wether bad roads and the want of Horses is his only reason for non attendance to Church Meting the church acknowledges satisfaction

AJournd John Parker Ch Clk T Hanks Mo

July meting the Church Met and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro J W Parker Cleric protem and being no Business

AJournd

The Church Met Saturday befor the third Lords day in August 1850 and in order proced to Business

1 instructed the Clerk to prepare a letter to the association and present. [it] to the next Meting for inspection thare being no other Business AJournd

John Parker Clk J W Parker Mo

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Sept 1850 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Br J W Parker Mod pro

2 Read and receved the letter to the Association

3 Apointed Brethren A Bennett S Bennett and John Parker Mesengers to the Association agreed that the Association and next Meting be held at the Meting house near Elder D Parkers late Residence

Brother Mead informed the church he had got angry on the day of the Election the 5 of August 1850 for which he was Sorry the Church frely forgive him

AJournd in pea[ce] John Parker Ch Clk

Saturday before the third Lords day in October 1850 the Church Met and in order proced to Business

1 Application was Made by Mrs. K. N. to be restored to the Church the Matter Taken up and referd to next Meting and a commitee of two apointed to talk with hur Sister Mead and Sister Jordin said committee and tha are to report at next Meting

2 Brother Stephen Bennett added to the Commitee to superintend the Bilding of the Meting House

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before third Lords day in Nov 1850

1 Took up the refference relative to Mrs K. N the committee reported and the Church refused to receive hur acknowledgment as the Church was not satisfide with it

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk

the Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in December 1850 and in order proced to business

1 Chose Brother Milferd Mod pro and thare being no other Business aJournd

John Parker Clk

the Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in January 1851 and thare being no business AJournd

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in February 1851 and in order proced to Business

1. Chose Brother J. Starr Mod protem.

2. Took up a charge against Brother J W Parker for using intoxicating spirits to too great an excess and Agreed to lay it over until next Meting Apointed Br[e]thren A Bennett and Joseph kennedy a Committee to laber with Bro Parker and report at next Meting

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk

The Church Met before the third Lords day in March 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother J Starr Mod protmn

Took up the refference relative to Brother J W Parker the Committee that was Apointed to Labor with Brother Parker reported as follows that tha went to Brother Parker and he deride the Charge to them as tha reported to the Church which report was receved and proced to exclude Brother Parker from amongst us the Church Agreed for Bro J L Milford to go forth and exercise his gift anywhare in the bounds of this Association

AJournd John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Aprile 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother J L Milford Mod protem

2 Receivd the Acknowledgement of Brother Mead Made relative to a difficulty that took place between himself and a near Sett[l]er namd Shipman in January last

3 apointed Brethren a Bennett and J kennedy to Envite Brother C Hufman to attend our next Meting and give the Church satisfaction for his nonattendance

[A]Journd in peace

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Thomas S[t]arr Mod Pro

Cald for refference Brother C B Hufman attended and laid in his excuse for nonattend[ance] to Meting the Church forgave Bro Hufman unanimously

2 Cald on Bro Thomas Starr to Attend us at our Regular Church Metings

AJournd in peace

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in June 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Thomas Hank[s] Mod Pro and there being no other Business AJourned in peace

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the Third Lords day in July 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro Thomas Starr Mod pro

2 Apointed next Meting communion season [A]Journd in peace

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in August 1851 and in order proced to Business

1. Chose Brother J Starr Mod prot

2. instructed the Clerk to Prepar a letter to the association and present to the Church for inspection at next Meting AJournd in peace

John Parker Clk

The Church Met saturday before the third Lords day in September 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother E A Boin Mod pro

2 read and receivd the Letter to the association

3 Bro J Starr exspresses himself as wishing to be forgiven for nonattendance to Meting and having made, acknowledge[ment] the Church is satisfide

4 Appointed Brethren A Bennett S Bennett and John Parker and Bro J Star in case of failure to Bear the Letter to the association

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in October 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro Milford Mod protmn and thare being no other Business AJournd

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the Third Lords day in Nov 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro E A Boin Mod pro and their being no other Business AJournd in peace

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the Third Lords day in Dec 1851 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro J Starr Mod protmn

2 Took up the case of Bro I. J. and referd until next Meting

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk

The Church Met Sa[t]urday [before] the third Lords day in January 1852 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro Boin Mod pro

2 Took up the refference relative to the Restoration of Brother I. J. Restored him

3 Took under Consideration Bro J Starr['s] Gift and laid it over until next Meting

AJournd in peace

The Church Met Saturday before the third Sunday in February 1852 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother E A Boin Mod protmn

took up the refference relative to Brother Jasper Starr['s] gift in the ministry the church thinks his gift not proffitable

Apointed Brother R Brown to notify Brother Hufman to attend our next Meting and show the cause of his long absence

Ajournd in peace John Parker Clk

Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in March 1852 and in order proced to Business

Thomas Hanks Mod

1 Took up the refference relative to Brother Hufman and continued the case of Brother Hufman until next Meting and apointed Bro Brown of the same13

2 apointed our next Meting Communion season

3 agreed to petition our Sister Fort Houston Church for their ordaind authorities Deacons to attend our next Meting to assist in the administering of the Lords Supper and apointed Brethren Levi Jordan and John Parker to Bar the same

John Parker Ch Clk

Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Aprile 1852 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Bro Boin Mod pro

2 took up the refference relative to Brother Hufman and continued the case of Brother Hufman until next Meting and Apointed A Bennett and R Brown to inform Brother Hufman of the Churches dissatisfaction for his noncompliance [with] their Request

3 receivd the title to the Land for meting House and Brother John Parker attend and have the deed recorded and report fees

4 granted the request of our Sister Fort Houston Church our ordaind authorities to attend their next Regular Meting for the purpose of ordaining Brother J Starr to the work of the Ministry

AJournd John Parker Clk

Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1852 and in order proced to Business

1. Chose Bro Tho Starr Mod pro

2 took up the refference relative to Brother Hufman Herd the report of the Commitee and they Brought a letter to the Church from Brother Hufman which was rejected preferd Charges against Brother Hufman for his refusing to attend Meting and accusing the church of acting incorrectly

3 apointed Brethren kennedy and Jordin to wait on Brother Hufman and aprise him of the acts of the Church

4 apointed Brethren John Parker and M P Mead to wait on Brother Jasper Starr and apprise him of the information Reach14 the Church he has Joind another denomination of people and report at next Meting

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk

Church met Saturday before the third Lords [day] in June 1852 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Boin Mod protmn

2 Cald for refference Brethren kennedy and Jordin reported that they had not waited on Brother Hufman Moved to Recind the act Relative to our Apointing Brethren kennedy and Jordin to wait on Brother Hufman at our last Meting

proced to exclude B[r]other Char[les] Hufman from among us

took up the case of Brother Jasper Starr as neither of the above Brethren apointed to wait on him was not present Brother Starr being present Stated that he had Joind what he Cald the Christian C[h]urch proced to exclude Bro Jasper Starr on account of his Joining as above what he calls the Christian Church

AJournd Levi Jordin Clerk protem

Church met Saturday before the third Lords day in July 1852 and thare being no Business AJournd

John Parker Clk

Church met Saturday before the third Lords day in August 1852 and in order proced to Business

1 instructed the Clerk to prepare a letter to the Association and present at next Meting for inspection

AJournd in peac[e] John Parker Clk

The [Church] Met at a Call Meting Saturday before the 1 Sunday in october 1852

1 Chose Bro Henderson Mod protem

2 Read and received the Letter to the Association

3 apointed Brethren A Bennett Stephen Bennett and John Parker Messengers to the association

AJournd John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in October 1852 and their being no business aJourned

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Nov 1852 and their being no Business aJournd

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Dec 1852 and in order proced to Business

1 opend a door for the reception of Members and received Brother quarley a Colerd Man belonging to John Davis by recommendation

Br Boin Mod AJournd John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturd[a]y before the third Lords day in January 1853 and their being no Business aJournd in peace

John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in March and their being no Business AJournd in peace

John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Jun 1853 and thare being no Business AJournd in peace

John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church [met Saturday] before the third Lords day in July 1853 And in order preced to business

1 granted Letters of Dismission to Brother Levi Jordin and Sister Cyntha Jordin his wife And being no other Business

AJournd John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in August 1853 and in order proced to Business

1 opend a door for the reception of Members and recevd Brother Robert M Garrett by Letter

2 appointed E A Boin to prepare a Inter to the association and present to the Church at next Meting for inspection

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod.

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in September 1853 and in order proced to Business

1 Opend a door for the reception of Members and received Sister Emely Garrett by Letter

2 Cald for Refference Red and receivd the letter to the Association.

AJournd

3 appointed Brethren A Bennett M P Mead John Parker Messengers to the association and in case of falier Bro S Bennett

AJourned in Peace John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in October 1853 And in order proced to Business

1 first Chose Brother Majors Mod pro

2 Apointed Brethren Reuben Brown and J kennedy a committee to Se John Davis and enquire of him if he has any objection for the Church to liberate his Slave Brother qualy to exercise in public if she thinks his gift proffitable

RULES OF DECORUM

1st Church meeting Shall be opened and Closed by Prayr

2d If there be not a Stated moderator, There Shall be one appointed by the Suffrage of the members Present, and it shall be the duty of the moderator to keep the church in order attend fairly to all questions before her and announce her decisions, Report any member Immediately to the church, who will not Submit to order when Called on. Any member may Call to order. the Moderator Shall deside on Points of order, yet any member may appeal from his Judgment to the Church, who Shall Settle the Point in dispute. The moderator Shall not Vote, Except in case of a tie to give the casting Vote. he has a right to give his Views on any subject by calling on some member to Keep order.

3d Visiting brethren in union with us of our faith and order who are in good order in their Churches, Shall be invited to Seats with us in Council.

4th A door Shall be opened for, the Reception of members when Ever it may be thought nessesary,

5th Refferences Shall be taken up and attendid to.

6th the door Shall be opened for matters of dealing when the gospel order has been attended to, or any thing that is like to marr the Peace of the Church, If there be nothing of that nature, Then any other business necessary to be attended to

7th But one Person Shall Speek at a time, who Shall arise from his Seat, and address the moderator in order and no one Shall Speck more than three times to one Subject without Leave from the church. No whispering Reeding etc, in the time of public Speaking, and each Speaker Shall attend Strictly to the Subject in hand, without any unchristianlike Remarks on a former Speaker. No member Shall leave his Seat in time of business without leave

8th the Church agrees to do all her business by the voice of a majority of her acting members, Except in Receiving in members granting Letters of dismission and setting fourard gifts in the Church, which Shall Require a unanimous Voise

yet the Church has a Right to Call for the cawse of objecttions Judge of the Propriety of the Same, and the Voise of two thirds of the acting members Shall govern in such cases, so as to over Rule Such objections.

9th Evry motion and Second Shall come under the Consideration of the Church Except withdrawn by the person who made it

10th Any amendments may be made to theas Rules when Ever the Church may think it nessesary

11th It Shall be the duty of the Church wheare any Male member absent himself from the Church three Meatings hand Runing to Enquire the cause for so doing and allso enquire Something of his caracter and report at next meting

AJournd John Parker Clk Eldor Majors Mod pro

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Nov 1853 and in order proced to Business

1d took up the refference whareupon the Brethren that was Apointed to visit Mr John A Davis in order to obtain his Consent to the Liberation of his Servant Qualey to exercise his gift in the Church Made a report favorable to the Same under certin Restriction the repart was received and the Committee discharged

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church [met] Saturday before the third Lords [day] in Dec 1853 And thare being no business AJournd in peace

E A Boin Mod

The Church, Met Saturday before the third Lords Day in January 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 Opend a door for the reception of Members and receivd Brother Charles Barrett by letter

2 Granted Brother Charles Barrett the Liberty of exersiseing his gift in the Bounds of the Church AJournd in peace

John Parker Ch Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in February 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 appointed Brother Charles Barrett Mod protem and thare being no other Business AJournd

John Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in March 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 opend A door for the res[e]ption of Members and receivd Brother T. W. Brooks by recommendation

2 Took under Consideration the propriety of selecting a Deacon and laid it over til next Meting

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday Before the third Lords day in Aprile 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 Took up the refference relative to the Choise of A deacon and agread to lay it over til next Meting

2 Grante[d] A Leter of dismission to Sister Elizabeth Litle and instructed the Clerk to prepare the same and thare being no other Business AJournd

John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1854 and in order proced to Business

Took up the refference relative to the Choice of A Deacon and agreed to recind the same

2 Took under Consideration the propriety of Brother C Barrett exersiseing his gift in public and laid it over til next Meting

AJournd John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The church opened A door on the third Lords day in May 1854 and receivd Sister Eliza Brooks by Exsperience

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in June 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 Took up the Refference relative [to] C Barrett Exersiseing his gift in Public After dew deliberation on the Matter the Church says his gift is not proffitable and therefore says that she takes from him the liberty of Exersiseing in public

AJournd in peace John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in July 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 Chose Brother Brooks Clerk protem

2 took up the refference from the association relative to laying of the association into districts and laid it over til next Meting

AJournd in peace E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in August 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 took up the refference relative to laying off the association into districts and after due reflection says she is opposed to laying it off into districts

2 apointed the Clerk to prepare a letter to the association and present it at next Meting for inSpection AJournd in peace

John Parker Clk E A Boin Mod

Opend a door on the third Lords day in August 1854 for the reseption of members and receivd John a Collored man by Exsperience

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Sept 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 read and receivd the Letter to the association

2 appointed Brethren Armsted Bennett John Parker M P Mead and in case of falier Br[o]ther Brooks To bear our Letter to the Association

3 agreed to Send $2 and 50 cents to the association for printing of our Minuits

AJournd in peace John Parker Ch Clk E A Boin Mod

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in Oct. 1854 and in order proced to Business

1 The Church tuck up 2 charges against Brother Charles Barrett 1st for declaring unfellowship with Church and Secondly for Exersiseing his Gift in public Contrary to the order of the Church15

2d agreed to lay over the case of Brother Barrett until next Meting and Apointed any of the Brethren that Should meat with Brother Barrett a Commitee to request him to come to the Church at next Meting and acknowledge his foults

AJournd Thos. W. Brooks Clk protem E A Boin Mo

The Church Met Saturdy before the third Lords day in December 1854 and in order proceded to Business

1 Opend a door for Members whareupon George Shurwood made application for Membership he said he was a Baptist that he had Joind the antioc church in Jasper County Texas and was Baptised by Elder Gipson and had left without a letter and he was in fellowship in the Church when he left whareupon the Church apointed Br John Parker to write to Elder Gipson to know of him his Standing in Said Church

2 Took up the refference relative to Bro Barrett and laid it over tel next Meting and apointed Brethren Brooks and Garrett a Commity to admonish him to his duty and tha are to report at next Meting

Brother John Parker that was apointed to have the Deed recorded for the Land on which the Pilgrim Church Meting House Stands reported he had got Said deed recorded and the recording fee was $1.40

AJournd J Parker Clk

The Church Met Saturday before the third Lords day in January 1855 and in order proced to Business

1 Took up the refference relative to Brother Barrett and the Committy that was Apointed to labor with Brother Barrett reported that he faild to give satisfaction tharefore he is excluded from the Church

AJournd John Parker Clk E A Boen Mo

The Church Met Satterday before third Lords day in March 1855 And in order proceded to Buisness

1st Opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother George Sherwood by Recommendation

2nd Motion and seconted that Brother Charles Barretts case Relitive to Restoring him in the church again be Laide over untel our next Meeting

AdJournd E. A. Boen Mod T. W. Brooks Ch Clk protem

The Church met in Conferance Satterday before the third Lords day in April 1855 and in order preceded to buisness

1st Refference taken up Relitive to Restoring Brother Charles Barrett Motion and seconted that Brother Charles Barrett be Restored to the church again

Motion and seconted that Brother Barrett have a church Letter of dismission

Motion and seconted that Sister Sally Little have a Letter of dismission

AJournd in peace T. W. Brooks Ch Clk E A Boen Mod

May 1855 met and know16 Meeting

The church met in conferance Satterday before the third Lords day in June 1855 and in order preceded to buisness

Motion and seconted that the church commune together at our next meeting in July on Sunday preceding agreed to Recin the act, and hold our union meeting on the 5th Sunday in July as Brother Elder Britton is expected to attend the church

AJournd in peace T. W. Brooks, Clk E. A. Boen Mod

The church met in conferance Satterday before the third Lords day in July 1855 and in order preceeded to buisness

Thear being know buisness before the church AdJourned in peace

T. W. Brooks Ch Clk E. A. Boen Mod

The church met in conferance Satterday before the third Lords day in August 1855 and in order preceded to buisness

Motiond and seconted that the Brother Clark prepare a letter to the Association to be red at our next meeting adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Ch Clk E. A. Boen Mod

The church met in conferance Satterday before the third Lords day in September 1855 and in order preceded to buisness

Opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Sister Cyntha Jordan by letter

the letter to the Association Red and Received

Elected delogats to the association as follows Brethren J. Parker M. P. Mead. T. W: Brooks, and in case of failure Brother R. Garrett

The church says she will contribut 2.50 cts for the printing of minuts theare being know farther buisness adJournd in peace

T W. Brooks ch clk E. A. Boen Mod

The church met in conferance Satterday before the third Lords day in October 1855 and in order preceded to buisness

Thare being know buisness before the church adjournd in peace

T. W. Brooks, Ch. Clk. E. A. Bow[e]n, Mod.

The church bet in conferance on Satterday before the third Lords day in Nov. 1855 and in order preceded to buisness

1st Opend the door for the Reception of members and Receivd Brother Thomas Graham and wife by letter and the wright hand of fellowship given to Sister Jane E. Graham when she can attend the church at their Letter is a Joint Letter and she could not attend with her Husband at his meeting

Thear being kow17 other buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks, ch. clk. E. A. Bow[e]n, Mod.

December kow18 Meating

January know Meating

The Church Met in conferance on Satterday before the third Lords day in Febuary 1856 and in order proceided to buisness

Motion and seconted that the Church hold her Comunion Season quaterly commensing in March next. thare being know other buisness before the Church AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks, ch. clk E. A. Boen, Mod.

Know Meating March 1856

The Church met in conferance on Satterday before the third Lords day in April 1856 and in order proceed to buisness

Motion and seconted that thare be a comite of three appointed to superintend the fixing of the pilgram Church meeting House and said comite Report at nex meeting the church appoint Broths to wit—Stephen Bennett T. W. Brooks and Brother Garrett

adJournd in peace T. W. Brooks, ch. clk E. A. Bowen, Mod

the church met in conferanc[e] on Satterday before the third Lords day in May 1856 and in order proceed to buisness

after Referance being cauled for commitee Report Red and Received and commitee continued Motion and seconted that the church comune together at June meeting adjournd in peace

T. W. Brooks ch. clk E. A. Bowen Mod

The church met in conferance in Satterday before the third Lords day in June 1.856 and in order proceed to buisness

thare being know buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks ch clk E. A. Bown Mod

The Church Met in conferance on Satterday before the third Lords day in July 1856 and in order proceed to buisness

thare being know buisness adJourned in peace

T. W. Brooks ch clk E. A. Bowen Mod

The Church Met in Conferance on Satterday before the third Lords day in August 1856—and in order proceed to buisness.

Motion and seconted that the Brother Clark prepare a corisponding Letter To our next Association to be Red at our next Meating thare being know further buisness adJourned in peace

T. W. Brooks ch. clk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The church met in conferance on Satterday before the third Lords day in Sept 1856,and in order proceed to buisness

Refrence taken up Corresponding Letter to the Association Red and Received The church says she sends to bar our Letter Brethren T. W. Brooks R. M. Garrett and R. Brown and in case of failure A Bennett

Motion and seconted that the church Request the next association to be held with her

The church say she sends up ,200, dols,19 for the printing of our Minute theare being know further busness AdJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, ch. clk. E. A. Bowen, mod.

The Church met in conference on Satterday before the third Lords day in Oct. 1856 and in order preceed to buisness

theare being know buisness before the church adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks clk E. A. Bowen, Mod

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in November 1856 and in order preceed to buisness

Opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Sister Jane Graham by Letter. On the Lords day Received Sister Eady Black by Letter, and Sister Laura Bennett and Sister Mary Owens by Experiance. theare being know further buisness adJourned in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk E. A. Bowen Mod.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the second Lords day in December 1856 and opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother Miles Bennett by Experiance and the ordinenc[e] of Baptism administered by Brother Elder Thomas Brittain, by Request of the candidate theare bein[g] know further buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks ch. cl E. A. Bowen, Mod.

January 1857

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in January, 1857, and in order proceed to buisness

The Church by Vote Request Brother E. A. Bowen to continue the pasterly cear of the Pilgrim church ther[e] being know further Business adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks ch clk E. A. Bowen Mod.

The church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in February 1857—And in order preceed to buisness.

The church agree to meet friday before the third Lords day in march fore the purpose of attending to Her church buisness also to attend to the ordenence of the comunion season; there being know further buisness adJourned in peace

T. W. Brooks ch. clk. E. a. Bowen, Mod.

The church met in conference on Saturday before the third Lords day in March 1857. there being know buisness adJournd in Peace

T. W. Brooks, ch. clk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The church Met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in April 1857. there being know buisness before the church adJournd in Peac[e]

Miles Bennett, clk, pro tem T. W. Brooks, Mod. Pro tem

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in May, 1857,—and in order preceed to buisness

the church agree to take in consideration the chois of another Deacon and travel20 on the same untel hir next meating

adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks ch. clk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The church met in conferanc[e] on Saturday before the third Lords day in June 1857—and in order preceed to Buisness

appointed Brothr T, W, Brooks, Mod, protem and Brother Miles Bennett, clerk protem taken up Reffer[e]nc[e] and by Vote The church Elected Brother Miles Bennett Deacon the church says by her Voice that she sends to Fort Houston and Sardis churches for their ordaind athority to Se[t] as a presbatry for the purpos of orda[in]ing and Seting apart the same to the office of a Deacon

theare being know further Buisness adJournd in peace

Miles Bennett clk. Protem T. W. Brooks, Mod. pro tem

the Church met in conferance, on Friday before the third Lords day in July 1857 and in order proced to buisness

1st Envited Visiting members to a seat with us; 2nd opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Sister Penelope Heynsley by Experiance

3d taken up Refference from last Meating and the church say she Cawls on Brethren C. T. Ecols, T. F. Dossy and L. Clark, ordained ministers to set as a presbattry for the purpos of ordaining and seting apart Brother Miles Bennett to the work of a Deacon as Such the presbatry preceeded and went into the ordination. adJournd untel 10 o clock tomorow Saturday 10,o clock the church met and opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother Littleton, and Mary, Helm by Letters their being know further buisness adJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks ch. Clk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

Sept, 1857

the Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Sept, 1857 and in order preceed to buisness,

Opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Sister Sally Little by Letter. the church agree that the Clerk prepare a corisponding Letter to be Red at our next meeting theare being know other buisness adJourned in peace

Thos. W. Brooks ch. clk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Oct 1857 and in order preceed to buisness

The Church say by her Voice she will attend to the Example of washing Each others feet to morrow night at Brothers Miles Bennetts House their being know other Business adJournd in peace

T, W, Brooks ch. Clk E. A. Bowen, Mod.

November 1857 Know church Meeting

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in December, 1857 and in order proceed to buisness

by the Voice of the Church taken up the case of Brother Sherwood for his Non attendance to the church and Laid over untel nex Meating being know further buisness adJournd in peace

Miles Bennett Clk pro. tem Thos. W Brooks Mod Pr tem

January 1858.

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in January, 1858 and in order proceed to buisness.

Taken up Refrence from last meating Relitive to Brother Sherwoods Case, and laid over untel nex meating adJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks Clk E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Febuary 1858—and in order preceed to buisness

taken up Refrence from last Meating Relitive to Brother Sherwoods Case Envestigated, and the Church say by her voice she Recins the act there being know Charge found. the Church agree to attend to Her Comunion season and Washing feet, at Her March Meating adJourned in peace

Thos. W. Brooks clk E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The Church Met in Conferance on Friday before the third Lords day in March, 1858—and in order preceed to buisness. there being being know buisness adJournd in peace.

Thos. W. Brooks, Chlk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in April, 1858 and in order preceed to buisness. There being know buisness adJournd in peace.

Thos. W. Brooks, Ch. Clk. E. A. Mowen, Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1858—and in order preceed to buisness. the church Say by Her Voice that the Brother Clark anex the Itim to the Rules of Decorum, Relitiv to the non attendance to the church or Missing three Conferance Meatings there being know further buisness adJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks chlk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The church met in conferance on Friday before the third Lords day in June 1858—and in order preceed to buisness.

Opend the door for the Reception of Members and Received Brother William Lago by Experiance. there being know other buisness, adJournd

Thos. W. Brooks, chlk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The Church met in Confer[ence], on Saturday before the third Lords day in July 1858 there being know buisness adJourned in peace

R. Ragg Clk. Pro. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in August 1858 and in order preceed to business. The Church appoint the Clark [to] prepare a Letter to be Read at our next meeting to Represent us at our next association. The Church take up the Request of The association Relitive to Dividing our association into Districts and lay the same over untel our next meeting adJournd in peace

T. W. B. clk E. A. Bowen Mod.

September, 1858.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in September 1858, and in order preceed to buisness opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother John D. Mathuse by Letter.

Took up the Refrence of Last meeting and the Letter to Represent us in our nex Association Red and Received; And to Bare the same the church Apointed Brothren, To wit, as folows, M. P. Mead, Miles Bennett, Thos. W. Brooks.

Took up the Refrence Relitive to Districting of the Association into Districts and the Church say by Her Voice She is opposed to the same the Church petition the next Association. The Church sends up two Dollars Contribution for the printing of Minuts

AdJournd Thos. W. Brooks, chlk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

Oct 1858.

The Church met in Conference on Saturday before the third Lords day in Oct, 1858—and in order preceed to Buisness the Church agree to furnish means, for the purpus, of suppliing boles or panes,21 to purform the Example of washing Each others feet Also Towels for the purpose of a girdle AdJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, chlk. E. A. Bowen, Mod.

Nov. 1858.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Nov. 1858 and in order preceed to business. theare being Know buisness adJournd in peace—

Thos. W. Brooks, chlk. E A Mowen Mod.

December, 1858

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Dec., 1858 The Church appoint Brother B. Asply Mod protem theare being know Buisness before the church AdJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks C. C. B. Asply Mod. protem

January 1859

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in January 1858 their being no buisness came before the Church AdJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, C. C. E. A. Bowen Mod.

The church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Feburary 1859. The church agree to Meat at Her next quaterly meeting on Friday before the 3d Lords day in March next and to attend to Her Comunion Season know other Buisness AdJourned in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, C. C. E. A. Bowen Mod.

The Church Meating in March Saturday before the third Lords day 1859

the Church appoint Brother B. Asply Mod protem the Church Received a Note from Brother E. A. Bowen Stating that theare had some things presented themselves and that he could not attend the church at this time nor for the future untel a Reconciliation took place thear beaing no more buisness AdJourned in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, C. C. B. Aspley Mod protem

Apr, 1859

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in March.22 1859 theare Being Know business AJournd in peace

Thos. MT. Brooks, C. C. B. Aspley, Mod. Protem

May, 1859

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in May 1859 And Proceed to buisness. Received an Ecnoledgement by way of Letter from Sister Rebecca Davidson, now, Rebecca Reed. She also Request a Letter of Dismission from Pilgrim Church, and the church agree to grant Her a Letter of Dismission

The Church aGree to Extend an arm of the church to be Holden on the Ioni at or near Brother M. P. Meads Residence

the Church appoint a Comitee of Three Members to wit Brothers, M. P. Meed Wm. Lago and M. Bennett to Visit Brother J. Stoe, and Know the cause of his none attendance in conference Theare being Know further buisness adJournd in Peace

Thos. W. Brooks, Clk B. Aspley, Mod. Protem

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in June 1859 and in order preceed to buisness

Refrence Cauld for and taken up. the cometee Report that Brother Stoe Had nothing against the Church that His non attendance was oing to His Dome[s]tic afairs the Church Received Brother Stoe['s] Excuse and the Cometee discharged the Church prefer a charge against Brother Sherwood for Living in disorder Brother Sherwood taken up and tride by fellowship and Excluded from us,

Brother Bowen Came before the church and Ecnoledge that He did wrong in writing to the church instid of coming him Self and the Church Received the Ecknowledgement

Brother Miles Bennett Came before the church and ecknowledg his wrong in Living in Violation of gospel Rule, and the church Received the Ecknowledgment.

The Church agree to Set Brother Mathews at Liberty to Exercise a public gift in anny way he may think pr[o]fitable to the Cause of zion in the Bonds of the Association.

Thos. W. Brooks Clk. B. Aspley Mod protem

The Church met in Con. on Saturday the third Lords day in July 1859 and preceed to buisness the church agree to Receive the Minuts and Letter from the Arm on Ioni which is as follows opend a door for the Reception of members and Received Brother Richard Moor and wife Mary Moor by Letter and Sister Mary B. McKiney by Recomendation M P Mead, chlk L. G. Asply Moderator AdJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks Chk B. Aspley Mo. Pro.

The Church Met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in August 1859 and in order preceed to Buisness

Appointed Brother Mathews Mod Protem. the Church apoint the Clark to prepare a Letter to the Association to Be Red at our next meeting adJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, Clk. J. Mathews Mod. Pro.

September 1859.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Sept, 1859 and in order preceded to buisness.

1st the Church appointed Brother L. G. Aspley Moderator Protem

2d the church took up the Refrence, and the Letter to the Association Red and Received By the Blanks being filled up

3d the [Church] Elected Brethren Thos. W. Brooks, Miles Bennett, John Mathews; and R. M. Garrett in case of failure; to bare our Letter to the Association

4d the church says by Her Voice she sends up Two dollars and fifty cts. Contribution for the Printing of minuts.

5th the Church agree to go into the choice of a Pasture of the Church, and Elected Brother L. G. Aspley to go in and out before Her for the next Twelve months their being know further buisness AdJournd in peace

Thos. W. Brooks, chlk L. G. Aspley Mod

October 1859

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in Oct. 1859—and in order preceed to buisness

1st Invited Visiting members in good order to take seats with us

2d opend the door for the Reception of Members. 3d. The Church agree to grant Brother Thomas Graham and Sister Jane Graham a Letter of Dismission

Brother L. G. Aspley Excepted the Pasterel Ceare of The Church for the next twelve Months. AdJournd in Peace

Thos. W. Brooks, chlk. L. G. Aspley, Mod.

November 1859

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in November 1859—and in order preceed to buisness

1st invited Visiting members to sects with us

2d. Opend the door for the Reception of members

Called for Refrence None.

Called for Miscellaneous matters

3d The Church agree to appoint a cometee of two To Visit Brother qualy and Enquire into His disorderly conduct

The church appoint Brother M. Bennett and Brother T. W. Brooks as the cometee

theare being Know other buisness adjournd in Peace

T. W. Brooks chlk. L. G. Aspley, Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in December 1859 and in order Preceed to buisness

1st opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brethren Joseph W. Stalcup Jasper M. Stalcup by Experiance

Refrence Cald for taken up Cometee Report and Comete discharged

The Church say by Her. Voice she postponed the refference, indefinitely.

Theare being know further business adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. L. G. Aspley Mod.

Saturday January 14 A. D. 1860

The Church met in conference and proceeded to bussiness

1st invited visiting breatheren and sisters to seats with us

2 open the door of the church for the reception of members

call for reference non[e]

call for miscellanious matters. none

by motion of the church dismiss the reference in regard to brother Quallys case brought up in Nov 1859

T. W. Brooks, Clk L. G. Aspley Mod

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Lords day in March 1860 and in order proceed to buisness

the church agree to Receive Sister Edy Blacks Letter and Her Received in full fellowship there [being] know other business Adjournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk L. G. Aspley Mod.

met On [the third] Sunday mor[n]ing [in March] 1860

openned the Door for the Reception of members and Received Brother William Heaton an ordained Deacon from Lake County, Mississippi, Pilgrim Rest, Church, by Letter

Thos W Brooks clk L. G. Aspley Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the Third Lords day in Apr. 1860—and in order proceeded to buisness

first Red the Articles of faith, and Rules of Decorum. know further buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk L. G. Aspley Mod

June 1860

The church met in conference on Saturday before the third Sunday in May 1860—and in order preceeded to buisness.

1st, Envited Visiting members to seats with us

2d, opend the Door for the Reception of members

3d, Called for Refrence none.

4th there being Know buisness before the Church adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. L. G. Aspley, Mod.

Saturday June 16th 1860.

the Church appointed Brother Brooks Mod, protem

2d, opend the door for the Reception of members.

3d, Called for Refrence non[e]

4th, Called for peece. all in peace.

theare being know buisness before the church AdJournd in peace

R. M. Garrett Clk. pr. T. W. Brooks Mod. pr.

July 1860.

The church met in conference on Saturday before the third Sunday in July 1860, and in order preceed to business

1st, opend the door for the Reception of members

2d Call for Refrence non[e]

there Being know further buisness adJour[n]d in peace

T. W. Brooks, clk L. G. Aspley Mod.

August 1860

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the Third Lords day in August 1860 and in order proceeded to buisness

1st appointed Brother J. Mathews Mod. protem

2d, the Church appoint the Cleark to write a Letter to the next association to be Red at the next meeting there adJourned in peace

Thos W. Brooks Ch. clk. John Mathews Mod.

September 1860.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in Sept. 1860, and in order preceded to buisness.

1st, opend the Door for the Reception of members and Received23

2d, caled for Refrence. Refrence taken up Red and Received when the Blanks [were] fild out. the church agree to send up two dollars and fifty cents for the printing of minuts

the church Elected Brethren T. W. Brooks Miles Bennett William Heaton and Brother William Lago and Brother Littleton Helm in case of failure as delogats to the next Asociation adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks, Clk L. G. Aspley, Mod.

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in May 1861 and in order proceeded to buisness

1st opened the Door for the reception of members and Recd none

2st call for Referance none

3rd bro Richard Moore and wife call for a letter which was granted by a unanimous voice of the church

T. W. Brooks, M. D.24 prot. and R. M. Garrett Clk prt.

The church met in conference on Saturday before the third Sunday in September 1861 and in order proceeded to business and the clerk presented a letter to the church for the Association which was read and received with the blanks being filled

2st appointed Delagates to the Association

3rd the church contribute two Dollars for associational perposes and appointed bretheren Stephen Bennett John Matthews R. M. Garrett Delligates to the association and brothers Miles Bennett and William Lago in case of failure

T. W. Brooks M. D. prot and R. M. Garrett Clk protm

Pilgrim Church met in Conferance on the first Sunday in April A D 1863. Apointed Brother Aspley Modorator.

1st opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother S. M. Mathews an ordaind Deacon and his wife Levisa Mathews by Letter. theare being no other buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. L. G. Aspley Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the first Sunday in May 1863 and in order preceeded to business

1st, apointed Brother S. M. Mathews Mod. protem

2d chose Brother L. G. Aspley paster of the church for the present year

Theare being no other buisness AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks, clk. S. M. Mathews Mod protem

The Church met in Conferance on the first Sunday in June 1863, and in order preceeded to buisness

Theare being no buisness presented AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks, Clk. L. G. Aspley Mod

The Church met on Saturday before the first Sunday in July 1863 and in order preced to business. theare being no buisness AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk L. G. Aspley Mod.

August A. D. 1863

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the first Sunday in August 1863 And in order preceed to buisness Opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother B. O. Hendrix by Recomendation. Apointed the Cleark to write a letter of Representation to the next Association to be Red at our next church meating theare being no other business AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. L, G, Aspley Mod,

The Church met in Conference on Saturday before the third Sunday in Sept 1863 and in order preceeded to buisness

1st Opend the Door for the Reception of members Received Brother J. A. Smith and Sister Lucy Smith his wife by Letter, and Received Brother John Denson and Sister Sarah A Mathews by Experiance and Sister Marth Cross by Experiance Called for Reading of Letter to the Association Red and Received the Church appoint Breathren to Beare our Letter to the Association T. W. Brooks M. Bennett J. A. Smith and Brother John Denson in case of failure. the Church Send up nine Dollars for Printing Minuts and Associational purpuses AdJournd in peace

T W Brooks Clk. L. G. Aspley Mod.

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in Oct 1863 and in order preceed to Buisness

opend the Door for the Reception of members and Received Sister Mary E. Stalcup Eliza J. Cuningham Louisa Hendrix and Lavinia E Parker by Experiance

Theare being no further Buisness adJourned in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. L. G. Aspley, Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday Before the 3d Sunday in Nov 1863 and in order preceded to buisness

1st opend the door for the Reception of members and Received F. M. Cuningham and Mary Garner by Experiance

2d, Whereas this Church has learnd with Regret that our Sister Mt. Gilead church has gone into disorder by Receiving a membor Contrary to the order of the Gospel we thearefore appoint Breathren T. W. Brooks S. M. Mathews M. Bennett as Deligates to act for us, to Labor with said church, in order to Reclaim her from her disorder, or to effect a reconciliation in any way consistent with the order of the Gospel, and that the clerk be Requested to give a certificate to the delegats certifying there authority from this church to act for her there being no other business AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. L. G. Aspley Mod.

The Church met in conferance on Saturday befor the 3d. Sunday in Dec. 1863 and in order preceed to Buisness the church Apoint Brother M Bennett Mod pro tem opend the door for the Reception of members and Received Brother L G Aspley an ordaind Minister of the Gospel and Sister Emeline Aspley his wife by letter and Sister Irene Parker and Brother BenJiman Parker by Experiance Apon a petition from Fort Houston church the church appoint her ordaind authority to Visit our sister Ft. Houston church for the Purpos if Expediant to Disolve the same

Brother H. H Burnes and wife presented themSelvs for admition into the church by Recomendation and the church agreed to lay it over untel next meeting of Conferance there Being no other Buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk. M Bennett Mo.

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in January 1864 and in order preceed to buisness

1st opend the Door for the Reception of member[s].

2d took up the Refrence Relitive to Brother Burns and wife application for Membership and after hearing a certificate and Letter Read from Brother James MaJors they wer Received Brother H. H. Burness and Sister Elender Burness [were received] by Recomendation

3d the church agrees that Brethren T. W. Brooks and B. Parker be Liberated to Exercise What ever gift they may have, in the bounds of this church theare being no other buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk L. G. Aspley Mod.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in Febuary 1864

1st, opened the door for the Reception of Members and Received Sister Louisa Williams by Experiance theare being no other buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk. L. G. Aspley Mod.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in Mar, 1864 and in order preceed to buisness

1st appointed Brother M. H. Denman Mod protem.

2d opend the Door for the Reception of Members and Received sister Ann Mathews and sister Susan Parker by Experiance

3d the church appoint a cometee of two Brethren S. M Mathews and T. W, Brooks to wait on Brother J Stow and enquire of his nonattendance or absenting himself from the church and Report at our next meting of buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk M. H. Denman Mod. protem

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in April. 1864 And in order preceed to buisness

first Apointed Brother Brooks Mod. protem

2d, opend the door of the ch. and Received Brother Staff a colerd man by Exp.

3d Cald for Refrence Refrence laid over untel nex conferance

4th The Church Extend the Privileges of the Gospel to Breathhen B. Parker and T. W. Brooks within the Bounds of the Association. AdJournd

John Mathews Clk. protem T W Brooks Mod protem

The ch. met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in May 1864 and in order preceed to buisness

1st opend the Door for the Reception of members Received none. tuck up Reference in Regard to Brother Stow absenting himself from the church Brother Stow being present Stated that it was not from any ill feelings towards the church or any of the members, that sickness had previnted the Ecnoledgement was Received and the comete discharged adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Chlk L. G. Aspley Mod.

The Church met in Conferance on Saturday before the 3d, Sunday in June 1864, and in order preceed to buisness opened the door for the Reception of Members and Recvd none

the church agree to Extend an arme to be holden on San pedrew Creek at Densons School house clothed with the power to act in Receiving of members

On Motion Breathren L. G. Aspley and Ben Parker were added [to] the comitee that were appointed on the Saturday before the 3d Sunday in November 1863, to Visite Mount Gilead church there being no other buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk. L. G. Aspley, Mod.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in July 1864 and in order preceed to buisness

The Church met at Densons School house on San pedrew and met in conferance on 2d Sunday in July 1864 and Received Sister Mary Ann Denson by Experiance the Minute Receivd by the church on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in July 1864 adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk. L. G. Aspley Mod.

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in Aug. 1864, and in order preceed to buisness Opend the Door for the Reception of and Received Sister Rebecca Burnes by Experiance The church apointed the clerk to prepare a church Letter to Be considered at our next meeting of Buisness adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Clk Ben. Parker, Mod. prottem

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d. Sunday in Sept 1864 and in order preceed to buisness 1st Took up the Refrence in Regard [to] the letter to the Association the letter was Red and Received and the church apointed Breathren L. G. Aspley T. W. Brooks and Ben Parker and in case of failure S. M. Mathews 2d the cometee appointed to Enquire into the mount Gilead church, in Regard to her holding a disorderly member in her boddy after a full inve[s]tigation of the matter between the parties Consernd,25 so we ReJoice to day the whole matter is sittied. The presbetry appointed to Enquire into Condision of our Sister Fort Houston church Report that [that] presbetry Visited said church and find she still wishes to keep House so they took no action in the premises. The church petitions the Association or Request her to appoint a presbetry to Examine into Brother Ben Parkers Gift and if found sound in the faith and othedox to ordain him to the Minestry of the Gospel adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks clk. L. G. Aspley Mod

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in Oct 1864 and in order preceed to buisness according to the request of our last conferance the association appointed a presbetry and on the 9th of this month brother Ben Parker was ordained The church Agree that the credentials, be spread on the Church Book adJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks Chlk. Ben Parker Mod. protem

The church met in conferance on Saturday before the 3d Sunday in Nov. 1864 and in order preceed to buisness. the church agree to go into the choice of a pasture and maid choice of Brother L. G. Aspley and Brother Ben Parker as an assistant pasture in the absents or with him Brother Aspley AdJournd in peace

T. W. Brooks chlk L. G. Aspley, Mod

October the 15th 1864  The State of Texas  County of Anderson

To all Whom it may concern This is to certify, That our beloved Brother Benjamin Parker, was at the call of the Primitive Baptist church of Christ at Pilgrim Solemnly set apart this day by the imposition of hands and ordained by us the ministry of the gospel, and he is fully authorised to minister at large in the Lords Vineyard wherever Divine providence may Direct his course, and to administer the Special as well as more common ordnances of the gospel on every common or proper occasion and we do hereby Recommend him to the affectionate Regard Confidence and Respect of the Regular Pri[mi]tive Baptist[s]—as a Pious orderly minister of the Gospel

done at the Union Association of Baptist convened with the Bethel Church and county and State aforesaid, this October the 9th 1864

T. W. Brooks, Clerk L. G. Aspley, Mod James Majors Alfred Hefner Thos Brittain R. T. Gibson Samuel Clark John W. Owen Moses H Denmon L. G. Aspley

The Church met in conferance on Saturday before the third Sunday in Deer the 15th 1864 1st appointed Brother R. G. Gibson mod. pro tem then preceeded to business

2d the church agree to Extend to Brother T. W. Brooks the right to Exercise his gift as a minister of the gospel wherever god in [h]is providence may cast [his] lot

3d agreed to instruct the Clerk to give to Brethren L. G. Aspley and Ben Parker certificates Certifying their standing in the church and their ordination to the work of the ministry and clothing them with authority to ordain ministers Deacons and in the Constitutions of churches to act Either jointly or Separately

4th Agreed to Release Brother T. W. Brooks from the Clerkship by his Request.

5th Appointed Brother R. M. Garrett adjournd in Peace

T. W. Brooks Clerk L. G. Aspley mod

The church met Saturday before the 3d Sunday in Jan. 1865 and in order proceeded to business. There being no business Adjournd in Peace

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in Feb. 1865

The church met and in order proceeded to business there being no business adjourned in Peace and on Sunday the 19th Received Brother Willis Jones by experience

R. M. Garrett, ch Clerk Ben. Parker, mod

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in March 1865 the church met in conference and in order proceeded to business the church appointed Breathern L. G. Aspley and T. W. Brooks together with as many of the members as may see proper to go and sit in council in Trinity County East Prairie and to Recieve members, and grant letters of dismission the clerk gives them a certificate to wit Breatheren Aspley and Brooks. adjournd in peace and on Sunday the 19 Recieved Charlotte a colored woman also Henny a colored woman both by experience

R. M. Garrett ch. Clk. Ben. Parker, Mod

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1865 the church met and in order proceeded to business there being no business adjourned in Peace

R. M. Garrett ch Clk. L. G. Aspley Mo.

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in may 1865 [the church met] and in order proceeded to business and received Zibby Burns by Experience

2nd Received the Report of brother Brooks and brother L. G. Aspley Relative to proceedings had in Trinity County as follows

3rd To Pilgrim Church, we the undersigned beg leave to Submit the following report.

In accordance with the authority granted us by the Church we proceeded to open the door of the Church at Brother Wards East Prairie Trinity County Texas, on Saturday before the 1st Sunday in May 1865 and Recieved by Experience Sisters Elizabeth Sylvester Mahalia Sylvester and Elizabeth ward and granted letters of dismission to the Same and on Sunday Recieved Cyrena Chambles by Experience all of which is most respectfully Submitted

Signed L. G. Aspley T. W. Brooks R M Garrett Ch Clk Benjamin Parker mod

Saturday before the third Sunday in June 1865 the church met and in order proceeded to business 1st called for the peace of the church and brother S. M. Mathews Prefers charges against brother P. Q. for writing letters and corresponding with a lady on an improper Subject and leaving his family in a suffering condition and the church refers the same untill our next meeting

2 sister Martha P. Crainshaw, formerly Martha P. Cross, calls for letter of dismission which the church grants

Benjamin Parker, Mod. R. M. Garrett ch clk

July the 18th, 1865

Saturday before the third Sunday in July 1865 the church met and in order proceeded to business

1st took up the Refference in the case of brother P. Q., and Breatheren Ben Parker and S. M. Mathews informed the church that they had visited Brother P. Q. and Laboured with him on the subject in order to reclaim him and he acknowledged to them that he had corresponded with a lady on an improper Subject or on the subject of love and they farther found that he had left his family and was not following any occupation for the support of his family and he failing to give satisfaction the church therefore declairs by her act that brother P. Q. is no longer a member of This body and on Sunday the 11th Recieved Aaron a colored man by experience

L. G. Aspley, Mod. R. M. Garrett Ch clk

Saturday before the 3rd third sunday in August 1865 the church met and in order proceeded to business first the church authorises the clerk to prepare a letter by our next meeting to our next association

L. G. Aspley, Mod. R. M. Garrett Ch clk

Saturday before the 3rd third sunday in Sept 1865 the church met and in order proceeded to business 1 call for the letter to the association which was read and recieved with the Blanks to be filled 2nd second appointed delegates to the association to wit Breatheren S. M. Mathews Ben Parker Miles Bennett and bro Smith in case of failure to bear our letter to the association there being no other business adjourned in Peace

S. M. Mathews Mod pro tem R. M. Garrett Ch Clk

Saturday before the third sunday in october 1865 the church met and in order Proceeded to business 1st sister Zibby Burns call for a letter which the church granted there being no other business adjourned in Peace

R. M. Garrett Benjamin Parker Mod

Saturday before the third Sunday in November 1865 the church met and in order proceeded to business there being no business adjourned in peace

R. M. Garrett, C. C. Br Logan M D, P. T.26

Saturday before the third sunday in Decr 1865 the Church met and in order proceeded to business. Brother Garrett came forward and acknowledged to the gilt of killing a man being his own accuser and posponed it untill our next meeting amendment to the above minute Brother Garrett acknowledges that he is sorry that he had to do such a thing and sorry that such a thing ever took place and asked the church to forgive him 2nd wint into the choice of a pastor which Resulted in the choice of Brother Aspley and Parker there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Br. Ben Parker, M. D. R. M. Garrett, C. C.

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January 1866 the Church met and in order proceeded to business 1st took up the case of Brother Garrett and posponed untill our next meeting

2nd Brother B Parker prefers charges against Sister Henny and cholle27 for fighting and contradicting of each other appointed a committee of three to wait on our two sisters consisting of Breatheren B Parker John Parker and M Bennett and Report at our next meeting

4th Brother J. M. Stalcup and Sister Mary E Stalcup petition the church for letters of dismission but the church Refuses to grant them letters uppon the said petition as the petition set forth that if the church did not grant letters upon said petition that they wished to be banished from the Church

Ben Parker, Mod. R. M. Garrett C. C.

Saturday before the third 3rd sunday in February 1866 the church met and in order proceeded to business 1st took up the case of Brother Garrett and posponed it untill our next meeting 2nd took up the case of our two colored sisters for fighting and contradicting of each other and recieved the report and the committee discharged the case of sister Charlotte is taken up for trial and [she] is hereby Declared no more a member with us 2 took up the case of sister Henny and withdrew the charge and the church agrees to amend the minutes of her Decr meeting which the Church28 Recieved the Report of Ben Parker which read as follows to Pilgrim Church the undersigned begs leave to Report that he proceeded to assist in the constitution of a church at Bradleys mills near the head of cat-fish Bayou in Anderson County on the Articles of faith of the union Association on Saturday before the 4th Sunday in January 1866

all of which is most Respectfully Submitted

Ben Parker Ben. Parker, Mod R. M. Garrett, C. C.

Saturday before the 3rd Lords day in March 1866 the church Proceeded to business first apointed M Bennett Clerk Protem

2nd took up the Reference of Brother Garrett Brother Garrett request the Church to throw him overboard as was Jonah so the Church by her vote excluded Brother Garrett

3rd the Church agrees to Grant Brother Mathis and wife letters of Dismission also Bro Lagow Brother Smith [and] wife Brother Cunningham and wife sister Garrett sister Mary Denson on Sunday following the Church opened the Door and Recieved Sister Nancy Parker by letter

Ben Parker Moderator Miles Bennett Clerk Protem

Saturday before the 3rd Lords day in May 1866 the Church Met and proceeded to Buisness

1st appointed M Bennett Church Clerk

2nd Receeved Martin and Mary Burns By experience

3rd the Church Grants sister Eliza Brooks a letter of dismission there being no other Business the Church adjourned in Peace

Ben Parker Modera Miles Bennett Church Clerk

Saturday before the 3rd Lords day in June 1866 the Church met and Proceeds to bu[siness]

1st the Church Grant John M Mathes and Sarah Mathes his wife and also sister Hannah Stow letters of Dismission there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Ben Parker Modera M Bennett Church Clerk

the Church Met Saturday before the 3rd Lords day in August 1866

1st Called for Reference none

2nd the Church appointed the Clerk to prepare a letter to the association by the next Meeting Done in Conference and signed

Miles Bennett Church Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

Saturday before the 3rd Lords day in September 1866 the Church Met and in order Proceeded to Business

1st Called for Reference letter to the Association

2nd Letter Called for Read and Receeved

3 Appointed Brethren Delegates B Parker John Parker B29 Aspley in Case of failure M Bennett as Delegates to the association

there being no other business the Church adjourned in Peace

B Parker Moderator Miles Bennett C Clerk

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in October 1866 the Church met and in order Proceeded to businss

1st Called for Reference none

2nd the Church Grants sister Rebecca Burns and Brother Joel Stow letters of Dismission there being no other business adjourned in peace

B Parker Moderator M Bennett Church Cler

the Church met Saturday before the third Sunday in November 1866 and in order Proceeded to buisness

1st Called for Reference none

2nd the Church Grants Brother Martin Burns and sister Mary Burns and sister Elander Burns and sister Louisa Williams letters of Dismission there being no other buisiness the Church adjourned in Peace

Benjamin Parker Moderator Miles Bennett Curch Clerk

Saturday before the 3 Sunday in January 1867 the Church Met and in order proceeded to business

1st Called for Reference none

2nd Mount Olive Church Request the ordaned authorities of Pilgrim Church for the ordination of a Deacon which is granted by the Church to be held Saturday before the 2 Sunday in February 1867

3rd Brother Ben Parker Reports that he assisted in the ordination of Brother J H Martin Coolsprings Church to the work of a Deacon on the Saturday before the 4th Sunday in November 1866

Miles Bennett Church Clk Ben Parker Moderator

the Church [met] Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in February 1867 and in order Proceeded to Business

1st Called for Reference none

2nd Brother Aaron a Freedman Come forward and Acknowledged to Drinking to Much Spirituous liquors for which the Church forgives him

there being [no other business] the Church adjourned in peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk Benjamin Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday Before the 3rd Sunday in March 1867 there being no business adjourned in Peace

Ben Parker Moderator Miles Bennett Curch Clerk

The Church Met Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in April 1867 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for Reference none

there being no business adjourned in Peace

Ben Parker Moderator Miles Bennett Church Clerk

Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in May 1867 there being but two Male Members present held no Church Meeting

Miles Bennett Clerk

The Church Met Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in June 1867 and in order Proceeded to business

1st Called for Reference none

2nd on Motion and second the Church agrees to appoint a Comity of three to inquire into the Difficulty betwixt sisters V. W. and X. Y. and Report at next Meeting

3rd appointed M Bennett and B Barker J Parker as Com

Miles Bennett Church Clerk B Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the 3 Sunday in July 1867 and in order Proceeded to Business

1st Called for Reference

2nd the Church take up the Reference and the Comitty Reports and the Committy Discharged the Committy Reports a Pointed Contradiction Between them in two cases first that sis V. W. says that sister X. Y. told her that she had a Conversation with Brother Ben Parker Relative to some Reports in Circulation and he Ben Parker said she ought to have Contradicted said Reports and sister X. Y. Denies Making any such Statements and in the 2nd place sister V. W. says she told sister X. Y. about said Reports being [in] Circulation about her some time in the Spring of 1866 which sister X. Y. Denies

3rd the Church takes up a Charge against the two sisters on Motion the Case was laid over til the next Meeting

4th the Church appoints a Committy of three Brother John Parker B O Hendrix and M Bennett to inform Sister X. Y. of the Charge against her and Report at the next Metting

5th Brother B Parker Reports to Pilgrim Church he assisted in the ordination of Brother Hays a Deacon Belonging to Mount Olive Church which the Church Receives there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Clerk B Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the 3 Sunday in August 1867

1st being so few Members Present Past the Reference over

2nd the Church Appoints the Clerk to write a letter for the association by the next Meeting Adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Clerk B. Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in September 1867 and in order proceeded to business

1st took up the Charge against sister X. Y. and sister V. W.

2nd the Committy Reported they informed sister X. Y. of the Charge against her for which the Committy was Discharged

3rd on Motion Continued tel next Meeting

4th the letter to the Association was read and Receeved

5th the Church appoints L. B Aspley and Brot John Parker and B Parker as Delegates to the Association

6th the Church Rejects the first Proposed amendment Made by the Association and excepts the second Amendment there being no other business the Church adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the 3 Sunday in October 1867 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for Reference

2nd took up the Reference in the first case Between the two sisters and by the Request of Brother B O Hendrix the Case was Divided and sister V. W. was Put on trial and [the vote] stood three to exclude and five to Retain and the Manority Contended they was Right whereupon a motion was made to Reconsider the vote and the vote was then Reconsidered and Brother Hendrix withdrew his Request for a Division of the Case and the vote was then taken jointly and the Church says by her vote that sister[s] X. Y. and V. W. is no longer Members of her Body there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk L B Aspley Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in December 1867 and in order proceeded to business

1st Called for Reference none

there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sunday in January 1868 and in order Proceeded to business

1st Called for Reference none

2nd the Church agrees to appoint a Committy of three Members to wit Brother Ben Parker B O Hendrix and M Bennett to inquire into some Reports against Brother qualy and sister Permelia Freedman and Report at the next Meeting there being no other Business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the third Sunday in February 1868 and in order proceeded to business

2nd The Reference in Regard to the Report against Brother qualy Higber and sister Permelia Hammer30 was taken up and Brother M Bennett and Ben Parker Report that they have made inquiry and find no Cause of Charge against the Brother and sister and therefore ask to be Discharged which Report was Receeved by the Church

3rd Brother Aspley Reports that he had Constituted a C[h]urch Down on Cedar Bayou near the line of Houston and Trinity Counties on Saturday before the 4th Sunday in Oct last upon the Articles of Faith of the union Association and Constitution and Rules of Decorum of the Pilgrim Church and also assisted in the ordination of Brother Barton to the work of a Deacon at the same time and Place there being no other business adjourned [in] peace

M Bennett Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

The Church Met Sat before the third Sunday of March 1868 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for Reference none

There being no other business Ajourned in Peace

B. Bennett Church Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

The Church Met Saturday before the Third Sunday April 1868 and in order proceed to business

1st Called for Reference none

there being no other business adjourned [in] Peace

Miles Bennett Clrk Benjamin Parker Moderator

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sunday in June 1868 and in order Proceeded to business

1st Called for Reference none

the Church says by her act she appoint a Commity of three to wit M Bennett B O Hendrix and Brother B Parker to visit Jasper Stallcup and assertain the Reason he dont attend the Church and Report at the next Meeting

Miles Bennett Church Clerk L B Aspley Moderator

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sunday in July 1868 and in order Proceeded to business

1st Called for Reference from last Meeting

2nd the Committy Reports that Brother J Stallcup is not hurt with the Church and will attend Meetting when he Can

3rd the Committy was discharged

4th on Motion and second the Church takes up a Charge against Brother AAroon and Henny quarles for fighting and qurling31 with each other and for Miss Statements

5th and the Church says by her voice that they AAroon and Henny quarts are no longer Members of her Body

6th the Church grants the Request of sister Fort Houston Church for their ordained authorities to attend at her July Meeting to assist in the ordination of a Deacon

there being no other business adjournd in Peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk Ben Parker Moderator

The Church Met Sat. before the 3rd Sunday in August and in order proceeded to business

1st Appointed Bro B O Hendrix clerk protem Brother Ben Parker reported that he attended the Fort Houston Church at her meeting in July and at her request by the assistance of Brother James Majors Set apart brother J A Parker as a Deacon in said church he being pruved orthedox

3rd appointed the Clerk to prepare a letter for the Association subject to her approval at her next meeting Adjourned in Peace

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sunday in September 1868 and order proceeded to business

1st Called for the Reference letter to Associ[ation]

2 the letter was read and Receeved

3 appointed Delagates to the association to wit Brother Aspley B Parker and B O Hendrix and [in case] of failure M Bennett

Signed by order of the Church

Miles Bennett Clerk L B Aspley Moderator

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Oct Sunday 1868 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for Reference none

there being no other business adjourned [in] Peace

Miles Bennett Clerk Benjamin Parker Moder[a]tor

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sun in November 1868 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for Reference none

there being [no] other business adjourned in Peace

M Bennett Church Clerk Ben Parker Modertor

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sun in January 1869 and in order Proceed to business

1st Receeved sister Martha Crenshaw by letter

2nd Called for Reference none

there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk Benjamin Parker Moderator

The Church Met Sat befor the 3 Sun in February 1869 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for Reference none

There being no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Clerk B Parker Moderator

The Church Met Sat before the 3rd Sun in March 1869 and in order Proceeded to business first appointed Brother George Houge Moderator protem

2nd Caled for Reference none

There [being] no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles Bennett Church Clerk George Houge Mod Protem

The Church Met Sat before the 3 Sun in April 1869 and in order Proceed to business

1st Called for [reference] none there being no other business adjourned in Peace

Miles [Bennett.] Clerk B Parker Moderator

1 The Names of the members

2 of Pilgrim Church32

3 John Parker

4 Parmelia Bennett

5 Sarah Little

6 Joseph Craford

7 Hannah Stow [ADis by letter]

8 Joel Stow

9 Elizabeth mead [ADead]

10 Qually a colored man by recom [ADead]

11 R. M. Garrett by letter [ADead]

12 T. W. Brooks33 recom

13 Eliza Brooks by exp.

14 Edy Black recom

15 Laurah Bennett exp

16 Miles Bennett exp [ADead]

17 Mary Kennedy ex [ADead]

18 penelope Hensley ex

19 Littleton Helm by letter

20 William Lago ex

21 John D Matthews let

22 Sarah A Matthems ex

23 Mary B McKinney

24 J, M, Stallcup ex

25 Wm Heaton letter

26 S M Matthew, letter

27 Levisa Matthews, let.

28 B O Hendrix by recom [ADead]

29 J. A. Smith by Let

30 Lucy Smith bl Let

31 Mary Stallcup

32 Eliza G Cunningham

33 Louisa Hendrix

34 Lavina, E, Parker

35 F. M. Cunningham

36 Mary Garner

37 L. G. Aspley by let

38 Emeline Aspley "

39 J Rena Parker

40 Benjamin Parker [ADead]

41 H. H. Burnes [ADead]

42 Elender Burns

43 Ann Matthews

44 Susan Parker

45 Staff a colored exp. ]Adead[

46 Rebecca Burnes

47 Prudence Jordan [Adismis by letter]

48 Mary Brooks [Adism by letter]

49 Mat a black man

50 Louisa Williams

51 Mary Ann Denson

Martha Cross [ADismissed by letter]

John a Black man

Pamelia, a Black woman

Cintha Jordan

Willis Jones

Charlotte a colored woman

Henny a colored woman

Zibby Burns

Aaron a colored man [ADead]

Mahalia Sylvester

Elizabeth Sylvester

Elizabeth Ward

Cyrena Chambles,

RECOLLECTIONS OF S. F. SPARKS.

My great-grandfather was a native of Ireland. He came to the United States very early, was in the Revolutionary War between the United States and Great Britain, and was killed at Minnes Fort, Georgia; the date I do not remember. My grandfather was a native of Georgia, married there, and moved to Mississippi in 1809. As far back as I remember he served as a deacon in the Baptist Church, being a member of the First Baptist Church that was constituted in Texas. He died at the age of eighty-seven years.

My father was then about nineteen or twenty years of age. He married in 1810. He served in the war of 1812, and was in hearing of the battle of New Orleans, but did not arrive in time to participate in the fight. He was sheriff of Yazoo County for several years, represented the County until it was divided, and Holmes County made. He then represented the new County, until we moved to Texas in 1834. I was then sixteen or seventeen years old. We first rented land in San Augustine County, but in the fall of 1834 we moved and settled five miles north of the town of Nacogdoches, on a league of land that my father had bought. In the fall of 1835 I started to school, some twenty miles north of us, in what was then known as the Williams Settlement. The school was taught by T. D. Brooks. The school-house was fourteen by fourteen feet, built of pine logs and with no floor. I think eight of us attended school there. I did not stay more than a month before General Cos invaded Texas with an army of 1000 or 1500 men, and there being a call for volunteers to meet them, I left school and joined the army. My captain was H. T. Edwards of Nacogdoches County.

We arrived at General Ed. Burleson's camp about one o'clock one morning, and went to what they called the brush fence, where all who wanted to fight could get arms. We drove the squad of Mexicans that came to meet us across the river, and went into camp. The next day, Col. Ben Milam and Frank Johnson walked out, and made a mark on the ground, and said, "Who will follow old Ben Milam into San Antonio? Those who will, cross to my side." My captain and his company were the first to cross the line, and history tells the result.

It would be hard to give the heroic deeds of all of our men, for they were all heroes, but one deserves special mention. When we had taken the north row of houses and were firing on the outside of the doors and windows, Sylvester ran across the Plaza, right through the Mexicans, and spiked their cannon, then turned and ran back; just as he jumped in a door, he turned to look, and as he did so, he had one of his eyes shot out.

After the surrender of Cos to Burleson and Johnson, I returned with my captain to Nacogdoches, and the same teacher was teaching a little school in my father's field, so I started to school again; but in less than two months my teacher and I volunteered to go and meet General Santa Anna with his host. By this time a man by the name of Henderson, his brother, and a cousin named Jones had come from Tennessee. They came to my father, and said that if I would raise a company, they would join it, and go with us to the army. I told them if they would go, we would elect the elder Henderson captain, his cousin lieutenant, and his brother second lieutenant. They agreed to this, and I raised the company; we elected them, and made my school-teacher orderly sergeant. In March we left for Washington on the Brazos, where about three hours after our arrival a courier came with the intelligence that the Alamo had fallen, and every man had been killed. I was standing in the door of the hall, where our statesmen were in council, when the dispatch was read. The news spread like fire in high grass. In less than two hours news was circulated that Ugartechea was within ten miles of Washington with 2000 cavalry, and intended to cross the river at that point.

Then what is known as the "Run away Scrape" commenced. Men, women and children began to cross the river in the ferryboat. My captain came to me and said, "What shall we do? We can't keep a thousand cavalry from crossing." I said I did not believe the report. I told him there were one hundred bales of cotton on the west bank, and for him to press the ferry-boat, and we would go over, and bring the cotton over to the east bank, and make breast-works of it, so that if the Mexicans came we could by that means prevent their crossing the river. He agreed to it, and we soon had a fine breast-work.

It was a complete panic. One man, living a few miles from Washington, together with his wife and three or four little children started.They had ten or twelve head of cattle, and a pony; they were driving the cattle, and his wife was riding the pony, with the youngest child on behind her. Before they got to Washington some people passed them, and told them to go as fast as they could, for the Mexicans were close behind. This was more than the heroic man could stand. He told his wife that it would be better for one of them to escape, than for all to be killed; then he took her and the child off the horse, left them in the road, and came on and crossed the river. But his wife and children drove the cows, and in an hour or so they crossed the river, too, and found him sitting by a tree. She went to him and said, "Now you get behind this breast-work of cotton bales and fight." But he said it was not worth while, for they would kill everybody that stayed and fought them. She said, "Well, I will. If I can get a gun, I'll be durned if I don't go behind that breast-work and fight with those men." We had an old musket with us, and my mess-mate, Howard Bailey, said, "Madam, here is a gun." She took the gun and remained over half the night behind the breast-works.

The next morning my captain said to me that the country was gone, and that he, his brother and his cousin were going home, and said, "Your father told me to advise you just as I would my brother, and I advise you now to go home; this is the advice I gave my brother." I thanked him, and told him to tell my father, he need not look for me; that if the country had to go I would go with it; that I would fight Santa Anna at every creek, river, and thicket to the Sabine River. They left us then with the orderly sergeant. The same day, I, with four others of our company, T. D. Brooks, Sam McGlothin, Howard Bailey and Henry Chapman, were ordered by the president to Harrisburg to press horses and guns for the army. We served two weeks in that capacity, and had some very exciting times. The whole country was fleeing from Santa Anna's army.

The first horses we pressed were at Lynchburg. We went there late in the evening, and just after dark Lynch told McGlothin that two young men had ridden into town on two good horses, and that the men ought to be in the army. McGlothin told me to take one of the horses, and Bailey the other. As soon as he thought we had had time to get the horses, he said, "Young men, your horses are pressed for service, and I am now ready to give you a receipt for them." One of them swore that he would press the man that had his horse. It was moonlight, and I saw him coming towards me with a glistening bowie knife. I had an "Arkansas tooth-pick" with me, and when he got close enough to strike, he said, "Turn that horse loose." I told him I would not do it. He made a lick at the bridle reins, but I managed to make him miss. He said, "Turn him loose, or I'll cut your head off." He was on one side of the horse, and I was on the other. He raised his knife, and at