, MINUTES

OF 1'BE

Thirty-Fourth Annual Session

OF THE

MUSCLE SHOALS STATE LINE

Free Will Baptist Association

• • •

Met With

COLLINWOOD CHURC

September 23, 24, 25, 1954

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/ MINUTES of the

Thirty-Fourth Annual Session of the

MUSCLE SHOALS STATE LINE

Free Will Baptist Association

•

Met \Vith

COLLIN\VOOD CHURCH

September 23, 24, 25, 1954

•

OFFICERS

REV. \VILLIE DANIELS-- -------------- ·--------Moderator

REV. GEORGE KELLEY--------------- - --------Assistant Moderator

REV. ARLO PEPPERS ___________________________ Clerk

•

•

•

session of the Association will convene with the Iron Iron City. Tennessee, ·on Thursday night before the

City 4th

The next Church, Sunday in September, 1955, with Rev. George Kelley as Moderator

and Arlo Peppers as Clerk. . · ~

•

MINISTERS' 1\A:\fES AND -\DDHESSES

Ed Caperton, In , City, Tenn. Clk<.· D.lll·cl.,, Houte 2, Iron City. Tenn. J. 0. Dixon, Haute 1, Coll:nwo(Jd, Tenn. Clo\'iS Brewer, Route 3, Iron City, Tenn. T. E. Hoper, Loretto, Tenn. D. C. \\'all<lce, Route 6, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Ct>orge Kcll<'}, Route 2, Iron City, Tenn. 11 C. k;Jlen, Sr., 936 Royal, Florence, AlL J·aul A. Sanderson, 131.3 Sunnyside St., Florence Al::t. \Vill'c Daniels, Route 2. Collinwood, Tenn. II. D. Stutts, Route 3, Iron City, Tenn. Ellie ~lcGec, No Addr<.!ss Given. Arlo Peppers, Houte 5, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. I.:clclie Staggs, 1517 Ste' enson St., Florence, Ala. D. A. Lindsc}, 311 Highland Ave., Florence, Ala. A. S. Jones. Route 1, St. Joseph, Tenn. Paul Star}, !4.5 Apt. B , Cherry Hill Homes, Florence, Ala. Theodore ~orred, Route 5, Florence, Ala. \VJII'c Brewer. Route :3, Iron City, Tenn. L. 0. Cook, Route 3, Iron City. Tenn. l•' .. ecl A. Creckmoorc, Rovte 2. Hohem,ald, Tenn. Doyle \' allan•. Iron City, Tenn. Floyd C. Quillen, Route 1, Floren<:('. Ala. C. L. Rc} er, No Address Gh·en. J. L. Arnold, Haute 1, Lawrcncchurg. Tenn. Haymond Kdley, Route 9, Iron City, Tenn. ~lnrvin ~I.1lone, Iron CPy, Tenn. "'n·n Adams, Route 2, Iron City, Tenn. E. P. Rowd<·n. 1216 E. Alabama St., Florence, Ala. Theodore Adams, Iron City, Tenn. D!ck Princ·e, No Address Given. J. !\ f. Burns, Route 3, Iron City, Tenn. DcwPy Haygood, 333 Georgia AYe., Florence, Ala. L B. Royal, 423 Strinton AYe., Florence, Ala.

CHURCHES - CLERKS - ADDRESSES

Bntlcr'c; Grove-Lorene Robertson, Route 2, Iron City, Tenn . Kc,, Home-Elsie Bevis Iwn City-~ndine Adams, Iron City, Tenn. ~fill Rot.:k-Bf} son, Route 1, Collinwood, Tenn. \Villiam's Chapc.l-Rubye Check, Iron City, Tenn.

•

Royal Avenue Church-Emmitt 0. Childers, 316 \V. Lime St.. Florence, Ala. Burns' Chapcl-Josie ~fartin, Route 3, Iron City, Tenn. Canaan-Dolph CrC\.\T, Route 6, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Johnson's School-Dana ~!orris, Route 3, Lults, Tenn. P 1se IIill-Dorthy ~fyers, Route l, \.Vales, Tenn. Ct)mmtmity-Rayrnond Horton, 241 Duc:an Ave., Florence, Alt.

3

•

Jones' Chapcl-]ru1ic Davis, Florence, Ala. Collinwood-Betty Smith, Collinwood, Tenn. ~ filler's Chapel-S. II. Gilbreath, Route 1, Summertown, Tenn. State Line Grove-Andrew Killen, Route 2, Lexington, Ala. Forty-Eight Bridge-Sarah :Martin, Route 4, \Vaynesboro, Tenn. New Community-Christine \Vilbanks, Route 2, Florence, Ala. Flatwoods-A. B. McFalL Route 2, Ethridge, Tenn. Cross Roads-M. A. Peppers, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. \ Vayland Springs-No Name, Route 1, Iron City, Tenn. Ilohenwald-Lois Laxton, Route 1, Hohenwald, Tenn. Hickory Flat- Lillie Smitherman, Route 1, Killen, Ala. Friendship State Line-No Name, Box l 50A, Hazel Green, Ala. St. Joseph-W. C. Smith, Route 1, Iron City, Tenn. Oak Grove No. 2-No Name, West Point, Tenn. Grassey Creek-Mary Morris, Lutts, Tenn. Gray's Chapel-Eugene Jones, Route 1, St. Joseph, Tenn. Cypress Oak Grove-Mrs. Rosie \Vhitten, Iron City, Tenn. Fellowship-Geanette Prince, Route 2, Iron City, Tenn. Cave Springs-Elmer Fretwell, Route 1, Town Creek, Ala.

•

DECEASED MINISTERS' NAMES RETAINED

Rev. J. S. Dillard-Alabama City Rev. R. E. Freeman-Cordova, Ala. Rev. Tom Arnold-Union Hill Rev. T . H. 1\fartin-Macedonia Rev. D. D. Serrett-Flattwoods Rev. John Norred-Cypress Oak Grove

CHURCHES - PASTORS - ADDRESSES

Cave Springs-\Villie Daniels, Collinwood, Tenn. Fellowship-George Kelley, Route 2, Iron City, Tenn. Cypress Oak Grove-Dewey Haygood, F lorence, Ala. Gray's Chapel-Theodore Norred, Houte 5, Florence, Ala. Grassey Creek-Theodore Adams, Iron City, Tenn. O·tk Grove N,). 2-JI. D. Stutts, Iron City, Tenn. St. Joseph-Doyle \Yallace, Iron City, Tenn . Friendship State Line-A. S. Jones, St. Joseph, Tenn. Hickory Flat-J. 0. Dixon, Route 1, Collimvood, Tenn. Ilohenwald-C!O\·is Brewer, Route 3, Iron City, Tenn. \Vnyland Springs-H. D. Stutts, Iron City, Tenn. Cwss Roads-]. B. Harper, Cypress Inn, Tenn. Flatwoods-\Villie Daniels, Collinwood, Tenn. New Community-Forty-Eight Bridge-L. 0. Cook, Route 3, Iron City, Tenn. State Line Grove-D. C. \Vallace, Route 6, Lawrenceburg, Tenn. Miller's Chapel-H. D. Stutts, Iron City, Tenn. Collinwood-George Kelley, Route 2, Iron City, Tenn. Jones' Chapel-Coleman Quillen, Route 1, Florence, Ala.

4

PROCEEDINGS THURSDAY NIGHT SESSION

Called to order by ~Ioderator, Rev. \ Vill:e Daniels. Song, "l(neel at the Cross." Prayer by Bro. Ed Caperton, followed by s:nging "The Old Counb-y Church" and "\\'hen " 'e ~teet Our Blessed Sa\'iour." Scripture reading, Luke 12:22-40, by \loderator, ReY. \Villie Daniels. Rev. George Kelley preached the opening sermon, using the subject, "Doctrine of Free \ Vill Baptists, the Bible." DismissC'd h>' Rev. J. ~1. Bums.

FRIDAY 1\IOR:--JING SESSION Called to order by ~loderator, Re". Willie Daniels. Song, "Heaven's Jubi­

k·c," by choir, led by Rev. L. 0 . Cook. Another song, "Where the Soul Never Dies."

Prayer by Rev. Hollis Southerland. Dcvotionnl Reading, 1 Corinthians 10: 1- 1:3.

Prayer by Hev. J. L. Arnold. Rules of order were read by 1\Iodcrator. Intelligence of churches were called for and delegates were seated as fol­

h,\\ ing: Cypress Oak Gro,·e-Sisters Fluta Thrasher, I<.l.l Bates, and Bro. T. A. Bates.

\[ t.ute funds $6.70. Collim\ ood-Bros. H. H. Bre\\ er, Hobert Risner, and Floyd Bryant. ~Iinute

funds $10.00. Fellowship-Sisters ~laggie Kin1brell, Laura Gray, and Viola Kelley. ~linute

iunds $10.00. Butler's Grove-Br0s. Roy Robertson , Leo Jackson, and Ammon \Vallace.

~finulc funds $5.00. Friendship State Line-Bros. E. B. Jackson, IIerman Reyer, and James Tuck­

er. ~ f inutc funds $8.00. Gray's Chapel-Sisters Vernice \Vallace, Lizzie Hamm, and Marjorie Eur­

h,Hn. l\Jinule funds $7 20. Canaan-Bro. Edger Crews, Sisters Mamie Crews, and Mable Gobbell. Min­

ute funds $7.00. Crassey Creek-Bro. Noah Morris. Minute funds $2.00. Oak Grove No. 2-Bros. Ottis Staggs, Howard Enoch, and Sis. Helen Enoch.

\Iinute funds $3.00. Royal Avenue-Sisters A. R. Brewer, l\Iattie Lou Childers, and Irene Cleg­

horn. Minute funds $7 .50. New Home-Bro. Emmitt Brown, Sisters Edna Dec Brown and Louise Young.

~linute funds $4.25. ~1ill Rock-Bros. Freddie \Vallace, \Vess Butler, and Sis. Janie Wallace.

\1inute funds $7.15. \Villiam's Chapel-S ic;ters Clara ~lay Stookberry, Pauline \Villiams, and Ket­

tie ~tae Huss. ~linute funds $5.76.

Hickory Flat-Bro~ \Vil1ard Burbank, Almon Gray, and Albert Curt:.S. ~lin­ute funds $7.20.

..... j

Flatwoods-Bro. and Sis. Eddie Baize, and Bro .. \Vill Smith. ~Iinutc funds $10.00.

Iron City-Sisters Ida Ne'"vman, Virgie Lumpkins, and Nadine Adams. ~1in­ute funds $6.65.

Rose Hill-Sisters Opal Russell, \Vilma Beets, and 1lyrtle Xonnan. Minute funds $7.00.

Cave Springs-Bro. and Sis. Roy Houston, and Bro. Hermon IlE' ps. Minute funds $9.60.

State Line Grove-Bros. \V. E. \Viley and Loyd Jones. ~linutc funds $10.00.

48 Bridge-Bro. A. J. Ricketts, Sisters Alice 1fartin and Indica ~fac Staggs. Minute funds $5.15.

Johnson School-Bro. Earl Morris. Minute funds $1.60. Miller's Chapel-Sisters Gilbreath, Blackwood, and Henson. Minute funds

$5.00. New Community-Sisters Pauline Foweks, Fannie Pipkins, and Bro. Leanord

Foweks. Minute ftmds $3.00. Burns' Chapel-Bro. and Sis. \Villiam Borden, and Bro. Vernon Gilchrist.

Minute funds $4.00. Cross Roads-Bros. Charley Price, ~tilton Beard, and Aaron Hooper. ~linute

funds $10.00. Jones Chapel-Sisters Dixie Staggs, Janie Davis and Bro. \Valtcr Nobles.

~1inute funds $3.00. (Only Sis. Dixie Staggs was present.) Hohenwald-Sisters \Vinnie Creekmore and Lois Laxton. 1Iinute funds $5.25. \Vayland Springs-Sic;ters Emma ):ola ~fdntyrc, Bonnie Springer, and Mrs.

\V. F. Simms. Minute funds $3.00. Petitionary letters were called for and received as follows: Community Church-Bros. L. M. Gober, J. \V. Hall , and Raymond Scott.

~linutc funds $6.00. St. Joseph Church-Bro. George Pennington. Minute funds $4.09.

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEES

General Business-Chairman, L. T. Jones, Rev. Ed Cnperlon, Rev. J. 0. Dixon, with Moderator and Clerk.

Sunday Schooi-Chaim1an, T. E. Roper, Bro. L. 0. Cook, and Bro. Loyd Jones. Temperance-Chairman, Bro. Paul Sanderson, Bros. Fred Crickmore, and

Floyd C. Quillen. Finance-Chairman, Bro. J. ~1. Burns, Rev. Arlo Peppers, and Bro. Clice Dan-

iels. Education-Chairman, Bro. Theodore Norred, Bros. A. R. Brewer and W.

E. \Villis. Obihtary-Chairman, Sis. Lillie Smitherman, Sisters Eloise Houston, Virgie

Lumpl-ins. Miscellaneous-Chairman, Rev. George Kelley, Rev. Clovis Brewer, and Bro.

Eddie Staggs. Resolution-Chairm::tn, Bro. Joel ~fartin, Bros. Lawrence Johnson, and A. J.

Ricketts. ~1ovcd and seconded that we adjourn for preacl1ing.

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Song, "Nothing but the Blood." Rev. J . L. Arnold then preached reading the Scripture from St. John 14:

2'3-31, followed by the reading of Jeremiah 2:13 by Rev. D. C. \Vallace. Dismissed by Rev. ]. B. Harper.

FRIDAY AFTERNOO SESSIO!\

Called to order by the Moderator. Prayer by Bro. L. T. Jones.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS

Re\-. Paul H. Sande!"sOn \>Yas elected Assistant Moderator and Rev. Arlo Pep­pers was elected Clerk.

Moved und seconded to adjourn the Association for the Presbytery to meet.

FRIDAY NIGHT SESSION

Opened with song, "Heaven's Jubilee." \Vclcome address by the ~Ioderator,. ll<'v. Willie Dun:e!s. Pr~yer by Rev. A. J. Lambert. Song, "'\Ve Shall llise."

Devotional sen·ice was conducted hy Bro. L. T. Jones. Many fine testi­monies were given. Pr:::aching by Rev. Loyd Jones. Scripture reading, St. Mat­tltew 25. This was followed by ReY. J. 0. Dixon's reading of Scripture from 2 Timothy 4.

Song, "Give ~le Your Hand,"' followed by off<•ring for Bntce Cheek, recetv­inl! 8:37.48.

Assignment to homes by the ~loderator, Hcv. \\'illie Daniels. O!smissed hy Bro. Edgar Davis.

S.-\TURDAY ~lOR~It'\C SESSIO •

The body was called to order by the ~loderator, Rev. \\"illie Daniels. Song hy choir, prayer by Rev. Clic:e Daniels, followed by another song, 'Tm In the Glory Land \\'uy."

Devotional reading was taken from Ecclesiastes 5:1-8. The motion was made and seconded to retain Rev. L. T. Jones, Rev. Ed

C:.tiWrlon, Rev. 0. S. ~!ashburn, and Rev. George Kelley as the Home Mission Roard.

Genera I Business First, we reconm1end that we receh c all members by the right hand of fel­

lc.wship and that we elect the Assistant Moderator each year, he automatically bce;ornes ~loderator the following year. \Vc arc to elect or re-elect the Clerk each year. The Clerk to be paid $15.00 for seeing that the minutes are printed. Also we arc to pay the Clerk of the Presbytery $8.00 for his ser\"ice, and that he sees to the printing of the Fifth Sunday 1feeting programs.

Second, we recommend that this article be adopted to the constihttion of the Association.

Third, we recommend that we retain a Home Mission Board and that each church take an offering for Home Mission.

Fourth, we recom .. 'Dend that our churches approve their deacons for twelve

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months bdorc hc:ng recommended to he ordained. Also, all ministers wishing to b e ord tined ha'e a written recommendation from the church of which he is a member before be:ng ordained.

Fifth, we recommend that no article of our Association on Presbytery be changed without first being recommended by the body and laid on the table twelve months before being passed on.

S'xth, we recommend that each pastor, if poss'hlc, hold his O\\ll conference ~nd th;,.tt election of pastor be done by ballot vote.

Seventh, we recommend that each church take offering quarterly for the Children's Home.

Eighth, we recommend that our Association convene on Thursday night be­f<.rc the 4th Sunday in September.

Ninlh, we rcc:ommrnd that any of our preachers failing to either come in person or send report for two years in succession he dropped from our minutes. Also our m ·n:sters leaving our Association of Presbytery get a letter of recom­mendation from the Presbytery or return his credentials. \Ve recommend that this article be adopted to the constihttion of the Presbytery.

Louis Jones, Chairman

Committee Reports SU:'\DAY SCHOOL

\Ve, yonr Committee on Sunday School, beg lea\'C to report the following: \ \ ' c regard the Sunday sc·hool as one of the greatest helps to the church as it is the bt·st place to train children except at home. "c find in Cod's Word. Pro,·crbs 22:6; "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not depart from it."

We recommend that each church, with pastor and all members, stri\'e to teach the Bible in its purity for the Bible is the waybill for all men, and it is the promise of elcrnal Hfe.

\Vc recommend that each pastor and deacon urge that each church have a Sunday school, and that they use Free \Vill Baptist literature.

\Vc urge that parents carry their children to Sunday school and assist in every way possible to catry the Sunday school on. \Ve also recommend that the children stay for preaching services and that we usc only Christian teachers.

We urge that each Sunday school be represented at our Sunday School Con­' 'ention which convcne'i with The Gray's Chapel Church.

\Ve urge and double urge all preachers to attend Sunday school each and every Sunday, somewhere.

Rev. T. E. Roper, Chairman .

EDUCATION

\Vc, your CommitlC'e on Education, beg leave to report the following: \Ve <nc living in a time when education is being stressed, but we read in the Word of God, "If any of you l~ck wisdom, let him ask God, that giveth to all men lib­erally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). One may read the whole Bible ')0 as to quote it by memory, yet T'Ot be able to get the

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spiritual meaning. For the wisdom of men is foolishness with God. \Ve do endorse education, but we need to work for our people to have an

old-time exp erience of the grace of God in their soul that they will not be ashamed of the \Vord of God. For God is able to supply all our needs. \Ve need to urge our people to teach their children at home about the \\'ord of God. "And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriphu es, which are able to make thee ~ise unto salvation through faith which is Christ jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15).

Rev. Theodore ~orred, Chairman

TEMPERANCE \Ve, your Committee on Temperance, beg leave to report the following: That

we, as Free \Vill Baptists, should nnd must, abstain from all intoxicating drinks, l-\nd should keep ourselves unspotted from the world. We should be and must he temperate in all things. "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pil­grims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul" (1 Peter 2: 11). "And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather re­prove them" (Ephesians 5:11).

Rev. Paul 11. Sanderson, Chairman

OBITUARY \Ve, your Committee on Obituary, beg leave to report the follo·wing: \Vhere­

a.; God has seen fit to send his death angel to visit our churches and call from CJur midst the fo llowing loved ones: New Community-Bro. H arvey Vickery; Gray's Chapel-Bro. Bud Robertson, the oldest deacon in our Association; Hohenwald­Sis. ~Iallie Garrison; Coll!nwood-Bro. Billy Rumbaugh, Sis. Rena Farmer; Fellow­ship-Bro. Bennie DanieL Bro. John \Villipm Daniel. Therefore, we bow in hum­He submission to His will and exclaim, "The Lord gh eth and the Lord taketh <~way, blessed be the name of the Lord." To the bereaved ones, we point you to Christ who a lone can gi"e you comfort and fill the vacancies. \Ve extend our S) mpathy for we feel that our loss is heaven's gain.

Li11 ie Smitherman, Chairman F INANCE

\Ve, your Committee on Finance, report the following: Money received, Sl84.22; balance in b·casury, $64.65; total, $2'.18.87.

Rev. J. 1-f. Burns, Chairman

11ISCELLANEOUS \Ve, your Committee on Miscellaneous, first recommend that each of our

churches call their pastor from our Association if possible to do so. \Ve also recommend that this Association elect an evangelist to work in the bounds of this Association to strengthen the weak churches and teach the doctrine of the Free \\'ill Baptists. \Ve recommend that any church or member of this association f..ailing to abide by the rules that are adopted by this Association, shall be dealt with accordingly. \Ve also recommend that each chunh pay our evangelist 85.00 for the help of bearing expenses.

\Ve recommend that if any officer of a church or Sunday school should de-<:idc to resign to notify the church or Sunday school thirty days ahead of time.

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George Kelley, Chairman, Eddie Staggs Clovis Brewer

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RESOLUTION \Ve, the Committee on Resolution, beg leave to report the following: ·\Ve, i1S

the entire body, wish to· extend our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the peo-: pie of Collinwood Church and surrounding ·community for their wonderful Chris­tian· fellowship and hospitality shown us during our stay. :May God richly bless you all for everything you have done to make this Association a success; hop­ing to meet you all in an eternal association where the Supreme Architect of the universe presides. · · Joel 0. Martin, Sr., Chairman,

LaWTence Johnson A. J. Ricketts

CLERK"S REPORT

Minute Funds Last Associati.on ---·--··-------------.. ------·-------$166.58 ' · · Other offerings ---------------·------·--··---------·--------------------- 15.10

Total --------'-------------·--------·---------_: ___ $181.68 Paid Clerk ---------·---·-------------·----·-----------~---$ 15.00 Paid Printing Minutes -·------------------------- 85.00 Postage --- ---··--·---- -----------------·--- 7.03 Paid for Typing -------------·--------------------- 5.00 Paid Helper .:.______ ____ 3.00 Paid for Paper and Twine -----------------·- 2.00

---. Total Paid Out __________ ...:....: _________________________ 117.03

·.Balance ---------~-------·-- ------------·- -·---------$ 64.65. Rev. Arlo Peppers, Clerk

• REPORT OF HOME MISSION BOARD

Amount in treasury, $171.65; money received from Cross Roads, $16.60; total, $188.25, left in treasury. :

L: T. Jones, Treasurer · Next, it was moved and seconded to adjourn the Association until next year

to meet with Iron City Church.· · ·

Presbytery Meetings 1953-1954 Met with Iron City Church, November 29, 1953, with 16 preachers and 15

deacons present. New business: Bro. Turner \Villiams was ordained for deacon of \Villiams' Chapel Church. Next . a com~ittee, Bro. Royal, chairman, Bro. H. C. Killen, and Bro. \Vilburn Parrish, was appointed to settle a difference behveen Eddie Staggs and Paul Story. Offering for. Bro. George Mercer, $.16.26; offer­ir.g for preacher cards, $8.75; amount in Treas., $2.75; total, $11.50. .

Motion was made and seconded to adjourn to meet at Gray's Chapel Ch~rch 5th Sunday in January, 1954.

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Rev. L. 0. Cook, Moderator Rev. George Kelley, Clerk L. T. Jones, Trea~llfcr

Presbytery met with Gray's Chapel Church 5th Sunday, January, 1954, with 22 preachers and IE? deacons. present. The committee to settle difference between Bro. · Eddi~ Staggs· and Bro . . Paul · Story reported ·the difference. sett~~d;. committee released. Next Bro:.·. D. A. Hones examined and granted license by the Presby-tery. · ·

Motion made and seconded to · adjourn to meet with Friendship State Line Church, 5th Sunday in May. Offering for Gray's Chapel Church, $26.28; Offer­ing for Bro. Mercer, $10.00; amount in Treasury, $11.50; printing program, $4.04; amount left, $7.46; offering for Bro. Rowden, $15.77.

Rev. L. 0. Cook, ~loderator Rev. George Kelley, Clerk L. T. Jones, Treasur~r

Met May 30, 1954. Opened with prayer by Bro. Creekmore. Number of ministers present, 14; deacons, 5; licensed preachers, 1.

Bro. Dick Prince was examined and found worthy . to receive bis license to preach. Then the motion was made and seconded that the Clerk write out pape.rs lor Bro. 0. A. Hones. Also write out license· for Bro. H. T. Marion. . The motion was m~de and seconded to adjourn to meet with. Royal Avenue. the 5th Sunday in August. . .

Rev. L. 0. Cook~ .r ... toderator Rev. George Kelley, Clerk L. T .. Jones, Treasurer

Presbytery met witl1 Royal Avenue Free \Vill Baptist Church 5th Sunday in August, 1954, with 15 preachers 14 deacons, and 3 licensed preacl1ers present. New business: Presbytery appointed Rev. George Kelley as evangelist for another year. Moved to give Bro. Caperton new ordination papers as his are worn out. Motion made and seconded to adjourn. Amount in Treas. $7.46. Paid Clerk for service, $8.00. ·

Rev. L. 0. Cook, Moderator Rev. George Kelley, Clerk L. T. Jones, Treasurer

Presbytery met at the Association with 25 preachers and 16 deacons present. The last minutes were read and adopted. ·

New, business: Rev. Theodore Adams, who came from the Missionary Bap­tist Church, was examined by the Presbytery of the Free \Vill Baptist Church and granted credentials to preach the Gospel. Next, a confession fro~ Bro. Rowden .. He asked for his c~edentials. Motion . was made and seconded to give Bro. E. P :. Rowden his credentials hack which he turned over to this Presbytery some three years ago. Next, preachers' reports· were read and adopted. Election of officers were as follows: Moderator of the Presbytery, Bro. Dixon; Clerk, Bro. \Villie Daniels. Adjourned to meet with \Villiam's Chapel Church 5th Sunday in Oc­tober, 1954. Offering, $40.54. Amount in Treasury, $40.00. ' '

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Rev. L. 0. Cook, Moderator Rev. George Kelley, Clerk L. T .. Jones, Treasurer . . .

FORM OF RECEIVING :\fE~BERS I~ CHURCH

Inasmuch as you present yourself for admission into the church of the Free \Vill Baptist in Christ. \Ve rejoice with you thet through the grace of God you ha, e been br<'ught to a knowledge of the truth and have been made partaker-s of tlJe great salvation. The privileges you seek are above price and the duties en­joined are so solemn it is proper that you publicly confess your faith and avow your purpose by answering the following questions:

1. Q. Did you find yourself a sinner in the sight of God? A. I did.

2. Q. And you now believe that God has for Christ's sake pardoned and forgiven all your sins?

A. I do. 3. Q. And your desire is to become a member of the Free \Vill Baptist at

this place? A. Yes sir.

4. Q. Are you willing to be governed by our church rules?

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

A. Yes sir. Q. Are you wil!ing to contribute to the support of the Gospel as God

prospers you? A. I am. Q. D~ you believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God, and do you accept

Il1m as your personal Saviour? A. I do. Q. Do you believe the whole Bible is infallibly

to take it as your guide? A. Yes sir.

true, and are you willing

Q. Do you beJie,·e in free and open himself according to 1 Cor. 11:28. according to St. John 13?

communion. Let a man examine Also in washing of the saints' feet,

A. I do. Q. Have you been baptized by immersion? Answer __ _ ------- - - - ------------ -

CHURCH RULES

The following rules were adopted: 1. \Vc agree lo meet in conference quarterly or oftener if necessary to transact

the business of the church. 2. The :\federator shall be chosen by the suffrage of the church in the ab­

sence. of the p •stor. The ~1oderator shall observe good order and explain all questions before he takes the voice of the church on them, and shall have the liberty of speech at any other, but no vote unless there be a tie, when he shall have the casting vote.

3. It shall be the duty of all members to fill their scats in conference and bear their part of the church expenses.

4. No member shall leave their seat during conference without permission from the Moderator.

5. No member shall arraign another before the church for any grievance without first t:1king gospel steps.

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6. AB business brought before the church by motion and second in gospel­l;ke order shall be attended to by the church unless withdra" n by the mo,·er.

7. Any person wish~ng to spe:.- k shall rise from his seat and address the ~loderator, and if two ar·se at the same time the ~ lodcrator shall decide who shall speak first, and no member while speaking shall cast any reflection on any person, but shall adhere strictly to the subject under consideration.

8. No member shall speak more than twice on any subject w~thout permis­sioP from the church.

9. It sh all be the duty of all church members to be present at any church meeting to vote on all questions before the church, called on by the :Moderator or any member of the church who may desire to obtain the mind of the whole church.

10. If any member shall remain s'lent during the transaction of any business ·of the church and afterward complain of what was done, the same shall be d<>cmed disorderly and the member so offending shall be dealt with accordingly.

11. The members of the church shall not talk about one another slanderously, nnd shall not give any report or circulation that may arise against any church member, but shall make it known to the one the report is against and to no one c:se, and any member doing otherwise shall be dealt with accordingly.

12. \Ve agree to do all business by a mnjority of the members present at any tlme.

13. \Ve have hut one mode of baptism and that is by immersion, and will not a<'cept any other baptism.

CHURCH COVENANT

Having given ourselves to God by faith in Christ and adopted the \Vord of Cod as our rule of faith and practice. \Ve now give ourselves to one another by Ll,e will of God in this solemn covenant. \Ve promise by His grace to love and obey Him in all things; to avoid all appearance of evil; lo abstain from all sinful amusemen ts and unholy conformity to the world; from all sanctions of the use and sale of intoxicating beverages and to "provide things honest in the sight of 11 " •' . n1rn.

\Vc agree fa;thfully to d:scharrre our obligations in reference to the study of the Scriptures, secret prayer, family devotions and social worship and by self­dc>niaL f.1ith and good works endeavor to "vrow in grace and the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ." \Ve will not forget the assembling together for church conference, public worship and the ordin"~nce of the gospel nor fail to n:-~y accordin<t to our ability for support of the church, of its poor. and its benevo­lent work. \Ve aeree to accept Chr'stiHn admonition and reproof with meekness :md watc-h o'er one another in love endeavoring to keep the unity of the spirit in the bonds of peace": to be careful of one another's happiness and reputation and seck to strenl!then the weak, encourage the afRictcd, admonish the erring, and as far as we arc able, promote the success of the church and the Gospel. ' Vc will. everywhere, hold the Christian principles sacred and Christian obligation supreme, counting it our chief business in life, to extend the influence of Christ in society, constantly praying and toiline that the Kingdom of God may come and His will be done on earth as it is in Heaven.

To thic; end we agree to labor for the promotion of educational and denomina-

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tional enterprises, support of mtsswns, the success of the Sabbath Schools and evangelistic efforts for salvation of soul and conversion of the world. And may tl1e God of peace sanctify us wholly and preserve us blameless unto the coming of our Lord and Sa\·iour Jesus Christ.

RULES OF ORDER OF THE ASSOCIATION l. The Association when met shall be opened and closed with singing and

prayer.

2. Only one person shall speak at any time and he shall rise and address the Moderator.

3. No person shall be interrupted by anyone except the Moderator until he is through speaking, nor shall the Moderator, unless he break the order.

4. The person speaking shall adhere to the subject in question and shall not cast any personal reflection on him who has spoken before.

5. No person shall speak more than three times on any subject without leave of the Association.

6. No member shall laugh or whisper in the time of public speech. 7. No member shall address each other except by the appellation of brother

or brothers. B. No member shall absent himself from the Association without leave. 9. The- names of tl1e members of this Association shall be enrolled and called

o,·er as often as the Association-may think is necessary. 10. No person shall speak more than five minutes at any time without leave

from the Association. 11. Any person wltn shall knowingly break any of these rules shall be re­

proved by the ~Iodcrator according to the direction of the association. 12. Every member of this body shall vote for or against every move that

comes before it. \Vhen they faH to do this they shall be reprimanded by the Moderator.

CONSTITUTION

Be it known that we, the F. W. B. Church of Christ being in the states of Alabama and Tennessee, do believe in the doctrine of the general atonement, we h~ve been baptized on a profession and we are desirous of bring;ng about a recip­rocal union. \Ve propos" to maintain the Order and Rules of our Association ac­cording to the following plan:

Article 1. We believe that churches of Christ are mutuaJly independent of each other; that a congregational form of church government should be invariably preserved, yet we bc'ng convinced of the utility of friendly intercourse and pious council on principles of union advantage and Christian love hold it a duty of the churches to pay respect to principles with regard to the duty of the Association.

Article 2. The Association shall be composed of all ministers and ordruned deacons and not more than three delegates chosen by the d ifferent churches in CJtlr union, who, producing letters from respective churches, certifying their ap­po'ntments, shall be entitled to seats.

Article 3. The letters so produced shall express the condition of these churches respectively-that is the number of members in fellowship, the number, excluded <•nd died since the last Association.

Article 4. The body shall have no conceived power to lord it over God's

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hPritagc or infringe on ar-y of the internal privileges or rights by the churches in our union, but shall onlv be considered an advisory council on all things pertain­ing to the internal concerns of the church.

Article 5. The Association is to give the best advice it can in all matters of difficulty. If the union be broken between any of the churches, srud Association shall inquire into the case of the breach and use its best endeavor to remove the difficulty, but if the breach cannot be removed, to withdraw from the churches which they may look upon as unsound in principle or disorderly in conduct or practice until they be reclaimed.

Article 6. To take up no case of any kind in this Union without the consent of a majority of the churches and then only to give advice.

Article 7. Any church .may be admitted into the Association by letters and delegate, and if upon examination it is found orthodox and orderly, such admis­sion shaH be manifested by the Moderator giving the right hand of fellowship to the delegate thereof .

Article 8. The Association when properly organized for business, shall consist of a Moderator and Clerk, who shall be chosen by the suffrage of the members present, and the duty of the Moderator shall be to keep the Association in order, state questions frurly and take the minds thereon, to have no vote unless the Asso­ciation be equally divided in which he shall have the deciding vote. The duty of l he Clerk shall be to keep a fair record of proceedings of the Association.

Article 9. No query shall be received by the Association from any church unless it shall have been acted upon in said church and cannot be settled, in which case the Association shall take up same and act upon it.

Article 10. Every motion and second shall be attended to unless withdravro by the mover.

Article 11. \Ve agree to settle all our business by a majority of the members present.

Artic1c 12. The Association shall have the power to sit as an advisory coun­cil, give l11e churches all the necessary advice in matters of difficulty, to inquire into the cause of churches neglecting to represent themselves in the Association, to appoint any member or members with their consent, to transact any business they judge necessary, to invite any visiting brethren in the ministry to a seat in the Association, to adjourn the Association at any place that may be deemed necessary, to exclude from his seat any member who will not confirm to the rules and decorum and shall report his or her conduct to the church for which they a rc delegates.

Article 13. This constitution may be altered or amended by a majority vote at any regular meeting. The proposed amendment shall have been presented at the last preceding regular meeting and approved by that body and published in the minutes with notice that it will be acted upon at the next regular meeting.

CONSTITUTION OF THE PRESBYTERY l. Be it known that the ordained ministers of the Muscle Shoals Association,

together with the deacons of the same, are the presbytery of this Association, all of whom are ex-officio members.

2. The object of th~ Presbytery is the mutual improvement of the ministry, their protection against hostile influences, and their purification by casting out unworthy members.

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:3. The Presbytery has exclush·e jurisdiction and control over the official char­acter and standing of aJI ordained and licensed preachers under its control.

4. The Presbytery adopts a constitution, by-laws and regulations by the ma­jurity vote not inconsistent with Baptist principles and usages.

5. \\'hen a church d<'sires the license of a preacher or an ordination of a min­i~ter, it requests the Presbytery to examine the candidate and if it thinks proper, license and ordain him.

6. Before license or ordination the candidate is examined as to the gifts, grace Pnd usefulness, includin~ his personal piety, his call to the ministry, his adoption tmd devotion to the work, doctrinal sentiments and his general acceptance with lbe public.

'i. In ordination ther<: is a presentation of the Bible, a prayer of consecra­tion, charge and a hand of fellowship given.

8. A minister from another denomination, having first been received by a local church and recommended by it, is examined in the same way though with special care as to his doctrinal sentiments. Be it known any minister coming under the hands of this Presbytery walks disorderly or commits an offense must come before this body and make restitution or willingly give up such rights of license or C1rdination papers or card given him by this body or they agree to be published in any or all newspaper; as this body deems necessary.

9. \Ve recommend that any of our preachers failing to either come in person or send a report for tvvo years in success ·on he dropped from our ministers. Also cur ministers leaving our Assoc•ation or Presbytery get a letter of recommenda­t on from the Presbytery or return his credentials.

10. Be it known that any minister desiring license or ordination, must be a nwmbcr of a Free \Vill Baptist Church in this Association six months before li­censed or ordained. That they shall preach under license until they are called to pastoral care of a church or called as an assistant pastor. Then if the Presbytery fhds them worthy, ordain them. All ministers' reports shall be read before the P•esbytery and adopted 01 rejected.

FREE WILL BAPTIST ARTICLES OF FAITH

1. We believe that there is but one true and eternal God, the Father, of whom are all things everlasting to everlasting, glorious and immutable in all His attributes. 1 Corinthians 8:6; Isaiah 40:28.

2. \Ve believe that there is one Lord Jesus Christ, by whom arc all things, the only begotten Son of God, born of the Virgin Mary whom God freely sent into tl1is world, because of the great lO\'e wherewith He loved the world, and Christ as freely gave himself a ransom for all; tasting death for every man, who was buried and rose again the third day, and ascended into Heaven from whence we look for Him the second time in the clouds of Heaven at the last day to judge both the quick and the dead, 1 Timothy 2:5, 6; St. John 3:16; Rev. 1:17; Acts 24: 1.5; l John 2:2.

3. We believe that there is one Holy Ghost, the precious gift of the Father through His dear Son, unto the world; who quickencth and draweth sinners home to God, St. John 16:7, g; Acts 2:4; Eph. 4:4-6; Eph. 2:1.

4. \Ve believe that in the beginning God made man upright, and placed him in a state of Glory without the least mixture of misery, from which he voluntarily,

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by transgression fell, and by that means brought on himseU a miserable and moral stale subjec-t to death, Genesis 2: 17; 3: 19.

5. We believe that God is not willing that any should per·s11; but that all should come to repentance and the knowledge of the truth, that they might be saved, for which end Cln-ist hath commanded the Gospel to be preached among all nations and to every creature, ~lark 16:J5; John 3:15-17; 1 Timothy 2:4.

6. We believe that no man shall suffer in hell for want of a Christ who died ~or him but as the Scripture has said for denying the Lord that bought them be­cause they believe not in the name of the only begotten Son of God unbelief therefore being the cause why the just and righteous God of Heaven will con­demn the children of men; it follows against all contradictions that all men at one time or other are found in such capacity as that through the grace of God they may be saved, Acts 17:30; Mark 6:6; Hebrews 3:10; John 5:10.

7. We believe the whole Scripture is infallibly true and that they are the <'nly rules of faith and practice, 2 Timothy 3:16, 17.

8. \Ve bclie,-e in the doctrine of General Provision made of God in Christ, for the benefit of all mankind who repent and believe the gospel, Luke 14:16-20; Luke 13:.'3-.5; Luke 24:27: ~Iatlhew 28:19, 20; Acts 3:19; ~lark 1:15.

9. \Vc believe that sinners arc drawn to God, the Father, by the Holy Ghost, through Christ His Son, and that the Holy Ghost offers !lis divine aid to all hu­man family, so as they <>11 might be happy, would they give place to His Divine leaching whereas such who would not receive the divine impressions of His Holy Spirit shall at a fuhrrc day, own their condemnation just, and charge themselves with their own damnation for willfully rejecting the offers of sovereign grace, Matthew 11:27; St. John 6:44-65; Psalm 1:1; Titus 2:11; Jeremiah 22:29.

10. \Vc believe that men, not considered s'mply as men, but ungodly men, were of old ordained to condemnation, considering such who tum the grace of God in lasciviousness, denying the only Lord God, Jesus Christ who bought them, ~nd therefore, shall bring upon themselves swift dcstruct;on but we observe that they might be saved, therefore, the indignation and \.Vrath of God is upon every son of man that doeth evil, living and dying therein for there is no respect of per­sons with God, Jude 1 :4; Peter 2:1, 2; 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12; Romans 2:9-11.

11. \Ve believe that <>11 children dying in infancy. having not actually trans­gressed against the law of God, in the ·r own person are only subject to tl1e first death, which was brought on them by the fall of the first Ad?m and not that any ot them dying in that state suffer punishment in hell by the guilt of Adam's sin, for such is the kingdom of God. 1 Corinthians 15:22; ~Iatthcw 1:2-5; ~tark 9:36, 37; Matthew 14:14.

12. \Ve believe that good works are the fruits of a saving faith and that in the use of the means of grace, and not out of the use of those means, eternal life is oromised to men, Rev. 22:14, 15; Isaiah 2:19, 20; ~latthew 7 :8; Jeremiah 6: 16; Luke 13:34, 35.

13. vVc bcl:eve that no man has any warrant in the Holy Scriptures for jus­tification before God through his own works, power or ability which he has in and of himself, only as he by grace is made able to come to God through Jesus Christ believing the righteousness of Jesus Christ to be imputed to all believers for their eternal acceptance with God, Romans 4:24; Acts 8:20, 21.

14. We believe that all things are foreseen in the wisdom of God, so thab

19

God knoweth whatever can or cannot come to pass upon all supposed conditions, yet not having decreed any person to everlasting life out of respect of more choice, farther than He hath appointed the Godly unto life and the ungodly who die in sin unto death. Hebrews 4: 13; Proverbs 8:22; ~latthew 25:21-24.

15. \Ve bclie\'e, as touching Gospel ordinances, in believers baptism, laying on the hands, receiving of the sacrament in bread and wine, washing of the Saints' feet, anointing the sick with oil in the name of the Lord, fasting, praying, singing praise to God and the public ministry of the \Vord, with every institution of the Lord we shall find in the New Testament. :\lark 16: 15; Acts 8:17; Acts 19:6; Luke 22:19, 20; John 13:5-17; James 5:14.

16. vVe believe the Gospel mode of water baptism is by immersion, and that believers are the only subjects for baptism, Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:9, 10; Acts 2:38; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:12.

17. We believe in a general resurrection of the dead and a fin a I judgment a~ the last day, John 5:28, 29; 2 Corinthians 5:10.

18. vVe believe the happiness of the righteous is eternal and the torments of the 'Nicked are endless, Matthew 25:46.

FORM OF CHURCH LETTER

Date _________________________ , 195, _ _

\Ve, the Free \ Vill Baptist Church of Christ, at ____________ . __ ·---

----------------------- . do hereby certify that -------- -------

·--------------- ------ ------- ___ • __ .is a member of our church

in good standing and is dismissed and commended to any church of his choice.

----·-- -----------·------- ------ Moderator

Clerk

20

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FORM OF CHURCH LETTER TO ASSOCIATION

\Ve the Free \Vill Baptist Church of Christ, aL ,

--------- , send greetings to the ~Iinisters and Messengers

composing the ~luscle Shoals State Line Association of the Free \Vill Baptist when

convened with ------·-----------------------·---- Church.

\ V e send our beloved, to wit: ------------- -- ------------

----- ------------------- -----to sit with you in your deliberations and help to transact any legal business that

may come before yow- Honorable b ody. Statistics of our church are as follows:

b b 1 tter , by confession .. , Received y experience__ ., Y e -------

dis · d b letter expelled dead _______ , by restoration_ _______ , nnsse Y -- ------- , ________ ,

total membership _____ , active. , inactive ------ , contribution $ --·

\Ve have elected Elder __ ----------------- ------- to the

pastoral care of our church for the ensuing year. No. of Deacons _____ , No. of

ordained Ministers, _____ , ~o. of Licentiates ., Church property $ ·---· · p t $-~---> amount mven Evangelist $ _ ______ , amount amount gtven as or e.·

given Helper $__ , amount given Home Missions $- ------• amount

given Orphanage $ , other expenses $-----

Clerk's address ----·-- ---·--·--

Moderator's address ·-----------Our Meeting days ________ , Pastor _______________ _

Remarks: ·-- ·-- ·---------·--------------·-- ------

----· -- ----------------------------·-------

---------·-------------------------- ----- ----·-- --------

----- ----------- ---- -------------

--- -------·-- ---- ·------·------·--------------------------------

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:\ OTE: .Kt'port sho\\ ~ nn Sunday Schools organized .

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