THE LIBRARY OF THE 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF 
 
 NORTH CAROLINA 
 
 AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 THE COLLECTION OF 
 NORTH CAROLINIANA 
 
 ENDOWED BY 
 
 JOHN SPRUNT HILL 
 CLASS OF 1889 
 
 
 ^M 
 
 C286 
 B62h 
 
LibrArvc? 
 C. E. BAUCOM 
 
 UNIVERSITY OF N.C. AT CHAPEL HILL 
 
 00043155897 
 
 FOR USE ONLY IN 
 THE NORTH CAROLINA COLLECTION 
 
 -ro No. A-36i 
 
A HISTORY 
 
 or 
 
 Tlie BroAvii Creek Union 
 Baptist Association 
 
 1854-1918 
 
 BLACK 
 BIVENS 
 PRESLAR 
 
 Press of 
 
 Marrhall & Bruce Company 
 
 Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 1019 
 
Copyhight, 1919 
 
 Charles J. Black 
 
 Wingate, N. C. 
 
--Ih 
 
 INDEX 
 
 Chapter. Page. 
 I. Baptist Beginnings in this Section 7 
 
 II. Organization of the Brown Creek Association 15 
 
 III. First Anniversary of the Brown Creek at Monroe 42 
 
 IV. Sessions of 1856-1860 52 
 
 V- Sessions of 1861-1865 — the Bloody Period 80 
 
 VI. Sessions of 1865-1894. Reconstruction Period 94 
 
 VII. Name Changed, New Things Undertaken 142 
 
 VIII. New Era Begun. The Wingate School 160 
 
 IX. The W. M. Union J 199 
 
 X. History of The Wingate School 218 
 
 XI. Sketches of Churches in this Association 230 
 
 XII. Lives of the Preachers of this Association 275 
 
 (3) 
 
THE BAPTISM OF JESUS. MARK 1:3.10. 
 
PREFACE 
 
 The minds of the brethren have been desiring a history of 
 the Union Association for some time. At the session of 1917, 
 Rev. A. C. Davis was appointed to write it, but not having the 
 data, he could not comply with the request of the association. 
 A motion was made at the session of 1918 to appoint a committee 
 to write this history; accordingly the Moderator appointed Revs. 
 J. A. Bivens, M. D. L. Preslar, and C. J. Black to write the his- 
 tory of the association, and Brother J. W. Bivens to write the 
 history of the Wingate School. All of the committee accepted 
 and went to work at once to carry out the plans of the associa- 
 tion. The first thing we tried to do was to get a file of the min- 
 utes of the association from its organization in 1854 until the 
 present time. This we failed to do. We found the most of them, 
 but some we could not find. The next thing was to get a sketch 
 of the lives of all of the preachers who have labored in this 
 association. This we could not do. We have the most of them, 
 but some of them we could not get. We are sorry that we cannot 
 name all of them with the interesting facts in their lives, espe- 
 cially Elders Solomon Snider, Philip Snider, J. T. Copeland, 
 Jesse Lewallyn, S. P. Morton, G. W. Harmon, T. J. Taylor, and 
 John Bennette. The third thing we desired was -to give a sketch 
 of all of the churches that had belonged to this body at any time. 
 This we could not do. We have the most of them, but some of 
 the pastors would not cooperate with us in this work, and we 
 could not secure the sketches. If the history of your church is 
 left out, blame it on your clerk, or the pastor. We did what we 
 could. Brother Preslar wrote to several of the churches, we put 
 notices in the Monroe papers, Ave talked the thing all we could, 
 but to no avail on the part of some. 
 
 Now, the work is completed. We have done the best we could 
 under the circumstances. We trust that the association may 
 appreciate all we have done. It has been a labor of love, and 
 we send it forth to bless the cause for ages to come. 
 
 Fraternally, 
 
 Your servants, 
 
 J. A. BivEXS, 
 
 M. D. L. Preslar, 
 
 C. J. Black. 
 
 ^5) 
 
CHAPTER I. 
 
 Whence Came the Baptist of This Section of 
 North Carolina? 
 
 We deem it very important that we show just where the 
 Pioneer Baptist of this country came from. If it is not 
 essential to the makeup of this history, it is very interest- 
 ing reading matter, especiahy to those w^ho want to know 
 all about our denomination. We cannot give as much 
 space to this subject as we wish, but will give as little 
 as we can to make the matter clear to the earnest reader. 
 
 The first Baptist of this section came from two points, 
 the Old Welsh Neck section in South Carolina and the 
 Old Sandy Creek section in Chatham county. In show- 
 ing just how they came from these two sections, we must 
 first sihow what these sections were, and whence they 
 came. By doing this we establish a very important his- 
 torical fact: The Baptist of this section came directly from 
 the efforts of the early Christian workers of Wales and 
 England. We will give an account of the Sandy Creek 
 Baptist first. This church was organized November 22, 
 1755, under the care of Elder Shubael Stearnes. He with 
 his wife, Peter Stearnes and wife, Ebenezer Stearnes and 
 wife, Shubael Stearnes, Jr., and his wife, Daniel Marshall 
 and wife, Joseph Breed and wife, Enos Stimpson and wife, 
 and Jonathan Polk and wife formed this church. They 
 came here from Connecticut, where they had been bap- 
 tized into the fellowship of the church of which Elder Wait 
 Palmer was pastor. Elder Shubael Stearnes was the propa- 
 
 (7) 
 
8 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 gator of this movement. He was converted to the Baptist 
 faith in Connecticut while the controvers}' between the 
 Baptists and Presbyterians was so hot, and when lie came 
 into the new kingdom he began to discuss the question of 
 baptism so seriously that he went to reading, and the 
 results were, as they always are when a man leaves the 
 Bible to settle the question, immersion, and nothing but 
 immersion. Accordingly he was baptized by Elder Wait 
 Palmer at Toland, Conn., in 1751. On the 20th of May 
 in the same year he was ordained to the full work of the 
 gospel ministry. Wait Palmer was baptized by Elder Val- 
 entine Wightman, whose father came from England, and 
 was a Baptist before he came. The English Baptists came 
 from Wales, so we have the chain of title to this claim. 
 If you are interested enough in this subject to read further, 
 see Backus' History of Xew England Baptists, vol. H, Con- 
 necticut Baptist. The Elder Wightman who baptized Pal- 
 mer was a noted man. He was a descendant of the Elder 
 Edward Wightman who was bufned at Lichfield, England, 
 in 1612. He it was who introduced singing in his church 
 in this country, and wrote a pamphlet defending it. 
 
 We come now to notice the church organized by Elder 
 Stearnes at Sandy Creek. It was in a community that had 
 never seen or known anything about an experimental reli- 
 gion. It had known nothing but Episcopalianism, and the 
 clergy of that denomination in that section were ungodly 
 men. They drank, they swore, they run horse races, they 
 gambled, so when this new doctrine was first preached to 
 them it seemed like a bolt from a clear sky. However 
 strange it may have seemed, it was not long in gaining a 
 foothold, and within a verv short time the church which 
 
Union Baptist Association. 9 
 
 began with sixteen members had grown to six hundred 
 and six. But it did not stop at this ; many other churches 
 were formed out of this one. The number soon became so 
 great that, in 1758, Stearnes thought it advisable to organ- 
 ize an association, which he did. The first session of which 
 met with the mother church. 
 
 From the beginning we can see that this body was thor- 
 oughly missionary. Stearnes was a missionary himself, and 
 was greatly aided in this great work by his brother-in-law, 
 Daniel 2\Iarshall. He was, if possible, more earnest in the 
 work than Stearnes. He went all through North Carolina, 
 South Carolina, and some parts of Georgia. Little River 
 church in Montgomery county was an arm of this church 
 at Sandy Creek. Old Rocky River in Anson was an arm 
 of Little River, and Brown Creek, with nearly all of the 
 churches up and down the Rocky River, are the outgrowth 
 of the church first built in Chatham county. Originally all 
 of these churches were missionary. This is seen by the 
 old records, and from Backus' account of the churches 
 they originated from in New England. In speaking of the 
 first church organized in Connecticut, which was at Groton, 
 he says this about Elder John Wightman, who was ordained 
 as an evangelist by the above-mentioned church June 15, 
 1774. He traveled and preached in various parts of the 
 country. Again, he says that this church enjoyed a gra- 
 cious revival of religion in 1774, which caused an addition 
 of thirty members. The same spirit of missions and revi- 
 vals came with his new church to North Carolina, and the 
 work in Stanly, Anson and the upper part of L'nion is the 
 result of the evangelistic efforts of preachers who came out 
 of this church, or its daughters. If there had been no mis- 
 
10 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 sionary efforts in this section it would not have had Bap- 
 tist churches in it as it has today. Nearly all of the old 
 churches had members in them who came out of Old Rocky 
 River, or some of the churches that came out of it. 
 
 The second section we wish to mention as a point from 
 which Baptists of this section came is that of the 
 Welsh Neck, near Society Hill, in South Carolina. Gregg, 
 in his "History of the Old Cheraws," p. 46, says this about 
 the beginning of this settlement, which was the beginning 
 of the church: "In the Spring of 1701 several Baptists in 
 the counties of Pembroke and Cairmathen resolved to go 
 to America; and as one of the company, Thomas Griffith, 
 was a minister, they were advised to be constituted as a 
 church. They took the advice, and the instrument of their 
 confederation was in being in 1770, but is now lost or mis- 
 laid. The names of the confederates were as follows : 
 Thomas Griffith, Griffith Nicholas, Evan Edmond, John 
 Edward, Elisha Thomas, Enoch Morgan, Richard David, 
 James David. Elizabeth Griffith, Lewis Edmond, Mary John, 
 Mary Thomas, ElizabeJ:h Griffith, Tennet David, Margaret 
 Matthias, Tennet Morris.' These sixteen persons, which 
 may be styled a Church emigrant, met at Milford Haven, 
 in the month of June, 1701, embarked on board a ship, 
 William and Mary, and on the 8th of September following 
 landed at Philadelphia. The brethren treated them cour- 
 teously, and advised them to settle about Pennepec ; thither 
 they went, and there continued about a year and a half, 
 during which time their church increased from sixteen to 
 thirty-seven. 
 
 But finding it inconvenient to tarry about Pennepec, 
 they, in 1703, took up land' in New Castle county from 
 
Union Baptist Association, 11 
 
 ]ylessrs. Evans, Willis and Davis, who had purchased said 
 Welch Tract from William Penn, containing upwards of 
 30.000 acres, and thither removed the same year, and built 
 a little meeting- house on the spot where the present stands.. 
 This house was a neat brick building-, forty by thirty. 
 
 The Welch Tract was first in the province of Pennsyl- 
 vania, afterwards, upon the chang-e of boundaries, in the 
 State of Delaware. This will account for the fact that the 
 Welch were sometimes spoken of as having come from 
 Pennsylvania, at other times from Delaware. 
 
 The Welsh settlers did not seem to be suited in their 
 Delaware honie, so they must have sent prospectors South 
 to see what could be obtained. The only thing we know 
 about this is that two men petitioned the Lieutenant Gov- 
 ernor of South Carolina for a tract of land lying on the 
 Great Pee Dee River south of its tributaries, the Yadkin 
 and the Rocky. The Lieutenant Governor granted these 
 men their request, and a tract of land consisting of 173,840 
 acres was granted them. Soon after this grant was ob- 
 tained, which was in the year of 1736, November 16, a com- 
 pany of the Welsh settled on Catfish, a stream in what is- 
 now known as Clarion District, in the tract first assigned 
 them. Among these early settlers were Jenkin. and Owen 
 David. They did not remain here very long, but soon 
 moved farther up the river to a point almost opposite the 
 present town of Society Hill. Here they located, and soon 
 were joined by many others from the Welsh section in Dela- 
 ware. By the latter part of the year of 1737 most of the 
 families from Delaware, then Pennsylvania, had arrived at 
 the new settlement. So the community took the shape of 
 a permanent settlement. Immediately following this the}" 
 
12 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 organized the Welsh Neck Baptist church. ^Gregg has this 
 to say of them, p. 53: "The first-mentioned company (a 
 company consisting of thirty (p. 52) were., in January, 1738, 
 'organized into a society of the Baptist faith,' and erected 
 a house on the east bank of the river, a short distance above 
 the ferry." Here they began to worship as their fathers 
 had done in the old country. From this point they began 
 to do missionary work, and it was not many years before 
 this section was thoroughly Baptist. The old Charleston 
 Association was still south of this, but nearly all of the 
 churches south of the Seaboard Railroad belonged to it. 
 But the most of them came either directly or indirectly out 
 of the old Welsh Neck church. This we determined by 
 the association to which they , belonged. Nearly all of the 
 churches that came out of the Sandy Creek Association be- 
 longed to that Association, or one of those that had come 
 out of it. The only one this far south was the Pee Dee. 
 It was not organized until 1816, so the most of them be- 
 longed to the original association. These were the Old 
 Rocky River and its arms. 
 
 Now, with these facts before us, let us look at the situa- 
 tion just a little. Since all of the churches coming out of 
 the Sandy Creek movement belonged to the Sandy Creek 
 Association and many other churches w^ere in this section 
 at the time, but belonged to the Charleston Association, is 
 it not fair to conclude that they came from that section? 
 True, some of these churches may have been organized by 
 preachers going to and from the "Old Charleston," but the 
 members must have come out of those coming directly from 
 Welsh Neck church. One of these was Lanes Creek,* which 
 
 *Lane's Creek came out of U. F. Lynch's Creek. — Wood Fur- 
 ■man's History of the Charleston Association. 
 
Union Baptist Association. IS 
 
 was located just a few miles from the State line, possibly 
 two miles west of Philadelphia Church. It was organized 
 in 1793. The deed for the land was made by William 
 Shepherd in 1797, and was made while Jesse Lewellyn was 
 pastor, from what we gather from the records on the old 
 books at Wadesboro, N. C. This church belonged to the 
 Charleston Association, and remained with that body until 
 the ]\Ioriah was formed in 1815. We are sure that this 
 church was of the stock of the old A\^elsh Neck Church. 
 One more seems to prove it more conclusively. This is the 
 old Gourdvine Church, which was near Olive Branch, just 
 a few miles to the west. If we have been correctly in- 
 formed, it was near the Holly school house on the road 
 leading to Monroe. This church was organized about 1800. 
 We have not been able to get the exact date of its organi- 
 zation, but since it was in existence in 1815, and had been 
 some time prior to this date, we feel sure that it must have 
 been organized about the beginning of the nineteenth cen- 
 tury. Now, this church never belonged to the Sandy 
 Creek Association, but was a member of the Charleston 
 Yet it was much nearer the first mentioned. We are sure 
 that it was the outgrowth of the Old Welsh Neck. There 
 was Richardson's Creek and Meadow Branch. Both of 
 these were members of the Charleston at one time. The 
 Meadow Branch church partially came out of the Gourd- 
 vine, hence its union with the Charleston. The Moriah 
 Association was organized in 1815, out of the churches that 
 had come out of the Welsh Neck Church and others from 
 the Charleston Association. The churches tliat went into 
 the organization were: Beaver Creek, Flat Rock, U. F. 
 Lynch Creek, Fork Hill, Meadow Branch, Lanes Creek,. 
 
14 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 Richardson's Creek and Gourdvine, also Rocky River. Dan- 
 iel Marshall had lived at Beaver Creek, and must have done 
 much toward starting this church, but the most of them 
 were from the South Carolina side. If all of these we have 
 mentioned did not come out of the Welsh Neck church, 
 or some of its arms, they were descendants from the Welsh 
 Baptists anyway. The Baptists of New England were for 
 the most part from Wales. True, some of them came from 
 England here, but how came Baptists in England? Did 
 thy not go there from Wales? Did not the English Bap- 
 tists go there for New Testament baptism? 
 
 Now, this last word: the Baptists of this section came 
 either from the Sandy Creek settlement or from the Welsh 
 Neck section. They both had the Welsh element in them. 
 They affiliated as one body. The. Welsh Baptist claim that 
 they are the offspring of Paul's ministry. This takes them 
 back to the date of A. D. 63. (See Davis, History of Welsh 
 Baptist.) We conclude, then, that the Baptists of U^nion 
 county are New Testament Baptists, and that they have a 
 divine right to administer the ordinances of the New Tes- 
 tament. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 15 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 The Organization of the Brown Creek Association. 
 
 From 1815 until 1854 all of the church, or nearly all 
 of them west of the Pee Dee river, belonged to the Aloriah 
 Association in South Carolina. This made it quite difficult 
 for the delegates to attend, and as the country became more 
 densly populated, and Baptists became more numerous, 
 some of the brethren thought it advisable to organize 
 another association of the churches west of the Pee Dee, 
 south of the Rocky River, and north of the Moriah Asso- 
 ciation. To make it plain, it was to be organized out of 
 the churches of Xorth Carolina belonging to the Moriah 
 Association. Accordingly, a meeting was held at JMount 
 Olive Church, Anson county, in the autumn of 1854. We 
 have not been able to determine the month and day, but 
 since the association has met in October from its first ses- 
 sion held with IMonroe Church in 1855, we feel sure that it 
 was in October, 1854, that the above mentioned meeting 
 was held. We cannot give it as a historical fact, but think 
 that we are right about this. At this time there was a large 
 school house standing across the road in front of the church 
 house at ]\Iount Olive. This was known as the Wilson 
 Chambers School House. The brethren met in this school 
 house for the purpose of organizing the new association 
 while preaching was progressing in the church house. The 
 association of that day devoted the most of the time to 
 preaching anyway. They usually had about two or three 
 sermons each week dav and about four or five on Sunda\ s. 
 
16 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 The organization was perfected with letters from three 
 churches only, to-wit: Mount Olive, Monroe, and Faulks. 
 We have not been able to learn who the moderator was,* 
 nor who the first clerk was, but they must have been of 
 some ability, since they got out such a complete constitu- 
 tion, rules of decorum, and articles of faith. It is as well 
 prepared matter as we have been able to find from any 
 section. There is a very large creek running in a north- 
 easterly direction across this section of the country, and is 
 known all over this section of the state. It is called Brown 
 Creek, because of this, and because a church had already 
 been named for it, these brethren named the association 
 newly formed The Brown Creek. We wish we had all tlie 
 matter possible about this first meeting, so that we might 
 be able to tell who preached in the house while the associa- 
 tion was being organized in the school house, and who the 
 delegates from the three churches composing this Associa- 
 tion in its beginning were, but all of this has been lost. 
 We have a minute of this meeting, but the first five pages 
 are gone. If we are able to locate these before this goes 
 to press we will append the names of the preachers and 
 delegates, and all other matter we may be able to find. 
 
 To make this a complete history we give the following 
 from the first minutes. This is the constitution and rules 
 of decorum of the Brown Creek Association. We give the 
 articles of faith. This is worth preserving, and is worth 
 while for information. 
 
 Constitution of the Brown Creek Association. 
 
 W^e, the Baptist Churches of Christ, composing the 
 Brown Creek Association, having been received and bap- 
 
 *It is supposed to have been Darlin"- Rushing. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 17 
 
 tized upon a profession of our faith in Christ, are convinced 
 of the necessity of an association of churches in order to 
 perpetuate union among us, and thereby maintain a corre- 
 spondence with each other and other associations of the 
 same faith and order, agree and subscribe to the follow- 
 ing rules, viz. : 
 
 xA^RTiCLE 1. The Association shall be composed of del- 
 egates chosen annually by each Church belonging to the 
 Association ; who, before taking their seats, shall be re- 
 quired to present certificates of appointment, and each 
 Church shall be entitled to three representatives. 
 
 Art. 2. In the letters from the different churches shall 
 be stated, their number in full followship, received by let- 
 ter, dismissed by letter, baptized, excommunicated, and 
 dead, during the last Associational year. 
 
 Art. 3. The members thus chosen and convened shall 
 be denominated the Brown Creek Association, being com- 
 posed of churches between the Pee Dee and Moriah Bap- 
 tist Association. 
 
 Art 4. The Association, when convened, shall be gov- 
 erned by a proper decorum. 
 
 Art. 5. The Association shall have a Moderator and 
 Clerk, who shall be chosen annually by the members pres- 
 ent. 
 
 Art. 6. Any Church may be admitted into this Asso- 
 ciation by petition, and delegates, if upon examination found 
 to be of the same faith and order, shall be welcomed to 
 seats by the Moderator, extending to them the right hand 
 of fellowship. 
 
 Art 7. All queries presented to this Association shall 
 be read once, after which a vote shall be taken upon the 
 
 2 
 
18 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 propriety of debating the same, and if a majority be of 
 opinion that the said queries are not debatable the same 
 shall be withdrawn. 
 
 Art. 8. Every motion when made and seconded shall 
 be considered unless withdrawn by the mover. 
 
 Art. 9. We deem it necessary that we should have an 
 Associational fund for defraying the expenses of the same, 
 and that it is the duty of each church to make vlountary 
 contributions for this purpose, which shall be forwarded by 
 the delegates, and the amount thus contributed shall be 
 deposited in the hands of the Treasurer, who shall be ac- 
 countable to the Association for the amount thus deposited, 
 to be distributed as the Association may direct. 
 
 Art 10. The Minutes of the Association shall be read 
 and signed by the Moderator and Clerk before the adjourn- 
 ment of the Association. 
 
 Art. 11. The Association shall endeavor to furnish the 
 churches with the Minutes as soon as practicable. 
 
 Art. 12. The Association shall have power to provide 
 for the general union of the churches, preserve a bond of 
 comm.union, give them all necessary advice, in case of diffi- 
 culty, and enquire into the cause why the churches fail to 
 represent themselves at any time in the Association. 
 
 Art. 13. The Association may appoint members to 
 transact such business as they may think proper, and may 
 act as its own Itinerate Board, until such time as the Asso- 
 ciation shall otherwise direct. 
 
 Art 14. The Association shall have power to exclude 
 any Church which shall violate the Rules of Association, 
 or deviate from the orthodox principles of religion. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 19 
 
 Art. 15. The Association may invite ministering and 
 other brethren who may be present to seats with them to 
 aid in their dehberations. 
 
 Art. 16. The Association shall have power to appoint 
 the time and place where the succeeding- Association shall 
 be held. 
 
 Art. 17. This Constitution may be altered at any meet- 
 ings a majority of two-thirds voting in the affirmative. 
 
 Rules of Decorum. 
 
 1. The Association shall be opened and closed by prayer. 
 
 2. But one person shall be permitted to speak at the 
 same time, who shall arise from his seat and respectfully 
 address the Moderator. 
 
 3. The person speaking shall not be interrupted unless 
 he is infringing upon the Rules of Decorum, and then only 
 by the Moderator. 
 
 4. The members while speaking shall strictly adhere to 
 the subject, and not reflect or make any remarks calculated 
 to wound or injure the feelings of those that preceded him. 
 
 5. No member shall absent himself from the Associa- 
 tion without permission of the Moderator. 
 
 6. No person shall speak more than twice on the same 
 subject without permission of the Association through the 
 Moderator. 
 
 7. No member shall be suffered to whisper or laugh 
 during the debate. 
 
 8. No member shall address another by any other ap- 
 pellation than that of Brother. 
 
 9. The names of niembers shall be enrolled by the Clerk 
 and called over as often as the Association mav reauire. 
 
20 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 10. The Moderator shall be the last person- to speak 
 upon the subject under consideration, previous to the vote 
 being- taken, and shall give the casting vote in case of a tie. 
 
 11. Any member who shall knowingly and wilfully 
 violate any of these Rules shall be subject to reproof, at the 
 discretion of the Moderator. 
 
 Declaration of Principles. 
 
 The Baptist denomination have ever maintained that the 
 Word of God is the only standard of Christian doctrine 
 and duty. The Confessions of Faith, which, from time to 
 time, have been put forth by portions of the demonimation, 
 have been intended merely as a Declaration of Principles 
 generally received among them, and not as standards of their 
 Faith. To the Bible they have ever appealed, as the only 
 authoritative rule and arbiter, in matters of faith and prac- 
 tice. Fully persuaded of the correctness of these views, 
 and at the same time impressed with the importance of hav- 
 ing a brief summary of our distinguishing religious senti- 
 ment, that our true position may be known and understood, 
 we present the following as a declaration of principles of 
 the Brown Creek Baptist Association : 
 
 ARTICLE 1. 
 
 Of the Holy Scriptures. 
 
 The Floly Scriptures, in the commonly received books 
 of the Old and New Testaments, are a full and complete 
 revelation from God to man, touching the character and 
 will of the former, and the duties and destinies of the lat- 
 ter; and are therefore to be received as a sufficient, infal- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 21 
 
 lible and authoritative rule in all matters of doctrine and 
 duty — of faith and practice. "All Scripture is given by 
 inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for re- 
 proof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness; that 
 the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto 
 all good works." 2 Tim. iii., 16, 17. "Thy word is a lamp 
 unto my feet, and a light unto my path." Psalms cxix. 105. 
 "To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not accord- 
 ing to this word it is because there is no light in them." 
 Isaiah viii., 20. "We have also a more sure word of 
 prophecy ; whereunto ye so dwell that ye take heed, as unto 
 a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and 
 the day star arise in your hearts." 2 Peter, i. 19. 
 
 ARTICLE II. 
 
 Of God. 
 
 Section 1. There is but one living and true God, the 
 Creator, and Preserver of all things, spiritual and incom- 
 prehensible in his nature, omnipotent, omniscient, wise, just, 
 true, merciful, unchangeable, glorious in holiness, and eter- 
 nal in existence. "Hear, oh Israel, the Lord our God is one 
 Lord." Deut. vi. 4. "In the beginning God created the 
 heaven and the earth." Gen. i. 1. "God is a spirit." John 
 iv. 24. "For the Lord God omnipotent reigneth." Rev. 
 xix. 6. "Whither shall I go from thy spirit ; or whither 
 shall I flee from thy presence?" Psalms cxxxix. 7. "Oh, 
 the depth of the riches, both of the wisdom and knowledge 
 of, God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His 
 ways past finding out." Rom. xi. 33. "A God of truth and 
 without iniquity, just and right is he." Deut. xxxii. 4. 
 
22 HiSTORv OF THE Brown Crebk 
 
 "'The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, long- suf- 
 fering and abundant in goodness and truth." Exodus 
 xxxiv. 6. "I am the Lord, I change not." Mai. iii. 6. "Who 
 is like thee, glorious in holiness, fearful in praises, doing 
 wonders?" Exodus xv. 11. "Even from everlasting to 
 everlasting thou art God." Psalms xc. 2. 
 
 Sec. 2. In this divine and most glorious being there is 
 a Trinity of Persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy 
 Spirit, of the same essence, and equal in power and glory. 
 "For there are three that bear record in Heaven, the Father, 
 the Word, and the Holy Ghost ; and these three are one." 
 1 John V. 7. "Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations, bap- 
 tizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and 
 of the Holy Ghost." Matt, xxviii. 19. "The grace of our 
 Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion 
 of the Holy Ghost, be with you all." 2 Cor. xiii. 14. "But 
 when the Comforter is come, whom I will send unto you 
 from the Father, even the spirit of truth, which proceedeth 
 from the Father, he shall testify of me." John xv. 26. 
 
 ARTICLE III. 
 
 Of the Sovereignty of God. 
 
 As the great first cause of all things, God exercises an 
 absolute sovereignty over the universe. He sees the end 
 from the beginning; nothing can transpire contrary to his 
 foreknowledge and foreordination ; His decrees and pur- 
 poses are fixed and immutable, and will be fulfilled in every 
 particular; and he overrules and controls all events to the 
 furtherance of His glory and the accomplishment of His 
 designs. "Declaring the end from the beginning, and from 
 
Union Baptist Association. 23 
 
 ancient times and things that are not yet done, saying, my 
 counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.'' Isaiah 
 xlvi. "Who worketh all things after the counsel of his own 
 will"? Eph. i. "Surely the wrath of man shall praise 
 thee ; the remainder of wa-ath shalt thou restrain." Psalms 
 Ixxvi. 16. "Him, being delivered by the determined counsel 
 and foreknowledge of God, ye have taken, and by wicked 
 hands have crucified and slain." Acts ii, 2Z. "For of a 
 truth against the holy child Jesus, whom thou hast an- 
 nointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, with the Gentiles 
 and the people of Israel, were gathered together, for to do 
 whatsoever thy hand and thy counsel determined before to 
 be done." Acts iv., 27, 28. 
 
 ARTICLE IV. 
 
 Of Creation and Providence. 
 
 Section 1. In the beginning God, for purposes of His 
 glory, created the world, and all things that are therein, 
 formed man from the dust of the earth, set his image upon 
 him, and placed him in the Garden of Eden, in a state of 
 perfect innocence and happiness. "In the beginning God 
 created the heaven and the earth." Gen. i. 1. "For by 
 him were all things created, that are in heaven, and that are 
 in earth, visible and invisible, whether they be thrones, or 
 dominions, or principalities, or powers ; all things were 
 created by him and for him." Col. 1, 16. "So God created 
 man in his own image, in the image of God created he him ; 
 male and female created he them." Gen. i. 27. "Lo, this 
 only have I found, that God made man upright; but they 
 have sought out many inventions." Ecc. vii. 29. 
 
24 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Sec. 2. As God originally created, so by his Providence 
 he sustains and preserves all things ; exercises a general 
 and particular care over his creatures, both great and small ; 
 and, by a special Providence, watches and guides, protects 
 and defends them that are his. "Upholding all things by 
 the word of his power." Heb. i. 3. "Are not two sparrows 
 sold for a farthing? and one of them shall not fall to the 
 ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your 
 head are numbered. Fear ye not therefore ; ye are of more 
 value than many sparrows." Matt. x. 29, 30, 31. "The lot 
 is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of 
 the Lord." Pro. xvi. 33. "Except the Lord keepeth the 
 city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Psalms cxxvii. 1. 
 "Ye thought evil against me ; but God meant it unto good, 
 to bring to pass, as it is this day, to same much people 
 alive." Gen. 1. 20. "And we know that all things work 
 together for good to them that love God, to them who are 
 the called according to his purpose."" Romans viii. 28. 
 
 ARTICLE y. 
 Of the Fall, and Depravity of Man. 
 
 Section 1. By a wilful act of disobedience in the gar- 
 den of Eden, through the temptation of Satan, our first 
 parents fell from the state of innocence and glory in which 
 thev had been created, lost the favor of God, were brought 
 under the curse of the law, and made themselves liable to 
 the penalty of temporal, spiritual and eternal death. "And 
 the Lord commanded the man, saying, of every tree of the 
 garden thou mayest freely eat ; but of the tree of the knowl- 
 edge of good and evil thou shalt not eat of it: for in the 
 day that thou eateth thereof thou shalt surely die." Gen. 
 
Union Baptist Association, 25 
 
 ii. 16, 17. "And the man said, the woman thou gavest to be 
 with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat." And the 
 Lord God said unto the woman, "What is this thou hast 
 done?" And the woman said, "The serpent beguiled me, 
 and I did eat." Gen. iii. 12, 13. 
 
 Sec. 2. In consequence of the original disobedience of 
 our first parents, all their descendants are born with a cor- 
 rupt and depraved nature, which leads to sin, and conse- 
 quently to condemnation and death ; and they must, without 
 the intervention of sovereign grace, be forever banished 
 from the presence of God, and the glory of his power. 
 ""Wherefore as by one man sin entered into the world, 
 and death by sin ; and so death passed upon all men, for 
 that all have sinned." Rom. v. 12. "For all have sinned 
 and come short of the glory of God." Rom. iii. 23. "Be- 
 hold, I was shapen in iniquity; and in sin did my mother 
 conceive me." Psalms li. 5. "There is none that doeth 
 good, no not one." Psalms liii. 3. "The soul that sinneth, 
 it shall die." Ezekiel xviii. 4. 
 
 ARTICLE VI. 
 Of the Work of Redemption. 
 Section 1. God, in sovereign love, has opened a way 
 through the mediation, sufferings and death of his Son, 
 whereby sin may be pardoned, its condemnation removed, 
 the sinner accepted, and the soul redeemed; so that God 
 may be just and yet justify the sinner that believeth in 
 Jesus ; and it is only in accordance with this divine scheme 
 that any can be saved. "For God so loved the world that 
 he gave his only begotten Son, that whosover believeth in 
 him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 
 
26 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 iii. 16. "But when the fuUness of time was come, God 
 sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, 
 to redeem them that were under the law, that we might 
 receive the adoption of sons." Gal. iv. 4, 5, "Forasmuch 
 as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible 
 things, as silver and gold, but with the precious blood of 
 Christ." 1 Peter i. 18, 19. "Neither is there salvation in 
 any other ; for there is none other name under heaven, 
 given among men, whereby we must be saved." Acts iv. 12. 
 "For there is one God, and one Mediator between God and 
 men, the man Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. ii. 5. 
 
 Sec. 2. In accomplishing this mediatorial work it was 
 necessary that the Divine and the Human nature should be 
 united in the person of the Mediator. In the Messiah this 
 mysterious union took place — and while he was God he was 
 also man. "Who being in the form of God, thought it not 
 robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no 
 reputation, and took upon him the form of a serpent, and 
 was made in the likeness of men. Phil. ii. -6, 7. "And the 
 word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, and we beheld 
 his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, 
 full of grace and truth." John i. 14. "For in him dwell- 
 eth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily." Col. ii. 9. "God 
 was manifest in the flesh, justified in the spirit, seen of 
 angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, 
 received up into glory." 1 Tim. iii. 16. 
 
 ARTICLE VII. 
 Of Predestination and Effectual Calling. 
 Section 1. From before the foundation of the world 
 God, in the sovereignty of his grace and love, chose and 
 
Union Baptist Association. 27 
 
 predestinated unto eternal life those who in the covenant 
 of redemption were given to his Son. "According as he 
 hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world, 
 that we should be holy and without blame before him in 
 love: Having predestinated us unto the adoption of chil- 
 dren by Jesus Christ to himself, according to the good 
 pleasure of his will." Eph. i. 4, 5. "Who hath saved us, 
 and called us with an holy calling, not according to our 
 works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which 
 was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began." 2 
 Tim. i. 9. "Elect according to the foreknowledge of God 
 the Father, through sanctification of the spirit, unto obe- 
 dience, and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ." 1 
 Peter i. 2. "For whom he did foreknow, he also did pre- 
 destinate, to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he 
 might be the first born among many brethren." Rom. vii. 
 29. 
 
 Sec. 2. Those who have been given to Christ in the 
 covenant of redemption are efifectually called by the Word 
 and the Spirit of God, to a participation in the blessings of 
 the great salvation. "Moreover, whom he did predestinate, 
 them he also called." Romans viii. 30. "Who hath saved 
 us, and called us with an holy calling." 2 Tim. i. 9. "That 
 the purpose of God according to election might stand, not 
 of works, but of him that calleth." Rom. ix. 11. "Thy 
 people shall be willing in the day of thy power." Psalms 
 ex. 3. 
 
 ARTICLE VIII. 
 
 Of the Freeness of the Gospel. 
 The salvation which the Gospel provides is freely of- 
 fered to the children of me-n. Its invitations are alike ex- 
 
'28 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 tended to all, and none are excluded from the paTticipation 
 in its benefits, excepting those who wilfully reject our Lord 
 Jesus Christ. * "Ho every one that thirsteth, come ye to the 
 waters, and he that hath no money, come ye, buy and eat; 
 yea, came, buy wine and milk, without money and without 
 price." Isaiah Iv. 1. "As I live, saith the Lord God, I have 
 no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked 
 turn from his way and live : turn ye, turn ye, from your 
 evil ways; for why will ye die, oh house of Israel!" Ez. 
 xxxiii. n. "And the Spirit and Bride say, come. And let 
 him that is athirst come : and whosoever will let him take 
 the water of life freely." Rev. xxii. 17. "And ye will not 
 ■come to me, that ye might have life." John v. 40. 
 
 ARTICLE IX. 
 
 Of Justification and Adoption. 
 
 Section 1. The righteousness of Christ is the ground 
 ■of our justification. This righteousness embraces his obe- 
 dience and sufferings — all that he did, and all that he en- 
 din'ed ; and this, as a whole, being received by faith, con- 
 stitutes the ground on which we are justified. The evidence 
 of justification is furnished by the performance of good 
 works. "But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is 
 made unto wisdom and righteousness, and sanctification, 
 and redemption." 1 Cor. i. 30. "In his days Judah shall 
 be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely; and this is his name 
 whereby he shall be called, the Lord our Righteousness." 
 Jere. xxiii. 6. "And he found in him, not having mine own 
 righteousness which is of the law, but that which is through 
 the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by 
 
Union Baptist Association, 29' 
 
 faith." Phil. iii. 9. "For Christ is the end of the law for 
 righteousness, to every one that believeth." Rom. x. 4. 
 "For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin ; 
 that we might be made the righteousness of God in him." 
 2 Cor. V. 21. "Xow to him that worketh is the reward not 
 reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh 
 not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his 
 faith is counted for righteousness." Rom. iv. 4, 5. 
 
 Sec. 2. Those who are justified by the grace of God 
 become his children by adoption, have his name written upon 
 them, are permitted to call him Father, and enjoy the liber- 
 ties and privileges of the children of God. "Having pre- 
 destinated us unto the adoption of children by Jesus Christ 
 to himself." Eph. i. 5. "Beloved, now are we the sons of 
 God." 1 John iii. 2. "For ye have not received the spirit 
 of bondage again to fear, but ye have received the spirit of 
 adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father." Romans viii. 15.. 
 
 ARTICLE X. 
 
 Of Regeneration. 
 
 Regeneration is that inward change which the sinner 
 experiences when he passes into a state of grace. It can be 
 effected only by the Spirit of God. It consists in a com- 
 plete and thorough renewal of all the dispositions and affec- 
 tions of the soul : and without it no sinner can enter into 
 the Kingdom of heaven. "Verily, verily, I say unto thee, 
 except a man be born again he cannot see the Kingdom 
 of God." John iii. 3. "Not by works of righteousness 
 which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved 
 us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the 
 
30 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Holy Ghost." Titus iii. 5. "Therefore if any man be in 
 Christ Jesus, he is a new creature; old things are passed 
 away; behold all things are become new." 2 Cor. v. 17. 
 "Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the 
 flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." John i. 13. 
 
 ARTICLE XI. 
 
 On Repentance. 
 
 Repentance unto life is a goodly sorrow for sin, wrought 
 in the soul by the Spirit of God^ and leading to a change 
 of life, the abandonment of sin and the pursuit of holiness. 
 And this is a duty God imperatively requires of all man- 
 kind. "For godly sorrow worketh repentance to salvation 
 not to be repented of." 2 Cor. vii. 10. "They shall come 
 with weeping and with supplications will I lead them; I 
 will cause them to walk* in a straight way, wherein they 
 shall not stumble." Jeremiah xxxi. 9. "But they that es- 
 cape of them shall escape, and shall be on the mountains 
 like doves of the valleys, all of them mourning, every one 
 for his iniquity." Eze. vii. 16. "And the times of this ig- 
 norance God winked at, but now commandeth all men every- 
 where to repent." Acts xvii. 30. "But except ye repent 
 ye shall all likewise perish." Luke xiii. 3. 
 
 ARTICLE XII. 
 
 Of Faith. 
 
 Faith is that exercise of the heart (the understanding 
 and the will fully consenting thereto) by which the sinner 
 joyfully receives the truth as it is in Jesus ; and rests upon 
 
Union Baptist Association. 31 
 
 him for pardon, sanctification, and eternal life. The right- 
 eousness of Christ is the foundation of our hopes ; by faith 
 we lay hold of that righteousness, and appropriate to our- 
 selves the consolations and promises of the gospel. "For 
 by grace are ye saved, through faith, and that not of your- 
 selves, it is the gift of God." Eph. ii. 8. "Therefore being 
 justified by faith, we have peace with God through our 
 Lord Jesus Christ." Romans v. 1. "For Christ is the end 
 of the law for righteousness to every one that believeth." 
 Romans x. 4. "For with the heart man believeth unto 
 righteousness." Romans x. 10. "Because God hath from 
 the -beginning chosen you to salvation, through sanctifica- 
 tion of the Spirit and belief of the truth." 2 Thes. ii. 13. 
 "He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life." John 
 iii. 39. 
 
 ARTICLE Xin. 
 
 Of Good Works. 
 
 While salvation is all of grace, and is apprehended only 
 by faith, good works are also essential to the Christian char- 
 acter. Performed in obedience to God's commandments, 
 and fulfilling his decrees, they are the fruits and the evi- 
 dences of a living faith. They are necessary, not as consti- 
 tuting the cause of justification, but its effects. They do 
 not make us Christians, but they prove us so. "For we 
 are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good 
 works, which God hath before ordained, that we should 
 walk in them." Eph. ii. 10. "Who gave himself for us, 
 that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto 
 himself a peculiar people zealous of good works." Titus 
 ii. 14. "This is a faithful saving, and these things I will 
 
32 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 that thou affirm constantly, that they which have believed 
 in God might be careful to maintain good works." Titus 
 iii. 8. "Show me thy faith without works, and I will show 
 thee my faith by my works." James ii. 18. "For as the 
 body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is 
 dead also." James ii. 26. "Wherefore by their fruits ye 
 shall know them." Matt. vii. 20. 
 
 ARTICLE XIV. 
 
 Of Sanctification. 
 
 Those who are vmited to Christ in the exercise of faith 
 are being sanctified b}^ the Spirit and the word of God. 
 Although still infirm and imperfect, they are advancing in 
 the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthening in 
 spiritual graces, and progressing in the practice of that holi- 
 ness without which no man shall see the Lord. "Sanctify 
 them through thy truth; thy word is truth." John xvii. 17. 
 "Because God hath from the beginning chosen you to sal- 
 vation, through sanctification of the Spirit, and belief of 
 the truth." 2 Thes. ii. 13. "Be ye therefore perfect, even 
 as your father which is in heaven is perfect." Matt. v. 48. 
 "And the very God of peace sanctify you wholly; and I 
 pray God your whole spirit, and soul, and body preserved 
 blameless unto the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ." 1 
 Thes. V. 23. "Having therefore these promises, dearly be- 
 loved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh 
 and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God." 2 Cor. 
 vii. 1. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 33 
 
 ARTICLE XV. 
 Of Final Perseverance. 
 
 Those who are accepted in the Beloved, and have re- 
 ceived the remission of their sins through faith in our Lord 
 Jesus Christ, shall persevere, by grace, unto eternal life. 
 And if any who have professed the Christian name return 
 to their sins and perish in them, it is not because they have 
 fallen froiri grace, but because they never knew that grace 
 in its regenerating and saving power. "Being confident of 
 this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in 
 you, will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ." Phil, 
 i. 6. "Nevertheless, the foundation of God standeth sure, 
 having this seal, the Lord knoweth them that are his." 2 
 Tim. ii. 19. "And I give unto them eternal life ; and they 
 shall never perish, neither shall any pluck them out of my 
 hand." John x. 28. "They went out from us, but they 
 were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no 
 doubt have continued with us ; but they went out from 
 us, that they might be made manifest that they were not 
 all of us." 1 John ii. 19. "For I am persuaded that 
 neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor 
 powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, 
 nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate 
 us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." 
 Romans viii. 38, 39. 
 
 ARTICLE XVI. 
 
 Of Free Agency. 
 
 God is pleased so to exercise his sovereignty that man, 
 notwithstanding the fall and depravity of his nature, 
 
 3 
 
34 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 whether doing- good or working evil, whether accepting or 
 rejecting salvation — acts frely and from choice. And there- 
 fore those who are finally lost will be alone responsible for 
 the consequences of their guilt; and those who are saved, 
 while they freely choose the redemption which is in Christ 
 Jesus, will ascribe the choice of it, as well as the redemp- 
 tion itself, all to sovereign grace. "Choose you this day 
 whom you will serve." Joshua xxiv. 15. "For why will 
 ye die, O house of Israel?" Ez. xviii. 31. "And ye will 
 not come to me, that ye might have life." John v. 40. 
 "Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; 
 for it is God which worketh in you. both to will and to 
 do of his good pleasure." Phil. ii. 12, 13. 
 
 ARTICLE XVII. 
 Of the Church. 
 
 The word church, as used in the New Testament, prop- 
 erly speaking, has but two meanings, viz : 
 
 Section 1. The church universal — ^comprising the 
 whole body of believers, who have been, or shall be gathered 
 into the fold of Christ. "To the general assembly and 
 church of the first born, which are written in heaven." 
 Heb. xii. 23. "Even as Christ also loved the church, and 
 gave himself for it." Eph. v. 25. "That he might present 
 it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, 
 or any such thing." Eph. v. 27. 
 
 Sec. 2. The church in a particular sense — comprising 
 an assembly or congregation of believers, imited together 
 in christian fellowship, and meeting from time to time for 
 the worship of 'God. Each church is an independent body.. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 35 
 
 Owning Christ alone as its Head and Lawgiver, it bow^s 
 only to His dictates; and utterly rejects the assumed spir- 
 itual authority of all bodies or classes of men, whether civil 
 or ecclesiastical. "Unto the church of God which is at 
 Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus." 1 
 Cor. i. 2. "Likewise greet the church that is in their h®use." 
 Romans xvi. 5. "Unto the angel of the church in Smyrna 
 write." Rev. ii. 8. "Then had the churches rest throughout 
 all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria." Acts ix. 3L "And 
 if he shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church ; 
 but if he neglect to hear the church, let him be unto thee 
 as an heathen man and a publican." Matt, xviii. 17. "Then 
 pleased it the apostles and elders, with the whole church, 
 to send chosen men of their own company to Antioch." 
 Acts XV. 22. "Then tidings of these things came unto the 
 ears of the church v/hich was in Jerusaem, and . they sent 
 forth Barnabas, that he should go as far as Antioch." 
 Acts xi. 22. 
 
 ARTICLE XVHL 
 
 Of Ministers and Deacons. 
 
 In the chuch of Jesus Christ there are two classes of 
 officers, viz : Ministers and Deacons. 
 
 Section 1. Ministers are that class of officers called of 
 God, and set apart by the church to the work of the min- 
 istry — the preaching of the everlasting gospel. They are 
 indiscriminately called Bishops and Elders, from their over- 
 sight of the churches of Christ. In this office there are no 
 higher or lower grades ; but all occupy a fraternal equality, 
 and no one is superior to his brethren in power and author- 
 ity. "All things are of God, who hath reconciled us to him- 
 
36 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 self, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation." 
 2 Cor. V. 18. "And he gave some apostles; some prophets; 
 and some evangelists ; and some pastors and teachers ; for 
 the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, 
 for the edifying of the body of Christ." Eph. iv. 11. "T 
 have set watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which 
 shall never hold their peace day nor night." Is. Ixii. 6. 
 "For they watch for your souls, as they that must give ac- 
 count." Heb. xiii. 17. "And from Miletus he sent to Ephe- 
 sus, and called the elders of the church, and when they were^ 
 come to him, he said unto them, take heed therefore unto 
 yourselves, and to all the flock over which the Holy Ghost 
 hath made you overseers,* to feed the church of God, which 
 he hath purchased with his own blood." Acts xx. 17-28. 
 "Ye know that they which are accounted to rule over the 
 Gentiles exercise Lordship over them ; and their great ones 
 exercise authority upon them. But so shall it not be among 
 you ; but whosoever will be great among you shall be your 
 minister ; and whosoever of you will be the chiefest shall 
 be servant of all." Mark x. 42-44. "For one is your mas- 
 ter, even Christ, and all ye are brethren." Matt, xxiii. 8. 
 
 Sec. 2. Deacons are that class of ofificers who are 
 charged with the management of the secular concerns of 
 the church. It is their special duty to see that their poor 
 are attended to, that their pastors are supported, and that 
 arrangements are made for the proper administration of 
 the ordinances, and the comfortable and orderly mainte- 
 nance of worship. "Then the twelve called the multitude 
 of the disciples unto them and said, it is not reason that 
 we should leave the word of God and serve tables. Where- 
 fore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest 
 
Uniox Baptist Association. 37 
 
 report, full of the Holy Ghost and AMsdom, whom we may 
 appoint over this business. But we will give ourselves con- 
 tinuall}- to prayer, and to the ministry of the world." Acts 
 vi. 2-4. "They that have used the office of a deacon well, 
 purchase to themselves a good degree and great boldness 
 in the faith which is in Christ Jesus."" 1 Tim. iii. 13. 
 
 ARTICLE XIX. 
 Of Baptism. 
 
 Section 1. Baptism is the rite of divine appointment 
 by which believers are initiated into the Christian church. 
 It is the profession of discipleship, the public declaration 
 of faith; and those only are proper subjects of baptism who 
 have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ. "He that believeth, 
 and is baptized, shall be saved." Mark xvi. 16. "And the 
 eunuch said, See, here is water, what doth hinder me to be 
 baptized? And Philip said. If thou believest with all thine 
 heart, thou mayest." Acts viii. 26, 37. "Then they that 
 gladly received his word were baptized." Acts ii. 41. "But 
 when they believed, Philip preaching the things concerning 
 the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they 
 were baptized, both men and women." Acts viii. 12. "And 
 many of the Corinthians hearing, believed and were bap- 
 tized." Acts xviii. 8. "The like figure, whereunto even 
 baptism doth also now save us, not the putting away of the 
 filth of the flesh, but the answer of a good conscience 
 towards God." 1 Peter iii. 21. 
 
 Sec. 2. The only mode of Baptism is immersion in 
 water. "Then went out to him Jerusalem, and all Judea, 
 and all the region round about Jordan, and were baptized 
 
38 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 of him in Jordan, confessing their sins." Matt." iii. 5, 6. 
 "And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out 
 of the water." Matt. iii. 16. ''And they went down into 
 the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized 
 him. And when they were come up out of the water, the 
 Spirit of the Lord caught away PhiHp." Acts viii. 38, 39. 
 "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death ; 
 that hke Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory 
 of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of 
 life. For if we have been planted together in the likeness 
 of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resur- 
 rection." Rom. vi. 4, 5. "Buried with him in baptism, 
 Vv'herein also ye are risen with him through the faith of the 
 operation of God, who hath raised him from the dead." 
 Col. iii. 12. 
 
 ARTICLE XX. 
 
 Of the Lord's Supper. 
 
 The Lord's Supper is an ordinance commemorative of 
 the love, the sufferings, and the death of our Divine Re- 
 deemer. The elements in this ordinance are bread and wine 
 — symbolical of the broken body, and the shed blood of the 
 Son of God. Inasmuch as it is a church ordinance, and 
 baptism is the prerequisite to church membership, those 
 only should be admitted to the communion table who have 
 been baptized upon a profession of faith. Hence the pro- 
 priety of restricted communion. "And as they were eating, 
 Jesus took bread, and blessed it, and brake it, and gave it 
 to the disciples, and said, Take, eat ; this is my body. And 
 he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it them saying, 
 Drink ye all of it; for this is my blood of the New Testa- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 39 
 
 ment, which is shed for many for the remission of sins." 
 Matt. xxvi. 26-28. "This do in remembrance of me." 1 
 Cor. xi. 24. ''For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink 
 this cup, ye do shew the Lord's death tih he come." 1 
 Cor. xi. 26. 
 
 ARTICLE XXL 
 
 Of tpie Resurrection and Judgment. 
 
 Section L When the purposes of God are accom- 
 phshed in the present world, and immediately before the 
 final judgment, there shall be a resurrection of all the dead. 
 ■'Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body 
 shall they arise. Awake and sing ye that sleep in dust ; for 
 thy dew is as the dew of herbs ; and the earth shall cast 
 out the dead." Is. xxvi. 19. "And many of them that sleep 
 in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting 
 life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." Dan. 
 xii. 2. "For the hour is coming in the which all that are 
 in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth r 
 they that have done good unto the resurrection of life ; and 
 they that have done evil unto the resurrection of damna- 
 tion." John V. 28, 59. "But now is Christ risen from the 
 dead, and become the first fruits of them that slept." I 
 Cor. XV. 20. "And have hope towards God, which they 
 themselves also allow, that there shall be a resurrection of 
 the dead, both of the just and unjust." Acts xxiv. 15. 
 "For the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised 
 incorruptible, and we shall be changed." 1 Cor. xv. 52". 
 "It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body." 
 1 Cor. XV. 44. 
 
 Sec. 2. Immediately after the resurrection, the final- 
 judgment of all mankind shall take place. Jesus Christ will 
 
40 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 be the Judge. Before Him all nations shall be assembled; 
 and He will judge them, every man, according to the deeds 
 done in the body. "And as it is appointed unto men once 
 to die, but after this the judgment. " Heb. ix. 27. "Be- 
 cause he hath appointed a day in which he will judge the 
 world in righteousness, by that man whom he hath or- 
 dained." Acts xviii. 31. "When the Son of man shall come 
 in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall 
 he sit upon the throne of his glory; and before him shall 
 be gathered all nations." Matt. xxa'. 31, 32. "And I saw 
 the dead, small and great, stand before God ; and the books 
 were opened ; and another book was opened, which was the 
 book of life; and the dead were judged out of those things 
 which were written in the books, according to their works." 
 Rev. XX. 12. "For God shall bring every work into judg- 
 ment, with every secret thing; whether it be good, or 
 whether it be evil." Ecc. xii. 14. 
 
 ARTICLE XXII. 
 
 Of the Future Condition of the Righteous and of the 
 
 Wicked. 
 
 Section 1. After the decisions of the last day, the 
 righteous shall be elevated to a state of perfect and eternal 
 blessedness. They shall dwell in the immediate presence 
 of God — exempt from all sin, sorrow, and infirmity — and 
 in the tranquil enjoyment of glory, honor, and immortality. 
 ""I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare 
 a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto 
 inyself ; that where I am, there ye may be also." John xiv. 
 2, 3. "Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, 
 
Union Baptist Association. 41 
 
 come, ye blessed, of my Father, inherit the kingdom pre- 
 pared for you from the foundation of the world." Matt. 
 XXV. 34. "For so an entrance shall be ministered unto you 
 abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and 
 Saviour Jesus Christ." 2 Peter, i. 11. "When Christ, who 
 is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him 
 in glory." Col. iii. 4. "Therefore are they before the 
 throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple ; 
 and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. 
 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst any more ; neither 
 shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb, 
 which is in the midst of the throne, shall feed them, and 
 shall lead them unto living fountains of waters ; and God 
 shall wipe away all tears from their eyes." Rev. vii. 15-17. 
 Sec. 2. The wicked shall be forever banished from the 
 presence of God; and assigned to an abode of deep per- 
 dition, and of endless torment. "Then shall he say also unto 
 them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into 
 everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels." 
 Matt. XXV. 41. "And these shall go away into everlasting 
 punishment." Matt. xxv. 46. "The wicked shall be turned 
 into hell and all the nations that forget God." Psalms ix. 
 17. "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction 
 from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his 
 power." 2 Thes. i. 9. "But the fearful and unbelieving, 
 and the abominable, and murders, and whoremongers, and 
 sorcerers, and idolators, and all liars, shall have their part 
 in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone ; which 
 is the second death." Rev. xxi. 8. "And whosoever was 
 not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake 
 of fire." Rev. xx. 15. 
 
42 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER III. 
 
 The First Anniversary of the Brown Creek Associa- 
 tion Held With Monroe Baptist Church 
 October 20-22, 1855. 
 
 In giving an account of the first anniversary of the 
 Brown Creek Association we will quote extensively from 
 the minutes of that session. We have not found a good 
 copy of the minutes of this session, so we cannot give an 
 absolutely accurate account. This session was held with 
 Monroe Baptist church, in the old wooden building which 
 stood near the town cemetery, and, if we have been correctly 
 informed, was burned many years ago. 
 
 This session of the Association was opened with an intro- 
 ductory sermon by Elder E. Morton. His text was Romans 
 1 :16. A short intermission was given after the sermon, 
 then the brethren and the delegates reassembled for the 
 purpose of organizing for the session. Prayer was ofifered 
 by Elder R. B. Jones, who then lived in Charlotte. The 
 delegates then retired to give place for preaching. They 
 took seats in the grove near the old stand, and proceeded 
 to business. D. A. Covington was elected Moderator and 
 D. Rushing, Clerk. The names of the churches were called 
 and the following delegates enrolled : 
 
 Mount Olive — W. Chambers, S. Snider, D. Rushing. 
 Faulks — .\. F. Moore, S. H. Parker, Peter Parker. 
 Monroe — C. Austin, D. A. Covington, T- Benton. 
 
Union Baptist xIssociation. 4S 
 
 The Moderator gave an opportunity for other churches- 
 to present letters from Associations of Hke faith, whereupon 
 Shiloh and Cross Roads* presented petitions and letters 
 from Moriah Association. They were received and the 
 right hand of fellowship extended them by the Moderator,. 
 He then called for representatives 'from sister Associations,, 
 and W. W. Alsobrooks responded for the Moriah. 
 
 The Moderator then appointed the following commit- 
 tees : To arrange preaching and look after the general in- 
 terest of the Association, Brethren W. Chambers, C. Austin,, 
 D. Rushing and S. Snider. 
 
 On requests and queries, and church letters. Brethren 
 S. H. Parker, J. F. McClure and J. W. Benton. The fol- 
 lowing resolution was then offered by D. Rushing: 
 
 Article L 
 
 That the several churches composing the Brown Creek 
 Association and friends of the Baptist cause raise, by sub- 
 scription annually, such amounts of money as they may be 
 willing to contribute to the support of Home Missions ; and 
 said money, when subscribed, to be pledged for to the Asso- 
 ciation by the delegates of each church, and then to be col- 
 lected and sent up to the succeeding session of the Associa- 
 iion, and paid over to the Treasurer, the Treasurer to re- 
 turn the same in his report as the Itinerate fund. 
 
 Article II. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Association, wdien the churches 
 shall have become pledged for the amount that has been 
 
 *This church soon became extinct and we have not been able 
 to find anyone who could locate it for us. 
 
44 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 subscribed by the churches, then to appoint a committee of 
 three or more persons to be denominated the Itinerate Com- 
 mittee of the Brown Creek Association; and their time of 
 office shall expire at the succeeding session of the Associa- 
 tion. 
 
 Article III. 
 
 It shall be the duty of the Itinerate Committee, soon 
 after their appointment to office, to endeavor to procure 
 the services of one or more ministers, as the means of the 
 Association may admit of, to itinerate for said Association; 
 and the Itinerates thus employed to be allowed not exceed- 
 ing one dollar per day for their services. 
 
 Article IV. 
 
 The Itinerate Committee is required to give a written 
 certificate to those whom they employ as Itinerates. They 
 may give the general rules of operation to be required of 
 the Itinerates in the field of labor. 
 
 Article V. 
 
 It shall be obligatory on the Itinerates employed for the 
 Brown Creek Association to keep a strict account of all the 
 :services conducted, and all the contributions received, and 
 /'eport the same to the Itinerate Committee. The following 
 were appointed on this committee : D. A. Covington, D. 
 Rushing, S. H. Parker, Thos. Griffin and J. W. Benton. 
 These resolutions were referred to a select committee con- 
 sisting of D. A. Covington, S. Snider, W. Chambers, J. W. 
 Benton and Thomas Griffin. This committee made the 
 following report: "We have had the resolutions under 
 
Union Baptist Association, 45'- 
 
 consideration, and report them back without amendment, 
 and recommend their adoption. 
 
 "W. Chambers, Chairman." 
 
 The report was adopted and the committee discharged. 
 
 The Association embraced Sunday and was considered 
 the greatest day of all. At the morning hour Elder N. 
 Funderburk delivered a short discourse, after which Elder 
 R. B. Jones preached to a large and attentive congregation 
 on the subject of Baptism. A public collection was taken 
 for Home Missions, which amounted to $11.35. A recess- 
 of one hour was then given, after which Elder E. Morton 
 preached a warm and effective sermon, which was followed 
 by a stirring exhortation, during which time sinners wept, 
 and saints were made to rejoice. Some penitents presented' 
 themselves at the altar for prayer. 
 
 The session on the following Monday was opened by- 
 prayer. Elder S. Snider leading. The roll was then called, 
 the constitution -and rules of decorum read, and the min- 
 utes of Saturday's session approved. 
 
 The committee on church letters, etc., reported that the 
 next session of the Association was desired by Faulk's 
 Church, and $13.15 had been paid in for the publication 
 of the minutes. 
 
 It was moved and adopted that this Association open 
 correspondence with sister Associations, and the following- 
 were appointed as messengers : S. Snider and James Ben- 
 ton to the Pee Dee; W. Chambers, D. Rushing and S. H. 
 Parker to the Moriah ; W. Chambers and John Bivens to 
 the Welsh Neck, the Moderator and Clerk to prepare the- 
 letter; Elder Funderburk, Casper Harget, J. W. Benton,, 
 and Thos. Griffin to the Broad River. 
 
46 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 No Treasurer of the Association was elected iintil' Mon- 
 day. The election resulted in the election of W. Chambers 
 as Associational Treasurer. 
 
 The session of 1856 was to be held with Faulk's 
 Church, beginning- on Saturday before the fourth Lord's 
 Day. Elder R. B. Jones was appointed to preach the in- 
 troductory sermon, Elder X. Funderburk his alternate. The 
 following amounts were pledged by the delegates represent- 
 ing the churches : 
 
 Mount Olive '. $81.50 
 
 Faulks 10.00 
 
 Monroe 25.00 
 
 Shiloh 10.00 
 
 Cross Roads , . . 10.00 
 
 Total $136.50 
 
 This was a great offering for these churches. They 
 were more liberal in some ways then than they are now. 
 Money was scarce and their membership small, but they 
 were liberal. 
 
 The circular letter for this session w^as prepared by Bro. 
 C. Austin, and since it was the first one we give it in full 
 as follows : 
 
 CIRCULAR. 
 
 To THE Churches Composing the Brown Creek 
 Baptist Association. 
 Dear Brethren : 
 
 According to previous arrangement, we present you an 
 Epistolary xA.ddress, the subject of which may be found in 
 Acts, 1st Chap., 14th V.: 
 
Union Baptist Association, 47 
 
 ''These all continued, with one accord, in prayer and 
 supplication." 
 
 This subject points out and relates to the inspired Apos- 
 tles of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, together with 
 the Disciples who were assembled with them on that occa- 
 sion ; all of wdiom had personally associated with our Sav- 
 iour, while on earth, constantly heard his glorious doc- 
 trines, and witnessed his great miracles. In the 12th and 
 13th verses of this chapter, we have an example which con- 
 spires with the precepts taught by our Saviour and his holy 
 Apostles, teaching us the propriety and importance of as- 
 sembling ourselves together, in the name of Jesus Christ; as 
 we are also taught in the same verses, that the house of the 
 Lord, the Church of our Membership, is the most proper 
 place for us to assemble together. 
 
 First : We notice that all met in the same house, and 
 with the same resolution, to continue until the object they 
 had in view was accomplished. 
 
 Second : There was harmony in their employment. 
 
 Third : That employment was prayer and ^supplication. 
 
 Fourth: The object of their prayers was the pouring of 
 God's holy spirit upon the Church, the conversion of sin- 
 ners, an addition of souls tO' the Church, and an increase o'f 
 laborers in God's vineyard. 
 
 Dear Brethren, composing this infant Association: Is 
 there not cause for us to follow the example of the primi- 
 tive Church, and to assemble in the house of the Lord, wdth 
 one joint resolution, to continue in prayer and supplication 
 to Almighty God, who has made exceeding great and pre- 
 cious promises to his people and whoever has and ever 
 will fulfill them, in answer to their fervent prayers. 
 
48 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 We have cause thus to pray for the outpouring of God's 
 Holy Spirit upon us as Churches and upon us individually. 
 We need more of the light of the good Spirit, to illuminate 
 our path, that we may walk and not stumble, and to shine 
 in our hearts, that we may have a true discovery of the cor- 
 ruptions and evil propensities of our nature ; that we may 
 put no trust in the flesh; and also to enlighten our minds, 
 that we may more fully understand the historical and de- 
 scriptive, the doctrinal and practical parts of the Holy 
 Scriptures. We need more of the fire of the Holy Ghost in 
 our souls, to warm our cold affections, to increase our love 
 to God, to his People, to his Word, to his House, to his 
 Cause, and to perishing Sinners, too. O, for the fire of the 
 Holy Ghost, from Heaven, to t)urn in our hearts, until it 
 shall kindle a hallowed flame in each of our breasts, and 
 give more powerful impulse to all our energies ! We need 
 more of the comforts of the blessed Spirit, His Witness, to 
 testify that we are the children of God, and also to reveal 
 to us some of the treasures, and apply to ourselves some 
 of the sweet provisions of the glorious inheritance that is 
 reserved in Heaven for God's children, and also to light up 
 around us and reveal to our understanding more of that 
 exceeding and eternal weight of glory which is in reserve 
 for the Heirs of Promise, that we may rejoice with that 
 joy which is inexpressible and full of glory. 
 
 We are diminutive, we have cause thus to pray for an 
 accession to our Churches, of such as shall be saved in the 
 last great day; we need aid in counsel, in example, in prayer, 
 and also in means to spread far and wide the glorious 
 Gospel, which is the bread and water of life; to our own 
 selves, especially, we should thus devote ourselves to God, 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 49 
 
 in fervent prayer for the outpouring of his Holy Spirit, in 
 the salvation of immortal souls, for the reason that in our 
 midst and all around us are hundreds and thousands of souls 
 that must shortly be converted, or endure the vivid tor- 
 tures of a burning- hell forever. 
 
 In view of the vacant state of our ministerial office, we 
 have affecting cause to approach the House of God. and 
 with one accord, in deep humility, send i/p our supplica- 
 tions to the Lord of the Harvest, that he would send forth 
 more laborers into his vineyard. In the field of our Asso- 
 ciation, we have but one ^Minister who is the prey of a mor- 
 tal disease, which has to a considerable extent destroyed, 
 and will soon terminate his usefulness on earth. In our 
 Churches, there are none who exercise the gift of Exhorta- 
 tion, and but few who exercise the gift of prayer in public. 
 Some of our Churches are unsupplied ; conference meetings 
 imprefectly conducted: discipline in a great measure neg- 
 lected ; and the ordinances of the Gospel also neglected. 
 Will you now, dear brethren, cast your eyes over the fields, 
 and see that they are white unto harvest? And can we not, 
 with one united heart and voice, adopt the language of our 
 blessed Saviour, and say, "The harvest is plenteous, and 
 the laborers are few"? We are encouraged by the infallible 
 promise of our Lord Jesus Christ, thus to convene together, 
 to covenant with each other, and unite our supplication for 
 and in behalf of each other, and for all mankind in general. 
 Our Saviour has said, "Where two or three are assembled 
 in his name, he will be in their midst." Again, he has said, 
 "Ask and ye shall receive." Also, he saith, "Where two or 
 three of you shall agree on earth, as touching any one thing 
 that ye shall ask for in my name, it shall be granted." 
 
 4 
 
50 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 Dear Brethren : With the motives presented, and the 
 encouragement offered in this epistle, do we not all feel will- 
 ' ing forthwith to assemble in the house of the Lord ? Nay, 
 cannot all of us say, with the Psalmist David, "I was glad 
 when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the 
 Lord," and when there assembled, can we not jointly agree 
 fo pray for the outpouring of God's Holy Spirit upon us, as 
 Churches, as persons, and upon all flesh, in mercy's bounds, 
 so that our dark minds may be enlightened, our path to glory 
 illuminated, our hearts inflamed with the dying love of 
 Jesus Christ, and all the powers of our souls be quickened 
 up to a state of obedient activity? Can we not together 
 pray for a general outpouring of God's blessed Spirit on 
 our families, our neighbors, and upon sinners, to earth's 
 remotest bounds ? Can we not most fervently imite in sup- 
 plication to God, for an addition to our ministry — that God, 
 by His Holy Spirit, would enrich our Churches, with more 
 efiicient gifts — that he would raise up among us gifts in 
 exhortation — and especially that he would raise up among 
 us men with gifts to preach to us the unsearchable riches 
 of Christ? 
 
 Dear Brethren : The Lord has not only commanded and 
 encouraged us thus to approach him, but challenges us in 
 this way to prove him, pledging his majestic honor to pour 
 us out a blessing that there shall not be room to contain it. 
 
 The devoted disciples, whose example we have pre- 
 sented for our imitation, comfortably witnessed the fulfill- 
 ment of this promise, before they left the house of the Lord. 
 
 Oh, what an overflowdng blessing they realized, on the 
 day of Pentecost, when the Holy Ghost filled all the house 
 where thev were assembled. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 51 
 
 Now, dear brethren, in prospect of the outpouring of 
 God's Holy Spirit upon us, as Christians, the conversion of 
 our famihes and sinners in general, an accession of many 
 new converts to our Churches, and a multiplicity of minis- 
 terial gifts among us, will we not say to each other : Come, 
 let us go into the house of the Lord, and there solemnly 
 covenant with each other to fervently pray together, until 
 our petition be granted. In this way, we shall cultivate 
 the gifts among us, and also encourage others who have 
 gifts, to exercise them, too. Xow, of the things which we 
 have spoken this is the sum : Our Lord Jesus Christ is rich 
 in gifts and graces, and has not only made it our high priv- 
 ilege, but our reasonable duty, to come to the Throne of 
 Grace, and there, with one united heart and voice, in full 
 assurance, to ask Him ; and we shall receive. All of which 
 may God grant for Christ's sake. Amen. 
 
52 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 The Sessions of 1856-60. 
 
 The session of 1856 was held with Faulk's Baptist 
 Chuch. No minutes of this session can be found so we 
 cannot give a full account of the meeting. Elder R. B. 
 Jones of Charlotte preached the introductory sermon and 
 Elder Solomon Snider prepared the Circular Letter. This 
 custom passed out with this session. Up to this time some 
 one would prepare one each year. ]\Iuch interest was mani- 
 fested in them and some of them are remarkable pieces of 
 literature. We have not been able to secure the one pre- 
 pared by Elder Snider but we are sure it was fine. It is a 
 great pity we cannot secure it, as it was the last one called 
 for by this body. From this session our reports were made 
 on the several branches of work carried on by this organ- 
 ization. These were Sunday School, Temperance and Home 
 Missions which at this time did not mean anything but mis- 
 sion work within the bounds of the Brown Creek Associa- 
 tion. The field had not yet broadened. The home base 
 must needs be strengthened. Meadow Branch, Rocky River, 
 Mineral Springs and Mt. Moriah Churches came with peti- 
 tions and letters to the session and were received. The ses- 
 sion began on Saturday before the fourth Lord's Day and 
 continued through the following Monday. A change in 
 time of meeting was made here and from this session for- 
 ward it has met on some day between the first and second 
 Sunday. Really this session was the last one held on the 
 old order. Some changes were made that have stood from 
 that day until now. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 53 
 
 We cannot give the names of the delegates because we 
 have failed to secure the minutes of this year. The session 
 of 1857 was held with Mt. Olive Baptist Church beginning 
 Friday, October 9th, and continuing through Saturday, 
 Sunday and Monday. Elder Samuel P. Morton was ap- 
 pointed to preach the annual introductory sermon but failed 
 to be present. Elder N. Funderburk supplied. Elder Mor- 
 ton came later on and led in the opening prayer in the after- 
 noon. D. A. Covington, the former moderator, called the 
 Association to order. The following delegates were en- 
 rolled : 
 
 Mount Olive — W. Chambers, T. Redfearn, Darling 
 Rushing. 
 
 Monroe — D. A. Covington, W. J. Willoughby. 
 
 Faulks — S. H. Parker, J. M. Green, William Newsome. 
 
 Meadow Branch— J. Perry, W. J. T. Maske, J. C. Wil- 
 liams. 
 
 Rocky River — Elder S. P. Morton, H. M. Broadway, 
 J. J. Broadway. 
 
 * Shiloh— Elder W. Funderburk, C. Hargett, J. Hill. 
 
 Mount Moriah— W. W. Alsobrooks, W. M. Alsobrooks, 
 K. C. Timmons. 
 
 Charlotte — Elder R. B. Jones. 
 
 Waxhaw — S. J. Fletcher. Godfrey. 
 
 Mineral Springs — J. D. Green, S. Rushing, T. K. Manus. 
 
 Benton's Cross Roads — Thos. Griffin, C. Austin. 
 
 Philadelphia — B. Parker, W. C. King, J. P. Gathings. 
 
 Wadesboro — Elder A. L. Stough, Elder E. Morton, B. 
 F. Sikes. 
 
 Waxhaw, Mount Moriah, and Philadelphia Churches 
 presented petitions and letters from the Moriah Associa- 
 
54 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 tion. They were received and delegates enrolled as shown 
 above. The churches recently organized at Charlotte and 
 Wadesboro presented letters asking to become members and 
 were admitted after their articles of faith had been exam- 
 ined. 
 
 The officers of the former session were unanimously 
 elected. These were D. A. Covington, iModerator, and D. 
 Rushing, Clerk. 
 
 Elder N. Fail and Brother S. Baker were received as 
 messengers from the Moriah Association. There seemed 
 to be some confusion about the way the revival meetings 
 were being held. A request was sent in by the church at 
 Monroe relative to this matter, whereupon a committee 
 consisting of W. Newsome J. Perry, S. J. Fincher, A. L. 
 Stough, D. Rushing, and W. W. Alsobrooks was appointed 
 to investigate the matter and report to the body while in 
 session. At the Saturday morning session the committee 
 was called upon to report, but they were not ready. The 
 Association then resolved itself into a committee of the 
 whole. Elder R. B. Jones was called tO' the chair and after 
 many interesting remarks by the brethren, the following 
 resolutions were offered. 
 
 1. Resolved that the Itinerant Committee should have 
 the power (with the advice of those wdiom they may em- 
 ploy as itinerants) to appoint as many protracted meetings 
 as they may deem practicable which are to be held by the 
 ministers who engage to render missionary services for the 
 Association. 
 
 2. Resolved, it shall be the duty of said committee, after 
 the appointment of these meetings, to give sufificient notice 
 thereof to all churches in this Association. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 55 
 
 3. Resolved, that we recommend a public collection to be 
 made at each meeting so held. After deducting the pledge 
 to the Association of that church, and the amount which 
 may be paid to helpers (if any), the remainder to be paid 
 over to the itinerants, and accounted for and reported to 
 the Association, and also reported in the letter from the 
 Church. 
 
 4. Resolved, that we pay over to our itinerants one dol- 
 lar and fifty cents per day. 
 
 5. Resolved, that the Itinerant Committee shall have 
 power to recommend to the churches some equitable scale 
 and plan for the payment of help. 
 
 6. Resolved, that we will not require of our missionary 
 preachers to account for such private donations as they may 
 receive from individuals. 
 
 7 . Resolved, that we recommend the churches in this 
 Association to release the ministers wdio supply them, who 
 may be called on to attend those protracted meetings. 
 
 After considerable discussions the above resolutions 
 were adopted. 
 
 This session of the Association was held in the Wilson 
 Chambers school house, where the Association had been or- 
 ganized in 1854. This session was the first to notice foreign 
 missions. .V subscription for missions was called for and 
 forty-two dollars were pledged by the following brethren r 
 D. A. Covington, $10.00; W. Chambers, $5.00; f. Redfearn, 
 $5.00; A. L. Stough, $3.00; S. Rushing, $2.00; T. K. Manus, 
 $2.00; W. W. Alsobrooks, $4.00; J. D. Green. $2.00; J. P. 
 Gathing, $2.00; C. Hargett, $1.00; K. C. Timmons, $1.00; 
 R. B. Jones, $1.00; B. Parker, $2.00; E. L. Davis, $2.00, for 
 foreign missions, which was the first money given by any 
 
56 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 one in this object in this session so far as the records show. 
 Ten dollars more were added to the two given by E. L. 
 Davis, making a total of $12.00 for foreign missions. This 
 session was the first to have reports on Sunday Schools and 
 Temperance, Education and Periodicals. To show how 
 zealous our ancestors were along these lines, we give the 
 reports as they were read in this session of the Association : 
 
 i\IlSSIOXS. 
 
 Your Committee on ^Missions would respectfully report. 
 The time was when the great body of professing people 
 were opposed to every project for the improvement of so- 
 ciety in religion and morals. Now, though there are ene- 
 mies, yet a large majority are jealous advocates of mis- 
 sions. Through the missionary enterprise, the standard 
 of Immanuel has been deeply planted in our country— so 
 deep, that all the efforts of infidels, anti-missionary men and 
 the Prince of Darkness himself, cannot overturn it. Our 
 cause is breaking forth on the right and on the left, and the 
 Macedonian cry is everywhere heard, come and help us. In 
 conclusion, we earnestly bespeak your aid in this important 
 enterprise, by your patronage and prayers. 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 S. J. FiNCHER/ Chairman. 
 
 Education. 
 
 The Committee to whom was referred the subject of 
 Education would respectfully submit the following, as their 
 report : 
 
 We regard high attainments in education to ministers 
 as of the utmost importance, in order to advance the Re- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 57 
 
 deemer's Kingdom on earth and the interest of our denom- 
 ination. We do not mean to say that men of Hmited attain- 
 ment from books can do no good; but we do mean to say 
 the more education a minister has the more useful he may 
 be. It is the minister's object to teach the ignorant. It is 
 universahy conceded, at this day, "that knowledge is pow- 
 er." To it ignorance bows down in homage. It always has, 
 and it always will, give to its possessor peculiar power. In 
 view of the foregoing facts, we would call your attention to 
 Wake Forest College, as deserving the highest regard and 
 most active support of every Baptist in the State — a regard 
 and support far greater than it has hitherto received. Aside 
 from its importance to us as an instrument of providing our 
 children with the best security against the pernicious influ- 
 ence of error, and thus diffusing more widely among us 
 the blessings of true religion, this institution manifestly of- 
 fers the only means within our reach of securing to the 
 Baptists of North Carolina an efficient and adequate minis- 
 try. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 A. L. Stough, Chairman. 
 
 Periodicals. 
 
 Your Committee, to whom was referred the subject of 
 Periodicals, beg leave to sumbit the following: 
 
 Deeming the circulation of suitable religious books and 
 periodicals a powerfvd auxiliary to the promotion of truth, 
 we would heartily recommend to your favorable considera- 
 tion the Biblical Recorder, published at Raleigh. This is 
 the organ of our denomination in the State, and is worthy 
 of a more extensive circulation. Could it find a place in 
 
58 History op the Broavn Creek 
 
 ever}/ Baptist family the feelings of the denomination would 
 be more thoroughlv enlisted in our benevolent enterprises ; 
 hence there would be more concert of action, which is highly 
 necessarv to the success of any enterprise. We would also 
 recommend the Home and Foreign Journal, and the Com- 
 mission, both monthly periodicals, published by the Board 
 at Richmond, Ya. The former at 25 cents per annum, the 
 latter at $1. 
 
 The works issued by the Southern Baptist Society, and 
 by Graves, Marks & Co., Nashville., Tenn., are worthy of 
 extensive circulation. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 R. B. Jones, Chairman. 
 
 Sunday Schools and Te^^iperance. 
 
 Your Committee regret that they are unable at this time 
 to present statistics on Sunda}' schools. In the estimation 
 of your committee, Sunday schools as nurseries to the 
 young mind, are invaluable. Creating as they do, when 
 properly conducted, a familiarity with and reverence for 
 the Word of God. The history of Sunday schools proves 
 their efficiency as instrumentalities in the spiritual convic- 
 tion of souls. We would, therefore, recommend a Sunday 
 school in every Church of this Association. 
 
 Your Committee regard Temperance a -subject on which 
 we are all intimately and ecjually interested, and by the ad- 
 vancement of which the cause of Christ will be immeasur- 
 ably enhanced. We regard it as an indisputable fact, that 
 intemperance has produced more Church trials and expul- 
 sions among our Churches than all the evils put together. 
 Your Committee are unanimous in their opinion, that the 
 
Uxiox Baptist Associatiox. 59 
 
 vending, selling and use of intoxicating drinks as a bever- 
 age are incompatible with the spirit of the Xew Testament. 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 S. P. Morton, Chairman. 
 
 Elder A. L. Stough offered the' following resolution; 
 
 Resolved. That the course of usefulness pursued by the 
 Xorth Carolina Baptist State Convention since its organiza- 
 tion, should endear it to the friends of missions and educa- 
 tion, and that we earnestly request the ministers of this 
 Association to lay the claims of the Convention before their 
 respective churches, and make a vigorous eft'ort to secure 
 their aid. 
 
 The ministers do not say that the above resolutions were 
 adopted, but since Elder R. B. Jones was appointed a dele- 
 gate to the State Convention and A. L. Stough was made a 
 life member, we feel sure that they were adopted by that 
 body. The following important resolution w'as also of- 
 fered by Elder Stough : 
 
 Resolved, That we view it as a matter of lamentation 
 that so few young brethren are coming forward to the work 
 of the ministry. 
 
 We fear the churches are not sufficiently impressed with 
 the duty of praying to its Lord of the harvest that he would 
 send forth more laborers into His harvest ; and perhaps have 
 not afforded sufficient encouragement to young men who 
 have gifts to enter the great and arduous work of the min- 
 istry. 
 
 The Association must have been greatly aroused since 
 Elder R. B. Jones offered the following resolutions : 
 
 Resolved, That we earnestly recommend Friday before 
 the third Sabbath in May next, to be observed as a day of: 
 
60 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 fasting, humiliation, and prayer by all of our churches in 
 this Association, that God would revive His work among us. 
 
 Resolved, That we earnestly recommend the holding of 
 prayer meetings and Sabbath Schools in all our churches; 
 and that each church report in its letter to the next Associa- 
 tion its success. 
 
 Resolved, That we recommend the heads of families to 
 maintain family worship, and thereby let their children, 
 servants, and neighbors see their good works, and glorify 
 our Father who art in heaven. 
 
 These resolutions produced wonderful effects. Nearly 
 every delegate to the Association pledged himself to hold 
 family worship at least once a day. How we do need a re- 
 vival of this kind today ! Many preachers do not hold family 
 worship in their homes. 
 
 The following is what was reported by the churches to 
 the Brown Creek Association that they had done during the 
 year of 1857 : Baptisms, 93 ; 48 of these were reported from 
 Meadow Branch. Elder E. L. Davis held a great revival 
 there during the year, and possibly the greatest number 
 were added in the history of the church. Eighteen were 
 received by letter; IMonroe got eight of these. Eight were 
 excluded. The membership at this time totaled 707. 
 
 The first Executive Committee was appointed at this 
 session. It was composed of D. A. Covington, C. Austin, 
 and J. M. Green. The session of 1858 met with old Rocky 
 River Church in x\nson County. Elder J. R. Harmon 
 preached the introductory sermon from Isa. Ixii :6-7. 
 
 The usual preliminaries were gone through with and 
 then the Moderator, D. A. Covington, gave an opportunity 
 ior new churches to present letters for admission. Buck 
 
Union Baptist Association. 61 
 
 Hill, a new church organized in July of this year, was the 
 only one to present a letter. It was found to be orthodox 
 and was unanimously admitted into the fellowship of the 
 body. This church did not live many years. We have not 
 been able to learn its exact location and the cause of its be- 
 coming extinct."''' 
 
 The election of officers at this session resulted in D. A.. 
 Covington for Moderator and J. ^I. Green Clerk. Elder H. 
 Woodward presented himself as a representative from the 
 Pee Dee. Aloriah was represented by letter. Elder R. H. 
 Griffith, the new pastor of the Baptist church at Charlotte,, 
 w^as present at this session, and was appointed to fill Elder 
 R. B. Jones' place. Bro.. Jones had been appointed to 
 preach on Distinctive Baptist Principles, but since he had 
 moved away this duty fell upon Elder Griffith. 
 
 On Saturday several more preachers attended. Elder J. 
 R. Harmon from the Moriah Association, Elders A. D. 
 Blackwood, E. L. Davis, G. F. H. Crockett and W. M. 
 Tucker, a licentiate from the Pee Dee. Elder Bateman 
 from the Welsh Xeck.was also there. 
 
 When the hour arrived for preaching the people gath- 
 ered at the stand, and Elder Bateman addressed them,, 
 using Eze. 18 : 27th verse, as a text. 
 
 After the sermon R. H. Griffith and E. L. Davis made 
 stirring speeches on missions. A good strong subscription 
 was then taken, amounting to fifty dollars. Several g"ood 
 reports were read at this session. If we had the space to 
 give them, we would be so glad for every Baptist in this 
 section to read them, but our limited space forbids our 
 giving but one of them. This one we give because of the 
 
 *It was near Marvin, and is now called Pleasant Valley. 
 
62 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 importance of the matter it contains, and it is one of the 
 few things left by the lamented Elder Silas J. Fincher. 
 
 Report on Sabbath Schools and Temperance. 
 
 Your Committee regards Intemperance as a great evil, 
 as the monstrous sin of North Carolina. Drunkenness, like 
 the roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour — has 
 blighted intellect, destroyed health, wasted property, tar- 
 nished reputation, dug premature graves, erected the gal- 
 lows, and, in our opinion, has produced more discord, fam- 
 ily feuds and neighborhood confusion than any other evil 
 in the whole catalogue of crimes. It has proved to be the 
 stumbling block and overthrow of perhaps more church 
 members than any other evil. Yet we rejoice to know that 
 a wonderful reformation has taken place. The pulpit has 
 tiu'ned loose the thunders of heaven against Drunkenness 
 — the press, that mighty engine, is engaged in this glorious 
 work. Various organizations are engaged in exterminating 
 the monster Intemperance. Your Committee would recom- 
 mend to the churches comprising this Association to aid, 
 by precept and example, in promoting the cause of Tem- 
 perance, and to look favorably and not with suspicion upon 
 every institution having for its object the temporal interest 
 and spiritual good of man. 
 
 Upon the subject of Sabbath Schools, your Committee 
 would say that they regard them as great auxiliaries to the 
 cause of Religion, and as a means which God has appointed 
 of imparting useful information to the young, and of "train- 
 ing- them up in the way they should go." Impressions made 
 npon the youthful mind are indelible, "for, as the twig is 
 bent, so is the tree inclined." All mankind are more or less 
 
Union Baptist Association. 63 
 
 the creatures of circumstances, and hence the importance 
 of training up our children and directing the youth of our 
 country to those things that pertain to their soul's eternal 
 interest. Brethren, our churches, many of them, are too 
 negligent, and seem to take no interest in Sabbath Schools ; 
 and, we regret to say, many of our .churches have no schools 
 for the employment of the children on the Sabbath, but 
 sufifer them on that Holy Day — the day which God has 
 commanded us to keep and observe as sacred, to ramble 
 about the old fields, to rove up and down creeks ; play ball, 
 run races, engage in sport and amusement, thereby learning 
 to profane, not only the Lord's Day, but His holy name. 
 Brethren, is this "keeping the Sabbath Day holy?" Is this 
 training up children in the way they should go? 
 Respectfull}- submitted, 
 
 S. J. FiNCHER, Chairman. 
 
 In the session held at 'Sit. Olive in 1857 an Executive 
 Committee was appointed to look after the mission work 
 of the Association. They were careful to perform their 
 duty, and made the following report : 
 
 Report of the Executive Co:kniiTTEE. 
 
 The Committee appointed at the last meeting of this 
 body to arrange Protracted Meetings in the bounds of the 
 Association, and procure the services of ^linisters to hold 
 the same, beg leave to submit the following report : 
 
 That in pursuance of the authority vested in us, made 
 the best arrangement we possibly could under the existing 
 circumstances — of which arrangement each Church was 
 dulv notified. The services of Elders F. L. Davis and S. J. 
 
64 History of the' Brown Creek 
 
 Fincher were procured to hold these meetings, but owhig 
 to the affliction of Bro. Davis he was unable to render much 
 service. The Committee then thought proper to employ J. 
 R. Harmon to aid in the prosecution of the work. These 
 meeting's, so far as we have been informed, and judging 
 from those which have come under our own observation, 
 have resulted in much good, as will appear from the acces- 
 sions to the churches where they were held. Seventy-six 
 were received and baptized into the fellowship of the dif- 
 ferent churches with which our itinerate labored, including 
 thirteen received and baptized at Olive Branch, who as yet 
 are waiting for the constitution of a Church at that place. 
 Olive Branch is an interesting field for the labors of our 
 Ministering brethren, heretofore unoccupied by the Mis- 
 sionarv Baptists. During the present year a large and com- 
 modious house of worship has been erected, and there is a 
 prospect of a large Church and a numerous congregation 
 at that place. We call the attention of our Association to 
 other neighborhoods bordering on our bounds. All we 
 have to do, brethren (in the opinion of your Committee), 
 is to go into those places, occupy them, and we may antici- 
 pate glorious results. 
 
 S. J. Fincher reports sixty-seven days, J. R. Harmon 
 reports twenty-three days, and E. L. Davis seven days, as 
 Itinerants. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 D. A. Covington^ Chairman. 
 
 The Brown Creek Association was thoroughly mission- 
 ary at this time. The brethren were not very well informed, 
 but they used well the knowledge they had. During this 
 
Union Baptist Association. 65 
 
 session of the Association a brother made a motion that 
 each pastor preach on missions some time during the year, 
 and that he be requested to take a collection for the same. 
 They did not kick at this; but it carried unanimously. 
 
 On Sunday Elder A. L. Stough preached the missionary 
 sermon from Prov. xi. 30. This 'sermon was followed by 
 a good strong collection for missions. Elder R. H. Griffith 
 then preached a sermon from 1 Cor. xi. 2. 
 
 A splendid report on the state of the churches was read. 
 This is so good we must give it as it appeared in the min- 
 utes of the session of 1858. The report is as follows: 
 
 Report on the State of the Churches. 
 
 Mount Olive during the year has enjoyed a most glo- 
 rious revival and a large accession made to the Church. 
 They can truly say, the "Lord has done great things for us, 
 whereof we are glad." 
 
 Monroe has had some additions during the year, though 
 the Church laments a state of coldness, and asks an interest 
 in the prayers of the Association. 
 
 Faulks held a meeting of ten days, at which several 
 joined, and at the close numbers were asking Christians 
 to pray for them. 
 
 Meadow Branch has had several protracted meetings, 
 and though large additions were made to the Church, many 
 others professed faith in Christ at these meetings who have 
 not attached themselves to the Church. 
 
 Rocky River, though it has enjoyed no revival, keeps 
 up a weekly prayer meeting, and has a prosperous Sunday 
 School. "In due season ye shall reap." 
 
 5 
 
66 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Mineral Springs reports no additions, but manifests a 
 deep anxiety for the prosperity of Zion, and requests visi- 
 tations from Ministering" brethren. 
 
 Shiloh has enjoyed some refreshing seasons and has a 
 flourishing Sunday School. 
 
 Cross Roads, at present without ?\Iinisterial labors, la- 
 ments that it has had but little preaching during the past 
 Summer. 
 
 Mount Moriah deplores the loss of a beloved deacon, 
 Bro. W. W. Alsobrook, whose praise was in all the churches. 
 It has had a revival and additions. Keeps up Sunday 
 School and prayer meeting. 
 
 Philadelphia has had a revival and additions. 
 
 Charlotte reports revivals and an addtion of strength 
 during the year. Keeps up Sunday School. 
 
 Wadesboro reports no accessions, but regular preaching. 
 
 Waxhaw has been encouraged by a revival and strength- 
 ened by additions. 
 
 Buck Hill* was constituted in July, and reports a flour- 
 ishing condition. 
 
 The body still held to a day of fasting and prayer. 
 
 The churches reported 155 baptisms this year and the 
 membership had increased from 707 to 857. 
 
 The session of 1859 was held with ^Meadow Branch 
 church. The introductory sermon was preached by Elder 
 S. P. Ivlorton from Judges viii. 4, last clause — "Faint, yet 
 pursuing them." 
 
 After a short intermission the Association was organized 
 and proceeded to business. The ofiicers of the session of 
 1858 were re-elected. New churches were called for, and 
 
 ^Revival of old church now Pleasant Valley. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 67 
 
 Olive Branch, a church organized October 30, 1858, pre- 
 sented a letter and was received. The beginning of this 
 church was mentioned in the report of the Executive Com- 
 mittee given above. Deep Creek church presented a letter 
 from the Aloriah Association, and was received. Elder E. L. 
 Davis and Bro. F. B. Flake from the Pee Dee were wel- 
 comed to seats with the body. 
 
 Elder A. L. Stough read the report on Missions. It is 
 such a fine document we give it in full. It is a splendid 
 production of his as well as an earnest exhortation to 
 indolent Christians. 
 
 Report on Missions. 
 
 The Committee on Missions respectfully report: 
 That the ]\Iission Cause is one of deep and stirring in- 
 terest, commending itself to the attention, sympathies, con- 
 fidence, prayer and contribution of every patriot and Chris- 
 tian. There are several departments in this great cause, in 
 which we, as a denomination, are at present engaged ; they 
 are, however, but the several parts of one great system, 
 each having the same great end in view, the glory of God. 
 and the salvation of Souls. Each may have its own pecu- 
 liar sphere and mode of operation, without a clashing of 
 interest, or contrariety of purpose. 
 
 Foreign Alissions. — The field of operation in this de- 
 partment of ^Missions in the Heathen AVorld. The Board of 
 Foreign Alissions of the Southern Baptist Convention have, 
 at present, China, Africa, Brazil and Japan laid off as their 
 fields, comprising nearly one-half of the world's entire pop- 
 ulation. Thousands of heathens have been released from 
 iron fetters of cruel superstition and debasing idolatry, and 
 
68 History of the Browx Creek 
 
 have been made the happy subjects of the kingdom of 
 Christ. 
 
 Domestic Missions. — The Board of Domestic Missions 
 of the Southern Baptist Convention are engaged in send-_ 
 ing to the extent the Missionaries, and the word of truth, 
 into every destitute city, town, village or neighborhood in 
 the Southern and South-Western States and Territories. 
 The report of the Board, for the last year, announces 1,677 
 baptized, 26 churches constituted, 24 ministers ordained, 58 
 young men connected with Missionary Churches, preparing 
 for the ministry, 28 Meeting-Houses commenced during the 
 year, and 15 Meeting-Houses finished. 
 
 Indian Missions. — This field embraces the 20 millions 
 in North America and South America, and the two thou- 
 sand in the Indian Territory, immediately on our Western 
 borders. The Indian Mission Board reports some 135 
 Churches and Stations supplied with preaching, 2 Ministers 
 and Deacons ordained, 355 converts baptized, 5 Churches 
 constituted, 5 Meeting-Houses built. "Our greatest need 
 is the field." The Indians are begging for the word of life, 
 without which they will perish. Shall they perish? 
 
 State Missions. — The North Carolina Baptist State Con- 
 vention is engaged in aiding feeble churches and establishing 
 new" preaching places within her bounds ; that this depart- 
 ment of Missions is owned and blessed by the God of Mis- 
 sions does not admit of a single minute's doubt. The pres- 
 ent numbers, standing, strength and influence of our de- 
 nomination in the State are greatly indebted to our State 
 Missions. This is one of the instrumentalities by which 
 "the solitary places have been made glad, and the wilder- 
 ness to blossom and rejoice." Flourishing churches exist 
 
Union Baptist Association. 69 
 
 where, a few years ago, the inquiry, where the sarcastic 
 language is put, "Who are the Baptist?" \\& have an 
 instance of this kind within the limits of this Association. 
 A few years ago, under the patronage of the State Con- 
 vention, Fdder R. B. Jones was sent to Charlotte to preach. 
 Then the name of a Baptist was a reproach, and a by-word, 
 but behold what God hath wrought ! Now a beautiful 
 temple is erected, in which the word is fatthfully preached ^ 
 every Sabbath, and a noble band of brothers and sisters 
 stand as living monuments of the approbation, and blessing 
 of God and Baptist ^Missionary effort. Let none, however, 
 conclude, on account of so much being accomplished by 
 the various branches of the Missionary enterprise, that less 
 will be needed than heretofore. Xo, indeed, for owing to 
 the apathy of the churches the Missionary operations are 
 very much circumscribed for the want of means. The va- 
 rious Boards have done what they could, yet there is still 
 an alarming state of spiritual destitution, both at home and 
 abroad. !Many calls for ?^Iissionary aid still remain unan- 
 swered. And why is it so? Tliere is money enough in our 
 churches. Why, then, does the cause of God suffer? Shall 
 the world perish because Christians love their money and 
 themselves more than Christ? It is a serious doubt whether 
 one-third of the number called Alissionary Baptist ever con- 
 tribute to and pray for the success of ^fissions, as is their 
 duty. Why is this so? We need not disguise the fact that 
 the people are but partially aroused on this subject for the 
 want of Alissionary intelligence. Experience has shown 
 that the more fully and freely ^tissionary information has 
 been communicated the deeper and more extended has been 
 the flow of Missionary zeal, rising in the scale of Christian 
 
70 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 liberality. All past experience goes this way. We know 
 of no exceptions. In this way the blessed revival of a Mis- 
 sionary spirit was first awakened among ns. 
 
 This Association was a Baptist body at this time, pos- 
 sibly more than it is today. Many influences have been 
 brought to bear upon us which have made us more compro- 
 mising than we were fifty years ago. They did not hesitate 
 to have a strong doctrinal sermon preached at every session. 
 This session expected one on Baptism by A. L. Stough, but 
 he had been unwell for some time, and was excused. The 
 Association was so anxious for him to preach that they 
 insisted on him even if he was somewhat feeble, and he 
 consented to preach on the subject of missions. He 
 preached this sermon Sunday morning, October 9, 1859, 
 from Psa. ex. 2. Elder J. xV. Huggins of the Moriah Asso- 
 ciation preached at the same time in a stand. The congre- 
 gation was so large it could not get in the house. 
 
 The Itinerant Committee made a very important report 
 at this session, and since this is a brief history of Baptist 
 beginnings in this section, we give it as it appears in the 
 minutes of 1859. The reader should notice very carefully 
 the earnest expressions used in these reports, and the sta- 
 tistics. We owe our existence to the strenuous labors of 
 those humble servants of God. 
 
 Report of the Itinerant Committee. 
 The Itinerant Committee would respectfully report: 
 That they have kept their eye upon the field destitute of 
 Baptist preaching within the bounds of the Association and 
 adjoining country, and have endeavored to supply the desti- 
 tution. With some difHculty they procured the services of 
 
Union Baptist Association. 71 
 
 Elders A. L. Stough and S. J. Fincher. Elder Stough was 
 in the employment of your Committee sixty-four days, dur- 
 ing which time he preached thirty-eight sermons, delivered 
 eighteen exhorotations, attended preaching forty-seven 
 days, stayed all night with thirty-nine different families, 
 with whom he held religious conversations and prayer, and 
 traveled 897 miles. 
 
 Elder Fincher was engaged in Itinerant service forty- 
 one days, preached twenty-eight sermons and traveled 515 
 miles. Our Fcinerants have, with their accustomed zeal and 
 efficiency, proclaimed the Gospel to hundreds who scarcely 
 ever before heard Baptist preaching. Your Committee are 
 fully satisfied that the prospects for good in the Itinerant 
 field are of the most cheering character. For particulars 
 we refer 3'ou tp the report of our Itinerants. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 Wilson Chambers,. 
 K. C. Timmons, 
 
 TOWNLEY ReDFEARN.. 
 
 Report of the Itinerants. 
 
 Dear Brethren : The time has arrived when it becomes 
 our duty to lay before you some account of our labors, as 
 your Itinerants. We deem it important, in the first place',, 
 to state that the Committee appointed at the last Associa- 
 tion to arrange preaching places, etc., for your Itinerants, 
 neglected to discharge their duty ; therefore we were left 
 without instruction, both as to our field of labor and mode 
 of operation. Flowever, shortly after we received our ap- 
 pointment we made a tour together through the Counties 
 of Union and Mecklenburg. Here we found many neigh- 
 
72 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 borhoods which were wholly, or almost wholly, destitute of 
 preaching. Indeed, the presumption is that two-thirds of 
 our bounds are destitute of Baptist preaching. We made 
 the best arrangenient we possibly could, under the existing 
 circumstances. We selected six of the most wealthy and 
 influential neighborhoods, which points we endeavored to 
 supply with preaching twice a month. We also held a meet- 
 ing of days in connection with Hickory Grove Stand and 
 South Bethany congregations. The congregations at both 
 places were large and attentive. At the former place the 
 number assembled on the first Sunday in last month could 
 not have been less, we think, than 1,500, and it was soon 
 easy to perceive that a better spirit than that of curiosity 
 had prompted so large an attendance. We are informed that 
 some ten or twelve were hopefully converted at this place, 
 and some forty souls still seeking the way of life and salva- 
 tion. This congregation will, in all probability, arrange for 
 Baptist preaching every other Sabbath. At this place we 
 had the assistance of Elder J. F. ?^IcLure. South Bethany 
 is another important point. Here we have, through the 
 generosity of a highly respected citizen, the use of a chapel 
 once belonging to the Seceder Church. We commenced a 
 meeting of days, including the second Sabbath in last month. 
 The house, on Sabbath, could accommodate but little more 
 than half the people. Our people at home might have seen 
 an example here worthy of their imitation. A considerable 
 time before the hour of preaching evei"y man, w^oman and 
 child was seated in the house, and the greater part of them 
 engaged in singing, 'and that, too, with the "spirit and 
 tmderstanding." \A^e invariably commenced preaching no 
 less than one-half hour before the appointed time. The 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. . 73 
 
 people waited for the minister, and not the minister for the 
 people. \A'e have reason to hope, with an humble and 
 grateful acknowledgment of the goodness of God, of hav- 
 ing been the means of saving souls from death at this 
 point. Did we not feel that there would be an impropriety 
 in lengthening this report we would present facts connected 
 with other points which ought to lead the friends to look 
 upon this cause with greater favor, and prompt them to 
 nobler acts of liberality. We think we have said enough 
 to show that the state of the Itinerancy, notwithstanding it 
 is comparative!}^ in its infancy, is highly encouraging, and 
 presents a striking example of what may be done. It must 
 be borne in mind that much of our labor has been founda- 
 tion work, and that with us it is still seed time. We are 
 not to expect the rich harvests or the abundant crops 
 before time is given it to grow and mature. In conclusion. 
 we ask, shall this cause be lightly estimated by any who 
 call themselves Missionary Baptists ? All must clearly see 
 that to neglect this field we neglect our best interest and 
 safest policy; for the upholding of our sentiments here 
 will reflect strength and honor back to ourselves. It is by 
 this course our brethren in other associations have so suc- 
 cessfully enlarged their borders and extended their prin- 
 ciples. I hope we have too much self-respect to let this 
 interest die for want of patronage. This, in some quarters. 
 has been scanty. Let the whole Baptist family embraced 
 within this Association rally around this interest — thus it 
 will send forth an influence sacred and powerful — an in- 
 fluence which will glorify God in the salvation of souls. 
 Respectfully submitted, 
 
 A. L. Stqugh, 
 
 S. T- FiXCHER. 
 
74 . History of the Brown Creek 
 
 A motion was made to combine the Brown Creek and 
 the Pee Dee Association, but it was lost, and the two were 
 left apart, as before. 
 
 There seemed to be a Httle confusion in the Monroe 
 church about affihating with Pedo Baptists. They had been 
 working together there, but some one preached a sermon 
 on baptism and threw the machinery out of gear, hence a 
 query came up with the letter from that church, to-wit: 
 Is pulpit affiliation with Pedo Baptists right? This was tabled 
 for the present, but was brought up a little later in the 
 session. The body did not give a direct answer, but post- 
 poned the question indefinitely. 
 
 An important change came about in this session. The 
 Wadesboro church called for a letter of dismission to join 
 the Pee Dee, and since Elder A. L. Stough was a member 
 of this church, it meant that the Association lost him, too. 
 Some very appropriate resolutions were adopted concerning 
 this change. Bro. Stough was a man of exceptional ability, 
 and it meant much for him to drop out of this body. The 
 appointment of the Itinerants was taken out of the hands 
 of the Itinerant Committee and the Itinerants were ap- 
 pointed by the Association. They were to have one dollar 
 and fifty cents a day, as formerly, and must make reports 
 of all the work done during the year. An Itinerant Com- 
 mittee Avas appointed, consisting of Brethren D. Rushing, 
 T. Lee and D. A. Covington. Elder S. J. Fincher was 
 chosen as the Associational Itinerant. The territory to be 
 covered Avas left with him. The following is a list of the 
 churches represented at this session and the names of the 
 delegates : 
 
 Mount Olive — D. Rushing, W. Chambers, H. Grady. 
 
Qnion Baptist Association. 75> 
 
 Monroe — D. A. Covington, W. Broom, W. J. Wil- 
 longhby. 
 
 Faulks— J. M. Green, S. H. Parker, A. Ashcraft. 
 
 Meadow Branch — S. Rowland, J. C. Griffin, H. Williams 
 
 Rocky River — S. P. Morton, C. Brooks, Uriah Staton. 
 
 Mineral Springs — J. D. Green, S. Rushing, T. K. Ma- 
 ness. 
 
 Shiloh— J. Hill, J. W. Benton, S. Secrest. 
 
 Cross Roads — Thomas Griffin. 
 
 Mount Moriah— L. H. Alsobrooks, W. M. Alsobrooks. 
 K. C. Timmons. 
 
 Philadelphia — J. Lee, V. T. Chears, J. J. Cox. 
 
 Charlotte— R. H. Griffith, B. R. Smith, W. A. Cook. 
 
 Waxhaw — S. J. Fincher, H. Godfrey, C. Broom. 
 
 Pleasant Valley— C. J. Kee, S. McLilly, C. E. Austin. 
 
 Olive Branch — J. E. W. Smith, J. J. Austin, J. S. Bau- 
 com. 
 
 Deep Creek— Wm. Webb, P. T. Huntley, W. D. Webb 
 
 Elizabeth — J. Baker, S. Baker^ J. B. Timmons. 
 
 The churches reported seventy-five baptisms this year 
 and a total membership of one thousand and forty-two. 
 
 We notice a strange thing in the list of churches given- 
 this year. In the session of 1858 a new church constitutea- 
 in July was received. It was called Buck Hill. In this ses- 
 sion no mention is made of this church in any way at all,, 
 but a new church, Pleasant Valley, is on the list, and since 
 there is no record of its being received we conclude that the- 
 Buck Hill church changed its name to Pleasant Valley. 
 There was an old church by this name, but all records of it 
 have been lost. Since we cannot find anything better than 
 the above, we give it that Buck Hill became Pleasant Val- 
 
76 History of the Broayx Creek 
 
 ley, and yet there is much difference between a ' hill and 
 a valley.* 
 
 The session of 1860 was held v.'ith Waxhaw Baptist 
 church October 12, 1916. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Elder A. L. Stough from Mar. 5 :47, "What do 
 ye more than they?" An intermission was given. The 
 Aloderator then called the sixth session of the Brown Creek 
 Association to order. The letters were read by Elders A. 
 L. Stough and R. H. Griffith. The following churches were 
 represented and delegates were present : 
 
 ]\Iount Olive — \\\ Chambers, T. Redfearn. 
 
 Monroe — D. A. Covington. J. F. IMcLure, B. Chears. 
 
 Faulks — A. Ashcraft, S. H. Parker, J. C. ]\Iyers. 
 
 Meadow^ Branch — A\'. J- T. Alask, John C. Williams, 
 C. P. Griffin. 
 
 Rocky River — Uriah Staton. 
 
 Cross Roads — Thos. M. Griffin. 
 
 Mount ]\Ioriah — K. C. Timmons, L. H. Alsobrooks. 
 
 Philadelphia — Y. T. Chears, J. J. Cox. 
 
 ]\Iineral Springs — John D. Green. 
 
 Charlotte— R. H. Griffith, L. H. Smith. 
 
 Waxhaw — S. J. Fincher. T. AA\ Saunders. J. C. Austin. 
 
 Pleasant A'alley — T. W. Kendrick. 
 
 Olive Branch— J. E. Smith, C. W. Baucom, H. R. Pritch- 
 ard. 
 
 Deep Creek— AA\ D. \A'ebb, Elijah Huntley, A. J. John- 
 son. 
 
 Elizabeth— T. AT. Baker. 
 
 Shiloh — X. Funderburk, Osborne Harget. 
 
 ^Note what is said about it on a former page. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 77 
 
 The following were elected to fill the offices: D. A. 
 Covington, Moderator; B. Chears, Clerk, and W. Cham- 
 bers, Treasurer. The Executive Committee were : D. A. 
 Covington and R. H. Griffith. Elders S. J. Fincher, A. L. 
 Stough. E. L. Davis and P. Snider were appointed asso- 
 ciational missionaries. Several visiting brethren were pres- 
 ent at this session. Among them was the distinguished 
 Elder Thomas ^lason of the Charleston Association, who- 
 made a thrilling speech on "The Importance of Building a 
 Church House at Lancasterville,* S. C." Several contributed 
 to the enterprise. 
 
 The aged J. T. Copeland was present from the Moriah 
 Association. The brethren gave him a purse of $18. 
 
 The following resolution was adopted by the Associa- 
 tion: 
 
 Resolved, That the churches composing this Association 
 be affectionately requested to appoint three delegates from 
 each church to meet with the ministers in the bounds of 
 this Association at Mount Olive, Anson County, N. C, on 
 Friday before the next fifth Sunday, for the purpose of 
 organizing a Union Meeting. Elder S. Head was ap- 
 pointed to preach the introductory sermon and Elder A. L. 
 Stough the missionary sermon. 
 
 This is the first notice given of a Union Meeting. Be- 
 fore this time the Association Avas the only general meet- 
 ing of the churches. 
 
 The former Clerk of this Association died during this 
 year. Some very appropriate resolutions were offered rela- 
 tive to his work as a Christian and as Clerk of this body. 
 We refer to Bro. J. M. Green. 
 
 *This is now Lancaster, 
 
■'78 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Elder A. L. Stough preached the annual sermon on Bap- 
 tism, taking for a text ]\Iatt. iii. 13, "Then cometh Jesus from 
 Galilee to Jordon unto John to be baptized of him." The 
 minutes declare that he preached with more than his accus- 
 tomed ability and zeal, and although the day was very cool, 
 the large congregation listened patiently to him for the 
 space of two hours. Many of his hearers were deeply af- 
 fected. 
 
 To show how arduous were the labors of the old servants 
 of God who planted the standard of Calvary in this section 
 we give the Itinerant's report for this year. This was made 
 by Elder S. J. Fincher. 
 
 Itinerant's Report. 
 
 Dear Brethren : According to a resolution of the Brown 
 Creek Association, it becomes my duty to submit to you my 
 annual reports as your Missionary. I have been everywhere 
 kindly received and encouraged. Our cause is undoubtedly 
 advancing, much of the former prejudice has been removed. 
 I have- had calls enough for four or five active and zealous 
 missionaries. The friends at the Black Stand (be it said 
 to their praise) have built a comfortable house of worship. 
 The brethren and sisters of this place desire to be consti- 
 tuted into a regular Baptist church. The congregation at 
 South Bethany continues large and attentive, and have made 
 arrangements for Baptist preaching without any further 
 assistance from the Association. 
 
 Owing to the distance, and the many pressing calls 
 nearer home, I have in some degree neglected Hickory 
 Grove Stand congregation. I intended to make up this 
 loss by holding protracted meetings at this place, but I 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 79 
 
 failed in securing the assistance of Brother Stough, which 
 I regret very much, for he can in my opinion do more good 
 in this field than any other man. 
 
 There are several other important points which I cannot 
 mention now. for fear my report will be too long. The 
 Macedonian cry is heard in almost every direction, "Come 
 over and help us." 
 
 As your missionary I have traveled 130 days, during 
 which time I preached 190 sermons, visited 85 families, 
 with whom I held religious conversation and prayer, and 
 traveled 1,660 miles. 
 
 Elder A. L. Stough labored faithfully with me in pro- 
 tracted meetings 22 days with good effect. By request he 
 preached a sermon on the distinctive principles of the Bap- 
 tist church, which has induced several to change their senti- 
 ments, and manifest a preference for the Baptist church. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 S. J. FiNCHER. 
 
 Elder J. F. McLure was appointed colporter for the 
 Association. His appointment was to be endorsed by the 
 Baptist State Convention. He was to travel throughout 
 the bounds of the Association and distribute books, tracts, 
 etc., and talk and pray with everyone possible. His work 
 was in no way to conflict with that of the Itinerants. This 
 was a splendid movement, and we feel sure that it resulted 
 in much good to the cause of Christ in this Association. 
 We need a thing of this kind today. AVe are able to do 
 this work now ; then it was a struggle. They had the en- 
 thusiasm ; we have it not. 
 
80 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER V. 
 
 The Sessions of 1861-1864. — The Bloody Period — Reli- 
 gion ON the Decline — Nearly All of the Males in 
 the War — Gloom Over Our Country. 
 
 The session of 1861 was held at Philadelphia Baptist 
 church, beginning October 11th and continuing until the 
 13th. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Elder S. J. 
 Fincher from Exodus xiv. 15. "Speak unto the children of 
 Israel, that they go forward." 
 
 The usual order of business was followed. One new 
 church presented a letter. It was Bethel, which had been 
 recently organized. This letter was presented by the dele- 
 gates, S. H. Parker, James Bivens and J. S. Marsh. The 
 church was unanimously received. The officers of the for- 
 mer session were elected. The following churches were 
 represented by the delegates whose names appear opposite 
 the name of the church : 
 
 Mount Olive — T. Redfeam, R. D. Rushing, T. L. Doster. 
 Monroe — D. A. Covington, B. Chears, J. E. ]\IcLure. 
 Faulks — T. G. Myers. W. Newsom. 
 Meadow Branch — H. Bivens, Jas. C. Williams. 
 Rocky River— S. P. Morton, R. N. Allen, Uriah Staton. 
 Cross Roads — Thos. Griffin. 
 
 Mt. Moriah— K. C. Timmons, L. H. Alsobrooks, W. H. 
 Alsobrooks. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 81 
 
 Philadelphia — J. P. Gathings, J. Lee, B. Parker. 
 
 Mineral Springs — S. J- Fincher. J. D. Green, S. Rushing. 
 
 Charlotte — Xo delegates. 
 
 Waxhaw — R. S. Huntley, T. W. Saunders, S. Head. 
 
 Pleasant Valley — Xo delegates. 
 
 Olive Branch — J. E. W. Smith. G. W. Baucom, J. S. 
 Baucom. 
 
 Deep Creek— Elijah Huntley, Elisha Gullege, A. J. John- 
 son. 
 
 Elizabeth— T. AI. Baker. 
 
 Shiloh — S. B. Thompson, Abraham Helms. 
 
 The colporter, J. F. !\IcLure, reported sixty days' work, 
 during which time he preached twenty-one sermons, visited 
 eighty-four families, gave away nine Bibles, distributed 
 nineteen hundred and forty-six pages of tracts, sold $125 
 worth of religious books, traveled five hundred and six 
 miles, and had four Sabbath schools organized, sold two 
 Sabbath school libraries, and still had $150 worth of good 
 books on hand. 
 
 Since this Association now has a magnificent high school, 
 it is very necessary that we notice how it came about. For 
 us to do this we must see the spirit of those who labored 
 here before our day. They believed in education, and did 
 all they could to promote it. 
 
 The following report, prepared by Bro. B. Chears, 
 shows just how this body stood on the question of educa- 
 tion in 1861. It is a splendid report, as you may see: 
 
 "Education, in the largest acceptation of the term, is the 
 training of our whole nature, and begins at home in the 
 nursery. In its more restricted and common use, educa- 
 
 6 
 
82 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 tion is the cultivation of the intellect, that noble endowment 
 by which we take in a knowledge of all things in the mate- 
 rial and moral world. 
 
 I shall not stop here to urge the importance of general 
 education in a worldly point of view, for that is felt and 
 acknowledged by all. A taste for learning is rapidly dif- 
 fusing itself throughout our country, and parents are gen- 
 erally exerting themselves to educate their children in order 
 that they may occupy an honorable and profitable position 
 in society. 
 
 But while we as parents are anxious about the educa- 
 tion of our children, we as Baptists seem to be very indif- 
 ferent about the education of our ministers. If there is 
 any interest that we should love and cherish it is that of 
 an educated ministry. Where should we desire to find 
 learning if not among our ministers? What work is there 
 that requires superior wisdom and profounder knowledge 
 than that of preaching the gospel ? To ministers belong 
 the dispensing of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven 
 — the rightly dividing of the word of truth, and the unravel- 
 mg and explaining to a perplexed enquirer the mysterious 
 portions of the Bible. ^Ministers are expected to understand 
 the most abstruse dialect spoken on earth, to grapple with 
 the strongest S3'stem of idolatry, to assail the acutest philos- 
 ophers — to war with the most inveterate prejudices — to con- 
 fute the most learned and plausible creeds of infidelity, 
 and to preach the gospel of Christ with such power and 
 efifect that Christians will be revived, backsliders reclaimed, 
 atheists confounded, deists astonished, and the proud heart 
 of rebellious sinners brought with meek submission to the 
 cross of Jesus. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Associatiox. 83 
 
 And how can all this be done save by men who study 
 and are inured to habits of investigation? And to study 
 and investigate to advantage, the mind of the minister must 
 be properly cultivated. 
 
 Besides the above considerations so hastily referred to 
 we would add that the greatest difficulty we have to con- 
 tend with in supplying these places destitute of Baptist 
 preaching arises from the want of ministers possessing the 
 necessary qualifications. Can an unlearned preacher suc- 
 cessfully introduce the cardinal principles of our church 
 into an intelligent community where he must ever be con- 
 tending with the ministers of denominations who possess 
 all the advantages of a thorough education ? Certainly not. 
 That preachers of limited literary attainments have been 
 eminently useful, we are happy to know and ready to admit. 
 We would cast no reflection on these excellent men. But 
 most of them feel the great disadvantage under which they 
 labor, and know full well that their arduous efforts would 
 have been more efficient and commanding had their minds 
 been thoroughly trained for the great work. The time was 
 when there was but little attention paid to the cultivation 
 of the mind, but we now live in an age of general improve- 
 ment. Every department of the arts and sciences is receiv- 
 ing a new impulse, and education is shedding a powerful 
 influence over all civilization, and knowledge and learning 
 are diffusing themselves throughout the whole country. 
 
 Other denominations, seeing the great improvement of 
 the age, are sending out in every direction their ministers 
 with enlarged views and liberal education, and the world, 
 becoming refined and intelligent, will go out to hear those 
 men preach the word of God, who possess the most com- 
 
84 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 manding talents and the best cultivated minds. Then, if 
 we wish to sustained ourselves as a great denomination, 
 we, too, must thoroughly train the minds of our ministers 
 and enable them to keep pace with the general and increas- 
 ing intelligence of the age." 
 
 A very interesting paper was presented by Elder A. L. 
 Stough. It was on the "Nature and Design of An Associa- 
 tion." We give it as it appeared in the minutes of 1861 : 
 
 I beg leave to offer the following, which was drawn up 
 by the direction of the Dover Baptist Association, Virginia, 
 b}' a committee appointed for that purpose, and recom- 
 mended by the Association as a help to the churches at the 
 session held in 1824: 
 
 1. An Association consists of delegates or messengers 
 from different churches, which have agreed to associate 
 together, at stated times, for the purpose of vmiting their 
 deliberations and counsels, in order to promote their own 
 spiritual interests and the good of the common cause. 
 
 2. An Association is considered by us merely in the 
 light of an advising council, for as, according to our views, 
 the independence of churches, and their consequent right 
 of self-government, are clearly established in the New Tes- 
 tament, no authority is vested in an Association to enforce 
 their decisions on the churches, nor can they inflict any 
 other penalty on a church than that of exclusion from their 
 body as an Association. 
 
 3. It is the province of an Association to deliberate on 
 all such matters as may be proposed by the churches com- 
 posing that body, as well as on others which may be reg- 
 ularly suggested among themselves, as conducive to the 
 general interest of Zion or the particular interest of any 
 
Union Baptist Association. 85 
 
 part of the body, and to offer the result of their united de- 
 Hberations, by way of advice to the churches. 
 
 4. Though, we before stated, the Association can as- 
 sume no power to enforce these counsels or decisions, it is 
 certainly due from the churches to pay a respectful atten- 
 tion to the advice thus offered them, and not wilfully to 
 slight, or negligently to overlook, what they have reason to 
 believe is the fruit of good will towards them, and of zeal 
 for the cause of God. 
 
 Many have forgotten the real purpose of the Associa- 
 tion, so we give the above to "stir up" the pure minds of 
 the brethren by way of remembrance. 
 
 This year saw the beginning of the terrible war between 
 the States. At this time it looked like the South was going 
 to whip the North. Only a few of our men had fallen ; 
 our homes had not been made to feel the pangs of war to 
 any great extent, but gloom was settling down on many 
 things, and a few were beginning to realize that darker 
 days were before us. In the report on Requests and Quer- 
 ies we find the following : 'Tn the letter of correspondence 
 from the Moriah Association we find it recommended that 
 the second Sabbath, at 10 a. m. in each month, be set apart 
 for special prayer for the welfare of our soldiers and the 
 good of our country.'' A motion was made that the body 
 meet at 9 o'clock Sunday to hold special prayer for our 
 country and our soldiers. The motion was carried. This 
 was during the morning session, and before the afternoon 
 session was closed another motion was made requesting 
 each church in the Association to spend one hour in prayer 
 for our soldiers on regular meeting days. The question was 
 not settled, but when the body met INIonday morning it was 
 
86 HiSTouv OF THE Browx Creek 
 
 brought up again, and the following was agreed upon : 
 The churches of this Association are hereby recommended 
 to spend one hour in special prayer in behalf of our sol- 
 diers and country on the Sabbath of their regular preach- 
 ing. This shows how sorrow was coming upon our people. 
 They naturally turn to God in prayer when they are in 
 trouble. On Sunday at 10 o'clock a large congregation 
 assembled under the Arbor and spent one hour in prayer for 
 our soldiers, Elders S. P. Morton, S. J. Fincher and A. L. 
 Stough leading. Before the session closed several warm 
 speeches were made, especially by Elder S. Head and Elder 
 A. L. Stough. The Moderator made some remarks also. 
 After this it was resolved by the body that the brethren 
 and friends present be invited to assist in supplying the 
 North Carolina soldiers with the word of life, or with Bibles 
 and Testaments, and $34.25 was subscribed before the As- 
 sociation adjourned. This was a trying time on our denomi- 
 nation, but we passed through it all, and still live. A very 
 noted preacher attended this session. It was Elder B. F. 
 Whilden, formerly a missionary to China. He took Elder 
 Stough's place on Sunday and preached a stirring sermon 
 on Missions from a text found in Daniel ii. 44. A collection 
 was taken, amounting to $12.65. This service was under 
 the old Arbor. Elder S. J. Fincher preached at the same 
 time in the house. 
 
 In the report on Requests and Queries we find that the 
 Monroe church v/as considering building a parsonage. They 
 asked the Association to aid them in this notable enterprise. 
 This was the first parsonage ever planned by a church in 
 this Association, and seemed to have appealed very forcibly 
 to the brethren, as Elder A. L. Stough was appointed to 
 
Union Baptist Association. 87 
 
 solicit subscriptions for it. T. Redfearn, J. Lee and A. L. 
 Stough were appointed to confer with Bro. W. A. Coving- 
 ton to ascertain the cost of the contemplated parsonage and 
 the terms of subscription. We suppose the enterprise was 
 a success, as a parsonage was built. We cannot say that 
 it was built at this time, but they had one here at an early 
 date, so this move must have resulted in the erection of it. 
 
 The entire /\ssociation raised the following amounts for 
 the objects to which they then contributed: Home Mis- 
 sions, $83 ; Ministers, $27.20; Colportage, $18.02. They 
 were in such a financial strain then that one dollar meant 
 more to them than ten dollars means to us today. We 
 think we have increased in liberality, and in some cases we 
 have, but those old brethren were poor and could not get 
 money so easily as we can. I believe they were more lib- 
 eral than we. The Association at this time consisted of 
 seventeen churches, eleven pastors, and had thirty-eight 
 delegates present. During the year fifty had been added by 
 baptism, thirty-nine by letter, and two were restored. The 
 Association made a net gain of fifteen. It now had 1,084- 
 members. 
 
 The session of 1862 was held with Deep Creek Church 
 October 10th. Everything at this time showed signs of 
 war. The minutes were very poorly printed, and do not 
 contain much matter. Two of the leading figures of this 
 Association were in the war. We refer to Elder A. L. 
 Stough, who was a chaplain in the Confederate army at 
 this time, and Bro. R. D. Rushing was a soldier. Bro. 
 Stough had been so active in this Association until he be- 
 came a part of it, so when he missed it caused quite a gap 
 in the body. 
 
88 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The following- delegates were enrolled : 
 
 Mount Olive — T. Red f earn, W. Chambers, O. T, Col- 
 lins. 
 
 Monoe — D. A. Covington. 
 
 Meadow Branch — J. Perry, S. Rowland, J. C. Griffin. 
 Faulks — W. Newsome, J. Myers. 
 . Rocky River— S. P. Morton, N. Staton, R. N. Allen. 
 Cross Roads — T. Griffin. 
 
 Mount Moriah — S. H. Alsobrook. K. C. Timmons. 
 Philadelphia — J. P. Gathings, \'. T. Chears. 
 Mineral Springs — S. J. Fincher, S. Rushing, J. D. Green. 
 Charlotte — Not represented. 
 Waxhaw — W. Godfrey, S. Head, T. Barnes. 
 Pleasant Valley- — Not represented. 
 
 Olive Branch — J. J. Austin, J- S. Baucom, C. T. Baucom. 
 Deep Creek — G. Huntley, W. AA>bb, E. Gullege. 
 Elizabeth — J. Baker, C. Hendrick, W. Brantley. 
 Shiloh — J. F. ]\IcLure, by proxy. 
 Bethel — A. Ashcraft, J. Bivens, S. H. Parker. 
 
 The election of officers for the session resulted in D. A. 
 Covington, Moderator, and V. T. Chears, Clerk. W. Cham- 
 bers resigned as Treasurer and T. Red f earn was elected in 
 his stead. No new church petitioned for membership at 
 this session. 
 
 The visiting brethren were very scarce at this session. 
 The only ones we find were Elder Thomas Mason and 
 Elder B. F. Whilden from the Charleston Association. The 
 Sabbath was very rainy. But few people gathered. Elder 
 B. F. Whilden entertained those who came in the church 
 house. None of the Associational sermons were preached; 
 there was no collection for missions. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 89 
 
 The first report on Foreign Missions was made at this 
 session. We give the report in full because of this. It 
 is a piece of literature that ought to be preserved. It was 
 gotten out by Elder S. Head, or we suppose it was. The 
 minutes of this session are so poor that we cannot deter- 
 mine much by them. The following is the report as pub- 
 lished in the minutes : 
 
 Essay on Foreign Missions. 
 
 Dear Brethren : Allow me to offer a few remarks on 
 Missions from the following Scripture : "That we might 
 be fellow-helpers to the truth." — Third Epistle of John, 
 first chapter, latter clause of the eighth verse. 
 
 In the context the beloved disciple, John, was com- 
 mending the piety and hospitality of Gains, whom he loved 
 much in the truth. The apostle expresses a very earnest 
 wish that he might prosper in temporal as well as spiritual 
 things ; to use hospitality, even to a stranger, was a Chris- 
 tian duty much insisted on by the early disciples. It was 
 regarded as a proof of discipleship. The apostle Paul, in 
 speaking of the qualifications of deacons, uses the follow- 
 ing language : 'T have washed the Saint's feet," etc. — 1 
 Tim., 5th chap., 10th v. The apostle expresses great joy 
 at hearing the conduct of this beloved disciple towards these 
 brethren who evidently were missionaries to the Gentiles to 
 bring them forward in this way was doing well. These 
 brethren had left all for the kingdom of Heaven's sake. 
 They had consecrated themselves holy to the preaching of 
 the Gospel of Christ; hence, to forward them on their way, 
 was to aid in the glorious work of extending the Redeem- 
 er's kingdom on earth. If, then, Gaius done a good work — 
 
90 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 if he had aided in carrying forward the truth — the apostle 
 adds that we should do likewise, that we might be fellow- 
 helpers to the truth by the truth. Here is meant the Word 
 of God, that Word which the apostle Paul declares to be 
 the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth, 
 etc. But the worthy apostle included himself and all true 
 disciples of Christ, and we conclude from this that what- 
 ever was the duty of Christians then is the duty of Chris- 
 tians now, but should any doubt, we think these words, 
 viz., "If any man will be my disciple let him deny him- 
 f,e\i, take up his cross and follow me." Luke ix., 23. Hlere 
 the Savior makes it binding upon the disciples to follow 
 him. He does not say of Peter, James, or John, but if any 
 man. Hence no particular individual is meant, but all who 
 will be his disciples must use a self-denial — must bear the 
 Cross — must come after him, not for a short time, not dur- 
 ing a revival, nor even for a day, but it must be an every- 
 day business — "Be thou faithful unto death," is the lan- 
 guage of the blessed Master — Rev. ii. 10. Follow me. Oh, 
 how much is meant by this expression. Follow Him, who 
 left the shining courts of glory — Him who, though He was 
 rich, vet for our sake became poor that we, through His 
 poverty might be rich — H. Cor. viii. 9. Yes, we are brethren, 
 and to follow Him who said freely ye have received freely 
 give him who led a life of self-denial and poverty that he 
 might enrich others — denied himself a place where to lay 
 his head that we might possess a home forever in heaven — 
 Him who said, he that loveth father or mother more than 
 me is not worthy of me, etc. — Matt. x. 37. 
 
 And now, my brethren of Brown Creek Association, in 
 conclusion, allow me to propound a few questions for our 
 
Union Baptist Association, 91 
 
 mutual benefit : Are we walking' in the truth like the be- 
 loved Gaius? Are we helping forward the heralds of the 
 cross ? Do we receive such ? Do we administer to their 
 bodily wants? Do we inquire for them, that their hands 
 may be strengthened? Do we live a life of self-denial? 
 Are we bearing our cross after him — Christ? Do we fol- 
 low him, our leader, fully? Like him, is it our meat and 
 drink to do our heavenly father's will ? Are we like him, 
 constantly going about doing good? Do we remember the 
 words of our blessed Master, "That it is more blessed to 
 give than to receive" ? Do we remember him who though 
 was rich yet for our sake became poor, that we, through 
 his poverty, might be rich ? Do we remember the com- 
 mand of our Lord, which is just in the form of an exhorta- 
 tion, ''Freely ye have received, freely give"? In short, are 
 we influenced by the mind that was in Christ endeavoring 
 to imitate the good example of Gaius, that we may thus 
 be fellow-helpers to the truth? Have we, in imitation of 
 our Lord and Master, dedicated ourselves, our time, our 
 ■ property, our all, to the great work of converting the world 
 to God? Do we recognize the great truth that the king- 
 doms of this world are to be converted to God through the 
 instrumentality of the Church? — that the church is com- 
 posed of old converted individuals living in obedience to the 
 commands of Christ as given in the New Testament. If, 
 then, the Church is compared to a body of which Christ 
 is the head, it follows, most certainly, that all the members 
 will be influenced and controlled by the head. Are we in- 
 fluenced by the will of God in all that we do, as members 
 of the Church, as members of the Brown Creek Associa- 
 tion? If so, the time is near at hand when we shall reap 
 
92 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 a glorious reward in heaven ; but if not, in vain do we 
 profess to be his disciples, in vain do we meet as an Asso- 
 ciation of Churches. 
 
 May the Great Head of the Church help us to awake 
 from our lethargy, that we so labor as to be fellow-helpers 
 to the truth. 
 
 The following jeport is of interest : 
 
 Report on Requests and Queries. 
 
 The Committee on Requests and Queries make the fol- 
 lowing report: 
 
 In looking over and examining the letters sent up to 
 this Association by the different churches composing this 
 body, we find in the greater number of them an earnest 
 request that prayer "may be made by the Association for 
 them. We find in the general features of the letters sent 
 up by the churches to this Association, and impressive of 
 deep feeling, a voice of mourning, lamentation and woe. 
 They bring up afresh in our minds that we are in the midst 
 of a cruel war, and point to the fact that some of their loved 
 ones have fallen by, and some are yet exposed to the rav- 
 ages of war. Dear brethren, this should prove us — Him 
 who is the source of all help and a sure support in every 
 time of need. Then, to the God of battles and of nations, 
 let our most fervent aspirations and prayers arise in the 
 behalf of our beloved country and loved ones. We see 
 nothng further of interest expressed in these letters sent 
 up, and have nothing more for the present to bring to the 
 notice of your body. 
 
 All of which is respectfully submitted. 
 
 October 11, 1862. S. H. Alsobrooks, Chairman. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Associatiox. 93 
 
 The clerk got his manuscript lost in his first attempt at 
 getting the minutes published and had to prepare a second 
 manuscript. He could not get all his data, so the minutes 
 are incomplete. There are no minutes of 1863 and 1864, 
 so far as we have been able to determine. If minutes were 
 published they are lost. These sessions met, but we cannot 
 say what they did. 
 
 The session of 1863 met with Mount Olive church.. 
 Elder S. J. Fincher preached the introductory sermon. We 
 are sorry that we are not able to ascertain these important 
 facts. We very much doubt that a minute of either session 
 was gotten out. 
 
 The question of feet washing was sprung in this ses- 
 sion by Elder J. F. McLure. He offered the following reso- 
 lutions : "Resolved, that their Association believes foot 
 washing a scriptural, practical duty of the Church of Christ, 
 and earnestly recommends its adoption by the churches com- 
 posing this body." 
 
 The resolution was lost. The brethren decided they 
 would not wash feet. 
 
 The minutes of this session do not give the membership 
 of the churches, nor the number baptized, so we pass oni 
 without making any attempt toward this point. 
 
94 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER VI. 
 
 The Session of 1865-66 — Reconstruction Period — Mem- 
 bership Not Decreased — Churches Feel Need of a 
 Revival. 
 
 We cannot say much about the sessions of 1864. The 
 minutes cannot be found. The only reference we have of 
 this session is in the minutes of 1865. It is stated that 
 Elder A. L. Stough was Moderator and A". T. Chears Clerk. 
 We thought that Bro. Chears could . give us some idea of 
 the session, and tell where it was held, but he has been to 
 so many associations, and is quite feeble now, being past 
 his eightieth year, he does not remember anything abovit 
 this session. The only thing we have to rely upon is the 
 file of minutes we have secured, and since the minutes of 
 the early sessions are so incomplete we just cannot give 
 anything that ought to be mentioned here. 
 
 The session of 1865 met with Elizabeth Baptist church, 
 in Chesterfield County, S. C. This church was a member 
 of this Association at this time. It met October 6th, and 
 continued for four days. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Elder S. P. Alorton from 1 John iv. 8, "For 
 God is love." D. A. Covington was chosen for Moderator 
 and Bro. W. D. Webb for Clerk. 
 
 One new church was admitted this time. It was the 
 recently organized church at Deep Springs, in Anson 
 County. 
 
T'xiox Baptist Associatiox. 95 
 
 ' The following delegates were present: 
 
 Monroe — J. F. ]\IcLure, D. A. Covington. 
 
 Faulks — AVm. Xewsome, R. Pope, Wm. Collins. 
 
 Meadow Branch — T. AA'. Griffin, J. Perry. 
 
 Rocky River — S. P. Morton, J. Curlee. 
 
 Mineral Springs — S. J. Fincher, J. D. Green, S. Rushing. 
 
 Shiloh— J. W. Benton. 
 
 Cross Roads — Xo delegates. 
 
 Mount ]\Ioriah — K. C. Timmons, D. Rushing, J- A. Low- 
 ery. 
 
 Philadelphia — \'. T. Chears. 
 
 Charlotte — S. J. Fincher. 
 
 Waxhaw — Y. J. M. Yarbrough. 
 
 Pleasant A'alley — A. L. Stough. J. C. Russell, R. Orr. 
 
 Olive Branch — G. AA'. Baucom, M. B. Simpson. E. 
 Gaddy. 
 
 Deep Creek— AA\ D. AA^ebb, E. Gullege, J. T. Alarsh. 
 
 Elizabeth— S. Head. G. AV. Huntley, J. Baker. 
 
 Bethel— S. H. Parker, H. T. Aleggs. S. Ross. 
 
 Concord — Xo delegates. 
 
 Deep Springs — J. Caudle, J. Phifer. 
 
 Concord was only a mission point at this time. The first 
 mention made of it was in the missionary's report made to 
 this body. 
 
 AIissionary's Report. 
 
 According to a standing resolution of this Association, 
 it becomes my duty to lay before v'bu my Annual Alission- 
 ary Report. I have labored with the church at Concord 
 about three-fourths of the past associational vear. There 
 has been a continued manifestation on the part of the 
 
96 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 church and congregation at that place to receive the truth 
 as it is in Jesus; but owing to the distracted condition 
 of the country there has not been that degree of pros- 
 perity in the church that was anticipated by your Alission- 
 ary. The congregations are large and attentive. Two mem- 
 bers only have been added, and one has died. As the 
 church letter will set forth the condition and statistics of 
 the church, I will conclude this report by humbly submit- 
 ting to you the importance of continuing to that lone church 
 your fostering care, by your prayers and money. 
 Respectfully submitted. 
 
 J. F. McLuRE. 
 
 The Committee on Arrangements offered a report to be 
 a permanent guide for the Association in the future, which, 
 on motion, was adopted, and ordered to be inserted in the 
 minutes. 
 
 The following is the report: 
 
 Standing Rules of Order of Business. 
 
 1. Introductory sermon. 
 
 2. Association called to order. 
 
 3. Reading of the Letters from the Churches and 
 Enrolling the Names of Delegates. 
 
 4. Election of Moderator and Clerk. 
 
 5. Admission of New Churches. 
 
 6. Invitation to Visiting Brethren and Correspond- 
 ing Messengers. 
 
 7. Appointment of Committee on Finance. 
 
 8. Appointment of Committee on Request and Quer- 
 ies. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 97 
 
 9. Appointment of Committee on Religious Exer- 
 cises. 
 
 10. Report of Corresponding ^lessengers. 
 
 11. Appointment of Corresponding Messengers. 
 
 12. Reports — First, ALissions; second, Education; third, 
 Periodicals ; fourth, Sabbath Schools ; fifth, Ministerial 
 Support. 
 
 13. Appointment of Writers on Missions, Education, 
 Peridoicals, Sabbath Schools, and Ministerial Support. 
 
 14. ]\lissionary's Report. 
 
 15. Appointment of Place of Next Association. 
 
 16. Appointment of Preachers for Next Association. 
 
 17. Report of Committee on Finance. 
 
 18. Report on Requests and Queries. 
 
 19. Reports of Committees not elsewhere called for. 
 
 20. Deferred and Unfinished Business. 
 
 21. [Miscellaneous Business. 
 
 22. Adjournment. 
 
 The Brown Creek Association had always been very 
 careful to keep up a correspondence with all the associa- 
 tions around it. ^lessengers were sent to the ]\loriah, Pee 
 Dee, Charleston, Kings Mountain, Broad River, Welsh 
 Neck, and the Yadkin annually. They, in return, would 
 send messengers to the Brown Creek. This custom aided 
 greatly in keeping the associations interesting. It was 
 much better than our present plan. The attendance was 
 large, but it enabled the Baptists to know one another bet- 
 ter than they now do. 
 
 These messengers some times would carry a letter with 
 them. This letter was a report of the w^ork done by the 
 churches of the entire Association. It made the Association 
 
 7 
 
98 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 a little on the order of a State Convention. At the session 
 of 1865 a motion was made to append a corresponding 
 letter to each minute hereafter; then, the minute could be 
 used, instead of having" a letter prepared for each set of mes- 
 sengers. That the young Baptists may understand what is 
 meant by corresponding letter we give the first one pre- 
 pared for the minutes of this Association by Elder A. L. 
 Stough : 
 
 CORRESPOXDIXG LETTER. 
 
 Dear Brethren : Through a well-ordered and kind Prov- 
 idence we have again been permitted to come together as 
 an Association, to inquire after the best means for pro- 
 moting the interest of our beloved Zion, and to transact 
 business, as we conceive, for the Lord — business connected 
 with eternity — in which we are personally concerned. Our 
 session convened under favorable circumstances — the 
 weather very fine and the delegation tolerably full. One 
 new church was admitted. The reports from the churches 
 show some degree of prosperity. Some of the churches 
 have been blessed with revivals and considerable additions 
 to their members. The churches remain firm in the great 
 doctrines of the gospel. 
 
 The object of this Epistle is not so much to show what 
 has been done — for this our Minutes show — as to invite 
 from you a continuance of 3'our correspondence to the end 
 that our Christian union may be promoted. A¥e regard this 
 both as a Christian privilege and a Christian duty. We 
 are sorry to say that we had the aid of only one Associa- 
 tion — namely, the Aloriah. AA'e hope, in future, that our 
 sister associations will appoint such brethren as will fill their 
 appointments. We shall be happy, brethren, to receive your 
 
Union Baptist Association. 99 
 
 visits as heretofore. A\^e have appointed Corresponding 
 Messengers, and hope many of them may be in attendance 
 at your respective sessions, for Christian fellowship is 
 pleasant, cheering, and encouraging. Our next session will 
 be held with the Bethel church. Union county, N. C, com- 
 mencing on Friday before the second Lord's day in Octo- 
 ber, 1866. 
 
 That we may be permitted to meet you there, to pro- 
 pose and execute for the INIaster's work, is our heartfelt 
 prayer. 
 
 Grace, mercy and peace to all who love the Lord Jesus 
 Christ in sincerity and truth. 
 
 The Brown Creek Association at this time was begin- 
 ning to get awake on the Sunday School question, and from 
 the general tenor of the minutes there must have been many 
 of the churches without a Sunday School. i\'Iany strong 
 resolutions had been offered, and such men as Stough, ]\Ic- 
 Lure, Davis and Head had made appeal after appeal for 
 the establishment of schools in every church. At this ses- 
 sion a resolution was made to advance this work in every 
 church, to make annual reports to the Association of the 
 work done, and that an hour be given this noble work on 
 Lord's Day morning of the Association. The efforts thus 
 put forth by our ancient brethren did good, but many have 
 not been awakened as yet. We have the same difficulties 
 to contend with that they had then. 
 
 The Lord's Day was fair and bright. A large crowd 
 assembled to hear Elder A. L. Stough in the church, and 
 Elder Samuel P. Morton in the academy. Elder Stough's 
 text was Matt. xvi. 26, "For what is a man profited if he 
 shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul ; or what 
 
100 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 shall a man give in exchange for his soul ?" Much good 
 was accomplished. Four sermons were preached during 
 the day. Elders J. F. McLure and J. C. Russell preached 
 in the afternoon. 
 
 The question of caring for our old preachers was 
 brought up at this session, but the country was so torn up 
 by the war and financial conditions were so bad that it was 
 deferred until a later day. 
 
 A recommendation was made to commune with the 
 church at Bethel during the session, but conditions did not 
 admit it. This same plan had been tried when the Asso- 
 ciation last met with Mount Olive Church, but it failed 
 there, as it did at Bethel. This is not scriptural anyway 
 according to our understanding of the ordinance. You 
 cannot administer the Lord's Supper to a mixed crowd. 
 It cannot be given to members over whom you do not hold 
 discipline. Baptists think they hold restricted communion, 
 but they forget that it ought to be restricted to the church 
 where it is administered. 
 
 This Association was now composed of 18 churches. It 
 had 38 delegates present, 12 pastors, and made a net gain 
 of 91 members. It now numbered 1,277. 
 
 The Brown Creek Association met in its twelfth annual 
 session with the Bethel Baptist church October 12, 1866. 
 This session showed some changes in the general working 
 of the body. We will try to mention them later on in this 
 chapter. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Elder A. L. 
 Stough. He was not the appointee, but preached by re- 
 quest. His text was Acts xii. 24. After this introductory 
 sermon the former Moderator, D. A. Covington, appointed 
 
Union Baptist Association. 101 
 
 Elders A. L. Stongh and A\\ F. Brasington reading clerks. 
 The letters of the churches were called for and read. A 
 quorum of the churches being present, they proceeded to 
 organize. Bro. D. A. Covington had served nine years as 
 Moderator, so he declined re-election. Elder Silas J. Finch- 
 er was duly elected in his stead, and W'. D. Webb Clerk. 
 
 Rocky Mount and Corinth churches were received. El- 
 der W. F. Brasington, Moderator of the Moriah Associa- 
 tion, and Elder John Davis, a messenger from the Pee Dee, 
 were welcomed to seats with us. 
 
 Elder J- F. McLure died during the year. Elder A. 
 Stough made the report on missions for him. 
 
 The state of religion seems to have been very poor at 
 this time, but a hopeful note was sounded. Xearly every 
 church in this Association asked that it be remembered in 
 prayer. They felt their need of prayer, and because of this 
 they made request. 
 
 The Faulk's letter asked that the Association adopt 
 some plan by which brethren of different churches who 
 have difficulties may be handled. The Association took the 
 matter under consideration, and reported as follows : 'Tn 
 answer to the third article in the report of Request and 
 Queries we recommend that the gospel rule laid down in 
 the eighteenth chapter of ■Matthew^ be applied where diffi- 
 culties exist between brethren of different churches of same 
 faith and order." This was a wise solution of the matter. 
 
 The church had planned to commune at this session of 
 the Association, but the service was omitted. The Associa- 
 tion paid the widow of the late .Elder J. F. ]\IcLure twenty- 
 five dollars for his labors as missionary of the Brown Creek 
 Association. The Association also took a collection for 
 
102 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Bro. McLure's family. This collection amounted to sixteen 
 dollars. 
 
 The rej^ort on Ministerial Support, made by Elder A. L. 
 Stoug-h at this session, is so fine that we feel that we ought 
 to give it in full, so read the following : 
 
 Ministerial Report. 
 
 There is, perhaps, no duty more clearly taught in the 
 New Testament than that of Ministerial Support. When 
 Christ sent out his disciples he bade them to take nothing 
 for their journey, saying "that the laborer was worthy of 
 his hire."- — Luke x. 1-7. And yet how many ministers are 
 left to struggle almost alone and support themselves as best 
 they can. Even the church at Corinth, on which the Apostle 
 Paul had bestowed much labor, had treated him in this un- 
 grateful manner. How did he act in reference to such con- 
 duct? Did he from a false delicacy, or from being sus- 
 pected of sinister motives, hold his peace ? No ! He faith- 
 fully instructed them on this subject. In the ninth chapter 
 of his Epistle to this church he enforces this duty from the 
 nature of the case ; from the authority of the Scriptures ; 
 from the examples of the priest under the Jewish law, and 
 from the express precepts of Jesus Christ, whicTi, taken to- 
 gether, are wholly unanswerable. 
 
 1. From the nature of the case, verse 7. — His meaning 
 was, doubtless, to say that those who give themselves to the 
 prosecution of any worldly business expect to live by it, 
 and it is just and reasonable that they should. As the sol- 
 dier is supported by his country, and the wine-dresser eats 
 of the fruit which he cultivates, and the shepherd drinks 
 the milk of the flock which he tends, so the Christian min- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 103 
 
 ister is to be supported by those on whom he bestows his 
 labors. "Let him that is taught in the word communicate 
 unto him that teacheth in all good things." — Gal. xi. 6. 
 "If we have sown unto you spiritual things, is it a great 
 thing if we shall reap your carnal things ?" — I. Cor., 9th 
 ch.. 11th V. 
 
 The primitive ministers of Christ, as already stated, were 
 sent forth to their ardent work without any provision for 
 their support, except that which might be furnished by the 
 persons to whom they preached on this equitable, well un- 
 derstood and generally admitted principle, that the laborer 
 is entitled to his reward. This provision has in it nothing 
 of the rating of charity; it is an act of the strictest justice^ 
 a discharge of one of the plainest Christian obligations. It 
 is the reward of labor, called a "hire" (Luke, 10th ch., 7th 
 v.), "called "wages." ( See Cor., 11th ch., 8th v.) 
 
 In the ordinary affairs of life we recognize the obliga- 
 tion to supply the wants of those who devote themselves to 
 our service. 
 
 We would not think of asking a mechanic, or an over- 
 seer, to devote his time and skill to our service merely for 
 his food and clothing. And yet how many are unwilling, 
 even on such terms, to sustain those who act as their ser- 
 vants -for Christ's sake ? Thus rating the value of spiritual 
 things ministered to them by God's men at less than they 
 do temporal things ministered to them by others. How can 
 we content ourselves with granting less than a competent 
 and comfortable support to the preachers, and that not 
 grudgingly, but at least with as much cheerfulness as we 
 feel in paying other debts? 
 
104 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Again, we ask, is it right to see men wearing themselves 
 out in the service of the church, and when they die leave 
 their families destitute, virtually beggars, dependent on the 
 cold charities of an unfeeling world? 
 
 2. The second argument used by the Apostle was 
 founded upon some provisions in the Jewish law, verses 
 8-10. To starve the laboring ox is inhuman, and was, there- 
 fore, divinely forbidden. But is it less unjust or cruel to 
 starve ministers of Christ than oxen? Surely, if every sen- 
 timent of justice has not been extinguished in our bosoms, 
 we will admit the claims of our pastors to a treatment as 
 human and kind as that which the voice of God pronounces 
 due to beasts. 
 
 How plainly Paul spoke here? For our sakes no doubt 
 this is written. He says — and why? He assigns his rea- 
 son : "That he that ploweth should plow in hope," etc., not 
 only in hope of a crop, but in hope of a support while at 
 work. The argument is a convincing one, and the instruc- 
 tion contained here is very manifest. 
 
 3. Paul's third argument is taken from a custom in the 
 old Jewish establishment — verse 13. Provisio.n was made 
 by divine appointment, under legal dispensation, for the 
 support of the priesthood ( Deut. 18th chap., 1-6 verse). It 
 is plain, therefore, that ample provision was made under the 
 Jewish law for all the priesthood, and the argument of Paul 
 here goes to show that Christian ministers, waiting, as they 
 do at the altar, are equally entitled to a competent support. 
 
 4. One other argument was used by Paul on this oc- 
 casion. He asserts the comfortable support of ministers to 
 be an institution of Christ (verse 14). The Apostle thus 
 asserts that the support of ministers is the will of Christ — 
 
Uxiox Baptist Associatiox. 105 
 
 ^'Even so hath the Lord ordained."' How criminal, then, for 
 any people to deny the claim, or withhold when it is within 
 the power of Iheir hands, "that they ^vhich preach the Gos- 
 pel shall live of the Gospel." Here we have not only the 
 duty but also the measure of support — "Live of the Gos- 
 pel." Xot a mere pittance grudgingly dealt out. ]\Iinisters 
 should be enabled to say to their churches, as the Apostle 
 said to the liberal saints at Phillippi, "But I have all. and 
 abound," etc. — Philip.. 4th chap., 18th verse. Common 
 sense and common prudence will dictate that a minister's 
 support should be such as to enable him and his family, if 
 he has one, to live not only in comfort, but enable him to 
 educate his children, and to make suitable provision for his 
 family's support when he can no longer provide for them. 
 
 We have briefly stated the argument of the Apostle on 
 this important subject, and we may here add that the bad 
 eflfects of neglecting this duty furnishes another strong 
 argument for performing this duty. 
 
 I. A\"ithout a competent support it is absolutely impos- 
 sible for any mortal man to perform all the duties of a 
 pastor or an embassador for Christ. He is to give himself 
 wholly to the work, to make full proof of his ministrv, 
 to preach publicly and from house to house ; to be constant 
 in season and out of season: to feed the flock over which 
 the Lloly Ghost has made him overseer, and to watch for 
 souls as one who must give an account. All this he is bound 
 to do. How can he do all this when he is compelled to 
 resort for subsistence to secular employment? To devote 
 himself to the varied, arduous and momentous duties of his 
 calling his wants must be supplied. AMthout this he will 
 of necessity slightly perform or else whollv neglect some of 
 
106 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 the important duties of the Christian pastor to the detri- 
 ment of immortal souls. 
 
 2. The neglect of ministerial support cripples the ener- 
 gies of a minister, destroys his usefulness. It cannot be 
 that a man who has to be entangled with the distracting 
 cares of a farm, or be busy from morning till night with 
 merchandise, or in a workshop, or to toil in a school, and 
 after exhausting his health and spirits all the week, he 
 rides off some 10, 15, 20 or 30 miles on the Sabbath to 
 preach to a people who have not enough love for their 
 minister to contribute out of their abundance a little bread 
 for his family, and at the same time harassed with debts 
 which he cannot pay. We say a man under such circum- 
 stances cannot preach the Gospel with power and effect. 
 
 In many instances, if the preacher goes into the pulpit 
 on the Lord's day morning, he will most likely see some 
 in the congregation to whom he is indebted, and whose 
 duns are yet in his ears, and who are, perhaps, beginning 
 to doubt his willingness to pay. Need I stop here to tell 
 how a man preaches under such circumstances? Even the 
 most stupid and inexperienced can foresee the result. 
 
 Let me inquire Avhat is the cause of so many destitute 
 churches — the present scarcity of ministers? What but 
 this in part be the cause that a duty so reasonable, so 
 plainly laid down in the word of God, is so little regarded? 
 How can we expect God to send us more ministers if we 
 neglect our duty toward those already sent? Do you think 
 'He would send them amongst us to starve? I know this 
 is an unpopular theme, but it is my duty to declare the 
 whole counsel of God. I am fully convinced that the time 
 has come when the true state of things must be distinctly 
 known and fully examined. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 107' 
 
 What is the real condition of our churches in the 
 Association? How humiHating is the fact .that not a sin- 
 gle church enjoys the undivided labors of a minister! 
 Some of the oldest, richest and largest congregations raise- 
 with difficulty from $100 to $125 ; and all our ministers, 
 with but one exception, are compelled to spend the week- 
 in temporal business to provide a support for their fam- 
 ilies. Their hearts may burn with a desire to give them- 
 selves wholly to the work of the ministry, but they are- 
 compelled to leave the word of God to employ themselves 
 in providing things honest in the sight of all men so that 
 they may owe no man anything. The neglect of the duty 
 of supporting ministers is undeniable, general and a very 
 great evil. How is this deplorable state of things to be- 
 remedied ? 
 
 1. The work must begin with the ministers of the Gos- 
 pel. They must fully and faithfully instruct the churches 
 under their charge on this subject. The churches must, if 
 possible, be roused to the importance and responsibility of 
 supporting their pastors. Some have the piety and the, 
 money, and only want proper instructions to see their obli-- 
 gations, and they will not be slow to meet them. 
 
 Pastors should not only instruct the people under their - 
 charge this duty, but refuse to serve such churches as; 
 penuriously neglect it or dishonestly violate their pledgesi 
 to support their preachers. It is a shameful fact that some 
 churches will pledge a support or a certain amount to get. 
 a minister's services, and then, after they get his services, 
 they refuse to pay what they have promised him. Now, is.- 
 ♦ this honest? Every one is bound in truth to answer no 1' 
 Is it not, then, ecjually criminal in a minister to serve such'.. 
 
108 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 churches any longer, or to yield himself an instrument of 
 unrighteousness by entering into such arrangements, and 
 thus encouraging the people and becoming partakers of 
 their guilt? 
 
 2. Deacons have an important work to perform in this 
 matter. It is their official duty to attend to the support of 
 pastors. Deacons can urge on the churches this duty 
 without incurring the suspicion of seliishness, and by their 
 official influence and their liberality do much to correct the 
 evil under consideration. We cannot reasonably hope to 
 see it removed until these officers are fully awake to their 
 responsibilities, and use their legitimate authority for its cor- 
 rection. The unfaithfulness of a deacon can and will do 
 much in lowering the standard of ministerial support, 
 which is so vitally important to success in the ministry 
 and to the prosperity of the churches. 
 
 3. Each member should be required to bear a part of 
 the task according as God has given him ability. It is not 
 right for a few to bear the whole burden, nor is it right 
 for one to pay fifty per annum to support the Gospel, and 
 that his brother, in like circumstances, pay but one. I 
 verily believe if all professing Christians would pay ac- 
 cording to their ability then ministers would be free from 
 pecuniary cares. But, alas ! too many will gladly avail 
 themselves of almost any plausible pretext for neglecting 
 to pay, and, if allowed to do so they will go on from year 
 to year without paying a dime. In some cases we ought 
 not only to be required according to our respective abili- 
 ties, but according to the necessity of the occasion. The 
 primitive Christians, or disciples of Christ, when the exi- 
 :g'encies of his cause demanded the sacrifice, "sold their 
 
Union Baptist Association. 109 
 
 possessions and goods, and parted to all men as every man 
 had need." — Acts ii. 45. 
 
 If our members were to devote to ministerial suppt)rt 
 half the percentage on their income (which the ancient- 
 church was required by divine law) to the support of reli- 
 gious worship, the amount would, no doubt, be more than 
 sufficient to supply with a regular pastor and with preach- 
 ing every Sabbath. To refuse to do our full share is a 
 violation of pledges and assurances made when we joined 
 the church. It is my candid opinion that if any, through 
 covetousness, refuse to bear a part of this burden, they 
 should, after due warning and forbearance^ be excommu- 
 nicated as incorrigible idolators. 
 
 Suppose that a church were to pass a resolution that 
 each member should pay according to his ability, to de fray- 
 expenses of the church, in supporting her pastor and pay- 
 ing incidental expenses, and the deacons could be gotten 
 to attend promptly to their duty, would we not see a dif- 
 ferent state of things in our churches? But suppose some 
 refused to pay according to that resolution; it would be 
 the means of the church getting rid of such persons as 
 hang as dead weights upon her ; for no Christian would 
 hesitate to do what was his duty according to such a 
 resolution as was suggested. 
 
 There is one thing clear, and that is, no man should be 
 permitted to enjoy the privileges of any government who 
 will not pay something to support that government; and 
 there is no way of making so equitable a distribution as 
 to make it according to ability. 
 
 But let us by increased liberality in future atone for 
 our past indifference, as we value the church of Christ, as- 
 
110 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 we love the souls of our fellow-men. Let us remember 
 that nothing can be made by robbing God. All things are 
 under His control. He can make us poor or rich, send 
 prosperity or adversity, and our happiness and safety de- 
 pend on securing His favor, and this can be secured only 
 by a cheerful, constant and uncompromising compliance 
 with His ordinance : "Bring ye all the tithes into the store- 
 house, and prove now herewith," saith the Lord of Hosts. 
 "If I will not open you the windows of heaven and pour 
 you out a blessing that there shall not be room enough 
 to receive it." — Mai. iii. 10. 
 
 The Association now had twenty-one churches, four- 
 teen pastors, had one hundred and ninety-nine baptisms 
 during the year, and made a net gain of sixty-three mem- 
 bers. 
 
 The session of 1867 was held with Meadow Branch 
 church October 11th. Elder W. F. Brasington preached 
 the introductory sermon from I Cor. i. 6-7. 
 
 Bro. D. A. Covington was elected Moderator for the 
 tenth time, and W. D. Webb Clerk. Bro. J. H. Mills of 
 Raleigh presented himself as a representative of the Bib- 
 lical Recorder. This is the first time the Recorder was 
 represented by a man outside of the Association. It had 
 been represented, and mentioned in several reports, but no 
 brother had made a trip to the Association especially to 
 make a speech for our denominational paper. 
 
 The rules of decorum and the constitution were re- 
 vised at this session, but the changes Avere so slight we 
 will not mention them. This was the year of great decline 
 —deaths, exclusions and letters made the net loss one 
 hundred and nineteen. The Association now numbered 
 1,221 members. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Associatiox. Ill 
 
 The session of 1868 was held with ]\Iount OHve Bap- 
 tist church October 9th. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Elder AA". F. Erasington from I Cor. i. 10. 
 
 Bro. T. Redfearn was elected [Moderator and \\'. D. 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
 The weather was very disag'reeable during- this ses- 
 sion. The body was not called to order until 10 o'clock 
 Saturday morning. The Concord church petitioned for a 
 letter of dismission from the Brown Creek Association to 
 join the Rocky River Association. This letter was granted. 
 
 Townly Redfearn tendered his resignation as Treas- 
 urer. It was accepted, and Bro. S. H. Parker was elected 
 in his stead. 
 
 A motion carried that a brother be appointed to write 
 out our fundamental principles. Elder R. H. Griffith re- 
 ceived the appointment. V\'e cannot say whether he per- 
 formed his task or not, but if he did, no record of the 
 work has come into our hands. The Pee Dee may have 
 some record of this matter, as it was requested to co- 
 operate with us in this matter. The minutes of this body 
 make no further m.ention of it. 
 
 The minutes show that there was a net gain of three 
 this year, and that the Association now had 1,254 members. 
 
 The session of 1869 met with the Olive Branch Church 
 October 8th. Elder T. J. Taylor preached the introduc- 
 tory sermon from 2Tim. iv. 2. "Preach the word." 
 
 The following delegates were enrolled : 
 
 [\Iount (Jlive — T Redfearn, Addison Lowery, John 
 Bivens. 
 
 [\Ionroe — Abel Helms, Irvin ]\Iedlin. 
 Faulks — Xot represented. 
 
112 History op the Brown CreeT'^ 
 
 Meadow Branch — J. A. Bivens, N. W. Bivens, J. C. 
 Williams. 
 
 Rocky River — S. P. ■Morton, Jas. Broadway. 
 
 Mineral Springs — S. J. Fincher, J. D. Green. 
 
 Shiloh — H. B. King, Xoah Helms. - 
 
 Cross Roads — T. M. Griffin, Oliver Rogers, Wm Un- 
 derwood. 
 
 Mount Moriah — Dixon Rushing. 
 
 Philadelphia — A'. T. Chears, J. A. Gathings, O. P. 
 Plarrell. 
 
 Charlotte — Xot represented. 
 
 Waxhaw — C. Austin, A\^m. Godfrey, Jas. Godfrey. 
 
 Olive Branch — Jacoh Thomas, J. J- Austin, J. A. Horn. 
 
 Deep Creek— W. D. Webb, E." D. Caddy, G. T. Little. 
 
 Elizabeth — Joel Baker, E. Y. King. 
 
 Bethel— S. H. Parker, S. Ross. 
 
 Deep Springs — A. B. "Caudle, J. W. Phifer, Ambrose 
 Caudle. 
 
 Rocky Mount — James Curlee, Julius Hill, J. Y. Smith. 
 
 Corinth— B. F. Hasty, W. R. Hasty. 
 
 The Pleasant Valley church is not in the list of churches 
 represented at this session, but no mention is made of its 
 disappearance, or how it came to be left off. We suppose 
 that it was granted a letter to join the York Association. 
 
 Elder S. J. Fincher was elected Moderator and W. D. 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
 A new church called Union Grove was admitted at this 
 session. We are not sure about the location of this churchy 
 but since J. W. Thomas of Diamond Hill, Anson County, 
 and James Sikes of the same community were delegates 
 
Uniox Baptist Association. 113 
 
 we think that it was an organization which existed for a 
 short time near the Foreman Spring, just above Diamond 
 Hill, in Anson County. Cedar Grove church stands just 
 a mile or two above this place. We are not sure about 
 this, but rather think we are correct.* 
 
 Nothing had been said about Home or Foreign Mis- 
 sions for some time until this session. Dr. James B. Tay- 
 lor of Richmond, \*a., addressed a letter to the Brown 
 Creek Association, which was read before this body Sat- 
 urday morning, October 9th. He was Corresponding Sec- 
 retary of the Foreign ^Mission Board at this time. The 
 only thing we see that the Association did was to hear 
 this letter read. Xo action was taken in any way what- 
 ever. Later on the Association took up the matter of 
 Foreign Missions, and less than thirty dollars were pledged. 
 This was made by individuals and not by the churches. 
 
 We notice but one bare sign of progress along mis- 
 sionary lines. An Executive Committee was appointed to 
 look after associational missions. The fervor of the old 
 brethren had not been transmitted to the younger ones. 
 The territory once of so much concern to this body was 
 scarcely mentioned after the war. The committee was to 
 secure a suitable minister as missionary this year. Elder 
 S. J. Fincher was appointed and worked twenty days, as 
 the report shows in the minutes of 1870. He received two 
 dollars per day, so we can readily see that the entire As- 
 sociation gave forty dollars to Home Missions. 
 
 Deacon Eli H. Hinson attended this Association as a 
 messenger from the Rocky River Association. He was a 
 
 *Since writing the above we have learned that we are correct. 
 
114 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 distinguished layman. He was faithful to the cause for 
 nearly sixty years. 
 
 Elder T. T. Taylor offered the following resolution: 
 
 "Seeing the great destitution in our midst, and feeling 
 the need of an educated ministry, therefore 
 
 "Resolved, That we urge our churches to make an 
 eft'ort to educate young ministers in our midst." 
 
 Several remarks were made on this subject, and the 
 Association decided to aid Bro. Joseph Bivens to obtain 
 an education. The Moderator was instructed to appoint 
 a committee in each church to solicit funds for this pur- 
 pose ; accordingly, he appointed the clerks of the several 
 churches to act in this capacity. We have no record of 
 what they did. 
 
 This Association decided to have a regular form of 
 church letter, and to have this form published in the min- 
 utes, so that there could be uniformity in the reportis 
 made b}- the churches. 
 
 The churches reported two hundred and sixty-four 
 baptisms this year. This was a splendid report. It was 
 the best one since the war. Deep Creek reported one 
 hundred and seventeen, ^^'e know some of those' who were 
 baptized at this time. T. J. Taylor, then a young' preacher, 
 assisted S. J. Fincher, the pastor, in this meeting. The 
 Association now numbered 1,395. They made a net gain 
 of 141 this year. 
 
 The session of 1870 met with Deep Creek Baptist 
 church October 7th. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Elder E. L. 
 Davis from Dan. 2 :44. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was elected ^Moderator and W. D. 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 115 
 
 The following delegates were present : 
 
 Mount Olive — Townly Redfearn, D. T. Redfearn, Eli 
 Barrett. 
 
 ]\Ionroe — D. Broom. 
 
 Faulks — Not represented. 
 
 Meadow Branch — J. A. Bivens. Henry Bivens, C. P. 
 Griffin. 
 
 Rocky River — D. Hancock, H. Davis. 
 
 Mineral Springs — S. J- Fincher, J. D. Green. 
 
 Shiloh — Abram Helms. 
 
 Cross Roads — T. M. Griffin^ Wm. Underwood, O. Rog- 
 ers. 
 
 Mount A'loriah — K. C. Timmons, D. Rushing, Y. H. 
 Parker. 
 
 Philadelphia — Y. T. Chears, J. A. Gathings. 
 
 Charlotte — Xot represented. 
 
 Waxhaw — Xot represented. 
 
 Olive Branch — E. L. Davis, G. W. Baucom, J- S. Bau- 
 com. 
 
 Deep Creek— W. D. A\'ebb, E. D. Huntley, E. Huntley. 
 
 Elizabeth — E. T. King, F. G. Baker. 
 
 Bethel— S. H. Parker, M. W. :\'Ioore. 
 
 Deep Springs — Allen Caudle, Wm. Hubbard. 
 
 Rocky Alount— J. P. Hill. 
 
 Union Grove — R. A. Sikes. 
 
 A newly constituted Baptist church called Pleasant 
 Plains was admitted at this session. It has never been a 
 strong church, but has been put to it to exist. It now 
 belongs to the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Association. 
 
116 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The Associational Missionary was continued for the 
 years of 1870-1871, but no mention is made of Foreign 
 Missions. The question was not discussed this session. 
 The Associational Missions question was touched very 
 slightly. 
 
 The following obituary appeared in the minutes of 1870 : 
 
 "Your Committee on Obituaries beg leave to submit the 
 following: We find that the church at Monroe is made 
 to lament and mourn an irreparable loss on account of the 
 death of our much beloved brother, D. A. Covington, the 
 former Moderator of the Brown Creek Association. Bro. 
 Covington made a profession of religion and joined a Bap- 
 tist church in 1842, and was a consistent member until his 
 death, and for many years a deacon of Monroe Baptist 
 church. We, the members of the Brown Creek Associa- 
 tion, feel that God has, through his providence, called from 
 our midst one of our most useful members and dignified 
 moderators, and sincerely mourn the loss of our departed 
 brother. But not as those who have no hope. "Blessed are 
 the dead that die in the Lord, henceforth, yea saith the 
 Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works 
 do follow them." 
 
 ''Resolved, That this Association deeply sympathize with 
 our dear sister and family in their bereft condition, but their 
 loss, we trust, is his eternal gain." 
 
 The question of purchasing the old Carolina Female 
 College was sprung. Elder E. L. Davis was asked to 
 make some remarks, which he did, and a committee con- 
 sisting of E. L. Davis, E. Huntley, G. T. Little and J. P. 
 Hill was appointed to meet the brethren of the Pee Dee and 
 Rocky River Associations to agree upon a plan for the pur- 
 
Uniox Baptist Associatiox. 117 
 
 chase of the Female College at Ansonville. Elder S. J. 
 Fincher was appointed to solicit aid from the Welsh Neck 
 Association for the same purpose. The minutes make no 
 farther mention of this matter, so we conclude that the 
 most the brethren did was done at this session of the Asso- 
 ciation. It would have meant so much for the associations 
 to have owned this property. It would have saved much 
 time and expense, and, besides, we would have sent out 
 hundreds of young women to bless their race and genera- 
 tion who have been tied down to some little home with a 
 family of small children. When we pass a resolution we 
 ought to do our best to carry it out. A vow made and 
 not kept is worse than none at all. 
 
 Another important thing this session of the Association 
 did was to appoint a standing presbytery to examine all 
 the applicants who might apply for ordination to the full 
 work of the ministry. The committee consisted of Elders 
 E. L. Davis, Silas J. Fincher and Samuel P. Morton. If 
 this resolution has been cancelled we have not found it in 
 the minutes. This was a good plan, and ought to be fol- 
 lowed today. 
 
 The churches reported 58 baptisms this year and a mem- 
 bership of 1,301. 
 
 The session of 1871 met with the church at ]\Iount Olive 
 October 6th. Elder S. J. Fincher preached the introductory 
 sermon from Gen. iv. 10. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was re-elected ^Moderator and W. D. 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported that they had been 
 unable to secure a missionary to travel within the bounds of 
 the Association during the year. The funds were not suffi- 
 
118 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 cient, but that Elder S. J. Fincher had labored sixteen days. 
 Elder E. L. Davis made the following report in connection 
 with the above reports : 
 
 To the Brown Creek Association for the year of 1871 : 
 
 By request of your Executive Committee, appointed at 
 your last session I have labored in the bounds of this Asso- 
 ciation as a missionary faithfully for twenty-eight days, and 
 have, during that time, baptized twenty-seven into the fel- 
 lowship of the churches. And b}^ request of the church at 
 Faulks, myself, with Elders J. Phifer and C. Helms, formed 
 a presbytery to examine Brother Joseph Bennett, one of 
 its members, relative to his call to the ministry. We care- 
 fully examined him, first on his Christian experience, and 
 then on his call to the ministry, his doctrinal views, church 
 order, etc., and found him orthodox, and set him apart to 
 the work of the Gospel Ministry. E. L. Davis.'" 
 
 A collection was taken to buy books for Brother Ben- 
 nett. It amounted to fifteen dollars. This was a step in 
 the right direction. 
 
 Elder T. J. Taylor stated that he had labored nine days 
 as a missionary during the year. A letter was read from 
 the aged Elder Nathan Funderburk of the Aloriah Asso- 
 ciation. A collection was taken for him, but the amount 
 raised is not given in the minutes. 
 
 The brethren at this session set apart Friday before the 
 first Saturday in July, 1872, as a day of fasting and prayer. 
 
 The usual hand-shaking took place at the close of the 
 session. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Associatiox. 119 
 
 The eighteenth session of the Brown Creek Association 
 met with the Aleadow Branch Baptist church October 11-13, 
 1872. Elder J. A. Bivens preached the introductory sermon 
 from Isa. hi. 2, "Shake thyself from the dust." 
 
 The usual delegates were present, and the election re- 
 sulted in Elder E. L. DaA'is for Moderator and W. D. Webb 
 Clerk. Nothing of importance took place at this session 
 except the exclusion of Cross Roads from the body. The 
 following mention is made of the matter: 
 
 "The Cross Roads church, having acted out of order 
 and contrary to Baptist usage, the fellowship of the Asso- 
 ciation was withdrawn from that church."' Disorders in 
 the management of this church had been reported, but no 
 action had been taken until now. The churches reported 28 
 baptisms this year and 203 colored members, and a total of 
 1,290 members. This shows a slight decrease from 1871. 
 
 The Charlotte Baptist church withdrew from the Brown 
 Creek Association at the session of 1871. We suppose it 
 joined the Rocky River, as it was in the organization of the 
 Mecklenburg and Cabarrus. 
 
 The nineteenth session of the Brown Creek Association, 
 met with the Rocky ]\lount Baptist church, Anson County,, 
 October 10-12, 1873. Elder J. A. Bivens preached the in- 
 troductory sermon from Colossians 3: 1-4. After a short 
 intermission the delegates reassembled for the organization. 
 The letters were called for, and delegates" names enrolled. 
 All of the churches reported except Shiloh. Philadelphia 
 and Pleasant Plains. Corinth and Union Grove churches 
 were reported broken down, so they were dropped from 
 the list. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was re-elected Moderator. W D. 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
120 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 £lders C. C. Foreman and R. H. James were received 
 as messengers from the Rocky River Association. Tliis is 
 the first session of the Association that we have any record 
 of Elder R. H. James attending. 
 
 Elder J. B. Boone, who afterwards became so noted as 
 the manag-er of the Orphanage, attended this session. He 
 was quite an addition of strength, as he Vv-as well prepared, 
 to speak on many subjects then under consideration. 
 
 This session of the Brown Creek Association asked the 
 State Convention to appoint Elder E. E. Davis to labor as 
 missionary within the bounds of this Association. No men- 
 tion is made of the results of this request, but we feel sure 
 that he was appointed. 
 
 We have the first mention of a brother being a student 
 at AVake Forest at this time. It was Bro.' W. D. Gullege. 
 He was appointed to write on Periodicals, but failed to re- 
 port, as he was then a student at Wake Forest. Many 
 strong resolutions had been passed in regard to education, 
 but none of this seemed to stir the brethren enough to cause 
 them to send their boys to college until this time. It is 
 quite interesting to read some of those reports. They are 
 about as strong as they could be made. They seemed to do 
 no good, and we would think so if it were not for the fact 
 that later on the brethren built the \\'ingate School. 
 
 The Shiloh church seemed to be out of order at this 
 time, and the clerk was requestei to write them an afifec- 
 tionate letter. The letter seemed to have had the desired 
 efifect, as they fell in line after this time. 
 
 The Brown Creek Association met in its twentieth ses- 
 sion with the Waxhaw Baptist church October 9-11, 1874. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Elder E. L. Davis 
 from Luke ii. 10. " 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 121 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was re-elected ^loderator and ^^^ D. 
 ^^'ebb Clerk. 
 
 Three churches presented letters for admission at this 
 session. The first was Jerusalem, a new church recentl}" 
 organized. We have not learned just where it was located, 
 but from the names of the delegates it must have been 
 southwest of i\Ionroe. The delegates were O. Rogers, S. W. 
 Hunneycutt and ^^^ H. Glover. 
 
 The second church to present a petition and letter at 
 this session was Piney Grove, now Polkton Baptist Church. 
 
 The third one was Wadesboro. All of these were re- 
 ceived and their delegates enrolled. 
 
 This session began to show signs of improvement along 
 missionary lines. The contributions were much larger this 
 time than they had been at the former sessions of this Asso- 
 ciation. There was a let-up in evangelism, but a much 
 stronger grasp had been gotten on education and mission- 
 ary work. ^luch had been said about reporting the Sab- 
 bath School work to the Association, but up to this time 
 nothing had been done. The reports kept saying: "We 
 have churches without Sabbath Schools. Let us try to put 
 one in every church." "Report what you have done," but 
 the churches did not heed the exhortation. This neglect 
 has caused much trouble in this Association. A great deal 
 of the Antinomianism in this section is due to the fact that 
 the brethren failed to religiously educate their children. If 
 they had taken their children to Sabbath Schools, as they 
 should have done, we would not hear members of our 
 churches saying that they did not believe in missions. 
 
 The churches this year reported seventy-eight baptisms 
 and a total membership of twelve hundred and seventy-six. 
 
122 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The session of 1875 was held with Deep Creek Baptist 
 church, Anson County, October 7-9. Elder J. A. Bivins 
 preached the introductory sermon from 2 Kings x. 15. El- 
 der B. G. Covington was elected Moderator and W. D, 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
 Elders S. J. Fincher, who so often had been connected 
 with the affairs of this Association ; J. S. Croxton, and 
 James Johnson were received as messengers from the Mo- 
 riah Association. 
 
 Elder George W. Green, afterwards missionary to China, 
 was welcomed as a representative of the Sunday School 
 Board. This is the first time a representative from the 
 Sunday School Board visited this body. 
 
 Several strong speeches were made in behalf of missions 
 at this session. J. Wheeler, G. W. Green, J. S. Croxton and 
 E. L. Davis all made strong speeches, and they had wonder- 
 ful effects, as can be seen in the transactions of this session. 
 The pledges were better, and the real spirit of missions be- 
 gan to get hold of the people, as can be seen from the re- 
 ports. This session was the first one to take a definite col- 
 lection for State Missions. It had been Home Missions all 
 the time, and Home Missions at this time meant nothing 
 but associational missions. Selfishness had been doing its 
 part until this session of the Browm Creek Association. 
 Another forward step along missionary lines was a col- 
 lection taken during this session for the beneficiaries at 
 Wake Forest College. 
 
 The leading spirits of the body at this time were largely 
 instrumental in bringing about the change in missions. El- 
 ders A. L. Stough, W. F. Brasington and several others had 
 been working as best they could to stir up the people along 
 
Union Baptist Association. 123 
 
 every progressive line, but they had moved to other sec- 
 tions, or had become too feeble to be active any more. But 
 now, since new men were coming in to take their places, and 
 men, too, who were as wide-awake as the former ones, 
 things began to take a turn. The results cannot be meas- 
 ured, but if we notice things a little we can soon see that 
 something powerful had been done in the past. New 
 church houses were built, Sunday Schools were organized, 
 offerings were increased, and a general uplift was seen and' 
 realized along ever}' line of Christian endeavor. 
 
 Five churches reported Sunday Schools at this time. 
 They were Philadelphia, Wadesboro, 3>Iineral Springs, Deep 
 Springs, and Rocky River. 
 
 The twenty-second session of the Brown Creek Asso- 
 ciation was held with the ]\Ionroe Baptist church October 
 ^-7 , 1876. Elder G. W. Harmon preached the introductory 
 sermon from Phil. ii. 9. 'A^'herefore God hath highly ex- 
 alted him, and given him a name above every name." 
 
 The following delegates were present : 
 
 Blount Olive — T. Redfearn, A. Lowery, J. D. Gordon. 
 
 ?\Ionroe — J. E. W. Smith, Caudle, E. D. Chaney. 
 
 Meadow Branch — E. L. Davis, J. A. Bivins, C. Austin.. 
 Faulks— G. W. Walden, J. H. Collins, T. Griffin. 
 Rocky River — Uriah Saton, L. H. McLendon. 
 Shiloh — W. T. Sutton, Abram Helms. 
 ^Mineral Springs — J. H. Flake, J. F. Thomas. 
 ]\Iount ]\Ioriah — L. H. Alsobrooks, Thos. Pearce, L. A. 
 Lowery. 
 
 Philadelphia— B. F. Parker, L. G. Parker, L. C. Autry., 
 A\'axhaw — T. Adams, T. W. Sanders. 
 
124 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Olive Branch — E. G. Gaddy, M. Godwin, Hiram Bau- 
 com. 
 
 Deep Creek— W. D. Webb, J. T. Gaddy, J. F. Burch. 
 
 Elizabeth — Joel Baker, James Johnson, W. AI. Burch. 
 
 Bethel— S. H. Parker, A. :\Iarsh. 
 
 Rocky Mount— J. D. Hill, John Eudy. 
 
 Deep Springs — R. Y. Caudle, Allen Caudle, A. Phifer. 
 
 Pleasant Plains — H. B. King, David King. 
 
 Jerusalem — Not represented. 
 
 Polkton — J. J. Austin, B. K. Ponds. 
 
 VVadesboro — A\'. J. Ashcraft, L. H. Covington, J. W. 
 Burgaius. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was elected Moderator and W. D. 
 Webb Clerk. 
 
 Elder C. T. Bailey, editor of the Biblical Recorder, and 
 Bro. J. C. Scarborough, from the Raleign Association, were 
 W'elcomed. 
 
 Dr. J. B. Richardson, Corresponding Secretary of the 
 State Mission Board, was also welcomed to a seat in the 
 iDody. 
 
 The question of Qiristian education was agitating the 
 minds of the Baptists at this time, and for the first time in 
 the history of this Association a special hour was set apart 
 for the discussion of it on Saturday of this session. The 
 report on education was read by Elder N. B. Cobb, and 
 J. C. Scarborough, C. T. Bailey and N. B. Cobb discussed 
 the question at length. They advocated the great impor- 
 tance of educating the hearts and minds of the rising gen- 
 eration, and especially those who preach the gospel. This 
 was the first time Dr. J. B. Richardson attended this Asso- 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 125 
 
 ciation. Little did he know then that the interest taken in 
 education would result in the movement made for the erec- 
 tion of a high school at AA'ingate during his pastorate at 
 ]\Ieadow Branch. 
 
 The reports made at this session were of a very high 
 order. We do not have space to give them or we would let 
 the readers see what they were. 
 
 The Association now numbered fourteen hundred and 
 eighty-eight, the churches reported one hundred and twen- 
 ty-two baptisms during the year. This is the highest mark 
 reached by the Association up to this time. 
 
 The twenty-third session of the Brown Creek Associa- 
 tion was held with Philadelphia Baptist church October 11- 
 13, 1877. Elder W. F. Brasington, by request, preached the 
 introductory sermon from Psa. xxxiv. 3. 
 
 After the letters had been read and the delegates en- 
 rolled the Association re-elected Elder E. L. Davis for ^lod- 
 erator and \A'. D. Webb Clerk. 
 
 Elder J- ^I- Garrison was present as a messenger from 
 the York Association, and Bro. K. C. Timmons from the 
 South Yadkin. 
 
 Cedar Grove, a newly constituted church, petitioned for 
 membership at this session and was admitted. This church 
 is in Anson County, near where the Union Grove church 
 stood. The delegates to this body were Brethren J. W.. 
 Thomas and S. P. Curran. They are both gone to their 
 heavenly home. They were faithful brethren, and did their 
 work for the ^Master as well as most men. 
 
 We give here the financial table to show just how things- 
 went in those days. We hope the reader may take time to 
 notice these figures very carefully. This is the report made 
 
126 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 of the several churches and reported in their letters to the 
 -.Association, 1877: 
 
 Home and For- 
 eign Missions. Minutes. 
 
 Alount Olive $ 6.00 $ 4.00 
 
 Monroe 2.75 
 
 Faulks 1.30 
 
 ]\Ieadow Branch 2.75 
 
 Rocky River 1.50 
 
 Shiloh 1.00 
 
 Mineral Springs 1.40 1.00 
 
 Mount Moriah 6.55 1.25 
 
 Philadelphia 3.35 
 
 Waxhaw 
 
 Olive Branch 9.00 2.35 
 
 Deep Creek 6.30 3.00 
 
 Elizabeth 1.20 
 
 Bethel 6.32 1.50 
 
 Rocky Mount 2.00 
 
 Deep Springs 0.75 
 
 Pleasant Plains 1.00 
 
 Jerusalem 
 
 "Polkton 1.00 
 
 AA'adesboro 10.00 2.00 
 
 Cedar Grove 1.25 
 
 Total $45.57 $35.05 
 
 We have improved a little along financial lines, but not 
 as much as we ought to have done. These figures are quite 
 
 'interesting to us. Are they to you? The churches re- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 127 
 
 ported eighty-five baptisms this year and a total member- 
 ship of fifteen hundred and twenty-four. 
 
 The session of 1878 met with Meadow Branch church 
 October 10-13. The introductory sermon was preached by 
 Elder G. W. Harmon from I Cor. xv. 58. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was re-elected Moderator and W. D. 
 Webb Clerk. They had served for many years, but the 
 brethren thought best to continue them. They were well 
 posted on this line, and thus were well qualified, so they 
 continued them as long as they were able to fill the places. 
 
 New Hope, a newly organized Baptist church, came into 
 the Association at this meeting. Brethren W. R. and \\\ E. 
 Smith were the delegates. 
 
 Elder J. E. King, a messenger from the Spartanburg 
 Association, presented himself, and was cordially received. 
 He was a man of much power at this time, but cast a 
 shadow over his usefulness by joining the Adventist. He 
 went back to the Baptist, but never got his former popu- 
 larity re-established. He died at Wilmington, and nothing 
 Avas said about it. How easily a man can ruin himself by 
 trying to do something smart. 
 
 Elder G. W. Harmon offered the following report on 
 Foreign Missions : 
 
 "The teaching of the Scripture is clear and explicit on 
 the subject of missions. The command of the ]\Iaster is : 
 ^Go ye into all the world and preach the gospel to every 
 creature.' Were there nothing else in God's word on the 
 subject this one command should impel us to activity and 
 zeal in propagating the truth among the nations. As we 
 have gone forward in obedience to the jMaster, Heaven's 
 blessings have attended our labors, and success has crowned 
 
128 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 our efforts. The Lord in his providence is opening the 
 door unto us, and it is our duty to enter in and possess 
 the nations for the Lord. The command is enforced by the 
 most powerful motives. The love of God to us ; the ex- 
 ample of our Lord Jesus; the Macedonian cry of the na- 
 tions shrouded in spiritual darkness, all appeal to us to 
 pray, labor and contribute of our means that the glad tid- 
 ings of eternal salvation be preached to every creature. 
 We shall be recreant to the trust committed to us if we 
 fail to hold forth the word of life to dying men. Brethren, 
 let us be up and doing, trusting in God, and his blessings 
 will attend us, success will crown our efforts, and our 
 souls will be made fat. 
 
 "Respectfully, G. W. Harmon." 
 
 The subject of State ^fissions was discussed more vig- 
 orously at this session than the brethren were accustomed 
 to do. The preachers holding pastorates in this Associa- 
 tion at this time were all enthusiastic men. They went at 
 a thing with all their might, and they accomplished what 
 they undertook. We have not given a single report on 
 State Missions, so we give the following to show the spirit 
 of the brethren : 
 
 "Our State Mission work is our duty to God and our 
 fellowmen as citizens of a commonwealth. We cheerfully 
 and gladly own the fact that it is our duty, both to God and 
 our fellows, and we are endeavoring to work to build up 
 and to establish the doctrines of salvation as we hold and 
 teach it to the men of this generation and in this region. 
 These facts are clear to those who know our condition, as 
 workers together with Christ as an association of churches. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 129 
 
 We have expended both labor and money to have the gos- 
 pel preached among- ourselves and our children and neigh- 
 bors, and to erect some houses of worship and repair oth- 
 ers. As stewards, we have deemed this work more impera- 
 tive than any which the State ^Mission Board has urged 
 upon us. The work still engages our energies so much 
 that it is not practicable for us to' direct united effort much 
 to the regions beyond. We have new churches struggling 
 for existence and without houses of worship, which must 
 have some attention or assistance from those of us more 
 favored. We wish to aid and co-operate all we can with 
 the State ^Mission Board, but must see to it that we build 
 up the wall over against our own houses. Brethren, come 
 with mind to work and money to help, and hearts burning 
 with love for the Master's cause, and throw your power 
 against the kingdom of darkness, and the light of heaven 
 will prevail. Respectfully, 
 
 "J- Wheeler." 
 
 Elder J. E. King had labored fourteen days in the cause 
 of missions in the Association during the year ; D. A. 
 Snider had labored thirteen days ; J. L. Bennett had la- 
 bored twelve days; J. A. Bivins had labored twelve days. 
 They all donated this to the cause within the bounds of the 
 Association. The question must have been pretty well 
 presented to get such wonderful results. These brethren 
 decided that something definite must be done to effect per- 
 manent good, so they appointed a committee to draft a 
 circular letter to be read by the churches and to formulate 
 plans .for the furtherance of the State Mission cause. We 
 give the letter to show how they desired to manage the 
 
 9 
 
130 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 matter. This letter was prepared by Elders J. E. King, J. 
 Wheeler, G. W. Harmon and W. F. Brasington. 
 
 Circular Letter. 
 
 Y^our committee, appointed to write a circular letter to 
 the churches of your body on Associational JMissions, and 
 advise some Scriptural plan for immediate relief, respect- 
 fully submit the following: 
 
 Dear Brethren : Many around us have felt the great 
 need of united action in going forward and possessing the 
 land God's Providence clearly intimates he has given us. 
 We propose to set before you as briefly as we can an idea 
 of the destitution. First, on the north and west we have 
 thirty miles square of God's earth, the soil of which was 
 never impressed with the footprint of a missionary Baptist 
 minister. There are many grown people who never heard 
 a Baptist sermon, and recently, at Matthews, many wit- 
 nessed for the first time the immersion of believers. Last 
 year God put it into the hearts of a few of our ministers 
 and brethren to visit this destitution. God has blessed 
 their efforts and poured out his spirit, and three new 
 churches are the result, with every needful indication 
 for good in the future, as the report of our brethren who 
 have labored in this field will confirm. Those few breth- 
 ren have done what they could, and still anxious for the 
 work to go on, and desire to see all our brethren and sis- 
 ters doing what they can to strengthen those weak churches 
 and extend the work, and we feel assured that if our breth- 
 renand sisters knew how manv are anxiously desiring to 
 have the word preached by Baptists their Avilling hearts 
 and readv hands would at once furnish necessarv means to 
 
Union Baptist Association. 131 
 
 those few and faithful, yet feeble brethren in this section 
 to have the gospel fully preached unto them. A\'e feel as- 
 sured that very soon self-sustaining churches could be 
 reared, and they would extend the cause. AA'ith confidence 
 in your willingness to come up to the help of the Lord, we 
 recommend this plan : that the Association appoint at least 
 one delegate, present from each church, to read or have 
 read this circular to his church, and insist on immediate 
 action, each church choosing the way and amount to be 
 given, and that the collection be made quarterly ; the first 
 collection to be made and forwarded to the Executive 
 Board, Bro. C. Austin chairman, at ]\Ionroe, and Brethren 
 S. H. Parker and T. Redfearn. Where a better plan can- 
 not be arrived at we suggest that those brethren thus ap- 
 pointed ask 10 cents monthly, or 30 cents quarterly, from 
 each member for this special object, it being consistent and 
 in perfect harmony with God's word, as we are therein 
 informed to lay by us in store as God prospers us, to sup- 
 port and advance the kingdom of God. 
 
 J. E. King, Chairman. 
 
 The house of worship at [Monroe was under way of con- 
 struction at this time, and, as it usually is, they were in a 
 great strain to finish it. A plea was put in for the brethren 
 to aid the ^lonroe brethren all they could. The preachers 
 were asked to aid they could in this matter. 
 
 One very sad thing came up during this session. It 
 was the trial of a preacher. It was reported that Elder 
 H. B. King was preaching injurious doctrines, so a com- 
 mittee was appointed to investigate the charges and see if 
 there were any grounds for them, and they made the fol- 
 lowing report : 
 
132 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 "Your committee appointed to investigate the charge 
 against Elder H. B. King respectfully submit that we are 
 satisfied he is advocating doctrine injurious to the Baptist 
 denomination. We therefore recommend the Association 
 to withdraw its fellowship from him, and further, to ap- 
 point a committee of ministers to visit Pleasant Plains 
 church, and learn if they have endorsed his doctrine. If 
 so, admonish them to return to the gospel principles, or 
 they will be expelled from the Association. We further 
 recommend this report be sent to the Recorder." 
 
 Elders J. E. King, J. Wheeler and J. A. Bivins were 
 appointed to visit Pleasant Plains and report to the next 
 meeting of the Association. 
 
 This committee made the following report at the ses- 
 sion of 1879: 
 
 "Dear Brethren : As your committee appointed last 
 session to visit Pleasant Plains church, we submit the fol- 
 lowing: We did, Friday before the first Sabbath in July, 
 visit the church, and after a sermon on the subject of com- 
 munion and the perseverance of the saints combined, call 
 upon the church to declare her position relative to this 
 doctrine, whereupon she did affirm her steadfastness in 
 the Baptist view thereof, and whereupon we did counsel 
 the church to try Rev. H. B. King, a member of her body, 
 upon the charges preferred against him in the Association, 
 and report her action to this sitting of the Association." 
 
 On motion Elder J. L. Bennett was then appointed, to- 
 gether with the Moderator, to act with the committee 
 which visited Pleasant Plains church and investigate the 
 charges against Rev. H. B. King. The committee acted 
 at once, and reported that Rev. King had recanted, and 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 133 
 
 asked the brethren to forgive him. This they cheerfully 
 did when it was learned that he held erroneous doctrine 
 for lack of information. 
 
 The churches reported one hundred and thirty-four bap- 
 tisms this year, six hundred and thirty-one in Sunday 
 School, and a total membership of fifteen hundred and 
 seventy-one. 
 
 This was a lively session, and resulted in much good, we 
 hope. 
 
 The session of 1879 was held with Wadesboro Baptist 
 church, October 9-11. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Elder J. A. Bivins from I Cor. xiv. 24. Upon 
 calling the roll it was found that every church in this 
 Association was represented at the first sitting. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was re-elected Moderator and W. D. 
 Webb Clerk. We have not kept account to see how many 
 times they have been elected, but we feel sure that it is 
 more than a dozen. 
 
 A new church, Center, now called Norwood, was ad- 
 mitted at this session. The delegates, John Green, R. H. 
 Harris and J. A. ]\Iills, were recognized and given the 
 right hand of fellowship. This church w^as located in the 
 southern section of Stanly County, near the Pee Dee river. 
 The sketch of it, seen in the last of this book, is interesting 
 matter. 
 
 The report on education was read by W. D. Gullege, 
 and was discussed by Brethren W. A. Graham, Prof. L. 
 R. Mills and W. R. B. Gaddy. Pending the adoption of 
 the report the following brethren pledged the amounts an- 
 nexed to their names to aid Bro. D. M. Austin in obtain- 
 ing an education and preparing for the work of the min- 
 istry : 
 
134 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 G. W. Harmon, $5.00; W. D. Gullege, $5.00, paid; J. 
 E. King-, $5.00; Mrs. Dr. Covington, $5.00; A. E. Ben- 
 nett, $10.00; J. L. Bennett, $5.00; R. B. Gaddy, $5.00; 
 Beecher Henry, $5.00, paid; Geo. Huntley, $5.00; Sister 
 Fannie Gaddy, $5.00; F. L. Davis, $5.00; name not given, 
 $5.00. 
 
 On motion each pastor in this Association was re- 
 quested to preach a sermon on ministerial education as soon 
 as practicable, and take up a collection for the benefit of 
 Bro. D. M. Austin. 
 
 On motion Bro. R. B. Gaddy was appointed treasurer 
 of the fund to be raised for the rehef of Bro. D. M. Austin, 
 who was then a student at Wake Forest College. 
 
 We do not know whether this body ever aided another 
 boy as they did this one or not, but this was so good of 
 them to help a young preacher to get on his feet. For 
 sketch of Elder D. M. Austin see biographical table in the 
 last part of this book. 
 
 The Hopewell church was admitted at this session, but 
 not until the second day. The delegates were late in get- 
 ting there. The delegates, Redick, Pope and William 
 Long, were received^ and given the right hand of fellow- 
 ship by the Moderator. 
 
 This was a good session of the Association. The 
 churches reported one hundred and twenty baptisms, eight 
 hundred and seventy in Svmday School, and a total mem- 
 bership of one thousand six hundred and eighty-five. This 
 report shows that since the churches adopted the Sunday 
 School work they were steadily going forward. 
 
 The twenty-sixth session of the Brown Creek xA.ssocia- 
 tion met with Olive Branch church October 7-11, 1880. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 135 
 
 Elder C. T. Bailey, editor of the Biblical Recorder, by 
 request, preached the introductory sermon from Alatt. v. 14. 
 
 The usual officers were elected — E. L. Davis Modera- 
 tor, W. D. Webb Clerk. 
 
 Hamer Creek, ^Montgomery, a newly organized church, 
 through her pastor, Elder T. B. Xewberry, presented a 
 letter asking for admission into this body. The petition 
 was granted and the delegates welcomed to seats with the 
 other delegates. The church at Macedonia, organized this 
 year, also asked for admission, and was unanimously re- 
 ceived. 
 
 The Blount Pleasant church asked for admission into 
 the body, and was also received. This was a good showing 
 for the work. Three new churches in one year was doing 
 pretty well. - 
 
 Dr. T. H. Pritchard attended this session, and was re- 
 ceived very heartily. He was president of Wake Forest 
 College, and came to this Association in the interest of 
 Christian education. Dr. Pritchard made the following 
 report : 
 
 "Your committee is of the opinion that as a state and 
 as a denomination it is our duty to promote, as far as pos- 
 sible, the cause of Education. For all experience has 
 shown that just in proportion to the intelligence of a people- 
 will he their material prosperity. ( )ur children should be 
 educated, and as' we can not allow other churches to train 
 them we must have schools of our own. We- are gratified 
 to be able to state that we have female schools of high- 
 grade at Murfreesboro, Wilson, Oxford and Thomasville, 
 and good academies in many parts of the state. Wake 
 Forest College is enjoying unusual prosperity; during the 
 
136 History of the Browx Creek 
 
 last year there were one hundred and seventy-one students 
 in attedance there, of whom thirty were young preachers 
 who paid no tuition, and the college thus gave to the de- 
 nomination $1,800 in the education of young preachers. 
 There will prohably be more students for the ministry this 
 year than last, and twenty have already been accepted by 
 the Board of Education ; a larger number than the Board 
 has ever had under its direction before. As a very con- 
 siderable increase of means must be provided for this in- 
 crease of beneficiaries the Board of Education respectfully 
 asks this Association to aid in the support of these worthy 
 young men." 
 
 These appeals were gladly heard at these sessions of 
 the Association, and liberal responses were made. The 
 Association has always believed in education, possibly more 
 in the past than it now does. The demands are greater 
 as the years go by, and people become more covetous as 
 they become wealthier ; then, as the demands are made, 
 they become more sensitive. The brethren at this day 
 were not so. They opened their pocketbooks more readily 
 than they do today. True, they did not have so much to 
 give, but what they gave vvas more than what we give 
 today. 
 
 It was reported to this Association that Elder Samuel 
 P. ^ilorton was very feeble, and needed financial aid ; ac- 
 cordingly, a collection amounting to twelve dollars vrns 
 taken for him and put into the hands of Bro. J. P. Hill, 
 to be expended for his benefit. Elder [Morton lived near 
 Ansonville at this time. 
 
 The churches reported 108 baptisms this year, I.SIO 
 members, and 947 in Sunday School. 
 
Uniox Baptist Associatiox. 137 
 
 The twenty-seventh session met with the church ar 
 ]\Ionroe, October 6-10, 1881. The introductory sermon 
 was preached by Elder W. B. Harrell from Isa. lii. 1. The 
 churches were well represented at this meeting, and the 
 former ^Moderator, E. L. Davis, declined re-election, so a 
 new one had to be chosen. It resulted in the election of 
 Bro. R. B. Gaddy. Bro. A\'. D. AA'ebb was re-elected Clerk. 
 Delegates from the churches at ]\Iatthews with a letter 
 from the Rocky River Association were received and ihe 
 hand of fellowship extended them. 
 
 Elders J. B. Boone. T. J. Rooke and Bro. H. L. Hinson 
 from the South Yadkin were welcomed to seats in the body. 
 
 Pleasant Plains Church presented two letters at this 
 session. A committee was appointed to determine which 
 was the real report. The one presented the first day was 
 accepted in part. This church had given much trouble all 
 along. They seemed to be easily torn from their moorings. 
 This is such a sad condition. Some brethren do not seem 
 to think of the good they might do. but want their way 
 about things, whatever the cost may be. This church was 
 torn up by things of this kind. 
 
 The Old Cross Roads Church, which was dropped some 
 time prior to this session, was reported revived, and a re- 
 quest was made to receive it again and give it another 
 chance. The petition was granted. We are not sure that 
 we know just vvdiere this church was located, but we shall 
 try to locate it in the sketches given of the churches in 
 the latter part of this book. 
 
 This was a great session. John E. Ray of Raleigh 
 and Prof. W. L. Poteat of Wake Forest were in attend- 
 ance, and made great speeches on Sunday School work. 
 
138 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 The churches reported one hundred and ninety-two bap- 
 tisms this year, a total membership of two thousand and 
 thirty-one, and one thousand and thirteen in Sunday 
 School. There were eleven churches at this time without 
 Sunday Schools, and many of those that had them did not 
 have a very large attendance, but there was a marked in- 
 crease in this work. 
 
 The twenty-eighth annual session of the Brown Creek 
 Association met with Mount Olive Baptist church October 
 5-8, 1882. The introductory sermon was preached by 
 Elder John E. King, from Heb. ix. 9, first clause, "which 
 was a figure." 
 
 The election of officers resulted in Elder E. L. Davis 
 Moderator, W. D. Webb Clerk and A. Lowry Treasurer. 
 
 Benton's Cross Roads Church; organized September 26, 
 1882, made application for admission and was unanimous- 
 ly received. 
 
 The Liberty Hill Baptist Church, in Chesterfield Coun- 
 ty, S. C, was admitted at this session. The delegates 
 were given the right hand of fellowship and invited to 
 seats with us. 
 
 Elder O. F. Gregory, pastor of the First Baptist Church 
 at Charlotte, was welcomed by the Moderator. He was 
 Vice-President of the Foreign ]\Iission Board at this 
 time, so he came in the interest of that cause. 
 
 This session was not as important as some before. 
 There was not the interest shown that had formerly been. 
 No record of w^hat was done during the year has come 
 into our hands. The Sunday School work is left out, and 
 also all the financial tables. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 139' 
 
 The session of 1883 was held with the church at Mat- 
 thews, Mecklenburg County, October 11-15. The brother 
 appointed to preach the introductory sermon not being 
 present. Elder A. C. Davis moved that the sermon be- 
 preached by Elder T. J. Rooke, and that it be deferred 
 until evening. The motion carried. So the introductory 
 sermon was not preached until that night. It was preached 
 from Psa. cxix. 13. "The entrance of thy word giveth 
 light." 
 
 The former clerk, W. D. Webb, was not present at this- 
 session, so a new clerk had to be elected. The election 
 resulted in J. W. Bivins for clerk. Brother Webb held the 
 position for many years, and it did not look right for the 
 Association to be without him, but his successor filled the 
 place as well as he. Elder E. L. Davis was re-elected 
 Moderator and H. V. Massey Treasurer. 
 
 Black Creek, a newly organized church in Chesterfield 
 County, S. C, petitioned for membership in this Associa- 
 tion. The petition was granted, and the delegates given 
 seats with us. This church is located near Pageland, S. C. 
 
 A letter from Grove Springs, a newly organized Baptist 
 church near Beaver Dam, was presented, and unanimously 
 received. The church since this time has been moved into 
 the town of Marshville, and is now called Marshville Bap- 
 tist church. 
 
 The Center (now Norwood Baptist Church) asked for 
 a letter of dismission at this session. It was granted. A little 
 misunderstanding arose between Meadow Branch Church 
 and Olive Branch because of some members who had been 
 excluded. The minutes are not very clear on the subject. 
 We suppose the clerk said as little as possible about it since 
 
140 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 such tilings are to be so greatly regretted. A committee 
 was appointed to adjust the matter, which, we suppose, 
 it did. 
 
 The Rocky Alount Church, in its letter to this session, 
 asked this question: "Is an excluded deacon, on restora- 
 tion to the church, restored to his office"? A committee 
 composed of Elders J. L. Bennett, J. E. King and W. B. 
 Harrell said that he was not. 
 
 The Association was now composed of twenty-six 
 churches, with a membership of seventeen hundred and 
 seventy-six. It reached from Montgomery County to -^lat- 
 thews, in Mecklenburg County, and as far south as Page- 
 land, S. C. 
 
 This chapter covers eighteen years of the history of 
 the Brown Creek Association, and during this time won- 
 derful changes have taken place. It begins with the year 
 of 1865, when the South was torn into shreds by the ter- 
 rible war that we had just passed through. Our homes 
 were impoverished, our men were lying on Mrginia's hills, 
 our fortunes were gone, our people were discouraged, but 
 they had faith in God to go on with the work of the Lord. 
 
 The membership of the Brown Creek Association at 
 the close of the war was barely a thousand, but now it 
 numbers about two thousand. Then there were no Sunday 
 Schools ; now there are about eighteen, with an enrollment 
 of more than a thousand ; then nothing was done for mis- 
 sions except within the bounds of the Association ; now it 
 is contributing considerable to Foreign ^fissions, besides 
 a large amount to State Alissions ; then there were no 
 beneficiaries at \A'ake Forest; now we have more than 
 :twentv, and one has been educated from this Association ; 
 
UxiON Baptist Association. 141 
 
 then the sessions embraced but three days ; now they em- 
 brace four days. 
 
 From 1865 to 1883 there has been quite a change in the 
 personnel of the Association. Elders A. L. Stough, S. J. 
 Fincher, J. F. AlcLure, W. F. Brasington, S. P. Morton, 
 T. J. Taylor and others have passed from this section, and 
 others have taken their places. Harmon, Flarrell, Davis, 
 Wheeler, King, Bennett, Bivins, Snider and many others 
 are the men the Association closes this chapter with. 
 
 During this eighteen years such men as Pritchard, 
 Boone, Poteat, Gregory, Rooke, Bailey, Mills and possibly 
 others have visited the Association and have taken a part 
 in the deliberations of the body. 
 
 The transition period is just ahead of us, so we pass 
 to that. Marvelous changes are just ahead, so we look 
 forward, and not backward. 
 
142 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 Name Changed — The Association Undertakes New 
 Things — Time of Meeting Changed — New Moder- 
 ator — First Step Toward the Establishment of a 
 High School — Sunday School Convention Organ- 
 ized — A/Iany Churches Take Letters. 
 
 We now enter upon the season of progress in this Asso- 
 ciation. It made some very rapid strides forward during 
 the last period, but nothing to compare with what it does 
 during the sessions we are to speak of in this chapter. 
 This chapter begins with the thirtieth session held with 
 Shiloh Baptist Church October 16-19, 1884. Rev. J. L. 
 Bennett preached the introductory sermon from I John 
 iii. 22. 
 
 The roll of churches changes some as we begin this 
 chapter. Nearly all of the churches in Anson County are 
 left off. No mention is made of them, but we suppose that 
 they called for letters to join the Anson Association, which 
 existed for a few years. The churches which are left out 
 of the list this time are Rocky River, Mt. Olive, Deep 
 Creek, Cedar Grove and [Mineral Springs and Polkton. It 
 is strange that the clerk missed so important a matter as 
 this. But if he mentioned it we cannot find the item. We 
 have read all of them up to this meeting as carefully as we 
 possibly could, but have not been able to see the least men- 
 tion made of their going away. Jerusalem and Cross 
 Roads dropped out at this session, but they had disbanded. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 143 
 
 The Rocky River Association disbanded about this time 
 to form the Stanly and the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus, so 
 those churches in Union County belonging to that body 
 came to the I^nion at this session. They were Mill Creek 
 and Ebenezer. 
 
 Elder D. M. Austin was elected Moderator for this ses- 
 sion and Bro. J. W. Bivins Clerk. This was a new outfit 
 in some respects. Brother Bivins had served one year as 
 clerk, but Elder Austin was a new man at the wheel. They 
 served well, as the minutes show. 
 
 Hamer Creek^ Montgomery, asked for a letter of dis- 
 mission to join the ^Montgomery Association, and Elizabeth 
 asked for one to join the Chesterfield. These letters were 
 granted. 
 
 This important notice is made in the minutes : "Re- 
 solved, That we, the ministers and delegates of this body, 
 lay the matter of the importance of education before our 
 churches, 'and take up a collection for the encouragement 
 and assistance of Bro. J. S. Bivins, and forward to J. W. 
 Bivins to send to him." We are sorry to say that young 
 Brother Bivins did not get to prove to the brethren that 
 he appreciated what they did for him. The Lord called 
 him home before he preached many times. He meant more 
 to heaven than he did to the cause here, so the Lord took 
 him. 
 
 The following resolution was made by Elder Joseph 
 Bivins: "Whereas, We deem it of highest importance that 
 unity in Baptist usage and doctrine should be preserved 
 in our body for the good of our people and the glory of 
 God; therefore Resolved, That our Association appoint a 
 committee of five brethren, whose duty it shall be to con- 
 sult and advise with any church wishing their co-opera- 
 
144 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 tion." The following' brethren were appointed on the com- 
 mittee. J. A. Bivins, Jas. Robertson, C. Austin, J. L. Ben- 
 nett, H. Bivins. This was a wise step. So many churches 
 do not know w^hat Baptists beheve. They need instruc- 
 tion, and plenty of it. 
 
 Another important thing was done at this session. From 
 the first meeting up to this time the • Association had been 
 called The Brown Creek, but now that the churches in 
 Anson County had pulled out to form a new association, 
 was it not a fitting thing to change the name of the body? 
 At this session Elder J. A. Bivins offered a motion to the 
 effect that the name be changed from The BroWn Creek to 
 The Union Baptist Association. The motion carried, and 
 since then it has been called The Union Association. Be- 
 cause of its former name we call this history "The Brown 
 Creek-Union Baptist Association." 
 
 This closing remark is appended to the minutes : "Thus 
 closed in harmony and love a prosperous session of our 
 Association." Would God this could be said all the time. 
 
 The Association at this time was composed of twenty- 
 three churches wath a membership of two thousand and 
 seventy-eight and eight hundred and fifty-one in Sunday 
 School. 
 
 The above chapter marks the beginning of the era of 
 progress along nearly every line of Christian endeavor. 
 
 The thirty-first session of the Union Association met 
 with Bethel Baptist church October 15-18, 1885. The in- 
 troductory sermon was preached by Elder D. A. Snider 
 from Matt. 11:28-29. 
 
 The churches were well represented, and many visiting 
 brethren were present. At this time brethren were more 
 
Union Baptist Association. 145 
 
 anxious to attend these general meetings than they are to- 
 day. They hked to mingle together so much that they 
 would travel for miles just to spend one or two days with 
 the brethren. 
 
 The former officers were re-elected for this session. 
 Rev. G. O. Wilhoit attended this session for the first time. 
 He came as a messenger from the newly formed Anson 
 Association. ^^lissionary R. T. Br}'an of China was pres- 
 ent at this session, and made some thrilling speeches on 
 Foreign Missions. John E. Ray was Corresponding Sec- 
 retary^ of the State Mission Board at this time. He was 
 present to take part in the deliberations of the hour. 
 
 Cane Creek, a newdy organized Baptist church in the 
 southern part of Union County, was received at this ses- 
 sion of the Union Association. 
 
 The following sad note was given in the report on Obit- 
 uaries : "A young and zealous brother has been called from 
 Faulks church. J. S. Bivins was only twenty-two years 
 old. Enthusiastic in the work of the Lord, he spent one 
 year in the work of the ministry, and was called up higher. 
 Tw^o weeks of severe illness was borne with perfect resig- 
 nation to the will of Him who doeth all things well. He 
 sang one stanza of "Alas, and Did Aly Savior Bleed," and 
 immediately went to join the heavenly choir. While we 
 deeply mourn his loss, we can truly say: "Let me die the 
 death of the righteous and let my last end be like his." 
 We have mentioned this occurence above, but we could 
 not leave this sad word off. 
 
 At this session of the Union Association the delegates 
 from Olive Branch Church brought charges against the 
 Meadow Branch Church for retaining ministers who have 
 
 10 
 
146 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 received into an organization members who had been ex- 
 chided from that church. We mentioned a matter in a former 
 chapter about this same misunderstanding, and now the 
 same old serpent bobs up once more. This accusation 
 against Meadow Branch did not amount to anything. A 
 committee was appointed to investigate. We see no ac- 
 count of the report they made, so we conclude that it did 
 not amount to very much. 
 
 On Sundays of the associations during this period there 
 was preaching by two or more of the very best preachers 
 to be had. Rev. D. M. Austin and Rev. R. T. Bryan 
 preached at this session on Sunday. 
 
 The churches reported one hundred and eighteen bap- 
 tisms and a membership of eighteen hundred and eighty- 
 six. 
 
 The thirty-second session of the Union Association was 
 held with the Hopewell Baptist church October 7-10, 1886. 
 Elder A. C. Davis preached the introductory sermon from 
 Psa. cxxvi. 6. 
 
 The churches were well represented, and one church 
 petitioned for membership in this body. It was Pleasant 
 Hill, which had formerly been a member of the Rocky 
 River Association, but it was dissolved now, and since 
 Pleasant Hill was on the Union County side it desired to 
 join the Union Association. It was received. Rev. D. M. 
 Austin was re-elected Moderator and J. W. Bivins Clerk. 
 Bro. H. V. Massey was re-elected Treasurer. 
 
 Elder J. M. McCurdy, the iirst person baptized in Ca- 
 barrus County, was present as a messenger from the Aleck- 
 lenburg and Cabarrus Association. He was reared a Luth- 
 ■eran, and had never heard a Baptist preach until he was 
 
Union Baptist Association. 147 
 
 a grown up man. A tobacco man stopped in the neighbor- 
 hood of Howells Church and preached the following Sun- 
 day afternoon on "Regeneration." McCurdy said that this 
 was the first gospel he had heard, and, as a result, he was 
 baptized. The tobacco hauler proved to be Elder C. W. 
 Bessent of Davidson County. 
 
 Rev. H. W. Battle was present at this session to rep- 
 resent the Baptist Orphanage at Thomasville, and re- 
 quested that a committee be appointed to report on the 
 Orphanage at this session. Up to this time no report had 
 been made on this work. The committee made the fol- 
 lowing report: "The chief of all graces is charity. God 
 has left his poor to our care. In the development of our 
 Christian characters nothing so well shapes them as our 
 sacrificing for the support of those who cannot support 
 themselves. Whatever sacrifice we might make for Christ 
 would be small compared to what he did for us. in suffer- 
 ing the death of the cross. In giving of our necessities, 
 therefore, to the Baptist Orphanage we honor God. We 
 become more like him ; because in helping the helpless we 
 manifest his love dwelling in our hearts. For years there 
 has been a necessity for a Baptist Orphanage. The work 
 was finally undertaken, and God is raising up friends for 
 it on every side. Four buildings are already completed and 
 four more are to be built, including a chapel. Thirty-four 
 orphans arc being cared for. Besides this, measures have 
 been taken for the erection, on the grounds, of a home for 
 aged and worn-out ministers of the gospel. Who is it that 
 will not contribute to an object of this kind? This Asso- 
 ciation recommends, therefore, that the church take regu- 
 lar collections for the Baptist Orphanage and forward the 
 
148 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 amounts to J. H. JNIills, Thomasville, X. C." This was 
 the beginning of the Orphanage work in this Association. 
 We have not been awakened as we should on this impor- 
 tant workj but we see and know that the brethren were on 
 the right track when they began this wonderful enterprise. 
 
 The largest salary paid by any church during this year 
 was nine hundred dollars. Monroe was the church that 
 paid it. The lowest salary paid was twenty dollars. Sev- 
 eral of the churches reported nothing paid. We imagine 
 that the reports were correct, for we know some brethren 
 who preached to churches years at a time and did not re- 
 ceive a penny. Some we know who did not receive more 
 than five dollars. This was a trying time on the preachers, 
 and the brethren were the means the Lord used to try 
 them. 
 
 The statistics show that we were baptizing the folks, 
 but we were not training them to serve the Lord. During 
 this year we baptized two hundred and eighty-five, and 
 the total membership was two thousand three hundred 
 and thirty-seven. 
 
 The session of 1887 was held with ■Meadow Branch 
 Baptist Church October 6-9. Rev. C. Durham preached the 
 introductory sermon from Heb. xi. L 
 
 All of the churches were represented except Pleasant 
 Plains. There was a full delegation from most of the 
 churches. There seems to have been more present than 
 there usually was. 
 
 The election of officers resulted in Maj. J. B. Ashcraft 
 for Moderator and Bro. J. W. Bivins for Clerk. Bro. C. 
 A. Ashcraft was elected Treasurer. 
 
 Several visiting brethren were present at this session. 
 Prof. F. P. Hobgood, President of Oxford Female Semi- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 149 
 
 nary; Rev. J. X. Stallings, President of Thomasville Fe- 
 male College; Ero. J. ^I. Liles, from the Pee Dee Asso- 
 ciation; Rev. C. S. Farriss, editor of the Biblical Recorder, 
 and Uncle Jack [Mills, General ^lanager of the Thomas- 
 ville Baptist Orphanage. These were all welcomed by the 
 Moderator. 
 
 Xew Salem Baptist Church presented a letter to be ad- 
 mitted a member of the Union Association, but was not 
 received at this session. It had taken in a member who 
 had been excluded from the fellowship of Pleasant Plains 
 church. A committee was appointed to investigate the 
 matter more fully. The committee was composed of R. 
 Redfearn, J. L. Bennett and A\'. !\T Johnson. The fol- 
 lowing appears in the minutes of 1888: "We, your com- 
 mittee, appointed to investigate the complaint on the part 
 of Pleasant Plains Church against X^ew Salem, petitioning 
 for membership in this Association, make the following 
 report: That X^ew Salem church holds as a member and 
 as pastor Rev. H. B. King,^ he having been excluded 
 from the Pleasant Plains Church. 
 
 R. Redfearn, 
 J. W. BiviNS, 
 
 Committee. 
 
 The X'cAV Salem letter seems to have been withdrawn 
 for the time being, but in the session of 1889 they were 
 received into the fellowship of this body. ^latthews church 
 was granted a letter of dismission at this session that it 
 might join the Mecklenburg and Cabarrus Association. 
 
 The old custom of appointing a committee on obituary 
 at each session of the Association was discontinued at 
 
150 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 this session, and a historian appointed. But we are sorry 
 to say that the historian never reported anything. The im- 
 portant matters that ought to have been reported were left 
 off. The historian's excuse was that no reports had been 
 made to him. 
 
 We find this interesting item appended to the minutes 
 of 1887: 
 
 "We, the ministers of the Union Association, beg leave 
 to submit the following paper to the Association for con- 
 sideration : 
 
 "Dear Brethren: We believe that one of our greatest 
 needs is the cultivation and proper training of the children 
 and youths under our supervision. They can only be use- 
 ful and efficient as they have ability to do. We have been 
 reliably informed that the owners of Rock Rest Academy 
 will donate their house and grounds thereof to the Union 
 Association, provided the Association will maintain a good 
 school at the above named place. Rock Rest is located near 
 the center of the Association, and is noted as a healthy and 
 accessible point. And, further, the surrounding commu- 
 nity is equal in morals, sociability and hospitality to any 
 in the Association. We believe this to be the golden op- 
 portunity for the brethren of this body to establish for 
 their children a school, permanent and useful. Our body 
 numbers 2,500 members. This would be an easy work 
 for the brethren, if united and determined on it. We, the 
 ministers of the Association, do most heartily commend 
 this work to the brethren, with the assurance that we will 
 prove ourselves faithful colaborers in the work." 
 
 This was the real beginning of the Associational school 
 idea which culminated in the establishment of the Winsrate 
 
Union Baptist Association. 151 
 
 School. From the beginning of this Association the 
 brethren were strong on the education idea. Many strong 
 resokitions were offered, but the above paper was the first 
 step toward the erection of a permanent school within our 
 own bounds. We do not know what became of the above 
 petition, but if it were entirely ignored it did much good, 
 as we all can now see. 
 
 The session of 1888 was held with Rocky ]\Iount Bap- 
 tist Church October 12-13. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Elder R. II. James from Psa. xxxiv. 3. The 
 delegation was not as large as it was at the former session. 
 Rocky Alount was considerably to one side of the territory 
 covered by this Association, making it a little difficult for 
 the brethren to attend. 
 
 Grove Springs Church changed its name during the 
 year, and this time it comes up as Beaver Dam. 
 
 Elder J. A. Bivins was elected ^loderator and Bro. J. 
 W. Bivins was re-elected Clerk. Oak Grove, a newly or- 
 ganized Baptist Church, petitioned for membership at this, 
 session, and was unanimously received. 
 
 The Black Creek Church asked for a letter at this ses- 
 sion to join the Chesterfield Association. 
 
 The churches reported $5,600 contributed to all objects- 
 during the year, and a membership of 2,412. 
 
 The session of 1889 was held with Philadelphia Baptist 
 Church October 10-12. The introductory sermon was; 
 preached by Rev. J. C. Stowell from 1 Sam. xv. 23. He 
 was present in the interest of the Home Mission Board. 
 
 Bro. J. W. Bivins w^as elected Moderator and Randolph 
 Redfearn Clerk. Y. T. Chears was Treasurer. 
 
 The Rocky Alount Church asked for a letter of dismis- 
 sion to join the Anson Association. The letter was granted. 
 
152 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Pleasant Plains Church had failed to send representa- 
 tives to the Association for several times,, so the Moderator 
 appointed a committee to visit this church and ascertain 
 the cause of their neglect. We suppose that the committee 
 succeeded well, as the church was represented at the next 
 session of the Association. 
 
 The clerk has this closing word to say in the minutes: 
 
 "Reclined against the pulpit stands Old Father Davis, 
 whose achievements have gained for him unfading and 
 deathless laurels, who had made for himself an unperish- 
 able record for valor, constancy, fortitude, self-denial, 
 faithfulness, who told, as the tears trickled down his fur- 
 rowed face, of some of the work that had been done. Then, 
 said he, T know the fathers of almost all of you ; I say to 
 you, as I never expect to meet you again, die in the service 
 of your Master. Push onward and upward ; m}- motto for 
 you all at the close of this Association — -Feed my lambs ! 
 Occupy 'till I come ! God bless you all ! We must now 
 say Farewell. Fare ye well, my brethren and friends ! Fare 
 ye well, ministers of Jesus ! Fare ye all well ! Fare ye well 
 in time, fare ye well to all eternity !' " 
 
 These are, in substance, some of the words which fell 
 from the old brother's lips while the large audience sat 
 with faces bathed in tears. 
 
 This last word was added: "Thus ended one of the 
 most successful sessions of the Union Association." 
 
 'Nothing was done toward forward movements, but the 
 things which remained were greatly strengthened. This 
 means more sometimes than anything else that can be done. 
 
 The session of 1890 was held with Beaver Dam Bap- 
 tist Church October 9-11. The introductory sermon was 
 
Union Baptist Association. 153 
 
 preached by Rev. A. C. Davis from Lnke xxiv. 48. Bro. J. 
 AV. Bivins was re-elected Aloderator, Bro. Hugh Long 
 Clerk and O. ^I. Sanders Treasurer. 
 
 There was a very good representation from the churches. 
 Several visiting brethren were present. Rev. J. X. Stal- 
 lings, President of High Point Female College ; Prof. J. 
 B. Carlyle, from ^^'ake Forest, and Bro. J. W. Griffin, from 
 the Mecklenburp- and Cabarrus Association. These were all 
 welcomed to seats with the body. 
 
 Later on in the Association Rev. J. D. Xewton came in 
 the interest of the Orphanage. He was a son-in-law of 
 L'ncle Jack Alills. 
 
 Herman and Hamilton's Cross Roads petitioned for 
 membership at this session. They were found to be ortho- 
 dox and therefore were admitted. 
 
 Deep Springs Church asked for a letter of dismission 
 from this body to join the Anson Association. The letter 
 was granted. 
 
 The report of the Executive Committee at this session 
 is especially interesting. Li substance it is as follows : 
 "Elders J. L. Bennett and D. A. Snider, have supplied Oak 
 Grove the first Sabbath of each month. They have a house 
 of worship hulled in so that they can use it. They have 
 had five additions this year. The outlook is good." They 
 have also preached in the community of Steven's !Mill, but 
 have not been able to hold any meetings of days. This 
 was not very far from ]\Iount Harmony church. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Hill has labored at Hermon and has suc- 
 ceeded in organizing a church which we feel will eventually 
 be quite an asset to the cause in Union County. The 
 brethren were verv enthusiastic about missionarv work 
 
154 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 during- this period. A'lany out of the way places were sup- 
 phed by the preachers of these days. 
 
 Old Father Davis is mentioned again. He made his 
 farewell address at the last session, but he was still living 
 when this Association was held, and had more to say. The 
 clerk has this word about him: "During the session of the 
 Association Old Father Davis was present, seemingly en- 
 joying good health. 
 
 Fie spoke on Missions, and gave a brief sketch of reli- 
 gious conditions in our country fifty-nine years ago, when 
 the only available place of worship was a rude hut or the 
 open forest. 
 
 He sketched, briefly, our religious growth down the 
 fift}'-nine years of his ministry, and showed our present 
 conditions, and the great work accomplished by the min- 
 isters of this Association. 
 
 Fie pours out his soul in urging his brethren — young- 
 brethren especially — to continue the work of preaching- 
 and spreading the Gospel of Christ; we see tears roll from 
 the eyes of the people swayed by the earnestness of his 
 open heart. 
 
 Flis very presence seemed to inspire all with a feeling- 
 of reverence and enthusiasm for their Master's work. AVith 
 this the old minister of seventy-nine winters bade the 
 brethren of the LTnion Association an affectionate farewell. 
 The Baptists of this Association owe a debt of gratitude 
 to this brother which only God can pay." 
 
 Old Brother Davis preached to an attentive crowd on 
 Sunday afternoon at 2 o'clock. The house was bathed in 
 tears, and many shouted the praises of the Almighty God. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 155 
 
 This was the closing of one of the most successful ses- 
 sions of the Union Baptist Association. 
 
 The session of 1891 was held with the Shiloh Baptist 
 Church October 8-10. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. G. W. Harmon from I Cor. xv. The 
 churches were very well represeilted at the first session. 
 Bro. J. W. Bivins declined re-election as Moderator, and 
 Elder J. A. Bivins was elected in his stead; Randolph 
 Redfearn was re-elected Clerk and O. ]M. Sanders Treas- 
 urer. !Much interest was shown in Home Mission work 
 at this session. A committee in each church was appointed 
 to urge the people to do their best. 
 
 During the Association Elder A. C. Davis offered a 
 resolution that the old and worn-out preachers be cared 
 for by this Association. The Association decided to ask 
 all of the churches to take a collection for the Old Min- 
 isters' Relief Board, located at Durham, N. C.,, some time 
 during the year. This was the first time anything of this 
 kind had been mentioned in this Association. Collections 
 had been taken for individual ministers who once attended 
 this body, but nothing of a general nature along this line 
 had been done. This was another step forward. It took 
 the Baptists a long time to learn to walk. 
 
 Rev. M. L. Kesler, then representing the Colportage 
 and Sunday School work, attended this session of the 
 Union Association. He is now the General Manager of 
 the Thomasville Baptist Orphanage. 
 
 Rev. T. N. Stallings made a strong plea for female 
 education at this session of the Union Association. He 
 was then Presir^ent of the High Point Female College. 
 All of these efforts have been toward the upbuilding of 
 this section and the strengthening of the Baptist cause. 
 
156 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 This was one of the most encouraging sessions of the 
 Union Baptist Association held up to this time. 
 
 The thirty-eighth session of the Union County Baptist 
 Association was held with A\"axhaw Baptist church Octo- 
 ber 4-8/1892. The time of meeting was changed at this 
 session from Thursday before the second Sunday in Octo- 
 ber to Thursday before the second Sunday in November. 
 The change did not last long. Some of the churches were 
 not satisfied with it, and so kept sending up requests for 
 it to be moved back. Aleadow Branch was the one that 
 persisted most in this appeal, and finally it succeeded in 
 getting it moved to October, as it formerly was. 
 
 Bro. B. Clegg Ashcraft was elected Moderator for this 
 session and Randolph Redfearn Clerk. 
 
 Sandy Ridge and Antioch churches petitioned for mem- 
 bership in this body. Upon being found orthodox they 
 were admitted and their delegates were given the right 
 "hand of fellowship. 
 
 Uncle Jack Mills attended this session of the Associa- 
 tion in the interest of the Thomasville Baptist Orphanage, 
 of which he was general manager at this time. It was a 
 benediction to hear him in his gross way tell of the Fath- 
 erless Ones he had under his care. He was the originator 
 of the Orphanage work in North Carolina, and loved the 
 work as but few men have since his day. 
 
 The Moriah Church asked for a letter of dismission to 
 join the Chesterfield Association. The letter was given. 
 
 The session of 1893 was held with the church at Alon- 
 Toe November 9-11. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Elder A. C. Davis from I Cor. xv. 58. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 157 
 
 The election of officers resulted in Elder J. A. Bivins 
 for Moderator, Randolph Redfearn for Clerk and John 
 W. Bivins for Treasurer. 
 
 Rev. AI. A. Adams, the pastor of Alonroe Baptist Church, 
 made an address of welcome. The term delegate was 
 changed to messenger. This was a very wise thing. So 
 many organizations have delegates, but the churches have 
 messengers. Mount Harmony Church was received at this 
 session. It is located in Mecklenburg County, but has 
 always belonged to the Union Association. 
 
 Deep Springs church called for a letter of dismission 
 at a session a little prior to this, but now desires to be- 
 received back into this body. It was unanimously re- 
 ceived, and has remained with us ever since this time. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis was too feeble to attend this session 
 of the Association, so the brethren made him up a purse 
 of $9.25 and sent it to him. 
 
 The Executive Committee reported that they had pur- 
 chased the Protestant Methodist church house at Mount 
 Harmony at a cost of $100; the most of this amount had 
 been paid or subscribed. 
 
 The Union Baptist Sunday School Convention has a 
 minute of its session held with Hopewell Baptist Church 
 appended to the minutes of 1893. We do not know whether 
 this was the first convention or not, but this we can say : 
 they had a splendid program, and we feel sure some very 
 interesting speeches were made, since they had some very 
 strong men in attendance. Elder A. B. Caudle was Presi- 
 dent of the convention. It is a pity that it is not in exist- 
 ence todav. 
 
158 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The Union Baptist Association held its fortieth annual 
 session with Hopewell Baptist Church November 8-10, 1894. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. D. A. Sni- 
 der from Luke xi. 11. Prayer was offered by Rev. R. H. 
 James. A good representation of the messengers from the 
 churches was present. The former Moderator called the 
 session to order, and had roll of churches called and mes- 
 sengers' names enrolled. The election of officers followed, 
 which resulted in Bro. H. E. Copple for Moderator and 
 Randolph Redfearn for Clerk. Bro. J. W. Bivins was con- 
 tinued as Treasurer. 
 
 Rev. O. L. Stringfield presented himself as an agent 
 for the Woman's College, under way of construction at 
 Raleigh, N. C. He was welcomed and heard present the 
 claims of female education. To him is due, to a large de- 
 gree, the erection of Meredith College. 
 
 Dr. C. Durham preached a missionary sermon during 
 the session Friday morning. His text was "The Lord 
 added to the church daily such as should be saved." As 
 a result of this sermon every church in the Association 
 ■pledged to the Foreign Mission cause. 
 
 The sessions were harmonious, and the note of prog- 
 ress seemed to be sounded on every line. Forward ! for- 
 ward with the work of the Alaster, was the one cry. 
 
 Some remarkable changes came about during the time 
 covered by this chapter. Many of the names once used so 
 much in the workings of the Association appear no more. 
 These ten years have seen the churches organize Sunday 
 Schools, pay their pastors better salaries, and enlarge their 
 contributions to Home and Foreign Missions. The Or- 
 phanage came into existence during this time, and is now 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 159 
 
 the pride of Xorth Caroltna Baptists. The Old [Ministers' 
 ReHef Board, located at Durham, has been originated dur- 
 ing this time_, and the idea of having an associational school 
 has been advanced by the pastors of this Association. Rev. 
 'M. A. Adams leaves the First Church at Monroe and Rev. 
 Hight C. ^loore takes his place. The membership has in- 
 creased from 1.776 to 2,761. Attendance in Sunday School 
 has increased from 72 d to 1,235. The contributions have 
 increased more than hve hundred per cent. 
 
 Peace and harmony prevailed during the most of these 
 ten years. 
 
 The next chapter shows more signs of progress than 
 this. 
 
160 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 A Xew Era Begun — The Wingate School Brought 
 Into Existence — New Men Come Into the Work 
 — Old Ones Pass Out— New Ways and New Things. 
 
 This chapter begins with the forty-first session of the 
 Union Association. It now has begun to be one of the 
 estabhshed Associations of the State, and is being looked 
 to as one of the strongest rehgious bodies of the kind. 
 Many associations were organized and did not Hve long, 
 but this one was now becoming a fixture in Baptist afifairs 
 m North Carolina. The formative period has been passed, 
 things begin to take a definite shape, new men and new 
 ideas begin to bob up. The mission work is taking on new 
 life, yet the contributions are very small. Nearly all of 
 the old preachers who first labored in this Association have 
 passed out. ]^Iany new churches have been organized. 
 Alany have taken letters to other associations, and some 
 have died. 
 
 The first session of this period was held with Meadow 
 Branch Church October 10-13, 1895. The introductory 
 sermon was preached by Rev. Hight C. Moore from John 
 V. 39. 
 
 Prof. H. E. Copple was re-elected Moderator, T. \Y. 
 Maness Clerk and J. W. Bivins Treasurer. 
 
 Several visiting brethren were present. S. jMcIntyre, 
 representing the Biblical Recorder; Dr. T. H. Pritchard, 
 of Charlotte ; Dr. C. Durham, of Raleigh, and J. B. Boone, 
 of Thomasville. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 161 
 
 Two new churches presented letters for admission. The 
 first one was Union, a new Baptist church about eight miles 
 southwest of Wingate. It was received. The second was 
 Walkersville. This church was received, but we see no 
 further mention made of it. It passed out without any 
 mention being made of it in any way. This seems to have 
 been an organization without a house of worship. So far 
 as we have been able to learn, it was organized by Rev. J. 
 W. Little, and bore the local name of "Solomon's Temple." 
 It did not report a pastor, so we suppose it died an easy 
 death" before the session of 1896. 
 
 Some very strong reports were offered on Missions at 
 this session. Hight C. Moore made a splendid one on 
 Foreign Missions, but with all of this the pledges were 
 shameful. The whole amount pledged to Foreign Missions 
 was $81.00, and the amount pledged to State Missions was 
 $132.00. Has not covetousness done a deadly work among 
 Baptists ? The trouble with us has always been that we say 
 we believe a thing and we do not practice it. We have 
 claimed to be missionary, but our works do not prove it. 
 We have listened to great soul-stirring speeches on the sub- 
 ject; we have shed great tears as we have heard of desti- 
 tution in many sections of this vast world in which we live, 
 but it has stopped at this. When a collection is mentioned 
 our fervor is chilled. We drop from the highest to forty 
 degrees below spiritual zero, and go away saying, "He 
 spoiled it all by mentioning money." Is it not a shame? 
 
 The question of education had been agitated in this As- 
 sociation for several years. In a former session a resolu- 
 tion had been offered by the preachers of this Association 
 to buy the Rock Rest Academy. This matter passed with- 
 
 11 
 
162 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 out any further notice, so far as we have been able to tell 
 from the minutes, but at this session the following resolu- 
 tion was offered : 
 
 "Resolved, That Brethren J. W. Bivens, Rev. H. C. 
 Moore, O. M. Sanders, M. VV. Griffin, J. C. Sikes, B. F. 
 Parker and R. F. Beasley be appointed a Board of Trus- 
 tees to secure, if possible, without a debt on the Associa- 
 tion, suitable property in the bounds of this Association, 
 in fee simple to them and their successors, and to estab- 
 lish and control an academy of high grade for the educa- 
 tion of the boys and girls of this Association and the sur- 
 rounding country." 
 
 This resolution was unanimously adopted by the Asso- 
 ciation. We do not know just who offered it, but possibly 
 some one present at this meeting can tell all about it, and 
 since Bro. J. W. Bivens is writing the story of this school 
 we will leave that part of it off for him to tell. 
 
 This further mention of Elder E. L. Davis is made, and 
 since it is the last time, as was supposed, this old veteran 
 of the cross attended this Association, we feel that it is 
 more than fitting that we mention this matter. The clerk 
 has the following to sa}^: "At 1 o'clock Rev. H. C. Moore 
 preached from Daniel v. 30. After the sermon Rev. E. L. 
 Davis, who for sixt3^-two years has stood watchman on the 
 tower warning sinners to flee from the wrath to come, 
 gives to the Association what he believes to be his last fare- 
 well. Eyes were melted to tears as the old veteran of the 
 cross shook hands with the children in the ministry, ad- 
 monishing them to stand firm and meet him on the other 
 shore." He went home before. the next session met. His 
 
Union Baptist Association. 163 
 
 obituary appears in the minutes of the session of 1896. 
 Since we give an extended sketch of his Hfe in the bio- 
 graphical part of this book we will not make further men- 
 tion of him here. 
 
 The churches reported three hundred and forty-eight 
 baptisms this year, sixteen hundred and forty-nine in Sun- 
 day School, and a total membership of two thousand nine 
 hundred and eighty-seven. 
 
 The session of 1896 met with Olive Branch Baptist 
 Church October 8-10. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. D. A. 
 Snider from II Tim. iv. 
 
 H. E. Copple was re-elected Moderator, T. W. Maness 
 Clerk and J. W. Bivins Treasurer. Some very important 
 reports were made concerning the Wingate School. The 
 committee appointed at the last session had secured a lot 
 from Bro. G. M. Stewart and had begun the school. They 
 suggested the school be called The Wingate School out of 
 respect to the memory of Dr. Wingate, formerly president 
 of Wake Forest College. The Association adopted the 
 name, and it has borne it since this time. 
 
 The churches reported two hundred and eight baptisms 
 during 1896, fifteen hundred and ninety-five in Sunday 
 School, and a total membership of three thousand and sev- 
 enty-seven. It now had twenty-six churches on its list. 
 
 The session of 1897 was held with Oak Grove Baptist 
 Church October 7-9. The introductory sermon was preached 
 by Rev. R. H. James from Romans xii. 5. 
 
 H. E. Copple was re-elected Moderator, T. W. Maness 
 Clerk and J. W. Bivens Treasurer. Corinth, a newly or- 
 ganized Baptist church, presented a letter at this session of 
 
164 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 the Association. It seems to be near the place where the 
 Old Cross Roads Church stood. The Old Cross Roads 
 Church was expelled once, got on its feet again and then 
 died, but this new church came into existence to stay alive. 
 It was received, and has been active and very aggressive 
 since this time. It is one of the best churches in this Asso- 
 ciation. It is always ready to take hold of anything the 
 Association needs to propagate. It has a good W. M. U., 
 and has given considerable to the Million Dollar Fund. 
 
 This Association was the first one to mention Woman's 
 Work. No W. M. U.'s are mentioned as being organized, 
 but some very strong resolutions were offered by Hight C. 
 Moore, who was pastor of Monroe Baptist Church at this 
 time. Since this time many strong Unions have been or- 
 ganized. (For complete account see sketch in this book.) 
 
 A Sunday School Convention had been organized a few 
 years before this, and lasted for three years, but it failed 
 to meet during the summer of this year, so a resolution 
 was offered to resurrect it the following summer. This 
 was a great thing while it was in operation, and according 
 to statistics it did much toward enlivening the work. When 
 it went down there was a great decrease in the Sunday 
 School work. The report showed that several hundred 
 had fallen out. 
 
 A motion carried at this Association to appoint one 
 person in each church to raise money to aid Bro. A. C. 
 Baker, who was then a student at Louisville Baptist Theo- 
 logical Seminary. The body seems to have been in sym- 
 pathy with education, but has not encouraged the young 
 preachers who have come up within her bounds to secure 
 an education. All of those who have eone to colles:e from 
 
Uniox Baptist Association. 165 
 
 this section have gone to other fields ; those who have not 
 gone to college have remained. It ought not to be this way. 
 
 Bro. A. D. Candle was the Associational Missionary 
 this year. He reported nine months' work, during which 
 time he had preached twenty-five sermons, made thirty-two 
 religious talks, traveled two hundred and seventeen miles, 
 made sixty-five visits, sold four books, gave away thirty 
 tracts, collected fifty-three cents. He received seventy-five 
 dollars for this work. 
 
 The charter of the W'ingate School appears in the min- 
 utes of 1897. 
 
 The churches reported 236 baptisms this year, a total 
 membership of 2,343, and 1,589 in Sunday School. The 
 total amount given during this year was $3,496.11. The 
 most paid any pastor at this time was $600. This was paid 
 by the Monroe Church. 
 
 The session of 1898 was held with the ]\Ieadow Branch 
 Baptist Church October 6-8. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. T. P. Little from xx. 8. This is spoken 
 of as one of the very best sessions of this Association. It 
 showed signs of progress on every line, but not as much 
 as it ought to have done. 
 
 H. E. Copple was re-elected ^Moderator by acclamation, 
 R. F. Beasley Clerk, by ballot; J. \Y. Bivens was re-elected 
 Treasurer by acclamation. 
 
 Prof. F. P. Hobgood, from Oxford Seminary, and Dr. 
 E. W. Sikes, from Wake Forest, were present at this session 
 and made some very strong speeches in favor of Christian 
 Education. 
 
 ]\It. Olive presented a letter at this session. It had 
 been a member of this body for many years, but had taken 
 
166 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 a letter to join the Pee Dee, but now it comes back, and 
 has remained a member of this body since this time. It 
 was at Mt. Ohve that the Brown Creek Association was 
 organized, and because of this the Association felt like it 
 was the child of this church. It had now become the Union, 
 but it was still the same body, and this church desired to 
 again become a member of it. New Home, Hamilton's 
 Cross Roads and North Monroe were also received at this 
 session. New Home is not mentioned with the others re- 
 ceived, but it is in the list with the other churches com- 
 posing this Association. 
 
 The Association at this time passed a resolution that 
 it forever hereafter pay the expenses of its' delegates to the 
 Southern Baptist Convention. This has been forgotten, or 
 the brethren do not think a resolution means anything. 
 How sad to think that a body will pass a resolution and 
 then ignore it entirely. We must stop this. We have gone 
 over the minutes of this Association for more than forty 
 years, and, to our sorrow, we have found resolution after 
 resolution absolutely ignored. We hope that this resolu- 
 tion may be resurrected, and that whoever is appointed 
 to attend the next session of the Southern Baptist Con- 
 vention may have his expenses paid by the churches com- 
 posing this Association. 
 
 The Wingate School had a prominent place in all the 
 deliberations of the Association from its birth up to this 
 time. The reports show that it was quite a success in 
 every way. 
 
 The financial report to this Association showed that 
 $87.50 had been raised for Home Missions, $110 for State 
 Missions, and $105.50 for Foreign Missions; Orphanage, 
 
Union Baptist Association. 167 
 
 $98.55; Ministerial Education, $24.18. The churches re- 
 ported 157 baptisms during the year, a total membership 
 of 3,130. 
 
 The forty-fifth session of the Union Baptist Associa- 
 tion was held with Beaver Dam Baptist Church. This 
 church now becomes Alarshville. The Association con- 
 vened October 5th and continued over the following Sun- 
 day. 
 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. A. C. 
 Davis. His subject was "The Spirit of Missions." His 
 text is not given in the minutes of this session. Bro. J. W. 
 Bivens was elected the permanent Moderator of the Asso- 
 ciation. It is not said just what the body meant by the 
 term "permanent moderator," but we think the intention 
 of it was that no other Moderator should be elected as long 
 as he would serve. This was a very good resolution, and 
 one that would eliminate much contention if followed out., 
 Bro. R. F. Beasley was elected Clerk and F. B. Ashcraft 
 Treasurer, which position he held until his death in 1919. 
 He made a most faithful one. 
 
 King Street, Waxhaw, presented a letter at this session 
 and was unanimously received. 
 
 Miss Fannie E. S. Heck was present at this session to 
 present Woman's Work. This was the first time such a 
 thing had been done. To show the spirit of the Associa- 
 tion in regard to this matter we give the first report offered 
 on Woman's Work. 
 
 Woman's Work. . - • 
 I suppose the subject should be limited to woman's work 
 for Christ or in the spread of the gospel. What may 
 
168 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 women do? Anything- that man may do, unless prohibited 
 Toy the Bible. We read in Acts ii. 17, quoted from Joel, 
 "And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I 
 will pour out my spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and 
 your daughters shall prophesy, etc." And the Book tells 
 us this prophecy was fulfilled. We are told again that a 
 •company or society of women followed Christ and minis- 
 tered unto Him and His disciples of their substance. And 
 again, that there was an aid society, presided over by Dor- 
 cas, who did much to relieve the wants of the poor. And, 
 once more, we read of the woman who made the contribu- 
 tion and performed the loving" service that elicited from 
 the Master's lips the encomium, "She hath done what she 
 could." Wherever the gospel has gone woman has been 
 blessed and has always been found faithful. 
 
 We congratulate the sisters on the splendid progress 
 they are making. Thousands of letters, cards, leaflets, etc., 
 have been sent out and the magnificent sum of $6,929.25 
 was given to missions by the 'women of North Carolina 
 during the last conventional year. 
 
 They are doing a much needed and greatly appreciated 
 work in sending mission boxes to the poorly paid, sacri- 
 ficing frontier missionaries. 
 
 Every since Paul wrote to the pastor at Philippi, urging 
 him to help those women that "labored" with him "in the 
 gospel," faithful and consecrated women have been found 
 among the most loyal and loving supporters of many a 
 hard worked pastor and missionary. We would most cor- 
 dially, therefore, recommend that our pastors encourage 
 and aid, as they no doubt will be forward to do, the women 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 169 
 
 in every proper effort for the dissemination of the gospel 
 and the estabhshment of the ^Master's kingdom. 
 
 Respectfully, A. M. Croxton. 
 
 Aged ^linisters' Relief had a good place in the program 
 of this Association. The report ^vas made by Bro. J. W. 
 Biyens, and is as follo\ys : 
 
 Aged Ministers' Relief. 
 
 Seeing the needs of some provision to aid faithful min- 
 isters of our denomination, \vho, from age or infirmity, 
 were no longer able to "preach the gospel," and therefore 
 ""liye of the gospel," the convention, about the year 1890, 
 organized the Aged Ministers' Relief Board, and made it 
 the duty of this board to hunt up this class of the Lord's 
 poor and ask the churches throughout the State to con- 
 tribute to their relief. 
 
 Since its organization many worthy ministers and their 
 wives, or indigent widows, have been helped in this way. 
 There are fourteen families now receiving aid through 
 this board. Only four of these were received when the 
 board was first organizd. Many who have been received 
 have gone to their reward. \"ery few remain long upon 
 the board. The board is very careful about receiving any 
 who are unworthy. Some applications are refused on that 
 ground, and some are dismissed after having been received. 
 
 The amount contributed to this object last year was 
 $918.09; and since last convention $511.39, as reported in 
 last Recorder. The board has a permanent interest bear- 
 ing fund of a little over $2,000, of which only the interest 
 is used. One-third of all amounts contributed eo to this 
 
170 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 fund and is invested in unincumbered real estate securities. 
 The other two-thirds, with interest on amount invested, is 
 given to the beneficiaries of the board. The secretary of 
 the boards Rev. J. F. McGuffie, Rock Spring, N. C, says 
 the work is very hopeful and encouraging. It certainly 
 commends itself to every lover of the Lord Jesus, who 
 shall finally say unto them on the right hand, 'Tnasmuch 
 as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, 
 ye have done it unto me." "Ye have the poor with you al- 
 ways, and whensoever ye will, ye may do them good." 
 
 Will not every church take at least one collection for 
 this object during the ensuing Associational year? And if 
 there are any needy of this class in our midst, see that they 
 are not neglected. Respectfully, 
 
 J. W. BlVENS. 
 
 The discussion which followed this report was the 
 warmest we have seen any account of in the minutes of this 
 Association. Many very striking things were said. Among 
 them Rev. R. H. James said that it would not be a disgrace 
 for a preacher to die in a poor house, but it would be a 
 disgrace to the people for whom he had preached and la- 
 bored. Brother Hotchkiss said that preachers ought to 
 preach against covetousness more. Giving was not urged 
 upon the laity as it should be, but if his idea was carried 
 out what would become of some of the poor dried-up cov- 
 etousness church members? They go to church little 
 enough now. Would they go at all if more were said about 
 giving? We fear not. 
 
 The question of Missions Avas discussed in this session 
 more vigorously than before.. During the discussion Bro. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 171 
 
 A. 'M. Croxton said: "If there is a preacher here who has 
 never preached a sermon on giving without feehng a cold 
 chill coming from the audience, I would like for him to 
 stand up." No one stood up. Bro. A. B. Caudle said that 
 too many Baptists are quarantined against the spirit of 
 missions. This is too true today. 
 
 J. L. Bennett said during this hot discussion : "The 
 spirit of missions should connect our hearts with the utter- 
 most parts of the earth ; the world is the field, and the 
 man who believes in home missions and not in foreign mis- 
 sions is like the farmer who has a brag patch near his 
 house and lets the remainder of his farm grow up in 
 weeds." This was well said, sure. 
 
 Dr. E. W. Sikes said: "There is not a land so dark, an 
 island so distant, people so ignorant, that our foreign 
 board will not send them a missionary." 
 
 This was an epochal meeting. The Spirit of God was 
 in it. Alen's hearts warmed up as never before. Speeches 
 had been made on these subjects, but nothing like this since 
 the early days of the Association, when Silas J. Fincher, 
 A. L. Stough and E. L. Davis came with the eloquence of 
 a Demosthenes and moved the people to believe that the 
 gospel was for the whole world. This meeting showed 
 that the Association was coming- to its own as not before. 
 "Onward," was the slogan cry now. If the spirit of this 
 meeting had been kept up we could have been doing many 
 things we are leaving off at present. The trouble has al- 
 ways been that our people, like this Association did here, 
 get warmed up but partially. The warmth does not get 
 into their pocketbooks. ' '' 
 
172 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The session of 1900 was held with the Monroe First 
 church, and in many ways it was a continuation of the one 
 held with Marshville the year previous. It convened Octo- 
 ber 11th, and continued for four days, including Sunday. 
 Many visiting brethren were present to add all they could 
 to the work of the blaster, as it was being done by this 
 body. Among the brethren was Dr. R. T. Vann, then 
 President of the Baptist Female University for Women. 
 He made some thrilhng speeches on education and mis- 
 sions. 
 
 Bro. T. W. Bivens was continued as Moderator, R. F. 
 Beasley Clerk, and F. B. y\shcraft Treasurer. 
 
 This session was really a connecting link between the 
 former session and the one in 1901. Many signs of prog- 
 ress could be seen, and many steps forward were taken. 
 The churches were pledging more liberally than they did 
 at first, and more of them were joining in with progressive 
 movements that our denomination felt like that it ought 
 to support. 
 
 The churches reported 211 baptisms this year and a 
 membership of 3,560. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. D. A. Snider from Acts xx. 35, subject, 
 ■ "Giving." The clerk has this word to say about the ser- 
 mon : "It was a good sermon, full of Bible truth." 
 
 J. W. Bivins was Aloderator of this session. Rev. A. 
 B. Caudle Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
 The session of 1901 was held wuth Mill Creek Baptist 
 Church October 10-13. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. A. B. Caudle from Matt. xi. 6, Mark 
 viii. 15, subject, "The Three Leavens." 
 
 Dr. A. M. Croxton was elected Moderator, A. B. Caudle 
 Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 173 
 
 Petitions were presented from Mountain Springs, Sar- 
 dis and Roanoke asking for admission into this body. They 
 were received. 
 
 Bro. J. W. Bailey, editor of the Biblical Recorder, was 
 present, and made a powerful speech. The clerk has this 
 word about it : "J. W. Bailey made an address on this sub- 
 ject (Christian Education), in which he reviewed our his- 
 tory in the past, telling of the sore trials and disadvan- 
 tages through which our Baptist cause has come to its 
 present greatness and power, how in this land of libetry 
 we have grown and multiplied. For height and depth, and 
 breadth, point and pith, we never heard this speech sur- 
 passed." 
 
 Rev. L. Johnson, Corresponding Secretary of the State- 
 Mission Board, was present at this session, and preached 
 on Sunday morning. It was his first visit to this Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 The reports to this session showed considerable im- 
 provement along Sunday School lines. More than two 
 thousand were now enrolled in the Sunday Schools of the 
 churches composing this x\ssociation, but still there was 
 not more than twenty per cent of the church members en- 
 rolled. 
 
 The forty-eighth session of the Union Association was- 
 held with Old Waxhaw Baptist Church October 9-11, 1902. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. S. F. Con- 
 rad, representative of the North Carolina Baptist, a paper 
 that was very widely circulated at this time, but later con- 
 solidated with the Biblical Recorder. His text was not 
 given, we are sorry to say. We are arranging to prepare 
 a table of the meetings of this Association, giving all the: 
 
174 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 places of meeting, the moderators, the clerks, preachers 
 and texts of sermons. But since some of them are not 
 given, we cannot give a complete one.* 
 
 The following churches and delegates were repre- 
 sented : 
 
 Antioch — J. X. Hagler, J. H. Presson, Lonnie Green. 
 
 Benton's Cross Roads — J. K. Trull, J. S. Benton, Jo- 
 siah Simpson. 
 
 Bethel — ^1. D. Tadlock, R. F. Krimmingee, H. B. 
 Moore. 
 
 Corinth— W. S. Walters, J. B. Price, U. V. King. 
 
 Deep Springs — C. C. Davis, J. W. High, Wm. Braswell. 
 
 Ebenezer— G. W. Baucom, j. E. Rowell, J. M. Hill. 
 
 Fairfield— J. S. Williams, J. A. Kiser, J. H. Mills. 
 
 Faulks — S. J. Helms, A. M. Newsome, T. E. Bivens. 
 
 Hermon — W. H. Helms, J- H. Deese, B. F. Baker. 
 
 Hopewell — J. C. Hough, L R. Duncan, W. A. Faulk. 
 
 Hamilton's Cross Roads — AT. L. Sinclair, W. F. Grififin, 
 J. Baker Staton. 
 
 Macedonia — N. A. Funderburk, D. A. Outen, J. B. 
 jN'Iangum. 
 
 Marshville— H. G. Ashcraft, B. H. Griffin, J. E. Austin. 
 
 Meadow Branch— H. C. Moore, J. H. Williams, J. A, 
 Williams. 
 
 Mill Creek— E. E. Braswell, L. S. Helms, T. A. J. 
 Price. 
 
 Monroe— J. H. Benton, Dr. J. W. Neal, R. F. Beasley. 
 
 North Monroe— D. A. Mauney, Wm. Privett, B. B. 
 Privett. 
 
 *For lack of space we were compelled to omit the table. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 175 
 
 Mount Harmony — J. E. Sustare, A. M. Newell, R. Gib- 
 son, J. O. Hall. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant— C. C. Parker, B. L. Godwin, J. F. Byrd. 
 
 Mt. Olive — E. E. Leonard, A. Lowery, C. E. Rushing. 
 
 Mountain Springs — W. B. Griffin, J. C. Moore, A. D. 
 Moore. 
 
 New Home — R. Atkinson, S. Stegall, John Williams. 
 
 New Plope — Not represented. 
 
 New Salem — D. J. Helms, Vernon Long, John A. 
 Williams. 
 
 Olive Branch — Wilson Curran, W. L. Parker, L. Sin- 
 clair. 
 
 Oak Grove— H. M. Keziah, R. S. Spittle, J. F. Gordon, 
 Marcus Austin. 
 
 Pleasant Hill— L. F. Austin, J. M. Birmingham, B. M. 
 Howard. 
 
 Philadelphia— J. G. Gullege, H. C. Smith, M. L. Baker. 
 
 Roanoke— A. F. Hagler, A. M. Price, A. F. Fowler. 
 
 Sandy Ridge — G. J. Richardson, D. C. Montgomery, D. 
 J. Melton. 
 
 Sardis — I. A. Hunneycutt, W. B. Foard, E. Presley. 
 
 Shiloh— F. M. Sutton, W. J. Sutton, N. R. Helms. 
 
 Union — J. P. Home, J. F. Carelock, W. L. Thomas, 
 H. F. Parker. 
 
 Waxhaw— H. J. A/[cManus, J. S. Billue, W. M. Crow. 
 
 King Street— J. W. Powell, W. S. King, A. J. Blythe. 
 
 Dr. A. M. Croxton was chosen for Moderator, R. F. 
 P)easley Clerk, and Bro. F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
 Fairfield, a newly organized Baptist church in New 
 Salem township, was admitted at this session of 'this As- 
 sociation. 
 
176 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The question of temperance was discussed at length 
 during this session. The report was read by Rev. S. F. 
 Conrad, who had been requested to write on the subject. 
 The following resolution was offered at 'the close of this 
 session : "On motion the Association as a bod)^ requested 
 the county commissioners not to grant license to any one 
 to sell liquors, and the following committee was appointed 
 to lay the request before the county commissioners : J. W. 
 Bivens, A. M. Croxton, R. F. Beasley, R. H. James and 
 A. C. Davis." Many reports had been made on this sub- 
 ject at the Session prior to this one, but nothing definite 
 had been undertaken along this line. This county was 
 terribly infected with the liquor business at one time, but 
 this action, together with other things that brought great 
 pressure against this pernicious business, finally put it out. 
 That one may see the nature of the report handed in by 
 Rev. Conrad w^e give it below : 
 
 Temperance. 
 
 The cause of temperance has made great progress in 
 the last several years. This is true of the churches and 
 also of a general public sentiment. There are now only 
 a few associations in the State which retain in their fel- 
 lowship churches which allow their members to engage in 
 the manufacture and sale of intoxicating liquors. The 
 great damage to morals, character and business are of 
 such frequent note that greater protection is demanded for 
 schools, churches and the home — and the frequent occur- 
 rence of crimes, suicides and untimely deaths has greatly 
 aroused a feeling of aversion to the legalized sale of liquor. 
 There are now forty-seven counties in the State in which 
 
Union Baptist Association. 177 
 
 its sale is not licensed. Much has been done through 
 wholesome and judicious legislation. We therefore urge 
 our people not to give their suffrages to men who are the 
 friends of the liquor traffic, and to vote only for men of 
 unquestioned morals and who stand for the protection of 
 home, good government and good. citizenship. 
 
 Several churches have sent in requests that this Asso- 
 ciation ask the county commissioners not to grant license 
 for the sale of liquor. We therefore recommend that this 
 Association adopt a preamble and resolutions looking to 
 this end. We recommend that the following editorial from 
 the Southern Christian Advocate be given a place in our 
 minutes : 
 
 "The statement is frequently made that there is no 
 harm in moderate drinking, and that a Christian may in- 
 dulge to a certain extent without any detriment to his 
 spirituality. We deny the assumption ; it is utterly false. 
 Xo Christian can live in communion with God and attain 
 a high standard of piety who habitually indulges in strong 
 drink, however moderately. It blunts a man's moral per- 
 ceptions, impairs his moral convictions, obtunds sensitive- 
 ness of conscience, destroys all the finer sentiments of his 
 better nature, drives all desire after holiness out of the 
 heart, and expels from the soul that hungering and thirst- 
 ing after righteousness which is ever the characteristic of 
 the earnest and aspiring Christian. Besides, it neutralizes 
 a Christian's influence for good. Xo one has any confi- 
 dence in the religion of the drinking Christian ( ?) . But 
 more than that: the example of the moderate drinker is 
 more pernicious than that of the confirmed drunkard who 
 reels along the street and falls into the gutter. It is not 
 
 12 
 
178 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 the example of the sot^ but the example of the moderate 
 drinker, often a church member, that encourages boys and 
 young men to drink. The professing Christian who in- 
 dulges in moderate drinking is a stumbling block over 
 which young men will at last fall into a drunkard's grave." 
 
 This meant business, and it did the work. 
 
 The clerk appended some of the striking things said 
 during the Association. Wq give them to add some in- 
 teresting matter to this history: 
 
 . "No preacher can develop a people who do not read." 
 —A. C. Davis. 
 
 "I bless God that he put it into the hearts of some 
 men to love orphans. I love Jack Mills as I love no other 
 man, because he was the father of the Orphanage work in 
 North Carolina." — R. H. James. 
 
 "After traveling over our state for two years, I have 
 been more impressed with our possibilities." — L. Johnson. 
 
 "It is an idle boast to say that the Baptists of North 
 Carolina deserve more credit than anybody else for the 
 educational awakening in the state." — L. Johnson. 
 
 "North Carolina is going to be the Baptist Eden of the 
 Southern Baptist Convention if we do our duty." — L. John- 
 son. 
 
 "Opportunity, coupled with ability, is the measure of 
 one's responsibility, and opportunity is God's call to duty." 
 — Rev. A. D. Hunter. 
 
 "Brother Biven's report on Woman's Work is the best 
 report I ever read." — Rev. A. D. Hunter. 
 
 Since the last word was uttered, is it not fitting that 
 I give the report on Woman's \\^ork as it was read by Bro. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 179 
 
 J. W. Bivens at this session of the Union Association? 
 We thinlc so at least, and so we give it : 
 
 Woman's Work. 
 
 Every one will admit that woman has a work to do — 
 a peculiar and distinctive work that harmonizes with the 
 divine fitness of things. We cannot discuss every phase 
 of it in this report, but there are three departments of 
 woman's work that effect, to a A-ery great extent, our 
 growth as a religious denomination and the extension of 
 Christ's kingdom among men : 
 
 First — The home, woman's kingdom, where lies her 
 first and greatest duties. Jesus honored the home where 
 Martha served, and Mary sat at his feet and learned. Paul 
 says that they should "Keep silence in the churches" and 
 be "keepers at home." Read I Cor. xiv. 34, 35; I Tim. 
 ii. 9-12, and Tit. ii. 5. 
 
 Second — Local church work; helping in all matters 
 pertaining to the church and contributing of her means to 
 its support. Of the woman that anointed His feet with 
 ointment Jesus said: "She hath done what she could." 
 A beautiful type of woman, sacrificing for the comfort and 
 encouragement of God's ministers. 
 
 Third — Mission work. Of the widow that gave two 
 mites He said : "She hath given more than they all." The 
 true mission spirit. Great things have been accomplished 
 in recent years by the woman's missionary societies of our 
 Southern Convention. They have done nobly. But only 
 a few churches in our Association have these societies. Re- 
 ports from these churches prove their helpfulness. Then 
 
180 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 why not every church avail itself of this auxiliary in the 
 prosecution of its work? 
 
 In conclusion, let our pastors not be slow to recognize 
 the helpfulness and encourage and utilize the consecrated 
 efforts of the sisters ; and let our churches encourage them 
 in every way possible to honor the Master by their best 
 efforts to serve Him as "keepers at home," "attendants 
 upon the sanctuary," in "ministering to the necessities of 
 the saints," and in their organized efforts for the spread 
 of His gospel. 
 
 Respectfully submitted, J. W. Bivens. 
 
 There had not been many reports of this kind handed 
 in, but things were taking such a decided turn that we must 
 mention all we can of these forward moves. We wish that 
 we might give all the reports that were made on all the 
 subjects which came before this body. 
 
 Seven churches made no report on Sunday School work, 
 but since they had schools the year before we conclude that 
 they had them, but failed to report. 
 
 The session of 1903 was held with the Philadelphia Bap- 
 tist Church October 8th, 9th and 10th. It was one of the 
 best sessions in the history of the body. The clerk says 
 that the messengers attended well, and the good and hos- 
 pitable people of Lanes Creek, the location of Philadelphia, 
 left nothing to be desired in the way of entertainment. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. R. H. 
 James, on the subject of holding fast that which we have. 
 His text was in Rev. iii. 11. There were a number of good 
 speeches, and zeal in the work ran high ; so high that the 
 Association took a decided step forward, and resolved to 
 support a missionary on the foreign field. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 181 
 
 Rev. W. F. Watson, now pastor of Monroe, was chosen 
 for Moderator, R. F. Beasley Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft 
 Treasurer. 
 
 The only thing of much importance at this session was 
 the report on Foreign A.Iissions, read by Rev. ^I. D. L. 
 Preslar. The wave of enthusiasm ran very high. The 
 same spirit that overran the brethren in their meeting at 
 Old Waxhaw the year before struck them here, and they 
 went wild over the question of Foreign Missions. They 
 resolved again to support a missionary on the foreign 
 field. Pledges were taken, and they show that some real 
 progress had been made. Monroe Church pledged two 
 hundred dollars and Meadow Branch sixty. They had 
 not gone so high before. The truth of it is, they have 
 not improved much on this at this time. Bro. L. W. 
 Pierce was assigned to this Association as their mission- 
 ary. He was located at Yang Chow, China. Have we 
 one there now ? Why have we not ? Are we not as able 
 to support one now as the brethren were in these days ? 
 Did they get thirty cents for their cotton, two dollars for 
 their corn, fifty cents for their butter, thirty cents for their 
 eggs? By no' means. We give more than they did then, 
 but do we have the interest in the cause that they had? 
 If we had as much enthusiasm as they we could do so 
 much more than they did. There is too much machinery 
 about our affairs these days. We have reduced every- 
 thing to a system that is good so far, but not too far. 
 Any system becomes formal if it is not propagated in the 
 right way. The Spirit of the Master must dominate all 
 of our meetings, and all of our systems, or they become 
 formal. There is nothing dry or formal, nor is there a 
 
182 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 lack of enthusiasm when He takes the lead in things. He 
 was in these meetings. Now we discuss these important 
 questions too hurriedly. Then they took their time for 
 it. Let us notice the development of this question as the 
 sessions are held. 
 
 The fiftieth session of the Union Association was held 
 with Mt. Harmony Baptist Church Tuesday, October 6th, 
 7th and 8th, 1904. The introductory sermon was preached 
 b^' Rev. W. F. Watson. His text is not given in the 
 minutes, but his theme was "Onward, Baptist." 
 
 All of the churches reported at the first session except 
 Hermon. The rules of order were suspended, and Rev. 
 W. F. Watson was re-elected Moderator, R. F. Beasley 
 Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
 A very interesting report on periodicals was read by 
 Bro. R. F. Beasley. Since it mentions periodicals then in 
 existence which have passed out at this time we give his 
 report : 
 
 Periodicals. 
 
 Believing in the immense power of the printed page 
 and in the religious newspaper as a potent factor for the 
 enlightenment, unification, concentration and upbuilding of 
 moral and spiritual forces, your committee would heartily 
 commend the following periodicals: 
 
 The Baptist Messenger, our excellent Associational 
 monthly, is published at Alonroe at twenty-five cents a 
 year. Has a bona fide list of 700 subscribers. It contains 
 information and stimulus regarding the work in our own 
 bounds, and is worthy of a place in every Baptist home in 
 the countv. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 183 
 
 The Biblical Recorder, for more than seventy years 
 the efficient organ of the North Carolina Baptist, was never 
 more ably edited than today. It covers all parts of our 
 State Convention work, and is a great medium of news 
 and views of our statewide brotherhood. 
 - He also mentions Charity and Children, the Home and 
 Foreign Field and Sunday School periodicals published by 
 the Board at Nashville, Tenn. 
 
 You will notice that this report mentions The Baptist 
 Messenger, published at Monroe. This was published at 
 Wingate a little later on, but soon stopped for lack of sup- 
 port. It was a great little paper and contained much in- 
 formation along historical lines. It was a great pity to 
 let it go down, but it died. During this session Wolf 
 Pond and King Street churches asked for the ordination 
 of Rev. J. W. Rowell. The matter was acted upon and 
 referred back to King Street. Brother Rowell was or~ 
 dained here a little later on. 
 
 The Foreign Alission question was still pretty warm 
 at this session. The pledges were increased considerably.. 
 Bro. L. W. Pierce was still their missionary in China. 
 
 The State Mission work was done by the Associational: 
 Executive Committee. If a church wanted help, it peti- 
 tioned the Association, and it endorsed the request, or set 
 it aside. Roanoke asked for $15.00 and Sar^iis asked for 
 $25.00; King Street asked for $50.00 at this session of 
 the Association. We give this bit of information to show 
 how things were done at this time. This was an inde- 
 pendent body. It did not rely upon the State Board for 
 anything. They managed their own affairs and reported 
 their work to the Board. 
 
184 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The churches reported 207 baptisms this year, and a 
 membership of 3,666. The most salary paid any preacher 
 at this time was $1,150. Monroe paid this. The other 
 churches were graduall}^ going up on their pastors' sala- 
 ries. Some of them had gone from a mere pittance to a 
 hundred or more dollars. 
 
 The Union Baptist Association met with Meadow 
 Branch Baptist Church in its fifty-first session October 
 5-8, 1905. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. 
 M. D. L. Preslar from Isa. liv. 2, subject, "God's Call to 
 Zion." 
 
 W. F. Watson was re-elected ^Moderator, J. W. Bivens 
 A^ice-Moderator, R. F. Beasley Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft 
 Treasurer. This is the first time the Association elected a 
 vice-moderator. If they had one before this time no men- 
 tion was made of it. The Constitution and By-Laws were 
 revised and amended at this session. There was not many 
 changes made in them. The only thing worth mentioning 
 was the clause relating to the Wingate School. It reads 
 thus : "The Association shall fill vacancies on the Board 
 of Trustees of the Wingate School, as provided by the 
 Charter of said school." 
 
 The report on temperance, made at this session, was 
 very encouraging. It states great improvement has been 
 made all over this state of ours, and that the officers of 
 the law are doing all they can to see that the prohibition 
 laws are enforced to the letter. The following resolution 
 v/as unanimously adopted : "WHiereas, As the liquor traf- 
 fic of the present day has become one of the greatest evils 
 of modern times, and is declared to be more destructive 
 to human life than the three great curses of war, pesti- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 185 
 
 lence and famine, bringing- untold misery, sorrow and woe 
 upon the land, filling the land with paupers and orphans, 
 and our jails and penitentiaries with criminals; and 
 
 "Whereas, As we believe the total abolition of the 
 liquor traffic in the whole state to be the most effectual 
 method of dealing with this monster evil; and whereas, 
 as the few remaining places where it is manufactured and 
 sold to be a menace to those communities and section 
 where the people have rid themselves of the traffic ; there- 
 fore be it 
 
 "Resolved, That we, the delegates and members of the 
 Union Baptist Association do hereby express our universal 
 condemnation of the liquor traffic, and desire that our next 
 legislative assembly shall submit to the qualified voters of 
 the state an amendment to our State Constitution totally 
 abolishing the manufacture and sale of liquor from our 
 state, and ask that this Association, composed of thirty-five 
 churches and 3,666 members, appoint, through its Moder- 
 ator, a delegation of five members to carry these resolu- 
 tions before the General Assembly, and urge their enact- 
 ment into law. 
 
 "Resolved, further. That the members and delegates of 
 this Association are unalterably opposed to any change of 
 the temperance laws at present existing in the County of 
 Union." 
 
 This resolution was unanimously adopted by the Asso- 
 ciation, but have not been able to find out if a committee 
 was appointed to carry these resolutions to the General 
 Assembly. 
 
 Prof. T. B. Ashcraft was making some historical re- 
 search at this time, especially concerning the Union Asso- 
 
186 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 ciation. The Association heartily endorsed his work, and 
 desired him to continue the research. He failed to get the 
 data he wished, and stopped the work. We are sorry that 
 he did not continue to write and publish the historical mat- 
 ter concerning this Association. It would have saved us 
 so much time and labor. 
 
 The following motion was made by Bro. J. W. Bivens 
 and unanimously adopted : 
 
 "That in addition to the subjects already before the 
 Association the ]\Ioderator, at the beginning of next ses- 
 sion, appoint a committee on the spiritual condition of the 
 churches, and that the public reading of the letters from 
 the churches be omitted and the letters placed in the hands 
 of above-named committee, to make a complete digest of 
 them all. and report the same to the Association as early 
 as possible." This custom is still continued by the Asso- 
 ciation. Tt has saved much time. 
 
 The session of 1905 was a very interesting one, and 
 while it did not have as- much enthusiasm along some lines, 
 yet there were signs of progress. 
 
 The session of 1906 was held with Shiloh Baptist 
 Church October 11-4. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. A. C. Davis. His text is not given in 
 the minutes. 
 
 Bro. J. W. Bivens was elected Moderator, H. E. Copple 
 Vice-Moderator, R. F. Beasley Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft 
 Treasurer. 
 
 North Monroe Church had dropped out for a few years, 
 but was reorganized, and petitioned for membership in the 
 Union Association at this session. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 187 
 
 This interesting matter was given in the report on the 
 Orphanage work by George P. Harrell : "There are 320' 
 children at the Orphanage this year. We have employed 
 7 males and 21 females. We have 9 teachers in the school 
 department. George P. Harrell is pastor of the Orphanage 
 Church. We have services twice a month, first and third 
 Sundays. Charity and Children has a circulation of 10,250 
 copies. Three hundred and fifty-six Sunday Schools are 
 giving monthly oflferings to the Orphanage. We have 400 
 acres of land, worth $15,000; buildings worth $60,000. 
 Invested fund, $102,000. Total value of all property, $177,- 
 000." Was this not marvelous progress since its beginning 
 in 1885? 
 
 The committee reported the following facts gathered' 
 from the letters : 
 
 "1905 showed that we had gained 69 members This 
 year shows that we have gained 255, one hundred and 
 eighty-eight over last year. 
 
 "In 1905 we paid our pastors about $3,298, and in 1906 
 about $3,550. We gained seven per cent on other objects 
 to which we contribute." 
 
 This session was very good considering everything. 
 
 The session of 1907 was held with the King Street 
 Baptist Church of Waxhaw, October 10-13. Rev. C. A. G. 
 Thomas preached the introductory sermon. Again the 
 text is not given, but we are sure that it was a good one. 
 C. A. G. Thomas is a very strong preacher indeed. 
 
 Bro. T. W. Bivens was again elected Moderator, V. T. 
 Chears Vice-Moderator, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. No 
 man has ever been a member of this Association that people 
 were more anxious to show that they really appreciated' 
 
1188 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 his services than John W. Bivens. They loved him for his 
 real worth, and^ when they could, they showed him that 
 they did. He was elected permanent Moderator, he was 
 treasurer for many years, acted clerk for some time, and 
 could have held any of these offices all of his life if he 
 would have served. He has served his Association as well 
 .as any man who ever lived in it, and knows as much about 
 its working's. 
 
 Bro. R. F. Beasley, who had been clerk for several 
 years, refused to accept re-election at this session, so Bro. 
 W. T. Baucom received the nomination, and was elected. 
 
 A resolution was passed at this session to erect a dor- 
 mitory for the Wingate School in memory of Rev. D. A. 
 Snider, who had recently passed away. A committee con- 
 ;sisting- of O. j\I. Sanders, F. B. Ashcraft, S. E. Sustare, 
 J. L. Shinn and N. A. Funderburk was appointed, but we 
 see nothing more said about the matter. It would have 
 been such a great thing for the school, and then, too, 
 Brother Snider was worthy of the honor. Brother Snider 
 passed away May 13th of this year. It was a fitting time 
 for this memorial to be erected. 
 
 The session of 1908 was held with Union Baptist 
 Church October 8-11. The introductory sermon was 
 ■preached by Rev. J. L. Shinn from Isa. xiv. 24. 
 
 The election of officers resulted in J. W. Bivens for 
 Moderator, R. H. James Vice-Moderator, T. W. Baucom 
 Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
 A good representation of delegates were present, and 
 so the Association had a splendid beginning. 
 
 The year of 1908 was a great one for North Carolina 
 baptists. This was the year in which we gained such a 
 
Union Baptist Association. 189 
 
 wonderful victory over the forces of evil by routing the 
 whiskey curse from our State. The report on Temperance 
 made at this session by Bro. O. C. Curlee was a very in- 
 teresting matter. The document is so interesting that I 
 am giving it in full. He, like most of God's children at 
 this time, was rejoicing over the wonderful victory we 
 gained ^'lay 26, 1908 : 
 
 Report on Te:mperance. 
 
 If you will refer to our report on this subject in the 
 minutes of 1904 you will find us writing thus: "We have 
 awakened to a sense of duty to the American homes, to 
 the boyhood and motherhood, and to the great God that, 
 rules us. We see the onward sweeping tides of temper- 
 ance in our own Association, as well as throughout the 
 State of North Carolina. The ministry is to be praised 
 for preaching it more and more, and the laity for talking 
 it. We should all thank the Lord for the great crusade 
 that is on in North Carolina, which was largely promoted 
 and is being fostered by the three leading denominations 
 of our State, viz., the [Methodist, Presbyterian and Bap- 
 tist." 
 
 Four years have gone and we live in the historic year of 
 1908. We find a State election called with ballots reading 
 thus: ''For'' or ''against'' the manufacture and sale of 
 intoxicating liquors ; and on the 26th day of May, 1908, 
 we gained a victory, carrying the State for prohibition by 
 a m.ajority of about 44,000, the result of which provided 
 for the closing of the saloons and distilleries in North Car- 
 olina on the first day of January, 1909 — the first State in 
 the South to enact prohibition by a vote of the people. So 
 
190 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 we see that the battle has been fought and the victory won, 
 but not all, for satan and all our adversaries are in ambush, 
 and using all the skill they can command to dethrone us 
 and enter into power again; so we must be vigilant all the 
 while, because our great common enemy does not sleep. 
 
 We do hope that if there are any of satan's "cohorts" 
 -Still in the Church of God that they will come over on 
 solid ground and stand with the church and with our Lord 
 Jesus Christ on this great question until we shall have 
 ■ driven this crowning curse, not only from the Southland, 
 but from the American continent. 
 
 Rev. E. C. Snider was ordained to the full work of the 
 gospel ministry at the Saturday's session. (For presby- 
 tery see sketch of him.) 
 
 The Committee on Digest of Letters made their report, 
 as follows: "By baptism during the year, 194; letter, 233; 
 restoration, 25; dismissed by letter, 170; excluded, 45; 
 dropped, 3; died, 36. 
 
 "Finance — Pastor's salary, $4,423.21 ; Foreign Mis- 
 sions, $681.85; Home Missions, $355.77; State Missions, 
 $244.69; Orphanage, $479.59; Aged Ministers, $80.91; 
 Ministerial Education, $35.83 ; Poor, $176.85 ; Incidentals, 
 $661.11; building and repairs, $3,625.73; other objects, 
 $451.25; Minute Fund, $57.33; value of church property, 
 '$41,815.00." 
 
 This was a good financial report from the churches, and 
 ; showed that the preachers were coming to their own on the 
 line of telling the folks what they ought to do with the 
 money that God gave them with which to glorify him. 
 
 The Association at this time decided to revive the Union 
 ^Meeting which had been held on Friday before each fifth 
 
Union Baptist Association. 191 
 
 Sunday. It had been left off for some time. A committee 
 was appointed to look after this work. It has been a hard 
 job to keep a Union Meeting going in this Association. 
 We do not know why it should be, but it is. The preachers 
 begin one, but it meets with opposition in some way, and 
 soon dies. They are one of the very best means we have 
 for getting some of the most vital things before the people, 
 and when people are really interested in the Master's work 
 it is easy to run anything of this kind. We think the 
 trouble is with the preachers. They are not as much in- 
 terested as they should be. There is not the fellowship 
 among them that ought to be or there would be a good 
 strong Union Meeting in this Association all the time. We 
 hope that it may be brought about, and made to live. The 
 Yadkin and Philadelphia colored associations sent greet- 
 ings to this session of the Union Association. They were 
 received by a unanimous vote of the body. 
 
 The fifty-fifth session of the Union Association was 
 held with Marshville Baptist Church October 7-10, 1909. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. M. L. 
 Kesler from Isa. liii. 11. 
 
 The election of officers resulted in J. W. Bivens for 
 Moderator, V. T. Chears Vice-Moderator, B. H. Griffin 
 Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
 The usual routine of business was gone through with, 
 and nothing of especial interest was mentioned, so far as 
 we have been able to see from the minutes of this session. 
 It seems to have been a very interesting session. All of the 
 subjects before the body were discussed with much inter- 
 est, but there were no motions or resolutions made that 
 meant anything new. 
 
192 History of the Broavn Creek 
 
 At the close of this session notice was served on the 
 churches that a motion would be made at the next session 
 to leave off the Sunday services. At the session of 191Q 
 a motion was made to change the time of meeting to 
 Wednesday instead of Thursday, as it had been, and to 
 adjourn on Friday instead of Saturday. The motion car- 
 ried by a rising vote. Since this session the Association 
 has met on Wednesdays, and so far as we know has given 
 entire satisfaction. 
 
 The session of 1910 was held with Mount Harmony 
 Baptist Church, Mecklenburg County, October 6-8. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Rev. M. D. L. Pres- 
 lar from I Tim. iv. 16. 
 
 The election of officers resulted in V. T. Chears for 
 Moderator, Braxton Craig Vice-Moderator, W. F. Es- 
 tridge Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
 Some very interesting resolutions concerning the Win- 
 gate School were passed at this session. We will not give 
 them, as there is a history of the school in this li'ctle vol- 
 ume. Read it carefully for the resolutions passed at the 
 1910 session of the Union Association. 
 
 The session of 1911 was held with Faulks Church. Octo- 
 ber 4-6. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. 
 Braxton Craig from Ezekiel xxxvii. 3. 
 
 The election of officers resulted in V. T. Chears Mod- 
 erator, J. L. Bennett A'ice-lModerator, Braxton Craig Clerk, 
 F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer, and a new office was added at 
 this session by motion of Rev. A. C. Davis. It was that of 
 Historian. J. W. Bivens Vv^as the first one to receive the 
 appointment. This is an important office, and should be 
 looked after as carefully as part of the Association's work, 
 
Union Baptist Association. 193 
 
 for our history is such an important thing. Many of the 
 most important things we have done have been lost to the 
 denomination because the records were lost. Every church 
 ought to look after its old books, and the old records of 
 whatever nature they may be. AVe have been a history- 
 making people, and since we have we ought to think enough 
 of our history to preserve it. This Association has been in 
 a position to enjoy some of the most wonderful privileges 
 along this line. On midway ground between the Old 
 Charleston and the Old Sandy Creek the preachers from 
 these Associations, going to and from them, would pass 
 here. This would enable this section to enjoy many privi- 
 leges that other sections could not, but all of this history 
 has been lost. We know that such a thing was done, but 
 we do not know who came and who preached. 
 
 Two new churches were received at this session of the 
 Association. They were West Monroe, organized June 
 27, 1911, and Union Grove_, organized the same year. They 
 were given the right hand of fellowship by the Moderator 
 and given seats in the assembly. 
 
 R. H. James offered a motion to the effect that we 
 organize a Union Meeting, and that we make it more spir- 
 itual than it had been, since the one object of all of our 
 meetings was the salvation of souls. He also moved that 
 the first fifth Sunday after February be given to the Sun- 
 day School work, and that a special program for that pur- 
 pose be gotten out each time. The motion carried, but if 
 it has amounted to anything we have failed to find it out 
 by the minutes. How easy it was to make motions and 
 carry them, but how hard it is to get them put into prac- 
 
 13 
 
194 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 tice. Brother James was right in his motion, but the breth- 
 ren were wrong in not carrying it out. 
 
 The Executive Committee employed Rev. R. H. James 
 to preach half of his time at Monroe this year. He gave 
 two Sundays to this work, dividing time between West 
 Monroe and North Monroe. He organized a church at 
 West Monroe, built a house of worship, organized a good 
 Sunday School, and put the work in good shape. Possibly 
 more was done for the work at these cotton mills in Mon- 
 roe this year than had been done at all. Several brethren 
 had worked hard at these points, but they had not accom- 
 plished as much as they had hoped, but when Brother 
 James took the work it went forward by leaps and bounds 
 for the first year. The second year was not so good. He 
 continued under the Board for two years. The last year 
 he gave all of his time to these points. 
 
 The fifty-eighth session of the Union Association met 
 with Macedonia Baptist Church October 9-11, 1912. The 
 introductory sermon was preached by Rev. E. C. Snider 
 from Titus ii. 7. 
 
 Bro. V. T. Chears declined to be elected Moderator 
 another time, so the election resulted in Rev. M. D. L. 
 Preslar for Moderator, T. P. Little Vice-j\Ioderator, Brax- 
 ton Craig Clerk, and F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer. J. W. 
 Bivens was contintied as Historian. The clerk made the 
 following report of the work done during the year: 
 
 "Seventeen churches reported a gain of $3,384.43 ; sev- 
 enteen churches reported a loss of $2,133.24; two churches 
 that reported $285.00 last year failed to report this year, 
 leaving a gain of $695.19, and a grand total of $14,412.76. 
 We added 301 by baptism this year and had 35 deaths." 
 
Union Baptist Association. 195 
 
 The fifty-ninth session of the Union Association met 
 with Meadow Branch Baptist Church October 8-10, 1913. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Braxton Craig 
 of Monroe. Text I Cor. iv. 2. 
 
 M. D. L. Preslar was re-elected Moderator, T. P. Little 
 Vice-Moderator, Braxton Craig Clerk, F. B. Ashcraft 
 Treasurer and J. W. Bivens Historian. 
 
 The Association was a very good session. But few 
 things of extraordinary interest came up. The only thing 
 we notice worth mentioning was a resolution in regard to 
 Rev. J. W. Little. The Association passed a resolution 
 by unanimous vote that it did not endorse the manner of 
 doing work that was being practiced by him. Much feel- 
 ing had been aroused at Wingate over a meeting that he 
 held there during the pastorate of Rev. S. N, Watson. 
 Possibly this ought not to have been done. The brethren 
 got a little too warm over this matter, but we are glad to 
 note that at the session of this Association, held with Old 
 Waxhaw Baptist Church in 1915, this resolution was 
 rescinded. 
 
 The sixtieth session of the Union Association was held 
 with the First Baptist Church of Monroe October 7-9, 1914. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. A. C. Da- 
 vis from Nehemiah iv. 19-20. 
 
 Rev. M. D. L. Preslar was re-elected Moderator, A. 
 Marsh Vice-Moderator, Braxton Craig Clerk, F. B. Ash- 
 craft Treasurer, J. W. Bivens Historian. 
 
 The Association sustained a severe loss this year in 
 the death of Rev. J. L. Bennett. He had been an active 
 member for many years, but his face was not seen at this 
 session, and will not be any more. (See his biography in 
 the list in this book.) 
 
196 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 The session of 1915 was held with Hopewell baptist 
 Church. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. 
 Lee McBride White of ]\Ionroe. Text, John xi. 5-28. 
 
 All of the churches were represented at the first ses- 
 sion, either by messengers or by letter. The organization 
 resulted in J. C. Sikes for Moderator, Braxton Craig Clerk, 
 E. C. Snider Vice-Moderator, F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer, 
 J. W. Bivens Historian. 
 
 Austins Grove had been admitted at the session held 
 with the First Baptist Church of ^lonroe in 1914, but it 
 had not appeared in the minutes until this session. The 
 clerk failed to mention it, or we have been unable to find 
 the record. 
 
 This general word is added by the Committee on the 
 State of the Churches : 
 
 "The revival meetings which were held during this year 
 will long be remembered by the churches of this Associa- 
 tion. God graciously blessed every church in this Associa- 
 tion this year. The spiritual condition of the churches is 
 excellent, as is evidenced by the reports of baptism from 
 every section." 
 
 We made very rapid progress this year so far as num- 
 bers were concerned ; now comes the testing time. AVill 
 we train them for efficient work ? This has been our 
 trouble all the while. 
 
 A motion carried to place a cut of Elder J. A. Bivens 
 in the front of the minutes this year. Xo preacher has 
 even been more loved in this section, and, we might say, 
 any section of this State than Uncle Joe Bivens. He has 
 been faithful for many years, and is still as enthusiastic 
 as a young man, but his body is very frail. He is past 
 eighty. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 197 
 
 The session of 1916 was held with Old AA'axhaw Baptist 
 Church October 4-6. The introductory sermon was 
 preached by Rev. M. D. L. Preslar from Col. iii. 1-2. John 
 C. Sikes was re-elected ^Moderator, E. C. Snyder Vice- 
 ]\[oderator, B. H. Griffin Clerk, F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer, 
 T. W. Bivens Historian. 
 
 The sessions were very harmonious, but nothing worth 
 'mentioning was done. 
 
 The session of 1917 was held with 3ilill Creek Baptist 
 Church. The election of officers preceded the introduc- 
 tory sermon at this session. John C. Sikes was re-elected 
 ^Moderator. C. J. Black A'ice-Moderator, B. H. Griffin 
 Clerk, F. B. Ashcraft Treasurer, J. W. Bivens Historian. 
 The introductory sermon was then preached by Rev. C. J. 
 Black from Psalms Lxxxv. 6, "Wilt thou not revive us again; 
 that thy people may rejoice." 
 
 The Woman's Missionary Union gave a splendid pro- 
 gram at this session, as they had the year before at Wax- 
 haw. Several fine reports and papers were read by them. 
 
 The session of 1918 could not be held at the usual time 
 because of a terrible epidemic of Spanish Influenza, which 
 had spread all over our country, and had slain its hundreds 
 and thousands. We did not get to have the Association 
 until November 14-15. W^e finished the work in two days 
 because of health conditions in the community of Olive 
 Branch, and because so many sections were under quaran- 
 tine. This session was held with Olive Branch Church. 
 The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. John A. 
 Wray, pastor of First Baptist Church of ]\Ionroe. Text, 
 Mai. iii. 8, "Will a man rob God" ? The sermon was well 
 presented, and took as much efirect upon the people as we 
 have seen an introductory sermon at any time. 
 
198 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 Rev. A. C. Davis was elected Moderator, C. J. Black 
 Vice-Moderator, B. H. Griffin Clerk, F. B. Ashcraft Treas- 
 rer, J. W. Bivens Historian. 
 
 A motion to have a history of the Union Association 
 written carried, and Rev. M. D. L. Preslar, Elder J. A. 
 Bivens and C. J. Black were appointed to do the work. 
 Rev. A. C. Davis was appointed the year before, but did 
 not have the data, so he could not get out the work. Every 
 church in the Association was requested to aid in every 
 way possible in this work. Thus we began our task imme- 
 diately after the Association closed. We found a com- 
 plete file of minutes save three. Some of them were torn, 
 and we could not tell all that we wish to find out from 
 them, but we have managed to get the most of the data. 
 Some of the brethren have been very careless about an- 
 swering our letters, but have been trying to carry out the 
 demands of the Association. 
 
 The Association now has thirty-nine churches, with a 
 membership of 6,149. The Sunday School work is im- 
 mense. The Wingate School has a new dormitory, built 
 by Brother G. M. Stewart. 
 
 The next session of the Association will be held with 
 Philadelphia Baptist Church Wednesday and Thursday be-' 
 fore the second Sunday in October, 1919. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 199 
 
 CHAPTER IX. 
 
 History of Woman's ^Missionary Work in the Union 
 Association. 
 
 As we make an attempt to try to tell of some of the 
 work that has been done in the Union Association, we 
 will say, in the beginning, that it will not be a complete 
 history by any means, but rather an incomplete summary. 
 First, the writer feels her inability for giving a complete 
 record of this great work, also from the fact that our time 
 is so very limited, and so many records are not to be had, 
 and then, too, there has been so much done that cannot be 
 recorded ; eternity alone can reveal some of the works of 
 vmr women. 
 
 When ^^^oman's Work first came into existence in our 
 "Association it had a very struggling existence, as practically 
 no support or encouragement was given it; the object of 
 this work was not really understood by a great many ; 
 some of those who did not understand were often heard 
 of making remarks in the way of criticisms, but these few 
 pioneer workers in our Association did not give up ; they 
 were heroines ; they were women of strong conviction,, 
 believing that Jesus' last command fell with equal em- 
 phasis on women. It v/as the purpose and object of these 
 earnest women to organize or unite themselves together 
 to cultivate and foster the missionary spirit, which is the 
 "Christ Spirit," among our women and children. 
 
 It was in 1897 that the first permanent Woman's Mis- 
 sionary Society was organized in our Association. Prior 
 
200 History of the Browx Creek 
 
 to this time there had been a W. M. S. and a Young W. 
 M. S. in the First Baptist Church, Monroe, but we have 
 no record of their organizations or disbanding. 
 
 Some think that the first permanent Woman's Mis- 
 sionary Society was organized at IMarshville, but from 
 the records we have Monroe has the honor of being the 
 first, by only a very short time, it being organized Feb- 
 ruary 18, 1897, by Rev. Hight C. Moore, who was pastor. 
 Mrs. Hight C. Moore was elected President, Mrs. D. A. 
 Covington Mce-President, Mrs. F. B. Ashcraft Secre- 
 tary, and Miss Hattie Belk Treasurer. The following, 
 together with the officers, were charter members : 
 
 Mrs. A. W. Biggers, Mrs. G. W. Meredith, Mrs. E. 
 W. Phifer, and Mrs. J. H. Benton. 
 
 Dr. Moore co-operated and helped lay the foundation 
 of this work in the church at Monroe. He was ever loyal 
 and faithful as long" as he was pastor, but in a little over 
 a year after this organization he and Mrs. Moore saw fit 
 to go to another field of labor. ^Irs. William Archer was 
 elected President, as Mrs. Moore's successor. 
 
 Dr. A. M. Croxton succeeded Dr. Moore as pastor, 
 and he, as Dr. Moore, was ever a warm friend to the 
 W. M. S. It seemed with his coming that he purposed 
 in his heart to be of the most possible help in this work, 
 encouraging and supporting it in every way possible ; it 
 was through his efl:'orts that a Woman's Weekly prayeY 
 meeting was started, which was kept up for years. It 
 was through these little prayer meetings that the spiritual 
 life of some of our women was greatly developed. The 
 name of Dr. Croxton is still held dear in the hearts of 
 those who remain. During his pastorate he was called 
 
Union Baptist Association. 201 
 
 upon to give up his devoted companion. ]\Irs. 'Slay Ker- 
 foot Croxton, so, in loving memory of her, the society 
 was named "The ]May Kerfoot Missionary Society." 
 
 The Woman's ?\Iissionary Society at Alarshville was 
 organized ^larch — , 1897, by Mrs. G. A. Marsh, who be- 
 came its first president; the names of other officers and 
 members are not at hand. Mrs. Marsh deserves special 
 credit for the valuable service rendered while she was 
 president. In later years this society had a Women's 
 prayer meeting every Friday evening, which counted so 
 much toward developing spirituality in the lives of those 
 who attended. 
 
 The Woman's [Missionary Society at Aleadow Branch 
 was organized in 1897 by Airs. L. C. Bennett of Wades- 
 boro. Mrs. Betty Benton was elected President, Miss 
 Polly Growler Secretary. The meetings were held twice 
 a month. Dr. J. B. Richardson was pastor at this time. 
 
 These three societies, as dates show, were all organized 
 in the same year. We have a space of nine years before 
 we have a record of another organization, save one known 
 as the "Workers' Band," for the children, in the First 
 Church at Monroe. Probably this was organized before 
 1897, as we have no definite account of its organization. 
 Mrs. J. G. Fletcher had charge of this work for some 
 time, and Miss Lillie Austin succeeded her ; she also 
 served as leader of this work for quite a number of years ; 
 later the name was changed to "Sunbeam Band." Aliss 
 Mary Govington was the first Sunbeam leader. 
 
 These first nine years of Woman's Missionary Work 
 in our Association wefe years of struggles and difficulties, 
 yet they were years of foundation laying and seed sowing. 
 
202 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 During these years we have no financial record as to the 
 amount these societies gave, yet we know they heeded 
 Christ's teachings, "Lay by in store as God hath pros- 
 pered." 
 
 Mrs. D. A. Covington was appointed by the Central 
 Committee at Raleigh as first Vice-President of our Asso- 
 ciation ; Mrs. W. F. Watson was her successor, neither 
 of them holding the office very long. At this time condi- 
 tions were such that not much progress was made in the 
 rural parts of our Association. 
 
 In 1906 Mrs. F. B. Ashcraft was appointed Vice-Presi- 
 dent. By this time it seems that the missionary enthusiasm 
 was beginning to spread a little more in other parts of 
 our Association, as other organizations are beginning to 
 come in. 
 
 Shiloh. 
 
 A W. M. S. was organized at Shiloh during the ses- 
 sion of the Association October 13, 1906, by Mrs. F. B. 
 Ashcraft. Mrs. Lemuel Polk was elected President, Later 
 this society disbanded, but was reorganized September 9, 
 1911, Miss Alattie Polk President, Mrs. Grace Bogers 
 Vice-President, Miss Estelle Benton Secretary, Mrs. Lem- 
 uel Polk Treasurer. 
 
 Y. W. A., Monroe. 
 
 The next organization was a Y. W. A., First Church, 
 Monroe, February — , 1908. Mrs. C. A. G. Thomas was 
 President. After a little more than a year it disbanded and 
 was reorganized February 13, 1910, with Miss Lydia Ben- 
 ton President, Miss Nell Curlee Vice-President, Miss Rosa 
 Blakeney Secretary, Miss Eunice Benton Treasurer. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 20S 
 
 Old Waxhaw. 
 On May 31, 1908, Airs. Ashcraft organized a W. M. S. 
 at Old Waxhaw, with eight members. Miss SalHe Starnes 
 was elected President. Shortly afterwards she resigned 
 as President, but served as Secretary for a while. Mrs. 
 James H. Godfrey was elected President. 
 
 Union. 
 ]Mrs. Ashcraft organized a W. M. S. at Union during 
 the session of the Association on October 11, 1908, with 
 12 members. Mrs. J. B. Eubanks President, Miss Sarah 
 Parker Secretary. 
 
 Mountain Springs. 
 On October 18. 1908, a W. M. S. was organized by 
 Airs. F. B. Ashcraft at Alountain Springs, with six mem- 
 bers, Mrs. A. W. Williams President, Mrs. A. D. Moore- 
 Secretary, Miss Rebecca Davis Treasurer. 
 
 Mill Creek. 
 On July — , 1908, Mrs. F. B. Ashcraft organized a 
 W. M. S. at Mill Creek with six members, Mrs. W. J. 
 Braswell President, Airs. Fanny Price Secretary, Miss 
 Rilla Braswell Treasurer. 
 
 Mt. Harmony. 
 
 Airs. F. B. Ashcraft organized a W. AT S. at Mt. 
 Harmony September 12, 1909, with sixteen members, Mrs. 
 E. J. Phillips President, Mrs. C. C. Haigler Vice-Presi- 
 dent, Aliss Leona Aloser Secretary, Aiiss Nealie Sustar 
 Treasurer. 
 
204 History of tpie Brown Creek 
 
 Hopewell. 
 On September 19, 1909, a W. M. S. was organizfid at 
 Hopewell by Mrs. Ashcraft with eleven members, Mrs. 
 Nannie Biggers President, Miss Lnla Pope Vice-President, 
 Mrs. Dora Pigg Secretary, Aliss Ada Crowell Treasurer. 
 
 R. A., Monroe. 
 The Hight Moore Chapter of R. A. was organized, First 
 Church, Monroe, June 6, 1909, by Mrs. G. ]\I. Beasley and 
 Miss Susie Covington with ten members. Officers : 
 
 Frank Ashcraft. Ambassador-in-Chief. 
 John Beasley, Secretary. 
 Parks Williams, Treasurer. 
 
 Miss Susie Covington was leader, Mrs. G. M. Beasley 
 was assistant. In a short time Miss Covington resigned 
 and J\lrs. Beasley was leader, which position she held for 
 a number of years with fine results. 
 
 Mt. Olive. 
 
 A W. M. S. was organized by Mrs. Ashcraft at ]\It. 
 Olive November 21, 1909, with twelve members, Mrs. Eu- 
 gene McRae President, Miss Mary Rushing Vice-Presi- 
 dent, Miss Alma Rivers Secretary, Miss May Billingsby 
 Treasurer. 
 
 Bethel. 
 
 On November 21, 1909, Mrs. Ashcraft organized a W. 
 M. S. at Bethel with seven members, Miss Fronie Morgan 
 President, Mrs. G. H. Tadlock Vice-President, Miss Lalia 
 Morgan Secretary, Miss Blanche Ashcraft Treasurer. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 205 
 
 Antioch. 
 On Sunday, June 26, 1910, 'Sirs. Ashcraft organized a 
 W. ]M. S. at Antioch with 12 members, ^Mrs. M. B. Belk 
 President, Mrs. R. J. Haigler Vice-President, Miss Carrie 
 Furr Secretary, ]\Irs. 'M. E. TomberHn Treasurer. 
 
 R. A., ]\iEADOw Branch. 
 On November 6, 1910, Prof, and ^Irs. B. Y. Tyner or- 
 ganized the J- B. Richardson Chapter of R. A. at Meadow 
 Branch with 18 members: 
 
 Airs. B. Y. Tyner, Chief Counselor. 
 
 Boyce Griffin, Chief Ambassador. 
 
 John Bivens, First Assistant .Vmbassador. 
 
 Cecil Perry, Second Assistant Ambassador. 
 
 Zeb Jones, Chapter Secretary. 
 
 A. F. Funderburk, Corresponding Secretary. 
 
 L. P. AVilHams, Treasurer. 
 
 V. A. Redfearn, Collector. 
 
 L. L. Carroll, Librarian. 
 
 R. A., AIarshville. 
 
 On January 1, 1911, !Mrs. F. B. Ashcraft and Airs. 
 George Beasley organized the Livingston Chapter of R. 
 A., at Alarshville, with 16 members; Airs. F. W. Ash- 
 craft was Chief Counselor, Ray Xewson Ambassador 
 Chief, John Little Secretary. 
 
 Sunbeam Band, AIarshville. 
 
 On the same date, Januarv 1, 1911, Airs. Ashcraft and 
 Airs. Beaslev orsfanized a Sunbeam Band at Alarshville 
 
206 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 with 12 members, Miss Carrie Green leader, ]\'Iiss Floy 
 Myers assistant, Mary Marsh President, Mary Griffin Sec- 
 retary. 
 
 Macedonia. 
 October 8, 1911, Mrs. Ashcraft organized a W. M. S. 
 at Macedonia with 7 members. Miss Alinnie Funderburk 
 President, Mrs. M. D. L. Preslar Vice-President, Miss 
 Effie Laney Secretary, Mrs. Gilbert Preslar Treasurer. 
 
 West Monroe. 
 
 A W. M. S. was organized at West Monroe (Icemor- 
 lee) December 7 , 1911, with 8 members, Mrs. W. F. Brink- 
 ley President, Mrs. Lloyd Smith Vice-President, Miss 
 Edna Brinkley Secretary, Miss Lillie Presson Treasurer. 
 After some time they disbanded, but Mrs .Ashcraft re- 
 organized, on October 5, 1913, with 15 members. Mrs. 
 John Correll was elected President and Miss Eugenia Wil- 
 liams Secretary. Mrs. Correll held this position for quite 
 a while and rendered valuable service to this society. At 
 the request of this society cottage prayer meetings were 
 held for a long time, several ladies going from the First 
 Church, Monroe, and assisting in these meetings. This 
 society in 1914 was named the Maggie Benton Society, in 
 memory of Mrs. John H. Benton. 
 
 King Street^ Waxhaw. 
 
 On July 26, 1912, a Y. W. A. was organized at King 
 Street, Waxhaw, with 11 members. Mrs. George H. Mer- 
 rill was leader, ]\Iiss Lola Burgess President, Miss Edna 
 Mae King Secretary. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 207 
 
 R. A., West Monroe. 
 The Braxton Craig Chapter of R. A. was organized at 
 West Alonroe by Mrs. George Beasle_y November 24, 1912, 
 with 14 members. Mrs. W. W. Horn was Chief Counselor, 
 Master Thomas Craig Chief Ambassador. Mrs. Horn did 
 splendid work with these boys. It was through her influ- 
 ence that a night school was organized (at Icemorlee), with 
 about 25 pupils. This school was taught by Mr. Boyd 
 Copple, who was a Royal Ambassador of First Church, 
 Monroe. 
 
 Sunbeams, West Monroe. 
 
 On December 8, 1912, a Sunebam Band was organized 
 by Airs. G. M. ■ at West Monrof with 17 mem- 
 bers, Annie May Ashcraft leader, Grace Benton President, 
 Laura Moore Benton Secretary, Lillie Dees Treasurer, 
 Nell Earnhardt Organist. 
 
 Y. W. A., Meadow Branch, 
 
 Y. W. A. was organized at Meadow Branch May 12, 
 1913, by Mrs. S. N. Watson, with officers as follows: Aliss 
 Sallie Griffin, President; Miss Maggie Outen, Vice-Pres- 
 ident ; Aliss Edna Wimberly, Secretary and Treasurer . 
 Miss Lela Whitmore, Organist. 
 
 Corinth. 
 
 W. M. S. was organized by Airs. F. B. Ashcraft at 
 
 Corinth Saturday afternoon, , with 11 
 
 members. Airs. F. A. AlcCorkle President, Airs. P. L. 
 Presson Secretary. 
 
208 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 North Monroe. 
 
 Other societies that were organized during the time 
 Airs. Ashcraft was Superintendent but the dates of which 
 we do not have are as follows: W. M. S. at North Mon- 
 roe; ]\Irs. M. C. Long was Leader, and served faithfully 
 in this capacity for some time. 
 
 The Laura Moore Chapter of R. A. at North Monroe^ 
 Aliss Ivey Harmon Leader, James Parker Ambassador-in- 
 Chief. Also a Sunbeam Band at North Monroe, Miss Ruth 
 McCorkle Leader. 
 
 Sunbeam Band at Meadow Branch, Miss Lillie Outen 
 Leader. Miss Ashcraft had the following ladies to assist 
 her in the organizations, some of them going to several 
 places: Mrs. D. B. Snyder, Miss Hattie Belk, Mrs. John 
 Benton, Mrs. Frank Benton, Mrs. George Beasley, Mrs. M. 
 C. Long, Mrs. John Correll. 
 
 From these organizations, during Mrs. Ashcraft's years 
 as Superintendent, together with many other facts that have- 
 not been recorded, any one can readily see that she was 
 faithful, energetic and untiring in her efforts to try to es- 
 tablish and advance this work in our Association, but after 
 serving so faithfully for a period of ten years she resigned 
 in favor of Mrs. D. B. Snyder, one whom she knew was 
 qualified for this responsible position. On September 28, 
 1916, Mrs. Snyder was unanimously elected Associational 
 Superintendent. She at once entered upon her new duties 
 with enthusiasm and earnestness, trying- to arouse more in- 
 terest in all the societies. Quite a number of the societies 
 had disbanded at this time, but J\Irs. Snyder has reorganized 
 several of them, namely. Sunbeam Band, West Monroe ( Ice- 
 morlee), W. M. S. at Mill Creek (both of these have again 
 
Union Baptist AvSsociation. 209 
 
 disbanded), \V. 'M. S. at Mountain Springs, Royal Ambas- 
 sadors, "Marshville, Y. W. A., First Church, Monroe. The 
 following new societies have been organized since Mrs. Sny- 
 der has been Superintendent : 
 
 Girls' Auxiliary, Monroe. 
 W. M. S., Faulks. 
 Sunbeam Band, Shiloh. 
 Sunbeam Band, Corinth. 
 Sunbeam Band, Hopewell. 
 Y. W. A., Marshville. 
 
 Besides these organizations Airs. Snyder has kept a rec- 
 ord of some of the other work that she has done in the 
 interest of this work. She has visited many societies, con- 
 ducted 25 meetings, traveled 1,082 miles, written 100 letters 
 and distributed quite a great deal of literature. 
 
 About three years ago an urgent appeal to the pastors 
 and laymen from the leaders of Woman's Work was made 
 through the report to the Association to give more encour- 
 agement and co-operation to the women ii/ their Mission 
 Society Work. This appeal was discussed by the brethren, 
 who then decided to give one hour of each Association to 
 Woman's Work, and requested the women to conduct the 
 exercises of that hour, which Airs. D. B. Snyder, Superin- 
 tendent of Woman's Work in the Association, did at the 
 next Association, and has since, being assisted by other 
 members of Missionary Societies. 
 
 From these facts we can see that Mrs. Snyder is try- 
 ing to promote and stimulate the interest of this great 
 work among our people. The Union Association is large- 
 ly indebted to Mrs. Ashcraft and Mrs. Snyder for their 
 
 14 
 
210 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 faithful service. The following ladies have helped J\Irs. 
 Snyder in Associational work, visiting societies and con- 
 ducting some meetings : 
 
 Mrs. Fred Helms, ]\Irs. B. B. Freeman, ]\'Irs. B. ' D. 
 Hinson, Mrs. R. Gardner, ]\Irs. J. F. Correll, Mrs. J. D. 
 AVarren, Mrs. Joel Griffin, Airs. W. A. Benton, Mrs. E. 
 M. Griffin. 
 
 At present the Association has the following societies 
 with officers : W. M. S., Alonroe, Mrs. F. F. Ashcraft, 
 President; Mrs. John Correll, Mce-President ; Mrs. T. 
 W. Maness, Treasurer; Airs. W. A. Benton, Secretary. 
 
 Y. W. A., Alonroe — Airs. Joel Griffin, President; Airs. 
 Walter Sanders, A'ice-President ; Aliss Annie Pearl Gaflf- 
 ney. Treasurer; Aliss Jennie Summerlin, Secretary. 
 
 Sunbeam Band, Alonroe — Xo report. 
 
 W. AI. S., Alarshville— Airs. Smith Aledlin, President; 
 A4!rs. B. H. Griffin, Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 Y. W. A., Alarshville — Aliss Bernice Phifer, President. 
 
 Sunbeam Band. Alarshville — Airs. J. H. Griffin, Leader. 
 
 W. AI. S., Aleadow Branch— Airs. Baxter Williams, 
 President ; Airs. Kemp Bivens, Secretary. 
 
 Sunbeam Band, Aleadow Branch — A'liss Blanche Cha- 
 ney. Leader. 
 
 W. AI. S., Shiloh— Airs. Frank A\^illiams, President; 
 Aliss Alar}^ Hamilton, Secretary. 
 
 Sunbeam Band, Shiloh — Aliss Alargaret Benton, Leader. 
 
 W. AI. S., Corinth— Airs. A. R. Helms, President; Airs. 
 Beattie Spittle, Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 Sunbeam Band, Corinth — Aliss Emma Richardson, 
 Leader. 
 
 W. AI. S., Hopewell— Airs. T. AI. Wiley, President. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 211 
 
 Sunbeam Band, Hopewell — , Leader. 
 
 W. M. S., Faulks— Mrs. C. L. Brooks, President; Mrs. 
 Joel Presson, Secretary and Treasurer. 
 
 W. M. S., Mountain Springs — i\Iiss Maude Moore, 
 President ; Mrs. J. J. Moore, Secretary. 
 
 Two of the societies, Monroe and Marshville, and pos- 
 sibly others, are using- the circle or group plan. 
 
 The Society at ^'lonroe is divided into four circles. Mrs. 
 R. C. Griffin, who served for some time as leader of the 
 Sunbeam Band ; Mrs. John Correll and Mrs. E. M. Grif- 
 fin, who served the Society for a number of years as Vice- 
 Presidents, are circle leaders. One circle is without a 
 leader. 
 
 The Society at Alarshville is divided into three groups, 
 ■with Mrs. J. W. Godfrey, Mrs. J. C. Morgan and Mrs. N. 
 J. Braswell as leaders. 
 
 I wish that we might take up each Society separately 
 ?ind tell of the many things that have been done through 
 them ; also that we might give the name of every mem- 
 ber of these organizations, but cannot, so will have to tell 
 in a general way. So just here we wish to bring to the 
 minds of our readers a few of the things that have been 
 done through the Missionary Societies. In the first place, 
 since 1906 up to March, 1919, our societies, including all 
 organizations, have contributed $7,175.82. The work is 
 planned so systematically that even the children can under- 
 stand, having a certain time in each year for our special 
 offerings, Foreign Missions or Christmas offerings coming 
 in January, Home Mission offering" in April, and State 
 Mission offering in September. Tn January and in April 
 special weeks of prayer are observed by some few socie- 
 
212 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 ties, which have meant so much toward spiritual develop- 
 ment. 
 
 One of the great outstanding features of our work is 
 the establishing of memorials in Church Building Loan 
 Fund. This fund is placed with the Home Mission Board, 
 to be loaned to needy churches to enable them to build. 
 In October, 1917, the W. ^l. S. of First Church, Monroe, 
 established a $500 memorial, known as the Hattie Belk 
 Memorial, in honor of Miss Hattie D. Belk, one of the 
 charter members of the Society, who had been loyal and 
 faithful to the Society for all these years, through rough 
 as well as smooth periods of its existence, and steadfastly 
 served in many ways to make the Society a success and 
 a blessing to as many as she could possibly assist or in- 
 fluence. 
 
 IMiss Hattie sends the following message : 
 "Ever since this action of our Society was made public 
 I have craved to tell, especially the timid women who feel 
 that they cannot do much and know that they cannot do 
 any great thing in their Society or church, that this great 
 honor has come to one of just that sort, only because she 
 had in her weakness, and with much imperfection, con- 
 tinued to endeavor to serve in whatever ways she could, 
 for she felt that she belonged to the Society, and that it 
 afforded opportunities for serving our Savior. Some of 
 these services are certainly possible for every one, in try- 
 ing to encourage and assist the ofificers and other active 
 members, and to win and help backward ones to become 
 interested and to develop for service. ]\Iuch of what I 
 did was just in a private, unnoticed way, often doing only 
 little things which no one else took hold of, and at times 
 
Union Baptist Association. 213 
 
 there came the question whether any one thought the ef- 
 forts worth while, or understood the motive and desire to 
 serve. 
 
 "Therefore this great recognition which our Society 
 has given my faulty work was an overwhelming surprise, 
 of which I feel very unworthy, and shrink from the puh- 
 lic honors it has incurred. Yet I am hoping that this gen- 
 erous action of our Society may cause others to do more, 
 to in some way express their appreciation of the efforts 
 of their workers while they are with them, and need en- 
 couragement and con:ifort. And I trust that it will cause 
 other timid ones to ever strive to do whatever they can, 
 remembering that the service may be for One who notices 
 it all, and will in His own good time express approval of 
 everything wdiich has been done for His sake." 
 
 Another memorial was established by the other socie- 
 ties of the Association at the Associational meeting at 
 Marshville in September, 1918, in honor of Rev. J. A. 
 Bivens, one of the best loved ministers of the Association. 
 Also at this meeting ^Irs. J. H. Griffin was elected the first 
 Band Superintendent of the Association. 
 
 There are two traveling libraries in the Association, do- 
 nated by the W. ^I. S. at Monroe. These libraries consist 
 of books that deal with missions. Upon recjuest these li- 
 braries are loaned to any Society. 
 
 There have been several Alission Study Classes in a 
 few of the societies. However, the first Mission Study 
 Class in the Association wa.» at Aleadow^ Branch. This 
 class was organized by Prof, and Mrs. Tyner ; it was com- 
 posed of 35 boys and girls. ]\Irs. Tyner was leader. They 
 begun b}' studying "Servants of the King." 
 
214 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Personal Service is a form of work that some of our 
 societies place special emphasis upon. ]\Iany boxes have 
 been packed and sent to missionaries, orphanages, flood 
 sufferers, and others who were in need have been clothed, 
 many homes have been comforted and cheered by visitors, 
 also visits to alms h^-use, jail and convicts' camp, visits 
 to weak societies, also teaching in weak Sunday Schools, 
 flowers and daintie? sent to sick and shut-ins, garments 
 made for motherless children, Red Cross and other kinds 
 of Avar work, and numbers of other things, many of which 
 cannot be expressed ; eternity alone can estimate the value. 
 
 In the early days of our work the annual meetings were 
 held a tthe same time of the general Association, in a 
 school houso or sometimes a church of another denomi- 
 nation, but in 1910 the weather was very unfavorable at 
 the time of the Association, so no Woman's meeting was 
 held. Rev. Braxton Craig, who was in hearty sympathy 
 with t!iis work, invited the ladies of the Association to 
 meet in his church in ]\Ionroe at an early date, so Airs. F. 
 B. Ashcraft, who was Superintendent, called for a meet- 
 ing on November 1, 1910, and at this meeting it was unan- 
 imously decided to hold these Associational meetings sep- 
 arate from the general Association. No doubt this step 
 was the turning point of Woman's Work in this Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 The State Annual W. M. S. was entertained by the 
 Alonroe Church in IMarch, 1912. 
 
 By request of some of the older members of the W. 
 M. S. at Monroe the following names are recorded as 
 having been loyal helpers in the Society: Mrs. G. T. Aus- 
 tin, Mrs. Maggie Helms, Mrs. William Archer, Miss Mat- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 215 
 
 tie Pyroii, Airs. George Meredith, Airs. Sara Croxton, 
 Mrs. Alag-gie Benton, Airs. Tom Polk, Airs. W. A. Lane, 
 Airs. Lula Benton. Airs. A. \V. Biggers served as Vice- 
 President for several years; Airs. H. E. Copple was Sec- 
 retary for quite a while; Airs. Frank Williams was Treas- 
 urer for some time, and Airs. Fred Helms served for a 
 number of years, first as Secretary and later as Treasurer. 
 
 In reviewing this work we recall the names of many 
 who have been called to Higher Service, amongf them be- 
 ing the following officers of societies : Airs. C. Fl. Rich- 
 ardson joined the W. AI. S. at Alonroe soon after its or- 
 ganization, and served as Secretary and Treasurer for 
 quite a while, making an excellent officer. She was faith- 
 ful and deeply interested in mission work. Hers was in- 
 deed a life of service, always looking out for the interest 
 of others, sharing their sorrows as well as joys. She was. 
 called away February 17, 1912. 
 
 Airs. J. FL Benton was a charter member of the W. AL 
 S. at Alonroe. She went to her Heavenly home February 
 11, 1914. She served the Society as Treasurer for some 
 time. Her Christ-like influence was an inspiration to her 
 co-workers, her fellowship and co-operation were always 
 pleasant, her sweet, gentle, unselfish life won the admira- 
 tion of all; she lived for others. The world is better for- 
 her life. 
 
 On September 15, 1917, the spirit of Airs. D. A. Cov- 
 ington was called from earth to Heaven. She was also' 
 a charter member of the W. AI. S. at Alonroe. She faith- 
 fully served the Society as President at several dififerent 
 times, having been President ten years at the time of her 
 death. Ller wise and able leadership will never be for- 
 
216 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 gotten; her life was one of loving sacrifice, utterly for- 
 getful of self and generous in her judgment of others. She 
 was loved and admired by all. The precious memory of 
 her noble life will linger with us. 
 
 Airs. Lillie ^Morgan Harrell died November 17, 1909. 
 She served the \\\ ]\I. S. at Alarshville as President for 
 some time, making an efficient leader. She was faithful 
 and devoted to the work of the Society. She followed the 
 exaniples of her godly mother, who was such a conse- 
 crated worker in the early days of the Society. ]\Irs. 
 Harrell's bright, sweet, cheerful disposition and her beau- 
 tiful voung life was indeed a blessing to her church and 
 community. 
 
 Mrs. Jennie Griffin Tucker was Secretary of the \^^ 
 \I. S. at Meadow Branch for quite a while. She was loyal 
 and faithful until her health would not allow ; she was 
 always at her post of duty. Her sweet disposition won 
 the admiration of others. She loved the ^Missionary So- 
 cietv and its work. A\'e wonder why God should have 
 taken one so needed. 
 
 Mrs. Sallie Stearnes was elected first President of the 
 Society at Old AA'axhaw, and later served as Secretary. 
 She was greatly beloved b}' the people of her church and 
 community. 
 
 We feel that just here it is very fitting that the name 
 of ]\lr. F. P). Ashcraft, who has so recently been called to 
 his reward, should appear, as he was ever a staunch friend 
 of the women in their mission work. He alwavs encour- 
 aged and aided Airs. Ashcraft in her Associational duties 
 when she was Superintendent, and was loyal and faithful 
 to the A\\ AI. S. at Monroe, always helping in every way 
 he could to promote the progress of the work. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 217 
 
 In trying to write this sketch the writer has heen placed 
 in a very difficult position, as practicall}' all the record we 
 have are of the organization of societies, and the work at 
 present, therefore many of our best and most faithful 
 workers, some of them serving as officers in their socie- 
 ties, come in these intervening years and no mention is 
 made of their services, which we regret very much, but 
 from the fact that our time was so very lim'ited it was im- 
 possible to secure records of all societies during these years. 
 AVe feel that this explanation is due. 
 
 As we have tried to sum up this work, we feel thank- 
 ful for what has been accomplished. It seems great when 
 Ave think of the comparatively small number who have been 
 actively engaged in this work. 
 
 In the Association we have 39 churches : only 8 of these 
 have missionary organizations. Our Association is at the 
 foot of the ladder in Woman's Work compared with other 
 associations. These organizations are a source of strength 
 to the churches in which they are organized. We want the 
 women and children of our Association enlisted in this 
 work. God wants them enrolled for service. 
 
 Our tasks ahead are great, but let's face them with new 
 hope, courage and determination to win larger results to 
 the glory of His name. 
 
 "Ours is the seed time, 
 ^ God alone beholds the good of what is sown, 
 
 Beyond our vision, weak and dim, 
 The harvest time is hid with Him." 
 
 March, 1919. ■ —Mrs. Joel W. Griffin. 
 
218 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 The W I NX, ate School. 
 
 J. W. Bivens. 
 
 Origin. 
 
 T'ne origin of the \\"ingate School will carry us back 
 to the early history of the Association. For many years 
 prior to the existence of this school the more intelligent 
 and far-seeing brethren had been earnest advocates of edu- 
 cation, and at session after session of the Association strong 
 appeals had been made through reports on the subject and 
 in open discussion for the education of our young people. 
 
 As a result there was created a sentiment for better 
 education facilities, and along with it ^ feeling that this 
 early training should be under proper moral and religious 
 influences. Nothing definite, however, was done imtil the 
 meeting of the Association at Aleadow Branch in October^ 
 1895. 
 
 Establishment. 
 
 At this session, in the report on Education, submitted 
 by R. F. Beasley, we find the following: "There are a 
 large number, in fact the greater percentage of Baptist 
 young men and women, boys and girls, who can never 
 possibly attend our higher institutions. Does that not sug- 
 gest that we should have some kind of schools within their 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 219 
 
 reach \Yhich will help to turn their lives to God and to- 
 wards the spread of His kingdom? While not relaxing- 
 our effort in behalf of the institutions which we now have, 
 we should begin to look towards placing high schools 
 nearer the doors of those who can never possibly get to 
 college." This, with the discussion of the subject by Rev. 
 H. C. ^loore. Dr. J. B. Richardson, Rev. A. B. Caudle and 
 Rev. R. H. James, culminated in the adoption later in the 
 session of the following resolution: 
 
 "Resolved, That Brethren J. W. Bivens, Rev. H. C. 
 Moore, O. M. Sanders, M. W. Griffin, J. C. Sikes, G. F. 
 Parker and R. F. Beasley be appointed a board of trustees 
 to secure, if possible, without a debt on the Association, 
 suitable property in the bounds of the Association, in fee 
 simple to them and their successors, and to establish and 
 control an academy of high grade for the education of the 
 boys and girls of this Association and the surrounding 
 country." 
 
 The board of trustees named in this resolution met at 
 the court house, in the office of the Board of Education, 
 October 29, 1895, and organized by electing J- W. Bivens 
 Chairman and R. F. Beasley Secretary. All members were 
 present. J- W. Bivens and O. M. Sanders were appointed 
 a committee to investigate proposed locations for the 
 school, and report to the Board at a meeting to be held 
 November 15, 1895. This meeting was held in the First 
 Baptist Church of Monroe on the date mentioned, with 
 full Board present. The committee appointed to investi- 
 gate locations reported that the Trustees of Union Insti- 
 tute had generously offered to turn over their excellent 
 property to the Association free of cost for proposed High 
 
220 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 School purposes ; the owners of Rock Rest Academy had 
 tendered their vahiable property on similar terms, and that 
 G. M. Stewart had offered to donate to the Association 
 ten acres of ground near 3iIeadow Branch Church, and the 
 citizens of that community had agreed to erect on said lot 
 an adequate building for proposed High School use. After 
 discussion the Board decided to locate the school at ]\Iead- 
 ow Branch, provided conditions afterward to be described 
 upon were complied with. Soon afterward a lot was se- 
 lected and a deed conveying it to the Trustees made by 
 Air. Stewart. Plans for a five-room building were sub- 
 mitted, and the community began at once its erection. 
 
 First Principal. 
 
 The next important and difficult task that confronted 
 the trustees was that of securing a competent and suit- 
 able person to take charge of the school. After casting 
 about for some time for such person interest centered on 
 a young man, a native of the county, and then a member 
 of the Senior Class at \A"ake Forest College, AL B. Dry, 
 who was unanimously elected Principal. He received his 
 i\I. A. Degree in June, 1896, and, after considerable argu- 
 ment in favor of the new proposition, a Denominational 
 High School, and an individual responsibility on the part 
 of the trustees for the payment of his salary, he was in- 
 duced to take charge of the work. This position he held 
 for twelve consecutive sessions, during which time the 
 school grew into prominence, and became one of the lead- 
 ing high schools of the State, which facts prove that the 
 trustees made no mistake in his election. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 22L 
 
 Name. 
 The name of the church at this place was "Meadow 
 Fjranch," which has not been changed. The name of the 
 railroad station at that time was "Ames' Turnout,"' and 
 the postoi^ice "Ames.'' Xone of these was considered by 
 the trustees an appropriate name for the school. While 
 they were considering the matter Dr. E. W. Sikes, then 
 professor in Wake Forest College, appeared on the scene 
 and was asked to suggest a name for the school, and he 
 very readily suggested that of "Wingate." This name was 
 adopted, and the trustees say in their report to the Asso- 
 ciation in 1896: 'Tn honor of the lamented Dr. W. M. 
 AA'ingate, for m.any years the honored President of Wake 
 Forest College." Since then, however, it has become a 
 question with some of us as to whether Dr. Sikes, while 
 suggesting the name, had in mind the honored late presi- 
 dent of the college, or his accomplished and attractive 
 daughter, Miss Ruth, who soon afterward became the 
 bride of Dr. Sikes. At the suggestion of Dr. J. B. Rich- 
 ardson it was called simply "The Wingate School," instead 
 of "The W'ingate High School." Upon petition to the 
 proper authorities the name of the railroad station and the 
 postoffice were changed to that of the school. 
 
 Early Struggles. 
 
 The Wingate School has not had its existence without 
 a struggle. It has encountered many difficulties, had many 
 problems to solve and obstacles to overcome. In fact its 
 entire life of twenty-three years has been one continuous 
 uphill pull. There has not been a day that it has not had 
 some load to carry — some burden to bear. There have 
 
222 History of the Browx Creek 
 
 been times when its most loyal and optimistic supporters 
 could not help feeling that its very life was hanging in 
 the balance. At the time agreed upon for the opening of 
 the first session in August, 1896, the building in course of 
 erection by the community was not ready for occupancy, 
 and it was necessary for Prof. Dry to open his "School of 
 High Grade" in a dilapidated public school house, formerly 
 the old church building, and conduct it there for several 
 weeks. When the new building was ready for use there 
 was need of everything in the way of equipment for effi- 
 cient work. Desks, piano, library, maps, etc., were all 
 lacking. There was no money in the treasury — no public 
 fund to draw from. By act of the Association the trus- 
 tees were not permitted to encumber the school property 
 with debt. So at every session of the Association, in the 
 early years of the school, earnest appeals were made for 
 financial aid, which usually met with fairly liberal response. 
 Its main support, however, was from public patronage, 
 and the field for this was not to it alone. From the be- 
 ginning there was sharp and active competition from other 
 high schools of the county. It also had its opponents and 
 critics. Worst of all, many of these were from our own 
 Baptist ranks, and as Paul said of Alexander the Copper- 
 smith, "Did us much evil." But the school, whose foun- 
 dations were laid on the earnest prayers of its founders, 
 had a mission to fulfill, and each obstacle overcome added 
 impetus to the work. 
 
 Rapid Growth. 
 
 At the opening of the first session there was a good 
 local patronage, but only one boarding student present to 
 
Union Baptist Association. 223 
 
 ■enter, 'Sir. J. C. Sikes, now a prominent attorney of Mon- 
 roe, X. C, and ]\Iayor of the city. Prof. Dry had but one 
 assistant teacher. Aliss [MolHe Scoggin, of Reidsville, X. C. 
 
 From this small beginning the growth of the school 
 was marvelous, and before the close of the session there 
 were thirty or forty boarding students present. In less 
 than four years the first building was found to be alto- 
 gether inadequate, and an addition containing five rooms 
 for recitation, music and society halls was made to it. This 
 was completed in 1900 at a cost of about six hundred dol- 
 lars. 
 
 As a safeguard to the immediate surroundings of the 
 institution an additional parcel of land containing twenty- 
 six acres was purchased from yir. G. M. Stewart in 1898 
 at eight dollars per acre. This surrounds the lot of ten 
 acres donated by him and on which the buildings are lo- 
 cated. 
 
 The patronage of the school continued to increase until 
 1904, when the enrollment reached two hundred and nine- 
 ty-two, representing sixteen counties in this State and 
 South Carolina. About this time competition from the 
 State Schools began to have its effect, and for the next 
 few years the attendance was not quite so large. At the 
 close of the session of 1907-8 Prof. Dry, having served 
 twelve years as Principal, resigned to accept work in an- 
 other part of the State. He was succeeded by Messrs. B. 
 Y. Tyner and J- G. Carroll, recent graduates of Wake 
 Forest College. The school continued to flourish under 
 their management, and it was soon evident that a new and 
 itp-to-date buildling was its greatest need. This was rec- 
 ommended by the trustees in their report to the Associa- 
 
224 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 tion at Marshville in 1909, but no action was taken. The 
 trustees, howevei;, in session at Wingate, January 11, 1910, 
 on motion of A. C. Davis, decided to undertake the erec- 
 tion of a new brick building, and T. E. WiUiams, B. Y. 
 Tyner and J. A\\ Bivens were appointed a committee to 
 secure plans for the same. Later G. E. Lineberry was 
 employed to solicit contributions, plans for the new build- 
 ing, drawn by J. ^[. Alc^ilichael of Charlotte, adopted, and 
 the contract let to J. C. Gordon of Waxhaw. About July 
 1 one car of brick was received and the contractor on the 
 grounds, but owing to scarcity of funds in the hands of the 
 Treasurer and unfavorable conditions for building at that 
 time, by mutual consent the contract was cancelled, and 
 the undertaking came to an end. 
 
 But the trustees, unwilling that this should be final, 
 made the following appeal in their report to the Associa- 
 tion at Alt. Harmony in October of the same year : 
 
 "In order for the school to fulfill its greatest mission, 
 it is badly in need of an up-to-date school building, mod- 
 ernly equipped, and dormitories for both boys and girls. 
 The imperative need being the speedy erection of a school 
 building. And knowing and feeling the needs as we do, 
 we recommend that the Association make provisions at 
 this session for the erection of a school building- that will 
 meet the needs of the school. The Association can safely 
 count on $6,000 from Wingate and community in the build- 
 ing of a structure to cost $12,000." 
 
 But on account of the increase in State Schools and 
 the inducements held out by them for patronage, some of 
 the brethren were becoming a little apprehensive as to the 
 ability of the Wingate School to stand the pressure and 
 
Union Baptist Association. 225 
 
 maintain its existence as a denominational institution, and 
 were somewhat slow to take hold of the proposition. But 
 after discussion of the subject by G. E. Lineberry, D. M. 
 Austin, Braxton Craig, A. C. Davis and R. H. James, the 
 following resolutions offered by Rev. D. AI. Austin were 
 unanimously adopted : 
 
 "Whereas, We believe there is urgent need for an ad- 
 vance movement in our educational work ; therefore be it 
 
 "Resolved, 1. That we express our appreciation of the 
 work that has been and that is being done by our school at 
 Wingate, and heartily commend the loyal service of the 
 trustees of this school. 
 
 "Resolved, 2. That we pledge to them our loyal sup- 
 port in erecting suitable buildings for same. 
 
 "Resolved, 3. That we authorize the trustees to secure 
 with the school property any necessary debt incurred in 
 making improvements on same. 
 
 "Resolved, 4. That we require our trustees to keep an 
 accurate list of names and amounts of all contributions for 
 said improvement, and if, in twenty-five years, we should 
 sell or dispose of this property, to be used for any other 
 purpose than a Baptist school, each contributor shall re- 
 ceive his pro rata apportionment of same. 
 
 "Resolved, 5. That we request our trustees to invite 
 sister associations conveniently located to unite with us in 
 this work, making such a division of trustees and other 
 matters as they deem wise." 
 
 Acting in accordance with and upon the authority of 
 these resolutions, the trustees, in session January 6, 1911, 
 decided to proceed with the work and the following brethren 
 were appointed a building committee: W. W. Perry, W. P. 
 
 15 
 
226 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Griffin, T. E. Williams, F. M. Sutton, J. C. Sikes. How well 
 this committee did its work is proven by the fact that the 
 first brick was laid April 25th and the building completed 
 and school moved on November 13th following. A great 
 occasion in the erection of the building and in the history of 
 AA'ingate was the laying of the corner stone by the Masonic 
 Order. Hon. W. W. Kitchen, then Governor of the State, 
 had been invited to deliver an address, and the largest 
 crowd ever at Wingate assembled to hear him. A table 
 three hundred feet long had been prepared and a picnic 
 dinner was served by the communit3^ 
 
 The building is a handsome structure, commodious and 
 conveniently arranged, and well adapted to the needs of 
 the school. 
 
 Principals. 
 
 The school has been exceedingly fortunate in the class 
 of men and women who have done the work. M. B. Dry, 
 now Principal of the leading Farm-life School in the State, 
 Gary, N. C, served as Principal for twelve years ; B. Y. 
 Tyner, now occupying Educational Department of the 
 State Normal, Fredericksburg, Ya., served three years as 
 Principal, with J. G. Carroll associate. Mr. Carroll, now 
 filling chair of Physics, Guilford College, N. C, then 
 served seven years individually. 
 
 These are all men of the highest type of Christian man- 
 hood. Scholarly, capable, efficient, thoroughly in love with 
 their work, they have attained a high degree of success in 
 their profession. 
 
 Miss Pattie ]\'Iarks, of Albemarle, N. C, graduate of 
 Meredity College, and a lady of fine Christian character, 
 took charge of the work a year ago, and is now Principal. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 227 
 
 On account of war conditions and an epidemic of influenza 
 she has served under trying- circumstances, but has proved 
 herself equal to the task, and conducted the school with 
 remarkable success. 
 
 Assistant Principals. 
 
 Among those who have served as assistant principals 
 are Rev. J. S. Snyder, pastor of First Baptist Church, 
 Fayetteville, N. C. ; Dr. C. Louis Fowler; Jesse A. Wil- 
 liams, cashier Waxhaw Banking & Trust Co., Waxhaw, N. 
 C. ; W. C. Bivens, editor of "The Ansonian," and Super- 
 intendent of Schools for Anson County, Wadesboro, N. C. ; 
 T. B. Ashcraft, Mathematics, Colby University, Waterville, 
 Me. ; G. C. Buck, Expeditionary Forces, France ; D. M. 
 Johnson, attorney, Enfield, N. C. ; H. J. Langston, Y. M. 
 C. A. Secretary, Richmond, Va., and Miss Rosa Blakeney, 
 Shelby High School, Shelby, N. C. These and many oth- 
 ers who taught in the school did much toward making it 
 what it has been, and creating for it a prominent place 
 among the High Schools of the State on account of the 
 efficiency and thoroughness of the work done. 
 
 Trustees. 
 
 At the meeting of the Association at Olive Branch, in 
 October, 1896, the number of trustees was increased to 
 fifteen, and the following brethren elected : F. M. Sutton, 
 G. W. Simpson, B. F. Parker, J. B. Alangum, R. H. James, 
 R. F. Beasley, Jonathan Gordon, J. J. Godfrey, J. L. Ben- 
 nett, T. E. Williams, O. M. Sanders, D. A. Covington, J. 
 C. Sikes, J. A. Bivens and J. W. Bivens. Of these the 
 first five mentioned were to serve two years, the second 
 
228 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 five four years, and the remaining five six years ; the h\V. 
 term of office of ah trustees subsequently elected to be 
 six years. At the next session of the General Assembly 
 a charter was obtained for the school, securing to it all 
 the rights and privileges usually accorded High Schools 
 and Colleges, and prohibiting the sale of intoxicants within 
 three miles of the institution. This charter was published 
 in full in the minutes of the Association of 1897. 
 
 By act of the Legislature of 1911 this charter was so 
 amended as to give other Associations an interest in the 
 property and representation on the Board of Trustees. Un- 
 der this provision the following were elected by their As- 
 sociations, viz: Anson, A. D. Griffin, S. J. Turner and R. 
 L Hardison ; Pee Dee, D. A. Liles, H. C. Dockerv and 
 Archibald ]\IcXeil ; ^lecklenburg and Cabarrus, D. M. 
 Austin, L. R. Pruette and T. D. ^laness. Of the fifteen 
 appointed by the Union Association five have gone to their 
 reward, four resigned, and six are still members of the 
 Board. The other members are G. W. Stewart, J. C. Sikes, 
 W. P. Griffin, T. E. Sustar, I. A. Clontz, A. C. Davis. W. 
 M. Perry, E. C. Snyder, W. A. Chaney and W. B. Wil- 
 liams. The trustees have always been loyal friends to the 
 school, and those upon whose shoulders the burden of man- 
 agement has rested most heavily have spared neither time 
 nor expense in looking after its best interest. 
 
 Present Pl.vnt. 
 
 The present property consists of about twenty acres of 
 land, the new school building with its equipment, a new 
 handsome brick dormitory for girls, erected last year by 
 the generositv of ]\Ir. G. M. Stewart, and a dormitory for 
 
Union Baptist Association. 229 
 
 boys now in course of erection. When this is completed 
 the entire property will be worth at least forty thousand 
 dollars. 
 
 Finished Product. 
 
 Has the Wingate School paid? Was it wisdom on the 
 part of those who conceived the idea of its establishment, 
 and those who have given their time and money to build 
 and maintain it? Was it a good investment? 
 
 Twenty-three years have passed since it began work. 
 During these years hundreds of young men and young 
 women have been its students — have received the training 
 that it had to give, and gone out to fight the battles of life 
 equipped as they never could have been had it not been 
 for this school. In the home, on the farm, in business cir- 
 cles, in church and Sunday School work, they are promi- 
 nent and influential, and doing much toward making the 
 world better and bringing about the coming of the King- 
 dom. In this school many have had an ambition kindled 
 for higher education, and have gone on through college 
 and are today filling high positions in almost every vocation 
 of life. Those who have labored in the school room and 
 those who have toiled and sacrificed for its support can- 
 not but feel a just pride in the success of the "finished 
 product," and that every dollar invested in the W^ingate 
 School has been well spent. Yes, it has already paid, and 
 let us hope that its work has just begun. 
 
230 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 CHAPTER XL 
 
 Old Lanes Creek Baptist Church. 
 
 Lanes Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1793. It 
 was locah}' called "Lewellyn's Church." We do not know 
 why this was unless it was because Elder Jesse Lewellyn 
 did the first preaching here, and remained pastor for many 
 years, possibly all the life of the church while it continued 
 missionary. The church was located near the old Lee tan- 
 yard place, a few miles north of Pageland, S. C. The 
 church w^as in the lower part of Union County, N. C. The 
 land was donated to the church by one William Shepherd. 
 Elder Lewellyn had a tract that he purchased from the 
 same William Shepherd, and since the deeds were made 
 about the same time, we think that Lewellyn organized the 
 church. It was originally a member of the Charleston As- 
 sociation, and from all we can learn was an arm of the 
 Old Welsh Neck Church of Society Hill, S. C. At one 
 time it was very strong for its day, but times changed, and 
 the people changed with the times, so the old church finally 
 drifted into oblivion. In 1815 it joined the JMoriah Asso- 
 ciation. It was one of the churches to form this Association. 
 Aleadow Branch, Richardson Creek, Lanes Creek and Gourd- 
 vine were the only churches on the North Carolina side of 
 the line. In 1834, when the Moriah met with Old Waxhaw 
 Church, this church was still a member of this Association. 
 Elder Jesse Lewellyn was still pastor of it, and was in 
 attendance at this session of the Association. T. L. Marsh 
 
Union Baptist Association. 231 
 
 and A\'. Shepherd were the delegates with their pastor. This 
 word appears in the minutes of this session: "We have 
 great reasons to be thankful to God for his blessings to 
 us. We have peace among ourselves, and we hope peace 
 with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Xine have 
 been baptized into the fellowship of the church during the 
 year." 
 
 Some time between 1834 and 1846 this church went to 
 the Hardshells. Wq tind that it had a delegation present 
 at the 1846 session of the Bear Creek Association, and that 
 T. L. ]\Iarsh, who was a prominent member of this church, 
 was elected clerk of that Association. He prepared the 
 minutes for the session of that year. It is a nice piece of 
 work. Those who knew him say that he always did his 
 work well. The church in 1834 had 99 members, but in 
 1846 it had only 21. We think that several churches were 
 organized out of this one. We know that Blount Olive 
 was, and possibly many of the members went to Aleadow 
 Branch and other Missionary Baptist churches around it, 
 so that it was almost put out of business. It never rallied 
 from this shock, but drifted on and on until it died, about 
 the year of 1865. It was still living in 1862, but did not 
 have but thirteen members. It does not appear in the min- 
 utes of 1866. We do not have the minutes of the Bear 
 Creek between 1862 and 1866. It died during this time. 
 The antimissionary spirit will kill almost anything that 
 wants to grow. 
 
 IMeadow Branch^ 1810. 
 Meadow Branch is the oldest church in the Union As- 
 sociation. We do not know who did the first preaching 
 
232 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 in this section, but from what we can gather it must have 
 been Elders John Bennett and Joseph Wilhams. Elder 
 Jacob Lewellyn may have preached some here, or near 
 here, since he was pastor of Old Lanes Creek Church, just 
 a few miles below here. Elders Bennett and ^\'illiams are 
 the first mentioned, and must have been the pioneer preach- 
 ers of this community. Lanes Creek was organized in 
 1793, but did not continue many years. The members con- 
 stituting ]\Ieadow Branch came from Gourdvine, near 
 Olive Branch, now extinct, and Richardson's Creek, which 
 was near the John Ervin Chaney place, now extinct, and 
 possibly a few from Lanes Creek. But, from what we can 
 gather, it is a granddaughter of Old Rocky River Church, 
 in Anson County, and Old Rocky River is a granddaughter 
 of Sandy Creek. This makes ^Meadow Branch a great 
 granddaughter of Sandy Creek, which was organized by 
 Elder Shubael Stearnes. 
 
 The first house stood near the Headley place, on the old 
 Concord-Camden road, about a mile north of Wingate. A 
 small graveyard to the left of the road as you go from 
 ^^^ingate marks the spot. The church house stood to the 
 right of the graveyard, they say. The old house was built 
 of logs, as most of the houses were in that day. This 
 house was blown down in 1835. When the church decided 
 to rebuild they moved the location of the house about one 
 mile south, near the place where the present church house 
 stands. There was not any railroad here then, and when 
 the first survey was made it hit the church house, so it 
 had to be moved. This they did. It was moved just a little 
 farther south, just a few steps. It soon went out of use, 
 and another was erected just above the old site. It was a 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association, 233 
 
 splendid house for that day, but it is entirely out of date 
 now, and it is to be much regretted that the brethren have 
 not been aroused over the situation so that a much more 
 commodious one can be erected. The railroad runs too 
 near this one, and with the heavy traffic over this road, 
 like they have it today, makes it very annoying indeed to a 
 congregation when it is trying to hear a sermon. Elders 
 John Bennett 'and Joseph ^^'illiams were the first pastors 
 of Aleadow Branch. The old records are lost, and we 
 have to take tradition for some of this, but we are pretty 
 sure the above statement is true. Joseph AMlliams lived 
 near here, and it is more than likely that he served the 
 church for several years. Preachers were so scarce in 
 those days that they did not exchange them so often as 
 they now do. There is nothing mentioned about what took 
 place during the first twenty years ; that is, during the 
 pastorate of the first preachers mentioned, but about the 
 year of 1827 a little dispute began to arise over the mission 
 question. So far as we have been able to learn there was 
 no trouble over this until aboiit this time, and would not 
 have been then had it not been for outsiders coming in 
 from the north to prejudice the people against certain men. 
 Dr. Sikes in his address there Centennial day said : "The 
 annals of the church are brief for twenty years. About 
 1827 there began to grow up a dispute in the Baptist 
 churches about the method of spreading the gospel. Divi- 
 sion? took place in various sections of the State, in both 
 associations and churches. In 1830 the issue reached 
 ^leadow Branch. Feeling ran high on the subject. It 
 seemed that it would tear the church asunder. The two 
 factions were about equally divided. They tried to com- 
 
234 
 
 History op the Brown Creek 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 235 
 
 promise, but failed. In 1834 the church called Elder W. 
 T.. Brasington to be its pastor. He refused to come to- 
 a church so divided. In 1835 they -decided to divide, and 
 called for the aid of Elders Jacob Helms, Jacob Lewell}^ 
 and Solomon ]\Iarsh. They refused to aid in the division, 
 and urged them to get together and live in peace. The 
 church then set apart a day for fasting and prayer, that 
 they might have divine guidance in settling their dispute. 
 But nothing availed. Then they decided to divide and let 
 the majority hold the house of worship. The anti-mission- 
 aries were outvoted, and so lost the house of worship. 
 They withdrew and began to worship at Griffith's school- 
 house." 
 
 After this dispute was settled the church took on new 
 life. She had fewer members, but she had unity, which is 
 much better. The ]\Ioriah Association, of which it was a 
 member, delegated Elders Joel Gullege, Mason and W. T. 
 Brasington to reorganize the church and prepare rules of 
 decorum. They performed their duty, and when the church 
 was at herself once more she called Elder Joel Gullege for 
 her pastor, at a salary of twenty-five dollars a year. He 
 lived in the White's Store community, and is said to have 
 been a godly man who served his churches faithfully. 
 
 In 1838 Aleadow Branch called the strong, vigorous- 
 and wide-awake Elder John Culpepper, Sr., for her pas- 
 tor. He was the most progressive man of his day. (See 
 biographical sketch in this book.) He lived in Montgom- 
 ery County at this time. The location is now in Stanly- 
 County, since that county was formed out of Montgom- 
 ery. His home was not very far from Rocky River Church 
 in Anson County. He lived on the Stanly side of the 
 
236 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 river. Culpepper was in touch with the progressive spirit 
 of the age, and was the personal friend of Dr. Wait, the 
 founder of Wake Forest College, and Thomas [Meredith, 
 founder of the Biblical Recorder. Culpepper served 
 three terms in Congress, and was a charter member of the 
 Board of Trustees of Wake Forest Institute, now \\"ake 
 Forest College. He served Old Rocky River for forty 
 years, but remained at ^Meadow Branch but two years, 
 1838-1840. 
 
 The next pastor of Aleadow Branch was Elder William 
 A. Morris of Anson County. He served two years, 1840- 
 1842. Under his ministry we find the first record of a 
 contribution to State Missions. He must have been a 
 progressive man, too. The next pastor was Dr. J. F. Lee. 
 He came from New York through A^irginia to Xorth Car- 
 olina. He was well educated, and was an entertaining 
 preacher. Great crowds attended his services. At one 
 time he was clerk of the Moriah Association, but because 
 of some peculiar ideas he had concerning some doctrinal 
 points he was not a very popular preacher. They did not 
 preach just any kind of doctrine at that time, but had to 
 stand the test of orthodoxy. They would excommunicate 
 one for unsoundness quicker than for anything else. He 
 had to be sound in the faith. Oh, that it were this way 
 now. Dr. Lee did not remain pastor here very long, but 
 lived in this county for many years, afterwards as a re- 
 spected physician. 
 
 The next pastor was Elder E. C. Williams. He grew 
 up in this church, and had acted as clerk for many years. 
 His work in this line was exceedingly well done. He was 
 pastor for nine years, 1845-1855. The records show that 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 237 
 
 the church was active in its support of State and Foreign 
 ]\Iissions during Elder WiUiams' ministry. The church 
 was greatlv enlarged during his pastorate. Xew members 
 came with letters from Rocky River and Brown Creek, 
 and other churches. The Bentons came from Rocky River 
 and the Griffins came from Brown Creek. 
 
 In 1845 the first Sunday School work was started at 
 ]\Ieadow Branch. They did not have Sunday School lit- 
 erature then as they do now. They knew something ought 
 to be done to keep the children employed in the proper 
 manner on Sundays. They did not wait until suitable lit- 
 erature was gotten out, but had the children to carry their 
 spelling books and the older ones their Bibles. ]\len, wo- 
 men and children attended. They spent the day together, 
 going home late in the afternoon. Brother W. J. T. 
 Maske was the first superintendent ; after him came 
 Brethren C. Austin and John C. Williams. Later on 
 Brethren X. W. Bivens, E. W. Griffin and Prof. Marcus 
 B. Dry served. Bro. J- W. Bivens has served for the past 
 twenty years or more. He is one of the finest we have 
 ever seen. For the past years he has been unwell, and 
 could not attend very much, but the church will not hear 
 to his giving up, though he cannot be there. No man was 
 ever more greatly loved as Sunday School Superintendent 
 than J. W. Bivens. His work in this capacity has been 
 a great help to the present pastor. 
 
 In 1855, when the first house was built near the pres- 
 ent site. Elder E. L. Davis was called to serve as pastor, 
 which call he accepted. This position he held for thirty- 
 six years as active, and four or more years with a supply 
 because of his advanced age. Elders J. A. Bivens and 
 
238 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Dr. J. B. Richardson assisted him. \A'ith Elder Davis' 
 pastorate a season of revivals began. He was a great 
 preacher, and a great evangelist. He held a meeting at 
 Meadow Branch in 1857 that resulted in forty-five candi- 
 dates for baptism. His labors here will never be forgot- 
 ten. Everybody loved and respected him. They esteemed 
 him as a father, and to show this they called him "Uncle 
 Edmund." 
 
 Since his day many pastors have served. After him 
 came Dr. J- B. Richardson, Thomas Carrick, G. O. Wil- 
 Tioit, Estrige, Baxter S. Funderburk, D. M. Austin, S, N. 
 AVatson and the present pastor, C. J. Black. With the 
 ministry of S. N. Watson, Meadow Branch began a new 
 era. Divisions began to arise, and for a time it looked 
 as if things were going to the bad, but the church got 
 things somewhat together and called Rev. D. 'SI. Austin 
 to supply until they could get a permanent pastor. Austin 
 served one year ; at the expiration of this time they called 
 C. J. Black, who at this time was pastor at Albemarle, 
 and some churches around there. He took charge No- 
 vember, 1914. The church has done very well since his 
 pastorate began, but not what it might have done. There 
 are too many factions and too many trivial things in a 
 man's way to accomplish what ought to be done here. We 
 liope that things may soon take a turn for the better here, 
 and that this old church may become what she ought to, 
 one of the leading churches in the State. She has a splen- 
 did citizenship to support her, and a people pretty well 
 educated to carry on her Sunday School, and all the agen- 
 cies of the kingdom. I suppose this church has about as 
 many college men and women in it as any country church 
 
Union Baptist Association. 239 
 
 in this State. May she broaden her horizon, have a new 
 vision, and get to work in dead earnest during these latter 
 days. 
 
 Her present officers are the fohowing: C. J. Black, 
 pastor ; W. V. Williams, Clerk ; J. W. Bivens, Sunday 
 School Superintendent; J- B. Outen and J. A. Bivens, 
 assistants; J. W. Bivens, J- H. Williams, W^ M. Perry, 
 J. C. Mclntyre, J. K. Bivens, T. E. AVilliams, E. W. Grif- 
 fin and M. W. Griffin and J. G. Carroll are the deacons. 
 
 Mount 'Olive Missionary Baptist Church was constitu- 
 ted the 27th day of April, 1833, by the Revs. Jessie Lewel- 
 lyn, Joel Gullege and James Thomas, with 21 members. 
 all of whom were former members of Lanes Creek 
 Church. 
 
 Elder Jessie Lewellen was the first pastor of the church, 
 followed by the following pastors in the order named : 
 Revs. W. T. Brasington, J. F. Lee, J. T. Copeland, W. F. 
 Brasington, Solomon Snider, E. Morton, W. F. Bransing- 
 ton, E. Morton, A. L. Stough, E. L. Davis, E. Morton, S 
 J. Fincher, E. !>. Davis, G. W. Harmon, Jesse Wheeler, J 
 A. Bivins, G. O. Wilhart, C. H. Martin, T. S. Wright, '] 
 A. Bivins, Joel S. Snider, W. H. Whitehead, C. L. Fowler 
 A. C. Davis, A. C. Baker, C. W. Martin, M. D. L. Preston 
 
 C. H. Martin, J. P. Hanis, D. A. Brown, Sam Long, D. A 
 Brown and the present pastor, W. A. Elam. 
 
 Darling Rushing was the first clerk of the church, and 
 the following in order named have served since then; R. 
 
 D. Rushing, O. T. Collins, D. T. Redfearn, W. D. Gullege, 
 C. H. Rivers, J. T. Collins, W. D. C. Gathings, E.-E. Mc- 
 Rae, B. A. Rushing, J. W. Collins, C. E. Rushing and E. E. 
 McRae. 
 
240 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Wilson Chambers was the first deacon, he being- ah-eady 
 ordained when the church was organized. W. W. Also- 
 brooks was the first deacon elected by the church and D. 
 Rushing" the second. These three served until 1860, when 
 O. T. Collins, T. Redfearn and R. D. Rushing were or- 
 dained deacons. 
 
 The church belonged to the Moriah Association, which 
 from the minutes seemed to be composed mostly of churches 
 in South Carolina until November, 1854, when the Brown 
 Creek Association was organized. 
 
 July 19, 1851, 32 members of this church were given 
 letters of dismission to organize a church at Faulks. 
 
 The present house of w^orship is the third one erected 
 on the same plot of gTound, and was dedicated in February, 
 1860, by Elders A. L. Stough, E. L. Davis, J. T. ^IcLure 
 and E. C. Morton. 
 
 A PARTiAii History of Waxhaw Church. 
 
 About the year 1820 or 1825 there was no church in 
 this community except a little church that was then called 
 Secedar, in three-fourths of a mile of the place where Wax- 
 haw Church now stands. This "Secedar" church was com- 
 posed of the Billues and ]\IcW4iorters. The church house 
 got burned and the church went down. About the same 
 time the Godfrevs came from Xew Hampshire and settled 
 in this community, they being ^Methodists, but there was 
 no church of any faith for them to join wath. During these 
 days of spiritual darkness John C. Godfrey went down into 
 South Carolina and found a young lady by the name of 
 Owen, wdiom he married. This young lady had a young 
 brother, W. C. Owen, who was a Baptist preacher. This 
 
Union Baptist Association. 241 
 
 young preacher, then being connected with the Godfreys, 
 would visit them and preach in the community occasionally, 
 and the Godfreys and Billues became interested in the work 
 and got Joseph Copeland, who lived in South Carolina, to 
 come and help W. C. Owen to preach, and a Baptist church 
 was organized about the year 1830. J. T. Copeland was 
 the first pastor. The members were the Godfreys and Bil- 
 lues. Steven Billue and his son Thomas were the first 
 deacons. 
 
 The church then joined the ]\Ioriah Assoication. The 
 next pastor was Phillip Hammond, of South Carolina. 
 
 The year 1840 M. N. Strickland was pastor, assisted by 
 W. C. Owen. The deacons were Henry Godfrey, Hugh 
 McCommon, Elias Caraway, W. C. Owen, church clerk, 
 Sunday School Superintendent J. D, Hooker. Male mem- 
 bers Burwell Clark, James Godfrey. Charles Adams, George 
 Brigman, David Owen, George Smith, John P. Hooker, 
 Jackson Kee. Rev. Nolen, \V. F. Brasington and Thomas 
 preached some for the church in the year 1842. G. W. 
 Sanders was received by letter from Alabama. In 1843 W. 
 C. Owen was ordained by recjuest of Sardis Church. From 
 what w^e have learned Strickland and Owen served the 
 church as pastors until the year 1852. The church then 
 called Brother Blackman, who served the year 1853. Broth- 
 er Hayes was pastor the year 1854. The year 1856 Brother 
 Logan was pastor. This same year Silas Fincher, a Metho- 
 dist preacher, joined this church, and was ordained by the 
 elders and deacons of Mill Creek and Flint Hill churches. 
 This same date the church joined the Brown Creek Asso- 
 ciation. The years 1858 and 1859 Brother Fincher was 
 pastor, 1860 Brother Stough was pastor, a part of 1860 and 
 
 16 
 
242 History of the Broaa'n Creek 
 
 1S61 Brother S. Head was pastor: 1859 T. W. Sanders was 
 ordained deacon. Ero. Jrhii S. Croxton was pastor from 
 1862 to 1867; 1863 AA'ilHam Godfrey an<l J. J. Godfrey 
 were ordained deacons. In 1865 the church revised the list 
 of names on roll. The years 1868 and 1869 J. AA^ Davis 
 was pastor. In the year 1869 the church gave its colored 
 members letters of dismission; 1871 Brother Wilkerson was 
 pastor. 1872 Bro J. A. Bivens was pastor. 1873 Bro. J. L. 
 Bennett was pastor. 
 
 These are the names of the pastors after 1873, but can- 
 not get the dates : Jesse AA'heeler, J. E. King. E. L. Davis, 
 D. A. Snider, J. A. Bivens, Benson King. J- L. Bennett, A. 
 B. Caudle, J. W. Little, Hogan F. Estridge. 
 
 \\'adesboro Church. 
 
 During the year 1869 a few loyal Christians carved their 
 names high above the shifting sands of time upon a stead- 
 fast rock that ever defies decay. These names appear upon 
 the charter of the AA'adesboro Baptist Church. Dr. E. A. 
 Covington. IMasten Haire. !\Irs. Rena Ingram, Lem H. Cov- 
 ington, Berry Sykes, ]\Irs. Jane Sykes and Mrs. Longford 
 Treadaway. Later on the roll of deacons were Dr. E. A. 
 Covington. T. B. Henry. \\'ilson Ashcraft, Dr. W. J. ]Mc- 
 Lendon and J. T. Redfearn. 
 
 For fifteen years continuously these men held a prayer 
 meeting every Saturday night. Often only three were pres- 
 ent. 
 
 By the assistance of the State Board and great sacri- 
 fice a small framed church building was erected on E. Wade 
 street, between the residence of James A. Leak and W. 
 P. Parsons, now known as the residence lot of James A. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 243 
 
 Henderson. The first service was rendered by Rev. Wm. 
 H. Jordon, who preached once a month. Rev. B. G. Cov- 
 ington preached two Sundays a month during his pastorate. 
 During the pastorate of Rev. G. W. Harmon a church organ 
 was purchased against great opposition. At the first Sun- 
 day afternoon practice Mr. Bob Lockhart^ a Methodist, was 
 helping to sing. The weather was hot and lie was fat, and 
 while singing he fainted. As he was taken from the church 
 a man passed and made the statement that one of the church 
 members said : "Just as I told you, the thing has bursted 
 tind killed a man" (meaning the organ had bursted). 
 
 The Baptists multiplied regardless of the fierce opposi- 
 tion. The first organist was Mrs. Hattie R. Covington. Dr. 
 W. J. AIcLendon was Superintendent of the Sunday School 
 when the church wa-s removed to the new brick and brown 
 
 stone structure on the corner of West Wade and 
 
 streets. 
 
 For many years T. B. Henry was infant class teacher 
 and treasurer of the church. The first Sunbeam Society 
 was organized in 18S9 by Miss Lela Lucas, with H. H. 
 McLendon Secretary. The old discardal building was now 
 a schoolhouse, known as the Baptist School of Wadesboro, 
 bought by Miss Jennie Curry (Mrs. W. J. Huntley) and 
 Miss L. J. Lucas (Mrs. T. B. Henry). In this building was 
 organized the first Sunbeam band in the Piedmont section 
 of the State of Xorth Carolina, which taught to the chil- 
 dren from seven to twelve years the great truths of Mis- 
 sions. 
 
 Strong anti-mission ideas prevailed at that time through- 
 out this section of the State, and it was most difficult to 
 establish any organization that wanted to send the gospel 
 
244 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 to the heathen. In AA'adesboro, at that time, there were 
 members of the Baptist Church who forbid the children to 
 have the Missionary Band hold its meetings inside the 
 church. Therefore the meeting was held in the schoolhouse. 
 On that Sunbeam roll is found the names of Lester Webb, 
 of Columbia, S. C. ; T. W. Gibson, of Charlotte, N. C. ; 
 Annie Webb (Brasington), Rosalend McLendon (Red- 
 fearn), B. G. Covington. Many times the minutes record 
 the childhood songs of A'linnie Brown and readings by Min- 
 nie Webb (in whose memory the organ at the Chapel of 
 South Wadesboro was purchased) . On this same Sunbeam 
 roll we note the names of Lou Fant (McMillen), Mae Fant 
 (Cobb), Miriam Redfearn (Benton), Daisy Huntley 
 (Llales), Grace Covington (Allen), and Lois Covington 
 (Smith). 
 
 The Woman's Missionary Society was organized by its 
 first President, Mrs. W. J. Weldman, in the home of Mrs. 
 W. J. Huntley, with seven members. At that time only two 
 women in the church would pray at a society meeting. 
 These were Mrs. L. C. Bennett (who wrote her prayers on 
 strips of paper), ajad Mrs. T. B. Henry. 
 
 From these two missionary organizations afterwards 
 developed the Association known as the Pee Dee AVoman's 
 Missionary Union, Auxiliary to the Pee Dee Association, 
 organized in 1894 by Dr. C. Durham and J. Q. Adams, 
 with Mrs. T. B. Henry President, ^Irs. W. f. Huntley 
 Secretary, and Miss Minnie Webb Treasurer. 
 
 The Wadesboro church is one of the best churches in 
 this section of the State at present. It has had some of 
 the very best pastors to be had. In the days of the Brown 
 Creek Associaion it had Elders G. W. Harmon, N. R. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 245 
 
 Pitman, J. O. Adams, J. F. Love, T. W. Chambliss, Graves 
 and W. H. Reddish. 
 
 The church has some of the very best workers we have 
 seen. It is without a pastor at the present, but it will not 
 remain this way very long. 
 
 Fairfield Church. 
 
 Fairfield Baptist Church is located on the Olive Brand: 
 and Monroe road, about eleven miles northeast of Monroe. 
 It was organized September 24, 1901, by Elders D. A. 
 Snider, A. C. Davis and A. Marsh. The people of the com- 
 munity had erected a stand for preaching, which was used 
 several months prior to this time. 
 
 The following is a list of the charter members : 
 
 J. B. Bass, James R. Gardner, L. C. Gardner, J. A. 
 Kiser, R. H, Little, G. W. Williams, J. L. Williams, L. S. 
 Williams, J. M. Mills, Thos. C. Griffin, Sarah M. Broom, 
 Miriam M. Gardner, Lizzie Gardner Victoria Griffin, Daisy 
 B. Griffin, S. C. Kiser, Alice Kiser, M. Eugenie Baucom, 
 Dora E. Williams, Jane Little, Frances E. Williams and 
 Martha Trull. 
 
 The following have served as pastors : 
 
 Rev. A. Marsh, Rev. T. P. Little, Rev. J. G. Gullege, 
 Rev. E. C. Snyder and Rev. J. C. Aleigs. 
 
 Deep Springs. 
 Deep Springs Baptist Church is located in Anson Coun- 
 ty, about three miles north of Peachland. It was organ- 
 ized November 26, 1864. When first organized it bore the 
 name of Caudle's Grove, but was later changed to Deep 
 Springs, taking its name from a very deep spring near by. 
 
246 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Twelve charter members constituted the church at its 
 organization. They were Brethren J. W. Phifer, A. Caudle, 
 Jefferson Caudle, R. T. Caudle and Jesse Caudle. 
 
 In the list of female members we have the names of 
 Abigal Phifer, ^I. R. Phifer, Mary Broadway, Carolina 
 Caudle, Maniza Smith, M. J. Caudle and A. P. Caudle. 
 
 The first deacons were A. Caudle and J. W. Phifer. 
 
 The following ministers have been sent out by the 
 church: A. Caudle, J. W. Phifer, A. B. Caudle, R. T. 
 Caudle, Zeb Caudle and I. B. Little. 
 
 The church has had the following pastors : J. W. Davis, 
 A. Caudle, J. W. Phifer, James Barber, D. A. Snider, J. L. 
 Bennett, James Hartsell, R. T. Caudle, T. P. Little, A. 
 Alarsh, E. C. Snder, H. G. Bryant, R. M. Haigler, R. H. 
 James and Zeb Caudle, the present pastor. 
 
 Mount Pleasant. 
 
 Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, located in Buford Town- 
 ship, seven miles south of Monroe, on the Cheraw road, 
 was organized June 19, 1880. The organizing presbytery 
 consisted of Elder A. C. Davis and Elder J. E. King. It 
 was organized about three-fourths of a mile east of where 
 the present meeting house now stands, and just a few yards 
 northeast of a large spring in a branch, the land on which 
 it was organized now being the property of Ellis Godwin. 
 
 The organization was due primarily to the work of El- 
 der A. C. Davis. For about eight months previous to the 
 organization he preached there regularly under a brush 
 arbor prepared for the purpose. So far as the writer can 
 gather he was the first to preach the gospel, as the Baptists 
 hold it, in that community. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 247 
 
 The church as constituted was composed of nine mem- 
 bers. They were Brethren Cullin Parker, Sr., Culhn Par- 
 ker, Jr., J. M. Funderburk, H. D. Rogers and L. A. Os- 
 born. The sisters were Edna Parker, Susan Osborn, E. C. 
 Funderburk and M. R. Rogers. 
 
 J. M. Funderburk was elected clerk. There is no rec- 
 ord of the election of any deacons for several months. A. 
 C. Davis served them as pastor for about two years after 
 the organization. 
 
 Their first house was a very small log one, built on the 
 plat of ground where the church was organized. However, 
 it did not serve them long, for the record shows that in 
 August, 1882, a committee was appointed to secure a suit- 
 able building lot on the Cheraw road. There is no record 
 of the report of that committee, but the record shows that 
 the church was soon collecting funds for the erection of a 
 new house. The new building was erected near the Cheraw 
 road, on a plat of land owned by R. W. A. Rogers, who 
 was a Methodist. The church in regular conference ex- 
 tended to him a vote of thanks. 
 
 Their second building served the church till the fall of 
 1916, when it was sold and a larger one erected on the 
 same plat of ground. The last building was badly wrecked 
 by a severe cyclone that passed near by October 29, 1917,, 
 but by careful work was repaired and made sufficiently 
 strong to be safe. The following ministers have served 
 as pastors of the church: 
 
 A. C. Davis, J. J. Beasley, D. A. Snider, J. A. Sanders,. 
 A. Marsh, A. B. Caudle, H. G. Bryant, R. ^I. Haigler and 
 M. D. L. Preslar. 
 
248 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Two preachers have been ordained and sent out by the 
 church. The first one, J. W. Little, North Carohna's "Gat- 
 hng Gun" preacher, was ordained July 19, 1887. The pres- 
 bytery consisted of Elder E. L. Davis, Elder J. L. Bennett 
 and Deacon L. J. Parker. The second one, M. D. L. Pres- 
 lar, was ordained September 30, 1902. Elders T. P. Little, 
 
 D. A. Snider and A. Marsh composed the presbytery. 
 Like most churches, its life has ebbed and flowed. Yet 
 
 it has been a great power for good, as hundreds can tes- 
 tify, who first came to know the Lord through its ministry. 
 
 History of Bethel Church. 
 
 Bethel Baptist Church was organized August 2, 1861, 
 by Elders S. J. Fincher and S. Head, with 17 members, all 
 of whom have now passed away, the last being Mrs. Eliza 
 
 E. Gray, who died a few days ago at her home near Peach- 
 land. The names of the members who were in the organi- 
 zation are: Alfred Ashcraft, S. Ross, James Bivins, S. H. 
 Parker, John S. ]\Iarsh, Peter Parker, Ann Liles, Jane War- 
 ren, Eliza E. Moore-Gray, Martha E. Green, Mary Ross, 
 Nancy Parker, Sarah J. Griffin, Zilphia Parker, Jane M. 
 Bivins, Drucilla ^larsh and Elizabeth Ross. 
 
 Elder S. J. Eincher was called as the first pastor, John 
 S. Marsh was elected first church clerk, Alfred Ashcraft 
 and S. H. Parker were ordained as the first deacons. 
 
 The pastors who have served the church and the time 
 they served are as follows : S. J. Fincher, from 1861 to 
 1866; L. Bennett supplied one year; P. M. Snyder, 1867 
 to 1868; L. A. Bivens, from 1868 to 1870; E. L. Davis, 
 from 1870 to 1874; J. A. Bivins, from 1874 to 1877; J. 
 W. Wheeler, from 1877 to 1878 ; J. A. Bivens, from 1878 
 
Union Baptist Association. 249 
 
 to 1881; J. L. Bennett, 1881 to 1884; J. A. Bivins, 1884 
 to 1887; A. ^larsh, 1889 to 1900; J. A. Bivens, 1900 to 
 1907; M. D. L. Preslar, 1907 to 1913; D. A. Brown, 1913 
 to 1914 ; J. A. Bivins was called in 1914, and is still serv- 
 ing. 
 
 The success of the church thus far is due more to our 
 dearly beloved pastor, Rev. J. A. Bivens, than any other 
 man. He has labored faithfully with the church as pastor 
 a total of nearly 27 years. 
 
 H. F. Little, Church Clerk. 
 
 Faulks Church. 
 
 Faulks Church stands about four miles southeast of 
 Wingate. It was organized as a branch of Mt. Olive Church 
 in August, 1851. B. F. Benton was chairman of the organ- 
 izing presbytery. The names of other members of the pres- 
 bytery are not given. It was more fortunate than some 
 of its sister churches organized about that time, in that it 
 registered thirty-five charter members. Names not given. 
 
 The church lays claim to the honor of enjoying the pas- 
 toral care of the following ministers : Solomon Snider, E. 
 L. Davis, S. J. Fincher, J. F. McClure, B. Reader, J. W. 
 Davis, Jesse Phifer, D. A. Snider, J. L. Bennett, M. Med- 
 lin, R. H. James, J. A. Bivens, A. C. Davis and F. C. 
 Snider. 
 
 One thing that is worthy of special note in the history 
 of the church is the fact that D. A. Snider and J. L. Ben- 
 nett, sons of the church, served it jointly, one serving one 
 month and the other the next, contiuously with the excep- 
 tion of the year 1882, from 1871 to 1890. Faulks has al- 
 ways been noted as a place for large congregations, and 
 
250 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 under the leadership of their present pastor, Elder E. C. 
 Snider, they seem to be getting an enlarged vision, and 
 are going forward. 
 
 Antioch Baptist Church. 
 
 Antioch Baptist Church stands thirteen miles north of 
 Monroe, on the Love Mill road. It was organized October 
 3, 1892, by Elders A. C. Davis and T. B. Phillips, with the 
 following members : 
 
 J. A. Newton, J. D. Jenkins, J. L. Green, J. R. ]\IcCoy, 
 J. H. Bresson, J. M. Yorke, C. E. Kiker, A. A. Baucom, 
 Mrs. S. E. Yorke, J. A. Green, S. J. Kiker, E. A. Baucom, 
 E. M. Eudy, J. R. Kiker, M. A. McCoy, Nancy A. Newton, 
 Mary E. Reed. 
 
 Hopewell Church. 
 
 Hopewell Church was organized October 6, 1878, by 
 Rev. D. A. Snyder, J. J. Bennett and J. A. Bivens, w^ho 
 composed the presbytery. The following were the charter 
 members : 
 
 Rederick Pope, John Dees, Mary Watkins, ^lartha 
 Faulk, Sarah Clonts, Mary Raulk, Elizabeth Mills, Sarah 
 Pope, Mary Clonts, Thetus Clonts, Lucinda Cuthbertson 
 and Nancy Pope. 
 
 Of the charter members only four are living, viz : Red- 
 erick Pope and wife, Thetus Clonts Helms and Lucinda 
 Cuthbertson Love. 
 
 The original church house and lot was purchased from 
 the Methodists through the efforts of Rev. D. A. Snyder, 
 E. L. Davis, J. A. Bivens, J. L. Bennett and J. E. King, 
 who had been preaching in the neighborhood some time 
 before the church w'as organized. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 25L 
 
 Rev. D. A. Snyder served the church as its first pastor 
 for two years without any compensation. At the expira- 
 tion of that period Rev. D. A. Snyder and J. L. Bennett; 
 served the church jointly for a number of years and re- 
 ceived a salary of $12.50 each per annum for their faithfuL 
 services while the church was yet in its infancy. 
 
 John Dees served the church as her first clerk. Reder— 
 ick Pope and W. G. Long were the first church deacons, 
 and have served faithfully in that capacity up to the present' 
 time, a period of 41 years. The follow^ing have served as- 
 pastors of the church, viz : 
 
 Rev. D. A. Snyder, J. L. Bennett, J. A. Bivens, A. C. 
 Davis, J. F. Davis, M. D. L. Preslar, J. S. Simpson, J. H.. 
 Spaulding and E. C. Snyder. 
 
 W. L. Biggers was the faithful and efficient church clerk: 
 for a period of thirty years. 
 
 J. L. Crowell has been the faithful leader of the church 
 choir ever since the organization of the church. He has 
 always been at his post of duty, and there is no church that 
 can boast of a more faithful member than he. 
 
 The growth of the church has been marked by the 
 members she has received from year to year. Her mem- 
 bership now numbers 178. 
 
 This old church claims the honor of sending out some: 
 of the strongest young men of the State, viz : 
 
 Rev. James Long, Aulander, X. C. 
 
 Rev. Bruce Benton, Rockingham, X. C. 
 
 Rev. D. F. rielms. Concord, X. C. 
 
 Rev. Edward Long, Clinton, X. C. 
 
 Rev. William Hough, Cornelius, X. C. 
 
 Rev. Sam Long, Heath Springs, X. C. 
 
 Prof. AI. B. Dry, Carey, X. C. 
 
252 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 These young men have, by their tireless energies and 
 devotion to duty, made their influence for good felt wher- 
 ever their lot has been cast. Hopewell Church is proud to 
 ■claim these noble young men as her sons. 
 
 One noble trait that has ever been exhibited by Hope- 
 well Church is the spirit of brotherly love that has pre- 
 vailed among her members. Her history has been a peace- 
 ful one. The spirit of harmony has ever prevailed in all 
 the deliberations of her members. 
 
 When the United States became involved in the great 
 World War Hopewell Church furnished five of her noble 
 young men — Stanley Chaney, Homer Biggers, Clegg 
 Chaney, Arthur Helms and Reece Belk — who did their 
 part in dethroning Prussian tyranny and winning the 
 * world for democracy. These young men, though separated 
 from their home church, did not forget their duty to her. 
 However great as the sacrifice may have been as some of 
 them took their places in the trenches besides their French 
 comrades, they contributed liberally of their earnings to 
 the support of the church that meant so much to them, 
 A noble example ! 
 
 About all the old members as well as the faithful pas- 
 tors who sacrificed so and who labored so faithfully to 
 make Hopewell Church shine as a beacon light have long 
 since crossed over the river, and are, we believe, resting 
 under the shade of the trees, reaping the fruit of their 
 labors. 
 
 All honor to their memory ! 
 
 May their clean lives and their noble deeds stimulate 
 ns to greater spiritual activity. 
 
 T. L. Price, Church Clerk. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 253 
 
 Center ('Xorwood) Baptist Church. 
 Norwood Baptist Church was organized September 
 13, 1879. The presbytery was composed of Revs. G. W.. 
 Harmon, G. O. Wilhoit and A. E. Bennette. The follow- 
 ing members were received : ^Margaret Lanier, Eliza Ben- 
 nette, Rebecca Turner, Ann ]\Iariah Harris, Isabella Par- 
 ker, Zilphy Colson, William Caudle, John Caudle, Sarah 
 IMills, John Green, ]\Iartha Mills. A week's meeting fol- 
 lowed this organization, and the following came in on- 
 Christian statement from a disorganized church near Nor- 
 wood : The church was near the Eli Farmer residence, 
 and was called New Hope. The members received from 
 there were B. L. Duke^ Julia Duke, John P. Duke, George 
 Thompson, Priscilla Duke, Regina Duke, Martha Duke 
 and Sarah Morton. Thededicatory sermon was preached 
 on September 22nd by Elder G. W. Harmon. The fol- 
 lowing members were received at the close of this meet- 
 ing, which Avas Sunday, September 22 : Mollie Hinson, 
 ]\Iartitia Ross, Ann Eliza Thompson, Richard Harris, J. 
 A. Mills, Dock Singleton, Ella Scarboro, Louisa M. Har- 
 ris, J. W. Plamilton, Bennette Duke. These were bap- 
 tized the fifth day of October by Elder A. E. Bennette in 
 Rocky River near Barnhardt's Mill. Rev. R. D. Thomp- 
 son and wife joined by letter the same day. The church 
 grew from time to time. It had its struggles, but kept 
 going all the time. Rev. A. E. Bennette was the first pas- 
 tor. In 1880 Rev. A\'. G. Rollins became pastor, then Rev. 
 G. O. Wilhoit was called. He served for many years, and 
 be it said of him that much of the success of Norwood 
 Church is due to his faithful services as pastor. Rev. 
 C. H. Martin served after Brother Wilhoit, Brother John 
 
254 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 P. Boyd followed Brother Alartiii, then they had another 
 term of service from Brother Wilhoit. This pastorate 
 continued until 1898, when Rev. Chas. T. Ball was called. 
 After this came Rev. B. H. Matthews, then J. E. M. Dav- 
 enport, who did much good. Brother AVilhoit served a 
 third time, following Brother Davenport, then came the 
 pastorate of Rev. E. J\I. Brooks. He did much good. The 
 church built a parsonage during his pastorate and added 
 much strength to the work in general. Rev. J- C. GilHspie 
 served after Brother Brooks. A new church house was 
 1)uilt during his pastorate. It was so much needed that it 
 added a great deal to the work. It is one of the prettiest 
 houses in the State. It is small, but is very convenient. 
 Brother Gillispie deserves much credit for this work. T. 
 Sloan Guy served six months after Gillispie. 
 
 Rev. C. J. Black is the present pastor. He began there 
 in Eebruary, 1919. 
 
 The following have served as clerks of Norwood 
 Church: Richard Harris, J. A. Lick, A. D. Dumas, D. B. 
 Bennette, E. M. Harris, Miss ]Maude Harris and S. A. 
 Poplin, who is the present clerk. 
 
 The present board of deacons is S. A. Poplin, chair- 
 man; B. F. Lamley, Ray Sinclair, Erank Lilly and Robert 
 Kendall. 
 
 Two preachers have gone out from this church. The 
 first one was James S. Farmer, of the Biblical Recorder 
 staff, who was ordained September 17, 1899, by Revs. D. 
 S. Morton and C. J. Black. The second one was Rev. E. 
 M. Harris, who was ordained about 1900, by Revs. L. R. 
 Pruette, R. N. Herring and C. J. Black. He is a very 
 •^earnest preacher, and is doing much good. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 255 
 
 This church enjoys wonderful opportunities. \Ye feel 
 that it is to become one of the strongest in the State. 
 
 Bentox's Cross Roads. 
 
 On the Concord road, eight miles north of Monroe, 
 stands a little white church called Benton's Cross Roads, 
 It was organized September 26, 1882, by a presbytery con- 
 sisting of Elders E. L. Davis, A. C. Davis, J. W. Davis, 
 J. A. Eivens and H. B. King. J. H. Trull was made clerk 
 to the presbytery. Elder E. L. Davis preached a sermon, 
 text Romans i. 16. Elder A. C. Davis explained the ob- 
 ject of the meeting, after which the following presented 
 letters and became charter members of the new church : 
 
 Brthren B. F. Benton, J. Morris Benton, W. O. Ben- 
 ton, G. D. Benton, J. E. Benton, S. L. Benton, E. L. Ben- 
 ton, E. \V. Belk, J. F. Belk, S. Z. Austin, S. A. Helms, 
 T. H. Hartsell, J. B. Beckham, T. A. Griffin, J. T. Griffin; 
 Sisters E. A. Benton, C. J. Benton, Renetta Benton, Avis 
 Benton, Eugenia Benton, E. J. Benton, F. L. Benton, E. 
 J. Austin, Jane Belk, M. F. Belk, H. J. Beckham, Rosanna 
 Helms, Serena A. Helms and Mary Griffin. 
 
 Elders R. H. James, J. A. Bivens, J. L. Bennett, J. G. 
 Gulledge, D. A. Snider, J. W. Snider, E. C. Snider, A. 
 ^larsh, AI. D. L. Preslar, J. S. Simpson and perhaps a 
 few others have served the church in the capacity of pastor. 
 
 MouxTAix Springs Citurch. 
 
 ^Vlountain Springs Baptist Church stands about sever 
 miles southeast of Monroe and right near the springs for 
 which the church and nearbv school house was named. 
 
256 History of the Bkown Creek 
 
 The springs are three in number. They issue from near 
 the foot of a hill from the summit of which one can get 
 a good view of the surrounding country on a fair day. 
 Their flow of water is fresh and perpetual. Previous to 
 the time when the Missionary Baptist Church made it a 
 regular preaching point it was an anti-mission stronghold, 
 and most of the itinerating Primitive or Hardshell preach- 
 ers coming through this section would make it a point to 
 stop and preach there. Finally Elder D. A. Snider, Elder 
 A. B. Caudle and others of the missionar)^ faith began to 
 send in appointments. As a result many became inter- 
 ested. A brush arbor was soon built to accommodate the 
 crowds that gathered to hear the gospel as we hold it. 
 Finally a meeting was held which continued for several 
 days. Many professed faith in Christ. By this time sen- 
 timent had become strong in favor of a church. Accord- 
 ingly, on Jwly 19, 1901, a presbytery consisting of Elders 
 A. B. Caudle, J- A. Bivens and D. A. Snider met and or- 
 ganized a church with the following charter members : 
 
 W. B. Griffin, Drucilla Griffin, Henry Griffin, E. R. 
 Griffin, I\Iilas Griffin, Franklin Griffin, Raymond Griffin, 
 Zena Griffin, Laura Griffin, Ella Griffin, Wincie Griffin, 
 Emma Griffin, A. D. ]\Ioor, Jessie Aloor, Robert Haire, J. 
 R. Haire, Baxter Flaire, S. H. Haire, Ida Haire, Lessie 
 Haire. S. S. Collins, Lillie Collins, Marguerite Collins, G. 
 T. Snipes, H. A. Snipes and Emma McManus. 
 
 In the list of pastors the following names appear : 
 A. B. Caudle, M. D. L. Preslar. D. A. Snider, P. E. 
 Blackman, R. PI. James and E. C. Snider, the present pastor. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 257 
 
 The AIarshville Church. 
 
 e 
 ]\Iarshville Baptist Church was organized September 18, 
 
 1883, by Elder J. L. Bennett and Elder D. A. Snider. It 
 
 was organized under the name of Grove Springs, and had 
 
 fifteen charter members. 
 
 On September 15, 1888, the name of the church was 
 changed to Beaver Dam. Again, in January, 1900, it was 
 changed to ]\Iarshville, and made to conform to the name 
 of the village, which had also adopted the name of Marsh- 
 ville. The adoption of the new name was in honor of the 
 Marsh family, which had become very prominent in the 
 life of both the village and church. 
 
 It seems that for the first year after the organization 
 Elders J. L. Bennett, D. A. Snider and J. A. Biven's 
 preached for the church alternately. The second year J. L. 
 Bennett and D. A. Snider were called, and served alternately 
 for some time. During this time, August, 1886, A. Marsh 
 was set apart by the church to the full work of the min- 
 istry, after which it seems that he, too, served in connec- 
 tion with Bennett and Snider, as they were popularly called 
 for two years. Since that time the following names ap- 
 pear in the list of pastors : J. B. Richardson, D. D. ; J. S. 
 Snider, G. O. Wilhoit, J. L. Shinn, D. M. Austin, S. N. 
 Watson and C. J. Black. 
 
 In the list of deacons appears the following names : J. 
 C. Morgan, M. F. Phifer, A. Phifer, W. M. Davis, M. L. 
 Sinclair, C. M. Griffin, B. H. Griffin, J. T. Garland and 
 H. B. Marsh. 
 
 The name of F. 'SI. Edwards appears as Treasurer and 
 Clerk ; B. PI. Griffin, Superintendent of Sunday School ; 
 Smith Medlin, as Assistant Superintendent; !\Irs. J. M. 
 
 17 ■ ' 
 
258 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 MARSHVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 259 
 
 Edwards, Secretary and Treasurer of School, and Mrs. F. 
 W. Ashcraft, Organist. 
 
 ]\IouNT Ziox Church. 
 
 Mount Zion 'Baptist Church is located about twelve 
 miles south of ^Monroe, on the Pl}"ler ^Nlill road. It was 
 organized November 10, 1913, by Elders R. H. James, 
 Braxton Craig and ^I. D. L. Preslar, with seventeen char- 
 ter members. Previous to the organization R. H. James 
 and others had been preaching in a nearby schoolhouse. 
 The people of the community had built a house and had it 
 ready for use at the organization. Following are a list of 
 the charter members: Henry Melton, P. O. Melton, Henry 
 Belk, Wesley Melton, :\Irs. Henry Melton, Mrs. P. O. ^lel- 
 ton, Lucy Belk, Drucilla Baker, Sarah Eubanks, Kate La- 
 ney, Tishie Holtsouser, Bell ^IcManus, Flossie Sustare, 
 Connie Melton, Eliza Laney, [Minnie Sinclair and Emma 
 Laney. 
 
 Henry Belk and Henry Melton were elected and or- 
 dained as deacons the day of the organization : J. J. Mont- 
 gomery, a member of Sandy Ridge Church, was made 
 Clerk; R. PI. James, R. M. Haigler and Zeb Caudle have 
 served the church as pastor. 
 
 Union Grove Church. 
 
 Union Grove Baptist Church was organized by a pres- 
 bytery consisting of Elders A. C. Davis, E. C. Snider and 
 H. G. Bryant, December 1, 1910. It was organized as a 
 branch from Hamilton's Cross Roads Church. It was or- 
 ganized with the following members: W. F. Griffin, R. A. 
 Hamilton, Luther Griffin, Buck Little, AA'alter Caudle, Y. 
 
260 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 R. Parker, C. A. Hamilton, T. C. Griffin, Virgie Griffin 
 and Dora Griffin. 
 
 R. A. Hamilton was the first clerk and W. F. Griffin 
 the first deacon. 
 
 Since its organization it has had the following pastors : 
 IT. G. Bryant, A. ^larsh and C. J. Black. 
 
 While the church is numbered among the young ones 
 of the Association it already has a son in the ministry in 
 the person of W. B. Holmes, now of Florida. He was set 
 apart to the full work of the ministry September 18, 1914. 
 The presbytery consisted of Elders A. ]\Iarsh. J. A. Bivens, 
 A. C. Davis and T. P. Little. 
 
 Sixty-three have come into the church through baptism 
 since its organization. 
 
 ^Macedonia. 
 
 In the early summer of 1880 a traveler going south 
 from ]\Ionroe would travel a distance of something like 
 sixteen miles without coming in sight of a Baptist church 
 of the missionary faith. In traveling west one could have 
 started at Faulks Church and traveled to Waxhaw Baptist 
 Church, a distance of eighteen or twenty miles, and found 
 no Missionary Baptist church in the intervening space. 
 However, here and there were to be found a few who had 
 received the gospel as we preach it. 
 
 Standing three miles south of IMonroe, on the Chester- 
 field road, was a dilapidated church building. The people 
 who met there to worship from time to time were of the 
 Primitive or "Tlardshell" faith. Finally it was proposed 
 that if the missionaries in the community would assist in 
 the erection of a new house at the place that they in turn 
 
Union Baptist Association. 261 
 
 could have the privilege of holding services in the huilding. 
 The proposition was accepted and the work was done. As 
 a result the first Sunday School the writer ever attended 
 was held in a meeting house of the anti-mission and anti- 
 Sunda}^ School people. But two cannot walk together ex- 
 cept they he agreed. It was not long until objection was 
 made and our people sought other quarters in which to 
 teach the scriptures and worship God. A Mrs. Whitley, 
 who was a member of the anti-mission church, felt that 
 the missionaries had been treated wrong and tendered them 
 the use of a tenant house on her place. Her generous offer 
 was kindly accepted and the Sunday School work resumed. 
 However, the missionary spirit is a progressive spirit. It 
 is not satisfied unless the chords are being lengthened and 
 the stakes strengthened. Accordingly, on the morning of 
 September 19, 1880. a small congregation met on the Wolf 
 Pond road, about a mile from the anti-mission church, for 
 the purpose of constituting a new church of the missionary 
 faith. Elder A. T. Latta preached, after which a presby- 
 tery was formed, consisting of Elder A. T. Latta and El- 
 der J. T. Brasington. Wellington Baker was clerk to the 
 presbytery. Those who had letters of dismission from Mis- 
 sionary Baptist churches and wished to become charter mem- 
 bers of the new church were asked to come forward. The 
 following presented letters : N. A. Funderburk, W. E. 
 Funderburk, Elmore Funderburk, Wellington Baker, H. S. 
 Presson, W. H. Outen, Elmira Funderburk, Annie Fun- 
 derburk, Jane Funderburk, Molly Baker, Jane Baker, Jane 
 Harris and Harriet M. Outen. 
 
 The following ministers have had the pastoral care of 
 the church: J. T. Brasington, J. J. Beasley, J. L. Bennett, 
 
262 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 J. A. Bivens, D. A. Snider, W. F. Little, A. B. Caudle, M. 
 D. L. Preslar, A. Marsh, Braxton Craig, A. C. Davis and 
 
 C. J. Black. 
 
 In 1891 the church was moved from the point where it 
 was organized, on the Wolf Pond road, to the point near 
 the Chesterfield road, where it now stands. In 1903 the 
 old huilding was sold and a new one erected. 
 
 Un^ion Baptist Church. 
 
 Union Baptist Church stands in Lanes Creek Township, 
 about eight miles south of Wingate. It was organized De- 
 cember 31, 1893, by Elders D. A. Snider and J. W. Little. 
 B. F. Parker served as clerk to the presbytery. There is 
 no record of the charter members. 
 
 The church has had the following pastors: J. W. Lit- 
 tle, T. P. Little. J. .v. Bivens, A. Alarsh, A. C. Davis, M. 
 
 D. L. Preslar and E. C. Snider, the present pastor. 
 
 The church is situated in a good farming section of the 
 county and has a good type of citizenship to draw upon 
 Its prospects are bright. 
 
 Roanoke Church. 
 Roanoke Baptist Church stands about five miles from 
 Monroe, on the Ridge road. It was organized by Dr. A.. 
 M. Croxton, R. LI. James and D. A. Snider, Friday, April 
 5, 1901. J. J- Moody was clerk to the presbytery. The 
 list of charter members comprise the names of A. M. Price, 
 H. M. Price. E. W. Price, J. N. D. Price, B. A. Price, 
 Joseph F. Price, J. S. Pyron. A. F. Fowler, G. W.Jerrett, 
 A. B. Helms, J. M. Hill, A. C. Helms, M. J. I. Price, L. A. 
 Price, S. M. Price, J. A. Price, Lula Price, M. J. Pyron, 
 
Union Baptist Association. 263 
 
 D. E. Pyron, Elizabeth Fowler, D. E. Fowler, Jane Jer- 
 rett, Z. E. Helms, Bessie Helms, C. E. Hill, C. S. ]\IcRorie 
 and Alsey Medlin. 
 
 The following ministers have served as pastors of the 
 church: R. H. James, J. G. Gnlledge, J. A. Bivens, R. M. 
 Haigler, A. Alarsh, AI. D. L. Preslar and J. Collie Meigs. 
 
 King Street Church^ Waxhaw. 
 
 King Street Church was organized September 28, 1899, 
 by Dr. A. ]\'I. Croxton, following a protracted meeting held 
 in the Methodist Church by Elder J. W. Little. The fol- 
 lowing charter members constituted the church as organ- 
 ized: 
 
 T. L. Doster, M. D., J. P. Garrison, J. T. Black, W. J. 
 McGuirt, J. A. ^IcGuirt, S. J. McGuirt, G. D. Austin. A. 
 J. Blythe, W. C. Broom, W. S. King, W. D. King, C. H. 
 Austin, W. W. Black, L. M. Austin, G. W. McManus, Geor- 
 gia E. Doster, J. B. Black, H. D. Black, Mary Brantley, 
 Alice Blythe, Minnie Blythe, Hattie Blythe, Daisy King, M. 
 J. McGuirt, Martha AIcKibben, M. J. Haigler, Addie Rob- 
 inson, Lula, Broom, Jennie King, R. D. King, P^annie Aus- 
 tin, S. A. McManus and L J. Austin. 
 
 In the list of patsors are the names of J. W. Little, J. 
 L. Bennett, W. F. Estridge, G. L. Alerrell, K. W. Hogan 
 and their present pastor, J. Collie Meigs. 
 
 Sketch of Corinth Baptist Church. 
 
 Corinth Baptist Church was organized September 9, 
 1897, by Rev. D. A. Snider and Rev. J. W. Snider. 
 
 Brethren J. C. Price, J. B. Price, J. A. Price, T. A. 
 Richardson and Sisters M. A. Price, Dora Price, A^annie 
 
264 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 Price, Arkansaw Price, Julia Drake, Rehnll Richardson and 
 ■Clarinda Helms were the charter members. Brother T. A. 
 JRichardson and Brother E. C. Helms were the first deacons, 
 and Brother T. A. Richardson was the first clerk. 
 
 Rev. J. W. Snider was the first pastor. The successive 
 pastors are : Rev. J. G. Gulledge, ^^'illiam Walters, H. C. 
 Bryant, J. A. Bivens. Rev. R. M. Haigler is the present 
 pastor, and has been with the church for nearly seven years. 
 The present membership is 202, with a flourishing Sunday 
 School. Brother W. A. Griffin is the faithful Superintend- 
 ent. In 1915 the church had a revival, conducted by the 
 pastor, Rev. R. M. Haigler, that resulted in forty additions 
 to the church. It was at this meeting that plans were laid 
 to enlarge the church building, and in a short while the 
 seating capacity was doubled. 
 
 Rev. J. W. Snider laid the foundation of the church by 
 •doing the first preaching under a brush arbor. C. A. Helms 
 •donated the builtHng lot. J. C. Price named the church. 
 
 Sketch of Ebexezer Baptist Church. 
 
 Ebenezer Church was organized September 6, 1879. 
 The presbytery consisted of the following named brethren : 
 Rev. E. C. Williams of Mecklenburg and Rev. B. S. 
 Reeder of Union County. These old pioneer preachers 
 have long since gone to their reward. 
 
 The church was organized with twelve charter mem- 
 bers, five male and seven female. The following names 
 were the charter members : X. ]\I. Beckham, J. E. Rowell, 
 Thomas Price, S. J. Rowell, J- X. D. Price, Mrs. Sarah 
 Ann Rowell, Mrs. Martha J. Rowell, Mrs. Carolina Gib- 
 son, Mrs. Rebecca Price, Mrs. Lydia Rowell, Airs. Martha 
 J. Beckham, Mrs. Mary C. Rowell. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 265 
 
 N. M. Beckham and J. E. Rowell were the first deacons. 
 N. M. Beckham was the first clerk of the church. 
 
 Rev. E. C. Wllhams was the first pastor of the newly- 
 organized church, and served until 1883. Rev. A. C. Davis 
 was called and served the church for one year, resigning in 
 October, 1884. In March, 1885, the church called Rev. W. 
 M. Johnson of ]\Iatthews ; he accepted the call, and served 
 until October of the same year. After his resignation Rev. 
 J. A. Bivens took up the work, and preached four years, 
 resigning at the close of the Associational year 1889. Rev. 
 R. H. James then took charge, and served one year. Rev. 
 T. B. Phillips was the next pastor, resigning at the close 
 of the year, in 1892. Brother James was called for the 
 second time, and served for three years. In 1895 Rev. A. 
 Marsh accepted the pastorate of the church, and served for 
 four years, resigning at the close of 1899. Rev. R. H. 
 James was called back for the third time, and served this 
 time two years. Rev. D. A. Snider was then called, and 
 preached for one year. 
 
 In the fall of 1902 Rev. R. H. James was called to the 
 pastorate of the church for the fourth time, and served one 
 year. In 1903 Rev. M. D. L. Preslar took charge, and 
 served two years, resigning in the fall of 1905. Rev. J. 
 G. Gulledge served two years, resigning at the close of 
 1907. Rev. H. G. Bryant followed Brother Gulledge, and 
 was with the church three years. Rev. A. Marsh then took 
 up the work and preached two years, and a part of the 
 third one, when he was compelled to give up the work on 
 account of failing health. Brother Gulledge supplied the 
 remainder of the year. Rev. AI. D. L. Preslar again be- 
 came pastor, and served until 1916. Rev. R. M. Haigler 
 
266 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 took up the \York in the fall of 1916, and is the present 
 pastor. 
 
 The present memhership is 157, with a splendid Sunday 
 School Brother J. G. Baucom is the efficient superintend- 
 ent. Rev. H. T. Baucom, who vokmteered as a chaplain, 
 and went with the A. E. F. to France, was ordained to 
 preach while a member of this church. It is not definitely 
 known who did the first preaching before the church was 
 organized, but presumably it was a Rev. Mr. David. 
 
 AIoNROE Baptist Church. 
 
 Through the energy and liberality of Major D. A. Cov- 
 ington, a Baptist house of worship was erected in the vil- 
 lage of Monroe forty-six years ago. It stood on the emi- 
 nence which is within the present enclosure of the cemetery 
 and was built at a cost of about five hundred dollars. 
 
 In this building the Monroe Baptist Church was organ- 
 ized on Friday, October 22, 1852. Nine persons— four 
 males and five females — went into the organization : D. A. 
 Covington, James Benton, J. V. Griffin, C. Austin, Susan 
 A. Covington, Martha Doster, Martha Benton, Margaret 
 Bibb and Martha Griffin. The presbytery which officiated 
 at the constitution of the church was composed of Elders 
 J. T. Copeland, Solomon Snider, Eliam C. Williams and 
 Wiley Blackman. 
 
 The records of the church from its organization until 
 1880 have been misplaced, lost or destroyed, and are not 
 available for use in the preparation of this article. The 
 facts here given concerning this period have been furnished 
 me by Mrs. Susan A. Covington, the only one of the origi- 
 nal members now living. 
 
Union Baptist xA.ssociation. 267 
 
 The church has had sixteen pastors. The first was Sol- 
 omon Snider, who was, perhaps, the principal mover in the 
 establishment of the church. Then came Edmund L. Da- 
 vis, R. B. Jones, A. L. Stoiigh (who served just before the 
 war and left here to join the army), Philip X. Snider 
 (whose ministry of "several years," as stated in his resig- 
 nation — which is preserved — closed in October, 1868), T. 
 J. Taylor, Silas Fincher, Enoch Lowry (who was pastor 
 in 181, and perhaps longer), and B. G. Covington, whose 
 miniitry terminated with October, 1876. Erom this point 
 on we have definite written record as follows : J. T. Bra- 
 smgton, October, 1876, to August, 1879; J. E. King, Au- 
 gust, 1879, to August, 1881 ;^W. B. Harrell, September, 
 1881, to 1883; D. M. Austin/ Xovember, 1883, to Decem- 
 ber, 1889; G. W. Harmon, April, 1890, to October, 1892; 
 M. A. Adams, February, 1893, to June, 1894; Hight C. 
 INloore, July, 1894, to the present time. 
 
 The church has had three houses of worship. The first,, 
 which has already been mentioned, was used for twenty-six 
 years. The present site was then secured, and. in the spring- 
 of 1878 the corner stone of the new building was laid. This 
 was completed the following year, J. E. King, then pastor,. 
 working in person on the house and making the pulpit now 
 in use. The total cost of the structure, outside of the work 
 given by the brethren, was $4,500. The dedication sermon 
 was preached on the first Sunday in December, 1879, hy 
 Dr. T. H. Pritchard. At 10:15 o'clock p. m.. May 28, 1885, 
 the church caught fire from Plyler's store and was burned. 
 It was a total loss, there being no insurance. The present 
 building, begun in the fall of 1885, was completed in the 
 early part of 1886 at a cost of $6,000. While it was in 
 
268 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 course of erection the church worshipped for six weeks 
 in the Episcopal Hah, and for the rest of the time in the 
 hall over Lee Stevens' store. This was during the pas- 
 torate of D. M. Austin. In 1893 chairs were placed in the 
 church at a cost of about $450. In December, 1894, a par- 
 sonage on the corner of Crawford and Windsor streets was 
 secured and repaired, at a cost of $900. 
 
 Before closing I will add two or three notes in general. 
 As far as I am able to learn, weekly preaching began with 
 the ministry of either T. J. Taylor or B. G. Covington. 
 Only one of the pastors of the church — P. N. Snider — is 
 buried in Monroe. Early in the eighties the pastor's salary 
 was $300. The Macedonia Church was originally an arm 
 of the Monroe Church. It appears on the record that the 
 church has sent forth but one ordained minister to the act- 
 ive work, A. B. Caudle, in August. 1890. 
 
 Mill Creek. 
 
 Mill Creek Church is a branch from Meadow Branch 
 and was organized the last of October, or in November, 
 1856. Elders E. C. Williams, Evander David and R. W. 
 Rollins constituted the organized presbytery. 
 
 The names of the charter members are : 
 
 Males : Elder E. C. Williams, Lemuel \A'illiams, Sutton 
 Williams, J. Milton Braswell, Shadrach Braswell, Burton 
 Gibson, Richard Outen ; females : Mrs. J. Milton Bras- 
 well, Sarah Braswell, Delilah Price, Mary Presley, Mrs. 
 Burton Gibson. 
 
 In the list of pastors appears the following names : E. 
 C. Williams, Thomas Phillips, J. A. Bivens, D. A. Snider, 
 R. H. James, J. L. Bennett, A. Marsh, A. C. Davis, M. D. 
 L. Preslar and E. C. Snider. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 269 
 
 Olive Branch. 
 
 Olive Branch Church stands nine miles north of Marsh- 
 ville, in New Salem Township. Clustered close around it 
 are several residences, two stores, a mill and a three-room 
 schoolhouse where the children of the community are car- 
 ried to the ninth grade in their studies. 
 
 The church was organized hy a presbytery consisting 
 of Elders E. L. Davis, Silas Fincher and S. P. Morton on 
 October 30, 1858. Following is a list of the charter mem- 
 bers : ]\Iales : John A. Austin, Henry Baucom, Calvin T. 
 Baucom, Ellis Godwin, William Horn, Redden Staten, J. 
 E. W. Smith ; females : Delanie Baucom, Sarah Brewer,. 
 Remelia Griffin, Charlotte Lingle, Laura J. Smith. 
 
 x^t the bottom of the list is the inscription, "Dolley, a 
 slave.'' 
 
 The following pastors have served the church in the 
 order named : S. P. Morton, J- A. Bivens, E. L. Davis, J. 
 L. Bennett, D. A. Snider, A. Marsh, T. P. Little, G. 6. 
 Wilhoit, J- S. Simpson and 1\L D. L. Preslar. 
 
 The church has sent out one minister, Elder T. P. Lit- 
 tle, who was ordained Sunday, April 21, 1893. 
 
 SllILOH. 
 
 Shiloh Church stands at Bakers, four and one-half miles 
 northwest of Monroe. It was organized by Elders E. C. 
 Williams and Philip T. Hammond on Saturday before the 
 fourth Sunday in November, 1847. According to the min- 
 utes of the organization it was constituted with just two 
 charter members. They were ?\Iark Kiser, from Meadow 
 Branch, and Mary Massey, from Spring Hill, in South 
 Carolina. In this connection it will not be out of place to- 
 
270 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 give the letter granted by the Spring Hill church to Alary 
 Massey: "Soiith Carolina, Lancaster District. We, the 
 Baptist Church of Spring Hill, holding believers baptism 
 b}^ immersion and the final perseverance of the Saints in 
 Christ Jesus, Whereas, our beloved sister, Mary Courtney 
 (now Massey), has petitioned for a letter of dismission 
 from us, this therefore is to certify that she is a member 
 in good standing and fellowship with us, and when joined 
 to another church of same faith and order, then regularly 
 dismissed from us." 
 
 "Done in church conference Saturday before the third 
 Lord's da}' in November, 1847. 
 
 "Henry Funderburk, Clerk." 
 
 In that early day they were not strangers to the mission 
 spirit, as is shown by the fact that on September 25, 1848, 
 they took a collection for missions which amounted to five 
 dollars. The record also shows that just a little later they 
 had an address on missions during a series of revival 
 services. 
 
 By invitation of the church a presbytery consisting of 
 Elders W. R. Johnson, and Nathan Fail met in July, 1855. 
 and set apart to the full work of the ministry of Nathan 
 Funderburk. 
 
 Strange to say that the record of the church from its 
 organization to 1869 only makes reference to two pastors, 
 namely, Nathan Funderburk and F. L. Davis, though they 
 do show that previous to the call of these men they had 
 preaching by difi^erent ones. While it is not stated, the 
 writer infers from a close study of the records that it was 
 a prevailing custom with the ministers of that time to alter- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 271 
 
 nate and so give to each church the benefit of the advice 
 and preaching of different men. This may not seem so 
 strange when we recall that the service of these early min- 
 isters was often rendered wholly as a labor of love and 
 without thought of remuneration. 
 
 In more recent times the church has enjoyed the pas- 
 toral care of the following ministers : A. C. Davis, R. H. 
 James, A. ]\Iarsh, ^l. D. L. Preslar, Braxton Craig, E. C. 
 Snider and J. A. Wray. 
 
 A \>,RY Brief Sketch of the Life of Rev. J. L. Bennett, 
 By His Son, Stanley W. Bennett. 
 
 In compliance with an earnest request I am attempting 
 a task for which I have no definite data, and will therefore 
 have to depend upon associated events as to dates. 
 
 Rev. Joseph Legrand Bennett was born in Union Coun- 
 ty, N. C, June 21, 1846. He was one of a large family of 
 children who lost their father and mother when he was 
 about six years old. He was reared mostly by one of his 
 older sisters, Mrs. Martha Bivens. 
 
 He was converted early in life and joined Faulk's Bap- 
 tist Church, of which he remained a loyal member until 
 the day of his death. 
 
 Joseph Legrand Bennett was married first to Miss Hen- 
 rietta Love Gaddy of Union County in the year 1865, with 
 whom he lived happily about sixteen years, when God 
 suddenly called her unto Himself, leaving the husband wdtii 
 nine children to mourn their loss. 
 
 About 1869 Rev. Bennett felt divinely called to. the gos- 
 pel ministry, to which, after prayerful deliberation ,he hap- 
 
272 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 pily responded. To this call he was true to the last hour 
 of his life. 
 
 His educational advantages having been very meager 
 in early life, and desiring to prepare himself the best that 
 he could for the work of the ministry, he sold a part of his 
 possessions on the farm and moved to White Store, in 
 Anson County, where he entered a splendid school for that 
 time, conducted by Prof. David Gulledge. The death of 
 one of his best friends, during his first year in this school, 
 rendered hi& further study in this school impracticable, so 
 he returned to his farm, and in the midst of his farm work, 
 and with such meager help as he was able to procure, he 
 pursued his work in the ministry with marked success, bap- 
 tizing during his ministry about five thousand persons. He 
 found great joy in saddling his horse on Saturday morning 
 and riding twenty-five or thirty miles and preaching on 
 Saturday and Sunday, then returning home to take up his 
 farm work on Monday morning. 
 
 C)ne of his favorite co-laborers was the late Rev. David 
 A. Snyder. They studied together, prayed together, trav- 
 eled together, and preached together. They delighted in 
 pioneer work; gathering the people at cross roads and un- 
 der brush arbors, and there laying the foundation for what 
 now are some of the leading churches of Union and other 
 neighboring counties. 
 
 Rev. Bennett was married the second time to Miss Bet- 
 tie Long of ]\Iecklenburg County, with whom he lived 
 about twelve A'ears, when she was summoned from him by 
 death. No children were born to this marriage. 
 
 He was married the third time to ]\Iiss Fannie Morgan 
 of Union Countv. To this union two children were born. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 
 
 273 
 
 REV. J. L. BENNETT. 
 
 which, with their mother and four sons from his first mar- 
 riage, survive him. 
 
 While never having had man}' educational advantages 
 himself, he was always a strong advocate of education. 
 
 18 
 
274 History of the Broayn Creek 
 
 Nothing gave him more pleasure than to encourage, and 
 aid as far as he was able, any young man or women in 
 acquiring an education ; especially was he always interested 
 in the education of young ministers. 
 
 He was one of the founders of and an enthusiastic sup- 
 porter of the splendid Baptist school at Wingate, N. C. He 
 left his farm and moved to this school, that he might be 
 a greater blessing to the school and derive a greater bless- 
 ing from it. He was for many years chairman of the 
 Board of Trustees of the school, and bore this relation to 
 the school at his death. 
 
 On February 6, 1914, after having served his own gen- 
 eration as nearly as he was able, according to the will of 
 God, and while conducting the burial service of one of his 
 old friends, the late Alexander Brooks, he was stricken with 
 paralysis of the brain, «nd fell asleep in Jesus, at the home 
 of his nephew. Air. E. C. Griffin, of Marshville, N. C., and 
 with Masonic honors he was laid to rest in the cemetery 
 at Marshville, N. C. 
 
Unio:x Baptist Association. 275 
 
 CHAPTER XII. 
 
 Elder Joseph Williams. 
 1825. 
 
 Elder Joseph Williams was the second Baptist preacher 
 to settle in this county. He came here from Sampson 
 County about the year of 1805. He purchased a tract of 
 land from John Bivins, which he had entered July 10, 1797. 
 This land is still in the hands of the heirs of the old 
 preacher. It is owned by Mr. Henry Frank Williams. Thus 
 you can see that it has been in the Williams family for more 
 than a hundred years. 
 
 The old preacher was twice married. His second wife 
 was named Martha. She is buried beside him in the old 
 Williams graveyard near Wingate, X. C. 
 
 Ele and Elder John Bennett organized Meadow Branch 
 Church and were the first pastors. Elder Bennett seems 
 to have organized another Baptist church a little further up 
 Richardson Creek in 1801. It was called Richardson's 
 Creek Baptist Church, and was still in existence in 1815, 
 when the Moriah Association was organized, but had in- 
 consistencies in it in 1834. It soon passed over to the Old 
 School Baptists and died. Some of the members went to 
 Aleadow Branch and some moved to High Hill Primitive 
 Baptist Church. 
 
 Elder Joseph Williams was a Welshman, and possibly 
 an offspring of the Welsh Neck Baptist section just a few 
 miles below Cheraw, S. C. 
 
276 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 We have not been able to secure the old church book 
 of Meadow Branch, so that we can tell just how many- 
 years he was pastor, but we feel safe in saying that he 
 served here until his death, in 1825. He must have been 
 very old, as we have a record of his son Henry's birth in 
 1769. He must have been born about 1745, and was there- 
 fore about eighty years old when he died. 
 
 He mentions five sons and one daughter in his will, 
 which we added to this sketch. 
 
 He has quite a large relationship around Wingate. 
 Nearly all of his posterity have attended church at Meadow 
 Branch. 
 
 A move is on foot now to erect a monument to his 
 grave. 
 
 The following is his last will and testament: 
 
 Joseph Wh.liams' Will. 
 
 In the name of God, Amen— Be it remembered that I, 
 Joseph Williams, of the State of North Carolina and County 
 of Anson, being weak in body, but of sound mind and mem- 
 ory, calling to mind the mortality of my body, knowing 
 that it is appointed for men once to die, I do hereby make, 
 constitute and ordain this my last Will and Testament. 
 
 First — I give unto my beloved wife, Martha Williams, 
 two negroes, named Vilet and Hannah, and all my land 
 and plantation and as much of my estate as she thinks may 
 seem proper to keep in her hands, and at her death for 
 my daughter, Rebeah, to have Hannah and Vilet and the 
 land to be sold, and my son, Rewbourn Williams, to have 
 seventy-five dollars out of it, and my grandson, Joel Ben- 
 nett, to have seventy-five dollars, and my son-in-law, Wil- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 277 
 
 Ham Bennett, fifty cents and the balance, with what other 
 property is found in her hands to be equally divided among 
 my son, Henry Williams, William Williams, Parot Wil- 
 liams, Lamuel Williams, Rebeah, James and the balance of 
 my estate — I give and dispose of in the following manner: 
 First — I give unto son Lamuel W^illiams two negroes named 
 Seel and Eady, and the rest to be sold and divided among 
 Henry, William, Parot, Lamuel, Rebeah, James, and I do 
 hereby revoke and disannul all other wills made by me, 
 and do appoint my two sons, William Williams and Lam- 
 uel Williams, <^xecutors to same. In consideration where- 
 of I have hereunto set my hand and seal this fourth day 
 of July, 1825; also, I want Eady House to have one dol- 
 lar of my estate, and my son Hezikiah one dollar. 
 
 His 
 Joseph X. Williams (Seal). 
 Mark. 
 Witnesses — Xathaniel Bivens, Brissom Taylor. 
 Anson, July court, 1825. 
 
 When this will was duly proven in open court by the 
 oath of Nathaniel Bivins, a subscribing witness, and or- 
 dered to be recorded. 
 
 Wm. Dismarkes, C. S. C. 
 
 W. F. Brasington. 
 
 Brother Brasington told the writer that in his fifteenth 
 year he was bound as an apprentice to learn the carpenter's 
 trade. He served his apprenticeship, and by reason of his 
 faithfulness, honesty and close application to his trade 
 
278 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 there soon opened before him a promising- field and a lu- 
 crative business. In the midst of this business the Holy 
 Spirit convinced him of his lost condition ; he was brought 
 to a saving knowledge of the truth and was baptized into 
 the fellowship of the Camden Baptist Church. He soon 
 felt that the Lord had called him to preach the gospel, 
 and, in obedience to the divine call, gave up his carpen- 
 ter's trade and entered heartily into the work of the min- 
 istry. He preached a few years as missionary, in con- 
 nection with Rev. Joseph T. Copeland, of precious memory, 
 in the bounds of the ^loriah Association, which at that time 
 covered an extensive territory. These two servants of God 
 working together as father and son in the gospel were in- 
 strumental in building up most of the churches that, at the 
 time of Brother Brasington's death, composed the jMoriah 
 Association. In the year 1833, at the call of the Fork Hill 
 church, he was ordained to the sacred work of the ministry. 
 He served as pastor, at dilTerent times, various churches 
 of the two Carolinas. In the year 1838 he was called to the 
 pastorate of the Fork Hill Church, and served twentv-six 
 years. Being a diligent student of the Bible, a close ob- 
 server of men and things, and possessed of good common 
 sense, a sound judgment, a retentive memory, an acute in- 
 tellect, strong will, courage, endurance, intense conscien- 
 tiousness and ardent piety, he was eminently useful as a 
 preacher of the glorious gospel of the Son of God. 
 
 The writer was baptized by him into the fellowship of 
 the Fork Hill Church in the year 1848. And in the year 
 1862, the 8th of January, was ordained by him and Rev. 
 Peter Nicholson to the responsible work of preaching the 
 gospel. I can say of him that he was a faithful pastor 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 279 
 
 and strictly honest in all his intercourse with men. There 
 was no flattery in his nature. He was true as steel to his 
 convictions. He possessed and manifested the spirit of his 
 ^Master, and, like Paul, would reprove an elder, though a 
 special friend, if he thought he merited it. His strict hon- 
 esty of spirit and fidelity to the cause of the ^Master made 
 the impression on the mind of others, besides Brother 
 Gardner, "that he was not a strong admirer of young 
 preachers, and that he was disposed to be rather critical 
 with them," until they became intimately acquainted with 
 him and could see the purity of his spirit. 
 
 The writer can testify that he was a true, honest, pains- 
 taking, patient and faithful spiritual nurse and trainer of 
 young preachers, when they would seek his counsel and 
 place themselves under his watchcare. Alyself and his son, 
 James, were both set apart on the same day to preach the 
 gospel, and I asked him to take the same liberties with me 
 in pointing out my defects and imperfections in trying to 
 preach that he would with his son James. He promised 
 me that he would do so. After preaching several times in 
 his presence, and he making no criticisms. I reminded him 
 of his promise, and said to him, 'T know that I need many 
 corrections." "Yes," said he, "but, Brother John, I see 
 so many faults in you and James both that I hardly know 
 where to begin." It was spoken in a kindly tone ; and it 
 put me on my metal to watch and correct my own defects 
 and to make the best that I could of myself. There was. 
 once a deacon of one of the churches which he was servin2~ 
 as pastor who felt that he was called to preach the gospel, 
 and he consulted his pastor on the subject, saying to him 
 that he wanted him to be faithful with him. 
 
280 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 "Well," said he, "my brother, I will. "Please state to 
 me the evidence you have of your call to preach." The 
 deacon proceeded to give him the evidence. He listened 
 to him patiently until he got through, and then asked him if 
 these were all. He said yes. "Well," said Brother Bra- 
 sington, "I fail to see the first evidence of a divine call in 
 all that you have mentioned to me, and will say this to you : 
 When you put on the harness of the preacher you will 
 only spoil a good deacon." Only a short while before his 
 last illness he was with me on our way to my appointment 
 at Fork Hill, x^nd he said to me, "Brother John, I feel 
 that my departure is near at hand. I will not live much 
 longer ; for years the care of all the churches in the Moriah 
 has been on me, and after my departure I will that my 
 mantle shall fall upon your shoulders. I have spent my 
 days in serving the churches of this Association. Brother 
 John, take care of the churches of the Moriah." And then 
 he said : "I want you to preach my funeral sermon and 
 use as your text II Tim. iv. 7-8, T have fought a good 
 fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith, etc' " 
 I feel grateful to the Lord that I had the privilege of 
 preaching the sermon. Truly it may be said of him, "he 
 was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost and of faith." 
 His end was peace. His last words were "all peace." 
 
 He was Moderator of the Moriah Association for many 
 consecutive years, and was an efficient presiding officer. 
 This part of the world was bettered by having William Fig- 
 ures Brasington live in it. John S. Croxton. 
 
 Heath Springs, S. C. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 281 
 
 Rev. Albert Lewis Stough. 
 
 Among the men who contributed largely to building up 
 the kingdom in the bounds of the old Brown Creek Asso- 
 ciation Albert Lewis Stough is justly regarded as one of the 
 inost prominent. 
 
 He was born February 29, 1824, on the Atlantic Ocean, 
 as his parents were returning from the United States to 
 their home in Germany. While he was yet little more than 
 an infant he lost both of his parents and went to live with 
 his uncles, who were Roman Catholic priests. He was de- 
 signed for the priesthood, and was educated with that end 
 in view. 
 
 Mr. Stough was averse to becoming a priest. His uncles 
 knew his feelings in regard to the matter, and watched him 
 very closely to prevent him from escaping from the destiny 
 to which he had been devoted from his early childhood. An 
 opportunity, however, came, and he made his escape, and 
 came to the United States and settled first in Pennsylvania. 
 He afterwards came to Norfolk, Va., where he was brought 
 under evangelical influences, and was converted. His new 
 experience and the light that flooded his mind and soul soon 
 convinced him that he could not remain a Catholic. He, 
 therefore, set about making a careful investigation of the 
 claims of the various Protestant denominations to be the 
 Church of Christ; he always said that his German Bible 
 made him a Baptist. He, therefore, united with the Cum- 
 berland Street Baptist Church of Norfolk, Va., and was 
 baptized by Dr. Charles R. Hendrickson. This was prob- 
 ably in 1846 or 1847. 
 
 He soon began to take part in the prayer meetings and 
 other religious services. Being gifted in prayer and exhor- 
 
282 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 tations, he soon became a leader in the devotional meeting 
 of the church. 
 
 He also became a member of the Sons of Temperance, 
 and took an active part in extending the influence of that 
 laudable organization. He was employed to lecture on 
 Temperance throughout the State of Virginia. While lec- 
 turning in the counties bordering on North Carolina he was 
 induced to speak in Milton and also at Chapel Hill. Here 
 he came in contact with Dr. George W. Purefoy and Rev. 
 John Culpepper, who had much to do in directing his early 
 ministerial life. He studied English and Theology with 
 Dr. Purefoy. 
 
 Being an able preacher, his services were eagerly 
 sought by the churches, and large numbers in Chatham, 
 jMoore, Stanley, Richmond and Anson counties were 
 brought to Christ under his preaching. 
 
 Mr. Stough was twice married. His first wife was 
 Miss Ann Eliza Horton, to whom he was united in mar- 
 riage February 25, 1851. To them was born one son, 
 Frederick, who died in early childhood. Mrs. Stough died 
 in Shelby on the 9th day of April, 1888. 
 
 On the 16th of April, 1889, Mr. Stough was united in 
 marriage to Miss Mary C. Walker of Port Lawn, South 
 Carolina, who survives her, he having passed away on the 
 28th of December, 1909. 
 
 Fie was an untiring student, an able preacher, a loyal 
 friend, and possessed gifts that fitted him for large evan- 
 gelistic work. 
 
 JMr. Stough's ministerial labors, were confined to North 
 and South Carolina. His first work was in the vSandy 
 Creek Association. FTe gradually extended his work south- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 283 
 
 ward, and finally settled in AVadesboro, and became pastor 
 of a small church in that town, serving country churches 
 at the same time. From AA'adesboro he moved to Cheraw, 
 S. C, where he served as pastor for a short time. The 
 Brown Creek churches were not willing to lose his valu- 
 able services, therefore he returned to ]\Ietonville, and 
 later became pastor in ^Monroe, where he served several 
 years. During this pastorate the war between the States 
 commenced. ^Ir. Stough was an ardent Secessionist, and 
 took an active part in raising the first company that Union 
 County sent to the Confederate army. It was understood 
 that he would be chaplain of this company: but on account 
 of his defective vision the Governor refused to commis- 
 sion him. He went with the company into the army as a 
 private. His company was mobilized with the Thirty-sev- 
 enth North Carolina Regiment. Soon after the regiment 
 elected him chaplain, in which capacity he served until late 
 in 1862, when, on account of a serious throat trouble, he 
 was forced to resign. His throat improved, and he returned 
 to the army in 1863, and served as army missionary and 
 colporter until late in 1864, when the return of his throat 
 trouble compelled him to retire permanently from the arm3^ 
 On the first of January, 1865, he became pastor of Flint 
 Hill and Pleasant A'alley churches, both in South Carolina. 
 Later he resigned the Pleasant Valley church and became 
 pastor of Harmony Church, Chester County, S. C, in con- 
 junction with Flint Hill. On the first of January, 1872, he 
 retired from the Harmony pastorate to give the whole of 
 his time to Flint Hill. This arrangement continued until 
 December, 1875, when he accepted the call of the First. 
 Baptist Church in Shelby, and became pastor in that thriv- 
 
284 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 ing town. After a few years he resigned the Shelby church 
 and served country churches. This work extended through 
 Rutherford, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln and Robeson coun- 
 ties. 
 
 After Mrs. Stough's death Mr. Stough moved to Lan- 
 caster, S. C, and became pastor of Lancaster and Port 
 Lawn churches. 
 
 In 1892 he became pastor of the First Baptist Church 
 in Kinston. Repeated efforts had been made to induce 
 him to return to Flint Hill. In the fall of 1894 the mat- 
 ter was again brought to his attention. He accepted the 
 call, and on the first of January, 1895, he returned to 
 Flint Hill to spend his declining years, where he had 
 spent his prime. 
 
 During this pastorate he organized Oak Grove and 
 Pineville churches out of Flint Hill membership. 
 
 On account of physical infirmities he resigned at Flint 
 Hill October 31, 1902, and at once became pastor of Pine- 
 vdlle. Oak Grove and Pleasant Valley. 
 
 He wrote an interesting history of the Flint Hill church, 
 which has not yet been published, gave Pineville Baptists 
 the lot on which Stough Memorial Church now stands, 
 finally induced the three churches that he was serving to 
 call pastors, and retired from the active ministry, followed 
 by the love of the people whom he had so faithfully served, 
 and crowned with honor. 
 
 Elder John Culpepper. 
 ~ Elder Culpepper was born in Anson County, N. C, in 
 A. D. 1764. His father's name was Samson Culpepper, a 
 
Union Baptist Association. 285 
 
 man of moderate means. John^ his son, was in school only- 
 three months. After his marriage and the birth of four 
 children he spent four months in reading Latin. This was 
 all the schooling that he ever received. When young John 
 was about twenty years of age his father moved to Geor- 
 gia. Here John soon became acquainted with Elder Silas 
 A'lercer. Under his ministry he embraced religion, and 
 was soon afterward baptized by him. He soon began to 
 preach with an earnestness and success that have seldom 
 been exceeded. He soon returned to North Carolina and 
 preached in the churches of the Sandy Creek Association, 
 which then reached to Pee Dee River. Extensive revivals 
 accompanied his preaching wherever he went. He contin- 
 ued these labors with undiminished zeal and effect for 
 several years. In the meantime his popularity became so 
 great that his misguided friends urged him to become a 
 candidate for Congress, as the only means of preventing 
 the re-election of the then incumbent, who was particu- 
 larly distasteful to the voters in that part of the district. 
 To this course he unhappily yielded ; and most of his after 
 life was spent in politics. In Congress he obtained a dis- 
 tinguished reputation for consistency, firmness, and disin- 
 terested devotion to the interests of his country. 
 
 During this time he continued to preach the true doc- 
 trines of the gospel, but it was with greatly diminished zeal 
 and success. About ten or twelve years before his death 
 he retired from political life, and devoted himself to the 
 ministry with considerable zeal and some success, but far 
 short of his earlier labors. 
 
 For several years he was agent for the Baptist State 
 Convention of North Carolina. He was a man of srreat 
 
286 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 energy of character, his motto was "wear out, but never 
 rust out." 
 
 Previous to the division of the Sandy Creek Baptist 
 Association Elder Culpepper was, for a number of years, 
 one of the most efficient ministers of the Association. 
 Afterward he was a leading minister in the Pee Dee Asso- 
 ciation. 
 
 In the seventy-sixth year of his age, in the strong exer- 
 cise of an unwavering faith, at the house of his son, Elder 
 John Culpepper, Jr., in Darlington District, S. C, Elder 
 Culpepper died, and was buried in the graveyard at So- 
 ciety Hill. At the head of his grave may be seen a plain 
 but nice marble slab, with a suitable inscription. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis. 
 
 1813-1896. 
 
 Elder E. L. Davis, the subject of this sketch, was born 
 in Anson County, N. C, February 19, 1813. His child- 
 hood was spent on the farm without any educational ad- 
 vantages, or religious instruction, except what his mother 
 gave him. In his eighteenth year he Avas converted. About 
 9 o'clock on the day of his conversion he found himself at 
 the house of one of his brothers, but never knew where he 
 spent the preceding night, so great was his conviction. He 
 cut three notches in the yard paling and bade his brother 
 good-bye, saying he was going to die, and that he was lost. 
 As he was going the Lord of Glory blest him in the par- 
 don of his sins, and instead of telling his parents that he 
 "was doomed to eternal woe he returned shouting the praises 
 
Union Baptist Association. 
 
 287 
 
 ELDER E. E. DAVIS. 
 
 of God. At the time of his conversion he felt impressed 
 to preach the gospel, but thought that he never could do 
 so, as he could not read, and scarcely knew his letters. 
 About three months after this he was walkins: near where 
 
288 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 he was converted, a great darkness came over him, and he 
 heard a voice as if some one had spoken to him, saying: 
 "Behold the people as sheep without a shepherd," and in 
 the same connection, "Go preach my gospel." From that 
 time he began to try to learn to read. On the first Sunday 
 in September, 1830, he was baptized into the fellowship of 
 Lawyer Springs Church, Anson County, by Elder John 
 Culpepper, Sr. In April, 1831, he began preaching, and 
 continued in the active ministry for sixty years. He was 
 unable to do much work for about five years before his 
 death, but up until this time he was one of the most active 
 preachers in this State. 
 
 During the long period of his ministry many thousands 
 were brought to Christ. He was a great evangelist for 
 his day, and if he were living today he would be the equal 
 of any we know. He was a preacher of the purest gospel. 
 He was not learned in books, but he knew God's word, and 
 was not afraid to preach it. He used it with such telling 
 eft'ect that he was caled Broad Axe Davis. He hewed to 
 the line wherever it might be. His natural endowments 
 were far above the average man. He was very witty, and 
 had a wonderful knowledge of history, and was a great 
 judge of men. Judge Ash once said: "Had he been edu- 
 cated he would have been the first man in North Carolina." 
 He was an educated man, but not a college man. He was 
 self-taught, and his great intellect, his wonderful oratory, 
 and natural endowment with an uncommon amount of good 
 horse sense made him one of the leading preachers of his 
 day. 
 
 He was very humane. His heart was as big as the suf- 
 ferings of men, and vet he was fearless when it came to the 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association, 289 
 
 place where he needed to denounce sin. He gave it no quar- 
 ters at all. His wonderful oratory with his intense con- 
 viction made it powerful for him to let go at anything he 
 disliked. His voice was as clear as a bell, and he could 
 be heard speaking for a great distance. He could see 
 farther into a man than his faults. He would not endorse 
 sin, but was as tender toward an erring brother as a mother 
 when he saw that he was sorry for his wrong. He loved 
 mankind, and especially suffering humanity. In many in- 
 stances he has been known to give the last cent he had to 
 poor women and children. In the fall of 1865 he was 
 traveling in Anson County, and met a widow with four 
 children with bare feet. The ground was covered with 
 frost. Her husband had been killed in the war. and she 
 was left destitute. He had just ten dollars. This he gave 
 to her to buy shoes for herself and children. About four 
 miles from there he met a man with whom he had a short 
 conversation, and as thev were parting the man said : 
 "Something tells me that I ought to give you something." 
 He gave him ten dollars. He gave more to the gospel than 
 he ever received. !Many of his churches paid him no sal- 
 ary at all. 
 
 As a neighbor he was among the best earth affords. He 
 was married four times, and no man was ever a truer hus- 
 band. As a father he was indulgent and kind, as a pastor 
 he was faithful and -fatherly. He did not make many vis- 
 its, but had his regular places to stop. \\^e cannot criticise 
 him for this, because this new idea that a preacher must 
 go everywhere and acquaint himself with all the modern 
 gossip is not biblical. In many instances it is ruinous to 
 a considerable degree. 
 
 19 
 
290 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 There were some remarkable periods in his history. In 
 1856 there were more than three hundred persons brought 
 into the churches under his ministry. On one occasion he 
 offered fourteen pubHc prayers, and there were seventeen 
 professions of faith. In 1871 he preached a sermon at 
 Polkton that moved one hundred and twenty persons to 
 offer themselves for prayer. Sixty of these joined the 
 church. On another occasion during the same year he 
 preached a sermon on "The Return of the Prodigal," and 
 eleven professed while he was preaching. At the close of 
 a sermon in 1887 he remarked that some one was convicted. 
 Afterwards several were baptized at that place who dated 
 their conviction to that sermon. He never preached with- 
 out making a trip to the cross. Like Paul, he desired to 
 know nothing but Christ and him crucified. In 1872 he 
 attended the Baptist State Convention at Warrenton. There 
 for the first time he met and heard Dr. John A. Broadus, 
 who spoke on the subject of "Christian Education." El- 
 der Davis followed, taking for his subject, "Covet Ear- 
 nestly the Best Gifts." Many of those who heard it, among 
 whom were Drs. Broadus, Bailey and Pritchard, said it 
 was the most powerful speech they ever heard. He 
 preached before the Pee Dee Association in 1865 and 1866. 
 Rv. John Monroe was present. Elder Davis had not been 
 preaching but a short time when Elder Monroe stood upon 
 his feet and for a few minutes a great shout went up to 
 heaven. 
 
 It would take a large volume to tell all about him, of 
 the good he has done, the wonderful revivals he held, the 
 w^idows he fed, the orphans he clothed, and many other 
 noble deeds he performed. In conclusion, let us say, as 
 was said of Abel of old, though dead, yet speaketh. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 291 
 
 Elder Joel Gullege. 
 1771-1861. 
 
 Elder Joel Gullege was born in 1771. We have not 
 been able to learn just where nor the place of his conver- 
 sion, ordination, etc. The only thing we have been able 
 to determine about his early life that throws any light upon 
 the probable place of his raising is the fact that he entered 
 a large tract of land in Anson County at a very early age. 
 This land lay around Deep Creek Church. There was no 
 church there when he entered the land, and since the 
 church was organized in 1798 is it not likely that he was 
 raised near there? He gave the four acres of land that 
 the church now owns, and it is likely that he was the first 
 preacher in that section. He assisted in the organization 
 of Deep Creek Church. He was the first pastor of this 
 church, so far as we have been able to learn, and served 
 here for more than forty years. He was loved by both 
 whites and blacks. 
 
 » He was pastor of Meadow Branch from 1836-1838. He 
 received twenty-five dollars a year for his services. 
 
 He was twice married. The first marriag€ was to Miss 
 Zilpha Huntley. To this union nine children were added, 
 'five boys and four girls. His second wife was Mrs. Sellers, 
 who was a Miss Smith. No children were added to this 
 union. His body sleeps in an old graveyard near Deep 
 Creek Church. The following is carved upon his tomb- 
 stone : "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want." 
 
292 
 
 History ob" the Brown Creek 
 
 Dr. J. B. Richardson. 
 
 Dr. James B. Richardson was born in Moore County, 
 N. C, June 16, 1839. He was the son of Elder Noah 
 Richardson, a Baptist preacher of great power and influ- 
 ence. He entered Wake Forest in 1857 and was baptized 
 by Dr. Wingate while there. He graduated in 1861 and 
 was ordained in 1862, his father, Rev. John Minson, and 
 
 DR. J. B. RICHARDSON. 
 
 Rev. B. G. Covington acting as presbytery. His ordination 
 took place at Lilesville, N. C, where he was pastor until 
 he entered the civil war, but he was soon discharged be- 
 cause of ill health. He came back to Anson County after 
 being discharged and took up his pastorate again and 
 taught school in connection with his work. Ble taught a 
 public school for the benefit of the children of the soldiers 
 
Union Baptist Association. 293 
 
 who were in service at that time. Soon after the war he 
 was married to Aliss Mary Ahce Liles, of Lilesville, N. C, 
 who, with three daughters and one son, survive him. 
 
 About the year 1867 Dr. Richardson was called to Ab- 
 bott's Creek Church as pastor and teacher of a high school. 
 Other churches soon called him as pastor. He first taught 
 in the church and later a large brick building was erected 
 at Teaguetown, some two miles from the church, and he 
 taught there until the close of 1870. The school was largely 
 attended and a great success. He had under his instruc- 
 tion in this school four young men studying for the min- 
 istry, by name J. A. White, R. W. Crews, G. W. Harmon 
 and Thomas Carrick. In the beginning of the year 1871 
 he moved to High Point, where he was pastor and teacher 
 for one session. In the spring of 1871 he became pastor 
 of the First Baptist Church in Greensboro, then only a 
 struggling band, and a new house of worship was erected 
 by his heroic efforts, and the weak church was much 
 strengthened. 
 
 In 1874 Dr. Richardson was elected Corresponding Sec- 
 retary of the Baptist State Convention. His work in this 
 new field was very trying" in many particulars. He served 
 as Secretary for four years efficiently and faithfully, pre- 
 paring the way, in large measure, for the future useful- 
 ness of the State Mission Board. 
 
 After he resigned the secretaryship of the convention 
 he served churches in many parts of the State. He re- 
 turned to the school-room about the year 1880, and for 
 some time taught in High Point with Major Lynch, but 
 kept up his work as pastor of churches. He continued in 
 the work of the ministrv until two or three vears before his 
 
294 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 death, then, because of dechning heaUh, with deep regret, 
 and very rekictantly, he gave up his churches, preaching 
 only occasionally, as he felt his physical strength would 
 permit. Dr. Richardson's best loved work in the closing 
 years of his life was teaching a large class of grown-up 
 persons in Green Street Baptist Church Sunday School. 
 The work of teaching this class was faithfully and lov- 
 ingly kept up until the end came. 
 
 He was a member of the Board of Trustees of Wake 
 Forest College from 1873 until his death, and always felt 
 the keenest interest in the work and success of the college. 
 He remembered the college in his will to the amount of 
 $500.00, especially to be used for building a fireproof vault 
 for keeping the papers and records of the college safely. 
 
 He loved the Thomasville Baptist Orphanage and erected 
 a library building for that institution in memory of his 
 father and mother. He left the Orphanage $1,000.00, to 
 be an endowment fund for keeping up the library building 
 and for the purchase of new books. 
 
 Dr. Richardson needed to be well known to be fully 
 appreciated. Being a cautious man, he was sometimes 
 misunderstood by his brethren, but he was no pessimist, 
 but a fine balance wheel to the over-zealous optimist. As 
 a teacher he was equal to the best. He was at home in 
 the school-room. He was a preacher of ability and in 
 great demand as pastor. As pastor he did much preaching 
 by the fireside and was a welcome guest in the homes of 
 his people. The children loved him and he taught them 
 to call him "Uncle Him." As a citizen he was easily one 
 of the first in High Point, where he lived for more than 
 forty-one years. He was a man of afifairs, and managed 
 well his business. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 295 
 
 Brother Richardson ahvays preferred to preach to 
 small churches. He declined several calls to prominent 
 places to serve small mission stations. 
 
 He served the following- churches : Abbott's Creek, 
 Waughtoness, High Point, Greensboro, Thomasville. A/[a- 
 rion, Catawba, Shelby, Linw^ood, L^aksville, Spray, Ran- 
 dleman, Ramsuer, Silver City, ^Matthews and Meadow 
 Branch. 
 
 He w^as pastor of Meadow Branch when Wing-ate High 
 School was begun, and we must say that he did much 
 towards its establishment. He called it his child. He is 
 loved and honored here by all who knew him. 
 
 He did not do very much literary work. The only 
 thing we have been able to secure is two tracts. Scriptural 
 Baptish and The Place of Baptism in the Scriptures. These 
 are very strong tracts, and show considerable learning. 
 He was a great sermonizer, but never wrote a book. 
 
 Brother Richardson died September 7, 1912. Pie ate 
 his dinner as usual that day. but passed off before the even- 
 ing meal was served. He died sitting in his chair in front 
 of his office. 
 
 Sketches of Life and Labors of Rev. G. O. Wilhoit.. 
 The sketch of this narrative was born in Alamance 
 County the 19th day of ^lay, 1840. Plis parents moved to 
 Stanly County December 28, 1850, where he received a 
 common school education, and enjoyed the privilege of a 
 course in English under Prof. Lineberry. As early as 1858 
 he was engaged in teaching, and followed this vocation 
 during fall and winter for man^^ years, closing his career 
 
296 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 as teacher or as Professor of English in the Ansonville 
 High School. 
 
 At the age of 22 years he joined the Confederate States 
 army as a member of Company C, 42d N. C. He made 
 a profession of religion July 28, 1863, and was baptized in 
 August following by Rev. G. W. Camp, an army mission- 
 ary at Kinston, N. C, and received a certificate of bap- 
 tism, which was received by Silver Spring Church. During 
 those trying times the lives of many waxed cold. A few 
 tried to walk in the footprints of the Lord. In the winter 
 of 1863 two men of the 42nd N. C. were shot for deserting, 
 viz., Goodwin Hinson and a Mr. Barclay. These men asked 
 G. O. Wilhoit to become their spiritual adviser, which he 
 did, notwithstanding the regiment had for their chaplain 
 the Rev. S. J. Hill. 
 
 The 3d of June, 1864, G. O. Wilhoit was made a pris- 
 oner of war at Coal Harbor and carried to Elmira, N. Y., 
 where he acted as Missionary Colporter during his confine- 
 ment, which lasted thirteen months. The war over and 
 we impoverished, the church disheartened, made it hard to 
 inspire our people. The church gave him a hearty welcome 
 and made him feel more than ever that he wanted to be a 
 worker for the Lord. He was licensed to preach in May, 
 1867, and was ordained December the same year by C. C. 
 Foreman, S. P. Alorton and A. E. Bennett. Ebenezer, now 
 Badin, was his first pastorate, and then soon after Silver 
 Springs called him in the midst of confusion, while the 
 church was discussing the propriety of withdrawing fel- 
 lowship from a people called Red Strings. For five years 
 this young warrior led these people to higher plans of liv- 
 ing and a greater degree of usefulness. Since that time 
 
Union Baptist Association. 297 
 
 he has served many of the most useful churches in Stanly 
 County. 
 
 From October, 1890, he served the Albemarle First 
 Church to December, 1892, finding it with six members 
 and leaving it with twenty-six. 
 
 He also baptized the first persons baptized into the 
 fellowship of a Baptist church in Albemarle. Soon after 
 the civil war Rev. A. E. Bennet organized a Baptist church 
 at Red Hill Schoolhouse as an arm of the Rocky River 
 Church of the Brown Creek Association. In 1872 Rev. 
 G. O. Wilhoit took charge of the work here and in a short 
 time more than fifty additions were received. The church 
 is now known as a prosperous country church. In 1876 
 he became a citizen of Anson County and served many 
 prominent churches as pastor, especially along the line of 
 the Seaboard Railroad, Lilesville, Polkton, Peachland, 
 Marshville and Wingate. He was a resident of Marshville 
 for nearly six years, during which time the present church 
 building was erected. During his stay in Marshville he 
 was called to the pastorate of Olive Branch Church, where 
 his services were greatly blessed in keeping the church in 
 fellowship. One of the deacons expressed it thus : "He 
 won't let us fuss." Says he enjoyed working with such 
 men as J. A. Bivens, J. S. Bennet, A. Marsh and A. C. 
 Davis. But the work being over, he returned to his old 
 . home field at Ansonville and took up the work like he was 
 just beginning. The following are pastorates he held: 
 
 In Stanly County — Ebenezer (now Badin), Silver 
 Springs, Palmerville, Kendalls, Howard's Grove (now ex- 
 tinct), Big Lick, Center (now Norwood), Albemarle, the 
 first church. Anson County — Rocky River, Rocky Mount, 
 
298 History of the BRo^yN Creek 
 
 Red A'lill, Ansoiiville, Brown Creek, Lilesville,, Gum 
 Springs, ]\It. Beulah, Deep Creek, Alt. Olive. Polkton, 
 Peachland, Cedar Grove. Union County — Alarshville, 
 Aleadow Branch, Olive Branch. Alontgomery County — 
 Mt. Gilead, Bethel, Hamer Creek. 
 
 Rev. John James Beasley. 
 
 John James Beasley was born October 1, 1844. on his 
 father's plantation at Alasonboro Sound, near Wilmington. 
 X. C. Here his childhood and boyhood were spent. His 
 father, Richard Beasley, was a large land and slave owner, 
 a man of strong character, fine physique, and one who 
 stood high among his fellowmen. His mother w^as Miss 
 Rebecca George, a woman full of good deeds, and a leader 
 in her community, as well as a devoted mother. Although 
 long gone to her reward her good deeds have not been 
 forgotten. For many years their home, ty])ical of the 
 Southern land owner at that time, was a center of hospi- 
 tality. 
 
 Like many other men of his age, Air. Beasley was de- 
 prived of the privilege of college education. When the 
 cruel war between the States came on and a cry to arms 
 was raised he had just reached his sixteenth year, and w^as 
 away from home at school, hoping to receive his education. 
 But he went out at his country's bidding, and those who 
 know his record in arms sa}^ that he shrank from no duty. 
 Although a mere lad, he was made a sergeant, and on the 
 afternoon of January 9, 1864, while on duty in the trenches 
 near Petersburg, he received in that deadly conflict a 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 
 
 299 
 
 REV. J. J. BEASLET. 
 
 wound which gave him pain to the clay of his death, and 
 which probably hastened his death. 
 
 As Mr. Beasley reached his majority and emerged into 
 manhood he gave himself to his Savior and buckled on the 
 gospel armor. In his twenty-first year he professed faith 
 
300 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 in Christ, was baptized in the church of his fathers, and 
 began a career of exceptional purity and Christian earnest- 
 ness. Ardent in his emotions, decided in his views, sin- 
 gularly pure in his impulses, frank in his deportment and 
 unusually fervid in his beliefs, it was not a matter of sur- 
 prise that in the lapse of years he should grow greatly 
 in zeal for the advancement of his Master's kingdom. 
 Year by year his zeal for his Master's gladness, in the new 
 birth for souls, was fanned warmer and warmer until his 
 twenty-ninth year was reached, and he felt he recognized 
 the inward call of the spirit seemed to move him toward 
 the field white already for the harvest. With promptness 
 and gladness of heart he responded to the call and was 
 ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry in the 
 Cape Fear Association. At the time of his death Rev. D. 
 M. Austin said of him : "I do not feel that I say too much 
 of Mr. Beasley when I say that his Christian record for 
 faithfulness to duty and purity in motive is unsurpassed 
 by any one." 
 
 In December, 1880, he moved to Monroe and went to 
 work with churches in destitute sections, and in all these 
 places he was successful in the Lord's work. There are 
 many people in Union County today who were baptized 
 into the fellowship of the church by him. At the time 
 of his death A-Ir. Beasley was pastor of Shiloh Church, 
 supply for ]\Ieadow Branch. He also held pastorates in 
 Cedar Creek Church, in the Pee Dee Association, and 
 Masonboro, in New Hanover, the latter being the church 
 in which he was reared. 
 
 On April 12, 165, he was happily married to Miss An- 
 -±oinette Montford of Hertford County, a woman of the 
 
Union Baptist Association. 301. 
 
 most pronounced Christian type, whose interest was cen- 
 tered in her home and children. One who was always 
 ready and willing to ease the sufferings of the unfortu- 
 nate and one who exhibited great interest in her com- 
 munity, neighbors and friends. After the death of her 
 husband the duty of caring for and advising her children 
 rested upon her. She was very fond of readng, and sur- 
 rounded herself with good books and magazines, and could 
 quote the Bible with great accuracy. To them five chil- 
 dren were born, one of whom died when quite young.^ 
 The others are Messrs. G. M. and R. F. Beasley, Airs. D. 
 B. Snyder and Mrs. Brooks Myers. 
 
 Mr. Beasley died at his home in Monroe on August 3, 
 1886, of an internal hemorrhage, the result of a wound 
 received during the war. His death was unexpected, and 
 cast a gloom over the entire community in which he lived. 
 Many friends gathered to sympathize with his weeping 
 household and pay a tribute to his memory. They knew 
 him well. He was too open of heart and frank of speech 
 to be unknown. There was little uncertain about him', as 
 he had opinions and the courage to express them. 
 
 In writing an obituary of him Rev. P. R. Law, at that 
 time Presbyterian minister in Monroe, said of him : "Mr. 
 Beasley was not a highly educated man, as was true of 
 many a brave Southern boy. When the cry 'to arms' was 
 raised he rushed into the ranks, and through all that san- 
 guinary struggle of the war between the States he bi- 
 vouacked, marched and fought alongside the truest and 
 bravest of the brave. Although a contestant on a hundred 
 fields of blood and carnage, he never shirked a duty, proved 
 recreant to a trust, or faltered in the face of danger. Whem 
 
302 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 the cruel war was over and he retunned to his desolate 
 East Carolina home he bore a battle-scarred body and a 
 soldierly record back of which his State shares a pride 
 and which his children prize and cherish as a legacy of 
 imperishable memory. But these were years when he 
 should have gotten his education. Entering the strife a 
 hoy he emerged from it a man, and returned to his native 
 heath to find it devastated by the march of destroying ar- 
 mies. Yet he preached well, the Lord blessed his labors 
 and churches prospered under his pastoral care. His ef- 
 ficiency grew with the passing years, and the last years 
 were his most useful ones. The source of his strength 
 was the fervid character of his piet}'. 
 
 "A patriotic soldier in war, a faithful citizen in peace, 
 a loyal neighbor, a self-sacrificing father, a devoted hus- 
 hand and a Consecrated Herald of the cross has gone to 
 his reward. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord. 
 Yea, saith the spirit, that they may rest from their labors 
 and their works do follow them." 
 
 Rev. David A. Snider. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Monroe, May 
 8, 1844, and passed away at Wingate just as the sun was 
 going down May 13, 1907. The exact site of his birth 
 cannot now be pointed out. but it was some yards north 
 of where the oil mill now is. For many years the identity 
 of the place was indicated by some apple trees which were 
 on the old homestead. 
 
 When some two years old the father of young David, 
 •desirous of good farm land, bought a good farm on Beaver 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 
 
 303 
 
 REV. D. A. SNIDER. 
 
 Dam Creek and moved his family to it, and it was there 
 that David A. Snider grew to manhood. The house in 
 which he was sheltered and matured still stands, though 
 so changed as not to resemble much the original. How- 
 ever, much of the surroundings remain the same, notably 
 
304 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 the orchard trees from which the boy gathered fruit, and 
 in whose shade the youth played and "rested." Here the 
 youth worked on the farm, doing- all that came to hand 
 both summer and winter. It is said by those who knew 
 him that he showed the same features of character in his 
 work on the farm that he later put into the ministry — 
 earnestness and fidelity to duty. He had two older broth- 
 ers, and doubtless looked to them in matters of the farm. 
 For a long time his father was unable to give attention to 
 the farm, but gave directions from his bed. Young David 
 and his brothers had such a reverence for their father that 
 they did not take advantage of his sickness, but obeyed 
 him, and carried out his instructions in regard to farm 
 work. 
 
 Like all boys who came along at that time, his school 
 advantages were limited. Maple Springs was the school 
 wdiich he attended. His father, however, mastered gram- 
 mar and arithmetic at home, and so was of great help to 
 his children in the matter of their school work. At the 
 time when he should have been in school he was called 
 into military service, and after he returned it was too late. 
 More than that, it was all that people could do to live. 
 
 Thaleroy says that it takes three generations to make a 
 man. This writer cannot go that far back into the ances- 
 try of David A. Snider, but all through his life it was 
 manifest that he had three good generations upon which 
 to grow, for he was a man. The Avriter knows nothing of 
 his ancestr}^ except his father and mother. His father was 
 Rev. Solomon Snider and his mother was Elizabeth Wind- 
 cofif. His father was of the Dutch extraction, but it is 
 not known to the writer what extraction belonged to his 
 
Union Baptist Association. 305 
 
 mother. His mother died when he was jnst a youth, 
 though he had distinct recollections of her. His father 
 was a striking preacher of his time, and was one of the 
 leaders of the INIissionary Baptists when the Baptists sep- 
 arated on the question of missions. David had two broth- 
 ers, Stadly and Phillip, and four sisters, Mary, Jane, Ann 
 and Elizabeth, the last dying when a child. All of these 
 preceded him to the other world. 
 
 At the age of eighteen young David was called into 
 military service, where he remained for two years and a 
 half. He was in some of the bloodiest battles, but came 
 home with no scar on his body. In the war he had many 
 close comrades, for whom he had the feeling of brother 
 as long as he lived. Exposure to cold in the war possibly 
 made him a target of much suffering later in life. He 
 thought so. It all was so distasteful that after that he 
 did not like blue clothes or to hear a bugle. He once 
 related in the home circle a dream which he had just be- 
 fore he left home for the war. He dreamed that he was 
 very hungry and that he roasted and ate his own feet. 
 He related the dream to his father before leaving home. 
 The interpretation by the father was that his boy would 
 suffer hunger during his absence from home. 
 
 Soon after his return from the war he married Miss 
 May Ann Liles. He built a very humble home just across 
 Beaver Dam from his father's, where he lived until some 
 six years before his death. There were born to him and 
 his wife nine children, all of whom are now living except 
 George Culpepper, who died in infancy. His wife was a 
 true helper. She was thoroughly in sympathy with him 
 in his church work. She made it possible for him to do 
 
 20 
 
306 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 the large work that he did by directing home affairs. 
 Death claimed his companion January, 1891. He was mar- 
 ried again to Airs. IMittie Bivins, to whose union was born 
 one child. 
 
 It was while he was a soldier in the war that he was 
 converted. He was not specially inclined to "relate his 
 experience," but I remember that he made reference to it 
 once in a sermon, and said that he was sitting on a rail pile. 
 My impression is that conviction came largely from read- 
 ing the New Testament. Only a few days ago I heard 
 one of his comrades say that every time he had a chance 
 he would read his Testament. He did not, I think, offer 
 himself for membership until he came home. I presume 
 that he was baptized by the then pastor of Faulks Church. 
 
 Having begun preaching in 1870, he was ordained to 
 the full work of the ministry by a presbytery consisting of 
 Rev. J. L. Bennett, Rev. J. W. Phifer and the deacons of 
 Faulks Church May 4, 1872. I have heard him say that 
 his father wrote his ordination papers. 
 
 He began his ministry under dififiiculties, such as a 
 growing family, poverty, the lack of training, and the dis- 
 tance to his churches. Frequently on Saturday morning 
 he would rise by daybreak and plow until breakfast, and 
 then he would saddle his horse for a twenty mile ride. 
 Monday morning would find him so tired that he could 
 scarcely go to the plow, but necessity was on him, and he 
 went. Later he went to his churches on a "sulky," the 
 first of which he secured from his companion in the min- 
 istry, Rev. J. L. Bennett, but during the laters years of 
 his life he traveled in buggy. . 
 
Union Baptist Association. 307 
 
 Along with Rev. J. L. Bennett he was a church builder. 
 I recall that he took part in organizing at least Hopewell, 
 Marshville (then Grove Springs), Oak Grove and Moun- 
 tain Springs. Many of the churches which he served were 
 twenty miles from home, and so in serving them there 
 was exposure to heat and cold, deep water and mud. This 
 affected his health very much in his latter years. 
 
 As a preacher David A. Snider measured up to his 
 times. He was heard with delight and profit by all classes. 
 He was a close student of the Bible, and quoted Scriptures 
 as but few can. He studied the Old Testament prophecies 
 very closely and applied them in a helpful way to our times. 
 The elements of effectiveness in his preaching were grasp 
 of subject, honesty in dealing with the Bible, earnestness 
 of delivery, and transparency of soul. At his best he could 
 stir the soul as fine preachers, and he stirred the soul in 
 the right place. 
 
 Behind the preacher, however, was the man. In his 
 rearing he had the advantage of a Christian home and the 
 ministry of a good church. The moral atmosphere which 
 he breathed was as pure as the atmosphere on the hills of 
 Beaver Dam. His sense of honesty and of justice was 
 unusually pronounced. His soul lived in the white light 
 of truth, and every man was entitled to the consideration 
 of brother. He was close in feeling for the poor and un- 
 fortunate, and often he would not press collections because 
 of his sympathy for the struggling. He loved the truth, 
 and therefore had conviction. Ilis conviction was as strong 
 as a rock, and — was he courageous? Well, ask the older 
 people who sat under his ministry. 
 
308 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 He had pleasant and helpful associates in the ministry, 
 those who were older and those who were about his age. 
 Some of the older ones were Edmund Davis, John W. 
 Davis, John King, Elam \yilliams. Some of the ones in 
 his class as to age were J. L. Bennett, J. A. Bivins, A. C, 
 Davis and R. H. James. 
 
 David A. Snider lived to see his children settled in 
 homes of their own. Three of his sons are now ministers 
 — John W., Joel S., and Erastus C. Two of his sons — 
 Brady and Niece — are in business in Monroe. Ellis is in 
 railroad service. His two daughters — Martha and Minnie 
 — are happy housekeepers. Virdie, a daughter of the sec- 
 ond marriage, is a student in Cornell University. His 
 widow lives with her son in Salisbury. 
 
 Some six years before his death David A. Snider left 
 his old home on Beaver Dam and moved to Wingate. This 
 made it possible for his youngest child to attend school 
 and be at home. A year or more before his translation he 
 became aware that he had an incurable disease. This fact 
 seemed to increase his desire to preach. Often he yielded 
 to this impulse when his strength was too limited for him 
 to continue his work, but idleness had never been his bread, 
 and he refused to eat it to the very last. I am told that 
 his last preaching, though done in much weakness, was 
 characterized by power. Evidently he knew that he was 
 not far from the gate soon to open to let him in from 
 weakness and suffering. 
 
 So it was on May 13, 1907, just as the sun went down, 
 David A. Snider, known and loved by hundreds, was trans- 
 lated. He was sitting in his chair on the porch of his 
 home when the Master said, "Friend, come up higher." 
 
Union Baptist Association. 309 
 
 After a farewell service in Faulks Church, in the presence 
 of possibly a thousand people, he was laid to rest by the 
 wife of his youth to await, as he often said, the resurrec- 
 tion, a doctrine in which he so much glorified. 
 
 A. B. Caudle. 
 
 Archie Benjamin Caudle was born near Old Lanes- 
 boro, Anson County, North Carolina, on July 24, 1845. 
 He was the eldest son of Rev. Allen Caudle and wife, 
 Mary Caudle. His early years were spent upon the farm, 
 securing such education as the public schools of the county 
 at that time afforded. This was supplemented by one or 
 more years at a military school at Old Hillsboro, North 
 Carolina. On September 16, 1861, at the age of 17 years, 
 he voluntarily enlisted in the military service of the South- 
 ern Confederacy, and became a member of Company D, 
 Thirty-seventh Regiment. He continued in military serv- 
 ice until the close of the war. On November 8, 1865, he 
 was happily married to Mary E. Liles, daughter of David 
 N. Liles and wife of Union County, North Carolina. He 
 engaged in farming in Anson County and in teaching in 
 the public schools in the county. He removed to Monroe, 
 North Carolina, in 1875, shortly after the construction of 
 the old Carolina Central Railroad to that point. He en- 
 gaged in merchandising for a number of years, and subse- 
 quently entered the profession of photography. In this 
 profession he continued until 1893. Shortly after his re- 
 moval to Monroe he became a member of the Baptist 
 Church at that place, and was zealous and active in all of 
 
310 
 
 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 ELDER A. B. CAUDLE. 
 
 its affairs. He was Church Glerk^ Treasurer and a mem- 
 ber of the Board of Deacons for a number of years. From 
 about 1880 to 1891 he taught a Sunday School class of 
 young men. He dedicated himself to this work with in- 
 tense devotion. This class was the largest in the Sunday 
 
Union Baptist Association. 311 
 
 School and the writer recalls the splendid enthusiasm which 
 existed among its members. The' Baptist Teacher was the 
 Sunday School book used in teaching this class. This book 
 was wisely edited, and far surpassed, in the writer's opin- 
 ion, the book bearing a similar title which is now published. 
 These books were bound by him in annual volumes, cover- 
 ing a period of about ten years or longer, which the writer 
 now holds as the most precious memories of his devoted 
 father. These books continued to be an important section 
 of his library to the date of his death. He took much per- 
 sonal interest in the lives of each member of his class, and 
 a splendid spirit of fellowship existed between teacher and 
 student. 
 
 In 1888 he invented and secured a patent upon a burglar 
 alarm and sash lock. The sale of this invention was suc- 
 cessfully prosecuted over a large territory. 
 
 In 1889 or 1890 Rev. Thomas Leitch conducted a revival 
 meeting at Alonroe. This revival was promoted by and 
 participated in by all the denominations of the town. Unu- 
 sual interest was stimulated, and the public conscience was 
 intensely aroused. The revival was conducted in a large 
 livery stable, at that time owned by Mr. E. M. Griffin, and 
 its capacity was taxed at every service. Toward the close 
 of the meeting, at one of the morning services, Mr. Caudle 
 requested leave to make an announcement. He ascended, 
 the platform and stated that for many years he had resisted 
 a call to the ministry. In resisting the persuasive admoni- 
 tions to enter the ministry he stated that he had entered 
 into a covenant to preach the gospel in the event that he 
 should be successful in the commercial promotion of his- 
 invention. Success having been achieved, he had deter- 
 
312 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 mined to observe his pledge. This was the first intimation 
 which his family had received of his intention. He imme- 
 diately began to devote himself to the task which he had 
 assumed. He was ordained in the Baptist Church at Mon- 
 roe, North Carolina, in 1891. In so far as the writer can 
 learn he was the first and the last member of this church to 
 enter the ministry. 
 
 Among his first pastorates was Waxhaw, North Caro- 
 lina. He held this pastorate from 1891 to 1899. So thor- 
 oughly devoted was he to these people that he decided to 
 move his family to Waxhaw in 1893. He held the pasto- 
 rates of Mount Pleasant, Mount Harmony, Herman, Mace- 
 donia, Sardis, Mountain Springs and Pleasant Valley, in 
 York County, South Carolina. He organized Herman and 
 Sardis churches, and promoted the organization of Moun- 
 tain Springs. 
 
 Contemporaries in the ministry among the country 
 churches were Reverends Snyder, Bennett, Marsh, Davis, 
 Little and Bivens. All these were strong men, and deep 
 and strong were the foundations laidn by them for the Bap- 
 tist denomination in Union County. Neither laid claim to 
 much in the way of ministerial education, but all were stu- 
 dents of the Bible, strong in faith and determined in effort. 
 Few counties in the State have been so fortunate as to have 
 their country churches equipped with such men. Indeed, 
 the writer knows of no other county that has had such a 
 galaxy of strong ministers native-born. The work and 
 labors of these men will find their influence for successive 
 generations. 
 
 Under the influence of Mr. Caudle's ministry a large 
 number of young men of Union and Anson counties dedi- 
 
' Union Baptist Association. 313 
 
 cated their lives to the preaching of the gospel. These he 
 called his "boys," and to them he manifested unusual devo- 
 tion, and each well deserved the affection which he mani- 
 fested toward them. He believed in an educated ministry. 
 He disapproved, however, of the tendency of a large num- 
 ber of ministerial students to forsake the country fields for 
 town and city pastorates. He was of the opinion that the 
 country churches w^hich gave birth to, nourished and equip- 
 ped the younger members of the ministry, were too fre- 
 quently forgotten and neglected. In this opinion the writer 
 concurs. Moreover, the present method of educating our 
 ministerial students is seriously productive of evil conse- 
 quences. Poise and manhood are the outgrowth of indi- 
 vidual struggle. A sense of personal responsibility among 
 all young men should be excited, and where there is little 
 struggle there is more than apt to be a one-sided develop- 
 ment. When the ministerial student is taught from en- 
 trance into the ministry that he is a public ward and denom- 
 inational beneficiary he is mighty apt to lose those incentives 
 which are essential to his mental growth. Four years at 
 Wake Forest, with upkeep and expenses provided, and a 
 similar period at the Seminary, wrongfully withdraws from 
 the ministerial student the element of struggle and self- 
 development essential for himself and for every other stu- 
 dent. In our liberality toward our ministerial students we 
 do them a serious injustice. The very best that is in men 
 can not have its full growth without battling with the nat- 
 ural problems of life. The result is that, in many instances, 
 our young men see only one side of life, know nothing of 
 the problems of the other, and both poise and broad con- 
 ception suffer impoverishment by reason of the easy condi- 
 tions provided for their educational development. 
 
314 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 In 1897 Mr. Caudle moved from Waxhaw to Wingate. 
 He was active in the promotion and development of the 
 Wingate School. He dedicated his energies and influence 
 to its welfare. In 1892 he removed to Wadesboro, North 
 Carolina. In the Pee Dee Association he held the pastorates 
 at Morvem, Gum Springs, Brown Creek, Polkton, Mount 
 Beulah and other churches. He was the original promoter 
 of the Gum Springs Special School Tax District, which was 
 organized largely as a result of his efforts. This school is 
 now in a flourishing condition, and has been of incalculable 
 benefit to that section of Anson County. 
 
 A few years prior to his death he was elected evangelist 
 for the Pee Dee Association. In the prosecution of this 
 work he exerted his best endeavors. He was at all times 
 evangelistic in his minis-try, and this work was suited to the 
 natural trend of his gifts. 
 
 For a period of eight to ten months prior to his death he 
 was practically an invalid, suffering with sclerosis of the 
 liver. On November 19, 1908, he entered into rest. 
 
 Upon the granite slab that marks his grave may be read 
 this inscription : "God buries the worker, but carries on the 
 work." 
 
 Left surviving were his devoted wife, four daughters, 
 Mesdames J. G. Winfield, D. V. Mauney, H. M. Lilly and 
 J. E. Garrison, and one son, T. L. Caudle. 
 
 Elder J. A. Bivens. 
 
 One of the best known and most beloved men in L'^'nion 
 County is Elder Joseph A. Bivens, familiarly known as 
 "Uncle Joe." Not only is he known and loved by the 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 
 
 315> 
 
 ELDER J. A. BIVENS. 
 
 people of his own denomination, but by the people of other- 
 denominations as well. 
 
 He was born in Union County, North Carolina, Janu- 
 ary 29, 1838, being the son of Nathaniel and Margaret 
 Bivens. His father died when he was about eisfht years 
 
316 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 old, leaving the mother to provide for a family of four- 
 teen children. That she succeeded well is very evident by 
 the high character and lofty ideals of her children. 
 
 "Uncle Joe" testifies that it was under her instructions 
 that he gained his fi'rst knowledge of heaven and had kin- 
 dled in him a desire to go there. However, he was no 
 exception to the rulo, in that he resisted the call to repent- 
 ance and did not finally yield until he was about eighteen. 
 
 He was converted in a series of meetings held by Elder 
 E. L. Davis with the Meadow Branch Church, and was 
 baptized by him int(v the fellowship of the church at the 
 close of the meeting. 
 
 On October 26^ i858, he was married to Miss Thetus 
 Griffin, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. E. H. Griffin. To this 
 union five children were born, all of whom are living at this 
 writing. 
 
 In 1862 he enlisted in Company I, 53rd North Carolina 
 Regiment, and made as true a soldier as ever wore the gray 
 until May, 1864, when, in the Cold Harbor stampede in 
 Virginia, he sustained a wound that necessitated the am- 
 putation of his right arm. 
 
 Coming home maimed in body, but not in spirit, he 
 soon took up the work of the ministry, a work to which 
 lie had felt called before, and the neglect of which he felt 
 had cost him his right arm. He preached his first sermon 
 in Meadow Branch Church in October, 1866. However, 
 so reserved was he that he refused to accept ordination for 
 about six years. Finally his ordination took place in the 
 Meadow Branch Church May 11, 1872. The certificate of 
 ordination states that the presbytery found him sound in 
 faith and orthodox in practice. The certificate is signed by 
 Elders E. L. Davis, D. A. Snyder and Jesse Phifer. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 317 
 
 During his ministerial life he has served the following- 
 churches : 
 
 In Union County — Bethel, Benton's Cross Roads, Cor- 
 inth, Ebenezer, Faulks, Hopewell, Hamilton's Cross Roads, 
 Jerusalem (now extinct), New Hope, New Salem, Oak 
 Grove, Olive Branch, Roanoke, Union and Mt. Moriah. 
 
 In Anson County — Deep River, Mount Olive, Mineral 
 Springs and Piney Grove (now Polkton). 
 
 In Cabarrus County — Howels. 
 
 In Chesterfield County, S. C. — Elizabeth, Spring Hill 
 and Wolf Pond. 
 
 Pie served the Deep Creek Church, in Anson County,, 
 eleven years, and five years of that time twice a month. 
 
 His longest pastorate was with Bethel Church, where 
 he stayed, all told, thirty years. One does not have to 
 mingle with that people long to find that he has indelibly 
 stamped himself upon their minds and hearts. 
 
 We hear a great deal today about the meager salaries 
 paid preachers. However, the poorest paid today receive 
 much more than some of our best country pastors received 
 fifty years ago. He relates that on one occasion he served 
 a church nineteen miles from home, and at the expiration 
 of the year received three dollars in money and four Awards- 
 of home-made cloth. However, he was not working for 
 money but for souls, and how well he has succeeded in win- 
 ning them to Christ eternity alone will reveal. 
 
 Contrary to the judgment of many of his brethren, he 
 has always contended that he could not preach much. How- 
 ever well he may have preached it is undoubtedly true that 
 much that he has accomplished has been due to his efforts 
 outside of the pulpit. He has been the John among us,. 
 
318 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 following closely after the Master, and always ready for 
 any service He might bid him render. For three years a 
 soldier in the cause of the Confederacy, for forty-eight 
 years a pastor of churches, and for fifty-two years a min- 
 ister of the gospel, he still lives, and bears testimony to the 
 saving power of Christ. 
 
 -o 
 
 Elder Zeb Caudle. 
 
 Rev. Zeb Caudle was born in Anson County, North Car- 
 olina, April 9, 1893. When quite a young man he was con- 
 verted while in his home, and was baptized into the fel- 
 lowship of Deep Springs Baptist Church by Rev. E. C. 
 Snider. He became an active church worker, taking great 
 interest in Sunday School and church work in general. For 
 a number of years he was superintendent of the Sunday 
 School and leader of the choir in his home church. As 
 God always calls a busy man, he laid his hand upon Brother 
 Caudle. In July, 1915, Deep Springs Baptist Church lib- 
 ■erated him to exercise his gifts in public, and on Sunday, 
 April 8th, a presbytery composed of Rev. R. H. James, the 
 pastor, Rev. T. P. Little, and Rev. R. M. Haigler set him 
 apart to the full work of the gospel ministry. 
 
 The first pastorate of this young preacher was at Cedar 
 Grove, in the Chesterfield Association, South Carolina. Al- 
 though Brother Caudle has not been in the pastorate but 
 a few years, he has served, and is serving very acceptably, 
 the following churches : Cedar Grove, in the Chesterfield 
 Association ; Deep Springs and Mount Zion, in the Union 
 Association, and Clear Creek, in the Mecklenburg and Ca- 
 harrus Association. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 
 
 319 
 
 REV. ZEB CAUDLE. 
 
 Brother Caudle attended school at Roseboro, and is now 
 at the Wingate High School for further preparation. He 
 is a young man of natural abilities for a preacher, and 
 bright prospects lie out before him. We recommend him 
 to the fellowship and co-operation of the brotherhood. 
 
320 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Elder Reuben H. James. 
 
 Elder R. H. James is one of the most interesting char- 
 acters reared in this country. The difficulties he has over- 
 come and the wonderful success he has attained ought to 
 be a wonderful stimulus to all the young preachers of our 
 Association today. 
 
 He was born August 10, 1846, in Union County. His 
 father was James James, his mother Annie Poole James. 
 
 He was left without a father at the age of five. He 
 never saw him any more. The mother was left with a fam- 
 ily of five small children to provide for, and the small estate 
 left by his father greatly involved, so much so that it had 
 to be sold to satisfy the creditors. This done, they were 
 without any means of support. The only thing they could 
 do was to labor for their daily bread. Labor was scarce 
 at this time, and wages were very low, so all this made it 
 real hard for the mother to feed her little ones. 
 
 As soon as young Reuben was old enough to nurse chil- 
 dren his mother hired him out to do little jobs about the 
 house and to care for little ones. This relieved the over- 
 taxed mother to some extent, but this did not give the 
 family the support the people around them thought they 
 ought to have, and as orphan children could be taken away 
 from their mothers in those days and bound out the officers 
 came for little Reuben, and possibly more of the children. 
 They were carried to Monroe, N. C, and had it not been 
 for the persistent efforts of the mother they would have 
 been given other homes, but she gave bond for their mainte- 
 nance and carried them back home with her. 
 
 He came to manhood, as he expresses it, "through many 
 knocks and hardhsips." It is wonderful to hear him tell 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 
 
 321 
 
 ELDER R. H. JAMES. 
 
 of the discouragements he had. One day he was met in 
 the road by a man who took his Httle much-worn hat off 
 of his head, tore it to pieces and threw it down. But this 
 all did not conquer his dauntless courage. 
 
 21 
 
322 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 At the age of seventeen he joined the Confederate army. 
 He was a member of Company I, 53rd North CaroHna 
 Regiment. He served here until June 9, 1864, when he 
 was taken prisoner and carried to Washington, D. C. While 
 here he suffered from a violent attack of typhoid fever. 
 When able to be about he was paroled, and finally was on 
 the exchange list. He was not able to get out until the 
 following October. After he was sent back to the Confed- 
 erates he was given a furlough home. This was a great 
 relief to him, and after a rQst of three months he returned 
 to the army, where he remained in service until the surren- 
 der in the spring of 1865. 
 
 On December 30, 1866, he was married to Mrs. Elvie 
 Austin, a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan Austin. To 
 this union seven children were added, and, we are glad to 
 say, they are all living. Reuben James was first convicted 
 of sin May 8, 1864, while administering aid to a dying 
 kinsman on the battle field. But he knew nothing about the 
 Bible, he had never been to Sunday School, he had never 
 heard much preaching, so he did not know how to seek 
 the Lord. He ignored the Lord's call until September, 
 1865. At this time he was attending a meeting at Harmony 
 A-Iethodist Church, near the location of Marshville, N. C. 
 During this meeting he was enabled to trust the Lord. He 
 offered himself for church membership at once, but he did 
 not know what he was doing. He had never read anything 
 about what denominationalism means. He knew nothing 
 of creeds, nor did he understand the difference between 
 the churches. He just joined because he felt that he 
 ought to. 
 
Union Baptist Association. 323 
 
 During 1868 he built a stand near the present site of 
 Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Here he heard the gospel 
 for the first time as Baptists understand and preach it. At 
 once he realized that he was wrong, so at the close of this 
 meeting he, with nineteen others, were baptized in the river 
 not far from the present church. This was the beginning 
 of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. 
 
 It was not long after his baptism until he felt called of 
 God to preach. His church licensed him July, 1870. He 
 says at this time he could not read, so he prayed very 
 earnestly that the Lord would enable him to read his word, 
 and as a result of this, coupled with his own efforts, he soon 
 became able to read the Bible intelligently. The brethren 
 soon saw that he was no ordinary man, so churches began 
 to call him to serve them as pastor. As soon as he began 
 to serve churches it became necessary for him to be or- 
 dained. Accordingly a presbytery was called, and after a 
 careful examination he was found to be orthodox and was 
 ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry July, 1872. 
 He has served th efollowing churches in Union County : 
 Red Level (now extinct). This church stood near where 
 Corinth Church is located ; Shiloh, Salem, Oak Grove, 
 Waxhaw, Hermon, Sandy Ridge, Mount Zion, West Mon- 
 roe, North Monroe, Ebenezer, Benton's Cross Roads, 
 Roanoke, Mill Creek, Pleasant Hill, Hamilton's Cross 
 Roads, Faulks, Philadelphia and Mountain Springs. 
 
 In Mecklenburg County he has served : Arlington, In- 
 dependenece Hill, Clear Creek, Pleasant Plains, Oliver 
 Street, iin Charlotte, and Wilson's Grove. 
 
 In Cabarrus County he served Howells and Chaney's 
 Hill. 
 
324 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 In Stanly he served Big Lick, Canton, Prospect, Min- 
 eral Springs, Pleasant Grove, Locust and Smyrna. 
 
 In Anson he served Cedar Grove, Deep Springs and 
 New Home. 
 
 He served some churches in South Carolina, viz. : Cen- 
 ter Grove and Mount Pisgah. 
 
 Four of the above-mentioned churches were planted by 
 his efforts. Those are x^rlington, Chaney's Hill, West 
 Monroe, Cedar Grove. He was Moderator of the Rocky 
 River Association for several years, and assisted in the 
 organization of the ^Mecklenburg and Cabarrus at old Cold 
 Water Church near Concord. He gave this Association its 
 name. He did not enjoy any educational advantages. He 
 attended school two weeks only, but he has become quite 
 a scholar along his line. We have heard many remark that 
 it is a real pity he was not educated. We cannot agree 
 with them. ITe possibly has done more good situated as 
 he is educationally than he otherwise might have done. 
 
 He is interested in education, and for many years was 
 a member of the Board of Trustees. He served as the 
 financial agent for some time. 
 
 He is one of the warmest friends of the orphanage. It 
 is wonderful to hear him present the claims of this institu- 
 tion. He is a good, easy speaker, and his flashes of wit 
 and humor will keep any congregation awake. 
 
 He now resides with his youngest son, who lives near 
 Ashboro, N. C. 
 
 
 
 We are very sorry indeed that we are not able to give a 
 nice sketch of the life of Elder Elias J- Fincher. We ar- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 
 
 325 
 
 BIDDER S. J. FINCHER. 
 
 ranged with Dr. T. J. Taylor to write this for us, but he be- 
 came so feeble that he was not able to prepare it for us. 
 Fincher's name appears in many places, and since many of 
 his reports to the Association are published in this book, we 
 
326 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 feel that the man may be greatly remembered and honored 
 though no ^etch of his life appears. Yet, we are very 
 sorry that we cannot give the story of his becoming a Bap- 
 tist.— C. J. B. 
 
 o 
 
 Elder Augustus Marsh. 
 
 Elder Augustus ]\Iarsh is a native of Union County, 
 having been born in what is nown Marshville township, Jan- 
 uary 20, 1856. His early life was spent on his father's 
 farm, where he worked during the spring, summer and 
 fall months, and attended the community public school in 
 the winter season. Ele was converted and joined Bethel 
 Baptist Church in 1873. 
 
 In 1876 he was happily married to Miss Zilphia Rush- 
 ing, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Reuben and Harriet Rush- 
 ing of Union County. To this union ten children were 
 born, five boys and five girls, all living at this time. 
 
 For several years after his conversion he went- along 
 about as the average Christian goes, having general inter- 
 est in the work, but laying out for himself no definite Chris- 
 tian task. He relates that on going to church one Saturday 
 afternoon the pastor did not come. Several gathered, and 
 after waiting for a while they all dispersed and went home. 
 After leaving the church great remorse of conscience seized 
 him. He felt that the failure of the pastor to come was 
 no reason why they should not have had service. He tried 
 to excuse himself on the ground that older persons were 
 present who should have conducted service, but his con- 
 science would not be eased by such argument. From this 
 he became more and more burdened with the work until 
 
Union Baptist Association. 327 
 
 finally, in 1883^ he yielded to what had come to be the 
 unmistakable leadings of the spirit, and entered the min- 
 istry. From the very first the Lord gave evidence of his 
 approval, and his services have been eagerly sought by the 
 churches. The spirit is often with him to a very marked 
 degree, and at such times his appeals are almost irresistible. 
 He has also made for himself quite a reputation as a per- 
 sonal worker. 
 
 He has served the following churches in Union County: 
 Antioch, Benton's Cross Roads, Bethel, Ebenezer, Fairfield, 
 Hamilton's Cross Roads, Macedonia, Marshville, Mill 
 Creek, Mt. Pleasant, New Hope, North Monroe, Olive 
 Branch, Philadelphia, Pleasant Hill, Roanoke, Sardis, Shi- 
 loh. Union and Union Grove. 
 
 In Anson County he has served : Deep Springs, New 
 Home, Rocky Mount and Rocky River. At the age of 
 sixty-two his natural force has not abated and his bow still 
 abides in strength. 
 
 Erastus C. Snyder. 
 
 Elder Erastus C. Snyder is a native of Union County, 
 having been born in Marshville township October 5, 1873. 
 He is a son of the late Elder David A. Snyder and Mary 
 Liles Snyder. His family has produced more preachers 
 than any family in the county, and perhaps in the State. 
 The early years of Erastus were spent on his father's farm. 
 
 At the age of thirteen he was converted in a meeting 
 held by his father and Elder J- L. Bennett with Faulks 
 Church, and was baptized by the latter. At the age of 
 twenty-one he was married to Miss Maud Hamilton, daugh- 
 ter of Mr. and Mrs. W. A. Hamilton. 
 
328 
 
 History op the Browx Creek 
 
 REV. E. J. SNYDER. 
 
 For several years after marriage he farmed and mer- 
 chandized. Finally he was shown that God wanted him in 
 another line of work, and he at once gave up all secular 
 pursuits that he might devote himself exclusively to the 
 work of the ministry. Meantime he had accepted the pas- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 329 
 
 toral care of several churches. Union, the church of which 
 he was a member, called for his ordination, and in October, 
 1908, he was examined and duly set apart to the full work 
 of the ministry by the laying on of the hands of the pres- 
 bytery. 
 
 In Union County he has had the pastoral care of the 
 following churches : Antioch, Benton's Cross Roads, Faulks, 
 Mill Creek, Sandy Ridge, Sardis, Shiloh, West Monroe, 
 North Alonroe, Mountain Springs, Hopewell and Union. 
 
 In Anson County he has served : Cedar Grove, Deep 
 Springs, Rocky Mount, New Home, Peachland and Min- 
 eral Springs. 
 
 In Mecklenburg County he has served Mount Harmony. 
 He has served White Plain and Mount Pisgah, in South 
 Carolina. 
 
 In addition to the preaching he has done for his own 
 people he has preached much at school houses and out of 
 the way places. He has also assisted many neighboring 
 pastors in evangelistic meetings on their fields. For two 
 years he has made annual detours to Georgia to engage in 
 evangelistic work. 
 
 For several years he has been chairman of the Board 
 of Trustees of the Wingate School and has contributed lib- 
 erally to its support. 
 
 ■ o • 
 
 Elder Jonah S. Simpson. 
 Elder Jonah S. Simpson is one of the younger pastors 
 of the Association, having been duly set apart to the work 
 of the ministry by the laying on of the hands of the pres- 
 bytery at Benton's Cross Roads Church April 0, 1915. For 
 
330 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 several years previous to his entrance into the ministry he 
 was active as a church worker, having served as Superin- 
 tendent of Sunday School, Sunday School teacher, and in 
 various other ways had shown his interest in the cause of 
 Christ. So when he finally declared his purpose to enter 
 the ministry his friends who were closest to him were not 
 surprised. 
 
 Pie received his education in Unionville High School 
 and Mars Hill College. He is a man who carries a big 
 heart in a small body. He does not make his best impres- 
 sion first, but the more you know of the man and the more 
 'ou hear him the more he and his message appeal to you. 
 He is intensely loyal to the Bible, Baptist to the core, and 
 anxious for the kingdoms of this world to become the king- 
 doms of Christ. 
 
 He has had the pastoral care of Benton's Cross Roads, 
 Hopewell and Olive Branch. 
 
 Elder Lee McBride White. 
 
 Elder Lee McBride White, pastor of the First Baptist 
 Church at Monroe from October, 1914, to March. 1917, 
 was born in Raleigh, August 9, 1887. He is a son of Dr. 
 and Mrs. J. L. White, his father being a Baptist preacher 
 of note. After holding pastorates in Durham, Elizabeth 
 Citv and Asheville, this State, Dr. White moved to Macon, 
 Ga. There his son, Lee McBride, was prepared for college 
 in the Gresham High School. In the fall of 1904 he entered 
 Wake Forest College and- was graduated in 1908. After 
 leaving college he taught one year in Beaufort, N. C. In 
 the fall of i909 he entered Cornell University, where he 
 
Union Baptist Association. 331 
 
 specialized in English literature and language for two years. 
 While at Cornell he was assistant instructor in English, and 
 the second year was awarded the scholarship in English. 
 
 The years 1911-12 he was instructor in English in the 
 Memphis University School. It was while here that he felt 
 impelled to give up teaching and enter the ministry. Feel- 
 ing that it was a work sufficiently large to call forth the 
 very best in man, he entered the Southern Baptist Theo- 
 logical Seminary the fall of 1912. At the expiration of one 
 year he accepted a call to become pastor of a church in 
 Albany, Ga. There he remained until he accepted the care 
 of the church in Monroe. While at iMonroe he was assisted 
 in a meeting by his father. Large crowds attended and 
 much interest was manifested. As a result of the meeting 
 about fifty were added to the church. Under his progres- 
 sive leadership the church also installed a pipe organ and 
 added several Sunday School rooms to their house, at a 
 cost of several thousand dollars. 
 
 On leaving Monroe he accepted the pastoral care of the 
 First Baptist Church of Shelby, N. C. From there he went 
 to the First Church of Chester, S. C, where he resides at 
 this writing. 
 
 His sermons give evidence of being prepared with care. 
 They are logical and convincing in argument. He recog- 
 nizes the Lordship of Christ and endeavors to preach in 
 such a way as to meet approval. 
 
 Elder John G. Gulledge. 
 The subject of this sketch is a South Carolinian, havino- 
 been born in Darlington County, S. C, December 21, 1852. 
 
332 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Moving to this State in early life, he worked as a farm 
 hand during the spring, summer and fall months, and at- 
 tended the public schools of the community as best he could 
 during- the winter. 
 
 o 
 
 At about the age of seventeen he professed faith in 
 Christ and connected himself with the Mt. Olive Baptist 
 Church. Feeling as Paul, that "Woe is me if I preach not 
 the gospel," he entered the ministry in the fall of 1886. 
 
 In December, 1889, and in August, 1890, he held a meet- 
 ing in Hickory Grove school house, Marlborough County, 
 S. C, in which much interest was manifested. In October 
 following a church was organized. He at once became its 
 pastor, serving them three years, and traveling a distance 
 of eighty miles per trip, by private conveyance. He also 
 served in Chesterfield County, S. C,, Liberty Hill and Cross 
 Roads churches. In L'nion County, N. C, where the greater 
 part of his life has been spent, he has served Benton's Cross 
 Roads, Corinth, Ebenezer, Fairfield, Pleasant Hill, Roan- 
 oke, New Salem, Mt. Moriah and Sardis. 
 
 For years he has been a close student of the Bible, as it 
 is evident by his preaching. He has clear-cut and well- 
 defined views on our great doctrines, and preaches them 
 without fear or regard for the wishes of men. His out- 
 spoken and clear-cut way of presenting the truth has called 
 down upon his head the criticism of some who are less bold, 
 but he regards more highly the favor of God than the com- 
 pliments of men. 
 ^ o 
 
 Elder A. C. Davis. 
 Numbered among the best Biblical preachers produced 
 hy Union County during the days of reconstruction imme- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 33S 
 
 diately following the Civil War is Elder A. Culpepper 
 Davis. 
 
 He was born July 12, 1853, in Union County, N. C.,. 
 being the son of Elder and Mrs. E. L. Davis. 
 
 In early boyhood he attended during the winter season 
 such public schools as were available in his community at 
 that time. He did not attend school very much after he 
 was twelve years old. * 
 
 Ele was converted in a meeting held by his father with 
 A/[eadow Branch Church in the summer of 1874. He was 
 baptized at the close of the meeting by Elder Covington,, 
 who had assisted in the meeting. 
 
 He at once felt called of God to preach the gospel, and' 
 entered upon the work the same year. 
 
 In Union County, the county of both his first and second 
 birth, he has served the following churches : Shiloh, Hope- 
 well, Mill Creek, Union, Philadelphia, Faulks, Hamilton's- 
 Cross Roads, Antioch, Salem, Pleasant Hill, Mt. Pleasant, 
 Macedonia, New Hope and Mt. Moriah. 
 
 In Anson County he has served : Mineral Springs, Mt.. 
 Olive, Brown Creek, Rocky River and Rocky Mount. 
 
 He has served in Stanly County : Big Lick, Canton,. 
 Barly's Grove, Anderson Grove, West Albemarle, Philadel- 
 phia, Locus and Smyrna. 
 
 In Cabarrus County he has served : Chanies Hill, How- 
 els and Cold Water. 
 
 In Mecklenburg County he has served: Clear Creek,. 
 Pleasant Plains and Hopewell. 
 
 In Chesterfield County, S. C, he served : Dudly, Liberty- 
 Hill and Hopewell. 
 
334 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 His longest pastorate was with the Big Lick Church in 
 Stanly County, where he served for fourteen consecutive 
 3^ears. Judged by immediate results the greatest meeting 
 he ever held was with Shiloh Church, held about the date 
 of 1890, when, at the close of a thirteen days' meeting, 
 he baptized seventy-one. Under his clarion call to repent- 
 ance hundreds have been moved to forsake the broad way 
 and take upon themselves the sacred vows of the Christian 
 religion. 
 
 His preaching shows him to have been a close student 
 of the Bible. He has well-defined views of its doctrines. 
 He knows well the great distinguishing doctrines of our 
 denomination, and preaches them without fear or favor. 
 
 He has also read right much church history, besides 
 having done a great deal of general reading, which he often 
 uses to good advantage in his preaching. 
 
 After forty-four years of public service he writes that 
 he is still on the firing line, where he hopes to remain until 
 called home. 
 
 Rev. Hight C. Moore, D. D. 
 Prominent among those who have served churches in 
 the Union Association is the name of Rev. Hight C. Moore, 
 D. D., who was pastor of the First Church at Monroe from 
 1894 to 1898. Although only a little over twenty-three 
 vears of age when he took charge of the church there, he 
 did his work wisely and well, and endeared himself, not 
 only to his own congregation, but to all classes and denomi- 
 nations of the town. He was also actively identified with 
 all the work of the Association, co-operating with the other 
 
Union Baptist Association. 335 
 
 pastors and laboring with them in every way possible for 
 the spread of the Kingdom. He was a strong advocator 
 of education, and took an active part in the establishment 
 of the Wingate School. His many friends in this Associa- 
 tion have watched with much interest and pride the success 
 of his work, and the frequent calls he has received from his 
 denomination to broader fields of usefulness, and will no 
 doubt be interested in a short sketch of his life. 
 
 Dr. Moore is the son of Patterson and Nancy Moore, 
 and was born at Globe, Caldwell County, N. C, January 
 28, 1871. In the pious home of his parents he had instilled 
 into his life the principles of Christianity and true manhood. 
 At Globe Academy he received his preparation for college, 
 and graduated at Wake Forest in 1890. On the twenty- 
 fifth anniversary of his graduation, 1915, his Alma Mater, 
 Wake Forest, conferred on him the degree of Doctor of 
 Divinity. He was ordained to the full work of the gospel 
 ministry at Globe Baptist Church on October 26. 1890, and 
 soon after became pastor of the church at Morehead City. 
 He went from there in 1893 to Brown Memorial Church, 
 Winston-Salem, and after serving that church for about one 
 year came to Monroe. In 1898 he was called to the pas- 
 torate of the First Baptist Church at New Bern, which he 
 served for about five years, going from there to the church 
 at Chapel Hill. In 1904, at the call of the Baptist State 
 Convention, he gave up the pastorate and became Sunday 
 School Secretary for the State, serving in this capacity for 
 three years, and then one year as Field Secretary of the 
 Sunday School Board for the Southern Baptist Convention. 
 On February 1, 1908, he became editor of the Biblical Re- 
 corder, which position he held until August 1, 1917, when 
 
336 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 he was chosen managing editor of the Sunday School Board 
 of the Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, Tenn., 
 which position he now (March, 1919) holds. He has been 
 Recording Secretary of the Southern Baptist Convention 
 since 1914. In all of these positions he has proved himself 
 a consecrated, efficient and faithful worker, and his labors 
 for the Master have been crowned with marked success, 
 and have resulted in untold good. 
 
 Dr. Moore is a gifted writer, and has contributed much 
 to the literature of the State. Among his publications are 
 "Seaside Sermons," "Select Poetry of North Carolina," 
 "The Books of the Bible," "The Country Sunday School," 
 "North Carolina Baptist Handbook," "The Man of Mark 
 in the Church Tomorrow," and various pamphlets. 
 
 He was happily married to Miss Laura Miller Peterson 
 of Goldsboro, N. C, May 2, 1893, who has been his ardent 
 sympathizer and constant and capable helper in all his work. 
 Their only son, Joseph P. Moore, having enlisted at Ra- 
 leigh, N. C, in the early part of the great war, was among 
 the first million troops to be sent to France. In the broad 
 domain of Dr. Moore's present field of work we predict 
 for him continued success and even greater usefukiess in 
 the spread of religious truth. 
 
 Rev. John A. Wray. 
 
 Rev. John A. Wray, son of William Arthur Wray a;nd 
 
 Ellen Eliza (Dameron) Wray, was born at Shelby, N. C, 
 
 February 5, 1872. He was converted white quite a lad, and 
 
 united with the Baptist Church at Shelby. He was pre- 
 
Union Baptist Association. 337 
 
 pared for college at Shelby Alilitary Institute and by private 
 tutor. 
 
 In his sixteenth year, the year in which his parents 
 moved to Knoxville, Tenn., he entered Wake Forest Col- 
 lege, and graduated from that institution in 1892. He after- 
 wards did post-graduate work at Harvard University and 
 the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. 
 
 It was while at Harvard that he surrendered to the call 
 to preach. He was licensed in July, 1893, by the First Bap- 
 tist Church of Knoxville, Tenn., and on August 5, 1894, 
 after having received a call to become pastor of Broad 
 Street Church of Winston, N. C, he was ordained by the 
 Knoxville church, Pastor R. R. Acree and Doctors M. D. 
 Jeffries, J. Pick Powers and J. H. Snow conducting the 
 service. 
 
 In addition to the Broad Street pastorate he has held 
 the pastorate of the First churches in the following places : 
 
 Milledgeville, Ga., Alexandria, Va., Plant City, Fla., 
 Live Oak, Fla., Miami, Fla., and Chickasha, Okla. 
 
 While he has been in the pastorate continuously for the 
 past twenty-five years, he has also attended many confer- 
 ences, supplied a number of leading pulpits North and South 
 during vacation periods, and, too, has done a great deal of 
 evangelistic work — having held meetings in many of the 
 leading churches in the South. For two years he was also 
 one of the editorial writers on the "Florida Baptist Wit- 
 ness." He became pastor of the First Baptist Church of 
 Monroe in April, 1917. During the first year the large 
 indebtedness on the church was cancelled, and about a hun- 
 dred new names were added to the church roll. 
 
 22 
 
338 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 He was married in January, 1894, to Miss Lucy Plum- 
 mer Mills, daughter of Prof. L. R. Tvlills of Wake Forest, 
 N. C. They have six children living — three boys and three 
 girls. 
 
 o 
 
 Elder Braxton Craig. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Windsor, Bertie 
 County, N. C, October 8,, 1863. 
 
 He was educated at the University of North Carolina, 
 1880-1884, and was ordained to preach November 16, 1889. 
 
 His first pastorate was at Ahoskie, N. C, where he 
 served from 1890 to 1895. Besides, he has held successful 
 pastorates in North Carolina, at Tarboro, Rocky Mount, 
 Mt. Olive and Monroe. He was also pastor, at West Nor- 
 folk, Va., for three years, and has been on his present field 
 as pastor of the First Baptist Church of Timmonsville, S. 
 C, for two years. 
 
 In addition to his work in the pastorate he served the 
 Baptist State Mission Board of North Carolina for two 
 years and with the Foreign Mission Board of the Southern 
 Baptist Convention in raising the Judson Centennial fund 
 for three years. These positions were filled with credit to 
 himself and denomination. 
 
 He has always taken a deep interest in missions, as in all 
 other denominational enterprises. While he was pastor at 
 Monroe there was a marked increase in contributions to 
 missions through the Association. 
 
 He also possesses evangelistic gifts that are widely rec- 
 ognized, and his services are constantly sought by pastors 
 wdio are anxious for revivals in their churches. 
 
Uxiox Baptist Association. 339 
 
 Elder Thomas P. Little. 
 
 The subject of this sketch was born in Union County, 
 N. C, January 16, 1863. Coming up just at the time when 
 the South was passing through the terrible days of recon- 
 struction, he did not enjoy many school advantages. 
 
 He was convert-ed in a meeting held by D. A. Snyder 
 with the Olive Branch Baptist Church in September, 1883. 
 Under many protests on his part he was constrained by the 
 Spirit to enter the gospel ministry and was licensed by his 
 church in 1890. Being called to take the pastoral care of 
 churches, he was ordained to the full work of the ministry 
 in 1892. 
 
 In Union County he has served : Mt. Pleasant, Union, 
 Philadelphia, Antioch, Pleasant Hill, Olive Branch, New 
 Hope, Hamilton's Cross Roads, Sandy Ridge and Fairfield. 
 
 In Anson County he has served : Deep Springs, Peach- 
 land, Red Blill, Xew Home, Rocky ^^lount and Brown 
 Creek. 
 
 He also served for several vears Pee Dee Church of 
 Rockingham, in Richmond County. 
 
 Just as he was beginning to get himself well into the 
 work he was stricken with typhoid fever, with which he 
 lingered for many days. Finally it left him with broken 
 health, which has terribly handicapped him in his work, 
 However, he is suggestive and forceful in presenting the 
 word, and has been blest of God in garnering many sheaves 
 for the sky. 
 
 M. D. L. Preslar. 
 Elder 'M. D. L. Preslar was born October 9, 1872, in 
 Buford township, four miles south of Monroe, N. C. In 
 
340 
 
 History op the Brown Creek 
 
 REV. M. D. L. PRESLAR. 
 
 boyhood he attended the piibHc schools of the community 
 and worked on the farm. He came to know the Lord as 
 his personal Savior August 28, 1888. The change took 
 place during a series of meetings held with Macedonia 
 Church by J. A. Bivens, assisted by D. M. Austin. On 
 
Union Baptist Association. 341 
 
 August 30th, which was the last day of the meeting, the 
 .church met on Richardson Creek, just south of Monroe, to 
 witness the baptism of those who had joined during the 
 meeting. Through the special effort of Elder J. A. Bivens 
 he there presented himself as a candidate for baptism. He 
 was received and baptized a few minutes later by D. M. 
 Austin. 
 
 On September 2, 1899, he was licensed to preach by Mt. 
 Pleasant Church. After receiving calls to become pastor of 
 Mt. Pleasant, Macedonia and Mountain Springs churches 
 his church called for his ordination. As a result he was 
 examined by a presbytery consisting of Elders D. A. Sni- 
 der, A. Marsh and T. P. Little, and set apart to the full 
 work of the ministry March 30, 1902. In September, 1902, 
 he resigned all his work and spent a year in the Southern 
 Baptist Theological Seminary at Louisville, Ky. 
 
 On November 26, 1903, he was married to Miss Effie 
 Broom. To this union seven children have been born. 
 Gladys, the oldest girl, died when one year and two weeks 
 old. All together, he has served sixteen churches, all in 
 the Union Association. They are Antioch, Benton's Cross 
 Roads, Bethel, Ebenezer, Hopewell, Mill Creek, Mt. Olive, 
 Mt. Pleasant, Mountain Springs, Olive Branch, Roanoke, 
 Sandy Ridge, Sardis, Shiloh and Union. He is now on 
 his third pastorate with some of these churches. 
 
 -o- 
 
 Rev. J. Collie Meigs. 
 
 Rev. J. Collie Meigs was born in Union County, N, C, 
 on December 2, 1889, During revival meetings at Bethel 
 
342 
 
 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 REV. J. C. MEIGS. 
 
 Church, in August, 1907, he gave his heart to God, and 
 was baptized into the fellowship of that church by the pas- 
 tor, Rev. AL D. L. Preslar. Later he felt impressed of the 
 Holy Spirit to enter the ministry. On Thanksgiving day, 
 1916, he preached his first sermon. On September 30, 1917, 
 
Union Baptist Association. 343 
 
 a presbytery composed of the following named brethren 
 set him apart to the full work of the gospel ministry: Rev. 
 J. A. Bivens, Moderator; Rev. AI. D. L. Preslar, Clerk; 
 Rev. E. C. Snider, Rev. C. J. Black and Rev. A. Marsh. 
 
 In the fall of 1917 he was called to the pastorate of 
 Bethel, his home church, and to ^lineral Springs, in the 
 Anson Association. These two, together with King Street, 
 Waxhaw, Fairfield and Roanoke churches, in the Union 
 Association, and Brown Creek and Cedar Grove churches, 
 in the Anson Association, compose his present field. 
 
 Brother Meigs is a young man of splendid ability, and 
 is in the High School at AA^ingate for further preparation. 
 We commend him to the confidenctj' and co-operation of the 
 brotherhood. 
 
 Rev. Reece 'M. Hagler. 
 
 Rev. Reece ^1. tiagler was born in Union County, N. 
 C, May 24, 1885. Ble was reared in Mecklenburg County, 
 near Arlington and Clear Creek churches. He was con- 
 verted in a meeting at Arlington Baptist Church when he 
 was thirteen years old. He joined the church and was 
 baptized at the close of the meeting by the pastor. Rev. 
 C. J. Black. He was very much interested in religion, and 
 before many years began to show that he was elected to 
 preach the gospel. The church, feeling that it was time for 
 him to have some recognition, licensed him, and in 1894 
 had a presbytery called to set him apart to the full work of 
 the gospel ministry. The presbytery was composed of Dr. 
 E. E. Bomar. Revs. L. R. Pruette, J. L. Bennette, W. A. 
 Hough, Julius Pruette and J- C. Gillispie. 
 
344 
 
 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 REV. R. M. HAGLER. 
 
 He attended school at Bain Academy and Wingate High 
 School. He made good use of his time, and has studied 
 considerably since leaving school. He is well prepared for 
 his work^ though he has never attended college. He has 
 good common sense, and can use what education he has 
 to a good advantage. 
 
' Union Baptist Association. 345 
 
 He has served the following churches : Chaney's Hill, 
 Stanly Association ; Wilson's Grove and Newells, in the 
 Mecklenburg and Cabarrus ; Roanoke, Sardis, Deep Springs, 
 Antioch, Mount Pleasant and ■Mount Zion, in the Union 
 Association. He is now pastor of Philadelphia, \\>st 
 Monroe, Corinth, Oak Grove, Philadelphia, Mount Pis- 
 gah and Liberty Hill churches. He has made good in all 
 of his pastoral work, and no young pastor is more loved 
 than he. We predict for him a great and useful future. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Hill. 
 
 Rev. J. A. Hill was born in Newberry County, S. C, 
 February 22, 1819, and died February 16, 1892, age 72 
 years, 11 months and 24 days. He had been in the minis- 
 try of the Baptist denomination for about forty-five years. 
 He moved from his native State to the State of Alabama 
 in about the year 1859 or 1860. There he served in the 
 Legislature during the late war. In the year 1879 or 1880 
 he moved to Texas, where he lived for eight years ; in 1888 
 he came to North Carolina and united with the Waxhaw 
 Church; in 1890 he joined the Hermon Baptist Church, 
 of which he remained a member up to his death. He was 
 a man of great intellectual power. He had several pas- 
 torates in South Carolina, some in Alabama and Texas. 
 He served the Waxhaw and Hermon churches in this As- 
 sociation. He was a man of indomitable will power ; he 
 had opinions of his own, and dared to defend them. His 
 style was more on the military order than that of most 
 men. He was a good, practical preacher, and faithful as 
 
346 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 a pastor, exemplary in his life, and just in his dealings 
 with his fellow men. We commend his widow and chil- 
 dren to the care of that God whom he served, and in the 
 faith of whom he died. 
 
 Franklin Bunyan Ashcraft. 
 
 Born October 22, 1850; died February 21, 1919. 
 
 These are the boundaries of the life of Franklin Bun- 
 yan Ashcraft, who for twenty years, immediately prior to 
 his death, was treasurer of the Union Baptist Association. 
 
 Flis father was the late Alfred Ashcraft and his mother 
 was Xancy Griffin Ashcraft. He w^s born at the Ashcraft 
 old homestead near Lanes" Creek, four miles south of 
 ]\Iarshville. He was the youngest- of his father's family, 
 and for several years was its only survivor. His parents 
 died early in the year 1869, and he went to the home of 
 his brother, the late ^laj. J. B. Ashcraft, to live. 
 
 Air. Ashcraft was educated in the local schools and at 
 old Trinity College. He taught in the schools of the county 
 for some time, and in 1880 he went to Monroe and lived 
 there from that time until his death, engaging first as a 
 salesman and later going into the general mercantile busi- 
 ness for himself, in which business he continued until his 
 death. 
 
 Air. Ashcraft married Aliss Annie L. Bickett, daughter 
 of the late Dr. T. W. Bickett, May 9, 1889. She and two 
 sons, F. B. Ashcraft, Jr., and Covington Ashcraft, a daugh- 
 ter. Annie Alay Ashcraft, survive. 
 
 Air. Ashcraft joined Bethel Baptist Church, in Alarsh- 
 ville township, when he was a young' man, and he later 
 
U>:iox Baptist Association. 
 
 347 
 
 F. B. ASHCRAFT, 
 
 Treasurer of Association for twenty years. 
 
 moved his membership to the First Baptist Church of Mon- 
 roe, where he did long and faithful service. He was for 
 many years chairman of the Board of Deacons, was Church 
 Treasurer and for thirty years Superintendent of the Sun- 
 
348 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 day School. He was ever the pastor's friend and helper. 
 He was progressive — intelligently so; liberal — whole- 
 heartedly so. 
 
 The writer feels that another hand than his should 
 write of the character of F. B. Ashcraft. The relation- 
 ship, the long years of close friendship, the love toward 
 his kinsman, now dead, might make him fulsome in praise 
 of the nobility of soul, the true grandeur of the character 
 of him of whom he writes. But who knows better the 
 character of F. B. Ashcraft except those of his own family 
 circle than does he who writes, this sketch? 
 
 Let it be said of Frank B. Ashcraft — for it is but the 
 truth — that about him there was a nobility of character 
 which commanded the respect of all, and, combined with 
 that, was a tenderness and a gentleness that made even 
 little children love him. 
 
 In all his varied dealings with his fellow men his life 
 was in keeping with that great injunction given by the 
 Savior of men : "As ye would that men should do to you, 
 do ye also to them." 
 
 The record of this man, as he went quietly and unos- 
 tentatiously about his tasks, whether in business or reli- 
 gious life, is a golden legacy to his family and friends. 
 The community in which he lived esteemed him for his 
 sterling citizenship, his family and close friends loved him 
 for his gentleness of spirit and devotion to them, the poor 
 and the needv blessed him for his kindly and helpful deeds. 
 For all time the influence of this good man will be felt. 
 Character survives, goodness lives, love is immortal. 
 
 To the writer Frank B. Ashcraft was an older brother. 
 As long as life lasts we shall miss, and that sorely, his 
 
Union Baptist Association. 349 
 
 gentle presence, his ever responsive personality and his 
 splendid companionship, for he always looked for the best 
 in others, and he gave to them the best he had. 
 
 Upon your grave, beloved kinsman and splendid friend, 
 we lay this poor flower. Your life has been an inspiration,, 
 your memory is a benediction. B. C. Ashcraft. 
 
 Rev. C. J. Black. 
 
 Rev. Chas. J. Black was born May 9, 1872. His par- 
 ents were James C. and Mrs. Harriett Hutchison Black of 
 Mecklenburg County. He was converted at the age of 
 eighteen, and joined Independence Hill Baptist Church, 
 and was baptized by Elder J. A. Hoyle on Saturday before 
 the fourth Sunday in July, 1890. On June 24, 1894, he 
 was licensed by his church to preach, and on the third Sun- 
 day in June, 1896, he was ordained to the full work of the 
 gospel ministry. The presbytery was composed of Rev. 
 L. R. Pruette, Rev. J. R. Hankins and the deacons of In- 
 dependence Hill Baptist Church. His first pastorate was 
 at Arlington Church, in Mecklenburg County; the sec- 
 ond one to which he was called was Howells Church, in 
 Cabarrus County. He remained pastor of these churches 
 for a number of years. Since then he has been pastor of 
 the following named churches : Big Lick, Locust, Phila- 
 delphia, Barbees Grove, Silver Springs, Cottonville, Ken- 
 dalls, Pleasant Grove, Canton, Union Grove, Porters, Nor- 
 wood, West Albemarle, Corinth, New London, Chaney's 
 Hill, in the Stanly Association ; Clear Creek and Arling- 
 ton, in the ]\Iecklenburg and Cabarrus Association, and 
 
350 History of the Brown Creek 
 
 Rocky River, Rocky Mount, Cedar Grove, Polkton, Peach- 
 land, in the Anson Association, and Alacedonia, Meadow 
 Branch, Marshville, Union Grove and Austin's Grove, in 
 the Union Association. During these twenty-five years of 
 faithful service in the Kingdom of our Lord Brother Black 
 has not only been pastor of from five to eight churches, 
 but has held over three hundred revival meetings in dif- 
 ferent states and in many of the ledaing towns and cities. 
 He possesses great gifts as an evangelist. Brother Black 
 pays his respects to old Uncle William Martin of Martin 
 Dale, one of his public school teachers, who had a great 
 deal to do with his character and general disposition. His 
 educational advantages have been excellent, having at- 
 tended Huntersville High School, under Prof. Hugh A. 
 Gray. From high school he went to Erskine College. At 
 that place he took some seminary w^ork in addition to the 
 college course, also special instruction under Dr. John A. 
 Broadus. At an early age he began teaching in the public 
 schools of North Carolina, and for a number of years was 
 Principal of the High School at Big Lick. Although bus- 
 ily engaged teaching and preaching he 'was elected County 
 Superintendent of Public Instruction of Stanly County, 
 and served in that capacity for two years. On January 
 16, 1895, he was married to Miss Annie Black of Mecklen- 
 burg County. To this union eight children have been born, 
 five girls and three boys. May 24, 1918, Spurgeon, the 
 oldest son, graduated at Wake Forest, and on May 11th 
 was called into the service of the National Army, and is 
 now with the A. E. F. in France. 3.1iss Ruth Black, the 
 oldest daughter, graduated at Oxford College in June 
 of 1919. C. J. Black is an ardent student, and has collected 
 
Union Baptist Association. 
 
 351 
 
 REV. C. J. BLACK. 
 
 one of the best libraries in the country. He has made a 
 special study of the Baptist doctrine, and has gotten to- 
 gether a great deal of literature on the different phases of 
 the Baptist faith. Also, has spent a great deal of time in 
 the study of the history of Roman Catholicism, and is 
 
352 Union Baptist Association. 
 
 well informed on the subject. Brother Black is a staunch 
 friend to the Baptist denomination, and numbers his friends 
 by the thousands. He has recently been called to the Bap- 
 tist Church at Norwood, and to some of the same work 
 that he occupied for about sixteen years. This Baptist 
 preacher is in the prime of his life, and the probability is 
 that the most useful years of his life are yet in the future. 
 
 THE END.