Transcribed from Records Available at Georgia Baptist History Depository, Special Collections, Jack Tarver Library, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia -
September, 2009 by Linda Blum-Barton
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Antioch Baptist Church
Fayette County, Georgia
Minutes, 1829-1917
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Records of Antioch.
A Baptist Church of Christ which was constituted at a school house near Bro. John D. Stell the fifth day of March in the year of our Lord one thousand eight hundred and twenty nine in the county of Fayette and State of Georgia By the Revd. Brethren James Head & John Gillicotte of White Water, Barnabas Strickland of Teman, Robt. M. Stell of Salem forming the Presbytery and Constituting the following members by letters of fellowship which was found in gospel order. (Viz)
| Gilbert Gay 1 | Elizabeth Reeves 11 |
| Levisa Gay 2 | Simon Whitaker 12 |
| Elizabeth Powell 3 | Elizabeth Whitaker 13 |
| John Crittendon 4 | Rachel Lee 14 |
| Edney Crittendon 5 | Milly a woman col servt G G 15 |
| Joseph H. Crittendon 6 | Ester a woman col servt Wm. Reeves 16 |
| Elizabeth Kinney 7 | Paul a man col sevt Thos Gay 17 |
| James Pate Jun 8 | Peter a man col sevt " " 18 |
| Riney Pate 9 | Jack a man " " " " 19 |
| Lucy Howell 10 |
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Georgia } We do hereby certify that we
Fayette Co. } met at a school house near
Bro. John D. Stells agreeable to a previous call from the Brethren and formed a Presbytery and after the usual ceremoney called for letters of fellowship. There came forward the above named nineteen Brethren and we found them all in gospel order. Then called for their declaration of Faith and they presented us the following. We then proceeded to announce them as a church of Christ. This 5 March 1829.
John D. Stell Clk. } James Head
for the Presbytery } John Gillicotte
Barnabas Strickland
Robt. M. Stell
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2. And the following is the declaration of Faith and practice upon which they were Constituted (Viz)
1st. We believe in one only true and living God and that there are three persons in the God head the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost.
2nd. We believe the Scriptures of the old and new Testament are the word of God and the only Rule of Faith and practice.
3rd. We believe in the doctrine of Eternal and particular E?? tion.
4th. We believe in the doctrine of original Sin.
5th. We believe in mans impotency to recover himself from the fallen State he is in by nature by his own free will and ability.
6th. We believe that Si??? are justified in the Sight of God only by the imputed rightiousness of Christ.
7th. We believe that Gods Elect shall be called regenerated and sanctifyed by the holy Ghost.
8th. We believe that the Saints shall persever in grace and never finally fall away.
9th. We believe that Baptism & the Lords Supper are or??inancy of Jesus Christ and that true believers are the subjects of these ordinances; and we believe that the true mode of Baptism is by immersion.
10th. We believe in the resurrection of the dead and a final Judgement.
11th. We believe the punishment of the wicked will be everlasting and the joys of the rightious will be eternal.
12th. We believe that no minister have a right to the administration of the ordinances only such as are regularly called and come under imposition of hands by the presbytery.
The Church of Christ, constituted at the schoole house went into conference calling Bro. Barnabas Strickland as moderator inviting visiting brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reseption of members by letter or Experience.
None came forward.
Went into other business.
Moved & Seconded that this Church of Christ is named Antioch. Agreed to name? and then proceeded to appoint Bro. Simon Whitaker Clerk for this church. Using Bro. John D. Stell as clerk for the day. Moved & seconded that we meet on the third Sabbath of this instant and then to choose a Pastor to go in and out before us the present year. Agreed to unanimous.
On Motion came to a close by reading the minutes in short order.
this 5th March 1829.
John D. Stell Clk for the day } Barb. Strickland Modr
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15th March 1829
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment. Bro. John C. Jordan Moderator.
Went into conference inviting visiting brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reception of members by letters or Experience.
None offered.
Went into other business leaving the door open --
And took up the references for Choosing a Pastor to go in and out before us the present year. And made choice of Bro. Robt. M. Stell and ordered that the Clerk write a letter to Salem our Sister Church for his Services.
On Motion, ordered that we gow into the business of adopting Rules for the goverment of this church, at our next conference.
Moved & Seconded that we meet on Saturday before the third Sabbath agreed to.
Dismised by Singing & prayer.
John C. Jordan Modr. Simon Whitaker C. Clk.
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Not being rume [? the
Rules of Decorum is recorded on the back part of the book next to the names of members
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The 18 Apl 1829.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment. Bro. Robt. M. Stell modr.
Went into conference inviting visiting Brethren to seats with us. And opened a door for the reseption of members by letter or Experience.
Then came forward Sister Martha Gay and was Recd by letter.
Then Recd Sister Mary Weathers by letter.
Then Recd Bro. Benjamin Cummings by letter.
Then Recd Sister Charlotte Pate by letter.
Moved & second that we gow into other business leaving a door open.
Moved & Second that Bro. Gilbert Gay as being ordained, act as our deacon.
On motion appointed Bro. Joseph H. Crittendon , as church Clerk of Muzick.
Dismised by Singing & prayer, until Saturday before the third Sabbath in next month.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk} Robt M. Stell Modr.
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Fayette Co. the 16 May 1829.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment, and after Sermon went into conference.
Bro. Robt. M. Stell (Modr).
Invited visiting Brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reseption of members by letter or experience.
Then came forward Bro. John J. Mitchell & wife, Sister Emaley Mitchell by & was Recd.
Moved & Seconded that we go into other business leving the door open for the reseption of members.
Moved & Seconded that we here from Bro. Robt. M. Stell wheather he can serve us as a pastor, for the present year.
Who gives for answer, he is their Supply for the Gospel Sake.
Dismised by Singing & prayer, untill meeting in course.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell Modr.
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20th June 1829
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went into conference. Bro. Robt. M. Stell Mod.
Inviting visiting Brethren to seats with us. And then opened a door for the reseption of members by letter or Experence.
Then came forward Bro. John D. Stell & wife Sister Rachel Stell, and was recd by letter.
On motion went into other business leaving the door open for the reseption of members.
Moved & Seconded that we receive the Bro. John D. Stell as a deacon, as its known to us that he is an ordained Deacon, altho not expresed in the letter.
Moved & Seconded that we gow into a choice of two delegates to represent us in the Genl Meeting. Choosing Brethren Gilbert Gay & John D. Stell.......
Adjorned by Singing & prayer untill Saturday before the third Sabbath in next month.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell Modr.
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The 18 July 1829.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon, Went into conference. Bro. Robt. M. Stell modr.
Invited visiting Brethren to seats with us.
Then opened a door for the reseption of members by letter or Experence.
None Foward.
1st. Moved & Second that we gow into other business leaving the door open for the reseption of members.
2nd. Then took up the reference as respects the Rules of Decorum which was read and adopted unanimus.
3th Then recd the poetry as annexed to the Rules of Decorum, as offered bro. Wm. Mosley unanimus and ordered to be recorded.
Adjorned by Singing and prayer untill meeting in course.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell modr.
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The 15 Augst 1829.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went into conference Bro. Robt. M. Stell mod.
Invited visiting Brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reseption of members by letter or Experience.
Viewing bro. G. Gay as Mod.
1st. Then came forward the Rev. Brother Robt. M. Stell & wife Sister Eleanor Stell and was Recd by letter in fellowship.
2nd. Moved & Seconded that we nominate a committee of five to select a sight for the church. Nominating Brethren Gay, Whitaker, J. D. Stell, Jas. Pate & J. H. Crittendon.
3th. Moved & Seconded that we gow into a choice of two delegates to represent us in the next General Asociation by ballot. Choosing Brethren Robt. M. Stell and Gilbert Gay -- And John D. Stell in case of failure.
And that the clerk prepare the letter with the assistance of J. D. Stell and present it to the next conference.
On motion Resolved that the stated hour for preaching to commence hereafter be at Eleven oclock A. M.
Adjorned by Singin and prayer untill meeting in course.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell modr.
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19 September 1829.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon, went into conference Bro. Robt. M. Stell Modr.
Invited visiting brethren to a seat with us and opened a door for the reseption of members.
None came forward.
On motion went into other business.
The references of a committee to select a place for the meeting was continued.
Then recd and read a letter from Hepsibah calling for bro. Robt. M. Stell to supply them as a Pastor for the balance of this year which was granted so far as to set the Brother at liberty.
On application ordered that Sister Charlotte Pate have a letter of Dismission.
The letter to the Flint River Asociation was read and agreed to.
Dismised by Singing & prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell modr.
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Georgia } We the Church of Christ at
Fayette Co. } Antioch
To the Flint river Association
Sendeth Greeting
Beloved Brethren
As the period has rolled round for the diferent churches to address you we have thought proper to do so by letter and messenger.
This church was constituted the fifth day of March last with nineteen Brethren holding letters of fellowship On the articles of Faith adopted by the Asociation with the addition of the washing of the Saints feet in the ninth article.
By the Rev. Brethren James Head & John Gillicotte of Whitewater Barnabas Strickland of Teman and Robt. M. Stell of Salem (Presbytery)
Brethren we have grate reason to join in the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that its our souls should travel on account of the within dweling Sin, and on the part of poor siners who are yet in nature darkness for the aid of divine influence, we desire to be thankfull that we are favoured with a faithfull ministry. And in the bonds of Gospel peace at home.
Therefore Brethren we desire to become as one of you in the >>>>>>>>>>>> kingdom. We send to you our beloved Brethren the Rev. Robt. M. Stell and Gilbert Gay (and J. D. Stell in case of failure) as our chosen delegates and for your help.
We pray the lord may prisede over you in all your deliberations and not suffer you to do any thing but what may terminate to his Glory. And the advancemen of his kingdom.
We add nothing more but remain yours in Gospel bonds.
Signed by order of the church in Conference this 19 Sept. 1829.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk
N. B. The State and Standing of the church
Constituted - 19
Recd by letter - 10
Dimissed by letter - 1
Dead - 1
27 in fellowship
3 Sunday
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17th october 1829
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment. Bro. John C. Jordan modr.
Went into conference inviting visiting to a seat with us.
And opened a door for the Reception of members -
none came foward
On motion went into other business. The committee appointed to select a sutable place for the church report that they recomend the church to remain where it is untill they build. And at a proper time the church and congregation to give their vote, the highest giving a preference to move st???on Bro. J. D. Stell or bro. G. Gays spring. Either being sufficient and convenient for a church, unanimusly agreed to.
Dismised by singing and prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } John C. Jordan modr.
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15 Nov 1829
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment. Bro. Robt. M. Stell modr
Invited visiting Brethren to a seat with us, then opened a door for the reseption of members.
none came forward
Went into other business. Moved & Seconded that at our next conference we gow into the choice of a Pastor for the next year.
Then dismised by singing and prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell modr.
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19 Decr 1829
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went into conference Bro. Robt. M. Stell mod.
1. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us.
2. then opened a door for the reseption of members
3. then came foward Bro. John Falkner and Sister Elizabeth Falkner and was recd by letter.
4. Recd & read a Petition from Salem by their committee on the subject of consolodating the churches and to report their deliberations to their next conference. On motion then appointed the brethren J. H. Crittendon, J. D. Stell, G. Gay, Jas. Pate & Simon Whitaker as a committee with like Powers to join the committee of Salem and report to our next conference.
5. Recd & read a call from Hepseby for Bro. Robt M. Stell as their chosen Pastor for the next year. Granted so far as to set the brother at liberty.
6. Then took up the reference for choosing a Pastor for the next year, putting in the choice of Robt. M. Stell.
Adjorned by singing and prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell modr.
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the 16 Jany 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon Went into conference. Bro. Robt. M. Stell modr. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reception of members.
Came forward bro. Davy a man of colour and was recd by letter. ??????? G. Gay
Then recd sister Lucy a woman of colour by letter and the servant of G. Gay.
The committee appointed to meet the brethren of Salem on the subject of consolidating the churches report that they found it inefficient to consolidate. Agreed to.
On motion went into the chois of a place for building a meeting house choosing to build near Bro. John D. Stell Spring by vote of the church & congregation.
Then on motion appointed five Trustees three of this church & two of the congregation to Superintend the building to wit:
Brethren G. Gay, J. D. Stell & S. Whitaker. Bro. Thos B. Gay & Jas. Pate Senr.
On application ordered that bro. John I. Mitchell & Sister Emily Mitchell have letters of dismission.
Then adjourned by singing & prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk} Robt. M. Stell modr.
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the 20 Feby. 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went into conference bro. Robt. M. Stell mod. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. then opened a door for the reseption of members.
None came forward.
Went into other business.
Recd & read a request from Hepsoba for the ministerial aid of Bro. Stell in their desolving on Friday before the fourth Sabbath ??? ordered that the brother be at liberty to gow and aid the brethren in their deliberations.
On application ordered that bro. Benjn Cummings have a letter of dismission.
On motion Bro. Davy a man of culler was set at liberty to exhorsice his gift in the way of Exhortation among the brethren.
Adjourned by singing and prayer till our regular meeting.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk} Robt. M. Stell modr.
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20th March 1830.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ. met according to appointment and after Sermon went into Conference Bro. Robt. M. Stell modr.
Invited visiting brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reseption of members. Then came forward Sister Penelope Leggett and was recd by letter then recd J. Sophenia Leggett by letter
Our declaration of faith and decorum was read according to order.
Then dismissed by singing & prayers.
Robt. M. Stell modr. S. Whitaker C. Clk.
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17th Apl 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after singing & prayer went into conference. bro. Robt. M. Stell modr.
Invited visiting brethren to seats with us. then opened a door for the reseption of members. none came forward.
Went into other business
Recd & read a letter from a sister church. Fellowship in Meriweather Co. calling for the ministerial aid of bro. Stell in the ordination of a deacon on the fourth Saturday next. On motion granted so far as to set the brother at liberty --
adjourned by singing and prayer
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell modr.
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15th May 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment. bro. Robt. M. Stell modr. went into conference inviting visiting Brethren to seats with us. Then opened a door for the reseption of members.
None came forward.
Went into other business. On motion took up charges against brother Jack a man colr servt of Thos. B. Gay for lying & disorderly conduct and after due deliberation the final question being put the church declared a nonfellowship with the brother, and his excommunication was read out by the moderator.
S. Whitaker C. Clk Robt M. Stell Modr
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19 June 1830.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went into conference Bro. Robt M. Stell Modr.
1 then invited visiting brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reseption of members. None came forward.
2 went into other business. Received and read a letter from a sister church Shiloah, calling for the ministerial aid of Bro. Robt. M. Stell, togeather with our deacons to assist in the ordination of bro. Wm. Harrison? on Wednesday after the third Sabbath Inst. which was granted.
3 On motion nominated the Brethren Robt. M. Stell & Gilbert Gay as our chosen delegates to the General Meeting at White Water, and that the Clerk prepare a letter.
4 On motion the reading declaration of Faith and decorum was dispenced with
adjourned by Singing and prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk Robt. M. Stell Modr
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17th July 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment. and after Sermon went into conference. Bro. Robt. M. Stell modr.
Invited visiting brethren to seats with us.
1st Then opened a door for the reseption of members.
2nd Then came forward bro. Martin Whatley by letter and was recd.
3 Then came forward Jack a man of colr servt Thos B Gay and Excommunicated brother and made satisfactory acknowledgements and was restored in fellowhip.
4 A letter to the General Meeting was Recd read and agreed to,
Dismissed by Singing and prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk Robt. M. Stell Modr.
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14th August 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon Went into conference bro. Robt. M. Stell modr.
1st Invited visiting brethren to seats with us, then opened a door for the reseption of members. then came forward bro. Benjn. Cummings and was Recd by letter.
On motion went into the choice of two delegates to the association by ballot choosing Brothers Robt. M. Stell, Gilbert Gay and Simon Whitaker in case of failure. And that the clerk prepare a letter, and present to our next conference.
Dismissed by Singing and prayer.
Robt. M. Stell Modr.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk
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18th Septr 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon Went into Conference bro. Robt. M. Stell Modr.
Invited visiting brethren to seats with us
1 then opened a door for the reseption of members
none came forward
2 Took up the reference of the Clerk preparing a letter to the association which was read and approved of.
3 Read the decliration of our Faith and decorum agreeable to order.
Dismissed by Singing and prayer
Simon Whitaker C. Clk } Robt. M. Stell Modr.
Georgia} The Church of Christ at Antioch
Fayette Co.} To the Flint River Association
Sendeth Greeting
Beloved Brethren
We desire to be thankfull to almighty God that we are spared through mercy to meet you in an associate capacity by letter and messengers our beloved Brothers Robt. M. Stell, Gilbert Gay (and Simon Whitaker in case of failure) are our chosen delegates to aid in your deliberations. We are blest with a faithfull ministry, and in the bonds of Gospel fears? at home.
Tho we feel a deep interest in the result of the present association we pre?????? that close not come before us, as a church, may a feeling sense of Gods Mercy. cause you to ?? ??? the Spirit of prayer and free from any fixed prejudicing as it appears from Existent curcumstances that there must be a hard Spirit in some of the ministry which appears to find its way among others to the grate injury of a redeeming cause.
Do Brethren pray one for the other and for divine assistance to reduce a straying brother to the truth, if there be any.
May the Lord bless you with the S?I?ly of his countenance in all dutys of mortal life.
We remain yours in Gospel bonds.
Signed by order of the church in Conference this 18 Septr. 1830.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk.
N. B. State and Standing of the church
Baptised -------.
By letter -------8
Dismissed by letter------3
Excomd------1
Restored------1
82 now in fellowships
3 Sabbath
S. W. C. Clk.
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20th Nov 1830.
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment.
1. And after divine Service the church opened their conference by Prayer, and they proceeded in the way by taking up the usual items in their order.
2. Then proceeded to miscellanious matters Received and read a letter from Flat Creek Church requested the Ministerial aid of Bro. Robt. M. Stell as a Supply for that church there being no objection the matter was left with the Brother.
3. Received forty two copies of the Minutes of the Flint River Association.
4. The minutes being read the church was dismissed in due order.
John D. Stell C. Clk. pro tem Robt. M. Stell Modr.
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18th Dec. 1830
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Prayer & Exhortation by Bro. Davy went into conference Bro. Jas. Pate Junr.
1st Moderator then invited visiting brethren to seats with us.
2nd and opened a door for the reseption of members
None came forward went into other business.
3 On motion ordered that bro. Martin Whatley have a letter of dismission agreeable to request as he is about to remove from among us.
Adjourned by singing and prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk} Jas. Pate Jr. Modr.
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19th Feby 1831
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after an exhortation by bro. Davy went into conference. bro. G. Gay Modr.
1 Inviting visiting brethren to seats with us
2 then opened a door for reception of members
None came forward
Went into other business
3 On application by request ordered that our beloved Bro. and Pastor Robt. M. Stell and his wife, our Sister Elanor M. Stell have letters of dismission as they have removed from among us. May the Lord bless them
4 On Motion went into the choise of a Pastor for the balance of the year. Choosing bro. Wm. Henderson. and that the Clerk write a letter to our Sister church Shiloh for his Services.
Adjourned by Singing and prayer
Simon Whitaker C. Clk { Gilbert Gay Modr.
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19 March 1831
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon, went into Conference bro. Wm. Henderson modr.
1 Invited visiting brethren to seats with us
2 then opened a door for the reception of members
3 then came forward Sister Polley Avery and was rec'd by letter.
4 then went into other business
5 Moved & Seconded that we here from Bro. Wm. Henderson to know whether he will serve us as a Pastor for the balance of the year. Who give us for answer, that with the right hand of fellowship he wants be our supply for the Gospel sake.
6 On motion our Declaration of Faith and Decorum was read according to order
Adjourned by Singing & prayer
Simon Whitaker C Clk Wm. Henderson Modr.
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16 April 1831
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went in to conference bro. Wm Henderson modr.
Invited visiting brethren to seats with us and opened a door for the reseption of members.
None came forward
Went into other business and adjourned by Singing and prayer
S. Whitaker C. Clk { Wm. Henderson Modr.
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14 May 1831
Antioch Baptist Church of Christ met according to appointment and after Sermon went into Conference bro. Jos? Head modr.
Invited visiting brethren to seats with us then opened a door for the reception of members
None came forward
went into other business
Moved & Seconded that we take up the charges against bro. Jack a man of Color (Servt of Thos? Gay) for playing of cards and other disorderley making and on investigation the charges was sustained; and on the final question was Excommunicated and read out by the moderator.
Adjourned by singing & prayer.
Simon Whitaker C. Clk {Jos? Head modr
15 May 1831
Sabbath morning went into conference for the reception of members.
then came forward Sister Sally a woman of Color Servt of David Simmons and was recd by letter.
Then came forward James? a man of color servt of D. Simmons and was Recd by Experience.
Conference then adjourned.
S. Whitaker C. Clk { Jos? Head modr.
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More to come!!!
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