Henry County
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Salem Baptist Church Records

Salem Baptist Church, Fayette County, Georgia
Flint River Baptist Association, Organized May 28, 1827, Disbanded October 28, 1854

Minutes, 1827-1854
Rules to Govern the Church
Order of the Day
Abstract of Principles Held

Rules to govern the Church of Christ

Let all things be done decently and in order
1st There shall be a regular conference once in each month which shall be composed of that Church.
2nd The conference thus foresaid the moderator shall have power to Rule according to the hereinafter rules.
3rd The Pastor or Supply shall be moderator unless absence or circumstances require it other wise in this [? case the Church shall choose one.
4th All persons making a motion or speaking in debate shall rise from their seats and address the moderator and shall not be interrupted while speaking unless they depart from the subject or use unbecoming language in such case they shall be called to order by the moderator.
5th All moves made and seconded shall come immediately under the consideration of the conference and after allowing suffiscint time for debate shall be put to vote and the decision announced by the moderator unless with drawn by the mover.
6th. No person shall speak more than three times to the same subject without leave of the Church.
7th. There shall be no whispering laughing nor jolly walking about during the timed conference.
8th. No person shall absent themselves from the conference without leave of the Church.
9th. All free male members who fail to attend their conference shall assign the reason at the next regular conference unless the reason or cause is known.
10th. All free male members failing to attend conference three times in succession shall be sent for by the Church unless the cause be known.
11th. The moderator shall not speak in debate without first filling the chair and becoming subject to these our rules nor vote unless the Church shall be equally divided.
12th No matter of dealing shall come under the consideration of the conference unless it has been treated [? according to the direction found in the gospel.
13th. When any matter of dealing is presented before the conference shall be the duty of the moderator to inquire into the case and if found out of order to refuse to hear it.
14th. No member of the Church shall absent themselves at Communion Season but shall take their seats whether they Commune or not.
15th. Any member violating either of these Rules shall be reproached by the moderator and if refusing to come to order shall be dealt with by the Church.
16th. And lastly amendments to these Rules may be made when a majority of the Church shall deem it necessary.

Order of the Day

1st Invite visiting brethren to seats
2nd Open a door for the reception of members
3rd An opportunity for announcements
4th Reason of absence
5th Call for Reference
6th Matters of dealing
7th Any other matter that may interest the Church

[Lines missing here] house on lot (115) one hundred and fifteen in the fourth district of formerly Henry but now Fayette County having been regularly Baptized and dismissed from other churches; being convinced of the necesity of the combination of members as a church in order to watch over one and other for good and to keep house for God: do therefore give ourselves to the Lord and one and other in a perpetual covenant

And according to the usual practice do set forth "an abstract" of principles held to in general by the Baptist, which is a summary of our faith.

1st We believe in the existence of one living and true God the Father the Son and the Holy Ghost and these are one
2nd We believe the scriptures of the old and new Testament are the "word" of God and the Rule of faith and practice
3rd We believe in the doctrin of Eternal and perticular election through sanctifiction of the Spirit and belief of the truth and that there was a covenant between the Father and Son in which they are secure and the elect in particular are redeemed.
4th We believe in the efectual calling of any final perseverence of the saints so that none shall be finally lost.
5th We believe that by the imputed Righteousness of Christ believers are justifyed in the sight of God.
6th. We believe in the doctrin of original sin and mans impotency to recover himself from the fallen state he is in.
7th. We believe that good works and the fruit of faith and serve to justify us in the site of men.
8th We believe in a Resurrection and Judgement day and the happiness of the rightious and punishment of the wicked will be without end.

And as to the Gospel Order.
1st. We believe that a Church of Christ is a company of baptised believers holding the above faith.
2nd. We believe that believers in Christ are the only proper subjects of Baptism and immersion is the only authorised mode
3rd We believe that regular baptised persons only have a right to the communion and sacraments of the Lords Supper.
4th We believe that Jesus Christ is the great head of the church and the disciplin of the Gospel is for the reclaiming of such as are disorderly either in faith or practice and should be faithfully kept up for the glory of God and the good of the Church.

In connexion of this declaration of our faith we now bind ourselves in the most solem vow to attend to the commands of God and to submit ourselves to one another and never withdraw ourselves from the Church unless improperly refused a dismission upon a proper applycation and to attend to all the conferences and other meetings of the church for business or worship and finally we do engage to observe all things the Lord has commanded us.

And now being met on the day and date above written according to a previous appointment and the brethren according to a previous appointment and the brethren Elder James Head and James Reeves being present agreeable to our request formed the presbytery and after minuting our names and examining our State and finding us in order cordially pronounced us a regular Baptist Church of Christ consisting of Breth. James Bolt, Wiley Robertson, John F. Sharp, Bartholomew J. Weems and Josiah M. Lyons and sisters Elizabeth Bolt, Elizabeth Robertson, Temperance Bridges, Nancy Lyons, Jane Lyons, and Francis Green which church shall hereafter be known by the name of Salem Baptist Church.
James Reeves.} presbyters
James Head}
John Rooker clk of the presbytery

The church sat in conference and appointed Bro. Reeves moderator and a door was opened for the exception of members and Francis Patterson and Hiram Bentley came forward by experience and was recd. Then came forward Nancy Jones and stated that she had been in the possession of a letter of dismission but had lost or mislaid the same and being sufficiently vouched by breth knowing to the fact she was received.
The church appointed their next conference to be on second day after the third sabbath in June

Salem Record A. D. 1827
June the 18th, 1827
After a sermon by B. H. Wilson from Luke 13 ch 24 v Strive to enter in at the strait gate and so forth sat in conferrence bro. J. Reeves modr and a door was opened for the reception of members.
Then came forward by letter
Sarah Heflin, Peter Wilson [? , Catharine Bolt, Ann Weems, Nancy Sharp, Robert M. Stell, William White, Jacob Mercer, James Walden, Rebeca Walden and Davy a man of coulor and all were recd.
Martha Smith, John D. Stell, Rachel Stell, Coalman Biffel, Elizabeth Mcdonald, Miriam Cavender, Elisabeth Bentley, Robert Chambers, Catharine Chambers, Alexander Chambers, Robert C. Poter and Love Wallden and was received.
J. F. Sharp clk. pro tem

July the 12th 1827
Sat in conferrence Bro. J. Mercer modr.
1st. Appointed J. D. Stell, J. M. Lyons and Robt Chambers of the Church and Wyatt Heflin and T. B. Gay who were not of the church to act as trustees for the church in the affair of building a house for the use of the church.
2nd. Appointed R. M. Stell clerk of the book and J. F. Sharp clerk of Music.
Robt. M. Stell clk

July the 18th 1827
After a sermon by James Reeves from Psalms 130 ch sat in conferrence
1st Opened a door for the reception of members and the following named persons came forward by experience and was recd. viz:
Joseph Cavender and Mary Chambers and Susan Green
2nd Made choice of Broth. Alexander Chambers and Wiley Robertson to serve the church In the office of Deacons and at their request time of consideration was allowed them previous to ordination and the elders to wit J. Reeves, J. Head and Barnabas Strickland were chosen to ordain them on the 27th inst. and messenger to bear the request to the several churches for the services of the above named elders were appointed to wit: breth. J. D. Stell to white water and J. F. Sharp to Teman.
3rd. Made choice of Bro. James Reeves, by the vote of the congregation to supply the church as Pastor.
R. M. Stell c. clk;

July the 27th 1827.
After a sermon by elder James Head from Rom. 5 ch 21st verse, "That as sin has reigned & c..
sat in conferrence
1st. Opened a door for the reception of members and Peter Green came forward by experience and was received.
2nd. The business relating to the Deacons was postponed
R. M. Stell c clk

August the 20th 1827
After a sermon by William Moseley
sat in conferrence and
1st A door was opened for the exception of members and Nancy Adcock, Matilda Harrington and John Holder came forward by experience and was received.
2nd Took up the refferrence concerning the Deacons and at the special request of Bro. Chambers he was exhonerated and the church agreed to meet on tomorrow to choose another.
3rd Appointed breth; J. Mercer, J. D. Stell and J. F. Sharp to prepare a decorum for the regulation of the church
4th Made choice of both J. D. Stell and J. F. Sharp as delegates to the Asociation and directed the clerk to prepare a letter for the Asociation.
5th Agreed to commune four times a year and the first month in each of the seasons to be the times.
Salem Records A. D. 1827
And further agreed to attend to the washing of feet in communion of the Lords Supper.
R. M. Stell c clk
Next morning August the 21st 1827
Sat in conferrence and went into the business of choosing a Deacon, which choice resulted in bro J. D. Stell and ordination was again postponed till meeting in course.
R. M. Stell c. clk

September 17th 1827.
After a sermon by James Reeves from Matthew 18th c. heard the Asociation letter read which was approved.
Sept. 18th 1827
The presbyttary consisting of elder James Head and James Reeves in the presence of the church examined and set apart by the imposition of hands breth. Wiley Robertson and John D. Stell to the office of Deacons. The bro. J. Reeves preached an appropriate sermon from 1st Cov. 11 ch. 28 v. "But let a man examin himself and so let him eat." after which partook of the "Lords Supper" and washed feet.
R. M. Stell c. clk

Nov. 19th 1827.
Sat in conferrence and
1st Opened a door for the reception of members and Elizabeth Gibson, Luke Gibson, Elizabeth Cross, Elender M. Stell and Anderson W. Adcock came forward by experience and was received and Temperance Lee came by letter and was recd.
2nd An applycation for letters of dismission for J. F. Sharp and Nancy Sharp was granted.
R. M. Stell c. clk

Next morning Nov. 20th 1827
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Elizabeth Biffel came by experience and was recd.
R. M. Stell c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1827-8

December the 17th 1827.
Sat in conferrence and heard the decorum read and adopted it.

Next morning Dec. 18th 1827
After a sermon by Barnabas Strickland made choice of a Pastoral supply for the next year which choice resulted in James Reeves.
R. M. Stell c. clk

February the 29th 1828.
Sat in conferrence and heard a charge against bro. James Walden for drunkness and after suitable labour he was excommunicated.
R. M. Stell c. clk

March the 1st 1828.
No matter attended to by the conferrence of sufficient moment to be recorded.

April the 5th 1828.
The church sat in conferrence and opened a door "for the reception of members and James E. Blann, William Osbern, William Reeves, Mille Reeves, Mary Patterson, Ethi Linda Reeves and a coulerd woman by the name of Rachel (servant of Ch. Malone) came by experience and was received.
R. M. Stell c. clk

April the 6?th 1828.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Drury Harrington, Lucy a woman of couler (servant of W. Heflin), Allen Reeves, Lucreacy Reeves, Dorcas a woman of couler ( servant of J. Pearce) and Lucy, a woman of couler (servant of E. Reeves wid) came by experience and was received. Then Wiley Reeves came to the church and stated that he had formerly been a member of the Baptist Church and had been expeled for drunkness (in one of the Carolina states) and gave the church satisfactory acknowledgments and being vouched for by ordinary[? members that were knowing to all the facts he was restored. R. M. Stell, c.

Salem Record A. D. 1828
From the bottom of the last page continued
An applycation was made for a letter of dismission for bro. Hiram Bentley which was granted.
R. M. Stell c. clk.

April the 20th 1828.
Sat in conference and opened a door for the reception of members and James Walden came and gave satisfaction to the church and was restored to fellowship. And Peter a man of couler (servant of G. Gay), Sam, a man of couler (servant of B. J. Weems) came by experience and was recd.
Also, Joshua Pearce, Edwin Reeves and Mary Crider came by experience and was recd.
R. M. Stell c. clk
Note. An elipsis in the minutes of April 6th 1828. I here insert.
"a door was opened for the reception of members," and Chainde [or Chainae a woman of couler servant of T. Gay and Vicey Osberne came forward by experience and was received.
R. M. Stell c. clk

April 21st 1828
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Joseph Griffin, Elisabeth Griffin and Martin Crider came by experience and was received
R. M. Stell c. clk

May the 16th 1828.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Rebeca Reeves came by letter and was recd and Edney Bates, Mahala Harrington, Ann Poter and Rebecca Poter came by experience and was received.

May 19th 1828.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and John Poter and John Bentley came by experience and was recd.
R. M. Stell c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1828.
July the 7th 1828.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Martha Cook came by experience and was received.
R. M. Stell c. clk

August 30th 1828
The Church in Conferrence
1st. Resolved. That R. M. Stell have written license to to preach the Gospel wherever his lot may be cast, and appointed William Reeves to wright the same.
2nd. Heard a request from a sister church, Padanaraim (now Lebanon) for help to aid in the adjusting a certain difficulty existing amongst them and sent brethren, Wiley Robertson, Wm. Reeves & R. M. Stell. [My note: Padanaraim & Lebanon are/were Henry County Churches
3rd Appointed breth; J. D. Stell, R. M. Stell and G. Biffel in the case of the failure of either, to represent us as a church in the next Association and ordered the clerk to prepare a letter and agreed to send two dollars for the printing of the Minutes.
4th. By request granted a letter of dismission to sister Temperance Lee.
R. M. Stell c. clk.

Next morning 31st August 1828.
The church opened a door for the reception of members and Lovina White came by experience and was received. Also, Miss Mary Walker and a woman of couler (servant of James Davis) named Venice, came by experience and was recd.

4th of October 1828.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and James N. Head and Moriah a woman of couler (servant of James Pate sen) came by experience and was recd.
2nd. Took up a charge against bro. Drury Harrington for drunkeness and after suitable labour he was excommunicated from the fellowship of the church.
3rd Granted bro. James E. Blann a letter of dismission.
4th Heard the Association letter read which was approved
Robert Malone Stell c. clk

Salem Records A. D. 1818 -- 9.
December the 6th 1828.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Lucy a woman of couler (servant of John Cook) and James Ransom came by experience and was received.
and Paul M. Otwell came by letter and was recd
2nd Granted letters of dismission to bro. Anderson W. Adcock and sister Nancy Adcock.
3rd Made choice of bro. Barnabas Strickland as pastoral supply for hte ensuing year.
4th Appointed J. D. Stell clerk of the church.
5th The church agreed to take the watch care of sister Nancy Sharp during her continuance in the bounds of the church.
Sunday morning the 7th ultima
Being at the waterside ---------- opened a door for the reception of members and Katey a woman of couler (servant of Daniel B. Head) came and was received by experience.
John D. Stell c. clk

Thursday the 18th of Dec. 1828.
According to a previous appointment
After a sermon by Wm. Moseley from 1 Timothy 3 ch 12 verse, bro. Robert M. Stell was set before the presbyttery consisting of Elders William Moseley and Barnabas Strickland and after a thoughorough examination being deemed worthy he was ordained by the imposition of hands and prayer; to the Minestry of the Gospel the ordination prayer was by William Moseley and the charge was given by Barnabas Strickland, wherupon he was publickly acknoweged a Minister of Gos by the giving of the right hand.
2nd. A request was made by Shiloh Church for Ministerial aid to ordain a deacon which was granted. Also, a request from Whitewater for Ministerial aid to ordain a preacher and deacon which was granted.
Adjourned prayer by bro. Strickland.
J. D. Stell c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1829.
Saturday January the 3rd 1829.
1st Sat in conferrence and granted letters to James Walden and Rebeca his wife and Love Walden their daughter.
2nd. Received by letter sister Nancy Ransom.
3rd A charge of falsehood was brought against Lucy, a woman of couler, (servant of W. Heflin) profered by Davy a man of couler servant of John Cook which was defered till next meeting.
J. D. Stell c. clk

Saturday the 31st January 1829.
Sat in conferrence and after calling up the usual items and nothing special having occured then took up the referrence of last conferrence and after suitable labour, Lucy a woman of couler was excommunicated.
2nd. An applycation was made for Ministerial aid to constitute a church in the neighbourhood of bro. G. Gay which was granted.
3rd. An applycation was made by Flat Creek for Ministerial aid to ordain a Decon, which was granted.
4th Breth Wm Reeves, J. Pearce and Davy a man of couler were appointed to settle a disagrement between sisters Moriah and Lucy and report their progress to the next conferrence.
5th Breth A. Chambers, J. Bolt and J. Poter were appointd to see bro. Peter Green and enquire for cause of his continued absence from the Church
J. D. Stell c. clk

Saturday the 28th February 1829
Sat in conferrence and "Took up the refferrence relative to the coulered sisters and laid it over untill next conferrence in course
2nd The breth that were sent to see bro. P. Greene made their report and upon bro Greens refusal to come to the Church and requesting to be expeled therefore for such unchristian conduct he was excommunicated.
3rd Granted letters to bro and sister Cavender.

Salem Records A. D. 1829
Sunday Morning ---- 1st day of March 1829.
Sat in conferrence for special purposes and
1st Received a message by bro. E. Nix from the church at Fellowship in Merriwether county desiring the services of bro. R. M. Stell as Pastoral supply for the current year which was granted.
2nd Granted letters to bro. Robert and sister Ann Poter.
3rd Received a request from the church at Rose Creek (Pike county) for the aid of bro R. M. Stell in ordaining Deacons which was granted.
J. D. Stell c. clk

Saturday the 4th of April 1829.
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and bro. Gilbert Gay, Sin[? and sister Moriah Gay came by letter and were received.
2nd Took up the refferrence of last regular conferrence concerning the coulered sisters Moriah and Lucy and after due investigation Moriah was excommunicated.
3rd Received an applycation from Antioch church for the Pastoral supply of R. M. Stell which was granted.
4th Received a request from Hopeful church for bro R. M. Stell to aid in the ordination of bro. Thomas Clyatt to the work of the ministrey, which was granted.
5th Granted a letter of dismission to bro. Jacob Mercer.
William Reeves, clk pro tem

Saturday 2nd day of May 1829.
Sat in conferrence and under the item of miccilanious business -----
1st Authorised certain breth; to purchase materials which are nesessary for the use of the church.
2nd Granted letters of dismission to John D. Stell and Rachel Stell.
3rd Appointed bro. William Reeves to be clerk for the church.
Resolved that the church by prayer look to the Lord to direct their choice in selecting a Deacon from among themselves to supply the place of bro. John D. Stell dismissed
William Reeves c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1829.
Saturday June the 5th [? 1829
IN absence of the Minister bro. Gilbert Gay sen., was chosen to act as moderator and conferrence was opened in the usual way by singing and prayer and under the "item of miccilanious business.
1st Granted letters of dismission to R M Stell and Elender M. Stell
2nd Agreed that the Faith on which this church was constituted be read after which several brethren protested the Faith in part...
3rd Appointed breth Biffel, Robinson, Weems and A. Chambers to labor with the dissenting breth; to wit, Wiley Reeves, William Reeves, William Osbern and Luke Gibson and report their progress to the next conferrence.
4th Made choice of bro. Bartholomew J. Weems to be a Deacon and refered his ordination till next conferrence.
5th Heard a request from Rose Creek Church of Pike County that the second Saturday of this inst. be set apart as a day of "fasting and prayers" which was agreed upon by the church.
Wm. Reeves c. clk.

July the 4th day 1829.
In absence of the Minister of the church, elder James Head being present was chose to act as moderator. and under the "Item" of "Refferrence"
1st Called up that respecting the Deacons ordination which was postponed
2nd Called for the report of the committee concerning the breth. that dissent from the Faith which was submitted in substance about this. That the breth; yet remain obstinately irreconsiled to the faith uppon which the church resolved to hear from them concerning of the matter and they arose and declared themselves to be unwilling to live under the Faith of the church for which they were excommunicated.
3 Appointed R. M. Stell and G. Biffel delegates to the General Meeting
4th Appointed G. Biffel to be clerk for the church
5 Granted letters of dismission to Gilbert Gay, Junr and his wife Moriah Gay.
James Head motr
Simon Whitaker clk protempore

Salem Records A. D. 1829.
August the 1st day 1829.
After a sermon by bro B. Strickland sat in conferrence and
1st Opened a door for the reception of members and brother James Harris and sister Nancy Harris his wife came by letter and were received.
2nd Called up the refferrence respecting the Deacon's ordination which was again reffered until Saturday before the fifth Sabbath in this Inst.
3rd Appointed breth. White, Weems, Chambers and Robinson to consult with Rose Creek Church with respect to the propriety of a consolidation of the two boddies and report their progress to the next conferrence.
Coalman Biffel c. clk

August the 29th 1829.
Sat in conferrence and under the "Items of Refferrence"
1st Called up that respecting the ordination of the Deacon which was ordered to be over till tomorrow morning.
2nd Called for the report of the committee concerning the consolidation with Rose Creek Church which reported unfavorable upon which it was dispenced with.
3rd Appointed G. Biffel, B. J. Weems and J. Ransom in case of the failure of either Delegates to the Association and appropriated two dollars for the purpose of procuring Minutes.
4th Established a church fund as a common stock to be placed in the hands of the Deacons.

Sunday morning August the 30th 1829.
Met and attended to the ordination of bro. B. J. Weems to the office of Deacon which was done by the Presbytery consisting of Rev. Barnabas Strickland and R. M. Stell
And after an appropriate sermon by B. Strickland the church communed and washed feet.
G. Biffel c. clk

Saturday the 3rd of October 1829.
1st Sat in conferrence and under the Item of Dealings
A charge was proferred by bro. Robertson against bro White for falshood and another by bro. Biffel for drunkenness and encouraging fighting for which said William White failing to give satisfaction was excommunicated.
2nd Read the Asociation letter which for amendments was laid over for another reading.
G. Biffel c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1829 & 1830.
Sunday the 4th of October 1829.
Sat in conferrence to attend the second reading of the letter to the Asociation which with its amendments was approved.
2nd William Reeves who was expelled for denying the Faith came to the church and acknoweleged himself to be in error and gave satisfaction to the church and thereby was Restored to fellowship.
Note. A letter of dismission was granted to bro. John Holder in conferrence the 30th of August which in transcribing was overlooked at the time and is therefore here inserted.
G. Biffel c. clk

Saturday October the 31st 1829.
In absence of the Minister chose bro. W. Hubbard to act as moderator and under the Item of General Business
bro. Robt. Chambers called for a letter of dismission for Mary Chambers which was granted.
2nd Francis Patterson came and requested the church to excommunicate him and desiring it as he did not wish to live in the church which matter was referred untill next conferrence and appointed breth. A. Chambers, W. Robertson and G. Biffel to labour with him alternately from now till next conferrence.
G. Biffel c. clk.

Saturday the 5th December 1829.
Sat in conferrence and under the Item of Refference took up that respecting bro. Patterson and called for the report of the committee as bro. Patterson was not present and they reported that he was obstinate and refused to hear them and still persisted against the church and desired to be cut off and after duely weighing the matter the church expelled him.
2nd Granted letters of dismission to Martin Crider and his wife Mary Crider and also, to Martha Smith and Martha Cook and also to Davy and his wife Lucy servants of John Cook.

DAVY COOK
GEORGIA} The Church of Christ at Salem holding
FAYETTE COUNTY} Election. Effectual calling and final
Perseverance do certify that our Bro. Davy Cook is in full fellowship with us and is dismissed from us when joined to another church of the same faith and order done in conference Dec. 5th 1829
William Reeves C. Clk (signed)
[Contributed 2001 Mar 24 by Linda Blum-Barton, transcribed from a personal, original document in my possession]

3rd Appointed William Reeves to act again as clerk for the church.
W. Reeves, c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1830
Saturday the 2nd day of January 1830.
Sat in conferrence and under the Item of Miccilanious business
1st. Granted a letter of dismission to bro. Paul M. Otwell
2nd. Reelected bro. B. Strickland to serve the church the present year as Pastoral Supply and being present he requested the church to wait till the morrow for an answer.
Sunday Morning the 3rd of January 1830.
Bro. Strickland accepted the call of the church and commenced his service.
W. Reeves c. clk

Saturday February the 6th 1830.
Sat in Conferrence but there was no business attended to of sufficient notice to be recorded.
W. Reeves c. clk

Saturday March the 6th 1830.
Sat in conferrence but there was no business attended to of sufficient notice to be recorded.
W. Reeves c. clk

Saturday April the 3rd 1830.
Sat in conferrence and under the "Item of Dealing"
1st. Received a charge against sister Love White for drunkeness which was confirmed by sister Mary Harris and the church failed to obtain satisfaction and the said Love White was excommunicated.
2nd Appointed breth Biffel, Weems and Robinson to superintend the repairing of the seats.
J. F[? Head clk pro-tem

May the 1st day 1830.
After sermon by bro. Strickland sat in conferrence and under the "Item of Dealing."
1st. Received a charge against Lucy a woman of couler known in the church Book as servant of Elizabeth Reeves widdow and after suitable labour she was excommunicated for disorderly conduct it being the sin of adultery.
B. Strickland modr
William Reeves c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1830
Saturday the 5th day of June 1830.
1st. Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and William P. Wilson came by letter and was received and also Frank, his servant.
2nd Appointed breth. Biffel and Weems delegates to the General Meeting.
W. Reeves, c. clk

Saturday July the 3rd 1830.
Sat in conferrence and the Minister of the church being absent and the Rev. William Henderson being present was appointed moderator and under the "Item of dealing" Received a charge against Peter (known as servant of G. Gay) for being accesory to the separating of a man and his wife for which cause he was expelled the church.
Wm. Reeves c. clk

Saturday July the 31st 1830.
After a sermon by J. Holmes sat in conferrence and appointed R. M. Stell moderator.
1st. Read the constitution of the church on the Faith matter
2nd. The church suspended B. Strickland for preaching doctrines contrary to the Faith of the church and chose R. M. Stell to supply the church the ballance of the year but as he could not give a definite answer the matter was defered until next conferrence.
Wm. Reeves c. clk

Saturday September the 4th 1830.
Bro. Jacob Mercer being present was chosen moderator.
1st. Under the "Item of Miccilanious business" appointed breth. Biffel and Robertson delegates to the asociation.
2nd. Appropriated one dollar to pay for Minutes.
3rd. Ordered that the clerk prepare a letter to the asociation.
4th. Received a negative answer from bro. R. M. Stell.

October the 2nd 1830.
1st. Appointed bro. Gilbert Gay sen. moderator and under the Item of Miccilanious business called for the Asociation letter which was read and with amendments received.
2nd. Granted letters of dismission to bro. Joshua Pearce and sisters Milley Reeves and Elizabeth Cross.
Wm. Reeves c. clk

Salem Record A. D. 1830 & 1831.
Tuesday the 12th day of October 1830.
At a called meeting B. Strickland being present was apponted moderator and a conferrence formed which by request granted letters of dismission to the following named person, to wit
B. J. Weems and wife Anna Weems, Elisabeth Gibson, Elisabeth Mcdonald, Rebecca Reeves, Edney Bates, Mary Ann Patterson and Ethi Linda Reeves.
Wm. Reeves c. clk.

Saturday November the 6th 1830.
The church sat in conferrence and appointed Bro. Wiley Robertson to act as moderator and under the "Item of Miccilanious business"
1st Granted a letter of dismission to bro. John Bentley.
2nd. Made choice of Bro. J. L. Caloway as pastoral supply and appointed breth. Ransom and Griffin to bear the request of the Church to bro. Caloway.
3rd. Granted a letter of dismission to sister Dorcas servant of J. Pearce
James Ransom clk pro-tem

Saturday December the 4th 1830.
Elder James Head being present was chosen Moderator after which pased over the usual items of the conferrence and nothing occured of sufficient notice to be Minuted in the church Record only the granting of letters of dismission bro Wiley Robertson and sister Elisabeth Robertson his wife.
Wm. Reeves c clk

January the 1st day 1831.
Sat in conferrence but attended to nothing of sufficient notice to be Minuted.
W. Reeves c. clk

Saturday February the 5th 1831.
Sat in conferrence but attended to nothing of sufficient notice to be Minuted.
Wm. Reeves c. clk

1st Saturday in March 1831.
Sat in conferrence and when a door was opened for the reception of members Sarah Johnson came by experience and was recd.
Wm. Henderson Motr.
J. M. Williams Clerk pro tempore

Salem Record A. D. 1831
Saturday the 3rd day of April 1831.
Sat in conferrence and when the door was opened for the reception of Members sister Grace a woman of couler (servant of J. Elder) came by letter and was recd.
2nd Appointed certain brethren to request bro. James Harris to attend the Meetings of the Church.
3rd. Appointed certain brethren to request breth. Wm. Reeves, Allen Reeves and Robert Chambers and sister Lucreacy Reeves to attend our next conferrence and show cause why they have left the church and attached themselves to a society of Men that have gone out from Authordox Baptist Churches in disorder and have attempted to establish Churches upon principals contrary to the acknoweleged standing of the Baptists.
M [? Coalman Biffel is clerk for the church by reappointment.

Saturday May the 5th 1831.
Sat in conferrence and under the "Items of Refference"
1st Called for the report of the brethren that were appointed to go and see bro. James Harris and they reported that he refused the request of the church; which was the more confirmed by his absence and he was excommunicated.
2nd Took up the case of those brethren that had left the church in disorder and heard the report from the breth. respecting them which was on this wise reported they refuse to answer the church in any such matters for which they were excommunicated.
G. Biffel c. clk
[Line is Blank]

July the 2nd 1831. Saturday
Sat in conferrence and opened a door for the reception of members and Joseph Williams and Nancy Williams and Elisabeth Morris and Jeremiah M. Williams were received by letter.
2nd Appointed G. Biffel and B. J. Weems to scite Sister Caty a servant of bro. D. B. Head to attend our next conferrence.
3rd. Appointed J. Bolt and J. Ransom to scite bro. James N. Head to attend our next conferrence.
4th. Appointed G. Biffel and B. J. Weems delegates to the General Meeting.
5th. Granted letters of dismission to Lucretia Walker and Frank a man servant of W. P. [? Wilson.
J. M. Williams, clk pro-tem

Salem Record A. D. 1831.
Saturday August the 6th 1831.
Sat in conferrence with bro. Henderson moderator and
1st Under the "Item of Refference" took up the case of the coulered sister Caty servant of bro. D. B Head and after due investigation she was expelled the church for disorderly and unchristian conduct.
2nd Took up the case of bro. J. N. Head and refered it untill next meeting.
3rd Because of unfavorable report against Frank a man servant of W. P. Willson ordered that the letter granted him be retained untill the matter be adjusted.
4th. Appointed breth. Biffel and Weems to scite bro. W. P. Willson to the next conferrence to show cause for his leaving the church in disorder and uniting with those who have dissented from us.
G. Biffel c. clk.

September the 3rd 1831. Saturday
Sat in conferrence and under the Items of Refference
1st. Bro. J. N. Head gave the church satisfaction upon his case.
2nd Took up the case of Frank a man servant of W. P. Wilson and refered it untill next conferrence.
3rd. Took up the case of bro. William P. Willson and after due investigation and suitable labour he was excommunicated.
4th. Appointed breth Biffel and A. Chambers and in case of the failure of either B. J. Weems delegates to the Asociation.
5th. A charge was proferred against Venice (a woman servant of M. Davis) for leaving the church in disorder and uniting with the dissenters for which she was expelled.
G. Biffel c. clk

Saturday October the 1st 1831.
Sat in conferrence with bro. James Head Moderator.
1st. Under the items of Refference took up the case of Frank (a man servant of W. P. Willson) and upon the charge of Railery and denying the Faith of the church he was expelled.
2nd. In consequence of the clerk being sick appointed a committee consisting of breth J. Williams, A. Chambers, B. J. Weems and J. M. Williams to prepare the Asociation letter.
3. Agreed to send one dollar to procure Minutes.
J. M Williams c. pro tempor

Salem Record A. D. 1831...2
Saturday November the 5th 1831.
Sat in conferrence with bro. Wm. Henderson Moderator
but attended to nothing of sufficient notice to be Recorded in the church Book.
G. Biffel c. clk

Sat in conferrence with R. M. Stell Moderator
but attended to nothing of sufficient notice to be Recorded.
G. Biffel c. clk

N. B. The Minute of Jan and Feb. 1832 is mislaid or lost.

Saturday March the 3rd 1832
Sat in conferrence with bro. Wm. Henderson Moderator
1st Received bro. Robert Poter and sister Ann Poter by letter.
2nd Granted letters of dismission to bro. James Ransom and sister Nancy Ransom his wife.
J. M. Williams clk protem

NB. No. Minutes to found of April meeting

Saturday May the 6th 1832
Sat in conferrence with bro. Henderson Moderator
but attended to nothing of sufficient speciality to be Recorded.
J. M. Williams assistant clk.

Saturday June the 3rd 1832.
After sermon by bro. Henderson sat in conferrence and under the item of Miccilanious business.
1st. Received a request from Whitewater Church for our Deacons to attend the ordination of a Deacon on fryday before the fourth sabbath in this month which request was granted upon the part of the church.
2nd. Appointed breth. Biffel and Weems to represent us in the ensuing General Meeting.
J. M. Williams assistant clk

There are records for the years 1832 - 1854 available and plan to obtain those copies and add here at a later date - LBB

August the 12th 1854
Salem baptist church of christ met in confernce Bro R. C. Porter modr
Invited visiting brothren to seats with us
1. Took up & went through the usual Items of the church
2. On motion the church appointed brothern R. A. Head & R. C. Porter and John Beasley in case of failure delegates to the asociation and the church agrees to send one dollar & fifty cents for minutes. Dismissed in order.
John I. Whitaker Clerk protem

September the 16th 1854.
The baptist church of christ at Salem met in confernce Brother A. Reeves mod.
1. Invited visiting brothern to seats with us.
2. Opened a dore for the reseption of members non com forward.
3. Took up & went threw with the usual items of the church.
4. Letter to the association Red & Receved
5. The church apointed the 4 saturday in october to sel the meetting house and land that belongs to the church at Salem.
6. Appointed brother A. Reeves and brother T. B. Gay to act as Trustees.
7. The church agreed to call up presbitry on the 4 saturday in october for the purposes of desolving the church.
8. Appointed a commity to Invite minsters for a presbitery to desolve the church.
Brother R. C. Porter
John Beasley
W. A. Reeves
O. J. Head, c. clk protem

October 28th 1854.
The Baptist Church of Christ at Salem met according to appointment bro Robt C. Porter, call the church to order, and requested the Trustees present to wit: Allen Reeves and T. B. Gay, to sell the property of the church, the terms of sale, all sums under two dollars cash, and all sum over twelve months credit with good note & approved security.

Sale bill, & c.

Thomas Henderson
The Bible was given to sister Edny Bates
to the meeting house$36.50
Thos. B. Gayto one hymn book.75
John Beasleyto one table2.25
"3 tin pans, 18 ct each.54
"1 tin pan 19 ct19
Joseph Williams1st choice of two seats80
Thos Henderson2nd choice of two seats75
S. T. Whitaker3rd choice of two seats80
"4th choice of two seats80
Thos Henderson5th choice of two seats80
Wm. G? Berry6th choice of two seats80
Mrs. Catherine Beall7th choice of two seats, paid60
S. T. Whitaker8th choice of two seats50
"9th choice of two seats38
Wm. G. Berry10th choice of two seats25
Thos. Henderson11th choice of two seats28
Robert C. Porterto three ??ost seats$?.?0
David P. Elderto the land belonging to the church8.00

After a short recess the church met in conference and on motion of bro. Porter, Bro. V. A. Gaskill, was appointed modr.
1st. Invited visiting brethren to seats with us.
2nd Opened a door for the reception of members, came forward Thomas Henderson, an excluded member, and after giving the church full satisfaction, he was restored to the fellowship of the church.
3rd. Took up & went through the usual items of the church.
4th. Resolved, that the money arising from the sale of church property, be divided into three parts, equal, one part given to sister Edney Bates, one part to sister Ethelinda K. Reeves and one part appropriated to purchase a library of Sabbath School books, provided there is a sabbath school organized in the bounds of this church, If there is no school organized, then the Trustees to wit, Allen Reeves & T. B. Gay are to apply this part of the money to some benevolent purpose, as the may think best.
5th. The church having made the second effort to get a Presbytery, to dissolve the church, and none of the ministering brethren being present but bro. V. A. Gaskill.
The church unanimously directed the clerk to write letters of dismission to each member of the church, and bro Jno. I. Whitaker of Antioch church write bro. Robt. A. Head a letter of dismission, as clerk pro tem and the church shall be dissolved after this meeting.
6th. Resolved, that the church Book be turned over to our sister church Antioch, Fayette Co., GA. for safe keeping & c.
Dismissed in order.
V. A. Gaskill, Modr. Pro. tem
Robert A. Head, Church Clerk

R. C. PorterMary Porter
W. B. ReevesAmerica Head
John BeasleyMary Head
T. HendersonMary Bates
R. A. HeadRebeca Henderson
Rebeca Henderson
Elviry Head
Edney Bates
Rosinday Akins
Louiza Reeves
Nancy Mcdonnel
Sarah Beall
Catherine Beall
Elizabeth Reeves
Louisa Champion
Liney Reeves
Permelia Reeves
Sintha House
Marinda Head

Transcribed from Records Available at Georgia Baptist History Depository, Special Collections, Jack Tarver Library, Mercer University, Macon, Georgia - Box CH 4 and Reel 891: CB, 1827-1854 - September, 2009 by Linda Blum-Barton


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