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Kosciusko, Miss.
April 1st 1852.
The Presbytery of Tombeckbee met according to adjournment, and was opened with a
Sermon by the moderator Rev. W. C. Emerson, from I Cor. 12:31 1st clause: after which
Presbytery was constituted with prayer.
The roll was then called and the members present were as follows, viz: Ministers S. R.
Frierson, M. Peden, H. J. Bardwell, J. M. Morrow, W. C. Emerson, J. Harrison, D.D., A.
M. Mooney, H. R. Raymond, J. S. Hays, and J. D. Porter; Ruling Elders:
W. C. Robinson
David Huff
J. W. Ervin
J. Collins
Wm S. Ross
Wm Boughton
Dickson McKey
Wm Willis
and Wm A. Moseley
from Friendship Church,
from Bethany Church,
from Mayhew Church,
from Lebanon & Bethsalem Churches,
from Kosciusko Church,
from Philadelphia Church,
from Carolina Church,
from Erin Church,
from Wahalak Church.
Ministers absent were R. S. Gladney, J. N. Carothers, R. B. Campbell, Wm. H. Harris, E.
Graves,
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and G. W. Boggs.
Rev. Jeptha Harrison, D.D., was chosen moderator, and Elder Wm. A. Moseley as clerk
pro tem. and Wm Boughton, Asst. Clerk.
Recess till 2 o’clock p.m.
When Presbytery convened & resumed business.
After the reading of the Standing Rules, and the minutes of the last meeting of Presbytery, the Moderator announced the following committees, viz:
On Bills & Overtures, Rev. Messrs Emerson & Morrow, and Elder Ervin,
On Judicial Business, Rev Messrs Bardwell & Frierson, & Elder Robinson,
On Public Worship, Rev Mr Hays & Elder Ross,
On Presbyterial Supplies, Rev Messrs Peden & Raymond, and Elder W. Willis,
On the Records of Columbus, [&] Unity, Messrs Porter & Robinson,
On the Records of Aberdeen, Messrs Mooney & Ervin,
2
On the Records of Friendship, Messrs Emerson & Ross,
On the Records of Starkville, Messrs Hays & Davidson,
On the Records of Mayhew, Messrs Peden & Moseley,
On the Records of Louisville, Messrs Emerson and McKey,
On the Records of Lebanon, Messrs Mooney & Willis,
On the Records of Bethsalem,
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Messrs Raymond & Boughton,
On the Records of Philadelphia, Messrs Bardwell & Huff,
On the Records of Wahalak, Messrs Frierson & Robinson,
On the Records of Bethel, Messrs Hays & Ervin,
On the Records of Carolina, Messrs Raymond & Willis,
On the Records of Bethany, Messrs Frierson & McKey,
On the Records of New Hope, Messrs Bardwell & Davidson,
On the Records of Ervin, Messrs Raymond & Collins,
On the Records of Poplar Creek, Messrs Morrow & Moseley,
On the Records of Kosciusko, Messrs Porter & Willis,
and on the Records of Smyrna, Messrs Hays & Huff.
The committee appointed to install the Rev’d Jeptha Harrison, D.D., as Pastor over the
Aberdeen Church, reported that they had discharged that duty.
The selecting of the place of the next stated meeting was made the order of the day for 10
o’clock tomorrow morning; and the next order of the day immediately thereafter the election of commissioners to the next General Assembly.
The Rev. Mr Frierson, on the ground of ill health was excused from fulfilling
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his appointment to preach the next presbyterial sermon, and his alternate Rev. R. S. Gladney not being present, the same appointment was continued to the next meeting of Presbytery.
Elder Davidson from Poplar Creek Church appeared and took his seat. Also Elder Abner
Meek from Louisville church. They both rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness.
Rev. H. R. Raymond gave reasons for absence from the last meeting of Presbytery which
were sustained as satisfactory. Rev J. D. Porter also rendered reasons for absence from
the last meeting, which were sustained.
Kosciusko, Carolina, and Erin churches, through their representatives, rendered satisfactory reasons why they were not represented in the last meeting of Presbytery. Mt Zion
church sent up satisfactory reasons for non-representation at the present meeting.
3
The Presbyterial Conference was made the order of the day for 3 o’clock p.m. on Saturday. Messrs Emerson & Raymond were appointed a committee to suggest subjects for the
[80]
next Presbyterial Conference.
A free conversation on the state of religion with a view to the preparation of a narrative
was made the order of the day for 3 o’clock tomorrow evening.
Rev Wm H. Harris appeared and having rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness at the
present meeting and absence from the last fall meeting took his seat in Presbytery. Mr
Harris also gave reasons for absence from last spring meeting, whereupon he was excused.
Rev. E. Graves rendered through Mr Harris satisfactory reasons for absence from the last
two meetings of Presbytery. At his request, Mr Graves was dismissed to join the Presbytery of Upper Missouri,1 and the Stated Clerk directed to furnish him the proper credentials.
Reports of Presbyterial Supplies were called for, and members present reported satisfactorily.
A petition from members and friends of the Presbyterian Church at Decatur, requesting
the organization of a Presbyterian church at that place, was presented, and read; and
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the Rev Messrs Emerson & Peden were appointed to assist Rev. M. Mooney in the desired organization.
The name of Henry Tomlinson, at his own request was stricken from the roll of candidates for the Gospel ministry, and Rev Mr Emerson was appointed to communicate the
fact to Mr Tomlinson.
At the request of Mr John Davidson, a candidate, for the assignment of trial pieces, the
following were assigned him. An sit poena pecandi aeterna? for a Latin exegesis, John
10:v. 14-16, for a critical exercise, Rom. 5:18-21, for a popular lecture, and Eph. 2:10 for
a sermon.
The Rev’d E. Graves spent several years in Lexington, Mo., after which he lived in San Antonio, Texas
(1857-1865), and died at Hempstead, Tex. in 1868 or 1869. E. C. Stott, Ministerial Directory of the
Presbyterian Church, U. S., 1861-1941 (Austin, Tex.: Von Boeckmann-Jones, 1942): 262. (Information
given in the Ministerial Directory occasionally differs in detail from the minutes of governing bodies. No
effort is made at this remove to harmonize discrepancies, and it should be remembered that the records of
governing bodies are considered the official records of the church.)
1
4
Reports on Sessional Records were made the order of the day for 10 o’clock Saturday
morning.
A petition from Starkville for one half the ministerial services of Mr W. C. Emerson at a
salary of $300 was heard & granted. It appearing that Unity Church had taken regular
action to secure one fourth the ministerial services of Rev. M. Peden, at $100, though that
action in a written form be not present, because of providential hindrances, it
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was resolved that sd action of the church has the approbation of Presbytery.
An informal request from individuals, members of Providence Church,1 for a transfer of
said Providence Church from this Presbytery to the Presbytery of Chickasaw, having been
made, and it appearing, from statements made by members of Presbytery, that the congregation live partly in the territorial limits of both Presbyteries while their new house of
worship is within the limits of Chickasaw; it was resolved, that if upon the regular action
of the said church, it shall appear to be their wish to be transferred, they hereby have the
consent of this Presbytery to place themselves under the care of Chickasaw Presbytery;
and thereupon the relation of sd church to this Presbytery shall be considered as dissolved.
Recess for Divine worship—
After which resumed business.
Rev. R. B. Campbell appeared & having rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness at the
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present meeting and for absence from several previous meetings of Presbytery, took his
seat as a member of the body.
Whereas the question of the formation of a new Presbytery, in the region where Clinton
Presbytery formerly existed,2 has been raised among Brethren and has been introduced
into Synod, with the view of future action, it was Resolved that a committee of three min1
This congregation was received into Chickasaw Presbytery, and in 1845 changed its name to Pontotoc.
In 1854, the Synod of Mississippi at its meeting in Canton, passed this resolution: “That a Presbytery
formed in Central Mississippi bounded as follows: By a line commencing at the northeast corner of Carroll
County, running due west to the Mississippi River, and thence down that river to the northerly boundary of
the state line of Louisiana, and thence due west to the eastern line of Red River Presbytery and thence
along said eastern line to a line, which running due east, would cross the Mississippi River at the mouth of
Big Black, and thence east to Pearl River, and thence up said river to the western boundary of Leake
County, and thence up said boundary to the northeast corner of said county, and thence due east to the
southeast corner of Attala County, and thence north to the northeast corner of said county, and thence west
to the southwest corner of Choctaw County, and north to the place of beginning…” Minutes of the Synod
of Mississippi (November 22, 1854). Initially this body took the name Yazoo, which was changed in 1855
to Presbytery of Central Mississippi.
2
5
isters and two Elders be appointed to inquire into the whole matter so far as this Presbytery is concerned and report at the next meeting of this body. Rev Messrs Bardwell, Campbell, & Peden, and Elders Ross & Moseley were appointed the committee.
It was Resolved that, in order to carry out more fully the action of Presbytery at its last
meeting, as to special missionary operations in our bounds, the Rev Messrs Bardwell,
Frierson and Harris be a committee to report during the present sessions, some plan of
operation as specific as may be.
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Adjourned to meet at half past 8 o’clock tomorrow morning.
Closed with prayer.
Friday morning, ½ past 8 o’clk
April 2nd 1852Presbytery met according to adjournment and was opened with prayer. The minutes of
yesterday were read & approved.
Petitions were received from the following churches for ministerial supplies, which were
granted, to wit:
From Tallabenela Ch. for ¼ of services of Rev J. N. Carothers at a salary of $150 to $200,
From the Louisville Church for ½ of services of Rev J. S. Hays at $350,
From the Wahalak Church for ½ of services of Rev. H. R. Raymond at $300,
From Philadelphia Church for ¼ of services of Rev J. S. Hays at $175,
From Mt Zion Church for ¼ of services of Rev W. C. Emerson at $100,
From Friendship Ch for ½ of services of Rev. T. C. Stuart at $160,
From Poplar Creek Church for a monthly attendance of Rev. H. J. Bardwell in week at
$50,
From the Smyrna Church for ¼ of services of Rev. H. R. Raymond at $150,
From Mayhew Church for ½ of services of Rev J. M. Morrow
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at $125,
From Erin & Carolina Churches for services of Rev. A. M. Mooney until next meeting of
6
Presbytery at the rate of $150 per year,
From the Bethany Church for ¼ of services of Rev. J. N. Carothers at $120, and
From Olney Church for ¼ of services of Rev H. J. Bardwell at $125.
10 o’clock.
The order of the day was taken up, and Bethsalem Church was selected as the place for
the next stated meeting of Presbytery.
The next order of the day was then called up, (the election of commissioners to the next
General Assembly), when the Rev. J. N. Carothers and Elder A. M. Carothers were chosen as principal commissioners, & the Rev. J. M. Morrow, and Elder J. W. Ervin were
chosen as their alternates respectively.
Recess until 2 o’clock p.m.
When Presbytery resumed business. The stated clerk was directed to have an abstract of
the minutes of Presbytery published in the Presbyterian Herald, with a request to the
Southern Presbyterian to copy.1
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Rev Mr Ross of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church and Rev Mr Nash of the Baptist
Church, being in the house were invited to sit as corresponding members.
3 o’clock p.m.
The order of the day, free conversation on the state of religion, was called up, and attended to, the Rev. Messrs Raymond & Morrow taking notes with the view to a narrative.
Recess until after divine service to-night;
When Presbytery resumed business.
The Treasurer presented his report, which was placed in the hands of Rev J. M. Morrow
& Elder Ross as an auditing committee.
Presb. Confer.
The committee to suggest subjects for the next Presbyterial conference reported, and the
subject selected was, “The tendency of promiscuous dancing.”1 Rev. H. R. Raymond was
appointed essayist.
The Southern Presbyterian was published at Columbia, S. C. Editors regularly scanned each other’s papers and requests “to copy” alerted them to reprint selected articles. It saved the presbytery clerk the trouble
of writing out the material in longhand and saved postage—the latter a matter of interest to many a thrifty
Calvinist!
1
7
Adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at 8 ½ o’clock.
Closed with prayer.
Saturday morning, 8 ½ o’clk.
Apl 3rd 1852Presbytery met and was opened with prayer. On motion the calling of the roll was omitted.
[87]
The minutes of yesterday were read & approved.
On motion it was resolved that the Rev W. C. Emerson be requested to spend one fourth
of his ministerial time in supplying the vacant churches within our bounds and that said
churches be requested to raise the amount of $200. amongst them for him and report the
same through him to Presbytery.
The Committee on Bills & Overtures reported on overture No. 1. to wit: What should a
church session do, when a member has been confined in prison by the civil magistrate on
the charge of having committed flagrant crimes; but has escaped from confinement & the
knowledge of the session? It is recommended that such person be debarred, by a formal
vote of the session, from all the privileges of the Church, until God in his Providence
afford the session an opportunity to institute a regular trial: which was adopted.
The committee to audit the Treasurer’s report reported that they have examined
[88]
the same and find it correct and recommend its approval, which was adopted. The Treasurer’s Report is as follows:
1
Dancing in the Bible could be a vehicle of praise. King David danced before the Ark (2 Sam. 6:14), and
the final psalm praises God “with timbrel and dance” (Ps. 150:4). There was music and dancing in Jesus’s
parable, when the prodigal son returned home from the far country (Luke 15:25). In America, Shakers sang
of Christ as “Lord of the Dance” and filled their services with movement. But in the southern states, among
conservative Protestants, dancing was taboo. Many agreed with the Rev’d William Winans, Methodist
minister at Woodville, Mississippi, in the 1850s, who warned a young lady that if she should die in the
ballroom, “neither I nor any well-informed Christian friend could have a hope upon your tomb.” As
Harvard’s reverend and Baptist chaplain Peter J. Gomes has remarked, “Dancing was forbidden for its
similitude to the sexual act.” Indeed, Baptists denounced both square and round dancing as not only
worldly but sinful. Roman Catholics also inveighed against round dances, but these were popular as fundraising devices in the parishes. Opposition was particularly strong among Presbyterians, who remembered
how in 1561 their forebear John Knox had condemned dancing at the court of Mary Queen of Scots—
“skipping not very comely for honest women”—he once called it (though unlike the Roman Catholic
archbishop of St. Andrews he did not “utterly condemn” dancing). Strict Presbyterians, however, construed
the prohibition of “lascivious dancings” in the Larger Catechism (Q. 139), to forbid all dancing, even in its
most refined forms. William Winans to Sarah R. Grayson, 27 May 1850. Winans Correspondence,
Methodist Room, Millsaps College, Jackson, Mississippi. Peter J. Gomes, The Good Book: Reading the
Bible with Mind and Heart (New York: Wm Morrow, 1996): 252; James J. Pillar, “Religious and Cultural
Life, 1870–1861,” A History of Mississippi, ed. by Richard Aubrey McLemore, 2 vols. (Jackson: University and College Press of Mississippi, 1973): 1:400; Gordon Donaldson, John Knox: Scotland’s Great Reformer (London: Pitkin, n.d.): 19.
8
9
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10
[90]
11
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Narrative
The committee on [the] narrative of [the] state of religion, presented a report which was
received, adopted and is as follows: The Presbytery of Tombeckbee in submitting to the
General Assembly a narrative of the state of religion within its bounds, would call upon
its own members both to praise God and to humble themselves. Great harmony appears
to have prevailed in all the churches, discipline has rarely been necessary, and in one or
two of the churches quite a large number of members has been received upon examination. The contributions to the Boards of the Church have somewhat increased: Sabbath
schools & Bible classes are generally attended to, where the situation of the congregations will permit, & considerable attention is also paid to catechetical instruction. Public
services upon the Sabbath are well attended, and there is a general disposition in our
churches to contribute liberally to the support of the ministry. Public preaching is afforded to the coloured population. For all these things, we have
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abundant reason to bless God, and we ask our brethren & fathers in the church to unite
with us in thanksgiving. On the other hand we feel called upon to humble ourselves before God for the general religious apathy in the churches, for the increase of worldlymindedness, Sabbath-breaking, & intemperance within our bounds. While in a very few
churches there is a faithful attention to the monthly concert of prayer for the success of
missionary efforts- yet it is generally neglected. Brethren, pray with and for us that the
Lord will revive his work.
Respectfully submitted by
order of Presbytery- H. R. Raymond, chm.
Leave of absence from Presbytery after the morning session was granted to Rev H. R.
Raymond & W. A. Moseley. The order of the day for 10 o’clk was called for, and the
respective committees reported on the Records of Poplar Creek, Carolina, Bethel, Aberdeen, Erin,
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Bethsalem, Kosciusko, Louisville, Bethany, Mayhew, Philadelphia, Lebanon, Salem,
Wahalak, Friendship & Smyrna Churches, which reports were adapted either in their
original or amended form.
Mr Dunbar, Elder from Smyrna Church appeared and having rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness took his seat.
Recess until 2 o’clock p.m.
12
When Presbytery resumed business.
The Report of the Committee ad Interim was received, approved and is as follows: Your
committee ad Interim report 1. That they have transacted no business as such since our
last report. 2. That they have corresponded with the Board of Publication, according to
direction of the Presbytery, relative to the Books of the Board, and have been informed
that it will not meet the views of the Board to place a depository within our bounds, 1 yet
if we can recommend a suitable person for a
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colporteur, that they will appoint him for our Presbytery—all of which is respectfully
submitted.
John M. Morrow
Chairman pro tem.
Rev. Messrs Frierson & Morrow, & Elder R. Barry were appointed the Committee ad
Interim for the next year.
A request from the Kosciusko Ch. for the services of Rev. J. Sydney Hays on the 3rd & 5th
Sabbaths of each month at $200 was presented and granted.
The Stated Clerk presented a Statistical Report to the General Assembly which was received and adopted.
3 o’clock p.m.
The order of the day, Presbyterial Conference was called up- Rev. H. J. Bardwell read an
essay on the scriptural ordinances of Presbyterian Government, which was followed by
remarks from the members generally. It was then resolved that each minister of this Presbytery be enjoined to preach once to his respective congregations during the next six
months on the
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subject of Presbyterian church government.2
The Synod of Mississippi, meeting in New Orleans, resolved in 1852 “That annual collections taken up in
our churches for the Board of Publication, be appropriated to the establishment and support of a Depository
of the books of our Board in the city of New Orleans, except where that money is appropriated to the support of local Depositories. Minutes of the Synod of Mississippi (January 17, 1852).
2
Most Presbyterian ministers of this era agreed with Princeton Seminary’s Samuel Miller that Presbyterianism was “the truly primitive and apostolic constitution of the Church of Christ. See Samuel Miller, Presbyter1
ianism, the Truly Primitive and Apostolical Constitution of the Church of Christ (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of
Publication, 1835); although the questions for the ordination of officers asked only that the candidate “approve the
government and discipline of the Presbyterian Church in these United States.” Still, to be prepared when controversy
arose, Presbyterians rehearsed their reasons for believing that their form of church government was derived from Christ
and His apostles. Indeed, bitter denominational rivalries were characteristic of frontier life, and American
religious scholar Walter Brownlow Posey has written that “the history of the several Protestant churches
which flourished on the Appalachian frontier provides no basis for the ecumenical movement that distinguishes the present era of the Christian religion. The denominations which dominated the scene in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries sharpened their dissimilarities, assumed attitudes of extreme antagonism
toward each other, and shunned cooperation….” Decades would pass, he wrote, before churches learned
the advantages of cooperation. Only during periods of extraordinary stress (such as epidemics and the Civil
13
Rev. J. D. Porter, at his own request, was dismissed to join the Presbytery of South Alabama.
It was resolved that the thanks of Presbytery be tendered to the citizens of Kosciusko &
vicinity for their kindness & Christian hospitality to its members during its present sessions; Also that the above resolution be read from the pulpit on tomorrow, by the minister
of the church.
Missionary Appointments
The committee on arrangements for missionary labours submitted the following report,
which was adopted, to wit: That Rev Messrs Campbell & Hays visit Carthage, Rev Messrs Harris & Emerson visit Lexington and Scotland near Middleton, Rev Messrs Hays &
Bardwell visit Paulding, Rev Messrs Peden & Harrison visit Greensboro, Rev Messrs
Harrison & Peden visit Hamilton, Rev Messrs Carothers & Emerson visit Benela with
Chickasaw, Rev Messrs Morrow & Gladney visit Church Hill near Waverly, Rev Messrs
Harris & Graves visit Olney, Rev Messrs Raymond and
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Frierson visit Macon: that the Brethren visit these points respectively and preach for several days in succession.
Supplies
The Committee on Supplies presented the following report which was adopted, to wit:
Rev. H. J. Bardwell
to visit Montrose,
Rev. J. Sydney Hayes
to visit Philadelphus,
Rev. W. C. Emerson
to visit Hermon,
Rev. J. M. Morrow
to visit Good Hope,
Rev. H. R. Raymond
to visit DeKalb,
Rev. M. Peden
to visit Mt Moriah; and
Rev. J. M. Morrow
to supply Houston once,
Rev. W. C. Emerson
to supply Bethany once,
Rev. R. S. Gladney
to supply Pikeville once,
Rev. J. Harrison, D.D.
to supply Tallabenela once,
and Rev. M. Peden
to supply Salem once, during the absence of our clerical
commissioner to the General Assembly.
On motion, it was resolved that the Educational Fund on hand be sent to the Treasurer of
the Educational Society at Columbia S. C. That the funds for Domestic
War) did churches forget their antagonistic positions and blend efforts for a common good. That divisive
attitudes were not frequently displayed in meetings of Tombeckbee Presbytery may be attributed to the fact
that the area covered by this body had quickly moved from a frontier outpost to a settled community and to
the fact that the Presbyterians, not being a proselyting sect, were less inclined than others to protect their
interests by counterattacks. Walter Brownlow Posey, Religious Strife on the Southern Frontier (Baton
Rouge: Louisiana State University Press, 1965): xiii-xiv, 13.
14
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Missions after liquidating our debts, be subject to the order of the Treasurer of the Western Executive Committee on Missions, That the funds in Bro. Peden’s hands be assigned
to the respective Boards, and that the commissioner’s fund ($116.) be paid into the hands
of our commissioners to the General Assembly to defray their expenses.
Presbytery then adjourned to meet at Bethsalem Church on Thursday before the full
moon in October next at 11 o’clock a.m. Closed with singing, prayer and apostolical
benediction.
Jeptha Harrison, Moderator
W. A. Moseley, Tem. Clk.
Wm. Boughton, Asst Clk.
H. J. Bardwell, Std Clk
Attest
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Bethsalem Church, Winston Cty, Mississippi
Thursday, October 21st 1852, 11 o’clk a.m.
The Presbytery of Tombeckbee met according to adjournment, and was opened with a
sermon by the moderator, Rev Jeptha Harrison, D.D., from Acts 5:20. After sermon,
Presbytery was constituted with prayer.
The roll was called, and members were present as follows. Ministers: M. Peden, J. M.
Morrow, H. J. Bardwell, J. Harrison, D.D., W. C. Emerson, J. N. Carothers, H. R. Raymond, J. Sidney Hays, and Ruling Elders—
J. W. Ervin
A. Slaughter
E. Brown
J. A. Harrison
from Mayhew Church,
from Wahalak Church,
from Kosciusko Church, [and]
from Pleasant Springs Church.
Ministers absent, S. R. Frierson, R. S. Gladney, A. M. Mooney, R. B. Campbell, W. H.
Harris, & G. W. Boggs.
Rev. H. R. Raymond was chosen moderator, and Elder A. Slaughter temporary clerk.
Recess till after dinner,
When at the call of the moderator Presbytery convened and resumed business. The Standing Rules
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15
of Presbytery were read: Also the minutes of the last meeting.
Rev A. M. Mooney, through Rev M. Peden, gave reasons for absence from the present
meeting of Presbytery, which were received as satisfactory.
Rev J. N. Carothers gave satisfactory reasons for absence from the last meeting.
Satisfactory reasons for the non-representation at this meeting of Tallabenela, Pikeville,
& Aberdeen churches were given.
A. Peden, Elder from the Smyrna church appeared & having rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness took his seat. Also John A. Thompson, Elder representative from Bethsalem & Lebanon.
The Camden Church made a written request to be permitted to employ as stated supply
for a fourth of his time the Rev D. S. Todd of the Mississippi Presbytery, which was
granted.
Providence Church sent up a petition to be transferred from this Presbytery to the Presbytery of Chickasaw, whereupon it [was] ordered that the Stated Clerk inform that church
of the action of Presbytery in relation
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to the matter of this petition at its last meeting, giving all necessary explanation.
D. Love, Elder from Bethel Church appeared and having rendered satisfactory reasons for
tardiness, took his seat in Presbytery.
The moderator announced the following committees
Judicial Committee, Rev Messrs Hays and Morrow, and Elder Brown,
On Public Worship, Rev H. J. Bardwell & Elder Thompson,
On Bills & Overtures, Rev Messrs Harrison & Peden and Elder J. A. Harrison,
On the Minutes of the General Assembly, Rev Messrs Carothers, Hays & Elder A. Peden,
[and] On Presbyterial Supplies Rev Messrs Emerson & Peden and Elder M. W. Peden.
Reports of supplies ordered were called for. Some reported compliance with orders,
others reported noncompliance—generally for satisfactory reasons.
16
The Rev. A. T. Graves,1 being present, presented a letter of dismission from the Presbytery of Western District to this Presbytery, whereupon he was examined as to his views in
Theology, and was admitted as a member
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of this body.
J. M. Archibald, Elder from Salem Church appeared and having rendered satisfactory
reasons for tardiness took his seat in Presbytery.
Reports having been heard from members as to missionary labors since the last meeting
Rev Messrs Emerson and Hays were appointed to prepare a suitable minute in relation
thereto. Said committee reported the following which was adopted, viz: that all who complied with the recommendation of Presbytery report the blessing of God’s Spirit on their
labors in the conversion of sinners and the building up and strengthening of feeble churches
visited.
Adjourned to meet at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.
Closed with prayer.
Friday morning, October 22nd 1852
9 o’clock
Presbytery met according to adjournment and was opened with prayer. The minutes of
yesterday were read & corrected. S. T. Lofton, Elder from Bethany Church appeared and
having rendered satisfactory reasons for
[102]
tardiness, took his seat in Presbytery.
Letters from Montrose & Mount Moriah churches were read, requesting permission to
employ as Stated Supply Mr T. D. King a Licentiate under the care of Mississippi Presbytery. Permission was granted until the next stated meeting of Presbytery.
Rev S. R. Frierson and W. C. Mills, Elder from Columbus Church appeared and having
given satisfactory reasons for tardiness, took their seats in Presbytery.
B. F. Smith, Elder from the Louisville Church also appeared, and having rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness took his seat.
1
Allen T. Graves received his education at Centre College in Kentucky and Princeton Seminary. He supplied Bethel near Columbus (1852-1855), also teaching the Bethel township school. During this period he
also served the Mt Zion Church at Crawfordsville. He moved from Tombeckbee to New Jersey. He died
December 5, 1878 at Plainfield, N. J. See E. T. Baird, Historical Sketch of the Bethel Presbyterian Church,
Lowndes County, Miss., Prepared for the Semi-Centennial Celebration, June 21, 1884 (Columbus, Miss.,
Published by the Bethel Church, Crawford, Miss., 1885): 12.
17
Mayhew Church was chosen as the place for the next stated meeting of Presbytery.
The nomination of commissioners to the next Gen’l Assembly was made the order of the
day for 10 o’clock tomorrow morning. Rev. Messrs Peden & Carothers and Elder Mills
were appointed to make an assessment of the churches for the commissioner’s fund.
Rev H. J. Bardwell presented & read an overture in relation to the establishment
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of a newspaper within the bounds of this Presbytery, which was referred to a select committee, consisting of Rev Messrs Bardwell, Emerson & Harrison, and Elder Mills.
Rev W. H. Harris and T. C. Harris, Elder from Hopewell Church appeared, and having
rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness, took their seats in Presbytery.
Recess to meet at the call of the moderator.
At the call of the moderator Presbytery met & resumed business.
Mr Samuel Brown a candidate for the holy ministry presented a letter of dismission from
under the care of the Presbytery of Richland, Ohio, to this Presbytery, whereupon he was
received under the care of this body.
The committee appointed to organize a church at Decatur reported that they had organized the Decatur Church, which was received and enrolled.1
Rev Messrs Harris & Campbell were appointed to organize a church at or near Black
Hawk if the way be clear.
The Rev J. N. Carothers, clerical commissioner to the
[104]
last General Assembly presented his report which [was] received and approved; and the
Treasurer was ordered to pay him a balance due, out of the commissioner’s fund.
Recess until after divine worship
1
This church was dissolved April 13, 1867, and it members directed to connect themselves with the nearby
Mt Ephraim Church.
18
When Presbytery resumed business.
In addition to the parts of trial already assigned Mr Samuel Brown by the Presbytery of
Richland, the Presbytery assigned to him the 126 Psalm for a lecture and Isaiah 43:21 for
a popular sermon.
On motion it was resolved that the Presbytery adhere to the plan adopted last fall, recommending its ministers to perform missionary labor for one month during the year, and
it was ordered that the committee on supplies assign them their respective fields of labor.
Adjourned to meet at 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.
Closed with prayer.
Saturday morning 9 o’clock
October 23rd 1852
Presbytery met and was opened with prayer. A. M. Dinsmore, Elder from Macon Church
[105]
appeared, and having been excused for tardiness, took his seat.
J. McLeod, Elder from Centre Point appeared, and having rendered satisfactory reasons
for tardiness, took his seat.
The minutes of yesterday were read & corrected.
Presbytery being informed that Mr Carson, a candidate under its care, had connected
himself with the Baptist Church, and of several matters connected therewith, Rev Messrs
Frierson & Bardwell and Elder Mills were appointed a committee to bring in a minute in
relation thereto.
Rev S. R. Frierson, being unwell was excused for the present from preaching the Presbyterial sermon, and the same appointment with the Rev. R. S. Gladney as alternate was
continued to the next stated meeting.
The Presbyterial Conference was postponed to the next stated meeting.
10 o’clock.
The order of the day was taken up, and the Rev M. Peden was nominated the clerical
commissioner, and Elder, D. Love the lay commissioner to
[106]
the next General Assembly: and the Rev. J. Sidney Hays and Elder A. Slaughter as their
19
alternates respectively.
The committee appointed to assess the churches made a report which was approved and
is as follows, to wit: Columbus $20. Beersheba $3. Unity $5. Mayhew $7. Lebanon $7.
Bethsalem $5. Olney $3. Aberdeen $18. Starkville $12. Mt Zion $7. Pikeville $5. Houston $7. Wahalak $10. Smyrna $8. Carolina $5. Poplar Creek $2. Louisville $10. Kosciusko $10. Philadelphia $5. Camden $5. Franklin $8. Hopewell $5. Tallabenela $8. Salem
$1. Bethany $5. Friendship $5. Bethel $10. Macon & Centre Point $3. DeKalb $2. Pleasant Springs $3. Montrose $5. Mt Moriah $5. Paulding $5. Philadelphus $5. Good Hope
$5. Carthage $3. Erin $5. Decatur $2.
It having appeared that the injunction of Presbytery to its ministers to preach on the subject of Church Government had been but partially complied with, the same
[107]
was continued till the next meeting of Presbytery.
The Committee on Presbyterial supplies and missionary labors presented a report which
was approved and is as follows, viz: That Rev Messrs Morrow & Emerson visit and hold
a protracted meeting at Benela, Rev Messrs Hays & Mooney at Carthage and at Mr
Weir’s neighborhood, S.E. of Pearl River, Rev Messrs Emerson & Morrow visit and hold
meetings at Paulding, Good Hope, Philadelphus, and Quitman; Rev Messrs Peden and
Harrison at Hamilton, Rev Messrs Frierson & Graves at Macon, Rev Messrs Bardwell &
Harris at Lexington & Black Hawk, Rev Messrs Raymond & Mooney at Montrose and
Mount Moriah, Rev Messrs Peden and Mooney at New Hope, and Rev Messrs Peden &
Graves at Mt Zion.
*The Bethel Church requested permission to employ Rev A. T. Graves three fourths of
his time for the next six months, promising
*Rev G. W. Boggs, at his own request, was dismissed to the Presbytery of Harmony, S.C.
[108]
him $200, which was granted.
It was resolved that this Presbytery most cordially respond to the recommendation of the
Governor of our State appointing as a day of Thanksgiving the 11th day of November
next,1 and would therefore affectionately request the churches under our care to observe
the day thus set apart by suitable religious services.
According to the Directory for Worship, “There is no day under the gospel commanded to be kept holy,
except the Lord’s day, which is the Christian Sabbath. Nevertheless, to observe days of fasting and thanksgiving, as the extraordinary dispensations of divine providence may direct, we judge both scriptural and
rational.” (Chapter XIV, sections i and ii). This is the first note in the minutes of Presbytery to the observance known as Thanksgiving Day.
1
20
The Committee on the Minutes of the General Assembly made a report which was received and adopted and is as follows, to wit: The Committee on the Minutes of the General Assembly report that they have examined the same and recommend to Presbytery
1st The adoption of the resolution on p. 212, recommending that the last Thursday in February be observed as a day of special prayer for young men and for an increase of ministers. And also that our ministers be requested to preach on that day in their respective
churches & take up collections for the
[109]
cause of Education.
2nd That the members of this Presbytery be directed to observe the 5th resolution in the
Report of the Special Committee on Domestic Missions on p. 215, to wit: “That all pastors & stated supplies be requested to take pains to circulate the Report (of the Board of
Domestic Missions) when published, and diffuse more information on the subject of Domestic Missions among their people.”
3rd That they observe the 7th Resolution in the Report of the Committee on the Board of
Publication as recorded on p. 217 to wit: “Resolved, that it be recommended to all our
pastors and churches to give particular attention to the claims of this Board, and under
such aid by the contribution of funds as to enable the Board to enlarge greatly the work of
colportage.”
4th That the Presbytery cordially approve of the Resolutions which were referred to a
committee in relation to the religious
[110]
rights of our citizens in foreign countries, as recorded on page 226.
All which is respectfully submitted
J. N. Carothers, Chr.
Mr A. J. Loughridge, a candidate for the Gospel ministry under the care of this Presbytery requested a letter of dismission to put himself under the care of the Presbytery of
Eastern Texas,1 which was granted, and the Stated Clerk was directed to furnish the
same, bearing special testimony to the Christian deportment of Mr Loughridge.
The Stated Clerk presented a statistical Report to Synod, which was adopted and is as
follows: The Presbytery of Tombeckbee report to the Synod of Mississippi that during
the last Synodical year, we have dismissed the Rev. G. W. Boggs, Rev. J. D. Porter, &
1
Whereas many Presbyterian ministers came to Tombeckbee Presbytery from points east, especially from
the synods of South Carolina, Georgia, and Alabama, so many went from Mississippi to Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.
21
Rev. E. Graves to the Presbyteries of Harmony, South Alabama, and Upper Missouri respectively, have received the Rev A. T. Graves from the Presbytery
[111]
of Western District, have organized a new church by the name Decatur,1 and that we now
consist of fourteen ministers and have under our care forty three churches, and two candidates for the ministry—all of which is respectfully submitted by order of the Presbytery.
The committee appointed to prepare a minute in reference to Mr Carson’s case presented
a report which was adopted and is as follows, viz:
1. Whereas the Presbytery is informed that Mr Carson has united with the Baptist Church,
therefore resolved that his name be and is hereby erased from the roll of candidates.
2. Whereas we are informed that Mr Carson has represented this Presbytery as apprised
[112]
previous to his becoming a beneficiary of the Education Society at Columbia, So. Ca. of
his doubts and difficulties on the doctrine of Baptism,2 therefore the Presbytery takes this
occasion to affirm that it was apprised of no such thing—that neither at the time of his
coming under the care of Presby. nor afterwards until in a recent letter to a member of
this body, did Mr Carson express to the Presbytery or to any member thereof doubts on
the doctrine of Baptism.
3. That although the Presbytery does not consider itself liable for the imposition practiced
on the Edu. Society, yet it will hold itself bound to said society for the amount advanced
up to this time and will refund as it shall be able.
4. That a committee of two be appointed to communicate the above resolutions both to
the Faculty of the Theological Seminary and to the Education Society at Columbia,
[113]
and that said committee after ascertaining from the Education Society the amount advanced to Mr Carson, inform Mr Carson that Presbytery considers him bound to refund
the same.
1
Decatur is the seat of Newton County, Miss.
Differences concerning the proper subjects for and mode of baptism were a prime source of difference between Presbyterians and Baptists, and not a few Presbyterian ministers took pen in hand to issue pamphlets
setting forth their case. Among them were Daniel Baker, who served from 1840 to 1848 at Holly Springs,
Miss. See Daniel Baker, A Plain and Scriptural View of Baptism (Philadelphia: Presbyterian Board of
Publication, 1853); Daniel Baker: Baptism in a Nutshell: The Proper Subject and the Proper Mode (Philadelphia: Wm. S. Martien, 1877). Still, relatively few who had advanced to the place of candidating for ordination wavered on this aspect of their Church’s belief, and the Presbytery took responsibility for the outlay
of funds from the denomination’s Education Society at Columbia, S. C.
2
22
Rev Messrs Emerson & Frierson were appointed the committee under the 4th of the foregoing resolutions.
The special committee appointed on the subject of the establishment of a newspaper in
our bounds1 presented the following report, viz: The committee to whom was referred the
subject of a weekly religious paper in our bounds beg leave to report that as to the importance of such a paper, we are persuaded there can be but one opinion among us. The
only question which can now be considered is—The practicability of establishing and
sustaining such a paper. In this as in other matters, the practicability depends in large
degree upon the will of those concerned. Were the members and
[114]
churches of this Body to display that zeal and energy, in this enterprise, which are manifested by political parties in their efforts we think there could be no doubt that the thing
could and would be achieved. And we beg to call upon every member of this Body to
exert himself in behalf of this object so important to the interests of religion at large and
of the Presbyterian Church in particular. We beg leave to suggest as one peculiarly qualified for the station of Editor of such a paper and as one pointed out to us by the Providence of God for this work, the Rev. A. T. Graves. We recommend that the said named
individual be requested to prepare and issue a specimen sheet of several hundred copies
as early as possible at the expense of Presbytery, for the use of members & friends in
obtaining subscribers to
[115]
the proposed paper at $2 per annum in advance. And further we suggest that the Editor
with two other members be a committee to make conditional arrangements for the publication of said paper, and that the members of this Body and friends to the enterprise generally be requested to exert themselves in obtaining subscribers to said papers before the
next stated meeting of Presbytery, so as to enable the paper then, if possible, to go into
operation.
Respectfully submitted,
H. J. Bardwell, chm.
After some discussion, the Report was laid on the table for the present.
On motion it was resolved that the minutes of this meeting be published in pamphlet form
at the expense of Presbytery & that the Treasurer attend to the same & distribute them to
the several ministers & churches at the rate of 5 cents per copy and refund to Presbytery
whatever
[116]
1
Mississippi Presbyterians had labored long under the belief that a newspaper for their denomination was a
pressing local need. Such a paper eventually evolved, but not before many trials and tribulations were endured. Even then the effort to edit and print the Mississippi Presbyterian was short-lived.
23
amount may be obtained from such sales.
Resolved that a committee be appointed to report some general plan for keeping church
session books. Messrs Morrow, Carothers and Love were appointed said committee.
The Report of the Committee on a Newspaper was taken up, when on motion of Rev. A.
T. Graves, the Report was amended by substituting the name of Rev. H. J. Bardwell in
place of Rev. A. T. Graves, as Editor. The whole report as thus amended was then discussed at length, and adopted. Messrs Hays and Mills were appointed with the Editor, the
committee of arrangements.
Rev Messrs Harrison, D.D. & Hays and Elder Smith had leave of absence from the remaining sessions. Rev Messrs Frierson & Graves also had leave of absence.
The Treasurer made his report which was approved and is as follows:
[117]
24
25
[118]
It was Resolved that the thanks of this Presbytery be tendered to the citizens in the neighborhood of Bethsalem Church for their kindness & hospitality to the members during its
present sessions.
It was Resolved that the Presbytery adjourn to meet in Columbus during the meeting of
Synod at the call of the moderator.
Concluded with singing, prayer and apostolical benediction.
Attest
H. R. Raymond, Moderator
A. Slaughter, Tem. Clk.
H. J. Bardwell, Stated Clerk.
Columbus,
October 27th 1852
Presbytery met according to adjournment and was opened with prayer.
The Roll was called and the members were present as follows: Ministers—S. R. Frierson,
M. Peden, J. M. Morrow, J. Harrison, D.D., W. C. Emerson, H. R. Raymond, J. S. Hays,
& A. T. Graves; Ruling Elders, W. C. Mills from Columbus Church,
[119]
J. W. Ervin from Mayhew and B. F. Smith from Louisville. In the absence of A. Slaughter, Rev. W. C. Emerson was appointed temporary clerk.
Presbytery then adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at 9 o’clock.
October 28th 1852
9 o’clock morning
Presbytery met according to adjournment and was opened with prayer.
Rev. J. Harrison, D.D. and Elder B. F. Smith were added to the committee previously
appointed to prepare some general plan to secure conformity in keeping the records of
church sessions.
Recess to meet at the call of the moderator.
3 o’clock p.m. At the call of the moderator Presbytery convened and resumed business.
Rev. J. N. Carothers, and Elders W. B. Cavanah and D. Love appeared and having rendered satisfactory reasons for tardiness, took their seats.
26
Rev. A. M. Mooney also appeared and took his seat in Presbytery.
The committee appointed to draft some general plan to secure uniform[120]
ity in keeping sessional records made their report, which was received and pending its
discussion, Presbytery adjourned to meet to-morrow morning at 9 o’clock.
October 29th
9 o’clock morning
Presbytery met according to adjournment & was opened with prayer. The unfinished business of yesterday was taken up, when the report under discussion was amended and
adopted and is as follows:
(Note. The report above referred to was mislaid and never came into the hands of the
stated clerk and the same committee was re-appointed at the next meeting of Presbytery,
to report again at a subsequent meeting of the Presbytery, which see on pages 130, 150.)
The Rev’d Mr. Leftwich of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church being present was invited to sit as a corresponding member.
Recess until 2 ½ o’clock p.m.
[121]
Two and half o’clock p.m.
Presbytery met and resumed business.
The Treasurer of Presbytery was ordered to pay Dr. A. M. Carothers, lay commissioner to
the last General Assembly ten dollars and fifty cents out of the Presbyterial contingent
fund.
Leave of absence from the remaining sessions of Presbytery was granted to Elders D.
Love and B. F. Smith, and to Rev’d A. T. Graves.
Recess until after Divine Service to-night.
After Divine Service, Presbytery convened and then adjourned to meet to-morrow at 9
o’clock a.m.
27
October 30th 18529 o’clock a.m.
Presbytery met according to adjournment.
On motion resolved that the paper established shall be called the Presbyterian Sentinel.
[122]
On motion the thanks of the Presbytery were tendered to the citizens of Columbus for
their Christian hospitality to its members during its present sessions.
Presbytery then adjourned to meet at Mayhew Church on Thursday before the full moon
in April 1850.
Closed with singing, prayer and apostolic benediction.
Attest
H. R. Raymond, Mod.
Wm. C. Emerson, Clerk pro tem.
John M. Morrow, Stated Clerk.
(Note. The above remainder of minutes was taken by the present Stated Clerk from the
printed minutes as furnished by the former Stated Clerk.)
[123]
(Note: The minutes of the session of Presbytery during the sittings at Mayhew in April
1853, were not recorded by the Stated Clerk previously to his death, the present Stated
Clerk not being able to procure the original minutes, can only record an abstract of the
minutes as published in the Mississippi Presbyterian, by the former Stated Clerk.)
[124]
Abstract of the minutes of the Presbytery of Tombeckbee, during its stated sessions held
at Mayhew Church, Oktibbieha [sic] County, Miss., April 21st-24th, 1853.
The Presbytery met according to adjournment, and in the absence of the Moderator, was
opened with a sermon by Rev’d J. S. Hays, from Num. 10:29.
The following members were present during the sessions: —
Ministers—M. Peden, S. R. Frierson, J. N. Carothers, J. S. Hays, A. T. Graves, J. M.
Morrow, R. S. Gladney, and H. J. Bardwell.
Ruling Elders—J. A. Thompson, A. M. Carothers, M. D., J. Hinkle, T. K. C. Woodhouse,
T. C. Harris, W. S. Ross, A. C. Jennings, Wm. B. Cavanah, T. J. Stern, A. P. Stennis, J.
28
H. Davison, E. Beatty, J. Mc[125]
Millan, H. M. Story, J. C. Hughes, and A. P. Morrow.
Present as corresponding members, Rev. M. Dickson, of the Presbytery of Talladega, and
Rev. B. K. Thomas, of the Presbytery of Muhlenburg [Kentucky].
Rev. J. S. Hays was elected moderator. Rev. J. N. Carothers, Temporary Clerk, and A. M.
Carothers, Assistant Clerk.
For the absence of Rev. W. C. Emerson satisfactory reasons were presented by letter.
The following Commissioners to the next General Assembly were chosen, to wit: — Rev.
M. Peden, and ruling Elder D. Love, as Principals, and the Rev. J. S. Hays and Ruling
Elder A. Slaughter, as alternates.
The Quitman Prs. Church, organized in Clark [sic] County by Rev. Messrs Morrow and
Emerson, was reported and enrolled.
Leave was granted to the Philadelphia Church, Smyrna, and Pleasant Springs to
[126]
to employ the Rev. B. D. Thomas, as stated supply the next six months and the Committee ad Interim was directed to apply to the Board of Domestic Missions for aid in behalf of these churches, stating the facts in the case.
Leave was granted to the Louisville Church to employ the Rev. J. S. Hays one-half of his
time the next twelve months;—to the Mayhew Church to employ the Rev. J. M. Morrow
one-half of his time the next twelve months;—to the Bethel Church to employ the Rev.
A. T. Graves three-fourths of his time, and the Mount Zion Church one-fourth of his time
the next twelve months.
At the request of the Rev. H. J. Bardwell, the pastoral relation between him and the Lebanon and Bethsalem Churches was dissolved.
Leave was granted to the Kosciusko Ch.
[127]
to employ Rev. H. J. Bardwell three-eights of his time the next twelve months; also to the
Friendship Church to employ Rev. J. H. Carothers one-fourth of his time; also to the
Unity Church to employ Rev. M. Peden a part of his time.
The Rev. J. Rosamond was received from the Flint River Presbytery, Georgia.
29
Mr. T. D. King, a Licentiate under the care of the Mississippi Presbytery, presented presented a letter of dismission from that Presbytery, with letters from Montrose and Mount
Moriah Churches, asking for his ordination, whereupon Mr. King was received under the
care of this Presbytery, was examined on experimental religion and his views in seeking
the gospel ministry, on his literary course, on
[128]
Theology, on Ecclesiastical History, and on church government, all which examinations
were sustained as satisfactory. A trial sermon was also preached by Mr. King. The examination in all its parts and as a whole, having been sustained, after the preaching of a sermon by the Rev. R. S. Gladney, Mr. T. D. King, first having satisfactorily answered the
constitutional questions, was solemnly ordained to the full work of the Gospel ministry
by prayer and the imposition of the hands of the Presbytery, Rev. J. S. Hays, the Moderator presiding, and the Rev. J. N. Carothers delivering the charge to the newly ordained
Evangelist, after which Mr. King took his seat as a member of the Presbytery.
The Rev. H. J. Bardwell, Editor of the Mississippi Presbyterian, was heard in behalf of
the enterprise, whereupon it was resolved that the Treasurer of Presbytery
[129]
be directed pay to Mr. Bardwell out of the contingent fund $40, the expense incurred in
issuing the specimen sheet.
2. That the Presbytery have heard with unfeigned satisfaction, of the tender of a printing
office by Walter Lowrie Esqr., to the Editor of the Mississippi Presbyterian, and that the
Editor and that we renew to him our pledge to co-operate with him and sustain him in
every way in our power in this good and important work.
Presbyterial Sermon
The Presbyterial sermon on “Regeneration” was preached by Rev. R. S. Gladney. The
next Presbyterial sermon was directed to be preached from the text, “So shall he
[130]
sprinkle many nations.” The preacher in order is Rev. J. Harrison, D.D., as principal, and
Rev. J. S. Hays as alternate.
Presbyterial Conference
In the absence of an essayist, and the press of business, the Presbyterial Conference on
“promiscuous dancing” was postponed to the next stated meeting—and Rev. A. T.
Graves appointed essayist.
30
Reappointment of Com. on Keeping Ch. Records
It appearing that a report of a committee, adopted at the last meeting of the Presbytery,
respectin[g] uniformity in keeping sessional records, had been lost, the same committee
was re-appointed to prepare and present a report at the next meeting.
Supplies
It being understood that the supplies ordered at last meeting were for twelve months, the
following additional supplies for the next six months:
Rev. T. D. King, to preach one Sabbath
[131]
at Quitman, one at Good Hope, and as often as possible at Paulding.
Rev. B. D. Thomas, to preach one Sabbath at New Hope, one at Carthage and one at
DeKalb.
Rev. M. Peden, to preach one Sabbath at Philadelphia, and one at New Hope.
Rev. Dr. Harrison, to preach 3rd Sabbath in May at Unity.
Rev. J. Morrow, to preach 4th Sabbath in May at Beersheba.
Rev. A. T. Graves, to preach 3rd Sabbath in May at Center Point.
Rev. J. S. Hays to preach one Sabbath at Poplar Creek.
The Presbytery tendered its thanks to the citizens in the vicinity of Mayhew church for
their kindness and hospitality toward its members.
Presbytery adjourned to meet at Philadelphia, in Neshoba County, on Thursday
[132]
before the first full moon in October next, at 11 o’clock a.m. Concluded with singing,
prayer and apostolical benediction.
Signed
H. J. Bardwell, Stated Clerk
The above is a true copy of the abstract.
John M. Morrow, Stated Clerk[Pages 133-134 are blank.]
31