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    In the southwestern part of Jennings county, Indiana, and the northwestern part of Marion township was located an old-fashioned log school house, the remnant of which may still be seen about 200 yards east of what is known as Barnes school house, known as Marion. Along the east end and almost the full width of this house, about one light wide, was located a window, in keeping with the times. Immediately under this window, on the inside, was located a writing desk, where, the school children of the 1840s took plain and ornamental penmanship. It was, perhaps, on this desk that on the 26th day of April, 1849, the Constitution of the First Marion Baptist Church was written. Suffice it to say that this school house bears the distinguished honor of being the birthplace of the First Marion Baptist Church-not that being a Baptist church makes it more honorable, but that has been joy, peace, blessings and outpourings of the Spirit flowing out of this organization. On Thursday, April 26, 1849, convened a council, over which John Chambers presided, and Jas. B. Swincher was clerk, at which the following constitution was adopted:
    "An ecclesiastical council convened at Marion school house, Marion township, Jennings county, Indiana, on Thursday, April 26, 1849, to consider the expediency of recognizing a band of brethern and sisters in that neighborhood as a Baptist church. The council was composed of brethren as follows: From Coffee Creek Elders Thomas Hill, Wm. B. Lewis, and brethren John Osbern, James Fowler, Daniel Lewis, Francis Barnes, Sidney Butler, Wm. Lewiis, M. P. Keith, S. Hall, Cyrus Scott and Aaron Scott; from Grassy Fork, Elders WIlliam Gillaspy and Enos Tobias; from Scaffold Lick, George Chasteen, Stephen Manning and John Robbins; from Bethany. Elder Jas. B. Swincher, Avery Chambers, James B. Chambers, Amos H. Lee, Samuel Clines, John Litton, Mathew McClain and Matthew Ringwood; from Zion. L. P. Hudson; from White River, Elder John Chambers.
    1st, After a sermon by Rev. Thomas Hill, the Council organized by appointing John Chambers Moderator and Jas. B. Swincher Clerk.
    2d Nineteen brethren and sisters as follows: Samuel B. Carpenter, Jane Carpenter, Timothy B. Lewis, Mahala Lewis, Jeremiah West, Jemima E. West, Joseph Moseley, Catherine Moseley, Ellijah Ferrigo, Woodford Barnes, Elizabeth Barnes, David S. Carpenter, George H. Carpenter, Richard Keith and Eliza Keith presented their letters, Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, which were read and approved.
    3d. The council resolved that they be recognized as the First Marion Baptist Church. Marion Township, Jennings County.
    4th. The right hand of fellowship was given by James B. Swincher.
    5th. The charge was given by Elder Thomas Hill.
            John Chambers, Moderator. James B. Swincher, Clerk.
    In the year 1850 the church erected a commodious log building, for that time, on the site of the present church edifice, which is of brick, 40 x 60 feet. The old log church, about 24 x 30 feet, had two windows on each side, one in the end over the pulpit, a transon over the double door, and one flue in the center of the house. Although the old house was not as attractive as the present church building, which is neatly papered, comfortably seated, well lighted and warmed, yet, methinks, the Lord poured out some of His choicest blessings on many who attended the old church. The names of the pastors who served the church: Timothy Lewiiis from 1849 to 1853; J. B. Swincher from 1853 to 1855; Timothy B. Lewis from 1855 to 1860; William B. Lewis 1860 to 1862; from 1862 to 1866 the church was without a pastor; John Chambers 1867 to 1868, then the church was again destitute of a pastor until 1871. During the latter part of the last destitution Bro. William Gillaspy preached occassionally, receiving several additions to the church and the brethren and sisters becoming considerably revived they chose him as pastor on the second Saturday in July, 1871, receiving over 60 additions to the church. He continued as pastor from 1871 to 1876 when on account of ill health he declined serving any longer; after which the church chose Bro. Wm. B. Lewis, who served from 1876 to 1877; Bro. Allen Hill from 1877 to 1880; Bro. G. W. Thompson from 1880 to 1882; Bro. J. N. Spillman from 1882 until his death, 1884; Bro. U. S. McGuire from 1884 to 1885; Bro. A. J. Lay 1885-1890; Bro. G. W. Applegate 1890- 1893; Bro. J. H. Martin 1893-1894; Bro. J. M. Swarthout 1895-99; Bro. I. C. Overman, of Crothersville, is our pastor at the present time. There have been 469 accessions to the church, confessing Christ as their Saviour, since its organization. The present membership is 183. Our deacons in order as they were chosen are as follows: Woodford Barnes, Richard H. Keith, David Smith, Enos Tobias, Evin J. Hughes and Bro. Buckles, who are our present deacons. Names of church clerks: Woodford Barnes 1849-51; Phineas Butler 51-53; Daniel Lewis 53-60; Caleb Robbins 50-62; blank 62-66; David Smithh 66-72; Evin J. Hughes 72-85; J. T. Barnes 85-88; Simeon Tobias from 1888 to the present time.
    The history of First Marion is full of lessons of instruction. Perhaps few churches have had to contend with more trial and difficulties-sometimes being almost ready to give up and cease to hold a name and place in the sisterhood of churches; yet no church has had more cause to bless God for his wonderful goodness in her afflictions. She has cried unto the Lord and He has heard, answered and blessed. The feeble band has been revived and comforted; backsliders have been reclaimed; sinners have been converted and all have been enabled to rejoice in the quickening influence of the Holy Spirit. How truly have been verified the words of Jehovah- "They shall call upon My-name and I shall hear them. I will say it is my people and they shall say the Lord is my God." Having thus been tenderly led through the seasons of darkness and raised to prosperity it seems that the future of the church must be successful. There has been connected with the church 469 members; present membership 183. May the present membership of Marion church keep close to Jesus that in the year 1949 this commemorative service may again be kept and may it then be said of this church she hath done what she can.
                CHURCH CLERK

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