SANDCREEK
BAPTIST
ASSOCIATION

EXTRACTS FROM THE

1844 - 1907

MINUTE BOOK

BARTHOLOMEW, DECATUR, JENNINGS AND RIPLEY COUNTIES

The first page of the actual book.

    The Sand Creek Baptist Association was organized December 25, 1844, at the home of William Vawter, located in what is now Selmier State Forest in Jennings County, Indiana. Records of their meetings were kept, and at the September 1873 meeting, the Association voted to purchase "a substantially bound book of not less than five hundred pages" and to transcribe those first records in the new book. That minute book was then used until it was filled, ending with the August 1907 meeting.

    In preparation for the 175th Anniversary of the Association, some highlights from the 1844-1907 minute book have been compiled.

Included are:

The first meeting on December 25, 1844
The second meeting on August 16, 17 and 18, 1845
Articles of Faith
Rules of Decorum
History of the Sand Creek Baptist Association
Churches of the Association
Church Letters
Reports of the Associational Board purchase of minute book
Biography of Albert Carter
Death notices and obituaries

Added to the compilation is information about William Vawter.

For the most part, sentence structure and spelling have been transcribed as they appear in the book, and anything added or clarified is enclosed in square brackets.

In 1991, I had the book microfilmed by the Indiana Historical Society. Five copies of film were made. One was purchased from me by a member of the Association, one was given to the Association, the Jennings County Public Library and the library at Franklin College were each given a copy and I have one. My roll of film has since been saved to an image-only pdf file, and has been downloaded to my personal computer and a computer at the Jennings County Public Library.

To assure the preservation of the Sand Creek Baptist Association 1844 - 1907 Minute Book, it was taken to Franklin College in October 2016 and placed with the Indiana American Baptist Collection in the archives of Hamilton Library.

Bonita Taylor Welch     September 2019

The First Meeting of the Sand Creek Baptist Association
December 25, 1844

At a meeting of messengers of Baptist Churches held at the Zoar meeting house in Jennings County on the twenty fifth day of December 1844, after praise and prayer and a sermon by Elder John Vawter from Hebrews 3" chapter 1" verse. On motion and second it was unanimously agreed that Brother Wm. T. Stott act as moderator and Brother John Vawter as clerk. After which the several Churches hereafter named appeared in counsel; the four first with letters certifying their appointment of their messengers. The other Churches by messengers duly appointed but without letters. The object of which meeting was to take into consideration the propriety of organizing a New Association. The following are the names of the several Churches and Messengers:

Geneva	John Blankenship, John Henry, Aaron Green, Jacob Kellar
Zoar	William Vawter, John Stott, Miles McCaulou
Rock Creek	Absalom Oldham, John Dennis
Zenas	John Green, David Smyley, Azeriah Draper, Ephraim Gleason
Mount Pleasant	Chesley Woodward, John Chambers, William Baker, Maxa Moncrief
Brush Creek	Patrick D. Baughn, Moses P. Chaille, Seth Stratton, Samuel McCalla, Sen., Jno. P. Grinstead, Jasper H. Grinstead
Hopewell	Benjamin Tucker, Joseph Dorrel, Scott Waters, Noel O' Neal, Julius Underwood
Little Sand Creek	James Stuart, Robt. Richardson, Ephraim T. Orsman, Hiram Pond

    On motion and second unanimously all Baptist brethren present were invited to participate in the deliberations of the present meeting. After an interchange of opinions among the brethren present on motion and second it was unanimously agreed to organize the aforesaid Churches into a New Association by the name of Sand Creek. And on motion and second it was unanimously agreed to adopt the Bond of Union, Articles of Faith, and Rules of Decorum of the Madison Association, as printed and Headen in her Minutes, as the Bond of Union, Articles of Faith, and Rules of Decorum of this Association.
    On motion and second, unanimously agreed that the annual meetings of this Association shall commence on the 3rd Saturday in August, until changed on motion and second. Agreed that the next meeting of this Association be held with the Brush Creek Church, .Jennings County, ten miles North East of Vernon in August next, commencing at 11 o'clock A.M. On motion and second proceeded to elect by private ballot a member to preach the next introductory sermon and to write a circular letter for the next Association. Which election resulted in the choice of Elder C. Woodward to preach said discourse, and Elder Benjamin Tucker his alternate. Elder William Vawter to prepare said Circular letter.
    On motion and second unanimously agree that Elder Chesley Woodward act as Moderator, and such person as he may call on as clerk at our next meeting, until the Association shall become organized. After praise and prayer by Elder Wm. T. Stott adjourned in peace.
                Wm. T. Stott. Moderator
                John Vawter, Clerk

A.D. 1845
The 2 Association
Minutes of the second meeting of the Sand Creek Baptist Association, begun and held at the Brush Creek Meeting House, Jennings County, Ind. on the 16'' 17'' and 18'' of August 1845.

1st. Introductory sermon by Elder Chesley Woodward, from Luke 12th chapter and 33 verse.
2" Letters from the several Churches read, and Messengers names enrolled.
Bear Creek     - Jno. Allaway and Joel Herring
Geneva     - Charles Snowden, Jno. Henry, Jno. B. Brown
Mt. Pleasant     - C. Woodward, Wm. Baker, Jas. Wheeldon, M. Moncrief Zoar Wm. Vawter, Jno. Stott, Miles McCaulou, J. R. Vawter
Brush Creek     - S. Stratton, J. H. Grinstead, P. D. Baughn
Hopewell     - J. Dorrell Jr., G. Moncrief, J. Fearage, S. McClure
Rock Creek     - J. Vandusen, A. Oldham T. Reynolds Lt. Sand Creek R. Richards, J. Redenbaugh
Zenas     - J. Rafferty, A. Draper, D. Smiley
Dry Fork     - J. Morgan, J. Shirk, G. W. Patterson

Churches	Rec'd by Baptism	Rec'd by Relation	Rec'd by Letter	Dism'd Letter	Excluded	Dead	Total	Sat. of Church Mtg	Cont. for Printing
Bear Creek			1	2		2	55	1	.25
Geneva	2		3	2	2	1	53	4	.70
Mt. Pleasant	4		5	34	7	1	90	3	1.13
Zoar	1		4	1			32	4	.60
Brush Creek			1				81	1	.70
Hopewell	5	1	2			2	131	3	.95
Rock Creek		1	3	1	4	1	29	4	.50
Lt. Sand Creek	2		1	1			50	2	.60
Zenas			5		1	1	23	2	.35
Dry Fork				6	1		51	1	.65
	14	2	25	47	15	8	595		6.43

3" Bro. Wm. Vawter chosen Moderator, and Patrick D. Baughn Clerk.
4" Prayer by Bro. Wm. T. Stott.
5" Brethren from Sister Associations invited to Seats.
6" The church at Dry Fork received into the Association and their Messengers invited to seats.
7" Brethren appointed to write corresponding letters to the following Associations, to wit: To Madison, P. D. Baughn; to Coffee Creek, John Stott; Flat Rock, Jno. Raffety; Brownstown, Miles McCaulou.
8" Circular letter, written by brother Wm. Vawter, called for, read and adopted.
9" Elders A. Baker, Jno. Vawter, and Thos. Hill, Jr., to preach on Lord's day. Commencing at 10 o'clock A. M.
10th Brother Benjamin Tucker to preach the next introductory sermon - his alternate, brother Wm. Vawter.
11th The Moderator and Clerk to arrange the business for Monday. Adjourned until Monday, 10 o'clock A. M.

Monday morning, met persuant to adjournment. Prayer by brother T. Hill Jr.
1st Corresponding letters called for, read, and adopted, and Messengers appointed to bear the same. To Madison, brethren C. Woodward, J. Stott, J. Woodward, and Wm. Vawter. Coffee Creek, brethren C. Snowdon, J. Stott, B. Tucker, Wm. Baker and C. Woodward. Flat Rock, C. Woodward, J. Woodward, A. Draper, J. Raffety, and A. Oldham. Brownstown, J.M. Brown, C. Woodward, J. Woodward, M. Moncrief, and D. Bias.
2nd Brother C. Woodward to write the next circular letter.
3rd The next Association to be at Bear Creek.
4th Meetings appointed to wit: At Dry Fork on the first Saturday and Sunday in October, 1845; brethren Jno. Vawter and C. Woodward agree to attend. 2nd at Little Sand Creek on the second Saturday and Sunday in August 1846; brethren A. Baker and Jno. Stott agree to attend. 3", at Geneva on the third Saturday and Sunday in November, 1845; brethren A. Baker and Jno. Vawter agree to attend. 4" at Hopewell on the third Saturday and Sunday in October, 1845; brethren C. Woodward and A. Baker agree to attend. 5" at Mt. Pleasant on the fifth Saturday and Sunday in May, 1846; brethren T. Hill, Jr., W. T. Stott and A. Baker agree to attend. 6" at Zoar on the last Saturday in November, 1845; brethren C. Woodward and C. Moncrief agree to attend. 5th Money collected for printing minutes and the Clerk to superintend the same. Adjourned to meet at Bear Creek church on the third Saturday in August, 1846. Prayer by brother Jno. Vawter.
Wm. Vawter, Moderator
P. D. Baughn, Clerk

Circular Letter

    Dear Brethren and Sisters: We should be thankful to God that you continue your Christian regard for each other, and have sent letters and messengers to perpetuate union. May an enemy in no form whatever make such inroads among us as to cause schism and distress, to prevent which we extort you to live near to Jesus, and cultivate acquaintance and brotherly kindness with each other.
    And now we call your attention to the use of some of those means, for the promotion of true religion, which the Lord has directed in his holy and inspired word. Maintaining, as we do and as we think all genuine Baptists have ever done, from John the Baptist and forerunner of Christ,' till the present time. 1st That candidates for baptism and members of churches, should be regenerated by the spirit of God. We conclude his rich and sovereign grace lays them under the strongest obligations to do all they can to magnify his good cause, always taking care to be governed by his unerring word. First, let every one examine his own heart and see that it be not haughty, that the love of God be richly shed abroad there by the Holy Ghost, that it may have a deep sense of God, the cause of religion, and the worth of souls, and keep thy heart with all dilligence. Second, all that are heads of families especially should recommend the blessed religion of Jesus to them and begin and end each day with prayer, and other devotional exercises. Tell your little children and others, they are sinners against God, although they are continually dependant upon him - that he is exceedingly good, and has borne with sinners, and has provided a great salvation for them. Teach them to respect his holy word, his worship, his people, and the Sabbath day. Teach them that they are always in his presence, and will soon have to give an account to him for all they think, say, and do, and that there is a necessity for all to repent immediately of their sins and believe in Jesus Christ. Third, as we have opportunity let us do good to all men, especially to those of the household of faith. Give you brethren and sisters evidence, by your sympathy and Christian kindness, that you love them as Christ's body.
    Esteem it a duty and privilege to meet with them, talk with and encourage them in the good ways of the Lord. Let the cause of God be ever regarded as the best of all causes, and let not the affairs of this life crowd so on your minds as to make you neglect the great concerns of religion. Fourth, let your conduct towards your neighbors and the world in general, be according to godliness, and be zealous in every good work. In your intercourse with your neighbors, let no opportunity to advance the religion of your Lord pass unimproved. Tell them often of his love, his rich gospel, and entreat them to be reconciled to him. Tell with humility and reverence what he has done for your own souls. This often produces a great effect both on those who speak and those who hear. Are any of your neighbors or acquaintance destitute of a Bible, endeaver to have them supplied with one, and impart to them any religious information and instruction you can, that accords with God's holy word. Fifth, let the children and youth of your land be a matter of serious concern. No doubt but they ought not to be neglected in any wise. Born in sin; their souls are precious, and they might be of immense service in the church of Christ. Moreover the Lord by the Prophets, alluding to gospel time, gives encouragement on this subject. See Isaiah 44 ch 3 verse, Joel 2:28, Psalms 8:2. And children in the temple once cried hosannah to the son of David. Jesus heard and approved the deed. Read Matt. 21 ch 15 and 16 verses.
    Religious impressions may be earlier made on the minds of children than most people are aware of. Then let fathers, and especially mothers be actively and affectionately employed in instructing their children, and youth in the happifying doctrines of the gospel. Here is also a profitable field for active and zealous labours of the ministry, and forms an important part of their duties. Children and youth will often regard and remember the affectionate council of a preacher, especially if it be given individually, accompanied with prayer and tokens of affection. Sixth give all the encouragement you can to the preaching of the gospel among the churches, and in destitute neighbourhoods. When you pray try always to pray for preachers, and that the Lord would increase their number, their zeal, and faithfulness. Often when a preacher is invited to preach more frequently, and to extend his labors farther abroad, he has to reply my temporal concerns, and the wants of my family forbid it.
    But surely every preacher called of the Lord feels bound to preach and do all he can to make known the glorious gospel. 0 brethren, would it be wrong? Would not heaven approve the deed for his brethren and friends to supply his needs so that they shall not in any wise be a hinderence to him? Surely Jesus would regard such acts of kindness as done to himself, and grant an ample reward in the rewarding day. Then let your hearts and hands be open is this tender yet important matter. And if the preacher neglects preaching in any case, let not the sin lie at your door. God sees it. Neither let any insinuate that he is an hireling, or preaches for money, because he receives something to afford him opportunity to labor in the gospel. Fear of this makes many preachers shrink from the glorious work, and almost sink down in distress and silence. But God sees them, thereforee endeaver to encourage your preachers, and let them know by your affection, sympathy and brotherly kindness, that you feel a deep interest in their prosperity, and usefulness. Seventh, preachers should also, especially consider that the state of religion both in and out of the church, depends much on them, and their labors as instruments of usefulness or injury, of honor or disgrace. They should study the scriptures, pray to understand them, be established in the faith, use sound speech seasoned with grace, endeavor every way they can to win souls to the Lord, build up Christians in Christ, and take care to give no occasion for enemies to speak reproachfull of his good cause.
    Eighth, Let all duly consider the obligations they are under to fulfill the Savior's high command, Go ye into the world and preach the gospel to every creature. Remember, there are millions of our race that have no Bibles, have no knowledge of Jesus, and are worshiping idols, while their souls are perishing in sin.
    Let each one ardently inquire, can I not do something to make known the riches of that glorious grace which brought me a stranger, outcast, and rebel as I was, to the feet of Jesus my Lord and made my poor soul rejoice in the hope of his glory Let each one reflect while using to declare the glory of God, and that sinners may be converted and saved. Remember that he that soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly and he that will not plow by reason of the cold shallbeg in the harvest, and have nothing. Ninth, All, all should be done in accordance with the direction the Lord has given us, with humble dependence on him, and with fervent, uncreasing, and united prayer to him for his direction, energy and increase. It is he that makes it our duty to act, prescribes the means for us to use, and he alone can crown our labor with a glorious end. O then, brethern, whatever we find to be our duty, let us do it without delay. God calls to labor, and our time is precious. Our children are dear-our fellow mortals have souls above value and are hastening to eternity, and God's cause is often ruined by the neglect of its professors. O, then, we beseach you by the invaluable woth of souls, to work while it is day-to pray while Jesus, our neighbors and fellow mortals of every nation converted, surely would be most Joyful to every Christian. Then let us awake to duty, and arise as from among the pots, and Christ shall give us light.     And let us never be weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap if we faint not. May the Lord bless us all, revive his work, and save us for Jesus sake. Amen.
                Patrick D. Baughn, Clerk        William Vawter, Moderator

Note: This first Circular Letter of our Association was written by Elder Wm. Vawter, a faithful and devoted Minister of the Gospel.

Articles of Faith

August 1847
The Association to be composed of members from the several churches bearing letters, certify their appointment, the number baptized, received by letter, dismissed by letter, excluded, dead, and total numbers from one meeting to another. The Association shall have a Moderator and Clerk, shall exercise no power over the independence of the churches; but shall have power to say what church may be received into her union, and what church shall be dropped from her minutes; enter into correspondence with sister Associations, and meet once a year at such a time and place as may be agreed on the object of which is to extend our Christian union, fellowship, and acquaintance with each other; and to proclaim the good news of life and salvation to the children of men, and as a feast of our union, by which we may know each other, we make the following declaration of the understanding of the scriptures:
1st   That the scriptures of the Old and New Testaments are the infallible word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice.
2nd   That there is only one true God, known by the names of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
3rd   That by nature we are fallen and depraved creatures.
4th   That salvation, regeneration, sanctification, and justification are by the life, death, resurrection, and ascension of Jesus Christ.
5th   That the saints will finally persevere through grace to glory.
6th   That believer's baptism by immersion, is necessary to the receiving of the Lord's Supper.
7th   That the salvation of the righteous, and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal.
8th   That is our duty to be tender and affectionate to each other, and study the happiness of the children of God in general, and to be engaged singly to promote the honor of God.

Rules of Decorum

August 1847

1st	After the letters are read, the members may proceed to choose a Moderator and Clerk. The duty of the Moderator shall be to keep the Association in order, state all propositions fairly, take the vote of the brethren, and have the same privilege of speaking as another, provided his seat is tilled; and give the casting vote.
2nd	The Clerk to make a fair record of all proceedings deemed necessary.
3rd	But one person speak at the same time, and he to rise and address Moderator; all motions seconded to be attended to except overruled by the Association.
4th	All persons speaking shall strictly adhere to the matter in debate, and make no censorious remarks on those who spoke before him and not speak more than twice to any one subject, without leave of the Association.
5th	The Association to decide all questions by a majority, except the reception of a church.
6th	Any member may call to order, and move for adjournment.
7th	No member shall address another but by the appellation of brother, nor leave his seat without leave of the Moderator.
8th	Minutes of the Association to be read and corrected if need be, before the Association, and be recorded in a book if necessary.
9th	The Association to be opened and closed each day by praise and prayer if practicable, and may adjourn to any place within the bounds of the same.

History of the Sand Creek Baptist Association
Presented at the Fortieth-First Anniversary
of the Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Liberty Baptist Church
Decatur County, Indiana
August 13, 14, 15, 1884

    [Although the writer begins by giving the organizational year of the Association as 1842, the first entry in the minute book has "The First Meeting of the Sand Creek Baptist Association, December 25, 1844. "The next meeting is "A. D. 1845, The 2 Association.... the 16", 17" and 18" of August 1845." Later in this history, we read, .... at the second session in 1845."]
    The Sand Creek Baptist Association was organized at the Zoar Church, Jennings County, Indiana, December 25th 1842, and annual sessions have since been held. At the organization Elder Wm. T. Stott was Moderator and John Vawter, Clerk.
    The churches represented at the organization were Geneva, Zoar, Mt. Pleasant, Rock Creek, Brush Creek, Zenas, Hopewell and Little Sand Creek. Bear Creek reported at the next session with no mention of her reception, and it is supposed that in transcribing the records the name was unintentionally dropped and that the church was represented at the organization.
    There has been connected with this Association since its organization, in all twenty-eight churches of which nineteen now constitute the body, leaving nine which have dropped out. These are: Pleasant Grove, Friendship, Mt. Zion, Otter Village, Tannersville, Pleasant Hill, Laugherty, New Pleasant Grove and Mayflower. Zoar now bears the name of North Vernon and the location has been changed from some three miles northeast of that place to the town. The churches are located in the counties of Jennings, Ripley, Decatur and Bartholomew, and are widely scattered.
    If we except North Vernon, all are what would be styled country churches.
    As early as 1849, the Association finds itself on record favoring Sunday School, the following resolution introduced by John Stott appearing upon the minutes:
    Whereas, The religious education of our children is a great auxilary in their education, Therefore, Resolved, That we strongly recommend to our churches the establishment of a Sabbath School in each church and neighborhood as far as practicable.

    Only two Sunday Schools reported in the Association at this time, one at Zenas and one at Zoar.     In 1851, the Association first adopted a resolution favoring missions. The resolution was as follows and was introduced by John Stott:

    Whereas, There are some places in our bounds deprived of preaching, and as we regard it the duty of Christians to labor for the advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom. Therefore, Resolved, That we earnestly recommend to the churches composing this Association, by their prayers and contributions, to aid their ministers in preaching the Gospel in destitute neighborhoods.
    It will be noticed that this does not directly embrace missionary work abroad, but there was a gradual advancement in this direction within the next few years, and we soon find resolutions favoring all missionary work, and also collections taken for the same amounting, in many instances, to more than is now given to these societies. The Association for many years adopted the plan of appointing five or six general meetings during the year throughout the Association, two or three ministers agreeing to attend them.
    There were but three ministers in the Association at the organization, viz: Elders C. Woodward, Wm. Vawter and Benjamin Tucker. The latter died at the early age of 32 years in 1850. [An obituary for Benjamin Tucker, recorded in the minutes of the seventh meeting of the Association held August 17, 18 and 19, 1850, gives his death date as August 21, 1849.]
    There have been many ministers connected with the Association since. Among which, in addition to those now with us, we may mention, C. Snowden, Ira Gleason, Hiram Pond, Joab Stout, G. W. Patrick, Jacob Martin, A. Churchill, N. Frazee, S. Sanderford, S. Billings, Hiram Christie, Isaac Christie, 0 F. Feagler, J. W. Reynolds, George Herron, Christian Berkman, B. Denham, David Ferren, P.H. Nichols, D. 0. Stiles, J.H. Johnson, S. H. Thompson and C. N. Gartin. Some of these are now living on other fields of labor, while others have gone from earth to reward. Hiram Pond died in 1852, while yet young. Wm. Vawter lived to a ripe old age and was gathered to his father in 1868. Of him it may be said that he spent a lifetime in the service of his Master. As much may be said of Joab Stout, who died in 1878 after a lingering illness. The writer's memory does not reach back to others, and whose names with date of death do not appear in the minutes, but whose lives were as pure and whose death was as full of hope as these.
    The Association has been faithful to its officers, having in its forty years of existence had but two Moderators, viz: Elder Wm. Vawter and Elder Albert Carter, the present Moderator. Patrick D. Baughn was the first Clerk, and was succeeded by J. W. Reynolds in 1855. Wm. C. Vawter, George Goudie and B. F. Gaston, the present clerk have served since. Of these officers all are yet living except Wm. Vawter and Wm. C. Vawter, who died at Madison about two years since.
    At the organization of the Association, or rather at the second session in 1845, when Dry Fork Church was represented as well as those already mentioned, there were 595 members, since which time there have been reported as received by baptism 2611. The present membership is 1469.     There was organized in April 1872, at the Mt. Pleasant Church, a Sunday School Convention, under the direction of the Association, which convention has continued to hold semi-annual sessions, with perhaps one or two failures.
    It would be unjust should we make no mention of the able and efficient work done in the Association by ministers who were not members of it. We can only mention a few at this time. Much of the most arduous labor of that old pioneer father, Wm. T. Stott, was performed within the bounds of the Association. The late Evan Snead was for some time engaged as missionary of the Association. Enoch Tilton was another who labored strenuously for the advancement of the Master's Kingdom. W. Y. Monroe, who is with us today, has done much efficient work in the Association. Time and space, however, forbid that we shall mention others whose hearts were as true, and whose labors were as earnest as were those already mentioned.

Churches of the Association

Antioch Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

October 1871 An invitation was given for other Churches to unite with the Association. The Antioch Church, organized within the last year, presented a letter by the hands of her Messengers asking for admission. The request granted, hand of fellowship extended to her Messengers.

Digest of Church Letters

September 1872 Pray for a blessing on the Association.

August 1883 Asks tor the prayers of all God's people, are holding on, though not gaining much.

Bear Creek Baptist Church

[The location of Bear Creek Baptist Church is given as five miles northeast of Scipio.]

History of Bear Creek Baptist Church
Presented at the Twenty-seventh Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Sardinia, Decatur County, Indiana
September 21st, 22nd and 23rd, 1870

    The Church known as the Bear Creek Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, in Jennings County, Indiana, was organized at the cabin of John Herrin, Sr., on the 27th day of July, A.D. 1828. The names of Eld. John Bush, Nancy Bush, John Bush, Jr., Leurch Bush, and Cader Herrin appear as the persons composing the church at its organization.
    For a short time it appears that the church continued to meet at the cabin where they organized; but the year following their organization they built a house of round logs about one-half mile south of their present meeting house. The house first built was very rude in its construction; being in size 18 by 20 feet, without any glass in window, puncheon floor, rails for seats, without backs of any kind. In this humble tenement they met for worship; the Savior by His Spirit, often meeting with them.
    But in the year 1833 to meet the wants and conveniences of an increasing population they moved to a school house about three-fourths of a mile south-west of the present town of Sardinia, in Decatur County, Indiana. At this house, and the dwelling house of brother John Chambers near by, they held their meetings until the year 1835. In this year they built a hewed log house 24 feet square, about three- fourths of a mile south-west from the school house mentioned above. Although they never quite finished this house they occupied it for about four years, when again it seemed necessary to select another location, which they did by obtaining and building upon their present lot. They first built a good house of hewed logs 24 feet square. This house was built in 1839, and used by the church until about twelve years ago, when they built their present house which is a brick 35 feet by 50, well finished.
    In the early days of this church her membership was much scattered covering a region of country twelve miles long from east to west. This will explain why they moved so often before they became permanently settled.
    On the 1st of July, 1834, by request, the following members were permitted to withdraw from the church, in order to form a new church in Bartholomew County, Ind.: Jas. Smith, Willis Cook and wife, Elizabeth Padgett and Willey Rodgers. Again, in February, 1835, the church was called to part with the following brethren and sisters: Willis Stribling and wife, James Blankenship and wife, and Catherine Eli; who were given up by the church to form the Mount Pleasant church at Sardinia, Indiana, the church with which the Association is now in session.
    The first pastor of the church was Eld. John Bush, one of the constituent members of the church. He served faithfully for a period of twelve years. The Master has called him up higher.
    The church had as her second pastor Eld. Chesley Woodard. For nine years he labored earnestly and faithfully as her under Shepherd. He imigrated to the West.
    Her third pastor was Eld. Orin Whitcomb. He remained pastor for a term of five years. Her fifth, Eld. Ira Gleason, for two years. He also has been removed to a higher and holier church. Her sixth and present pastor is Eld. Albert Carter, who has been serving us for a period of nine years. During the infancy of this church she was greatly strengthened and blessed by the visits and preaching of Elds. Jesse Vawter, Wm. T. Stott, John Vawter, Wm. Vawter, and Caleb Moncrief. Of these faithful ministers none now remain except Wm. T. Stott. they were each greatly loved by us.
    This church has been in existence something over forty-two years and has had but six pastors. These have been good men, have made many sacrifices and labored much for the good of the people. Each of them were true and faithful to us as pastors. Some of them are gone to give an account of their stewardship. The others are nearing that great tribunal where all must stand. What they have done for the church and the church has done for them will soon be known and seen in the light of eternity. An impartial and just Judge will pass his irrevocable sentence upon pastor and people.
    At the present time she has a membership of one hundred and 40, and many of her spiritual children are scattered over the surrounding counties; and members annually have taken letters and gone into the far West to build up the cause of Christ, and bless the people, we trust. In the bounds of this church there is a large and enlightened community. The congregations are large, orderly, and attentive. Her membership has in it many young men and young women who are capable of doing great things for Christ if they remain true to their profession. We have also some aged soldiers of the cross, who have almost finished their course; though this class is small compared with the aggregate. Most of our earlier members, with our first pastor, have gone to their reward.
    Our present deacons are John Herrin and James N. Chaillie. Our present Clerk is John W. Herrin.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865         Have had a precious revival and rejoice that God has converted their friends; ask the prayers of God's people; have preaching once per month by Eld. A. Carter.

August 1866         Have had a precious revival; have had a considerable number added to her; still have the labors of Rev. A. Carter once per month; have had preaching also by Wm. T. Stott, Jr., one fourth of the time for several months; have a good Sabbath School; are thankful to God for his favors; ask the prayers of the Association.

September 1869         Is thankful to the Giver of all good that so many are permitted still to meet in Christian fellowship. Rejoices that the Lord has graciously revived his work among them, and converted their children and neighbors. Have the labors of Rev. A. Carter one fourth of the time. Have a flourishing Sabbath School.

September 1872         Thank God for the privilege of meeting the Brethren in an associated capacity. Have preaching one fourth the time. Have a good Sunday School. Pay their Pastor $150.

August 1883        Is longing to live and be of service in winning souls to Christ. Has a Sunday School superintend by Charles Herring.

Brush Creek Baptist Church

[The location of Brush Creek Baptist Church is given as 9 miles northeast of Vernon; 2 1/2 mi1es north of Butlerville, on the Ohio & Mississippi R. R.; and 7 miles east of North Vernon.]

History of Brush Creek Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Second Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held at Zenas Baptist Church
Jennings County, Indiana
September 22nd and 23rd 1875

The Baptist Church called Brush Creek was constituted on the first Saturday in June, A.D., 1836, at a log school house which stood within one hundred yards in a south west direction of the present location of the Church, which is about two and a half miles north of Butlerville, Indiana.
The constituent members were: Moses P. Challie and Mary, his wife; James Davis and Mary Ann, his wife; Rhoda Prethro; Annie Davis; Sarah Denton; Jasper H. Grinstead.

Places of Meeting

    The church met once in each month (as has been the custom from its organization to the present) at said school house until the summer or fall or 1841 when they began to hold meetings in a new log school house erected for the purpose, which then stood where the graveyard now is, which is about one hundred yards west from the above mentioned school house. The Church continued to meet in this house unti1 October 6th 1849, when it was consumed by fire.
    They then went to work to building a stone house which is 35 by 45 feet in dimensions; meanwhile holding their regular meetings around at neighbouring houses - the school house having been removed- often at Bro. Jas. Davis, but generally at Bro. Seth Stratton's.
    The Church met and held their first services at the stone house in May, 1850; however, it was not competed for two or three years afterwards.

The Ministers

The Ministers who attended the Church were Revs. John Vawter, who preached for them the first year, assisted by Caleb Moncrief who attended them about six years afterwards at different times. Benjamin Tucker labored with them as Pastor for nearly three years; William Vawter for nearly two years, Isaac Christie nearly four years; Jacob M. Cox one year; John Chambers nearly three years; Jonathon Allee one year; Nelson Johnson one year; F. M. Huckleberry two years; and lastly, John Stott two years. The Church has been without a Pastor several times for months at a time.
In the early days of this Church it was visited and greatly blessed and encouraged by Elds. Wm. T. Stott, Sen., Chesley Woodward, Andrew Baker, Archy Smith, M. C. Edwards and others, besides the regular pastor. Some of them came frequently.

Minister's Salaries

Ministers salaries was a subject wholy out of place in this Church through the greater part of its existence.

Deacons

Bro. Seth Stratton served the Church as Deacon from 1838 to the time of his death, January 4th, 1860; Edward Hutton served as such for nearly two years, in 1850-1852; Samuel R. McCaulou was chosed Deacon in December, 1859, and served until his death which occured February 7th 1872; George Monroe was set apart to serve in like capicity in January, 1860, which labor was ended by death in October, 1866; Wm. H. Christie, one of the present Deacons, being ordained as such while a member of Indian Kentucky Church, was chosen assistant in November, 1863; James H. Butler and A. J. Chambers were elected Deacons in August, 1872, and served until January, 1874, when they were dismissed by letter; Samuel Harmon was chosen in July, 1874, and is serving as such at the present time.

Clerks

Jasper H. Grinstead kept a record of the proceedings of the Church from its organization in 1836 to May 1848, when Patrick D. Baughn was placed in that position and served until June, 1857, when he was succeeded by Wm. G. H. Stratton who served one year. His successor was Samuel R. McCaulou who seved from 1858 until his death in February, 1872, excepting a time intervening between June, 1863, and March, 1866, which was filled by Wm. H. Christie. At the death of his father, Wm. P. McCaulou was placed as his successor, which position he has held up to the present.

Membership

According to the records, 191 persons have joined this organization up to July, 1872. During that time 67 have joined by letter, 15 by relation, and 9 have been restored. The same records also show that 121 have been dismissed by letter, 21 have died, 38 have been excluded, which would leave 110 members at the latter named date.
The Church then noticed that she was reporting a greater number of members to the Association than she was composed of and a committee was appointed to investigate the matter. After a pretty thorough search there could be found but 85 persons who were members of this body. Since July, 1872, 6 others have been added and 19 dismissed, excluded, died, etc., leaving this present number 72.

Associational Relationships

    The Brush Creek Church first held a membership with the Madison Association; but in 1844 united with other Churches in organizing what is called the Sand Creek Association with which it still remains.
    Brush Creek Church has had some refreshing seasons as well as dark ones. Among the former might be mentioned as note-worthy: the time of its earliest history; the early part of Rev. Tucker's administration in 1842; in 1850 under the leadership of Eld. Moncrief; in 1859, conducted by Eld. E. Tilton; in 1868 by Albert Carter and H. McCalip.
    In the last named meeting, about 30 persons united with the Church in three consecutive nights.
    During Rev. W. T. Stott's labors with the Church, from 1860 to 1865, Brush Creek was especially noted for large congregations. In June, 1871, the Church took the Sunday School under her supervision, failed to sustain it. Now without a Sabbath School.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865        Have the labors of Eld. J. Allee once per month; Ask the Lord to bless the Association. Have had several additions the past year.
August 1866        Complain of coldness and want of interest in the cause of Christ; ask the prayers of God's people.
September 1869        Are thankful to their Heavenly Father that they have another privilege of greeting their brethren of the Association. Have nothing of special importance to communicate. Have no regular Pastor.
Have quite an interesting Sabbath School, superintended by J. H. Grinstead.
September 1872        Asks the prayers of the Brethren.
August 1883        Reports a well attended Sunday School and has been blessed by the Master in bringing souls to repentence.

Dry Fork Baptist Church

[The location of Dry Fork Baptist Church is given as 18 miles north of Vernon.]

History of Dry Fork Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Third Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Dry Fork Baptist Church
August 16th and 17th, 1876

    This Church was organized in Feb. 1835 at the residence of Enoch Garrison, 1 and one fourth miles west of the present location. Her constituent members were: Deacon John Patrick and wife; Enoch and Margaret Garrison; Elizabeth Patrick, Sr. and Jr.; Sarah Patrick; Susan Morgan; Rebecca Black; Elener Taswell. Her Articles of Faith are the same in substance as the Philadelphia Confession.
    For five or six [no time given] she worshiped in a private house until they were able to build a rude log house near the present frame one. This frame was built in 1852. The only relic of the old house is the stone used in the present house.
    This Church was a member of the Flat Rock Association from 1835 to 1845 when she attached herself to the Sand Creek Association, in which she still retains her membership.
    There has belonged to the Church nearly 400 members, as near as we can learn from our imperfect records, two thirds of whom have been received by baptism.
    The territory in which this Church labors has been and is still a difficult one for Baptist influence, yet by patient labor and sacrifice, she has gained a place in the affections of the community not easy to be overcome as is seen by her constant growth and increasing influence.
    The following is a list of the Officers of the Church, time of service:

Clerks

Enoch Garrison	served from Dec 1835 to Dec I837	2 yrs
G. W. Patrick	served from Dec 1837 to Apr 1848	10 yrs 4 mos
Samuel Howell	served from May 1848 to Sept 1856	8 yrs 4 mos
Job Shirk	served from Sept 1856 to present time	20 yrs

Deacons

John Patrick	served from Feb 1835 to Sept 1857	22 yrs 5 mos
Wm. Homsher	served from Feb 1857 to Aug 1872	15 yrs
Geo. Davis	served from Nov 1872 to May 1874	1 yr 6 mos
Job Shirk	served from Mar 1843 to present	33 yrs 5 mos
Jessie Stafford	served from Nov 1872 to present	3 yrs 9 mos

Pastors

Archibald Leach	served from Feb 1835 to [no month]1842	7 yrs
Jas. Vawter	served from Oct 1842 to Nov 1844	1 yr, 5 mo
Jas. Blankenship	served from Oct 1842 to Nov 1844	1 yr, 5 mo
Wm. Moore	served from Jan 1845 to Jan 1846
Jas. Blankenship	served from Jan 1846 to Jan 1847	1 yr
A. Leach	served from Jan 1847 to Jan 1848	1 yr
G. W. Pavy	served from May 1848 to May 1849	1 yr
Evan Snead	served from May 1849 to Oct 1851	2 yrs 5 mos
G. W. Patrick	served from Dec 1851 to Jan 1861	9 mos
Absalom Pavy	served from Feb 1861 to Apr 1863	2 yrs
James Pavy	served from May 1863 to Mar 1864	9 mos
Joab Stout	served from May 1864 to May 1866	2 yrs
Benj. Denham	served from May 1866 to June 1866	1 mos
Hugh McCalip	served from July 1866 to July 1870	4 yrs
W. E. Spear	served from Jan 1871 to Jan 1872	1 yr
F. M. Huckleberry	served from Jan 1872 to Sept 1873	1 yr 8 mos
J. W. Potter	served from Jan 1874 to now	2 yrs 8 mos

    The Church has ordained three to the ministry: Bro. G. W. Patrick, Nov. 1852; Benj. Denham, Oct. 1861; C. N. Gartin, March 1875.
    The Church has had many successful pastors, but the labors of Bro. J. Vawter was especially marked by his gathering the discordant church of 7 members, which was on the verge of dissolving, into action work; of disaffected ones returning; and in increasing her membership to 60 in six months. Also, the labors of Bro. Stout who gathered the scattered made desolate by the late war.
    The Church has suffered greatly from emigration and the organization of other churches; Westport in 1851 and Mt. Arie in 1874, when between 50 and 60 were dismissed to form that church.
    Many souls look back to the dear old church as the place of their birth in Christ. She desires to live long to work for the Master.

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1845 The Church at Dry Fork received into the Association and their Messengers invited to seats.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865    Hail with joy the return of our anniversary. Had several additions; have meetings twice per month; have Eld. Joab Stout as pastor, and the labors of Elds. J. W. Reynolds and R. Denham.

August 1866    Have had some tokens of God's mercy in some additions to the Church desire God's mercy in some additions to the Church desire God's blessing to rest upon the Association.

September 1869    Hails with gratitude the privilege of again meeting with the association. Have labors of Rev. H. McCalip half the time, for which they pay hundred dollars per year. Have a very good Sabbath School.

September 1872    Have been favored with a revival; are in sympathy with the Association, work of the denomination, and support a preacher on half the time.
August 1883    While reporting eighty members, has only 25 actual attendants. Sunday School in good condition.

Friendship Baptist Church

[Bartholomew County]

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1852 Friendship, Mt. Zion, and Otter Village received into the Association, and the right hand of fellowship presented to their Messengers by the Moderator.

Dissolved

August 1859 Listed in Statistical Table as dissolved.

Friendship Baptist Church

[Decatur County]

August 1893 The letters from the Churches were called for, and all reported by letter and Messengers and the Baptist Church at Friendship, Decatur County, Indiana, by their duly appointed delegates and letter of the church adopted at a regular meeting for business, asked for admission into the Association. The letter was read, also the minutes of the Council which recognized them as a Regular Baptist Church, when on motion and second the Friendship Baptist Church was admitted to full fellowship in the Association. The Moderator, in behalf of the Association, extended the hand of fellowship.

Geneva Baptist Church

[The location of Geneva Baptist Church is given as six miles northwest of Vernon, on the State Road from Madison to Indianapolis at Queensville.]

History of Geneva Baptist Church
Presented at the Twenty-Sixth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Geneva Church
September 21st, 22nd and 23rd 1869

    The Geneva Baptist Church in Jennings County, Indiana, was constituted on the 11th day of December, 1824. The following names appear on the church book at her first regular meeting for business: Chancy Butler, Mabel Butler, Polly Butler, Eunice Powers, William Tyler, Jas. Gividen, Jobe Whitten, and Lucy Whitten.
    The church met in a school house in this, Geneva Township, until the year 1830. In that year a committee was appointed who obtained the ground where the present house now stands, and the same year a log house was built which was used for the meeting of the church until about the year 1839, when the walls of the present brick meeting house were erected.
    The church records for the first four years indicate that she had no regular called Pastor. The church was supplied during that time by Elds. John L. Jones, Chancy Butler, John Vawter, and Wm. T. Stott. On the second Sat. of Jan. 1828, the record informs us that Eld. John L. Jones was called by the church as her first Pastor. The first church Clerk was Wm. Tyler. The first Deacon was John Whitten.
    The church was first received into the Flat Rock Association; next into the Coffee Creek; third with the Madison, and lastly went into the organization of this Association. We infer from the church record that the pastors of the church up to the year 1833 were Elds. John L. Jones, Wm. T. Stott and John Vawter.
    In the year 1833 the church book was no longer used as a record, and from that year unti1 the second Saturday in October, 1852, the church had no regular church book, but her minutes were kept on sheets of paper, and these are now lost or misplaced. We therefore have to gather such information between those two dates as can be procured from the brethren and friends. A brother informs us that the church, in electing her second Clerk, her first refused to give up the church book without pay, claiming that he had paid for the same from his private means, and it was not a book that belonged to the church, but to him, unless the church refunded to him the price of the book. That, we presume, was not done, and the old Clerk retained the book. I learn that after the death of the first clerk the administrator found the book and kindly presented it to the present Clerk of Geneva Church. I shall here digress so far as to urge each clerk of the churches to keep a full and complete history of the business of the churches, written out in full in a good substantial bound book and then as you write a history of your respective churches you will be at no loss for ample material for that history. In the year 1852 the church voted to buy a new book and since that time her worthy c1erk has been ab1e to keep her records without danger of them becoming scattered.
    From the year 1833 up to the present time the church has had the following pastors, to wit: Elds. Wm. T. Stott, John Stott, Albert Carter, S. J. Essex, again A. Carter, H. McCalip and James B. Swincher. Eld. Wm. T. Stott was pastor the greatest length of time; John Stott was pastor for thirteen years; Albert Carter for five years; J.P. Barnett for less than one year. Eld. Ira Gleason preached about one year one fourth of the time in connection with J.P. Barnett, the pastor. Eld. John Stott while pastor for a greater portion of the time supplied the church two Sabbaths in each month; all the other pastors supplied but one fourth of the time.
    About the year 1839, the present brick meeting house was built so that it was occupied by the church. It however was left with the old seats and unplastered walls until the summer of 1851 when at a sewing circle that was composed mostly of Presbyterians - only one Baptist being present - the subject came up of the meeting of the Association with this church, and the poor condition of house for its reception. A subscription was then and there circulated, for to procure the means to plaster and make other necessary repairs to said house. The subscription having been mostly made up, the church, at her next meeting, accepted the subscription, and appointed a committee to take charge of the work, and the house was plastered and otherwise repaired. In the year 1863 the house was reseated by an action of the church.
    The church licensed brothers Chancey Butler and Job Whitten to preach the Gospel. Perhaps others, but if they were ever ordained it was not known to the writer.
    In the year 1834, Campbellism was agitated to a large extent in our State, and a great many members of the Baptist Churches were effected by this new light. Geneva was greatly troubled by this new ism, so much so that the church was left with not to exceed five male members, with a few faithful sisters, who held to the faith once delivered to the saints.
    During that year members were excluded at almost every meeting, until the church was reduced to the little band above named. This little flock of disciples were very forcibly reminded of the words of the Savior, in which he said, "And will you also go away?" And they were led to exclaim: Lord to whom shall we go, for thou hast the words of eternal life. These brethren still held to their faith with Christ as their great teacher, and I am informed Eld. Wm. T. Stott was their under shepherd during the year of trial. The succeeding year the clouds began to give way and a number of souls were converted and added to the church, the most of whom have gone to receive their reward, yet a few remain who are ready to testify as to God's converting power.
    The church never had a regular system to raise funds for the support of their Pastor until the year 1853; that year the church had a subscription paper circulated, and the writer appointed to do that work. He, however, did not find all the church who were willing to accept this new order of things. Some objected for the reason they did not want to be bound, while others did not think it right to have their charities made public; hence the writer did not recline on flowery beds of ease. Each year, however, the subscription plan met with less and less opposition, and now if there is one in the church who is opposed to that method of raising funds it is not known to the writer. Under the old order, Eld. J. Stott preached one year, half the time, and received less than $10.00; Eld. Wm. T. Stott did not receive even that amount.
    Since the constitution of the church her members have resided in different neighborhoods, and at no time have her members been so close as to have that social union and intercourse one with another which promotes Christian growth in grace. On this account, and also for the reason that there was no brother who lived convenient to the meeting house who would take the care as Superintendent of a Sabbath School, is the reason a Sabbath School has not been regularly kept up with the church; and she now has no Sabbath School that meets in her house. We have, however, a brother of the church who has been superintending a Union Sabbath School in his neighborhood, and where they can, I believe that our members are attending the Sabbath Schools of their respective neighborhoods.
    The church has on her book 19 male and 37 female members of the church, making a total of 56 members. Eld. James B. Swincher is their pastor, and is now on his second year. The Church Clerk is John M. Brown; Deacons are Jarvis Plymate and Peter Carter.
    I have only furnished you a faint outline of the history of Geneva Church - the space that is alloted in our minutes will only admit of us touching at the more prominent points. The church has existed for over forty-five years, and has stood as a sentinel at and near her present location as a warning to sinners of the wrath to come. Geneva heads the list for age. She is not, however, large in numbers, neither is her members rich in this world's goods. She is thankful that it is as well with her as it is and hope to continue as a church.
    Brethren and friends of Sand Creek Association, we feel that we can not close this history without bidding you welcome to the hospitalities of our church, and trust when we adjourn and return to our different fields of labor, that we shall be made better by our coming together in this associational interview. Brethren, while we live let us be zealous workers in the vineyard of the Lord.
                William C. Vawter

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865       Rejoices in a twofold sense. 1st on account of the conversion of precious souls. 2nd at the downfall of the rebellion against our Government and return of our Sons and Brothers. Ask the prayers of God's people. Have the labors of Eld. Albert Carter once per month.
August 1866       Have nothing of interest to write; still exist as a church; are at peace; pay their pastor $150 per year; have an interesting Sabbath School; ask the prayers of the Association.
September 1869       Are at peace. Have the labors of Rev. J. Swincher one fourth of the time, for which they pay him $75.00. Attend a Union Sabbath School. Desire the prayers of the Association.
September 1872       Have very little spiritual life, and no Sunday School.
August 1883       Has no pastor, no preaching, no Prayer Meeting, and no place to meet for worship, and is thinking of dissolving and uniting with sister Churches of the same faith and order. They still express a desire to do something for the Master.

Dissolved

August 1885 Geneva and Rock Creek churches reported dissolved.

Hopewell Baptist Church

History of Hopewell Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Third Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Dry Fork Baptist Church
August 16th and 17th 1876

The Baptist Church called Hopewell was constituted on the 3rd Saturday in April 1838 at a log schoolhouse 1 1/2 miles north of Holton, Ripley County, Indiana.

Constituent Members

Garrison and Sarah Boswell; Edward, Susannah, and Henry Williams; and Mary Edens.

Places of Meeting

The Church met once each month at said schoolhouse until 1840 when they built a log house 24 by 30 feet near said schoolhouse where they continued to meet until 1850 in which year they built a frame house 30 by 50 feet 1 1/2 miles west of the former place of meeting in which house they now worship.

Ministers

Elder A. Baker served the Church from the time of its organization 8 years; Elder Benjamin Tucker, 3 years until his death in 1849; Elder Isaac Christie, 1 year; Elder E. Tilton, 16 years; Elder Jacob Cox, 1 year; Elder J. Allee, 1 year; Elder D. Ferren, 1 year; Elder W. E. Spear, 3 years; Elder J. Waters, 4 years and is the present Pastor. In addition to these the Church has been greatly blessed and encouraged by the labors of Elders Gleason, A. Churchhill, R. Kelley,A. Connelly, J. Reynolds, N. Johnson, A. Carter, G. W. Bowers, C. N. Gartin, and others.

Deacons

The Deacons have been J. Farrago, G. Moncrief, S. Waters, J. Dorrell, H. Bramwell, and J.P. Ruby.

Clerks

J. Moore; T. Brazelton; S. McClure; N. B. Cory; J. Waters; J. Lovell; S. Murdock; T. Burkwell; J.M. Neel; J. W. Melson; S. C. Tucker; and J.P. Ruby.

Membership

According to the records there has been received by Experience, Letter, Relation, and Restoration 494. Excluded, 115; Dismissed by letter, 204; Died, 27; which leaves at the present 148 members.

Associational Relationship

The Church first held a membership with the Madison Association, but in the year 1845 united with the Sand Creek Association and is still a member of the body.

Ministers Licensed

The Church licensed Bro. Waters and Bro. J.P. McNew, the former being ordained Feb. 28, 1857. The license of the latter being revoked by the Church in April 1876.
In reviewing our past history we can truly say that this promise ''My presence shall go with you'' has been verified in our behalf and that "His eye is open to his people and His ear is open to their cry."

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865       Are thankful that God has given success to the Union Army, and are mindful of what our liberties cost. Have the labors of Eld. Geo. Ferren once per month. Ask the prayers of all the Association that they may run with patience the race before them. Have had a precious revival.
September 1869       Mourn over the languid state of Zion. Hope that God will visit them and cause sinners to repent of their sins and follow their Savior. Have the labors of Eld. W. E. Spear. Are at peace. Desire the prayers of their brethren.
September 1872       Hope that God will visit us with His Holy Spirit.
August 1883       Express regret that they are not making the advancement they should and thankfulness that the candlestick is not removed and desires to do more and better work.

Laughery Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Church

September 1869 The church called Laughery applied for admission as a member of the Association, and, on motion and second, the church was unanimously received and the hand of fellowship extended to the messengers, Joseph Dorrel and N. B. Corey, by the Moderator.

Digest of Church Letters

September 1869 Is a little body of brethren and sisters constituted into a church last March. Have the labors of G. W. Boyer as pastor. Have a Sabbath School with an average of fifty in attendance, and a library worth fifty dollars. Ask the prayers of the brethren that God may bless their efforts.
September 1872 Have no Pastor. In a cold state religiously. Have a small Sunday School.

Liberty Baptist Church

History of Liberty Baptist Church
Presented at the Twenty-Eighth Anniversay
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with North Vernon Baptist Church
October 4th, 5th and 6th 1871

    The Liberty Baptist Church, Decatur County, Indiana, was constituted at the house ot' Charles Taylor in the year of our Lord 1827. The first Church Meeting was held on the second Saturday in August of the same year. The following names appear who went into the constitution: Obediah Martin and Elizabeth, his wife; John Whitlow and Mary, his wife; Thomas Keel and Martha, his wife; Moses Salley and his wife, and Andrew Nicholas.
    At this second meeting, they made choice of Obediah Martin as their Pastor, who was at that time a licenciate, and the second Sat. in Nov. was set apart for his ordination, but it was postponed until the second at. in May 1828. At that time, the Council, consisted of Brethren Daniel Stogsdale, Adam Cantwell, James Long, and John Wheeldon, performed the ordination service. On the second Sat. in June he was chosen standing Moderator of the little band. He served the Church faithfully for about six years and was removed by death.
    The third meeting after his death they called James McEwin as pastor, who preached for them until the year 1836, at which time the church granted license to Joseph A. Martin and John T. Warren, and in 1839 to Samuel Williams. These brethren served the church until Oct. 1841, when J. S. Martin and J. T. Warren were ordained. They served the Church until 1843. In July following the Church called John Pavy for one year, and at the same meeting chose J. T. Warren Assistant Moderator. They also called John Pavy for one year in 1846. In 1843 the Church called Archibald Leach for one year; in 1848, Jacob Martin for one year; in 1849, Daniel Stogsdale for one year. In 1850, the Church licensed Joseph Sampson, who soon after removed his residence. In 1850, Joab Stout was called Pastor and Moderator of the Church, which position he has held up to the present time; but for the last 3 1/2 years he and the Church have been greatly assisted by the labors of Albert Carter.
    In 1828, John Whitlow was chosen as Deacon and served about 8 years; in 1837, Benjamin Taylor was chosen and served about 16 years; in 1840, Elijah McGuire was chosen and served about 11 years; in 1852, Pleasant Martin was chosen and holds the office up to the present time. In 1854, Elijah Markland was chosen and served about two years, when he was removed by death; in 1857, Simpson Tanner was chosen and holds the office to the present time. In 1871, James M. Brown was chosen and is serving the church at the present time.
    At the first Church meeting, Moses Salley was chosen as Clerk and served about three years; Pleasant Martin succeeded him and served about 27 years; in 1857 Wm. Douglas was chosen and served about 3 years; in 1860, Samuel Howell was chosen and served about seven years; Richard Wright is his successor and is serving at the present. James G. Robins is Treasurer.
    The Liberty Church was first a member of the Flat Rock Association, but in 1850 united with Sand Creek. Up to 1850, the first 23 years, there were 103 persons admitted to membership. Of that number, 11 have been excluded, and of the 103 there are but two left as members of the Church. In the last 20 years, there have been 223 admitted to fellowship; whole number received since its constitution 326, according to the statistics on the church books.
    The first Church building was a log house 22 by 26 feet, which, however, was never finished. It was built about one mile north of the present brick house. In 1844 the Church built another log house, 25 by 40 feet. It was finished in 1852. In 1855 the Church built a good frame house, well finished, 30 by 36 feet. It was destroyed by fire in 1866. The present church building is a good substantial brick building, well finished, and is located about 5 miles south-west of Greensburg. It was commenced in 1866 and finished in 1868.
    For the first 23 years, the brethren who labored earnestly in the interest of the Church received nothing for their services, and were what we all at this day poor and destitute men. The Church paid the first sexton $2.50 a year; now we pay $52.00. Our total expenses for this present year are about $566, itemized as follows: Pastor's salary, $150; Assistant Pastor, $150; Visiting Ministers, $100; Home Mission, $53; Foreign, $11.25; Sexton, $52; and Sabbath School, $50. In addition to the above, there was $251 contributed for the benefit of Franklin College by four members of the Church.
    In reviewing our past history, we can truly say that the Lord has greatly blessed us. Union, in doctrine and practice, has existed from the first to the present time, and we are striving to keep the faith sacred that was once delivered to the saints, to make it a model Church of the Loving God in all its parts. This, we know, can only be done as we are guided by Divine wisdom in all our councils and devotion at meetings. To God be all the praise.
                    Rev. Joab Stout             Pleasant Martin

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1850 The Church at Liberty, by a letter and Messenger, requested admission into the Association, which was granted, and the hand of fellowship presented to her delegates by the Moderator.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865           Complaints of coldness. Are glad to meet the Association and pray that it may be the means of advancing the cause of Christ. Have the labors of Eld. Joab Stout once per month.
August 1866           Desires that the meeting of the Association may result in the advancement of the Redeemer's Kingdom; have Eld. J. Stout for their pastor; have had the labors of Eld. A. Carter a number of days, whose labors were greatly blessed; many were added to the church; are still in a prosperous condition; have a flourishing Sabbath School.
September 1869           Hails with delight the return of another anniversary; though some of their brethren have fallen asleep since our last meeting. Are at peace and maintain the order of the gospel among them. Have the labors of Elds. J. Stout and A. Carter, each one fourth of the time. Have a flourishing Sabbath School.
September 1872           In sympathy woth Home and Foreign Mission work. Have an interesting Sunday School. Asked for and received the next Association.
August 1883           The usual amount of work has been performed with some good results. Most of those added to the Church were young people from the Sunday School. Are sustaining preaching only half the time, but there is an increasing desire for all time preaching, the only gospel method of developing the Church in true Christian character. The Pastor is soon to move into this community, and after this year hope to have all-time preaching.

Little Sand Creek Baptist Church

History of Little Sand Creek Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Fourth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
August 15th, 16th and 17th 1877

    The Little Sand Creek Baptist Church of Bartholomew County, Indiana, was organized on the 11th day of January A. D. 1839, with ten members, to wit: John Redenbaugh and wife; Geo. S. Puttorf and wife; George Taylor and wife; Josephus Ham and wife; Stephen Rodgers; Eleanor Christy. For some two years prior to the organization of this Church, Elder Chesley Woodward had been preaching regularly at a Schoolhouse in the vicinity of the present place of meeting, and sometime during this period the Mt. Pleasant Church extended an arm with the privilege of receiving members. Under this arrangement most of the ten members above were received and baptized.
    The council of recognition was presided over by Elder Jno. Pavey and Willis C. Stribling was Clerk. The first business meeting of the Church was held at the house of Bro. Wm. Christy. Elder Woodward was called to the pastorate and Stephen Rodgers elected Clerk.
    From the minutes of said Church it appears that the meetings were held from this time to 1843 in private houses, when the Church build a house of hewn logs, but the location not proving satisfactory the house was moved, after a few years, to the comer of Elder Ponds farm where her meetings were held until she entered her present house in 1861 which is located one mile northeast of Burnsville. The building is a good frame house well built and furnished. Cost Eighteen Hundred Dollars.
    This Church has had but five Pastors, viz: Elders Woodward, Pond, Sneed, Billings, and Carter, with a supply of four months by Elder Frazee. Elder Woodward's Pastorate continued for a period of eleven years. Elder Pond's nearly three years when death came and released him. Elder Sneed for six years labored in this vineyard and soon after the close of his labors here the Master called him to himself. Elder Billings was a short pastorate, only continuing one year; whether still living is unknown to the writer. The present Pastor, Elder A. Carter, has served the Church since March 1860, a period of seventeen years and five months.
    This Church has had five deacons, to wit: Geo S. Puttorf; Robert Richardson; Elijah Jackson; Albert Carter; and Samuel Bowman are still in the service of the Church as Deacons.
    This Church has had nine clerks, to wit: Stephen Rodgers; Jas. H. Sullivan; Geo. Goudie; John Frost; D. C. Shirk; Jas. Mahaffy; J. C. Remy; Wm. H. Frost; and Robert Carter, present clerk. The above named clerks are not named in their regular order of their election, some of them have served at different times. Our Elections occuring by a rule of the Church annually.
    This Church has since her organization licensed and ordained to the ministry of the Gospel: Hiram Pond, who was licensed in February 1847 and ordained November 1848; Albert Carter, licensed March 1860, ordained August 1860; Jas. C. Remy, licensed March 1874, ordained 1875. In September 1852 the church licensed Brother Stephen Rodgers to preach, but it seems that he never used the liberty thus granted him or at least very little.
    Of the above named Elders, Pond faithfully labored about three years and fell in the beginning of his usefulness, leaving behind an honored name and many friends who still cherish sweet memories of the many meetings enjoyed together in the almost unbroken wilderness in which the struggled together to plant the standard of the cross. Brother Rodgers has also passed away from the earth, in fact, most all of the pioneers in this Church, both Ministry and members, have gone from labor to reward.
    In the year 1872, this Church granted letters of dismission to twenty-one members for the purpose of organizing a Church known by Shiloh.
    The Little Sand Creek Church was at first a member of the Madison Association but on the organization of the Sand Creek Association she became a member of said Association and remains thus connected at present.
    The Sand Creek Association has held three sessions with this Church, the last one in 1872.
    In the earlier period of this Church, like most others at that time, she did but little in the way of pastoral support, but of late years she has done better about equaling the average of her sister Churches.     There has been attached to this Church during her existence two hundred and eighty-five members. Her present membership is one hundred and three. For many years this Church has been doing something for missions, both home and foreign, and she has a rule requiring her pastor to preach a Missionary sermon annually and take collections for Missionary purposes.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865           Prospects seem brighter; have added a few added to their number; have the labors of Eld. Albert Carter once per month. Ask the prayers of the faithful.
August 1866           Are grateful to Almighty God for the privilege of meeting the Association; are at peace; feel grateful for God's mercies; desire to be more consecrated to God; have a flourishing Sabbath school well attended; still have the labors of Eld. A. Carter.
September 1869           Are in a co1d and lifeless condition spiritually. Have had some mercy drops during the year; some have been added to the church. Have the labors of Rev. A. Carter one fourth of the time, for which they pay one hundred dollars. Have a Sabbath School.
September 1872           Bid the messengers welcome, and contribute to the benevolent denominational work.
August 1883           Has the labors of Rev. Harry Smith twice a 1nonth and a Sunday School of some interest, though not largely attended; but hopes a better day is coming and that next year a better report may be given.

Mayflower Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

September 1875    The church called May Flower presented a letter, but the application not being presented in proper form, said church was recommended to call a counci1 of sister churches and present her letter and messengers at the next Association, if recognized by said council as a regular Baptist Church.
August 1876    An opportunity being given for the reception of Churches into the Association the Mayflower Church presented her letter and was cordially received and the hand of fellowship given to the delegates by the Moderator, and enrolled as one of our number.
August 1881    Mayflower reported as having dissolved.

Mount Arie Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Church

September 1874 A letter and messengers were received from Mt. Arie asking admission as a member of this body. Unanimously received and hand of fellowship extended to her Messengers G. T. Davis, A. W. Lett, Jno. Holmes, J. H. Stout, and J.M. Fowler.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1883 Has purchased from the Publication Society a library for the Sunday School, which is prosperous under the superintendence of Bro. J. W. Stout. They have the services of their pastor, Rev. W. W. Smith twice a month.

Mount Pleasant Baptist Church

[The location of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church is given as 12 miles north of Vernon at Sardinia.]

History of Mount Pleasant Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirtieth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Liberty Baptist Church
September 24th, 25th and 26th, 1873

    In the vicinity of what is Sardinia, Decatur Co., Ind., in 1835, the country being almost a wilderness at that time, the people, being convicted of the importance of spreading the advantages of gospel ordinances and church privileges, the following members of Bear Creek Church met at the house of James Blankenship on the 3rd Saturday in February of that year, viz: Willis C. Stribling, Achsah Stribling, John Chambers, Elizabeth Chambers, John Graham, Eliza Graham, James Blankenship, Mary Blankenship, Mary Chambers, and Catherine Eli.
    The above agreed to organize themselves into a Baptist Church, and accordingly called council from the following churches, to meet at the house of John Chambers on Feb. 28th 1835: from Bear Creek, Rev. John Bush and Robert Bush; Mt. Moriah, Rev. Chesley Woodward; Vernon, Alexander Lewis, Richard Stott, Allen Tharp, and Achil1es Vawter. After being acknowledged as a legally organized church, she took the name of Mount Pleasant.
    At her first church meeting, held in a vacant house of Bro. Stribling's, she called Rev. Chesley Woodard tor her pastor. He accepted, and continued to labor with the church until the 3rd Saturday in August, 1848, a term of fourteen years and seven months. He then, with 27 others, took letters of admission and went to Missouri and organized a church there. During Bro. Woodward's pastorate there were received into the church 218 members.
    In the year 1837 the church erected a log meeting house and used it for worship during the warm season. In winter they used the dwelling house of the brethren for public worship.
    From the time that Eld. Woodward left the church in 1849, when Rev. Wm. Vawter accepted a call to supply them until a pastor could be procured, and at the May meeting following, at his own request he was released.
    The church then called Rev. John Pavy, who accepted, and entered at once upon his work as pastor, and served the church until the month of September following.
    In Jan. 1850, Rev. Hiram Pond was called, and served the church acceptable for over one year, when the Messenger Death called him from his labors.
    In 1850 a Union Sabbath School was organized in the old log house and superintended by Bro. John McCortnick.
    In June 1852, Daniel Stogsdill was called, accepted and served one year.
    On the 3rd Saturday in June 1853, Rev. John Stott was called, accepted and continued his labors with the church most of the time until October 1855, when the call was renewed for one year.
    The 3rd Saturday in [no month named] 1857, Rev. Evan Snead was called, assumed his duties in May 1858; was called again for one year, and accepted the call.
    In June 1859, Rev. John Stott was called for one year.
    In July 1860, Rev. W. T. Stott was called for one year, and accepted the call provided the time of meeting be changed from the 3rd to the 4th Saturday in each month. In accordance with the provision the change was made for the church accepted it as quite a favor to have the good old Soldier of the Cross to serve them as pastor even for so short a time. It is rather remarkable that from the time of the organization up to this time no change had been made in the day of holding Church meetings.
    In 1860 another house of worship was built of brick, 40 by 60, at a cost of about sixteen hundred ($1600). The dedication sermon was preached by Rev. Wm. T. Stott, Sen., on the 4th Sabbath of January, 1861.     In September 1861, Rev. Ira Gleason was called. He accepted and served the church for the next two years.
    In January 1864, Rev. Albert Carter was called. He commenced his labors with the church on the 3rd Sat. in February 1864 and continued until Feb. 1873, when the church called him for half the time; Rev. F. M. Huckleberry to fill one of the appointments for a time, according to arrangement between himself and Rev. Albert Carter.

Deacons

Willis C. Stribling, Stephen Cadby, Ralph Woodward, Maxa Moncrief, John Small

Statistics Since Organization

The church has received: by Baptism, 238; by letter, 146; by relation and restoration, 41; dismissed by letter, 204; excluded, 80; died, 24.

Ministers Licensed

Bro. James Blankenship, Bro. Harrison Atwood

Ministers Ordained

Bro. James Blankenship in 1843; Bro. W. E. Spear, Aug. 14, 1869
    The Sand Creek Sabbath School Convention was organized at this Church in April 1872. Rev. E. A. Russel, State Sunday School Missionary, present to assist.
    This Church, shortly after her organization, joined the Madison Association, and remained a member of that body until a division of territory became necessary; she then went into the organization called Sand Creek Association.
    In her infancy she maintained preaching for several years at a point four miles Southeast of the church, and received a number of members there, through the labors of her pastor, Rev. Ches1ey Woodward.
    She was also greatly blessed and strengthened by the visits and labors of Brethren: Revs. - Isaac Christie, Caleb Moncrief, Jesse Vawter, John Vawter, Wm. Vawter, W. T. Stott, Thomas Hill, and Bro. Wilson Moncrief.
    Of these faithful and devoted ministers, none remain except W. T. Stott and Thomas Hill.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865           Thankful that God has visited them with a precious revival and answered their prayers in bringing souls to see the error of their ways and flee for refuge to the Lamb of God that taketh away the Sin of the world. Have the labors of Eld. Albert Carter, once per month. Ask God to bless the labors of their Pastor.
August 1866           Have nothing to boast of, but glory in the Cross of Christ and rejoice in the Lord; have the labors of Eld. A. Carter; have had considerable additions to the church; attend a Union Sabbath School.
September 1869           Have not much of interest to write. Death has visited some of their families and taken away some of their loved ones. Have had some additions to the church and still pray that God may visit them more powerfully. Desire to be more like Christ. Have the labors of Rev. A. Carter one fourth of the time, and pay him one hundred and twenty-five dollars. Have a Union Sabbath School, superintended by Bros. Goudie and L. Meridith.
September 1872           Have some additions. Have a live Sunday School.
August 1883           Has no pastor, and is praying that God may send unto them the right man to lead them and give them grace to sustain him. The Sunday School lacks the interest of former years.

Mount Zion Baptist Church

[The location of Mount Zion Baptist Church is given as Decatur County.]

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1852 Friendship, Mt. Zion, and Otter Village received into the Association, and the right hand of fellowship presented to their Messengers by the Moderator.

Dissolved

August 1857 Listed in Statistical Table as dissolved.

Napoleon Baptist Church

History of Napoleon Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Sixth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Otter Creek Baptist Church
August 13th, 14th and 15th, 1879

    The Napoleon Baptist Church was constituted at Napoleon, Indiana, on the first Saturday in October, 1835. Constituent members: Moses Cory; John Hopple; Thomas Arnold; William Martin; Mary Cory; Mary Arnold, Sr.,; Mary Arnold, Jr.; Lucinda Cory; Nancy Arnold; Nancy Mendenhall; and Paugh Martin.
    For the first tew years the meetings were held at private houses. Then there was a small house of worship built in which they continued till the present frame was built in 1872.
    This Church joined the Laughery Association in the year 1836, and continued with that Association till the year 1846, when it united with the Sand Creek Association.
    This Church has had thirteen pastors, the following being the order in which they served: Elders D. Palmer; J. Babcock; Benjamin Tucker; J. Baker, with Elder Purcell as assistant; Benjamin Tucker; _____ Perrine; Isaac Christie; [E.] Tilton; J. W. Tisdale; J. Waters; L. Risinger; J. Waters; and J. Stephens, the present pastor. A part of these having served as pastor at different times as shown above. In addition the church has been blessed by the labors of others, among whom we name Elders Edwards, Johnson, Daughters, Connelly, Pavey, Kelly, Stogsdel, Bowers, Reece, and Carter.
    The Church has had nine deacons, viz: Moses Cory; Samuel Thackeray; Nathaniel Cory; Mathias Davis; William Winters; Thomas Herbert; M. Murray; Walter Adams; and E. S. Lyons.
    The Clerks of this Church have been as follows: Joseph Jenks; Jno. Scudder; Abel Withrow; M. Mcfatridge; William W. Hollenbree; James McKee; Mathias Davis; Simeon Childers; Jacob Vankirk; William Winters; J. H. Stapp; J. D. Stapp; and the present Clerk, Jacob Vankirk.
    The Church ordained Rev. Benjamin Tucker August 25th 1838. August 29th 1839 the Church voted that if any male member should feel that God has impressed it on his mind to exercise his gift in public he shall have the liberty. This still continues a rule of the Church. Since this time the Church has licensed the following brethren: R. Batterson (which was afterwards revoked); N. Johnson, July 25th 1853;Thomas Herbert, Feb. 5th 1869; J. Young, April 19th 1873.
    The Church organized the Millgrove Branch of the Napoleon Baptist Church, April 25th 1840. This Branch was constituted an independent Church March 29th 1869. It is located near Ballstown in this County
    The records have been imperfectly kept. They show a total membership of about 250. The largest ingatherings were experienced during the administration of Rev. Isaac Christie.
    The present Outlook is not so good or pleasant as could be desired. We are surrounded by influences detrimental to the propagation of Gospel truths. But she looks eagerly to the time when her influence shall illumine her present dark horizon. In the last day, many a Christ born soul will look with grateful remembrance to the Napoleon Church as the means by which he has laid hold of "That inheritance which is incorruptible, undefiled and fadeth not away."

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1846 The Church at Napoleon received into the Association, and their Messengers invited to seats.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865    Claims to have done little toward advancing Chirst's Kingdom on earth. Have a flourishing Sabbath School with an attendance of 75. Have the labors of J. W. B. Tisdale as pastor once per month. Ask the brethren to pray for them.
August 1866    Rejoice and give God praise that He permits them to exist as a church, though they are unfaithful; extends a hearty welcome to the Association; desire God's blessing to rest on the Association; have a Sabbath School; not much interest taken in it by the church.
September 1869Thank God that they are in a more prosperous condition than of previous years. Ask the prayers of the Association that God may enable them to put forth a more united effort to advance the Redeemer's Kingdom. Have the labors of Eld. W. Waters as pastor.Thank God that they are in a more prosperous condition than of previous years. Ask the prayers of the Association that God may enable them to put forth a more united effort to advance the Redeemer's Kingdom. Have the labors of Eld. W. Waters as pastor.
September 1872    Have dedicated a new house of worship the past year.
August 1883    Had not reported since 1880, but have continued to hold regular services once a month and maintain the ordinances of God's house.

New Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

September 1874 Opportunity for churches to unite with the Association was given. A letter and messengers were received from New Pleasant Grove, asking admission as a member of this body. Unanimously received and hand of fellowship extended to the Messengers, J. N. Shaw and J. W. Caffin.

Dissolved

August 1877 Listed in Statistica1 Table as dissolved.

North Vernon Baptist Church

Formerly Zoar Baptist Church

History of North Vernon Baptist Church
Presented at the Twenty-Ninth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Little Sand Creek Church
September 18th and 19th, 1872

    The commencement of this church was under the labors of Rev. Wm. Vawter, who began to preach at the house of John H. Wagner in 1834, this point at that time was in the green woods and the territory around it but thinly inhabited, and no preaching nearer than Vernon, the county seat of Jennings county being six miles south west of Bro. Wagner's. After prevailing some months or a year at this place it was thought best by a few Baptists (who met there) for their own good and for the good of the community to organize a Baptist church, which was done on the 4th Saturday in July 1835, the brethren having called a council from sister churches to sit with them on this occasion. The number going into the constitution was 17 whose names were as follows: Rev. Wm. Vawter and wife, John H. Wagner and wife, John Whitsett and wife, Wm. Groom and wife, John Stott and wife, Patrick D. Baughn, Margaret Parks, Tabitha Guess, Frances Underwood, Sarah Wagner, Elizabeth Wagner, Mary Baughn.
    After being acknowledged by the Council as a legal organized church and the hand of fellowship given by the council, she assumed the name of Zoar, to be distinguished or known from other Baptist churches.
She continued holding her church meetings at the house of Bro. John H. Wagner until May 1839, at which time she met at her new log house near by Bro. Wagner's. She continued her meetings at this place until circumstances made it necessary to change her location. She built a new frame 26 by 30 feet, one mile and a quarter south west of the old house, and held her first Church meeting in it the 4th Saturday in October 1848. Here she remained about 17 years, and decided it was best to change location again. North Vernon was the point agreed upon by the church. She bought two lots at the north east of town and built a brick house, 36 by 50. She met at her new house for the first time the 5th Sunday in December 1866. Dedication sermon by Wm. Monroe. After locating at North Vernon she changed her name from that of Zoar to that of North Vernon Baptist Church.
    Her ministers for the first five or six years were Revs. Chesley Woodard and Wm. Vawter. After which time she called Rev. Wm. Vawter to the charge of the church, who remained her Pastor for about twenty-five years, becoming too old and feeble he resigned his position. Rev. Wm. T. Stott, Sen., was then called to the church to be her pastor, who served in that capacity some three or four years, after which he resigned the charge of the church. She then called Rev. John Stott to the charge of the church as pastor, to preach two Sabbaths in each month for one year, after which she called Rev. F. M. Huckleberry, who preached one year and resigned, after which Rev. John Stott was called to preach for the church as a substitute until she could get a Pastor. After J. Stott preached for the church for a year and some months she succeeded in procuring the labor of Rev. Wm. R. Lewis, who is her present pastor.

Dates and Ministers, Time of Service

Rev. C. Woodard and Rev. Wm. Vawter, in connection from 1835 to 1840; Rev. Wm. Vawter from 1840 to 1863; Rev. Wm. T. Stott from 1863 to 1866; Revs. John Stott and F. M. Huckleberry from 1866 to 1867; Rev. Wm. Lewis from 1871 or commencement of 1872 to present date.

Ministers and Deacons
Ordained by the Church Since Her Organization

    Ministers three, and Deacons six. First Rev. Wm. Vawter was ordained by Zoar Church and council from sister churches in 1839. Rev. John Stott was licensed by Zoar Church to preach the gospel in 1843, and ordained by the church and council from sister churches in 1850. Rev. 0. F. Feagler was licensed by the church to preach the gospel in 1856, and ordained by the church and council from sister churches in 1871.
    Rev. John Stott was the first ordained deacon of Zoar Church and Bros. Miles E. McCaulou and John Whitsett second and third. Bro. L. P. Grinstead and Bro. Jesse R. Vawter fourth and fifth, and Bro. Wm. L. Holsclaw sixth. She has had some ten or twelve clerks.
    One remarkable incident in her short history is, there were no deaths in the little family until the year 1848; two widowed sisters died in one month of each other, sister Hester Freeman and sister Tabitha Guess.
    Total number of membership of the church from the organization is about 244 members. Total number in 1871, eighty-five.
    There were three other Brethren who were members of the Zoar Church that became Baptist Ministers after leaving the bounds of the church, to wit: Rev. James Moncrief, Rev. F. M. Huckleberry, and Rev. Wm. T. Stott, Jr.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865    Have the labors of Eld. W. T. Stott once per month. Have a Sabbath School.
August 1866    Is at peace among themselves, and are happy to add that they are now enjoying a gracious revival; several have found peace and pardon in believing, and others are made to inquire: "What shall we do to be saved?" Have Eld. W. T. Stott as pastor and Eld. John Stott also preaches once per month; have a weekly prayer meeting and a flourishing Sabbath School.
September 1869    Rejoice that they can say to us that they are at peace with themselves, but mourn that they have nothing encouraging to report. Desire the brethren to pray that the Lord may revive his work at North Vernon. Rev. J. Stott, pastor. The Sabbath School in a prosperous condition.
September 1872    Have the labors of Bro. Wm. R. Lewis one fourth of the time. Have no prayer meeting.
August 1883    Has made great improvement in their house, and while their growth is slow, thinks it is healthy. While weak numerically and financial1y, are strong in union and fellowship with each other.

Otter Creek Baptist Church

[The location of Otter Creek Baptist Church is given as 1 1/2 miles south of Nebraska.]

History of Otter Creek Church
Presented at the Thirty-Fifth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Bear Creek Baptist Church
August 14th, 15th and 16th 1878

    The Otter Creek Baptist Church of Christ, in Jennings County, Indiana, was organized the 26th day of May, 1848, with eleven members, to wit: Matthew Moore and wife; Jesse T. Grinstead and wife; Charles Rice and wife; Wm. Moore and wife; Elizabeth Daugherty; Mildred Rice; and Elenor Thomkins
    The Council of Recognition was presided over by Elder A. Gleason and Patrick Bond was Clerk. The first business meeting was held at a school house near where her meeting house now stands, and Benjamin F. Tucker was called to the pastorage and Jesse T. Grinstead was chosen Clerk. From the minutes
of said church it appears that the meetings were held at a school house in the neighborhood until she entered her present house, one and one half miles south of Nebraska, the year 1859. The house is a frame 30 by 40 feet.
    This Church has had eleven pastors, viz: Elders Tucker; Gleason; Cox; Waters; Allee; Ferren; Stott; Johnson; Swincher; Stevenson; and Stevens, her present pastor. Elder Tucker's continued eleven months when death came and released him; Elder Gleason's, one year and six months; Elder Cox's, five years and eleven months; Elder Waters, five months; Elder Ailee's first pastorate, four years and one month, his second pastorate one year and one month; Elder Ferren's, five years; Elder Stott's, one year; Elder Johnson's, two years and eleven months; Elder Swincher's, one year; Elder Stevenson's, two years and four months; Elder Stevens, her present pastor, one year and four months.
    This Church has had but one Deacon, viz: Charles Rice.
    This Church has had four Clerks, viz: Jesse T. Grinstead; Jasper M. Grinstead; Benjamin F. Grinstead; and Wm. F. Ellis, her present clerk.
    This Church has, since her organization, licensed and ordained to the ministry: Brother David Ferren, licensed third Saturday in December 1858, ordained November third Saturday 1860; Ira Gleason, ordained November 2, 1849. The above named Elder Tucker labored eleven months faithfully, and fell in the beginning of his usefulness, leaving behind an honored name and many friends. Brother Gleason has also passed away from the earth leaving many friends and an honored name. Ferren moved to Illinois; we have not heard from him for several years.
    Of the constituent members of this church five are still living, the other six are gone from labor to reward.
    Otter Creek Church was admitted into the Sand Creek Association the same year she was organized.
    There has been attached to this Church during her existence one hundred and seventy three members; her present membership is eighty six.

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1846 The church at Otter Creek, recently constituted, received into the Association and the right hand of fellowship presented to their Messengers by the Moderator.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865    Are in a cold state. Have the labors of Eld. David Ferren once per month.
August 1866    Regrets that the past year has been one of so little manifestation of God's spirit in the conversion of sinners. Have no pastor.
September 1869    Complain of coldness in the cause of Christ, but trusts that the Lord will again bless as He has in the past. Have the labors of Eld. N. Johnson.
September 1872    Are at peace among themselves. At present have no pastor.
August 1883    Was deprived of her Pastor, Rev. W. Hogg, by death, April 13, 1883, and has not, as yet, procured another shepherd and in consequence thereof, report the Church in a cold condition.

Otter Village Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1852 Friendship, Mr. Zion, and Otter Village received into the Association, and the right hand of fellowship presented to their Messengers by the Moderator.

Dissolved

August 1859 Listed in Statistical Table as dissolved.
August 1861 Listed in Statistical Table as dissolved.

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

September 1870 Otter Village Church-Organized within the last year, presented a letter and Messengers asking for admission into the Association. Unanimously received and hand of fellowship given to Messengers by the Moderator.

Digest of Church Letters

September 1872 Mourn over the lanquid state of Zion, but hope that God will visit them.

Dissolved

August 1878 Listed in Statistical Table as dissolved.

Pleasant Grove Baptist Church

[The location of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church is given as six miles south of Greensburg.]

August 1849 The Church at Pleasant Grove, Decatur Co., Indiana, by her letter and Messengers, requested admission into the Association, which was cordially received, and the right hand of fellowship presented to her delegates by the Moderator.

Dissolved

August 1865 The Pleasant Grove Church, having dissolved was ordered to be dropped from the minutes.

Poston Baptist Church

History of Poston Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Ninth Meeting
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Mount Arie Baptist Church
August 16, 17 and 18, 1882

    The Poston Baptist Church was organized at Otter Village, Ripley Co., Indiana, May 28th 1852. Enoch Tilton was chosen pastor, J. Hancock deacon, D. Ferren, Clerk. 1852. Enoch Tilton was chosen pastor, J. Hancock deacon, D. Ferren, Clerk.
    Delegates from the following churches composed the Council: Versailles, Washington, Delaware, Napoleon, Zenas, Hopewell, New Marion and Mount Zion.
    The constituent members were Lucretia Brown, David Ferrin, Elma Ferrin, James B. Hancock, Lucinda Hancock, Mary Stewart, Absolom Herrold and Lucy Herrold.
    Meetings were held on the third Saturday and Sunday of each month until the year 1854, when a frame house was built at Poston, Ripley County, Indiana, and it was agreed to change the name of the church to the Poston Baptist Church and hold their meetings at this place.
    According the laws of Indiana the following were elected trustees of the Poston Baptist Church: Absolom Herrold, David Ferren and James B. Hancock.
    The following were the pastors from organization until the present: Enoch Tilton, May 1852 to May 1854; A. Churchill, May1854 to September 1860; John Waters, September 1860 to September 1863; P. Nicholas, September 1863 to March 1865; J. Allee, June 1865 to June 1866; J. Waters, June 1866 to September 1867; J. Allee, September 1867 to 1869; J. Waters, 1869 to 1871; the church did not have a pastor during the year 1872; J. Allee, January 1873 to 1874; W. E. Spear, January 1874 to August 1875; J. Waters, August 1875 to June 1877; no pastor from June 1877 to June 1878; A. J. Stevens, June 1878 to September 1879; Bengamine Daughters, September 1879 to July 1880; W. E. Spear, July 1880 to July 1881; R. J. Gorbet, July 1881 to the present time.
    The Deacons were J. B. Hancock, May 1852 to May 1862; B. M. Young, 1869 to 1870;Thomas Edens, 1872 to 1882.
    The names of the Clerks are as follows: David Ferren, May 1852 to June 1856; Isaac Stewart, 1856 to 1860; A. Herrold, 1860 to 1862; C. W. Shook, 1862 to 1866; G. Rogers, 1866 to 1868; Samuel Murdock 1868 to 1869; Ira Young, 1869 to 1870; C. W. Shook, 1870 to 1871; S. Chandler, 1871 to 1875; M. V. Sheets, 1875 to 1882.
    Ordinations are P.H. Nichols, 1863, and N. Johnson, 1869.
    Number of members received into the church 105; present number, 70.

Continuance with Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1860 Received a letter from Poston church asking a continuance with us which was granted. (This church had not been represented since 1857.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1883 Has been greatly revived and built up during the past year, having seen many converted and added to their number.

Rock Creek Baptist Church

History of Rock Creek Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-First Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Hopewell Baptist Church
September 23rd and 24th, 1874

The records of twenty one years are lost or destroyed, so we gather the history of that time from the memory of Mother VanDusen, one of the constituent members.

Constituent Members

The Baptist Church called Rock Creek was constituted in September 1829, with the following constituent members: Jacob VanDusen, Sarah VanDusen, Daniel VanDusen, Ann VanDusen, Robert VanDusen, Clara VanDusen, Ephraim Althiser, Anna Althiser, and Cornelia Althiser.

Places of Meeting

The church was first organized in a school house near Zenas, Jennings County, Indiana. Some of the members lived there, but the majority living on Rock Creek, four miles north-west, the design was to locate the church there. They named the church Rock Creek and moved their meetings there shortly afterward. The meetings were held in Jacob VanDusen's house, most of the time, till 1850, when they build a log meeting house on Rock Creek, three miles south-east of Westport.
In 1859 they sold their house for $50 and for two years met in a school house three miles south-west of Milhousen. In 1862 the neighborhood generally built a Union meeting house, our present place of worship.

Pastors

Rev. John Pavy was first pastor and served six years, Saturday and Sunday in every three months. He lived at Vevay, fifty miles distant, and came through a dense wilderness to preach to these brethren and sisters, struggling for an existence. This would seem to be rather thin pasturage now, but it was the best they could do then. Rev. John Bush was then called and served four years, one fourth of the time. Rev. Wm. Tyner was then called, and preached two years; then, John Warren became pastor for one year; Rev. Chesley Woodward then preached for the church three years. Rev. Benjamin Tucker was pastor four years; Rev. Hiram Pond was pastor one year; then, Rev. Christian Burkman four years; Rev. Nathan Frazy two years; then, Rev. Jacob Martin preached eight years. Rev. Geo. Herron was pastor one year. On 1866, Rev. D. O. Stites was called and served the church as pastor for three years and a half; then, Rev. John Waters was pastor two years; then, Rev. Johnathin Allee served two years; then, Bro. Waters was again called and is the present pastor.

Associational Connection

When this church was constituted there was no Association in reach, so this church, with others, formed themselves into ''The Baptist Liberty Council." Bro. Pavy and other ministers living in Kentucky became bitterly opposed to slavery and moved to Indiana and refused to fellowship the slave holding element and fonned this Council, which met with this church once in the green woods, using hewn timber for seats. In 1843 the Rock Creek Church attached herself to the Madison Association and afterward became a member of the Sand Creek Association, which relation she still maintains.

Deacons

In 1832 Jacob VanDusen was ordained deacon and served until his death in 1869. In 1855 Alfred Fredenberg was ordained, and in 1857 George Judd was ordained. In 1867 Fredrick Felkinger was elected, and in 1868 was ordained. Then, in 1870, Jam. Myers was elected and is one of the present Deacons. In 1874 Fredrick Felkinger resigned and Wm. Davis was elected in his stead. Third Sat. in Sept. 1874 Wm. Davis resigned, Cary A. Stites being his successor and is one of the present Deacons.

Clerks

Jacob VanDusen was the first clerk and served till 1853, when failing eyesight compelled him to resign. Then John Gibson served until 1856; James Alexander was chosen and served one year; then E. M. St. John served one year; then Mathew Oldham served three months. In 1867 Rev. D. O. Stites was chosen, and served one year; then Rev. Benj. Denham one year. In 1860 [1870] C. A. Stites was elected and is the present Clerk. [The date tor C. A. Stites should be 1870.]

Ministers Licensed and Ordained

    Christian Burkman was licensed in 1850, ordained in 1851. Wm. Lytle was licensed in 1853, and ordained in 1854. On the first Saturday in Aug. 1867, D. O. Stites was ordained, having been licensed by Middle Fork Church in 1842. J.C. Milholland was licensed in 1871.
    The Rock Creek Church has stood amidst the storms and changes off forty years, and still stands as a signal warning for sinners to flee the wrath to come. At times the light has grown dim, but the candlestick has never been entirely removed. At one period the Church was so weak she did not send a letter to the Association for severa1 years. When Bro. Stites settled here in 1866 there were but three or four active members in the Church.
    In November 1873 a protracted meeting was held, conducted by Elds. J. Allee, A. Carter, W. E. Spear, and D. O. Stites, which resulted in 35 accessions to the Church. Fourteen united with the church in one night. 165 have been received since 1851. The present membership is sixty-six Zealous workers.
    The Rock Creek Church is a dear spot to many hearts, on account of God's presence. Long may she live to do work for the Master.

August 1866    Rejoices in the prospect of meeting with the Association once more; have Elder Jacob Martin for their pastor.
September 1869    Has Eld. D. O. Stites as pastor. Desire the prayers of the Association.
September 1872    Mourn over the coldness and indifference of the Church in reference to missionary work.
August 1883    Report no progress, but is sustaining a Sunday School and praying for a visitation from the Master.

Disolved

August 1885 Geneva and Rock Creek Churches reported as dissolved.

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1895 Rock Creek Church sent a letter requesting admission into the Association. After reading the letter and a statement of Rev. E. Sanford, who was Moderator of the Council of Recognition, the Rock Creek Church was on motion of Rev. J. Allee, admitted into all the rights and privileges of the Association. The Moderator extended the hand of fellowship to the messengers present.

Shiloh Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

September 1872 An invitation was given for other Churches to unite with the Association, when the Shiloh Church, organized within the last year, presented a letter by the hands of her messengers asking for admission. The request was unanimously granted, and the hand of fellowship extended to her messengers by the Moderator.

Digest of Church Letters

September 1872 Organized the past year with 17 members. Have subscribed $700 for building them a house. Have a good Sunday School.

Tannersville Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1859 Received a letter from Tannersville Church, asking admission into the Association, presented by her messengers Wm. Roberts, James Hess, and John Hess, which was rec'd and her messengers invited to seats.

Union Baptist Church

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1876 A letter presented from the Union Baptist Church by her delegates and on motion was cordially received and the hand of fellowship given by the Moderator and others.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1883 Has not enjoyed the outpouring of the Spirit to any great extend, but think probably to the extent they have faithfully asked.

Westport Baptist Church

History of Westport Baptist Church
Presented at the Fifty-Seventh Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Union Church
August 18th 19th and 20th, 1880

    The Baptist Church of Jesus Christ, called Westport situated in the town of Westport, Decatur Co., was constituted January the 4th 185l, With the following constituent members: Richard Childers, Benjamin Childers, James Hamilton, John Back, John Jones, Micajah Rutherford, Louis L. Stott, Joseph Childers, Elizabeth Childers, Martha Davis, Mahala Morgan, Malinda Childers, Catherine Shields, Polly Owens, Lettice Grayson, Susan Morgan, Juda Hamilton, Elizabeth Back, Elizabeth Stott, Phoebe Jones, Sarah Rutherford, Latitia Rutherford, Elizabeth Cooper, and Mary A. Willeford. Eight males, sixteen females.
    In 1852 they built a brick house of worship 40 x 30 feet and 13 feet under the ceiling. It is still in use and has a public graveyard adjacent.
    The council of recognition was composed of delegates from Mt. Pleasant, Dry Fork, Little Sand Creek, and Rock Creek Churches, with Rev. Phillip Harmon, Moderator, and Samuel Howell, Clerk.
    Hiram Pool was the first pastor and served from Feb. 18th 1851, till June 1851, five months; then in July 1851 Joab Stout was called and served till June, 1853, two years. The third pastor was G. W. Patrick who was called in July 1853, and served till Sept. 1854, one year and three months. In May '55, Hiram Christie was called and served two years. In May 1857, Joab Stout was again called and served one year. J. W. Reynolds was called in May, 1858, and served one year. Then Joab Stout was called for the third term and served till July, 1862, three years and two months. In July, 1862, G. W. Heron was called and continued till Feb., 1867, three years, seven months. Then Joab Stout was called the fourth time and served eight months. In 1867, Bengamine Melson was called and served one year. Then Jonathan Allee was called and served one year. In March, 1868, W. E. Spear was called and was pastor three years and ten months. John Waters was called in 1873 and served eight months. John Stott was called in Feb., 1874, and was pastor one year and six months. In Sept., 1875, W. E. Spear was called the second time and was pastor three years and four months. In February, 1879, J.C. Remy was called and is the present pastor. Thus it will be seen that we have had eleven pastors. W. E. Spear served the longest, seven years and two months; Joab Stout served six years and ten months and G. W. Heron, three years and seven months.

Deacons

    Deacon Richard Childers was ordained first deacon in October, 1851, and served till he was dismissed by letter in 1857, five years and ten months.
    Micajah Rutherford was ordained in August, 1853, and served till his death, 1874, 21 Micajah Rutherford was ordained in August, 1853, and served till his death, 1874, 21 years.
    Jonathan Underwood was ordained in September, 1857, and served till he was dismissed by letter in 1877, 20 years.
    James Dixon was ordained by the Friendship Church, Boyd Co., Ky. and was received into this church by letter in 1866.
    Allen Layton was ordained by the Sand Creek Church in 1852 and received into this church by letter in 1868 and is one of the present deacons.
    Levi Dixon was ordained July 28, 1877, and served till his death, Sept. 21, 1878, one year, three months. Soon after the death of Bro. Dixon his mantle fell gently on his son, A. W. Dixon who was ordained in his father's stead, Dec. 1, 1878. He is one of the present deacons.

Clerks

    Richard Childers was elected first clerk, Feb. 1851, and served six years and eight months. Jacob Reynolds was clerk seven months; John Back, four years and two months; Elijah M. Shields, three years; J.B. Underwood, seven years; G. W. Layton, nine months; John Keith nearly four years. F. L. Dixon was elected April, 1877, and is the present clerk.
    This Church gave James Davis license to preach the first Saturday in Feb., 1852. J. W. Reynolds was ordained to the gospel ministry by this church the fourth Saturday in August 1857. Asa A. Layton, a member of this church is attending school at Franklin this year studying for the ministry.
    The Westport Church has stood nearly thirty years as a signal warning for sinners to feel the wrath to come. We have not run as swift a race as some churches, but we have kept steadily on our way, striving to occupy the field alloted to us by the Master. During these years we have received by baptism, 81; by letter, 77; relation, 18; restored, 1; total, 201. Dismissed by letter, 92; erased, 5; excluded, 15; died, 30; total, 144; so that our present number is 59. This church has suffered severely by emigration and was weakened by the formation of the Pleasant Hill Church in 1861 and again in 1871, several of our substantial members withdrew and went into the constitution of the Antioch Church, six miles south of here. Although our weakness has prevented us from sending much money abroad, yet we are in sympathy with all our denominational work. Circumstances prevent us holding Sabbath school in our house, but we are a Sabbath school people, and the most of us are engaged in the good work at different places. We are not as numerous as we ought to be, nor as spiritual as we desire to be, but we are earnestly contending for the faith once delivered to the saints. Many souls are in glory who were born into the kingdom and patience of the Lord Jesus Christ at Westport. Others look back to the altar as a dear spot. Here the voice of our fathers echo in our ears, here our dead lie buried. Long may the Westport Church live to work for the Master.

Admission to Sand Creek Baptist Association

August 1851 The Church at Westport received into the Association, and the hand of fellowship presented to her delegates by the Moderator.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865    Have had some additions, but do not enjoy as much of the grace of God as they wish. Rejoice to see sinners inquiring the way of life. Desire the earnest united prayers of God's people for a blessing. Have the labors of Eld. Geo. W. Herron once per month.
August 1866    Still lives as a church, but do not enjoy as much of the grace of the spirit as they desire; complain of the want of peace and harmony at times, yet not withstanding they have been made to rejoice at the revival of the work of grace in their hearts; desire the prayers of God's children.
September 1869    Have nothing interesting to write. Still maintain the order of a gospel church. Have had some tokens of God's mercy. Have the labors of Eld. W. E. Spear as pastor. Pay their pastor fifty dollars per year.
September 1872    Have great reason to thank God. Have had some additions to their numbers. Asks the prayers of this Association.
August 1883    Reports some accessions and a desire to do more and better work. While sustaining no Sunday School, they are a Sunday School people and attend other schools.

Zenas Baptist Church

History of Zenas Baptist Church
Presented at the Thirty-Sixth Anniversary
of Sand Creek Baptist Association
Held with Otter Creek Baptist Church
August 13th,14th and 15th, 1879

    The Baptist Church at Zenas, Jennings County, Indiana, was constituted June 20th A.D. 1843 by a council of brethren from the following sister Churches viz: Rock Creek, Zoar, Concord, Hopewell, Brush Creek, Vernon, and Marion; constituted of the following names, viz: John P. Patterson, David Smiley, John Green, E. and Sarah Glasgow, Louisa Elliott, Rebecca Smiley, Letta A. Elliott, Sarah Green, Mary R. Patterson, and Margaret Hibbard. These few took upon themselves the solemn vows to Church covenant, to worship God and maintain and honor the cause of Christ in the community where they lived. Of this constitution all have passed away but Sister Hibbard (now Sister Elliott) who still lives a blessing to the Church and community.
    The Church during its existence has had eleven pastors, viz: Elders Baker, Tucker, Christie, Sneed, Reynolds, Swincher, Stott, Waters, Johnson, Spear, and Allee. Elders Baker, Tucker, and Christie's pastorates continued for about ten years; E. Sneed, two years; R. Kelly, two years; J. Reynolds, two years; J. B. Swincher, four years; J. Stott, three year; J. Waters, two years; N. Johnson, four years; W. E Spear, two years; J. Allee, four years, who is our present pastor.
    The Church has had four deacons, viz: John Raferty; David Mafety; Randolph Daughters; and William Galloway. The last two our present deacons.
    The Church has had six clerks, viz: Ephraim Glasgow; James Huckstep; William Hall; David Burton; Franklin Hittle; and Nathan H. Gloyd, present Clerk.
    The Church has lost many of its best members by death and emigration in the last few years; but there are a few yet that wish to maintain the public worship of God and contend earnestly for the faith once delivered to the saints, and as a Church it feels that it has some influence from the fact that many of the best citizens are its friends and ready to help it in time of need.
    There have been attached to the Church since its existence two hundred and twenty members. The present number being sixty three.

Digest of Church Letters

August 1865    Ask the brethren to pray God to visit them as in former days. Asks God to bless the deliberations of the Association. Have the labors of Eld. John Stott as their pastor once per month.
August 1866    Enjoys peace among themselves; have the labors of Eld. John Stott, who has labored faithfully in counseling and warning, yet it seems that the church enjoys little of the incomes of Grace; asks the prayers of the Association that they may live more faithful.
August 1869    Enjoy peace and harmony. Have the faithful labors of Eld. N. Johnson as pastor. Have a Union Sabbath School with large attendance.
September 1872    Still exist as a church. Enjoy the blessing of God's favor.
August 1883    Still lives as an organization, though doing but little work for the Master. The Sunday School has an average attendance of forty.

Church Letters

August 1894

    The churches were then called, and all responded by letter or messengers except Westport, whose letter was not present.
    The letters were read, and showed great activeness in every part of the Association; more baptisms being reported than in any former year: viz. 265, all the churches sans one reporting baptisms.
    All the churches except one reported a Sunday School, the membership of this church working in a Union Sunday School.
    The Mount Aerie Church is to have all time preaching beginning with September. Little Sand Creek, Mount Pleasant, North Vernon and Westport have half time service. Liberty is pastorless. The remaining churches have preaching once a month. All have felt the hard times so far as finances are concerned, but are hopeful of the future.

August 1895

Rock Creek Church sent a letter requesting admission into the Association. After reading the letter and a statement of Rev. E. Sanford, who was Moderator of the Council of Recognition, the Rock Creek Church was on motion by Rev. J. Allee, admitted into all the rights and privileges of the Association. The Moderator extended the hand of fellowship to the messengers present.
The letters showed fewer baptisms than last year, but the churches were all reported as expecting better days.

August 1896

The churches were then called and all reported by Messengers, but the letters from Bear Creek and North Vernon churches had not yet arrived. Letters read, and they showed a fair degree of interest in the churches.

Reports of the Associational Board

August 1900

    To the Sand Creek Association when convened in its fifty-seventh annual session, August 15, 1900:
    We, as your Association Board most respectfully summit this our annual report for the year ending August 1, 1900.
    The reported value of Church property in the Association is $.________
    Sixteen of the eighteen churches own their own houses of worship. The other two worship in Union houses. No church owns a parsonage. Zenas Church proposes to build a new house yet this fall, and is asking for aid in this direction as they do not feel able themselves to build a house such as the cause demands. Extensive repairs have been made during the years by Napoleon and Otter Creek.
    Several of the churches have been without a pastor during the year.
    North Vernon has come to the point of all time preaching. Liberty, Mount Aerie and Mount Pleasant have preaching one half the time. The remaining churches are content with one fourth time preaching; or at least this is all they are having.
    Brush Creek, which has been weak for a number of years seems to be growing weaker and we would recommend the appointment of a committee to visit and confer with them as to their future.
            There has been added to the churches the past year:
            By Baptism    87
            By Letter    32
            By Experience    11
            By Restoration    2
            A total of 142 [132]

            The decrease has been:
            By Letter    60
            By Erasure    33
            By Exclusion    18
            By Death    32
            Present Membership    2159
            A Net Loss from last year    16

Brush Creek is the only church in the Association which has no Sunday School. Antioch and Rock Creek schools are Union.

August 1901

    The past year has been one of a reasonable degree of prosperity with our churches. All our churches except Liberty are supplied with Pastors. Hopewell and Union have come to half time preaching, and no steps backwards have been taken by any of our churches.
    Zenas has completed a new house, costing $2400, which was dedicated in July.
    Brush Creek has not been able to throw off the lethargy, which is weighting her down and it is probable will soon disband.

August 1902

    Your Associational Board would report that during the year just closing there has been but little advancement made by the churches throughout the Association in the matter of contributing for benevolence. In some instances there seems to be an improved spiritual condition, in others the reverse. We find in general the attendance at all the church services are not so large as they should be.
    Some of the churches have been without pastors a portion of the year, but all are supplied at the present time. No church sans North Vernon has all time preaching. Hopewell, Liberty, Mount Aerie, Union and Westport have half time preaching. All the others have one fourth time.
    Six of the churches have contributed to each of the four principal societies during the year. For State Missions, eleven churches contributed $126.46. Last year, fifteen churches contributed $150.47. This is a loss of four contributing churches and $24.01 in amount.
    As to visible results of the year's work: the baptisms have been 84, nearly all of which came from the Sunday School. Last year the number was 109. The number of deaths was 39, of exclusions 30, dismissed by letter 65, while but 30 have been received by letter, restored 1, and 11 received by relation. This leaves the present membership 2223, which on its own face shows a net gain from last year of 7 members.
    At this rate how long will it be until all are brought to Christ? We would earnestly plead with the churches and pastors individually and collectively for more consecration, for more diligence, and greater sacrifices for the Master's cause during the coming year.

August 1903

Your Association Board consists of one member from each church in the Association, who is appointed by the church he represents. The Clerk of the Association is made chairman of the board.
This board is expected to further the interests of all Missionary Societies and assist as they are able in their various churches in creating an interest in Missionary work, and in collecting and forwarding funds for the same. As to this work, the chairman has utterly failed in his duty the past year as he has not visited any of the churches in the line of duty during the year. The individual members have failed in many instances to see that their churches made any contributions. In some instances it has seemed the members of the board was not in sympathy with Mission work.

August 1907

    The work throughout the Sand Creek Association during the year has not make as great progress as we would like to see. Only one general board meeting was held during the year, viz: at Zenas in October 1906.
    Poston, Antioch and Little Sand Creek with Brush Creek are without pastors. Poston is looking for a pastor. Antioch is not holding any meetings and is greatly discouraged, while Brush Creek is making no effort to do anything.
    North Vernon and Mount Aerie have all time preaching. Hopewell, Liberty, Mount Pleasant, Shiloh, Union, Otter Creek and Westport have half time preaching. The remainder of the churches have one forth time preaching.
    The financial obligations of the churches in general as to home work is in good condition. As to Missionary contributions, some churches have done well the past year, while others have done but little. It is noticeable that those churches which come in closest contact with their pastor are doing the most for missions. We find it is yet to be regretted that we have so few resident pastors.
    In a number of our churches no special meetings have been held during the past year. D. R. Landis, State Evangelist, assisted in one meeting in the Association at Napoleon. We believe that our churches should arouse to the needs of the hour. In most of our churches the number of members is decreasing and attendance upon church services and in our Sunday Schools is very meager, notwithstanding the fact that in every community there is a goodly number who should be regular attendants.
    We should plead for more spirituality in our churches, for greater Missionary contributions, and an increased brotherly love in our midst.
    The report was discussed by a number, and the Associational work was given but little time on account of matters which were pressing.

Purchase of Minute Book

September 1873

A motion was adopted instructing the Clerk to procure a substantially bound book of not less than five hundred pages, in which the entire proceedings of this body since its organization, as appears in its minutes, be transcribed, and it is hereby made the duty of the Clerk to transcribe all future meetings of this body in said book, in order that a complete history be kept, and preserved.
A collection for the above named purpose was made, and ten dollars and fifty-five cents ($10.55) placed in the hands of the Clerk.

September 1874

Resolved, with thanks, we accept the book ordered to be purchased by the Clerk, to be used for Records of this Association, and we do hereby approve of said records so far as transcribed, by Miss Kate Stout, and we do hereby order Miss Stout to be employed by the said Clerk to complete the records in like manner, and we do hereby pledge ourselves to furnish sufficient funds to pay for the same.

August 1876

    After having completed the transcribing of the Records of thirty-two years of the Sand Creek Baptist Association in the book, (purchased for the purpose), I now hand it over to the Association, hoping the work accomplished may be approved of by that body.
            Very Respectfully,
            Kate Stout

    A committee of the following persons appointed on the transcribing of the Records of the Association from the organization up to the present time (32 years) Revs. F. M. Huckleberry, J. W. Potter, C. A. Gartin and Brethren D. C. Shirk and A. W. Lett.
    Report of the committee on the transcribing of the Records of the Association is as follows. That Sister Kate Stout has recorded the Minutes of 32 sessions of the Association and we suppose it would take two days to each Minute which we think ought to be worth $1.00 per day, amounting to $64.00 which is as reasonable as we could expect. A collection was taken up, amounting to $5.00 leaving a balance due on said work $50.50 to be divided among the Churches according to membership.

August 1881

Collection was taken to pay the indebtedness for transcribing minutes, amounting to $6.25.

Katie Stout turns in that she finished transcribing the first 32 years of the records.

Biography

August 1901

    A motion and second was made and carried that Bro. A. Carter's picture and biography occupy the first page in our minutes this year.
    Rev. Albert Carter was born near the present site of the town of Hartsville, Bartholomew County, Ind., May 7th 1824. That locality was then a dense wilderness, the nearest settlement being seven miles away. Here Bro. Carter grew to manhood and received the very meager educational advantages of that early day. However, he received a good common school education and spent seven years of his early life in teaching during the winter season and laboring on the farm the remainder of the year.
    In March 1859, he was converted and united with the Little Sand Creek Baptist Church, and was baptized by Elder Evan Sneed. In May 1859, he was ordained a deacon in that church, the following year was licensed to preach and became their Pastor.
    In August 1860, a council was called by the Little Sand Creek Church and Bro. Carter was ordained. From that time the work grew and prospered.

Bro. Carter served one fourth to one half time for the following churches:

All of these are in the Sand Creek Association

Little Sand Creek     35 years
Mt. Pleasant     18 years
Bear Creek     14 years
Dry Fork     8 to 10 years
Liberty     6 to 8 years
Mt. Arie     2 to 3 years
Geneva     4 years
Union     2 years

He also preached for the following churches in Flat Rock Association:

Flat Rock 3 years Sheron 20 years

Besides this, he spent about twenty-five winters in holding protracted meetings in his own and sister churches, and assisting many pastors in holding protracted efforts.
During this long ministry he has baptized about 1000 persons and has been present and assisted in baptizing nearly as many more besides preaching some 800 funerals and marrying 305 couples. Bro. Carter was Moderator of the Association for thirty-five years.

Death Notices and Obituaries

August 1850

Died, on the 21st day of August, 1849, Elder Benjamin Tucker, in the 32nd year of his age. Elder Tucker, for a number of years immediately preceding his death was zealously devoted to the Gospel ministry. He left a wife and four children who mourn his absence. But a loss is not only felt in the family circle; the neighborhood, the church and the Association which were the center of his active labors join in sympathy with the bereaved family. He was a kind and affectionate husband, a tender father, a friendly neighbor, a quiet and peaceable citizen, and a constant faithful, pious, meek and humble Christian. It may be said of him "His praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches that enjoyed his labors."

August 1852

Since our last annual meeting, Eld. Hiram Pond has been called by death from our midst. Brother Pond has left a family, to whom he performed the offices of an affectionate husband and kind father, as well as extensive church relation, who mourn their loss. Elder Pond was a member of Little Sand Creek Church, for whom he officiated as pastor from his ordination till prevented by his last illness. Other churches also enjoyed his labors. As far as health and circumstances would permit, he labored earnestly in his Heavenly Master's Vineyard.

August 1861

Resolved, That in the death of Bro. U. B. Miller, we deeply feel the loss of an efficient agent of the General Association, and an able minister of the Gospel of Christ, and his visits to our Association and Churches, yet we bow in submission to Him, whose right it is to take him from labor to rest.

August 1863

Resolved, That we feel greatly the loss of the presence and counsel of our beloved brother, Elder Geo. M. Patrick, who departed this life, Feb. 18th, in the 54th year of his age, having been a faithful representative of the Dry Fork Church to this Association from its organization; yet we meekly bow in submission to this dispensation of God's will in calling him from labor to reward, while we learn his last days were days of rejoicing in God his Savior for the hope of heaven, immortality, and eternal life.

August 1868

Resolved, That in the death of Eld. Wm. Vawter we have had taken from us a father, Father in Israel indeed. He was ever alive to the service of the Master. He labored long and faithfully in his Lord's vineyard, and has gone to receive that crown for which his soul waited. He was taken as a shock of corn fully ripe. His memory will ever be sweet, and his influence will never die. May we imitate his example of faith and zeal and piety. He served as Moderator for this Association for twenty years, and was ever faithful to his duties and kind to his brethren.

September 1870

At 12 o'clock Rev. A. Carter preached the funeral sermon of Deacon Willis C. Stribling of the Mt. Pleasant Church from Matthew 8:11; followed by Rev. Wm. T. Stott giving a brief history of the Christian life of the deceased.

September 1872

[As written in the history of North Vernon Baptist Church presented at the 1872 meeting.] One remarkable incident in her short history is, there were no deaths in the little family until the year 1848; two widowed sisters died in one month of each other, sister Hester Freeman and sister Tabitha Guess.

September 1874

[As written in the history of Rock Creek Baptist Church presented at the 1874 meetng.] In 1832 Jacob VanDusen was ordained deacon and served until his death in 1869.

September 1875

It has pleased God to remove from our embrace our beloved brother, Rev. P.H. Nichols, who died February 1875. ''A Father in Israel has fallen." Though father Nichols was not called to as extensive a pastorate as some others, but he was a good home worker. Resolved, 1st, That we heartily sympathize with the bereaved family in their loss, and with the Otter Village Church in the loss of so worthy as member and former pastor. Resolved, 2nd, That we fondly cherish his memory and strive to meet him in Heaven, where we confidently believe he now rests.
Deacon Miles E. McCaulou was born in Albamarle county, Virginia, in the year 1814, and moved with his parents to the State of Indiana in the year 1834, where he has lived ever since. In the year 1836, he was married to Mary A. Boston, who now mourns his death. He joined what is now known as the North Vernon Church (Baptist) in the year 1842, of which he was a member until his death. He was ordained Deacon of the above named church in the year 1850, which capacity he filled with great honor to himself and the church. As an officer of the church, he was both faithful and kind. As a Christian, he had no rivals. When the faith of others waxed cold, he was faithful. If any counsel was needed, his advice was sought. His advice was always considered safe, and was generally received with great confidence. As a member of the church, he was humble, active and kind. As a citizen, he was respected by all who knew him. As a father and husband, he was affectionate, and held a good discipline over his family. He was looked up to by mother and children, as their faithful father and husband. His last sickness was somewhat protracted, but in all his sufferings he was not known to murmur. In his last hours he sought close communion with God for a final preparation for the hour of death. In all his afflictions he was never known to express a doubt as to his acceptance with God. His last words were words of faith and hope in Christ. And after a lingering sickness of several weeks, he passed over the stream of death on the 2nd day of June, A.D. 1875. Thus passed away one of earth's brightest jewels to decorate the spiritual fimlament above.

Bear Creek Church	Ored Ervin Jane Barr Mary Louise Chattan
Hopewell Church	Sarah Boswell, one of the constituent members
Mt. Pleasant Church	Stephen Cadby

August 1876

Since we last met in our Associational gathering death has been visiting our various Churches and families. Some who have met with us in other years will meet with us no more. They have been called from labor to reward.

Bear Creek	Clarissa Anderson, Daughter of Deacon Herring, died April 25, 1876.
Dry Fork	Mary Land, Wife of Bro. Lovin Land, died May 24, 1876, aged 36 years.
Liberty	Bro. Geo. Morgan, departed this 1ife Sept. 24, 1875, aged 90 years. George Eubank, departed this life May 3, 1876, aged 53 years. Lavinia Martin, departed this life July 1876, aged 27 years
Hopewell	J. B. McNew Cynthia Peterman
Mt. Arie	Jas. Rutherford died Feb. 1876, aged 23 years. United with the Church Feb. 1875.
Otter Village	Mary Neal
Westport	Jacob Merriman, departed this life Sept. 25, 1875, aged 59 years.

August 1877
Since our last Association others have been called from their labors on earth, as we trust to their reward in heaven. May we also be ready as we know not the day or the hour when the Master may call for us.

Bear Creek	Mary Herring, February 12, 1877 Tabitha Cams
Brush Creek	On the 5th of June 1877 Sister Nancy Monroe in the 73rd year of her age. She was ever about her Master's business
Dry Fork	Amos Miller, at Franklin, Clinton County, Ind., March 1877 Dinah Stafford, wife of Deacon Stafford, June 27, 1877 Mother Steelman, July 3, 1877
Geneva	Brother John M. Brown at his home in Hardenburg, Indiana, on the day of March 1, 1877. Bro. Brown was Clerk of said Church for years. When health permited he was ever found at the House of God at her stated meetings. He was much given to hospitality. Agnes Curtis, one of the faithful ones of the Church, on the 5th of July,Age88
Liberty	Sister Mary Howard on the 24th day of September 1876 in the triumphs of a loving faith.
Mt. Pleasant	Elizabeth Manion, daughter of Maxa and Eliza Moncrief, June 15, 1877, in the 30th year of her age. Her suffering was long and painful, yet she was never heard to murmur, but often said it was all right. For about twelve years she was a devoted Christian and leaving a bright evidence she has gone from labor to reward. Sister Pike, February 22, 1877 Adaline Herron, September 27, 1876 Mary Barr, July 22, l877
North Vernon	O. F. Feagler was born in Butler Co., Ohio, May the 4th 1819. Came to Indiana in 1842, and united with the Zoar Baptist Church by baptism in August 1843 and was ordained by Zoar Church to the work of the Ministry, 1853. His labors were blessed in the ministry, especially in the Bear Creek Church. He died at his residence one mile and a half east of North Vernon; was a member of the North Vernon Baptist church at the time of his death which occurred August 27th 1876, leaving a wife and four children to mourn his loss and was buried in the graveyard generally known as the Wm. Vawter graveyard, where he, 0. F. Feagler, had buried four of his children where all will sleep until the resurrection morn.

August 1878

Bear Creek	Catherine Herring, March 19, 1878 Mary Carson, January 30, 1878
Dry Fork	Dr. William Hannah died Jan. 8, 1878. A good citizen, a kind father and husband, faithful in spiritual duties and beloved by all who knew him.
Hopewell	[no first name] Beardsly, August 22, 1877, aged 74 years
Mayflower	Eleven Gray, October 13, 1877 [This is Levan Gray.]
Mt. Pleasant	Maxa Moncrief, died September 1877. For many years a leading member in the church both in financial and spiritual duties. John Margoran Martha Ballard Angeline Petree
Otter Creek	Henry Jackson, Mary 19, 1878, aged 72 years
Shiloh	Melissa Flannigan, April 1, 1878
Zenas	Helen Davis, October 1877 Martha Ann Hudson, February 1878

August 1879

Bear Creek	Sarah Kelley, January 14, 1879 Mary E. Dixon, January 1879
Brush Creek	David Neal, May 11, 1879, aged 68 years
Hopewell	U. Woolley, February 1879 Seth Chaille, November 3, 1878
Liberty	Rev. Joab Stout died Nov. 11, 1877, aged 75 years, nine months and twenty-six days. He was a man of ardent piety; dearly beloved by all who knew him, and was a faithful minister of the Gospel of Christ for fifty years. Laura Land, March 26, 1879
Mayflower	William Hall, March 30, 1879, aged 61 years Celina Underwood, August 21, 1878, aged nearly 95 years
Mt. Aerie	Lydia Upjohn, November 26, 1878 Elizabeth Hess, June 30, 1879 Elizabeth Helmick, July 9, 1879
Mt. Pleasant	Mary J. Moncrief Francis Hern
Poston	John Edens, August 31, 1878, aged 77 years Stephen Bruce, October 11, 1878, aged 76 years
Westport	Deacon Levi Dixon, a faithful member whose end was peace. September 21, 1878, aged 58 years

August 1880

[As written in the history of Westport Baptist Church presented at the 1880 meeting.] Micajah Rutherford was ordained in August 1853, and served until his death, 1874, 21 years. Levi Dixon was ordained July 28, 1877, and served until his death Sept. 21, 1878, one year, three months.

Brush Creek	Millie Elliot
Geneva	Eliza Plymate died August 31, 1879, aged 65 years. Peter Hulse died April 24, 1880, aged 76 years. Leonard Buchanan died June 10, 1880.
Hopewell	Mary J. Tucker died October 18, 1879, aged 58 years. Charlotte McNew died November 1879.
Liberty	Pleasant Martin died March 15, 1880.
Little Sand Creek	Elizabeth Pond died December 25, 1879. Robert Bratton died April 25, 1880. Letitia Stewart died May 25, 1880.
Mt. Pleasant	Malinda Stout died October 17, 1879, aged 76 years. Martha J. Agnew died December 7, 1879, aged 44 years. John Meyers died August 10, 1880, aged 30 years. Rachel Wren
Poston	Ira Young died April 30, 1880, aged 46 years. Mary Edens, aged 79 years Ann Spaulding, aged 37 years
Westport	Rebecca Martyn, aged 77 years Martha Dixon died January 4, 1880, aged 79 years. Malinda Layton died January 30, 1880, aged 59 years.

August 1881

Hopewell	Sarah A. Jeffries died August 5, 1880. Susan Stratton died October 1880.
Liberty	Deacon James Brown died at his home near Letts Comer, October 10, 1880. He was faithful in his life to his Master and died in the faith.
Rock Creek	Rev. Benjamin Denham died November 1880 at his home near Westport, Ind.
Shiloh	John Flanigan died January 10, 1881. Eliza T. Butler, consort of Bro. Geo. Butler, died February 2, 1881, aged 67 years. She lived a consistent Christian life the day of her death.
Mt. Aerie	Sarah Lett died April 29, 1881. Suddenly, of disease of the heart. Aged about 38 years.
Westport	Jeremiah Morgan, who had long been a follower of the Master, died at his home near Westport at the advanced age of 84 years. Mary Lansberry died at her daughter's in Jefferson County,aged over 70 years. Mary Layton died at her home near Westport, aged 44 years. She had been a follower of the Master only a few years, but she was true to his cause.

August 1882

Antioch	Deacon Jonathan Underwood died January 29, 1882, aged 80 years. He had been a member of the church for nearly fifty years.
Bear Creek	Abner Comer died November 16, 1881. Rachel Bolton died October 3, 1881.
Brush Creek	Eliza Stoddard died October 29, 1881. Ann Grinstead died June 27, 1882.
Dry Fork	Hannah Patrick Eliza McCracken Laura A. Gartin died June 25, 1882
Geneva	William C. Vawter died April 23, 1882, aged 54 years. He was for many years clerk of the Association. He was an earnest, conscientious Christian and highly respected by all who knew him. Schofield and Son, with whom he had been associated for many years in business said: "We have no hope of filling his place; he was so true; so honest and so successful."
Liberty	F. M. Brown, bo1n May 7, 1854; died June 11, 1882. M. H. Robbins, born August 30, 1832; died August 14, 1882. Ross Jones died February 1882.
Little Sand Creek	Elizabeth Dunn died December 12, 1881. Susan Ross died February 27, 1882. Celia Neal died Mary 14, 1882. Elizabeth Bowman died July 10 1882.
Mt. Aerie	John Holmes died January 29, 1882. He was an earnest, devoted and exemplary Christian.
Mt. Pleasant	Jane Chaillie Mary A. Cadby Adaline Brown
Westport	James Dixon died October 1, 1881, aged 86 years.
Zenas	Sarah Griner died October 20, 1881, aged 65 years Lavina Parker died March 19, 1882, aged 76 years

August 1883

[As stated by Otter Creek Church in their letter to the Association.] Otter Creek was deprived of her Pastor, Rev. W. Hogg, by death, April 13, 1883.

Bear Creek	Brother Wm. Herring, who had been a member some forty years, died in his sixty-fourth year.
Dry Fork	Samuel Williams died May 16, 1883, after many days suffering. Aged about eighty years.
Geneva	Deacon Jarvis Plymate was instantly killed by a passing train in the town of Acton and was brought to his old home and buried. Aged about 80 years.
Liberty	Sister Charity Brown
Little Sand Creek	Calla Markland, a daughter of the late Rev. Evan Sneed, died in June 1883. Aged about 50 years.
Mt. Pleasant	Lora Moncrief Mary Gant Mary Johnson Jane Chaillie
North Vernon	Sister Carrie Davis' death was to her friends and the Church peculiarly sad because of her youth. In her we lost a faithful member. She was deeply interested in the Woman's Foreign Mission Circle and was secretary at the time of her death. Sarah Ketchum
Westport	John Keith died April 12, 1883, aged 54 years. Missed at home and at church.

August 1884

Liberty	Lovicy Wright, wife of Deacon Richard Wright, born in Henry County, Ky., died March 18, 1884. She was pious in her life and prompt in her Christian duties. Deacon Richard Wright died August 18, 1884. In the space of five months called to follow his wife, and they now lie side by side. Deacon Wright was born in Rockbridge County, Va., April 2, 1819; so he was at the time of his death aged 65 years, 4 months and 16 days. Mary Bayles died August 8, 1884, in her 25th year.
Little Sand Creek	Maggie Williams, January 22, 1884 John Gulley, July 29, 1884
Mt. Pleasant	Nancy Goudie, August 24, 1883 Martha Chaillie, August 29, 1882 [1882 is as written] Jeptha Moncrief, September 18, 1883 Wm. Alexander, May 16, 1884
Union	John S. Sturgis, September 4, I 883. Aged 53 years, 11 months and 2 days.

August 1885

Bear Creek	Sophie Gividen died Apri1 23, 1885.
Hopewell	Wm. H. Stribling died May 10, 1885, aged 27 years
Little Sand Creek	Hannah Crittenden died January 4, 1885. Sarah Bratten died March 19, 1885. Jane Bratten died April 30, 1885. Mary Ham died June 2, 1885. Robert Carter died April 19, 1885, aged 59 years. David Bums died January 30, 1885.
Mt. Aerie	Mary Davis, wife of Deacon George Davis, died September 11, 1884. Harmon F. Steinning died November 26, 1884, aged almost 80 years.
Mt. Pleasant	Wm. H. Eddleman died April 7, 1885, aged 68 years. Rachel Eddleman, wife of the above, died June 22, 1885, aged 58 years. Ann Alexander died May 8, 1885, aged 68 years.
Napoleon	Nancy Fromer died August 31, 1884. Malinda Wagner died September 1, 1884. George McKee died July 22, 1885.
Poston	Charlotte McIntyre died February 26, 1885, aged 90 years. Sarah Jenkins died June 17, 1885, aged 17 years. Mary D. Denna died June 27, 1885, aged 27 years.
Union	Elizabeth Lemasters Sarah A. Moffet
Westport	Simon Layton died in March 1885. Far from home, but yet remembered.

August 1886

Hopewell	Rebecca A. Waters died November 1885, aged 68 years. Aunt Becca is sadly missed. She had been a faithful member 46 years. Jane McNew died July 7, 1886, aged 70 years. Had been a member of the Baptist Church 50 years. Malinda Fite died July 30, 1886, aged 78 years. Sister Fite had been a member 30 years.
Otter Creek	Elizabeth Dougherty, died Aug. 7, 1886.
Little Sand Creek	Bro. John Osborn, advanced in years. Sister Blake, advanced in years.
Mt. Pleasant	Moses P. Chaillie died November 30, 1885. Anna B. Thomas died December 28, 1885, aged 23 years. Sister Anna united with the church while in school at Franklin College, and though called so young was ready to go.
North Vernon	Sarah Holsclaw, died July 29, 1886, aged 77 years. For 56 years she had been a faithful member of the Baptist Church and died trusting in God.
Shiloh	Lizzie Waddell, died July 17, 1886, aged 34 years. She had been a member 16 years and was ever faithful.
Union	Sallie McConnell, died March 28, 1886, aged 76 years. Ann R. McConnell, died April 13, 1886, aged 25 years.
Westport	Tabitha Dodd, died March 7, 1886, aged 43 years.
Zenas	Margaret Denton, aged 68 years. Joseph Thompson, aged 82 years. Rosanna Burton Rose Levi

August 1887

Antioch	Sister Anna M. Grinstead, died Oct. 9, 1886, aged 17 years. Sister Mary A. Baker, died Nov. 27, 1886, aged 26 years. Sisters Anna and Mary A. were sisters. They both died of consumption,and died earnest Christians. Daniel Brown, died February 9, 1884, aged 86 years. He was a member of the Baptist church 56 years.
Brush Creek	John C. McCauley, died August 16, 1887, aged 24 years. [This is John C. McCaulou. He is buried in the McCaulou Cemetery in Jennings County.] Elizabeth Grinstead, died March 9, 1887, aged 84 years.
Liberty	Mattie C. Tanner, died December 20, 1886, aged nearly 21. She had been a faithful member about 6 years.
Little Sand Creek	James A. Elliot, died November 27, 1886. Sarah Cross, died March 1, 1887. Both were aged persons, and old members of the church.
Mt. Aerie	Sister Ida Tanner, died January 3, 1887, aged 24 years. A noble, true Christian young woman, ready and anxious to go to her home on high.
Mt. Pleasant	Sister Eliza Small, died March 22, 1887, aged 26 years. She lived a Christian life and said she felt that while life was dear if it was the Master's will she was ready.
North Vernon	Sister Brandon
Otter Creek	Sister Eva Rice, died June 9, 1887, aged 67 years. Letitia Griffiths, died Dec. 31, 1886, aged 28 years. United with this church in 1883. Stephen Falconbury, died at his home, in Missouri, in the summer of 1886.
Westport	Margaret Fike, died December 17, 1886, aged 46 years. She was taken away suddenly. Her life had been constant with her profession. Jacob Bently Back, a former clerk of our church, died of consumption January 15, 1887, aged 23 years. Though young in the Christian life, he gave evidence that he was ready to go when the summons came.

August 1888

Bear Creek	Alfred Bolton, died September 5, 1887.
Brush Creek	Addison David departed this life February 3, 1888. Born April 4, 1810. United with the church, 1842.
Liberty	Vina McGee, died December 2, 1887.
Mt. Aerie	Barret Fear, died October 16, 1887. Jennie Barns, died November 1887.
Mt. Pleasant	Jno. Small, 1888
Napoleon	Died one
North Vernon	Ann Worden, died June 19, 1888.
Poston	Lida Goodwin, died April 1888.
Shiloh	Harriet Taylor, died April 23, 1888. Phoebe Gannon, died October 19, 1887.

August 1889

Bear Creek	Minnie Withrow, May 14, 1889 Dorcas Tomlinson, 1888 John Richison, 1888
Brush Creek	Died l
Little Sand Creek	Nancy Williams, December 9, 1888, aged 80 years George Allen, January 7, 1889, aged 42 years
Mount Aerie	Mary Mitchell, July 6, 1889 Bryan Jordon, July 14, 1889, aged 21 years
Napoleon	Died 4
North Vernon	Died 1
Otter Creek	Died 2
Poston	Lavina Heatherington, May 17, 1889, aged 22 years Esther Mcfatridge, June 22, 1889, aged 18 years Hannah M. Jenkins, August 27, 1888, aged 19 years
Zenas	Died 3

August 1890

Bear Creek	J. F. Q. May James Herring
Mount Aerie	Deacon Henry Stienning, June 20, 1890, aged 62 years. He was a Godly man and sincerely mourned by church and community. Nancy Osthimer, July 1890, aged 50 years
Mt. Pleasant	Mary Ann Moncrief, September 6, 1889, aged 67 Emily Seal, September 8, 1889, aged 50 years
Napoleon	William Williams, September 4, 1889 Sarah Lutz. This sister had been accepted for baptism, but was taken sick and died before baptism.
North Vernon	Thadeus Elliot, December 22, 1890, aged 90 Lucinda Nicholson
Poston	Alice Downey, August 31, 1889, aged 24 years, 6 months Jane Downey, November 29, 1889, aged 35 years, 19 days Wm. H. Brown, rec'd for baptism Nov. 2, 1889, died January 11, 1890.
Union	Martha E. Goodwin
Westport	Martha Hathaway, April 14, 1890, aged 70
Zenas	Bell Herron, aged 22 years Maria Underwood, aged 72 years John O'Conner, aged 32 years Lilly Bowers, aged 23 years. Sister Bowers was taken sick afer her acceptance for baptism and was never baptized. She died regretting only that she had been unable to obey in the letter as well as in the Spirit.

August 1891

Resolution Adopted. -
Whereas, in the history of the past, Death has swept clear the stage - the fell destroyer has not suffered the hatchment of the grave to be taken down for a moment - we and our contemporaries are the only surviving children of the slain; and whereas, in the fight of Sacred Truth, when the good die the world sustains a sad loss, when the baddie die, the loss is all their own, therefore, In the death of Bro. John E. McCoy the church has lost a brother, the home and social circle a genial and faithful friend; the voice attuned to the sweet melody of Heaven has often cheered the drooping soul and chased shadows from the doubting heart, opening the windows of the soul and letting in the light of hope from Him whose countenance is as the sun shining in its strength. Link to Obituary of John E. McCoy

Antioch	Elizabeth Underwood, February 28, 1891, aged 79 years Martha Matthews, May 3, 1891, aged 78 years Deacon Hiram L. Baker, July 5, 1891, Deacon Baker was one of the constituent members, and for 17 years had served as Clerk.
Bear Creek	Joel Herring, May 31, 1891, aged 78yr., 7 mo., 14 d
Hopewell	Sarah E. Edens, September 15, 1890, aged 51 years John Reno, March 28, 1891, aged 85 years Emeline Lebolt, April 7, 1891, aged 65 years E. Edens, April 25, 1891, aged 57 years
Liberty	1
Mt. Aerie	Lydia Tanner, May 16, 1891, aged 45 years Alice Vantreese, June 29, 1891, aged 18 years
Mt. Pleasant	Fannie Withrowe, September 14, 1890 Lucy Moncrief, September 20, 1890 Mary G. Chaille, December 27, 1890, aged 87 years
Napoleon	Catherine Wilson Mrs. Newman
Otter Creek	Talitha Ellis Margaret Renfro, April 5, 1891, aged 69 years
Poston	Thomas Edens, Jr., November 4, 1890, aged 69 years Anna Edens Ella Back, July 28, 1891, aged 26 y, 1 mo, 25 d
Shiloh	Deacon George Butler, November 12, 1890, aged 69 years
Union	1
Westport	1
Zenas	Mary McNew, August 22, 1890, aged 69 years Elizabeth M. Fitz, March 15, 1891, aged 89 years Catharine Deweese, March 12, 1891, aged 89 years Mary Greene, June 16, 1891, aged 72 years

Total deaths, 28. It will be noticed the advanced age of nearly all the above. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

August 1892

Antioch	Robert Hunter, August 25, 1891, age 51 years Elizabeth Smith, February 25, 1892, age 65 years
Bear Creek	John W. Herring, October 5, 1891
Hopewell	William Pickett, age about 90 years
Liberty	Deacon George Goudie M.A. Greer Mahala Hunter
Little Sand Creek	Elisha Bradley Martha E. Peters, age 42 years
Mount Aerie	Martha McCune Bruce Martha Blew
Mount Pleasant	Elizabeth Freeland, January 9, 1892, age 72 years William Shields, July 4, 1892, age 70 years
North Vernon	Frank Grinstead, October 25, 1891
Otter Creek	John Price, December 29, 1891, age 45 years Kizzie Jackson, May 1, 1892, age 89 years
Poston	2
Shiloh	Aramanta O'Neal
Union	Deacon Peter Martin, September 9, 1891 Jas. McCormick, September 15, 1891 Robert Scripture, March 4, 1892 Mary E. Wood, April 8, 1892
Westport	Jesse West, January 6, 1892 Elizabeth Burkman, January 15, 1892 Mary Childers, March 22, 1892 Rebecca Stevens, October 6, 1891
Zenas	Julius Underwood, January 16, 1892 George E. Clemens, June 14, 1892, age 24 years Joseph Tatman, February 21, 1892 Jacob Hansel, April 12, 1892 Deacon Randolph Daughters, June 1, 1892, age 84 years

One by one they fell. "Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord."

August 1893

Antioch	Sarah Underwood, died December 18, 1882 Isaac Pool, January 18, 1893, aged 86 years Julia Pool, February 27, 1893, aged 84 years
Bear Creek	James Howe, January, 12, 1893, aged 41 years Emma Drake, December 25, 1892, aged 34 years
Brush Creek	1
Friendship	1
Hopewell	Jane Conover, November 15, 1892, aged 71 years Sarah Cabott, December 22, 1892, aged 34 years
Liberty	James Wyncoop, aged 71 years
Little Sand Creek	John W. Anderson Nancy D. Gross
Mount Aerie	Amilda Vantrees
Napoleon	1
North Vernon	Dr. Elmer Ferrill
Poston	Mary Rayneer, September 1892, aged 52 years 6 mos 16 days Martha Lemberg
Union	Elizabeth Toothman, May 29, 1893, aged 91 years B. F. Morgan, July 20, 1893
Zenas	Etta Underwood, September 10, 1892

A loss of thirty two by death, most of whom were of advanced age. Our sympathy is extended to the friends who are left behind, and we point them to the One who is ever ready to listen when we call, and who will comfort our every sorrow. [The total number of deaths recorded in the August 1893 minutes is only 20.]

August 1894

Antioch	1
Bear Creek	Phoebe Herring, December 30, 1893, 50 year a church member Ellen Bennett Taylor Henry
Brush Creek	Margaret Denton, December 21, 1893, aged 84 years
Friendship	5
Hopewell	5
Liberty	2
Little Sand Creek	Rev. James B. Remy, July 13, 1894, aged 62 years. Bro. Remy united with this church by letter in October 1864. In March 1874 was licensed to preach and was ordained in July 1875. He had been in declining health for several years and unable for active work.
Mount Aerie	George Armstrong Louise Fear Lizzie Vantrese Deacon Job Shirk; Ever present and ready to aid in every good work.
Mount Pleasant	4
North Vernon	Maggie Peak Henry Hinchman Lida Davis
Otter Creek	Mrs. Polly Stevens, June 5, 1894 Mrs. Almiranda Little, September 6, 1893 Mrs. Melinda R. Grinstead, April 27, 1894
Poston	Martha E. Jenkins, March 17, 1894 Celia Griffith, May 12, 1894 Thomas Yates and Sarah Yates, husband and wife
Union	2
Westport	India M. Updike, April 11, 1894
Zenas	Adelia Snell, July 1894 Belle Pickett, October 28, 1893, aged 34 years Jenmiah McNew, September 29, 1893, aged 34 years Nora Hobbs, November 26, 1893 Maria Kelly, April 9, 1894

A grand total of 44. Truly the reaper death has been busy and we are admonished that if we have anything to do we must do it quickly. To the families and friends of each we would say, "Be ye also ready, for in an hour ye know not the Son of Man Cometh."

August 1895

The reaper death has been busy, cutting down thirty-six members of the various churches, from the young to the very old, proving that death is no respecter of persons. The following are the names of the deceased.

Bear Creek	Ida Cooper, October 27, 1894, aged 27 years Alice Cain, January 8, 1895, aged 20 years, Mary Howe, April 5, 1895, aged 78 years
Brush Creek	Honora Elnora Watts
Friendship	Elizabeth Beard
Hopewell	Benj. F. Payton, February 8, 1895 Margaret Edens, March 1895, aged 31 years Ruth Stienmitz, May 9, 1895, aged 77 years Deacon Scott Waters, July 2, 1895, aged 81 years
Little Sand Creek	Martha J. Osborn, September 1, 1894 Levi Williams, February 24, 1895, aged 68 years Lizzie E. Boyer, April 24, 1895, aged 21 years John Elliott, May 19, 1895
Mount Aerie	Mary Lett, January 8, 1895, aged 81 years, church member 64 years Wm. Sutton, March 3, 1895, aged 82 years, church member 12 years Helen E. Armstrong, April 10, 1895, aged 27 years, church member 13 years Winston L. Evans, June 30, 1895, aged 35 years,church member 10 years Rebecca Stout, July 20, 1895, aged 75 years, church member nearly 60 years Jennie Vantrese
Mount Pleasant	Mrs. Watkins
Napoleon	Magdaline Lyon
North Vernon	W. B. Whittington, September 1894, an aged brother Isaac Whitcomb, February 1, 1895, aged 68 years Deacon Wm. Heaberlain, February 16, 1895
Otter Creek	Oral Johnson, August 21, 1894, aged 22 years
Poston	Lettie Raynor, December 24, 1894 Ada Downey, April 4, 1895 Wm. Salyers, December 17, 1894 Edward Spaw, June 4, 1895 Ary Sheets, May 25, 1895
Shiloh	Lena Burns, July 12, 1895, aged 15 years
Union	Ella Bates, February 7, 1895 George Fleming, January 4, 1895
Westport	Thomas Byram, September 19, 1894 Minnie Small, August 6, 1895
Zenas	1

Total number 36

August 1896

We are reminded from day to day that death is surely coming. The grim reaper has thrust in his sickle here and there during the year and taken such as the Master has called up higher. Not as many deaths are reported this year as in some former years, but they come from all ages, showing truly that God is no respecter of persons.

Antioch	Clara B. Grinstead, died October 30, 1895. She early gave her heart to Jesus and united with God's people and was ready when the summons came.
Bear Creek	Laura Fowler, December 17, 1895, aged 78 years Lydia Llewellyn, June 8, 1896, aged 8 years
Brush Creek	Samuel M. Chaille, July 11, 1896, Brother Chaille had been an active member for thirty years. At the time of his death he was serving as County Recorder.
Hopewell	Joseph Dorrell, June 11, 1896, aged 90 years, 6 month and 3 days Father Dorrell united with the church in I835. He had been a deacon for many years and was honored by all. In 1844, he assisted in the organization of Sand Creek Association and as far as known was the last of that company, sans Brother P. D. Baugn now of the Madison Association. Mary L. Hughes (nee Ruby), November 1, 1895, aged 27 years, 6 months and 9 days
Little Sand Creek	Margaret Barton, August 10, 1895 Henry Cook, December 12, 1895 James Smitha, September 12, 1895 Nancy Williams, February 6, 1896 Anna Neal, April 4, 1896 Peter Pond, June 30, 1896
Mount Aerie	Alma Cooper, November 6, 1895, aged 14 years Retta Clark, June 24, 1896
Mount Pleasant	Henry Huddelson
Napoleon	Names not reported.
North Vernon	Names not reported.
Otter Creek	Viola Littell, aged 27 years
Shiloh	Sarah O'Neal, March 1896 Minnie O'Neal, August 9, 1896
Union	Names not reported.
Westport	Geo. F. Alexander, June 1896
Zenas	Names not reported.

August 1897

Bear Creek	Matilda Conner, December 22, 1896, aged 79 years
Brush Creek	Nancy J. Neal, December 31, 1896
Friendship	Emaline Layton Urcela Layton James K. Harwood
Hopewell	Mary A. Neal, June 17, 1897, aged 47 years Mahala Bostic, July 17, 1897
Liberty	Katie Hunter
Little Sand Creek	Annie F. Davis, February 2, 1897 Elijah Jackson. The oldest member of the church and deacon for many years.
Mount Aerie	Thomas A. Hudson, December 1, 1896, aged 64 years Catherine Dancey, March 19, 1897
Mount Pleasant	Catherine Small, October 31, 1896, aged 78 years Sarah A. Moncrief, September 6, 1896, aged 48 years Eliza F. Moncrief, October 30 1896, aged 83 years
Napoleon	Henry Johnson
North Vernon	2
Otter Creek	1
Poston	1
Rock Creek	Viola Evans, September 14, 1897
Union	Ruth Ann Jones, April 12, 1897
Westport	David Billieu, September 14, 1896 Minerva Shields, April 3, 1897 Deacon Allen Layton, April 7, 1897

August 1898

The Grim Reaper is still visiting us and removing some of our number. Twenty-one deaths are reported this year, a less number than for several years. Most of these were old soldiers in the service of the Master. We extend to their friends our sympathies and prayers, bidding them look up and trust all to God.

Bear Creek	Sanford Fowler, January 6, 1898, aged 80 years
Hopewell	May Sibley, August 27, 1897, aged 20 yrs, 11 mos, 21 days Charity Jeffreys, September 11, 1897, aged 66 yrs, 8 mos, 2 days, a member 50 years
Little Sand Creek	Mrs. Zella Blocher, wife of J. F. Blocher Mrs. Elsie Ann Wilson, January 30, 1898, an earnest worker gone home
Mount Pleasant	Fred Hinds, July 2, 1898, aged 25 years
Napoleon	2
North Vernon	Mrs. Polly Feagler widow of Rev. 0. F. Feagler Will Suddith
Otter Creek	Alice Renfro, December 28, 1897
Rock Creek	Alfred Lloyd, November 8, 1897
Shiloh	Lethia Clarkson, December 21, 1897, aged 14 years
Union	Martha Goodwin, March 25, 1898, a member for 59 years
Westport	Will Morgan, October 27, 1897 Deacon James W. Myers, January 10, 1898 Jonathan Shields, February 6, 1898 Mattie Armstrong, July 14, 1898
Zenas	Mrs. Anna McMinds, January 10, 1898 Mrs. Rhoda Morris, March 20, 1898

August 1899

Bear Creek	Deacon John Herring, died October 11, 1898, aged 89 years, 6 months, 10 days. For 70 years he had been a member of the church.
Hopewell	Louisiana Branham, February 14, 1899, aged 61 years, 5 months, 15 days Sister A. 0. McCarty, June 15, 1899, aged 46 years, 5 months, 15 days Mary Elliott, July 22, 1899, aged 77 years, 11 months
Little Sand Creek	Martha Remy, widow of Rev. J.C. Remy
Mount Aerie	Minerva Wisenberg, aged 34 years Charity Coleman, aged 28 years Della Vantrese, aged 28 years Eva Purvis, aged 42 years
Otter Creek	David D. Lainy, died Feb 21, 1899, aged 79 years.
Poston	Smith Downey, died October 2, 1898, aged 53 years. Evaline Raynor, died December 1, 1898, aged 35 years, 11 months, 8 days. June Stevens, died April 2, 1899, aged 52 years, 1 day.
Rock Creek	Emma Morris
Union	Andrew Goodwin Georgia Ketchum Etta Jones S. Young
Westport	Ruth Gaston, died June 4, 1899, aged 45 years, 1 month, 27 days.
Zenas	Lucinda O'Connor, died October 18, 1898, aged 78 years. Deborah Wheeldon, died April 16, 1899, aged 39 years. Julia Bindhammer, died July 31, 1899, aged 57 years. Margaret Elliott, died June 28, 1899, aged 86 years.

Total 23. Asleep in Jesus. They rest from their labor and their works do follow them. May we all so live that we may be prepared for a happy reunion on the other shore with those who have gone on before.

August 1900

Bear Creek	Laura Thompson, October 25, 1899, aged 46 years Was a member with us for 31 years.
Brush Creek	2
Hopewell	Oscar Rayburn, September 6, 1899, aged 25 years, 10 months, 5 days Artie McNew, September 12, 1899, aged 14 years, 6 months, 24 days John H. Murdock, January 21, 1900, aged 65 years, 4 months, 16 days Nelson Draper, July 3, 1900, aged 74 years and 29 days Isaac Jeffries, June 29, 1900, aged 80 years, 6 months
Liberty	Willy Hunter, September 15, 1899, aged 18 years, 3 months Elizabeth Myers, May 1, 1900, aged 72 years, 11 months, 15 days
Mount Aerie	Aaron Davis, December 25, 1899, aged 66 years, 7 months Ann Evans, January 11, 1900, aged 82 years. One of the oldest members. Rose Holmes, March 2, 1900, aged 32 years Mrs. Tom Travis, March 1900, aged 75 years Hiram Bruce, aged 75 years Barthenia Clark, July 18, 1900, aged 58 years, 1 month, 2 days Was a church member 23 years.
North Vernon	Bro. Alton Daily, aged 52 years, 29 days. Was a member of the Baptist Church 18 years. Deacon John Q. Moore, aged 49 years, 11 months, 20 days. Was a member of church 25 years.
Otter Creek	Wm. R. Edwards, September 30, 1899, aged 26 years, 6 months, 14 days Abe L. Davis, June 15, 1900 Alma R. Eddleman, July 1, 1900, aged 59 years, 4 months, 13 days
Poston	Walter Crew, August 19, 1899 Emma Burk, June 7, 1900, aged 58 years, 11 months, 2 days James Jenkins, July 8, 1900, aged 68 years, 3 months, 24 days
Union	2
Westport	Mary Keith, November 25, 1899 Jerusha Young, May 14, 1900 Delilah Redington, August 1, 1900
Zenas	Sarah Hanzel James Rush Minnie O'Connor

We would not forget those who have passed from their labors. During the year 33 members of the churches have passed over the river of death, and we feel that they are now with the Master in Glory. To the friends who are left, we extend our sympathy and commend them to the One who is able to do for us all that we need. [The number of deaths listed in the minute book is 32.]

August 1901

Liberty	Harriet Goodwin, died July 5, 1901.
Little Sand Creek	1
Mount Aerie	3
Mount Pleasant	2
Napoleon	3
North Vernon	Sister Florence Gray, September 28, 1900 Sister Charlotte Lewis, September 30, 1900 Sister Sarah Elliott, October 2, 1900 Sister Elizabeth Pollard, November 21, 1900 Sister Martha J. Carson, April 26, 1901
Otter Creek	Bro. Moses Renfro, August 17, 1900
Shiloh	Bro. Alexander Manley, December 15, 1900 Sister Jane Rodgers, September 1900
Zenas	2

August 1902

During the year the Death Angel has been busy in our midst and thirty nine of our number has passed from earth, we trust to the home above. These have come from the ranks of both the old and the young. Those whom we think we can ill spare have been taken, but God's ways are not our ways. The Master is admonishing us day by day "Be ye also ready." The names of those who have passed over are as follows:

Antioch	Smith Barnes, September 4, 1901
Bear Creek	Mary Beesley, September 17, 1901 Mary Baird, November 22, 1901 Lavina Herring, April 1, 1902 Melissa Dixon, May 1, 1902 Almira Carson, July 7, 1902 Laura Bennett, July 31, 1902
Hopewell	James H. Pickett, June 12, 1902 Etta Sweeny, February 18, 1901
Little Sand Creek	Sarah Bums Melissa Jackson
Mount Aerie	Myrtle Cox, aged 24 Years Emily Cave, aged 84 years Emeline Brunton, aged 74 years J. H. Stout, aged 63 years. Bro. Stout had been prominent in the work of the Association and was Assistant Moderator at the time of his death.
North Vernon	Lucinda Whitcomb, January 16, 1902 Mary E. Miles, July 6, 1902 James Seaborn, February 1902
Otter Creek	Anna Roszell, July 25, 1901 Isabel Collins, August 30, 1901 Wm. Kelly, November 12, 1901 Henry Silby, December 9, 1901 Richard T. Grinstead, December 3, 1901 Clara Higgins, January 26, 1902 James Rice, February 2, 1902 Charles F. Stewart, March 1, 1902
Poston	Fred Ash Sarah Downey
Shiloh	Linnie Waddel Andrew O'Neal
Union	Lucy McConnell Ephrain Moffett John Miers
Westport	Martha J. Starkey, November 6, 1901 Edward Small, December 5, 1901 Wm. Kentow, March 2, 1902 Lizzie Campbell, March 15, 1902 Benjamin Hodson, March 20, 1902 Anna Johnson, May 18, 1902

August 1903

During the year the death angel has been in our midst and twenty-one of our number have passed off this stage of action. They have been generally taken from old and middle age. Those whom we think we ill can spare have been taken, but God's way's best. We should at all times be ready. The names are as follows: [The number of deaths given in the minute book is 20.]

Bear Creek	H. S. Herring, December 14, 1901, aged 47 years, 12 days
Brush Creek	Mildred E. Davis Susan E. Lowe
Hopewell	Sarah Martin, September 6, 1902, aged 60 years, 1 month, 2 days
Mount Pleasant	Dessie Bious, February 18, 1903
North Vernon	Mrs. Saville Gray Mrs. Elizabeth Monroe Mrs. Mary Curtis
Otter Creek	Mary J. Edwards, September 30, 1902, aged 60 years
Poston	Alice Downey Samuel Nichols
Westport	Mina Morgan, September 20, 1902 Asaneth Cornutt, March 25, 1903 Moses E. Williamson, April 20, 1903
Union	Effie Brown, December 11, 1902 Mason Coleman, June 20, 1903 Florence Maur, March 29, 1903 George Kamman, March 29, 1903
Zenas	Ellen Corya, December 7, 1902, aged 55 years Aramanta Pearcy, June 7, 1903, aged 89 years, 3 months, 20 days

August 1904

The following resolution was presented and unanimously adopted:
     Whereas: God in his wisdom has seen fit to take from us our beloved brother, Rev. A. Carter and his faithful companion Sister Charity C. Carter, and Whereas: Brother Carter served as Moderator of this Association for more than thirty years, Therefore: be it Resolved: That we will ever remember with love his life's work in our midst. While like a ripe shock of corn he was taken. We miss his wise counsels but we bow in submission to the will of the Master, believing that his influence will continue in our Association.
    May we imitate his example of father, zeal and piety.

    Brethren, fourteen of our churches have been visited by the death angel during the past year, who has taken from our ranks thirty one of our number. While we keenly feel the loss of these loved ones, we bow in humble submission to Him "who doeth all things well," for while they have left us, their influence will abide with us. When we remember their devotion to the cause, and their faithfulness in the service of our Master, our hearts are made glad and our hands are strengthened to go on in the services with greater zeal and stronger determination until He, who has called them, will call us into His presence, when we will meet them and rejoice together forever. The following are the names of the departed ones:

Antioch	Mrs. Clara Phillips Mrs. Maggie Heaton
Bear Creek	Augustus Herring, February 4, 1904, aged 66 years, 7 months, 17 days
Hopewell	Mrs. Sarah Aldrich, October 18, 1903 William Steel, March 28, 1904
Liberty	Alice McGee Tillison Brown
Little Sand Creek	Charity C. Carter, November 24, 1903 Rev. Albert Carter, November 26, 1903. Together in life, in death not separated. Anna Jackson, March 4, 1904
Mount Aerie	Maud Slipen Audrie Crigler Mahala Tudor
Mount Pleasant	Huldah Chaille, September 11, 1903, aged 87 years For 67 years a member of this church. Marshal Moncrief, November 9, 1903 Mary Hinds, March 20, 1904
North Vernon	Roy Wildey Fred Feagler Flora Grinstead
Otter Creek	Nancy Cox, aged 76 years Flora Stratton, aged 26 years George H. Overturf
Poston	Alaina Aickens, July 30, 1904, aged 84 years, 4 months, 6 days Nancy Harrell, January 28, 1904, aged 47 years
Shiloh	Zarilda Waddle, December 26, 1903 Isabel Cooper, April 6, 1904
Union	Mary Ann Jayne, May 9, 1904, aged 74 years, 4 days. Mother of Rev. G. H. Jayne John Porter, June 14, 1904, aged 58 years Ollie Baird Chance, August 1904
Westport	Mrs. Ina Cann, January 5, 1904, aged 33 years, 7 months, 2 days
Zenas	Deacon Wm. Galloway, July 5, 1904, aged 93 years

August 1905

Bear Creek	Deacon Henry May
Hopewell	Nancy O'Neal, February 2, 1905, aged 69 years, 7 months, 9 days Solon O'Connor, February 16, 1905, aged 52 years, 2 months, 8 days May Cady, May 29, 1905, aged 32 years, 13 days
Liberty	Wm. Myers, August 1904 Jas. Whittaker, August 1904 L. N. Lundy, November 1904 Tod Eubank, February 1905 Deacon T. H. McCracken, May 10, 1905
Little Sand Creek	R. B. Mattock
Mount Aerie	Minnie Argadine
North Vernon	Daniel Gray
Otter Creek	Mariah Rice, November 12, 1904, aged 83 years Mary Johnson, September 22, 1904, aged 63 years Ora Ellis, May 25, 1905, aged 24 years, 11 months Rachel Renfro, August 3, 1905, aged 61 years
Poston	Solomon O'Brien, August 22, 1904, aged 54 years, 8 months, 21 days Nora Donovan, November 18, 1904, aged 18 years, 9 months, 4 days Abbie Aickens, August 22, 1904, aged 15 years, 10 months, 3 days Stephen W. Brown, April 10, 1905, aged 72 years, 5 months, 11 days Amanda Bruce, June 25, 1905, aged 68 years, 8 months
Rock Creek	Sister Gusta Hockersmith
Union	Deacon John A. Short, November 17, 1904, aged 68 years, 2 mos, 7 days

Total number of deaths 23.
Not as many of our number have been taken away during the past year as in some former years. While some churches are heavily stricken, others have been entirely spared. Day by day we are admonished, "Be ye also ready." Those who have gone from us are not dead, but have only begun to live. May we who are left strive to emulate their virtues and avoid their mistakes and eventually when the Master calls may we be prepared to join that glorious company which no man can number.

August 1906

Brush Creek	T. J. Stratton, July 24, 1906 Annie Sprong, April 1906 Nannie Clair, April 12, 1906
Friendship	Harrison Barnes, April 1906
Hopewell	Rev. John Waters, October 29, 1906, aged 83 years, 1 month, 7 days Joseph Newman, November 29, 1905, aged 68 years, 1 month, 28 days Eliza A. Elliott, May 1906 Henry C. Bostic, July 8, 1906, aged 63 years, 10 months, 19 days
Liberty	Mary Brown Sarah B. McGee
Little Sand Creek	Betsy Ann Pond March 28, 1906 Deacon Samuel Bowman, September 15, 1905
Mount Aerie	Deacon Nathaniel Tucker
Mount Pleasant	Wm. D. Chaille, February 19, 1906 Catharine Updike, January 22, 1906 Peter Updike, October 14, 1905 Amos H. Eddelman, November 9, 1905
North Vernon	Sister M. M. Conklin Vawter J. Feagler
Otter Creek	Hugh Dougherty, January 26. 1906. Aged 89 years, 11 months Virginia Davis, March 17, 1906, aged 27 years, 4 months, 18 days Louisa Ebly, March 18, 1906
Poston	Flora Donovan, October 2, 1905, aged 16 years, 4 months, 29 days Hubert Light, July 19, 1906
Rock Creek	Deacon John F. Morris, October 11, 1905, aged 76 years, 3 months
Union	Nancy Maur Mattie Demoss Delbert Sturgis
Zenas	Rev. Jonathan Allee, October 24, 1905, aged 85 years, 5 months, 28 days Emma Woods, November 25, 1905, aged 35 years, 4 months, 9 days

In the above list of promotions we find the names of twenty-nine persons, which is a less number that in our recent years. It is noticeable that the majority of these are from the aged, those who had been long in the service of the Master. Also the report comes, they gave themselves to Him while yet young. Special mention should be made of Rev. John Waters of Hopewell, and Rev. Jonathan Allee of Zenas. Each of these had passed their foreseen years of earthly existence. They were among the early pioneer preachers of Sand Creek Association, and their whole lives had been spent within its bounds. Owing to the infirmities of age, neither of them had been actively engaged in the ministry for a number of years. Their testimony was, however, to the goodness of God and through many trials and much suffering it can be said of both Brothers Waters and Allee, he was faithful unto death. [The number of deaths given in the minute book is 30.]

May we all be able to say with one ot old, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his."

August 1907

Hopewell	Rose McMinds, January 19 1907, aged 62 years, 3 days
Liberty	J.C. Parker, May 10, 1907, aged 82 years, 5 months 16 days
Little Sand Creek	Mary E. Burns, December 26, 1906 Martha Crittenden, February 9, 1907 Louisa Smith, March 4, 1907 William Crittenden, June 20, 1907
Mount Aerie	Edith Kanarr Catharine Gray
Mount Pleasant	Rhoda Boyd, October 7, 1906
Napoleon	Spencer G. Arnold, aged 28 years
North Vernon	1
Poston	1
Rock Creek	Elizabeth Himelick, February 25, 1907, aged 52 years, 3 months
Union	Lilly Ketchum, February 11, 1907 Sarah A. McLaughlin, April 22, 1907, aged 74 years, 2 months, 18 days
Westport	Mary A. Davis Jr., August 19, 1906
Zenas	Elizabeth Galloway, May 4, 1907, aged 77 years, 7 months, 29 days

Total deaths 17. These all died in faith, having confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on earth, but looked for a city which hath foundations whose maker and builder is God.

William Vawter

    In 1985, Shirley Vawter Byler published a book about her family, The Family of Albert and Josie Vawter, With Albert's Ancestors. Albert was a descendant of William Vawter, who assisted in the organization of Sand Creek Baptist Association, and was the first pastor of Zoar Baptist Church.

    A great-grandson of William had possession of old family papers, including letters and notes written by William, and he loaned them to Shirley to use in her book. Some notes were written on the backs of the letters, others were on scraps of paper; most were dated and signed. Shirley put them in chronological order. When reading the notes and letters, it is easy to become acquainted with William and his wife, Frances. Their lives were centered around church, family and the education of their children.

    Many of the notes tell of attending association meetings, not only Sand Creek, but Madison and "Coffey" Creek. They also attended meetings of their own church, Zoar, and other churches in the area, especially those that were a part of the Sand Creek Baptist Association.

30 May 1846	Went to Mount Pleasant Meeting house to Meeting in Decator County. Indiana. Elder Hill preached. Went to Willes Stribling's to dinner then came back to the meeting house. Elder Baker preached, then we went to Maxa Moncreaf's and stayed all night.
31 May 1846	Went back to the meeting house. Hill and Baker preached, then we went to Maxa Moncreaf's got dinner, then went back to the meeting house. Stott preached, then we went to Milton Stribling's and stayed all night.
August 10, 1846	I went to Mount Moria to meeting and came home on the tenth. Philemon [William's son] commenced going to school. We had considerable rane and the creek is up. William Vawter
15 August 1846	I attended the Sand Creek Association which met with Bare Creek Church. At night I stayed at Maxa Moncrief's and Sunday night I stayed at Nathaniel Ferguson's.
17 August 1846	The Association broke up and we came home. On September 2 Brother Swincher is to preach hear and on Thursday night before the third Saturday in September Brother Tucker is to preach hear.
18 August 1846	We went to see Maxa Bums [their son-in-law] and stayed three nights and then came home. It was rayney and creek was up. We had no meeting. In the evening Elder Moncreaf and wife came to see us and on Sunday we all went to meeting, and prayer meeting hear in the evening.
4 September 1846	The creek in the morning was out of fording and I set out for Coffy Creek Association. Went to George Stribling's. Next day went to the Association and on Monday stayed at Thomas Davis. Tuesday I went to Madison and took dinner with Copless Wise and at night stayed with Thomas Stribling's. Wednesday I went to meeting in Presburg and stayed all night with James Vawter. Thursday meeting at Harbett's Creek and I stayed all night at Maxa Burn's. Friday I went to Caleb James and Saturday with George King.
7 September 1847	My wife and myself set out for the Madison Association. We went to Concord to meeting then to James Butler's for dinner then to William Robinson's and stayed all night.
8 September 1847	We went to Versailles, put up our horses at Col. Smith's then went to the meeting house. After meeting we went to Mr. Yaeter's, took dinner. At night we went to meeting and heard Elder Tertley preach and then returned to the same place and stayed all night.
9, 10 Sept., 1847	After breakfast we attended the association then returned to the same place and took dinner, then set out for home, came to Mr. Butler's and stayed all night. On the 10 th we came home and found the old cow dead. William Vawter
October 1847	A subscription to Rase funds for Removeing and reparing and enlarging the Baptist Zoar meeting house on a new lot of ground near John Stott obtained of Allen Parks for that purpose. We whose names are annext do agree to pay to the trustees of Zoar Baptist Church, Miles McCaulou, John Stott, and William Vawter, or there succesers in office the sums annexet to our names in work or material or money as each one may set out against his name to be paid when called for by said trustees.
No Date	For Zoar meeting house 10 pounds nales at W. D. Vawter and Company 2 kegs of white led, 2 paint brushes..$3.50 at John Story's
September 29, 1849	The Zoar Church commenced a protracted meeting which lasted seven days. Elders Pond, Hughston and Swincher all of the time, and others part of the time during said meeting. The church received by experience and baptism seven members, viz: David Lewis, Martha Stott, Robert Edwards, Jane King, Allen Parks, Daniel Gray and Elizabeth Whitset, and then the meeting adjourned to meeting in corse. Elder Swincher administered the ordinance of Baptism.
20 July 1853	Cloudy and cool and threatens Rane. I went to Vernon and put a letter in the postoffice and got the Baptist Record from Philadelphy.
27 July 1853	I went to Vernon and got the Baptist Record and got the Home Missenary Record and a cag of white led $2.50, a bed tick and a book, five dollars and fifty cents.
29 October 1856	I received six dollars and seventy-five cents for our preachers. I gave Stott three and Reed four. Wm. Vawter

    William wrote the letter for Zoar Church to be presented at the August 1846 meeting of Sand Creek Baptist Association. He left the statistical numbers blank, with it to be done before attending the meeting. On some letters to the Associations, he has notes asking his sons to recopy and make corrections. Apparently that was done with the circular letter written by William for the August 1845 meeting. That letter has been transcribed and can be read with the minutes of the 1845 meeting.
3rd Saturday in August 1846
    Zoar Church to the Sand Creek Association when met with the Bare Creek Church the third Saturday in August 1846 sendeth Christian Salutation. Dear Brethren in the Lord, we have nothing of a pleasing nature to communicate more than we remain at peace among ourselves. We feel too barron, too cold, too lifeless, and if the Lord was to remove the Candel Stick we could have no just ground to complain. The state of our church is as follows since our last communication to your body: We have received by exsperance and Baptism _____ by letter_____ by relation_____ dismissed_____ Excluded_____ dead_____, so that our number in fellowship is_____ We have chosen our beloved brethren to meet with you praying that the Good Lord may meet with you and direct you in the way that His name may be praised and you benefited. Brethren, pray for us. Farewell. Done at our meeting of business the fourth Saturday in July A. D. 1846 Clerk_____ Moderator_____

    William was a farmer, and many of his notes tell of life on the farm.

31 May 1844	Let lsaac Freeman have a piece of bacon waying 15 pounds. He is making rales for me. He has had 31 pounds of bacon. Wm. Vawter
2 June 1846	I trimmed some of my cedar trees and mowed my turnip patch.
August 3, 1846	I worked out my late potatoes and went to town to the election.
August 13, 1846	We are getting out wheat and it is very warm and washing is going on.
19 July 1847	I exchanged 260 pounds of wheat at Sharp's mill and got 146 pounds of flower.
June 3, 1848	Jesse R. Vawter got out some of his new crop of wheat. It wayed 60 pounds to the bushel. Next day he took it to the mill and swaped it for flour and got him a new wagon and brought it home.
2 January 1850	We butchered our old sow and she wayed 200 pounds.
3 January 1850	We had a wood choping and at night a quilting and it snowed.
4 July 1850	James [William's son] cut down the Bryers in the burying ground.

This last note being shared illustrates how William cared for his family and farm with thanksgiving and praise:William and Frances had ten children: six sons and four daughters. All except one son and two daughters moved away from Jennings County. The son who remained, Jesse R., was my great-great-grandfather. When William wrote letters to his children, he told them of happenings in Zoar Church, the Sand Creek Baptist Association and the family. Quite often, he would express his desire that they return home.

    In a letter to his son, John Taylor Vawter, who had moved to Missouri, he wrote:
.....Achilles (a son] has left us and gone to the Franklin Institution Johnson County, Indiana to go to school and Polly [a daughter] has got married to a dutchman and left us and your Mother and me has got old and lazy and is doing badanuff in this pore sickly Country but from everything that we can hear from you we are doing better than you only in the family way. You are increasing and we are decreasing. You was doing very well in this Country if you had been satisfied and if you had stayed hear you would have been much better off than you are and I think you had better come back and help me take keer of my farm.....if I could have heard of you getting a first rate place and doing well on it, it would make up for my loss, but it is not the case. You are there laboring for other people and you might as well labor for me for you won't make as much and we would have the satisfaction of your company. A child can be easier weaned from the Parent than the Parent from the child. You don't understand that now, but you may live to be old and then you will know all about it.....

    This last note being shared illustrates how William cared for his family and farm with thanksgiving and praise:

13 May 1843        I went to town and got some antimonial wine and gave Jesse Vawter a puke. I planted some corn in the garden. Come thou Font of every blessing, tune my heart to sing thy praise.
Bonita Taylor Welch
A great-great-great-granddaughter of William and Frances Vawter

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You may use this material for your own personal research, however it may not be used for commercial publications without express written consent of the contributor, INGenWeb, and