History of The Morgan County Baptist Association

INTRODUCTION:

History of The Morgan County Baptist Association by Mark Douglas Ray, 1995

North Alabama has been called "historically rich", but local interest and knowledge of its story has been called "historically impoverished." Local Baptist history - and local Baptists, myself included - are no exception.

For example, did you know (I didn't, until recently) that Broadus Avenue in Decatur was named for the family whose most famous member, Dr. John Broadus, was a founder of Southern Seminary in Louisville? I knew that Broadman Press (ring a bell?) was named for John Broadus and Basil Manly, but less known is that his son settled in Decatur and was a prominent banker. In the educational foyer of Decatur's First Baptist Church is a bookcase which belonged to the elder Dr. Broadus, one of our greatest shapers of Baptist life and thought.

To the members of Flint Baptist: Did you know that the second president of Baylor University (and his brother, a vice-president) were baptized by your church when it was Mt. Pisgah? And that this same Rufus C. Burleson baptized a good Texas Baptist named Sam Houston?

Or, did you know that a handful of Morgan County congregations are about as old as the state of Alabama itself? No account has been written of these churches collectively since 1891, when Josephus Shackelford published his masterpiece, History of the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association. This work, considered a rare treasure, is remarkable due to its exhaustive research by a local scholar of that era - and a preacher no less! (Shackelford's work, which later included an unpublished supplement extending his book through 1913, was cited frequently by John Knox when he wrote the histories of Morgan County and Decatur.)

Perhaps the earliest documented references to the older churches in Morgan County was that of Hosea Holcombe's A History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Alabama, published in 1840. It was a monumental achievement, and has proven valuable to historians not only of the Baptist persuasion. A later, less scholarly work was W.B. Crumpton's A Book of Memories, published in 1921 that makes a few comments about the churches in this area that he visited during his travels as an early Baptist leader in Alabama. B.F. Riley also wrote two histories of Alabama Baptists during these years.

At least one later attempt was made to specifically chronicle the history of the Morgan County Association. John Otha Black - on a very old, very crude typewriter - cranked out a commendable sketch that included a map pinpointing locations of each church. It was never published, yet was nonetheless a valiant effort.

Since that time, we are indebted to Ira W. Myers, who served Morgan County Baptists as associational missionary, pastor of several churches, and writer of a longrunning column, "Bits of History", for The Decatur Daily. His organized effort to have each church microfilm its records for storage at Samford was the first of its type in the entire Southern Baptist Convention. (This is now a routine and free service offered by the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission.) For many years, he and Mrs. Myers lovingly preserved the association's continuing story through sketched notes, clippings, "highlighted" sections of the annual minutes, and by starting a file on each congregation. This present volume builds upon their labors which, regrettably, were never realized in published form as had been their dream.

The volume you now hold does not claim to be as comprehensive as Shackelford's by any means. It is an overview of Morgan County Baptists since 1919, primarily gleaned from the annual associational minutes. A more complete history of this organization of believers, harmoniously spun from the older Muscle Shoals Association seventy-five years ago, remains to be written by a more capable researcher.

Now, to the story at hand. You will discover that the faithful of 1919 focused much energy ridding society of "modernism", strong drink, Catholicism, and other evils. For many Baptists of the South, young or old, attending the annual "associational meeting" was a social highlight.

Times have changed.

Contemporary Baptists confront a floodgate of new cultural, moral, and religious issues: an erosion of loyalty by younger Americans to anything traditional or denominational; physician-assisted suicide; abortion; AIDS; church/state wranglings, etc., etc. . .

Still, it is encouraging to find one common theme from both worlds: a stated desire to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with all people. A closer look might even reveal a few other similarities. (We certainly haven't stopped enjoying the good food and fellowship!)

My aim has been to "tell the generations following" (Psalm 48:13-14) what the Lord has done so far. May we learn from the mistakes and triumphs of our ancestors.

Contents

QUOTES FROM SHACKELFORD'S

HISTORY OF THE MUSCLE SHOALS BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

(Our Forerunner)

On Morgan County preacher John Speer: Elder Speer is an earnest and zealous preacher, and is trying by closely applying himself to the Bible and such books as he can procure, to better prepare himself for usefulness. . . His voice is not very strong, and is rather shrill. His great fault in delivery is, that he permits himself to become too much excited, and his voice is raised to such a pitch, that its sharpness is annoying to his hearers. He can overcome this by constant effort to suppress undue excitement. He has in these latter years improved some in this direction. (pp. 274-75).

On the Yellow Fever epidemic of 1878: People all over the country were much alarmed...Decatur suffered very much. About the time the association met at Mt. Pisgah (Flint), which was only seven miles from Decatur, the epidemic was at its worst, and there was general alarm among the people; the result was that the representation from the churches was small... [This resolution was adopted:] "Whereas, a dreadful scourge is sweeping over our land, and our fellow men are falling upon the right and upon the left, whether prepared or unprepared, therefore, be it resolved, that it is with painful forebodings for the future, we contemplate the tardiness of our rulers in calling upon the people to go in humiliation and prayer to the Great Physician who alone is able to heal them." (p. 106)

On Rufus C. Burleson, Morgan County native who became president of Baylor University: Perhaps Dr. Burleson has done more for the religious and educational advancement in Texas than any one man in the State... His success is not the result of accident, but of the habits acquired in boyhood on the farm, and by following the precepts of a pious father. He never used tobacco, nor intoxicating drinks; was never in a theater, ball room, nor on a race ground; knew nothing of cards, billiards nor chess; he never swore but one oath and that in boyhood, and under sudden and great provocation. . . (p. 232)

On Campbellism, which swept the south: Through Campbellism we see the divine operation of the Holy Spirit . . . disavowed. We see experimental religion (that which Baptists ever cling to) ridiculed and reprobated. We see the apostolic mode of ordaining ministers, by the laying on of hands . . . ridiculed and condemned. We therein see baptism presented as producing a change of heart and the pardon of sins, when the Holy Spirit can alone produce and bring about a change . . . Baptism shows our faith, satisfies our conscience, adopts us into His Church, and makes us one with him, by thus fulfilling all righteousness, a change of heart being PREVIOUSLY effected by the Holy Spirit. We therein see, as we awfully fear, an effort made by man to pull down the old order of faith and practice taught by the Lord and His Apostles, and establish on their ruins a new order and a new name, styled Campbellism. (p. 25. Campbell had been a Baptist only a brief time; yet his teachings pulled hundreds into the Churches of Christ, though they'd say their origins began in the book of Acts and not with Campbell.)

On Church/State separation: The very character of the churches of Jesus Christ, composed of baptized believers - regenerated men and women - forbids their union with the State. There can be no agreement between the two. To unite them is to corrupt the churches. The greatest evil that has ever befallen Christianity was the union of church and State, brought about by Constantine . . . The churches of Jesus Christ do not need the support of the State. They are divine institutions and will be taken care of by that hand that controls all things. . . (p. 313)

On Morgan County preacher D.P. Bestor: One of the early preachers of north Alabama, and a man of pre-eminent ability...a member of the Alabama legislature...In his expressional power, he was unsurpassed by any man I ever knew. . . The last time I saw him was but two years before his death, at the Southern Baptist Convention at Memphis, Tennessee. He had begun to show the traces of age, but there was the same elastic step, the same clear, ringing voice, slightly shattered, and the same warm, generous heart. We parted in tears, to meet next time, I hope, in our Heavenly Father's House! (p. 229)

(Dr. Josephus Shackelford pastored at Danville, First Baptist Decatur, and at Pleasant Hill churches in Morgan County. John Knox referred to his book about local Baptist history as being one of the finest ever assembled by anyone. Every now and then, a copy can still be found in a local antique store. If so, buy it! The reader will not be disappointed.)

1919 (Part One)

"All the morning services were most instructive, spiritual, and inspiring." [i]

Such was the upbeat description of October 2-4, 1919, the final time Morgan County Baptists would meet annually as part of the Muscle Shoals Association. The setting was Enon Baptist Church in Lawrence County. One by one, representatives from each congregation answered the roll call. Names were recorded in the permanent minutes. While some women were listed by name, most were referred to in the fashion of "John Doe and wife."

A report from the Baptist Orphanage in Evergreen proudly declared that its children were being raised to "become intelligent, useful Christian citizens." Male residents who had become soldiers were praised for bravery in World War I. The report also noted that "many of the girls have become teachers, saleswomen, dressmakers and stenographers, and some have become noteworthy in the field of professional nursing." [ii]

Glowing accounts of progress despite hard times were reported in all areas of Baptist work: missions, evangelism, Christian education, and the care of "aged and infirm ministers." Sunday School was declared so crucial that "the church that must admit that they are without one [a Sunday School] does so with a shamed face." [iii]

This particular meeting of the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association was historic for two reasons, one being that 1919 was its Centennial. (Some of the churches were even older, having been a prior member of the Flint River Association, which included parts of both the Alabama territory and Tennessee.)

J.I. Stockton, a well known preacher in the area, gave a brief historical sketch of one hundred years of labor. He noted how the anti-missionary movement of the early 1800s (which led to the formation of the Primitive or "Hardshell" Baptists) had been the most devastating period in their history. Stockton gathered his information from Josephus Shackelford's History of the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association, and a motion was made to print the text of his address in The Alabama Baptist. [iv]

History was also made for a second reason, when the following footnote was recorded in the official minutes: [v]

The following churches in Morgan County having received letters of dismission from Muscle Shoals Association organized the Morgan County Missionary Association at Hartselle [Baptist Church] on November 9, 1919: Albany First, Albany Central, Albany South Side, Austinville, Antioch, Bethel, Blue Spring, Cave Spring, Danville, Decatur First, Falkville, Gum Spring, Hopewell, Hartselle, Lebanon, Moulton Heights, Mt. Zion, Mt. Nebo, Mt. Pisgah, New Center, New Friendship, Pleasant Hill, Rocky Creek, Shoal Creek, Shady Grove.

CLERK

Herewith was an exact listing of the original twenty-five churches. Many new ones would be added. Some would later change their name or spelling. Others became Independent, nominally involved with the association, or disbanded altogether. And "Albany" eventually merged with Decatur. In addition to Morgan County and the Shoals area itself, the Muscle Shoals association had also included Franklin County and Lawrence County. It must have seemed ironic that the Morgan County churches would choose the one hundredth anniversary of the association to announce that they were starting their own!

In any case, the Morgan County Baptist Association was born. A closing note on the back cover of the minutes adds:

This Was Printed by the Albany - Decatur Daily Albany, Ala.

_____________________

"We Print Anything Prompt, Well, and at Reasonable Prices."

______________

1919

Minutes (Muscle Shoals Baptist Association), p. 3.

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 15.

Minutes, p. 18. (See references in the concluding chapter to the recent and highly controversial resurgence of "Five- Point Calvinism" in the Southern Baptist Convention. Its proponents deny being anti-missionary in practice.)

Minutes, p. 19.

1919

(Part Two)

Enough emphasis cannot be made of the fact that associational meetings in the "old days" of the south were a social highlight of the year. The reader should remember that most roads were unpaved, and horses and wagons - not automobiles - provided most of the transportation. Families within the host churches frequently opened their homes overnight to visitors traveling great distances (in those days ) across various parts of the county. That having been said, how many churches organized the new association? The 1919 Muscle Shoals minutes, as stated previously, listed twenty-five. The next recorded account names representatives from twenty-seven, adding "Oden's Ridge" and "New Salem." [vi] Whatever the case, much had been established at the founding conference of the Morgan County Association:

*a motion to adopt Pendleton's Articles of Faith;

*election of the first moderator and officers, [vii] the first Executive Committee, and a special committee to draft a constitution;

*a motion to name itself "Morgan County Missionary Baptist Association" (with "Missionary" being dropped by 1963). This title was included in those days by churches and associations wishing to identify with the missionary vs. "anti-missionary" (Primitive) Baptist churches.

Some of the terminology used in 1919 contradicts generally accepted Baptist polity of later years. For example, representatives to the 1919 meeting were called delegates instead of messengers. Moreover, the association elected delegates to the state and Southern Baptist Conventions, rather than having each church solely elect its own messengers.

Is this difference worth mentioning? Yes! "Delegate" implies one who is instructed or bound to vote a certain way. A "messenger" does not speak for the entire congregation, and will hopefully vote his or her conscience. Throughout the history of the denomination, the terms have often overlapped, become muddled, or even been ignored. By 1919, this confusion had swept the entire south, not just the newly formed Morgan County Association. Historian Lee Allen, in describing this trend, notes

. . . the difficult transition to the use of the word messenger, rather than

delegate, to describe those elected by churches who composed the Association. . .

A theological controversy known as "Landmarkism" raged through the Southern

Baptist Convention for more than a century [See also 1922]. Growing out of the influential writings of J.R. Graves, J.M Pendleton, and A.C. Dayton, the Landmark

movement disturbed churches in the latter part of the 19th century in much the

same way anti-missionism had. . . At the heart of Graves's teaching was an

exaggerated concept of the role of the individual church. Since the Association

was a man-made organization not mentioned in the Bible, ran the Landmark

argument, it was unscriptural. Only churches were Scriptural. To Graves, the

Association could exist only if it had the authority of the church, and it

could have this only if those who composed it brought delegated authority with

them. Hence, they were to be called delegates. And once authority had been

transferred to the Association it could be used to control the individual

churches. . [viii]

Allen goes on to say that, while both supporters and critics of Landmarkism agreed that the local Baptist church was to be autonomous,

unlike Landmarkers, most Southern Baptists accepted the concept of voluntary

cooperation through associations, conventions, and boards. No superpower had

to be created. . . [So] to avoid identification with the heretical Landmark

position, Baptists throughout the South adopted the term messenger. . . Only

occasionally after 1897 did one hear or read the word delegate. There was

no alteration in the relationship of the churches to the Association as a

result of the name change. [ix]

As is true to this day, most of the lay folk of 1919 paid no attention to such matters of theological precision. They just knew that when all was said and done, this first organizational gathering of the Morgan County Missionary Baptist Association had accomplished a good day's work.

_________________

1919 (Part Two)

The later account is taken from a two page historical sketch found in the minutes of the 1920 "First Annual Session" of the Morgan County Baptist Association, entitled "Minutes of Last Year" (November 9, 1919).

See "Historical Table" in Appendices.

Allen, Born for Missions: Birmingham Baptist Association 1833-1983, p. 13.

Ibid.

1920

The "First Annual Session" of the Morgan County Baptist Association was held September 9-10, 1920 at Hartselle Baptist Church, the site where it had been organized. Other churches were listed in the minutes by this time: Fairview, Macedonia East, Macedonia West. A "petitionary letter" (a request to join the association) from Bellview Baptist Church was accepted by those present, this year properly referred to as "messengers."

This fledgling body of Christian believers had made great strides during its first year of existence. The Executive Committee of the association reported that

. . . in view of the fact that Morgan County Association had gone "over the

top" in the Seventy-Five Million Campaign, and realizing the need for definite

and constructive work in this Association, it was unanimously decided that we

make application to the state executive board for a full-time worker to do

missionary work . . . in Morgan County. . . [x]

Older Baptists will remember the Seventy-Five Million Campaign as the forerunner of today's Cooperative Program, which financially supports Southern Baptist mission endeavors.

The association's "Report on Foreign Missions" was also encouraging, as this excerpt declares:

Doors a few years ago considered locked, barred, bolted and glued have not

only swung open, but [have] been taken from off their hinges to the gospel

of Jesus Christ. . . [xi]

Other reports of Baptist work were given. Most of these would become permanent fixtures of the yearly program: ministerial education, Sunday School, BYPU (the forerunner of Training Union, Church Training, now called Discipleship Training), Stewardship, and Woman's Missionary Union.

Temperance would also become an annual topic, an often emotional one, around the years of Prohibition. This topic frequently ranked as important as missions, evangelism, and the Bible itself! - though it is doubtful that many Southerners of the Baptist persuasion would have admitted it.

Another interesting report for several years was that of the Colporter, a traveling seller of Bibles and religious books. [xii]

The association adopted an abbreviated version of The New Hampshire Confession, which predated the 1925 Baptist Faith and Message, as its nonbinding doctrinal statement (See Appendix). The original Constitution, which would be modified greatly over the years, and "Rules of Decorum" were also adopted and printed in their entirety in the minutes. [xiii]

Perhaps the most important paragraph of the new Constitution was its "Purpose" statement, Article IV:

The design of this Association is to promote the cause of true religion within

our borders and assist in the propagation of the gospel throughout the whole world.

In carrying out this purpose the Association will act only in an advisory capacity

to the churches, claiming no authority over them nor any right to interfere with

their internal affairs; yet it reserves to itself the right to withdraw fellowship

from any church which departs from Baptist principles, persists in a disorderly

walk, or shows itself out of sympathy with the spirit and purpose of the body. [xiv]

This statement supports the longstanding argument that Baptist associations have traditionally operated from both a missionary and a doctrinal function. [xv] At times, the doctrinal emphasis has broadly promoted harmony within a conservative framework. On other occasions, churches throughout the Bible Belt have been disfellowshipped if rigid parameters were not followed.

_____________________

1920

Minutes (Morgan County Baptist Association, henceforth), p. 5.

Minutes, p. 11.

Minutes, p. 12.

Minutes, pp. 20-23.

Minutes, p. 22.

See also Watson's The Baptist Association.

1921

The First Baptist Church of Albany (now Sixteenth Avenue Baptist) was host to the next associational meeting, held September 22-23, 1921. By now, twenty-nine churches were "present and accounted for."

Moderator R.F. Stuckey urged "that in our hurry we do not neglect the Spiritual, and that we transact business in a sweet, brotherly spirit." [xvi] (If Baptists only heeded this admonition at all times!)

The Executive Board reported that the state was still unable to approve an "all-time missionary" (county missionary, or director of missions) due to lack of funds. [xvii] Undaunted, the association went ahead with plans for a special evangelistic campaign and simultaneous revivals in the churches.

A "sudden and drastic" drop in cotton prices throughout the South was blamed for hampering progress of the Home Mission Board. [xviii] Even modern travel was castigated as a deterrent to the Lord's work, as a "Report on Ministerial Education" by T.E. Williams declares:

Never before in the history of our country has the demand for trained preachers been greater than now. A few years ago, country people plowed with wooden-footed plow stocks, rode a mule, or went in carts drawn by oxen. . . Now the world is in a mad rush, plowing with plows drawn by electric motors, riding in automobiles, Fords, and air-planes. The devil, too, is traveling in Fords, automobiles, and air-planes. Conditions are changing; people are being educated. . . The time has come when our preachers must leave the old custom of plowing, picking cotton and digging ditches all the week, then getting up early Sunday morning and riding [on a horse] a distance of twelve or sixteen miles to his church to preach the "few scattering remarks" he may have thought of while on the way.

God . . . is calling great men to preach his gospel . . . We have 22 ministerial students in the Baptist Collegiate Institute at Newton, and 35 in Howard College at East Lake. . . [xix]

Although Prohibition was now the law of the land, passions still ran high on both sides of the issue, as was evident in a report given by the association's Temperance Committee:

This is still a matter of vital importance. The great wave that swept over this country against whiskey a few years ago put the United States in the dry column, and yet we need to stay on the job all the time . . . against the demon that still seeks to destroy our civilization. The Baptists must stand out in opposition to the idea that is prevalent in the minds of many, many people that want the Demon Rum back. . . May I say, brethren, it is a fight to the finish. . . The Devil is at work day and night. . . Don't you ever get it into your heads that the fight is over. No, indeed! . . Let us pray to God that whiskey may never again come back to ruin this country. [xx]

The Women's Christian Temperance Union was one of the many stalwart voices of the anti-liquor forces for quite a few years. It was also a social outlet for hundreds of southern ladies from many denominational backgrounds.

Prohibition was later repealed by the Twenty-first Amendment in 1933. Yet no one could accuse local Baptists of not making their convictions known "loud and clear" during The Roaring Twenties!

__________________

1921

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 10.

Minutes, p. 14.

Minutes, p. 20.

Minutes, p. 24. Prohibition lasted from 1919 (18th Amendment) until its repeal in 1933 (21st Amendment).

1922

Throughout the first half of the twentieth century, many southerners looked to the Baptist church as their center of social life. Most residents were Baptist, Methodist, or Protestant of some sorts. Downtown stores and sometimes even local schools closed their doors if a revival meeting was taking place. Election of Sunday School and BYPU officers, G.A. Coronations, "study course" certificates and diplomas - these were all high honors!

Baptists in particular were chiefly a rural people. It was announced that the 1922 annual associational meeting, held this time at New Salem Church in Center Grove, Oct. 5-6, should be scheduled later in the fall from then on, so as "to give the farmers time to gather their crops, and the churches an opportunity to take their collections." [xxi]

Bethlehem (Hartselle) and Ryan churches were received into membership of the association. [xxii]

Found among the list of 1922 "delegates" (this term again being used incorrectly) were two young brothers from Blue Springs Baptist Church: Vernon and Enoch St. John. [xxiii] Vernon went on to become an outstanding educator and lay leader of Alabama Baptists from Opp, serving on important boards and committees. His name can be seen prominently inscribed at Shocco Springs, along with the other individuals who spearheaded construction of the George E. Bagley conference building. As of this writing, Enoch St. John is now in his mid-nineties, still attends worship three times weekly, and is one of the beloved elder saints at Southside Baptist in Decatur. (Author's note: Just a few weeks ago, after a Brotherhood breakfast, he was seen helping to carry large folding tables across the fellowship hall!)

Back to 1922.

Optimism was beginning to wane that any funds would be coming from the state for an "alltime missionary." Times were hard. So, a motion was made requesting that those attending the annual meeting "go home and raise the money to put a full-time worker in the field." [xxiv]

The subject of alien immersion was brought before the body. This term usually refers to a church accepting into its membership an individual baptized by a non-Baptist congregation. A clause was added to the association's Statement of Belief, defining baptism as "immersion in water by a proper administrator." [xxv] Curiously, the new clause by a proper administrator was not defined in the minutes, although one could assume this meant a Baptist minister only. Many congregations today have done away with this exclusionary practice and now accept any believer

baptized by immersion, even those of another Christian denomination. Others adhere to the older practice, with fewer still maintaining the custom of closed communion; i.e., denying the Lord's Supper to anyone present in the worship service who is not a member of that particular local church. Such beliefs (along with Pendleton's Manual, referred to earlier) are the milder remnnants of Landmarkism, a movement which swept the south in the late 1800s and declared that Baptists were the only true church of the New Testament [See also 1919, Part Two].

It appears that for several years the association was divided into seven districts, each consisting of three or four congregations. Every fifth Sunday, a joint service was held somewhere in each district, providing opportunities for preaching, music, and fellowship. [xxvi]

BYPU work was thriving, and it functioned as a vital outreach tool for teenagers. This committee, in its glowing report to the association, pointed out that

. . . every young convert is a babe in Christ, and needs food and exercise for his new-born faculties. The BYPU gives this. . . [xxvii]

_________________

1922

Minutes, p. 9.

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, p. 10.

Minutes, pp. 5, 11.

Minutes, pp. 14-15.

Minutes, p. 17.

1923

No new churches were added at the annual meeting of 1923, held October 25-26 at Mt. Nebo Baptist in Falkville. But it had nonetheless been a productive year.

Morgan County Baptists finally had its first "all time field worker" (director of missions). The Executive Committee reported that after meeting on December 9, 1922, and followed by times of "general discussion and several subsequent meetings", they had formulated

. . . an arrangement with Rev. E.E. Weaver to serve as Field Worker in Morgan

County, to begin January 15th, 1923 and devote Saturdays and Sundays to the work

until his school at Austinville should close and then to devote his full time to the

work until Sept. 1, 1923, at and for the sum of $750.00, it being agreed that he was

to pay his own travelling [sic] expenses, and to furnish his own transportation. [xxviii]

Instructions to "devote Saturdays and Sundays to the work until his school at Austinville should close" are an indication of the dedication Weaver was required to uphold, despite his apparent fulltime involvement with the local educational system. [xxix]

The minutes go on to say that school had ended sooner than expected. E.E. Weaver was thus able to begin his associational duties sooner, largely due to a sacrificial commitment by two of the stronger churches to cover two-thirds of his salary. The pledges were as follows:

Central Baptist - $250.00

Decatur Baptist (First Baptist, Decatur) - 250.00

All other churches - $250.00 [xxx]

The 1924 minutes would later point out that the third $250, pledged collectively by the other churches, turned out to be more difficult to raise than the two individual church pledges!

Despite the financial struggles already being realized, the report remained optimistic:

Too much cannot be said of the loyal, faithful and untiring service

which has been rendered by our Brother, Rev. E.E. Weaver, as Field

Worker and we call especial [sic] attention to the following report of

his activities:

Miles traveled - 4,948.

Letters written - 270; Received 146. . .

Training Schools, B.Y.P.U., and Sunday School;

Personally taught 5, taught by others, 19; Total, 24;

Total awards, 234.

Services held - 98

Conferences - Public, 8; Individual, 314.

Tracts distributed - 10,000.

Revivalists secured for churches - 10.

Services arranged for Pastors - 22.

Services attended as visitor - 11.

Conventions held - 3. . .

We believe the type of work done will bear abundant fruit in all the years

to come, and we earnestly urge that some means be devised to carry on a

similar work next year. [xxxi]

E.E. Weaver had been a busy man! Other gifts were noted: $200 given by E.W. Bussey, to be used as an endowment fund for the Baptist Orphanage; and $125 given by "our beloved Brother and Sister J.I. Stockton", to be instituted as the Frank R. Stockton Memorial Fund for Foreign Missions. [xxxii] These were very large gifts in 1923 dollars.

The reader should keep in mind, in considering the appeal for the association "to carry on a similar work next year", that these were the days of preachers (and apparently county missionaries) being frequently hired on an "annual call." Besides often having to pastor two to four churches simultaneously - with little compensation - ministers sometimes didn't know if their employment would remain in effect from year to year! Clarence Prater recalls that his grandfather, J.D. Prater, "who you could hear preaching at Macedonia all the way from Old Moulton Road", pastored several Morgan County churches (often "half-time" and "quarter-time") and "carried a resignation speech in his pocket all the years of his ministry" - just in case he needed it. [xxxiii]

One of the few "bright spots" for such faithful servants was the annual report on Aged and Infirm Ministers which, in 1923, praised the Seventy-five Million Campaign (see 1920) as having given a "new day" to the widows of Baptist ministers. It declared that these widows,

. . . most of whom are old . . . [now have] their families of clinging

dependents held together instead of being scattered or sinking into menial

drudgery as a penalty for having been born in the home of a Baptist

preacher. [xxxiv]

An additional report noted there now being a "live Sunday School" in each church of the association. In fact, there were two more Sunday Schools than there were churches! [xxxv]

It had indeed been a banner year.

________________

1923

Minutes, p. 9.

Efforts to locate information about E.E. Weaver's specific employment in connection with the "school at Austinville" were unsuccessful.

Minutes, p. 9.

Ibid.

Minutes, p. 10. The Stockton trust fund remains active to this day.

Clarence and Ramona Prater, personal recollections.

Minutes, p. 12.

Minutes, p. 17.

1924

The association was thankful that it had been able to finish paying E.E. Weaver after all. Some 1923 pledges had not been received from the smaller churches, yet "through the liberality of three individual Baptists . . . our Enlistment Worker, Bro. E.E. Weaver, has been paid in full. . ." [xxxvi]

Despite the good news, Weaver's employment was apparently for one year only, as indicated by new appeals for funds "to employ an enlistment worker, at least during the summer months, and as much longer as possible, to do the much needed missionary work in Morgan County." [xxxvii]

An amount of $870 was pledged this time at the annual meeting, held October 10-11, 1924 at Ryan Baptist Church.

All routine reports testified to continued progress. Five additional congregations were added to the association in 1924: New Canaan, Woodland Mills, Rural Grove, Union Grove, and Mt. Tabor. [xxxviii]

__________________

1924

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 8.

Ibid.

1925

Unfortunately, those attending the 1925 associational meeting, held at Bethel Baptist, were informed that the Executive Committee had been "unable to secure sufficient subscriptions or collections to justify the employment of a Field Worker as provided by the action at your previous meeting. . ." An appeal was made to the "hearts and pocketbooks" of the people. [xxxix]

Quotes from the 1925 "Report on Christian Education" are especially interesting in light of attacks in recent years on higher criticism as taught by professors in Baptist schools and seminaries. (Fundamentalists have successfully alarmed vast numbers of "people in the pew" into believing that higher criticism is an attack on the authority of the Bible. In contrast, professors have defended it as a legitimate way to study and more greatly appreciate the Scriptures - a way to strengthen one's faith, not weaken or destroy it.) While affirming the need to keep denominational schools doctrinally sound, those gathered at Bethel Baptist in 1925 were told that

. . . there is no conflict between true science and true religion. . . Baptists are

not afraid of the truth, nor of higher criticism. Their Lord and Master invited

the highest criticism when he said "Search the Scriptures." So did Paul when he

said "Prove all things, and hold fast that which is good." Higher criticism in the

right spirit should only bring right results. And we are in favor of the study of

the "ages of the rocks" if it does not destroy our faith in the "Rock of Ages." [xl]

A warning was given to the association that, while the Baptist community had been quick to declare Prohibition a stunning achievement, "the moonshiner and bootlegger are still with us, and in some communities our churches have been demoralized." Each congregation was encouraged to "meet this attack of Satan with a counter attack of revival services, law enforcement, and educational rallies." [xli]

The Stewardship Committee was more than happy to report that "our Baptist people are waking up to their duty of tithing." [xlii]

______________

1925

Minutes, p. 12.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 24.

Ibid.

1926

Sweeping and enthusiastic endorsements of the newly instituted "Cooperative Program" were heard by those attending the 1926 meeting, held October 20-22 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. This plan of supporting Southern Baptist world missions became, of course, enormously successful and replaced the Seventy-Five Million Campaign. Schools, agencies, and mission boards would no longer have to send representatives to each church in order to plead for funds. E.B. Farrar was already doing a fine work as the new associational missionary although, like many of his colleagues during this era, would have a very short length of service. "Brother Farrar was employed for four months but because of a throat trouble he had to give it up, and as funds were limited the project was discontinued." [xliii]

Local Baptists raised concerns about evolution. By way of the Tennessee "Scopes Trial" and the flamboyant crusading by Fundamentalist icon (and Alabama native J. Frank Norris of Ft. Worth, Texas, the theory of evolution was gaining widespread popularity - and criticism - throughout the United States. The association was assured that "our Baptist colleges in Alabama are free from the evolution heresy." [xliv]

Opinions about the colorful "Texas Cyclone" J. Frank Norris are still as mixed as they were in his heyday. [xlv] Countless books and articles have been written about his antics: weekly hate letters and death threats to George W. Truett of Dallas; Christmas "gifts" of rotten fruit to professors (and a longrunning feud with President L.R. Scarborough) at Southwestern Seminary; and years of verbal attacks on Baylor University. He once brought a monkey with him into the pulpit in order to illustrate his derision of evolution. Needless to say, his congregation grew by leads and bounds, as hundreds turned out to see and hear what he would do next! But he eventually led First Baptist Church of Ft. Worth to leave the Southern Baptist Convention and become Independent; and today Norris is regarded by Jerry Falwell and other Independent Baptists as a hero and patriarch of their tradition. Although they vehemently deny any connection, the new "conservative" leaders of the SBC are routinely labeled "modern-day Norrisites." (First Baptist in Ft. Worth would, in 1990, request to rejoin the Southern Baptist Convention upon the urging of Jimmy Draper, now president of the Sunday School Board.)

Closer to home, Mt. Tabor became the first congregation to be dismissed by the Morgan County Baptist Association, apparently on friendly terms after it requested to align with the Marshall Association. [xlvi]

__________________

1926

Mrs. I.W. Myers, Fifty Years History of the Morgan County Baptist Association (unpublished), 1969, p. 2.

Minutes, p. 16.

See McBeth, The Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness for further information about this legendary figure. (Author's Note: Family members tell me that my grandfather, longtime Alabama pastor F.W. Tomberlin, vividly recalled seeing followers of J.F. Norris walk out of the annual SBC meeting, as Norris held his own "Convention" across the street in a tent.)

Minutes, p. 20.

1927

The Baptists of Morgan County held their next annual meeting at Danville Baptist, October 13-14, 1927. Here it should be noted that in the late 1800s, Josephus Shackelford administered a high school in Danville. It was surprisingly sophisticated for its day, although Shackelford was already respected for having earlier headed a similar school in Moulton. [xlvii] The one in Danville was known as the North Alabama Baptist Collegiate Institute (for men) and Normal School (for women). [xlviii]

School founders from the Muscle Shoals Association had commended local Baptists for choosing Danville - "one of the most healthful places in the country . . . one of the most fertile valleys in North Alabama." They had praised the local residents as being very intelligent and "noted for morals." Finally, it had been suggested to ". . . every Baptist who intends to send his girl or boy from home to school: send to Danville." [xlix] This sentiment was apparently shared statewide, because at the end of the Civil War the president of Judson College, Jesse G. Nash, left there and came to Danville to teach! He also pastored at Hopewell and Moulton Baptist Churches. [l]

In 1898, the Danville school had burned and was moved to Mountain View, near Trinity. where Dr. Josephus Shackelford continued his work and is buried.

For the months of July and August 1927 only, the Executive Board of the Morgan County Association had employed C.L. Cobbs, whose father had attended Mountain View School, and who would later be remembered as the father-in-law of I.W. Myers. [li]

Cobbs was given responsibilities for Sunday School and BYPU work, at a salary of $300 to be split three ways: $100 (each) contributed by the association, the state Executive Board, and collectively by Morgan County churches. [lii]

Healthy reports were given from the Baptist Hospital in Selma and from the Good Samaritan Hospital for "colored" folks. [liii]

____________________

1927

1 Bark, in A Journey of One Hundred Years: First Baptist Church of Hartselle, Alabama 1883-1983, p. 30, states that as early as 1850 the Muscle Shoals Association was involved in a Christian School, having acquired the Female Institute in Moulton. The administrator at that time was R.B. Burleson (not to be confused with his brother Rufus C. Burleson, who later became president of Baylor University). Shackelford was principal 1856-62 except for one year. The school's title was later changed in the 1880s to the Male and Female Institute and continued operation until it closed in the early 1900s and was deeded to Moulton Baptist Church.

Bark, pp. 30-32, 34. Discusses the North Alabama Baptist Collegiate Institute in Danville at length.

Ibid. Danville information also gathered from Peggy Blaxton, personal interview.

Hamilton and Wells, Daughters of the Dream, section on "Portraits of Judson"; discusses the brief presidency of Jesse Nash and his later move to Danville by 1875.

Bark, p. 41. Contains further information on C.L. (and his father W.T.) Cobbs.

Miuutes, p. 11.

Minutes, p. 16.

1928

Baptists meeting October 17-19, 1928 at Blue Springs church were now properly referred to as "messengers" again instead of "delegates." This was also the first year that Morgan County WMU no longer had a concurrent annual meeting published in the minutes; they would meet other times of the year from then on. Wilder's Chapel and Summit churches were received into membership. [liv]

W.E. (Earl) Barnes had been hired in July as the new associational missionary at a salary of $100 a month, plus $25 travel expense. His assignment had been "to do general enlistment and evangelistic work", but again for only two months. [lv]

Baptists throughout the south were horrified that the treasurer of the Home Mission Board, C.S. Carnes, had absconded with almost one million dollars. Historians will find references to this event in almost any Baptist publication from that era. J.D. McCreary presented to those assembled from Morgan County the following challenge:

A great calamity has befallen our denomination thru (sic) the dishonesty of the

former treasurer. . . We are called on as loyal Baptists to make up this deficit

of $953,000 caused by his treachery. On November 11th "Baptist Honor Day" will

be observed. Let us go back to our churches and make the appeal to the people to

give sacrificially . . . that the work of the Kingdom may be carried on despite the

operations of one who proved a wolf in sheep's clothing. . . [lvi]

Indeed, he noted, "Southern Baptists have suffered enough calamities in recent years to make us think the tide must surely be about to turn. . . Let us pray and let us pay." [lvii]

The tide was about to turn, but in a worse direction - for the Great Depression was ahead.

___________________

1928

Minutes, p. 10.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 19.

Ibid.

1929

An amendment was added to the association's Constitution, calling for a Vice-Moderator, a "Musical Director", and a Pianist to be elected annually. [lviii] The 1929 meeting was held October 23-25 at Central Baptist, for many years now the largest congregation in the association.

And speaking of large churches, the distinguished Dr. L.O. Dawson was recognized as a visitor to the 1929 Morgan County meeting and was asked to deliver a prayer. A great leader of Alabama Baptists, his name was to be immortalized by the Dawson Memorial Baptist Church in Birmingham, which now has over 6,000 members.

J.D. McClanahan, himself a legendary preacher in Morgan County who lived to be ninety-nine years of age (See 1931), gave a tribute to J.I. Stockton, a respected local minister who had recently passed away:

On the 13th day of October 1929, death called Rev. J.I. Stockton to his long sought

home. Bro. Stockton was born October the 19th, 1847. He professed faith in 1964,

his father being a Presbyterian and his mother a Baptist - he remained out of the

church for three years reading no book but the New Testament. He finally became

convinced as to his duty and joined the Missionary Baptist Church at Town Creek. He

was baptized by Rev. J.C. Roberts. He was Licensed to Preach July the 13th, 1872,

and was Ordained on July 12, 1874, and served as pastor [of] several different

churches in the Muscle Shoals Association and some in Tennessee. He was clerk of

the Muscle Shoals Association for years. We believe that Bro. Stockton was a true

christian [sic] and a faithful minister and I heard a voice from Heaven saying unto

me write: "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth; yea saith the

Spirit; that they may rest from their labours [sic], and their works do follow them."

So Bro. Stockton farewell for a while but we will meet again some day to part no

more. . . [lix]

Brown's Chapel was accepted into membership of the association.

Some especially good news of 1929 was that, despite the onslaught of the Great Depression, the association had finally, in November of 1928, been able to hire (for more than two months)

". . . a live, wide awake Field Worker in the person of Rev. I.W. Myers." [lx] This well respected gentleman would serve in many capacities on and off for decades, as pastor of Morgan County churches, and later (followed by his wife) as historian of the association. His column "Bits of History" appeared for several years in The Decatur Daily.

Myers was asked to serve the association again in 1930, at his same yearly salary of $2,400.

_________________

1929

Minutes, p. 11.

Minutes, p. 27. Much of this information was drawn from Shackelford's book.

Minutes, p. 16.

1930

Mt. Carmel became the next congregation to be added to the association, meeting October 23-24, 1930 at Lebanon Baptist. Finances simply prevented keeping a paid worker during years surrounding the Great Depression. It was reported that I.W. Myers had taken a position in March with the state convention (although he would return to Morgan County), and no more funds were available at present. [lxi] The Stewardship Committee gave a somber report:

. . . We have, throughout our county, a great financial depression not only in a

business way but in the churches as well. Our people have gone pleasure mad and

are spending much money for the luxuries of life that should go for the extending

of God's Kingdom. Now as never before the Christian people of our land should

establish a slogan "Back to the church with the old fundamental principles of

Christianity" . . . [However,] this year a number of the rural churches have

planted and cultivated a patch of cotton, giving the entire proceeds to the church. . . [lxii]

An alarm was sounded that the Anti-Prohibition movement was "better organized and financed than ever before. . . Our enemy is active and alert." [lxiii]

Making another quite bold statement for 1930, the committee on Woman's Work (Mrs. W.H. Simpson, chair; Mrs. J.D.L. Burns; and Mrs. J.D. Orr) gave the following tribute to their gender:

Women from the commencement of Christianity have as a class, been the most

earnest workers for the salvation of sinners, and [that] they are expected and intended to perform important service for the Master is proven by the fact that

their services were accepted by Him and recorded in his book. . . The present

Woman's movement is no innovation, having reached its forty-second milestone,

but merely a revival of long suspended interest. We find from an examination

of Baptist history that as far back as 1823, when the State Convention was

organized, God had fired the hearts of the noble women of our State with that

zeal that characterized our sex in the early days of Christianity. It is

gratifying to know that the self-sacrificing, Christ-loving Baptist women of

our State were the pioneers of missionary expansion, and were honored of God

in having an humble part in so glorious a work. [lxiv]

_______________

1930

Minutes, p. 20.

Minutes, p. 24-25.

Minutes, p. 14.

Minutes, pp. 28-29.

1931

Two churches, Crow's Chapel and Walden's Chapel, were accepted into the association in 1931, meeting October 21-23 at Union Grove. Times were still hard, but the faithful carried on with the work to be done.

Tribute was made to three elder saints of the association in the "Report on Aged and Infirm Ministers" (later known as "Relief and Annuity", now simply "Annuity"):

. . . These Godly men went forth with a burning desire for lost souls when there

were nothing but brush arbors and log church houses over Morgan County, in a day

when there were no good roads and often after having spent the week in hard toil

to provide for loved ones, riding a tired horse or going on foot, through valley

and over mountain to preach the gospel to lost souls. They cleared the underbrush

and laid foundations for the great churches of the present day. Many times they

received no salary, but they met the criticism and the worldliness and the

heresies of the day. We have three such heroes of the cross in this Association

in the persons of Rev. J.D. McClanahan, Rev. J.E. Roan, and Rev. J.J. Bishop . . [lxv]

Stories are still told about J.D. McClanahan, pastor of so many churches in the area, Confederate veteran, and truly a "character if there ever was one" who lived to the age of ninety-nine. Thankfully, the written histories of three Morgan County churches, Shoal Creek, Lebanon, and First Baptist Hartselle, have recorded some of these remembrances for future generations to enjoy. He also pastored at Bethel, Cave Spring, Hopewell, Macedonia, and Shady Grove, among others.

The Birmingham News, on November 5, 1922, printed the following anonymous account:

The writer will be pardoned for mentioning the very great personal pleasure he

had in running across one of his old Baptist preacher friends who for years

has stood four-square in the Muscle Shoals Association for his beliefs. It was

a score of years ago that the writer first met Rev. John D. McClanahan and he

will never forget him. It was at the association [annual meeting] and both

were sent to the same home to spend the night. Brother John wanted to shave

and so got his razor, some water and a brush and moved out on the front porch

and, propping his feet up on a bannister, began to shave with an old fashioned blade without so much as ever intimating that a glass [mirror] was necessary,

and what's more he never cut himself. This is more than some city men can say

who use a "safety." [lxvi]

The writer went on to say that McClanahan was "the type of preacher who has held the ground gained by the pioneers." He was a carpenter by trade who worked "in the field, at the forg [sic], in the mine, store or bench" during the week, and then on Sundays "preached whenever a call came . . . without any thought of money." It is believed that he helped establish more than twenty-five churches in Muscle Shoals and Morgan County Associations, and probably "baptized in more creeks" than any other local preacher to this day. [lxvii]

A final account was first told at the anniverary of Enon Baptist Church in Lawrence County, where establishment of the Morgan County Association was announced in 1919. Members told of the time that their pastor, J.D. McClanahan, had "prayed the rain down." It seems that

Lawrence County was in the grip of a serious drought about the turn of the

century. Rev. McClanahan called for a prayer meeting. . . As he rode up to

the church on horseback, under a sky that was shimmering with the heat and

free of any sign of a cloud, Rev. McClanahan unsaddled his horse and carefully

put the saddle under a shed. He told puzzled bystanders, "Don't want the saddle

to get wet when it rains." Inside the church he led the assembled farmers in

prayer for a rain that would be a "gully washer and a fence breaker." Then he

began his sermon. Minutes later a small black cloud about the size of a man's

hand rose in the south. McClanahan continued his preaching. . . Toward the end

of his sermon the assembly was startled by a loud crash of thunder and a heavy

rain that shook the small church. Members who were present say that gulleys

were washed out and fences broken from the force of the downpour. [lxviii]

To this day, older residents of Morgan County maintain that J.D. McClanahan was one of a kind, whose likes will never be seen again.

______________

1931

Minutes, p. 33.

Bark, pp. 54-55. The same account is recorded in History of Shoal Creek Baptist Church 1844-1994 and a similar version in Shaneyfelt's history of Lebanon Baptist Church.

Ibid.

The Decatur Daily, April 6, 1952.

1932

Funds were so scarce that printed minutes of the 1932 associational meeting, held October 19-20 at Falkville Baptist, had to be abbreviated by the clerk. [lxix] The faithful nevertheless carried on. Foreign and home missions, evangelism, and ongoing work taking place in the local churches were all reported to be thriving. Destitute conditions have historically brought out the best in Baptist people, perhaps due to a greater realization of their dependency upon God's mercy. The state Baptist Orphanage reported that

The children and workers . . . have striven the harder to patch old clothes and

mend their shoes in order to look and feel respectable . . . thereby broadening and

and strengthening characters. . . Their splendid gardens have supplied abundant vegetables, their dairy has furnished a quart of grade A milk per day for each child

and the hens have done their best to furnish eggs. . . [lxx]

New Providence Baptist Church was added.

The "Report on State Missions" was given by Miss Madeline Dix (Mrs. W.P. Reeves), "a capable, efficient, and consecrated young woman worker. . ." [lxxi] As of this writing, Mrs. Reeves was recently honored at First Baptist, Decatur, on her 90th birthday - sixty-two years of Christian ministry later! [lxxii]

_____________

1932

Minutes, p. 23.

Minutes, p. 10.

Minutes, pp. 13, 22.

Cathy D. Wahl, "Friends Honor Baptist Leader", The Decatur Daily, March 20, 1994.

1933

The Baptists of Morgan County were apparently even more financially "broke" in 1933.

Published minutes consist of only eight pages - the shortest reports in seventy-five years. (Of course, some would no doubt call this a blessing!)

No new churches were added to the association, meeting October 18-19, 1933 at Austinville.

1934

The association met October 24-25, 1934 at Ryan Baptist Church, welcoming as guests Dr. T.V. Neal, President of Howard College (now Samford University), and Dr. L.L. Gwaltney, editor of The Alabama Baptist.

Gum Springs church was "reinstated" and Rocky Ford church (near Danville) "maintained as a mission of the Association until fully organized." [lxxiii] The minutes do not elaborate further.

The faithful of 1934 were reminded that "if you find a church not enthusiastically engaged in the business of Evangelizing, you will find a dead church. . ." [lxxiv] Furthermore, "in a church of 200 members, 25 are at prayer meeting and 175 are at the movies, at home, or somewhere else. Brethren, let us pray. . ." [lxxv]

________________

1934

Minutes, p. 1.

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, p. 14.

1935

Despite the commendable Baptist emphases on evangelism and missions, a reading of the 1935 minutes clearly reveals common cultural prejudices that went hand in hand during those years. An example:

Our State Mission task grows more complex every year with the greatly increased number of textile workers most of whom are Baptists; with the thousands coming into the Tennessee Valley from every nation, tongue, and walk of life; with the Catholics of the East exerting every influence possible to turn our Negro people to their religion, and with many of our rural churches all gone to pieces. . . [lxxvi]

Moreover, "Baptists can no longer be Christ-like and leave Foreign Missions in the hands of the pastors and a few Godly women who belong to the Missionary Society. . . If the White Baptists of Alabama should give one Coca-Cola per week to Foreign Missions it would support 900 foreign missionaries." [lxxvii]

Over the years, those not swayed by a prejudiced majority in the rural south have often been at serious odds with those having a different opinion (particularly towards blacks and/or Catholics). An incident from the early history of First Baptist Hartselle illustrates the point:

When Rev. [A.A.] Walker was at Hartselle he had [Otto] Bamber to hold a meeting

in his church. I.E. Reynolds came with him as song leader. One night he (Bamber)

said something about the Catholics and made the people mad. They sent him word

not to preach like that anymore. The next night he brought his pistol and laid it

on the pulpit and said he wasn't through with what he had to say and "if any of you have anything to say about it, I'm ready!" No one said anything! [lxxviii]

Meeting October 24-24, 1935 at Brown's Chapel, Morgan County Baptists voted to legally incorporate, contingent upon the election of three trustees annually (a practice continuing to this day). Paul M. Dix, Minor Russell, and Will Spanabel comprised this original trio of leaders. [lxxix]

Rock Springs church was accepted into membership of the association.

___________________

1935

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, pp. 6-7.

Bark, A Journey of One Hundred Years, p. 77.

Minutes, p. 10.

1936

Morgan County Baptists meeting October 21-22, 1936 at Bethel church heard I.W. Myers issue a warning and a challenge: "The T.V.A. lake is to bring a major problem - in recreation, amusements, and the coming of many irreligious and even immoral characters. . . We need at least fourteen more Missionary Baptist churches organized this year. . . [lxxx] Myers was now back in Morgan County, serving as clerk of the association, having been pastor of Falkville and then Southside churches.

Welcomed into membership was the Centerdale Baptist Church, located "about 2 miles east of Eva." [lxxxi]

_____________

1936

Minutes, p. 12.

Minutes, p. 8.

1937

The next annual meeting of the association was held October 19-21 at Pleasant Hill. It was reported that "the Woodland Mills Baptist Church has been revived and with a membership of eight, located in the community with the Cotaco High School, promises great things in the future." [lxxxii]

Strict rules of Christian living continued to be zealously enforced. The Decatur Daily was commended for refusing to run liquor advertisements despite the repeal of Prohibition having in 1933. [lxxxiii] Reflective of the strict church discipline that was common in those days, Sunday School workers were admonished that ". . . you can't dance, play cards, drink liquor and teach Christ to others." [lxxxiv]

And finally, representatives from Judson and Howard College (now Samford University) spoke to their concern that

. . . in some of the higher institutions of learning in the North and East a strong effort is being made to get . . . teachers from down here to . . . instill into our children the Communistic efforts of Russian schools, to teach that there is not such a thing as a true God. . . [lxxxv]

Messengers were assured by President T.V. Neal that "no students of Howard College will be permitted to remain . . . who are there at any time to promote a personal or Communistic enterprise." [lxxxvi]

____________

1937

Minutes, p. 20.

Minutes, p. 22.

Minutes, p. 18.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 14.

1938

In that many state colleges had become "hot beds of atheism, communism, and infidelity", Morgan County Baptists reaffirmed at their 1939 meeting (held at Falkville Baptist) the need for Christian higher education. Still, administrators of Baptist schools were asked to

. . . question every Professor, including the Athletic Coach, concerning the

inspired Word of God, and if he does not believe in the inspiration of the Bible,

he usually does not believe in the Deity of Jesus Christ, . . [and] gives his

mind to the teaching of a social gospel only. [lxxxvii]

Pleasant Valley Baptist Church, "two miles west of Flint", was received into the association. [lxxxviii]

A wealthy layman from Central Baptist, W. R. Spight, had bequeathed to mission causes the largest gift in Alabama Baptist history up to that time. The association voted to send a letter to his sister, Annie Lou Spight (Mrs. Seneca) Burr, informing her that those gathered for the annual meeting had sung Rescue the Perishing in Mr. Spight's memory. [lxxxix]

___________

1938

Minutes, pp. 9-10.

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 5. See also A.H. Reid, Baptists in Alabama: Their Organization and Witness.

1939

Pine Ridge became the next church to be admitted into the association, meeting October 17-18 at Hartselle. [xc]

A new agenda item to be given program space was a report on Church Music, recognizing its growth as an integral ministry of each congregation. Concern was expressed over the results of a survey indicating (1) Baptists were replacing "the great old hymns of the church" with gospel songs, and (2) many congregations were "using nondescript, non-denominational, and anti-denominational song books." Furthermore, "We would warn our churches against the dangers arising from the inefficient singing schools that are mainly for the purpose of selling some non-denominational songbooks." It was suggested that the association offer training for its musical leaders, and that the churches "give more attention to the musical programs of their services, lifting them to a higher plane." [xci]

But "Singing Schools" were immensely popular in the early twentieth century. Many local Baptists chose to simply ignore this negative description of them, resulting in the use by many churches of "denominational hymnals" on Sunday morning and Stamps-Baxter type "songbooks" during evening services.

______________

1939

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, pp. 9-10.

1940

After a ten year hiatus, Morgan County Baptists had once again been able to hire an associational missionary during the summer months of 1940. (Itinerant preaching at new mission churches had been conducted by volunteers prior to that time.) In its annual meeting, held October 15-16, 1940 at Southside, a student from Southern Seminary named Clyde Kinnaird was commended for his "very fine work" in Morgan County. He was paid $100, along with a few other "free-will offerings." [xcii]

West Point Baptist, organized August 1940, was admitted to the association "on condition that the church begin using Baptist Literature [by] Jan. 1, 1941." [xciii]

It cannot be overstated how indebted Morgan County Baptists were (and still are) to I.W. Myers for his preservation of local church history. His wife continued as Associational Historian for years after his death. Their legacy is evident in that their son, Dr. Ira L. Myers of Montgomery, became the State Health Officer and later, 1st Vice President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention.

Rev. Myers gave the first Report on Preservation of Baptist History in Morgan County to the 1940 gathering. To its credit, the association printed his remarks in their entirety. Excerpts from that lengthy, yet important, summary are as follows:

We are told in Riley's Memorial History of the Baptists of Alabama that the effects of a great revival which broke over the country churches of Virginia in 1787 [remnants of the Great Awakening, no doubt] and swept over the West and South for twenty years had its effects upon the migrants who came to Alabama causing them to establish our First churches amid an atmosphere of burning, flaming evangelism. No one can read the various available records of the soul- winning zeal of the pioneers of our great Baptist people, even those of Alabama and not feel a strong warming of his heart. . .

We are searching for more light, if it can be found. But it seems beyond a

doubt, so far, that Shiloh was the first Baptist Church in Morgan County. The

old log church stood by the cemetery, within a few hundred yards of the intersection

of the Hartselle-Whitesburg Road and the new Decatur-Guntersville Highway. Riley

tells us that "The Flint River Association was organized at Bradshaw's meeting

house, Lincoln County, Tennessee, Sept. 26, 1814," and that on the Alabama side

there were representatives to the Association from churches in the counties of

Madison, Jackson, Limestone and Morgan. So as Shiloh seems to be the oldest, it

must have been an active church then and the one represented. [Author's note: Some of Myers' later research notes show the founding date for Shiloh to be 1819, with

Salem church, now disbanded, being the oldest.] Shackleford's [sic] History of

Muscle Shoals Association tells us that Shiloh was received by letter from the Flint

River Association at their Ninth Session, in July 1828.

Spring Hill Church was located about 4 miles west of Decatur and came from the

Flint River Association to the Muscle Shoals Association in July 1821. So this

church also must have been organized several years before and was one of the first

in the County. It dissolved after the time of the Civil War and at an early date a

Colored Baptist Church was organized there [See footnote].

Bethel Church (not the one near Hartselle) was organized in 1822 and ceased to

be after a few years. We then come down to the first church organized in the County

which is still in existence [Shiloh did not reorganize until 1947], the Salem Church, now New Salem, organized July 30, 1822. Up to 1891 there had been twenty-five or

thirty churches organized in the County. But many of them had ceased to be.

In 1901 there were 41 active churches in the Muscle Shoals Association and 25 of

these were in Morgan County. . . [xciv]

Myers then explained how the Morgan County Association was organized in 1919, as already outlined in earlier chapters. He concluded his remarks by saying:

From the beginning of Baptist work in the County, there have been a goodly

number of churches organized that for one cause and another do not now exist.

Some died out on account of shifting population, some through neglect, etc. Then

some few perhaps were hastily and untimely organized.

As early as 1828 complaints came to the Association of the destitute conditions

of many of the churches, giving the lack of ministers to serve them as one of their

chief problem[s]. Steps were taken to supply that need. The Anti-Missionary spirit

thwarted the plan of itenerary [sic] preaching. Such spirit existed in the Muscle Shoals

Association until a split finally came. The Missionary and evangelistic group of

churches stayed with the Association while the Anti-missionary group went away and

organized an Association which soon dwindled down and out. . . [xcv]

____________

1940

Minutes, p. 3.

Minutes, p. 10.

Minutes, pp. 16-17. See 1957 for more information on the Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church, which is still in existence. See also the histories of Shiloh and New Salem churches.

Ibid.

1941

The annual meeting was held October 21-22, 1941 at New Salem, one of the churches referred to by Myers in his 1940 report. All routine reports were upbeat.

West Point was now listed in the roster of churches, and no reference was made to its probationary status. The congregation had apparently fulfilled the association's 1940 request to begin using Southern Baptist Sunday School literature. (To do otherwise in those days would

have been considered heresy by some!)

1942

Among the highlights of the 1942 session, held October 21-22 at Cave Springs, was the "timely and powerful" Missionary Sermon by Dr. LeRoy Priest, President of Judson College. [xcvi]

The association had again been unable to afford a vocational, paid missionary.

____________

1942

Minutes, p. 16.

1943

Moulton Heights hosted the association at its next annual meeting, held October 19-20. 1943. This congregation would in later years become Independent, grow to be one of the largest in Morgan County, and change its name to "Decatur Baptist" - drawing some ire from First Baptist Decatur, which had itself begun as Decatur Baptist Church.

Bethlehem Church in Lacey's Spring was reinstated into the association, [xcvii] having met jointly with the Methodists ("Union Church") since 1938. A tornado in 1932 had "destroyed all the church buildings at Lacey's Spring." [xcviii]

Will Spanabel gave a sobering admonition for Sunday School teachers to take seriously their responsibilities:

The story is told of a teacher who wrote "LEFT" in the classbook by the name of a boy who was absent a few weeks. The superintendent, not satisfied, called

at the home of the boy and found him in the delirium of a fever calling the

name of his teacher. The superintendent wrote after the word "LEFT" - "by an

indifferent teacher to die from an accident." [xcix]

Spanabel went on to quote Dr. E.Y. Mullins, famed theologian and former president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville: "The aim, passion, purpose, and effort of the teacher is to bring Christ into the life of the scholar." [c]

References to World War II are found throughout associational reports during the 1940s. Mrs. C.E. Malone noted the War Work Projects, which included factories and "more than a dozen flying fields and military camps" in Alabama. The war had also produced "hosts of transients, many of whom apparently have little interest in the work of the church." All of these groups, she declared, presented "a marvelous opportunity for enlistment and soul-winning." [ci]

Compiling an accurate list of early associational missionaries presents a challenge, due to the high turnover rate and the frequent years in which funds were not available to employ anyone. It appears that M.M. McFarland of Covington, Kentucky was called by the association in 1943 but never served. [cii] If he did, it was only for a very brief time.

Nationally, Southern Baptist mission work in all areas of ministry was thriving. Local pastor W.W. Coffey gave a glowing report of the denomination-wide goal of being Debt-Free in '43. [ciii]

In noting the passing of longtime Morgan County preacher J.D. McClanahan at the age of ninety-nine, members of the association were given this eternal reminder of their mortality:

Fifty of our church members were called to their rewards during the past

year, which leads us to recognize the fact that of all of us it will soon

be said "THEY DIED." [civ]

_______________

1943

Minutes, p. 8.

Dunn, A History of Bethlehem Baptist Church, p. 4; also personal interview.

Minutes, p. 6.

Ibid.

Minutes, p. 11.

Minutes, p. 14.

Minutes, p. 16.

Minutes, pp. 16-17.

1944

World War II continued to be in the forefront of everyone's mind as the association met in 1944 at First Baptist, Hartselle. In his "Report on Foreign Missions", Jesse M. Rogers declared:

The fact that the whole world is being ravaged by war does not minimize, but

rather intensifies, our missionary obligations. The world needs the gospel

message more than ever before. . . The war has disrupted and damaged our work

so that we shall need a large amount of money to rebuild our churches, schools,

and missionaries' homes. The missionaries' personal losses have been heavy.

Some churches have been burned and bombed. . . At the close of the war we shall

face a world that is hungry for food and in need of clothing and medicine. . . [cv]

M.G. Fields was called "indefinitely" as the new Associational Missionary, at a salary of $225 per month. [cvi] Fields would stay for two years - a new record of service!

____________

1944

Minutes, pp. 11-12.

Minutes, p. 14.

1945

First Baptist Church of Decatur hosted the next annual meeting, held October 23-24, 1945. [cvii] No new churches were added.

The ending of World War II allowed the association to focus again on pressing issues back home. From the "Temperance Report":

American military, naval, and air power have conquered Germany and Japan.

But another enemy remains to be conquered. That enemy is the liquor traffic.

We must be against this human debauchery with all the resources we possess. [cviii]

____________

1945

Several typing errors appear in the 1945 minutes. The cover and title page list the annual meeting as being held in "November." Page 2 lists the location as "Southside." Both are incorrect.

Minutes. p. 9.

1946

A new tradition began in 1946: two churches (instead of one) would henceforth host the annual meeting. The association met October 22 at Bethel Baptist, then October 23 at Shady Grove. This practice continues to the present day.

Tent revivals were common during the first half of the twentieth century. In 1946, the association co-sponsored several such evangelistic campaigns with Central Baptist. [cix]

For a few years, references would be made to the "Tennessee Valley Baptist Bible Institute", its board of directors, and its activities. This appears to have been the forerunner of Samford University's "Howard Extension", which continues to provide Bible training for clergy and laity in Baptist associations throughout the state.

The "Associational Missionary's Report" shows that M.G. Fields was doing a good work in Morgan County. He had assisted the churches with revivals, baptisms, leadership training, and had fostered increased participation in mission causes. He told those gathered: "I deeply appreciate the cooperation of the churches and friends of this Association, and I pledge my continued, personal cooperation during the new year." [cx] His leadership brought needed stability to the Morgan County Baptist Association. However . . . (See 1947)

_____________

1946

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, p. 7.

1947

. . . On the heels of his glowing October 1946 report, M.G. Fields had surprised everyone by resigning as associational missionary one month later, so as to accept the pastorate of Summit (now Autumnwood) Baptist Church. [cxi]

The Executive Committee reported that T.A. Chandler had begun work on December 5, 1946 as the new associational missionary, but then had resigned by October 18, 1947. The committee voiced "a special word of appreciation to him for his ministry to Morgan County Baptists." [cxii]

Back to "square one" as far as a paid worker was concerned, dedicated volunteers in the association still carried on. A somewhat rare occurrence was that a layman (from Central Baptist), Judge James H. Crowe [or possibly Crow], was serving as moderator when the annual meeting took place October 21-22, 1947 at Mt. Carmel and Antioch (now Point Mallard Parkway Baptist).

Charles Ed Howell was commended for his fine work as Associational Sunday School Superintendent. Prayers were offered as he prepared to move to Louisville, noting his "intention to give up his secular business and go to the seminary to prepare for full-time Christian work." [cxiii]

West Point Church was encouraged "to unite with New Canaan . . . so as to form a strong church field." [cxiv]

Shiloh was admitted into the association, which leads one to ask the following question: Which Baptist congregation still in existence is the oldest in Morgan County? It appears that three, possibly even FOUR, churches could argue such a claim:

l. Shiloh (1819, reorganized 1947) - As I.W. Myers had reported in 1940, "It seems beyond a doubt . . . that Shiloh was the first Baptist church in Morgan County. . .", having been organized by 1819 and possibly earlier, originally being in the Flint River Association. Yet Shiloh suffered and dwindled after the Civil War, suspended services in 1887, and did not reorganize until 1947 when it was admitted for the first time into the Morgan County Baptist Association. [cxv] Its cemetery dates back to the original church.

2. Spring Hill (1821) - Today a black congregation (See 1957), Spring Hill has never been a

member of the Morgan County Baptist Association; however, it began as a predominantly white congregation and was the first church in Morgan County admitted to the Muscle Shoals Association. It apparently suspended services around the time of the Civil War and was reorganized as a black church still located on the old Decatur-Trinity road. In addition to

the more recent cemetery across the road from Spring Hill, Knox points out that there is a much older cemetery with graves of both black AND white early settlers behind the church. [cxvi]

3. Flint (May 8, 1824) - Began as Cedar Springs Baptist Church, then Mt. Pisgah, and later changed its name to Flint in 1919. [cxvii] It was one of the founding churches of the Morgan County Baptist Association and is its oldest continuous congregation.

4. Hopewell (December, 1824) - Also an original congregation of the Morgan County Baptist Association, Hopewell is the oldest continuous church having its original name. Like Shiloh, it also is frequently referred to as the oldest church in the association.

To the reader: YOU DECIDE! Whatever the case, each of these churches should be proud of having such a marvelous legacy.

______________

1947

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, pp. 8-9.

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 9.

Minutes, p.21.

Knox, "How Long Ago Was Spring Hill Settled?", The Decatur Daily, December 13, 1964.

Edwards, Flint, Alabama: A Southern Town, pp. 28-29.

1948

Lebanon and New Canaan churches hosted Morgan County Baptists October 25-26. 1948. Another associational missionary, E.T. Jean, had stayed for almost one year (Jan.- Oct. 1948). His tenure had been brief, messengers were told, yet "some progress has been made, for which we are duly thankful." [cxviii]

Special projects had been ongoing throughout the year. The association had sponsored a county-wide revival and given financial assistance to several churches. Committees had participated in planning meetings at scattered church locations, with one being "held at the Why-Not-Eat-Here Cafe in Decatur." [cxix]

North Side Baptist, located near the banks of the Tennessee River and "overlooking a bunch of cat houses", including the famous Miss Kate's Place, [cxx] was received into the association. Founding Pastor Smith Ledbetter (who remained an active pastor in Morgan County as late as 1994) noted that the church was "worshipping in a barn at present, but we are trying to build a house of worship." [cxxi] North Side (or Northside) is now Parkview Baptist Church, located on the Beltline in Decatur.

The Executive Committee recommended Olin Ray (no relation to author) as the new associational missionary. [cxxii]

_____________

1948

Minutes, pp. 11, 14.

Minutes, p. 11.

Smith Ledbetter, personal interview, April 1994.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 18.

1949

A "Missionary's Home Purchasing Committee" had been formed to locate a house for the newly employed Olin Ray. They reported to the association that one was found "north of Hartselle." [cxxiii]

The annual meeting was held October 25-26, 1949 at Union Grove and Hopewell.

____________

1949

Minutes, p. 7.

1950

Westside (now Central Park) Baptist Church was received into the association, pledging its full cooperation. [cxxiv] Ryan and Mt. Zion were the 1950 host churches.

It was reported that Olin Ray had resigned in May as associational missionary and his home was sold for $4,000. [cxxv] The following tribute was paid to him:

He won to Christ and baptized a number of people into our churches. He helped the weaker churches without pastors to carry on the work and to secure pastors. He made surveys to determine needs and . . . [promoted] the work of the Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Woman's Missionary Union and Baptist Brotherhood throughout the association. . . [cxxvi]

Specific goals were outlined for the new search committee, emphasizing "that the Missionary employed be capable, properly trained, have leadership ability and feel the definite call of God into Associational Missionary work." [cxxvii] Moreover, "that the man who may be employed be given a free hand to serve as led by the Holy Spirit. . ." [cxxviii] Other guidelines advised that "the missionary is to promote evangelism and not spend his time holding revivals", [cxxix] in that it would take away from other weekly duties.

A meeting had been held in August with representatives from Limestone Association, resulting in a recommendation from the Executive Committee that both counties jointly hire someone. Messengers from Morgan County defeated this idea "by a large majority vote." [cxxx]

In light of contemporary efforts to impose what some have called civil religion (through government-sponsored prayer, etc.), it is interesting that the 1950 gathering was reminded (in discussions of annuities for church employees) of "the historic position of Baptists on complete separation of church and state." [cxxxi]

The meeting adjourned to a wonderful lunch, later thanking "the good people . . . who brought well-filled baskets." [cxxxii]

______________

1950

Minutes, p. 4.

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, p. 7.

Ibid.

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, pp. 6, 12.

Minutes, p. 11. See also Hobbs, The Baptist Faith and Message.

Minutes, p. 11.

1951

Another layman, Alvis Briscoe, was presiding as moderator of the association when it met in his congregation, Southside (he would later attend Memorial Baptist), and also at Pleasant Hill October 18-19, 1951. Mr. Briscoe was well known in Morgan County, having faithfully served the Morgan County school board and as president of First Federal; he would also serve later as a trustee of Howard College (now Samford University). In 1965, he would spearhead construction of Southside's present sanctuary, which would remain Decatur's largest (and continues to be a popular location for community gatherings) until a 2,000 seat building was erected by Calvary Assembly in the 1980s. D.F. Hickman was laboring diligently as the new associational missionary, [cxxxiii] although it is not recorded as to when he had been employed.

I.W. Myers was now living in Vinemont and pastoring two churches simultaneously, Blue Springs and Mt. Nebo. He noted his desire to eventually publish the history of the association, having spent over "twenty years of research and collecting information from every available source." [cxxxiv]

_____________

1951

Minutes, p. 17.

Minutes, pp. 31-32.

1952

Mountain View (or Mt. View) was the next congregation to petition for membership into the association, which met October 16-17, 1952 at Danville and Lacey's Spring. A tradition of including in the minutes a brief history of the host churches was begun, although this practice has not always been consistent.

W.J. Johnson, "on behalf of the Association, informed Mr. Alvis G. Briscoe that in appreciation of his faithful services as Moderator, he would be presented with the money to buy a new suit." [cxxxv] (The author found no record of any similar gift, apart from resolutions of appreciation, ever being bestowed upon a moderator.)

Several amendments to the association's Constitution were proposed. One even suggested that any church not sending either a report or any messengers to the annual meeting for two straight years would be dropped. [cxxxvi] These were all defeated the following year, yet other less drastic revisions would be made.

____________

1952

Minutes, p. 39.

Minutes, pp. 38-39.

1953

Dr. Frank Chenault, along with I.W. Myers, continued for several years to push for a written history of the association. [cxxxvii] Support for these noble efforts was always enthusiastically voiced, yet never materialized. Neither did a valiant effort by Moderator W.W. Coffey to have a Baptist Book Store located in Decatur. [cxxxviii]

Falkville and Trinity churches hosted the 1953 annual meeting. Fairview Baptist, now independent, had made a request to be dropped from membership in the association. [cxxxix]

D.F. Hickman was continuing a good work in the county. He thanked the association for providing him a home in Austinville, phone number "575-R", which he said would be helpful now that a "new missionary" was also living there - his 2 [cxl]/2 week old daughter. [cxli]

1953

Minutes, p. 32.

Minutes, p. 37.

Minutes, pp. 4-5.

Minutes, p. 19.

1954

Bethel and Lebanon churches hosted the next annual meeting, a time when spirited campaigns such as A Million More in `54 were in high gear nationwide. History would look back on these years as being a thriving heyday of Southern Baptist work, advancing in all phases of ministry. [cxlii]

Locally, two churches were added and one was dropped. East Side and West Hartselle were received into the association; Woodland Mills, which struggled for years, had disbanded. [cxliii]

A new library ministry was begun through the association and would continue as an important annual report. [cxliv] In fact, the "media director" (as it would later be called) would remain an active voice in the county, with admirable work carried on in later years by Elva Tipton, Eva Nell Hunter, and others.

D.C. Stringfellow, on behalf of the "Historical Committee", urged local Baptists to submit any items of interest to him, in that records were going to be kept in a locked office at First Baptist Decatur, "about as fire-proof a place as could be secured." [cxlv]

______________

1954

Jim Newton, "SBC's `Golden Age' Ended in 1979, Claims [Wilmer C.] Fields", The Alabama Baptist, April 30, 1987.

Minutes, pp. 4-6.

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, p. 16.

1955

No new churches were added to the association during its 1955 annual meeting, held October 13-14 at the Cave Springs and West Hartselle congregations.

D.F. Hickman resigned as "County Missionary", having accepted a church in Mobile. [cxlvi] By all accounts, he had served the association effectively for four years.

_____________

1955

Minutes, p. 5.

1956

Hugh Penn, respected layman from FIrst Church, Hartselle (and part of the locally famed C.F. Penn Hamburgers family), was the new moderator for the association. The 1956 annual meeting was hosted by Pleasant Hill and Shady Grove.

Southern Baptist work was thriving on all fronts. "Sword Drills", Ridgecrest, Glorieta, "M" Night, Sunbeams - anyone who was a young, active Baptist during these years will probably remember these terms with fond memories. Reports of Baptist Student Union (BSU, later Baptist Campus Ministry) work were now commonplace during the annual meeting.

But efforts to find a new associational missionary were still unsuccessful as of 1956.

One church was added and one dropped. W.K. (Billy) Stephenson reported that Fifth Avenue Baptist had requested to join the association. Brown's Chapel was dropped "since no report has been received from them", and it was now ". . . disbanded, property sold, and no membership known . . . any more." [cxlvii]

___________

1956

Minutes, pp. 13-15.

1957

Three congregations hosted the association in its 1957 annual meeting: New Friendship, First Baptist Hartselle, and Bethlehem (Hartselle). Again this year, one church came in while another was dismissed. Brookhaven was warmly received; while Moulton Heights (now Decatur Baptist), a founding church of the association, asked to be withdrawn after becoming Independent. [cxlviii]

Robert Slack was called as the new associational missionary. [cxlix] He would serve faithfully in this capacity and then also have, in more recent years, a long career as recording secretary for Morgan County Baptists. Included among his fond memories are excursions throughout the county with W.W. Coffey, upon the advice of attorney Charles Eyster Sr., in order to collect "proxies" so as to allow the bank to release money from the "Calvary Trust Fund" to the association. The "Calvary Sunday School Class" had met weekly some years earlier at the Morgan County courthouse, yet was never constituted as a church. The effort to have the money released was successful, and the annual minutes still refer to interest received from the trust fund account. [cl]

I.W. Myers noted a trend he found disturbing: "We find it alarming to see that so many churches have lost their original clerk books, do not know when their church was organized, nor where their land deeds are, or how or why they work with their denomination." [cli] (He would probably voice the same lament today!)

Myers made sure the minutes recorded in bold letters "Baptist History is Important!" He then recounted how the

Spring Hill Baptist Church, about halfway between Decatur and Trinity, was

the first church in the county to join the Muscle Shoals Association in 1821,

and that church, white and black before the Civil War, has since been, and is

now, a thriving Negro church, . . [and] (quoting from the present Secretary

of that church) "We are Missionary Baptist and we are proud of it. We still

belong to the Muscle Shoals Colored Baptist Association." [clii]

Today, in the mid-1990s, the Spring Hill church remains active, meeting proudly in its newer brick building on Old Trinity Lane, across from an almost hidden cemetery [See also 1947].

Messengers were made aware that Billy Graham, a Southern Baptist, had given a strong endorsement of the Cooperative Program, calling it "the greatest means ever devised for the giving of one's tithe. In private and public conversation, I support the CP without hesitation." Moreover, they were told, "This conviction is shared not only by an internationally known evangelist, but by the rank and file of Southern Baptists from the Great Lakes to the Gulf, and from Maryland to California." [cliii]

_____________

1957

Minutes, pp. 15-16.

Minutes, p. 17.

Robert Slack, Jr., personal recollections.

Minutes, p. 37.

Minutes, p. 36.

Minutes, pp. 30-31.

1958

Prior to the annual meeting, a special called session of Morgan County Baptists was held June 23, 1958 at First Church, Hartselle ". . . for the sole purpose of discussing the sale of the Associational Missionary Home . . . located in Austinville, a suburb of Decatur, Alabama." [cliv] W.K. Stephenson chaired the committee of trustees making this motion. According to the clerk,

There were several questions asked. . . Why is the House in Austinville to

be sold? The Missionary [Robert Slack, Jr.] desires to live in Hartselle.

Missionary has no office at the home in Austinville nor any . . . space for

equipment. Also, a conference can be held with Missionary separate and

apart from his own family. . . Will this be a permanent home for the

missionary in the future? The answer to that was that it is desired to be permanent. . . [clv]

The motion passed after its details were discussed at length. Wishes for the new house in Hartselle to serve for an indefinite time would prove true, as William Hacker, Jr. who would later serve twenty-nine years after Robert Slack, continued to live there.

Having taken care of this matter, the association proceeded to have its annual meeting in October of 1958, hosted by three churches: Central, Sixteenth Avenue, and New Salem.

Sermons were delivered by several young preachers who would continue to have noteworthy and admirable ministries. These included Junior Hill, then a student, who now travels the United States as a career evangelist; Fred Halbrooks, Jr., who became first a missionary to Brazil, then director of Sunday School work for the Kentucky Baptist Convention; and John Ingouf, who would soon become a missionary to Indonesia. Ingouf also reported that Dr. Baker James Cauthen, longtime Executive Secretary of the Foreign Mission Board, would be speaking December 2, 1958 at Central Baptist for "M" Night. [clvi]

G.A. (Girls in Action) Coronations continued to be events of high honor and ceremony for Baptists during this era, and the WMU reported that Morgan County had, in 1958, ". . . one of the youngest Queens that has been reported anywhere, Miss Sandra Shaneyfelt . . . [of] Somerville, Alabama." [clvii]

Historian I.W. Myers reported that he was now a "fully retired minister" [clviii] and would give his complete attention to preserving local Baptist history. His efforts would prove not to be in vain.

____________

1958

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, p. 9.

Minutes, p. 28.

Minutes, p. 33.

Minutes, p. 36.

1959

The newer tradition of three congregations (instead of two) hosting the annual meeting was continued in 1959, held October 15-16 at First Baptist Hartselle, Austinville, and Ryan churches. The trustees were happy to report that the associational missionary's house in Hartselle was now completed, thanking all of the churches for their help in building "one of the finest homes anywhere." [clix]

I.W. Myers, in his annual historical report, reminded Morgan County Baptists to be proud of the fact that

. . . the recorded record of our organized beginnings in the bounds of this

county is older than the state of Alabama itself. The Shiloh Baptist Church

. . . was organized in a home, on the third day of July 1819. There were four

charter members. The first addition was a slave by the name of "Black Brother

James." Their first preacher was Elder Martin Briscoe. . . [clx]

Prior to the Civil War, largely due to the slave population, it was very common for Baptist churches to have both black and white members. While the black members were usually made to sit in separate sections or balconies, it is nonetheless ironic that a greater degree of racial diversity existed in the churches of the 1800s than that which exists today.

___________

1959

Minutes, p. 16.

Minutes, p. 30.

1960

Hopewell, Northside (now Parkview), and Mt. Carmel all hosted the 1960 annual meeting. I.W. Myers took delight in reporting that seventy percent of Morgan County churches had responded to an appeal to have their records microfilmed. He had invited F. Wilbur Helmbold, librarian of Samford University, to spend March 6-19, 1960 at First Baptist Hartselle for the sole purpose of microfilming records for any congregation desiring to do so. These would be stored in the Baptist historical collection at Samford. Remarkably, this was declared to be the first such association-wide effort in the Southern Baptist Convention. [clxi]

As already alluded to, any honest researcher would have to acknowledge the anti-Catholic bias of Baptists that has been widespread at times throughout our history. This sentiment was particularly rampant during the presidential election of 1960, when Protestant southerners (who had overwhelmingly been staunch Democrats) were in a quandary over having to either support a Catholic or - heaven forbid - a Republican. Many simply did not vote! Veiled in concerns about liquor and "civic righteousness", the following observations about presidential candidate John F. Kennedy were expressed to those gathered at the associational meeting:

Along with the subtly hidden philosophy of Socialism and the deliberately injected religious issue (by the candidate himself and not by Baptists) there is another aspect to this Presidential campaign that calls for attention. In the background of the Democratic candidate there are decades of devotion to the liquor industry. It is reported that his grandfather owned three saloons and was the liquor distributor for Boston, Mass. It is a known fact that his father made his millions from the sale of Scotch liquor, importing vast quantities into America during Prohibition for "Medicinal purposes", and accumulating a fortune from its sale after repeal. The candidate, likewise, is religiously affiliated with an organization that blesses the liquor business . . . and their religious journals encourage the purchase of Catholic liquor. Spiritually-minded people cannot help but have qualms of misgivings as to the leadership of such a man. . . [clxii]

Just as Jimmy Carter's talk of being "born again" would later work well for him in the Bible Belt, many historians credit such rhetoric by Southern Baptists in 1960 to have been a key factor in Kennedy's very slim margin of victory.

In that Kennedy's opponent, Richard Nixon, would later be the first president to resign under the cloud of legal scandals, one is reminded anew of the dangers of depending upon government leaders to advance the spread of Christianity. (How history repeats itself!)

In his own unique style, other warnings about the nation's debauchery were sounded by the fiery and influential A.B. VanArsdale, pastor of Central Baptist:

But alcohol is not the only poison that threatens this nation. We are

confronted with nauseating, trashy, pornographic literature that was spawned

in the lowest regions of hell. Sexy, suggestive movies and advertising of

legitimate but intimate articles of apparel are seen on every hand that

utilize the practically unclad form of her whom we have been taught to reverence.

Fidelity to the marriage vows is fast becoming as obsolete as a last year's

bird's nest. . . To the right-thinking Baptists of Morgan County your committee

would cry the words "What meanest thou, O sleeper? Arise, and call upon thy

God" - Jonah 1:6. [clxiii]

In closing, the association voted to "express our sincere regret for the absence of our moderator, Bro. John Ingouf, but extend to him and his family the assurance of our sincere prayers as they seek God's will in their new field of service as missionaries to Indonesia." [clxiv]

_____________

1960

Minutes, p. 32. Also discussed in Bark, A Journey of One Hundred Years.

Minutes, pp. 36.

Minutes, p. 37.

Minutes, p. 42.

1961

At the 1961 annual meeting, W.K. ("Brother Billy") Stephenson particularly enjoyed hearing special music by the 4-B's: Becky Cowan, Becky Stephenson, Beth Stephenson, and Billy Kay Stephenson. [clxv] The latter three were his daughters! This family would serve First Baptist in Decatur for over thirty years, and Beth is now a professor at Golden Gate Baptist Seminary in California.

Westside (now Central Park Baptist) and Gum Springs were the the other two host churches besides First Baptist Decatur.

Robert Slack, Jr. Had resigned as associational missionary in May of 1961, in order to assume the pastorate of West Hartselle Baptist Church. A search committee was appointed, consisting of E.T. Waddell (chair), W.W. Coffey, Douglas Dexter, Joseph Newton, Wilbur Smallwood, and A.B. VanArsdale. Their prayerful efforts led to William L. Hacker, Jr., hired in late October of 1961 and who would serve twenty-nine years in this capacity - a record of service to Morgan County Baptists. [clxvi]

Back to the 1961 annual meeting: I.W. Myers made an appeal for churches to research biographical information on their pastors, declaring that tombstones were valuable sources. As an example, he had located where "Josephus Shackelford and other members of his family are buried at the top of Trinity Mountain just south of the Moulton Road." [clxvii]

Mrs. Murray C. DeMoss, in her annual WMU report, told a story about W.O. Carver, one of the grand old professors of yesteryear at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville: When asked once by a student, "Will you come next Sunday and speak to my people about the place of missions in our church?", Dr. Carver replied, "No, but I will come and speak about the place of your church in missions." [clxviii] 1961

Minutes, p. 14.

Minutes, p. 17.

Minutes, p. 27.

Minutes, p. 37.

1962

Having been unanimously called as associational missionary in late 1961, William Hacker was already busy with his new responsibilities as the annual meeting commenced. Two new churches were added: Bayside (which later merged with Eastside to form Oak Park) and Highland Baptist in Union Grove.

Horace Fielding reported that a committee had been formed to investigate concerns related to the Rural Grove Baptist Church. The committee requested that "action be delayed until the Annual Session of the Association in 1963 and that every effort be made to restore the Rural Grove Church to full fellowship with the Association during this period and that these efforts be made with much prayer and in the Spirit of Christ. . ." [clxix] Such would reflect a strained relationship continuing for the next several years between the association and this congregation, the latter of which finally declared itself to be Independent.

Associational historian I.W. Myers proudly noted that his regular column "Bits of History" had been launched on February 3, 1962 in The Decatur Daily. These articles, mostly related to local Baptist history, would continue for several years. [clxx]

____________

1962

Minutes, p. 12.

Minutes, p. 33.

1963

Problems between the association and one of its Independent-leaning congregations continued in 1963. It was noted that

In compliance with the request of the Morgan County Baptist Association at

its last Annual Meeting, October 18, 1962, the Credentials-Petitionary

Letters Committee has further investigated the Rural Grove Baptist Church

in regard to its doctrinal position, its spirit, and its intent in matters

of cooperation and fellowship with the Morgan County Baptist Association.

The committee finds its doctrinal position to be fluid, its spirit one of

animosity, and its intent that of steering clear of any use of Southern

Baptists' literature and of any fellowship with our association. The pastor,

Rev. Charles Smith, took the matter up with the deacons, and the matter was

taken to the church for a vote. The church voted with an overwhelming

majority to disassociate itself of all connections with our association.

The committee therefore recommends that the church's name be removed from

our association's roll. [clxxi]

They would be back, however.

On a brighter note, all other areas of ministry appeared to be thriving: missions, evangelism, Sunday School, Training Union, WMU, Brotherhood, Children's Home, Music, and Christian Education. Temperance, of course, continued to be a major emphasis at the annual meeting, along with testimonies from the American Bible Society. Also, it was reported that Eastside and Bayside churches were merging to form Oak Park Baptist, which was welcomed into full fellowship of the association. [clxxii] For over twenty years, Oak Park would serve as a church family for the entire staff and residents of the Alabama Baptist Children's Home, Decatur branch. A few years ago, a decision was made at the statewide level to allow each cottage to choose which local congregation to attend; thus, they are now scattered throughout Decatur. A noteworthy result of the change, due to the diverse population of residents at the Children's Home, was the racial integration of several churches for the first time - a breakthrough which might not have been as smooth if it had occurred any other way.

___________

1963

Minutes, p. 22.

Minutes, p. 23.

1964

Surprisingly, Rural Grove asked in 1964 to be readmitted to the Morgan County Baptist Association, although it was decided to have them remain under watchcare one more year. The same status was rendered to another congregation seeking membership, Central Baptist in Hartselle, in that "the church has not participated in any of our meetings, fellowship, nor ministries since its bid for membership in our Association at its Annual Meeting last year." [clxxiii]

It should be pointed out that from time to time in virtually all Baptist associations, there have been churches that "lean toward Independent"; or perhaps vacillate back and forth, usually depending greatly upon the leadership style and convictions of the pastor at that time. For better or worse, a Baptist church will usually reflect to varying degrees the personality of its pastor. Strong, prevailing sentiments regarding turbulent Civil Rights matters of the day were voiced during the 1964 annual meeting. At the opening session held at Lebanon, for example, it was reported that Dr. Leon Macon, editor of The Alabama Baptist, ". . . spoke on some of the issues confronting our country. He declared that there was not a single Scripture to show that races should integrate. He objects to inter-marriage. The speaker also warned against receiving government money to build Baptist hospitals." [clxxiv]

___________

1964

Minutes, p. 7.

Ibid. Cynthia Wise of Dothan, whose historical research of the Alabama Baptist Children's Home provided material for this book, wrote her Auburn University masters' thesis on "The Social Views of Leon Macon 1950-1965."

1965

Relations with Rural Grove and Central Baptist in Hartselle had improved greatly by the time the association met again in 1965. Along with Chapel Baptist in Decatur, these churches were admitted into the association in that all "have been found sound in doctrine and express a desire to cooperate with other Southern Baptist Churches in a world mission program." [clxxv] The same was said of the newly organized Walnut Grove Baptist Church, although it was kept under watchcare until 1966.

I.W. Myers reported that he had traveled over 300 miles in his work as historian for the association, speaking in churches, microfilming records, and making genealogical contacts with "people from Boston, Massachusetts to California and from North to South." Moreover, he was excited that a move was underway to establish what would become the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission. He added:

May I indulge your patience to say, that although I fully enjoy my history

work, I am once and until I die, a preacher of the Gospel of Christ and I am

never content, unless I am preaching. I assure all of our Ministers and

churches, that if you invite me to preach, I will not, under God, and led by

the Holy Spirit, go before any church or people to speak for my Lord, unless

I am thoroughly convinced that the message is not my little arranged speech,

but that the message is from the Throne of God and directed by His Spirit.

Cease not to pray for a world steeped in sin and blood. [clxxvi]

__________

1965

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 40.

1966

Walnut Grove Baptist Church was welcomed into full fellowship of the association in 1966. [clxxvii] Flint, First Baptist Hartselle, and Bethel were the hosts for the annual meeting.

It was reported that more and more churches were starting a library ministry. Specific recognition was given to one: "We are proud to say at this time one of our largest and oldest libraries in our association is at Southside Baptist Church. It was organized in 1940 and Mrs. M.S. Clendenon is librarian." [clxxviii] Her twenty-five year leadership would be followed by Elva Tipton, who before her death in 1992 helped establish an associational office library later named

in her honor.

__________

1966

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, p. 24. The library at Southside Baptist Church in Decatur continues to function as a strong model, in more recent years under the leadership of Laura Bittle, Janice Watson, and others.

1967

Despite valiant efforts by I.W. Myers to compile a published history of the association, his declining health prevented doing so. In its annual associational meeting of 1967, "a motion was presented and adopted that the Clerk send a telegram to Rev. I.W. Myers conveying our interest and prayers for him in his illness." [clxxix]

Three churches were added in 1967: Northside in Hartselle, Forest Hill, and Eastside in Falkville. [clxxx] When considering a petitioning congregation, great emphasis was placed on the fact that "these churches are using and have already ordered Southern Baptist literature. . ." Such a practice confirms the concerns of long departed Baptist statesman J.B. Gambrell, who in yesteryear warned that the establishment of a publishing house (the Baptist Sunday School Board) would lead to its required usage as a test of loyalty. [clxxxi] Whether or not that be good

or bad, his prediction was proven to be correct.

___________

1967

Minutes, p. 12.

Minutes, p. 11.

See McBeth, The Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness for more information about Gambrell and concerns that were raised about the establishment of a denominational publishing house. What remains to be seen, given the association's history of displeasure with alternative literature, is whether or not churches will be rebuked by the association if they begin using the newly established Smyth & Helwys Publishing Co., supported by moderate Southern Baptists unhappy with the Sunday School Board and sympathetic to the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (See concluding chapter).

1968

Southwest Baptist Church, which had been birthed as a mission of First Baptist Hartselle, was voted into the association. [clxxxii] The business, worship, and fellowship of the annual meeting were all upbeat. Music was led by Wilson Henderson.

Groundwork was being laid for what would become the Decatur branch of the Alabama Baptist Children's Home. Staff at the state level reported that

. . . the greatest forward step during the year was the decision to proceed

with plans for a branch in North Alabama. This action was approved by the

Convention in 1962, but plans were delayed pending further study of the needs

and financial resources. . . Rest assured that the need is critical. We believe

Alabama Baptists will respond to it. . . [clxxxiii]

Unique among the usual resolutions of appreciation to the host churches, the officers, etc., was the following item which was adopted:

Be it resolved that as an Association we express to Governor Albert Brewer

our concern, agreement, and support of the work he is doing relative to

pornography. [clxxxiv]

Those gathered were indeed proud of their most famous Baptist and native son from Morgan County.

__________

1968

Minutes, pp. 6-7.

Minutes, p. 33.

Minutes, p. 37.

1969

Sadly, the Morgan County Baptist Association celebrated its Fiftieth Anniversary without its longtime historian, I.W. Myers, who had died shortly beforehand. The official copy of the minutes were dedicated to his memory. In the annual meeting, Mrs. Myers (who would assume the role of historian) presented an extensive historical sketch of the first five decades, ending with an appeal: "Let us continue our work with a more dedicated commitment than we ever have in the years gone by." [clxxxv] Special recognition was given to two members of the audience, W.R. Wallace and Mrs. Foster Sanders, who were present at the founding of the association in 1919. [clxxxvi] Morgan County Baptists also received their newest congregation, Westmeade, which today is one of the largest and strongest in the association. It was noted that this church

was organized in good faith, that it adheres to Southern Baptist doctrine and

policy, that it meets the requirements of our constitution and bylaws for

admission, and that it [Westmeade] has contributed generously to our Southern Baptist mission program from the time of its inception as a mission. [clxxxvii]

___________

1969

Minutes, pp. 31-35. See also Mrs. Myers' 50th Anniversary sketch, referred to earlier.

Minutes, pp. 18, 26.

Minutes, p. 8.

1970

By 1970, an exciting new ministry had finally been established after years of planning, and Morgan County Baptists had resolved "that we encourage all of our churches to support in every way possible the Decatur Branch of the Alabama Baptist Children's Home, located in our Association." [clxxxviii] Cynthia Wise, in The First One Hundred Years, has documented the names of countless individuals who helped make this dream a reality. The family of Charles Eyster Sr., a respected attorney whose Decatur firm dates to the 1800s, donated land for the new facility. W.J. Johnson (pastor of Southside, then Memorial Baptist Church) had earlier served on the committee charged with choosing a site for it to be built. [clxxxix] There have been several fine directors (see Distinguished Morgan County Baptists), and a word should also be written commending the excellent support staff through the years. One noteworthy example is Mr. and Mrs. D. Clyde Presley (now living in Rogersville), who served as houseparents and still come back to help when needed. Mr. Presley, now in his eighties, continues an extensive writing ministry, having published numerous articles. He also still jogs every day, makes "famous" homemade pies, and is the longtime secretary for the Alabama Baptist Historical Society. Indeed, faithful Baptists from all across Alabama helped establish the Decatur campus of the children's home, many driving great distances for the dedication service. It was a great day for the city of Decatur as well.

One new church, Valhermosa Springs, was welcomed into the association at its annual meeting, held October 15-16, 1970, at Central, Walnut Grove, and Shady Grove churches. Eastside in Falkville was dropped after apparently declaring itself Independent. [cxc]

At the morning session at Central, the author's father, Joe Ray, delivered the annual sermon on the topic "If Heaven Be Shut Up" from II Chronicles 7:12-14. Special music, "Great is Thy Faithfulness" was brought by Joan Goree and Dr. Frances Moss of Calhoun Community College. [cxci]

____________

1970

Minutes, p. 15.

Reid, Baptists in Alabama: Their Organization and Witness, p. 520.

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, p. 7.

1971

Shoal Creek, Summit, and Shiloh churches hosted the 1971 annual meeting, held October 14-15 with A. Ray Lee as moderator. Luther Carden reported that Memorial and East Highland churches had requested to join the association, and this was approved. [cxcii]

All routine reports were upbeat. The Lord was continuing to bless the Morgan County Baptist Association. Mrs. Ira W. Myers gave a brief history (reprinted below in its entirety) of "The Mountain View High School for Boys and Girls" in Trinity, which was opened after the older school in Danville had burned:

This school was opened in January of 1879 by Josephus Shackelford. This was a

select school which he taught with the exception of one year, until 1889. This

school was located on a mountain, one mile south of Trinity, Alabama, on the

Memphis-Charleston R.R. and seven miles west of Decatur, Alabama. It was one of

the healthiest localities in North Alabama. Pure spring and well water in abundance.

Being above malarial influences, the air was pure and invigorating. It was in the

midst of a refined and intelligent community. The sale of intoxicating liquors

within three miles of Trinity was forbidden. The course of study was arranged to

suit the wants of the pupils. Strict discipline is maintained. Unruly boys or girls

were not wanted. Board and washing at $9 per scholastic month, in advance; tuition

ranged from $2 to $5 per month, according to the class the pupil may be in. The

spring session of the class of 1885 began on January 26th, but pupils could enter at

any time. In 1886, in the [associational] report on Education, we find: "While the

Mountain View High School is not denominational, we recommend it to all because

its principal, Dr. Shackelford, is a good scholar and a faithful minister." [cxciii]

__________

1971

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, pp. 18-19.

1972

By the next year two more churches, Rural Grove and Bethel, were requesting to be dropped from the association after voting themselves Independent. [cxciv] Bethel (which today is still a growing church in Hartselle) had been one of the founding churches of the association, dating back to the 1800s (it also has a cemetery), and was the church where J.D. McClanahan and others were ordained. Great ministers such as W.K. Stephenson have served at Bethel through the years. Rural Grove, as described earlier, had experienced "on again, off again" relations with the association for a long time.

On a more upbeat note, the association announced plans for a county-wide James Robison crusade to be held in April, 1973 at Decatur High School stadium. [cxcv] This would prove to be a monumental and fruitful event.

Coach Frank Sadler of Austin High School brought the closing message at the night session of the 1972 associational meeting, held at East Highland. [cxcvi] Parkview and Mountain View were the other host churches. It was noted that Moderator Charles Glaze, Mrs. Ira W. Myers, and other members of Falkville Baptist Church had met with Director of Missions Bill Hacker to discuss the feasibility of sponsoring a nearby mission. This had been approved, calling itself the Eva Missionary Baptist Mission of Falkville Baptist Church. [cxcvii]

___________

1972

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, p. 33.

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, p. 19.

1973

The new mission at Eva was now known as Westside Baptist Church, with 39 members, and it was received into the association along with Fellowship Baptist in Decatur. [cxcviii] Dr. Hacker reported that over 1,200 professions of faith had been recorded at the James Robison Crusade in April. And, "a large percentage of those . . . made their decision known in their local church. We rejoice in the blessings that the Lord sent." [cxcix]

Most interesting in light of recent discussions about school choice and comments by Fundamentalist patriarch W.A. Criswell that church/state separation is "the figment of some infidel's imagination" (in stark contrast to his predecessor George W. Truett who preached the opposite view on the steps of the U.S. Capitol), is the Report on Religious Liberty given to the association in 1973 by Jere Patterson, who would years later become director of missions:

If you had been a Baptist in Virginia in 1788, in all probability you would have been aroused by an appeal from Pastor John Leland for messengers to gather... [in order to] consider ways to block the ratification of the Constitution of the United States. Leland felt that religious liberty was not sufficiently guaranteed by that document. It was agreed that Leland would run for General Assembly in order to accomplish this end. Later James Madison visited Leland and promised to present his views to the First Congress of the United States if Leland would withdraw and support him. Madison did present and saw adopted the First Ten Amendments...in 1789. The first of these amendments says "Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise

thereof." This principle of separation of church and state became a part of the

constitution. . .

If you had attended the SBC in St. Louis, Missouri in 1913, you would surely have

helped to adopt the first Southern Baptist resolution protesting the use of "state

and city municipal funds to the maintenance of certain religious schools and other

institutions. . ."

If you have attended a Southern Baptist Convention meeting at any time in the 60

years since 1913, you probably voted to adopt a resolution protesting the use of

tax money for religious institutions. Only about seven conventions have met

without such a resolution. . .

[However], 124 years of freedom from taxes for religion has been followed by 60

years of increasing pressure to break down the wall of separation between church

and state...An avalanche of bills have been considered and many have passed, to

force people to support religion...[and use] tax money for parochial schools...

In 1947 Americans United for Separation of Church and State came into being for

the one purpose of trying to uphold the First Amendment... This organization was

Baptist-inspired and has been largely Baptist led and financed through the years...

Are we willing to have the principles which Baptists wrote into the Constitution

of the United States, and which are in line with our basic distinctive doctrine of

soul liberty, to be eroded by time, withered by indifference, and buried because we no longer care? Will our nation be allowed to slip back toward the church and

state relationships which have blighted Europe for 1,000 years? . . Jesus said,

"If the Son shall make you free, you shall be free indeed"... We are in danger

of losing what Roger Williams and John Leland and others fought for and what we

believe has made America great: FREEDOM. [cc]

Resolutions passed at the SBC in more recent years have taken a 180 degree turn, and groups like Americans United for Separation of Church and State are considered by current leaders like Dr. Criswell to be anathema. The Baptist Joint Committee on Public Affairs, which churches of the Morgan County Association supported for 50 years through the Cooperative Program, was defunded by the SBC in 1990. Instead, efforts are now underway to legislate a "Christian America." Supporters of these changes defend such actions (and statements such as Dr. Criswell's) as being necessary; that the government has gone beyond neutrality towards religion, and is instead now hostile to religion. The debate continues.

____________

1973

Minutes, p. 10, 21-22.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, pp. 29-31.

1974

At the 1974 annual meeting, Mrs. I.W. Myers commended those churches that had responded to her requests for historical information, while issuing a gentle rebuke to those who had not: "I'm sure the rest of you are so busy making history that you don't have time to record it. But remember if you don't record it NOW, in the years to come you will not have it." [cci]

The association was involved in several projects, including an offer of assistance to a mission ("pioneer") congregation in Ohio. Also for a brief period of time, Morgan County Baptists had operated a camp known as Crossroads, which unfortunately had burned earlier in 1974. [ccii]

Edith Lott was commended for her service as secretary for the associational office. [cciii] In other business, Andrews Chapel and Shady Valley churches were received into the association. [cciv]

____________

1974

Minutes, p. 22.

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 10.

Minutes, p. 6.

1975

Vestavia Hills Baptist Church, primarily consisting of a group that came out of Parkview, was received as the newest member of the association. [ccv] The annual meeting was held October 16-17, 1975 at West Hartselle, Central Park, and New Friendship.

Mrs. J.C. (Gladys) Hughes, remembered for her many years of Woman's Missionary Union involvement, was pleased to report that Morgan County had received statewide recognition for its outstanding WMU work throughout the association. [ccvi]

___________

1975

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, pp. 18-19.

1976

No new congregations were added at the 1976 annual meeting held at Ryan and Southside, going back to the earlier tradition of having two host churches rather than three. The program would also be condensed to one day only. There have since been no major changes in this practice (except 1994, when the annual meeting would be held in a tent to celebrate its 75th Anniversary). It was reported that 23 Royal Ambassador (R.A.) Basketball teams were currently active. [ccvii] Also, a prediction was made that many of the local churches (not only the Baptists) would be participating in the Spring 1977 crusade at Decatur High stadium led by Leighton Ford, a Billy Graham associate. [ccviii]

A Friendship Quilt was given to Bill Hacker by Morgan County WMU for "15 years of faithful and dedicated leadership." The minutes state that host pastor Joe Ray invited all messengers to stay for the Hackers' reception afterwards, at which time the quilt of "blocks" - featuring each church of the association - was given to them. [ccix] Mrs. Myers had preserved the following biographical sketch:

William L. Hacker Jr. was born March 6, 1925 in Birmingham, Alabama, his

parents being William Larkin Hacker of the New Hope Community in Limestone

County, Alabama and Cora Estelle Boston Hacker of Athens, Alabama. Reared in

Birmingham, he attended Barker Elementary School and Phillips High School. He

became a Christian at the age of twelve and joined the Norwood Baptist Church

where he was later married and ordained as a minister of the gospel (1951).

In February 1943 he joined the U.S. Navy and served three years, until after

the end of World War II. In 1947 he enrolled at Howard College and graduated

in May of 1950 with a B.A. degree. After working for a year he entered the

Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Ft. Worth, Texas, graduating with

a B.D. degree in May of 1954. [He later earned a doctorate from New Orleans

Seminary.] On August 30, 1949 he married Hazel Merideth Tucker of Birmingham,

Alabama. There were two daughters born into their home: Peggy Jo, born

February 11, 1955 and Susan Elaine, born March 20, 1958. Both have since

become Christians. After graduating from the seminary he was called to pastor

the Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church in Decatur, Alabama, serving from July 1,

1954 to June 1, 1957. In June 1957 he began serving the First Baptist Church of Centre, Alabama. While pastor at Centre he served as moderator of the Cherokee Association and served on the Alabama [Baptist] State Executive Board. He also taught in the Howard College Extension Center meeting in the First Baptist Church there.

On November 1, 1961 he left Centre to accept the call of the Morgan County

Baptist Association to be their Associational Missionary where he still serves...

Respectfully submitted,

Mrs. Ira W. Myers, Historian [ccx]

____________

1976

Minutes, p. 6.

Ibid.

Minutes, p. 35.

Minutes, pp. 14-15.

1977

By this time, Charles Ed Howell had been retired for a while and was contributing his years of expertise as the associational Sunday School Director. The annual sermon "Praise the Lord Anyhow" (Habukkuk 3:17-19, I Thess. 5:5-10) by J. Martin Ray (no relation to author) was so well received that, by request, it was reprinted in its entirety. [ccxi]

Faye Blankenship had been serving as associational secretary, and much gratitude was expressed to her by those gathered for this year's meeting, held October 20, 1977 at Brookhaven and Vestavia Hills churches. [ccxii]

___________

1977

Minutes, pp. 19-21. (Contains the entire text of this delightful and uplifting sermon.)

Minutes, p. 37.

1978

Why does a Baptist "association" exist anyway? In his annual report, Director of Missions Bill Hacker noted ten ways that associations had contributed to the cause of Christianity down through the ages:

1. Baptist associations played a vital part in gaining religious liberty.

2. They proved the feasibility and practicality of the principle of democracy

in church and denominational life.

3. They preserved and published the records of Baptists' activity and achievement.

4. They clarified doctrinal and disciplinary confusion.

5. They defended with vigor Baptist leaders and principles.

6. They unified the Baptist people.

7. They brought outstanding denominational leaders into contact with local churches.

8. They pioneered in the establishment of Baptist schools and colleges.

9. They initiated and promoted cooperation among Baptist churches for great

missionary and benevolent endeavors.

10. They laid the foundation for the present day organizations and activities of

Southern Baptists. [ccxiii]

Liberty (Hartselle) and Deer Springs churches were added.

__________

1978

Minutes, pp. 13-14.

1979

Despite being known as a "people of the book", Southern Baptists in 1979 would enter an era of controversy over the Bible that continues to this day. At least one Morgan County church has already split over this issue. In his recently updated classic, Not a Silent People, historian Walter Shurden echoes those who believe that the Moderate/Fundamentalist (or "Inerrancy") conflict will be forever recorded as having been more destructive than the "Hardshell" (anti-missions) era of the 1800s, Landmarkism (described earlier), Campbellism, [ccxiv] or any other conflict that has shaped us as a body of believers.

Why? In the past, disgruntled Fundamentalist churches that concluded the denomination to be too liberal would simply become Independent, usually at the urging of the pastor (See discussion of J. Frank Norris in 1926). Examples from the Morgan County Association have included Bethel, Fairview, Rural Grove, Eastside, and Moulton Heights (now Decatur Baptist). But in 1979, everything began to change. SBC Fundamentalists decided to organize, stay the course, and steer the SBC in a more conservative direction. They deny being like the old-style Independents; the very nature of Scripture is their rallying point ("Is the Bible - or is it not - the Word of God?") rather than claiming to have an uncooperative spirit. Fellowship is permissible with any Baptist at this non-negotiable point.

Quotes from the author's own history of Southside Baptist Church describe how this strategy was launched:

In contrast to the early 1970s, the end of the decade saw a wave of political

and religious conservatism sweep the nation. While many welcomed the return to

more traditional values, the movement has also been negatively manifested in the

Inerrancy Controversy within the Southern Baptist Convention. . .

In June of 1979, a group of "fundamental/conservative" Baptists, fearing that

Southern Baptist seminaries (and agencies such as the Sunday School Board) had

experienced a "liberal drift", emerged with a ten-year plan to control the denomination. Feeling that they had been ignored for many years, the group discovered that the key

to this takeover plan was in electing a like minded president each year at the annual

meeting of the SBC, who then appoints the committee which chooses the trustees of

each school and agency. Such a plan would ensure that only "true" Bible believers

would teach and be employed by those in leadership...

"Moderate/conservatives" on the other hand, maintain that the struggle is political,

not theological, in nature. They charge that many of the churches led by fundamentalist

pastors (some of the largest in the country) [have given] only minimal support to the

denomination's Cooperative Program. Declaring that the SBC was founded on cooperative missions rather than theology, moderates insist that they also believe the

Bible, but allow for more diversity in interpretation...

Fearing that a split might occur, a "Peace Committee" was formed in 1985 in an

attempt to identify sources of the conflict and recommend solutions. [It accomplished

nothing, in the opinion of many. Sadly,] . . The controversy developed soon after

Bold Mission Thrust was launched by the SBC, an ambitious plan to carry the gospel

to every person on earth by the year 2000. [ccxv]

Since those words were penned in 1986, the takeover has been completed, and the very nature of the controversy has reversed. Ironically, the "moderates" - historically those most loyal to the Cooperative Program, Southern Baptist seminaries and Sunday School literature, etc. - are now increasingly saying they can no longer support national programs, mission boards, and schools that are being drastically altered as staff members retire or are fired by the new leaders. (See discussion of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship in concluding chapter.) They deny that the problem is simply that one group having total control was replaced by another group; rather, prior to 1979 any Baptists willing to cooperate were welcomed and affirmed. No one was excluded for being "conservative", as the charge has been made. They insist that Baptists, while diverse, have always believed the Bible, and the true rallying point for Fundamentalists is their interpretation of the Word of God. Richard Jackson, respected former pastor of North Phoenix Baptist Church who baptized over 1,000 people annually, recently declared:

The Southern Baptist Convention is now controlled by a political movement led by men who are Independent Baptists at heart, and everything we hold dear

as Baptists is under attack. [ccxvi]

This lament was also recently echoed by George Bagley, (now retired) executive secretary/treasurer for Alabama Baptists: "The division among us has penalized Bold Mission Thrust. . . The cost of the division...is lost souls across the world. . . The group that has won control of the SBC has an agenda other than winning the world to Christ. It is a distressing thing to me." [ccxvii] Another irony is the fact that Dr. Bagley had earlier addressed the 1979 annual meeting of the Morgan County Association, specifically on the exciting plans being made for Bold Mission Thrust.

In other local matters, the association's executive committee had, in 1979, appointed two strategic committees. The first was an Associational Building Committtee, charged with looking at property and expansion needs and making appropriate recommendations. Members included Charles Ed Howell (chair), Harry Bentley, James Chitwood, B.R. Kirkland, and Bobby Newsom. A second was authorized to "determine the direction our association should go with regard to program development." Members included Archie Hampton (chair), Wayne Bowen (co-chair, later becoming chair), Brooks Barkley, Jay George, A. Ray Lee, Mike Northcutt, Colleen Dobbs, Eldridge Criscoe, and "the heads of all our departments." A frequent note in reports of executive committee meetings was a word of thanks to Hazel Hacker, who "as in the past, provided delicious pies for dessert." [ccxviii]

Two other noteworthy events occurred during the 1979 annual meeting. One was that

Near the end of our associational year, plans were completed to begin a

Baptist Student Union at Calhoun Community College. Rev. Mike Northcutt,

associate pastor at First Baptist Decatur, was appointed as Volunteer Campus

Minister. We feel that this will prove to be a worthwhile ministry in which

our association can participate. [ccxix]

Also, Mrs. I. W. Myers announced that she would be retiring as associational historian. (She would later move to Montgomery in order to be closer to her son Dr. Ira L. Myers; she passed away in 1990.) Her final history report recounted how her husband, with the assistance of Dr. Jesse M. Rogers and others, had in 1958 established an associational history department that would begin to chronicle the history of the churches. With a bit of sentimental fanfare, she left a final appeal for local Baptists to "suppose the Apostles, Paul, Peter, James, and many others had not written down the history in their time! . . Let us not forget to record the things the Lord Jesus leads us to accomplish. . . My prayers will be with you. . ." [ccxx]

____________

1979

Campbellism swept the south in the 1820s-30s, when fiery preacher Alexander Campbell led a movement that convinced hundreds of Baptists that, among other things, baptism was essential to salvation. This movement eventually birthed the Churches of Christ, and later the Disciples of Christ (who, unlike the Church of Christ, enjoyed instrumental music in worship, among other differences). Campbellism devastated great churches such as the "First Baptist Church of Christ in Nashville" (now First Baptist, Nashville), which once lost most of its members over the issue. Original names of early Morgan County churches, such as Cave Spring, reflect the influences of Campbellism. (See also McBeth, The Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness, for further discussion of this fascinating movement.)

Ray, The First Seventy-five Years, pp. 92-93.

(Texas) Baptist Standard, September 7, 1994.

Bagley, My Four Decades With Alabama Baptists, p. 128. See also Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, pp. 19-20.

1980

A variety of excellent associational "Youth Rally" programs had been planned and reported at the annual meeting by Barry and Frankie Wallace, the latter having also served in 1980 as "our fine associational office secretary." [ccxxi] Musicians and speakers had included Kay Dekalb, who was "a Christian entertainer from Nashville formerly from First Baptist Church, Hartselle"; Lowell Vann, chalk artist and professor from Samford University; Jimmie Ruth Caughron, soloist from Whitesburg Baptist in Huntsville; John Croyle, former University of Alabama football player, now director of Big Oak Ranch; and a concert by The Continentals. [ccxxii] Two college students from Southside Baptist in Decatur, David Holmes and Scott Willis, would soon travel with The Continentals in the early 1980s.

Sarah (Mrs. William D.) Halbrooks was now serving effectively as associational historian. [ccxxiii] The Building Committee recommended that "a parcel of land located on the east side of Highway 31 south, across from the Ramada Inn, be purchased at a cost of $120,00." [ccxxiv] Extensive details outlining possible ministry opportunities and uses of a new building were noted (these are reprinted in the minutes); yet a motion to adopt the committee's report was withdrawn. This would be just another chapter in what would become months of additional wrangling back and forth over property and its costs. The minutes continue:

Motion and second was made that the Building Committee continue its work and

include the possibility of an alternate plan which might include a camp site, and

to bring back concrete facts and recommendations to a future called meeting of

the Association. Jimmy Chapman expressed the sentiments of the body with a

request that the Committee do its homework by sharing concrete facts on cost,

alternate plans, etc., and mail them to the churches and pastors along with a

questionnaire to ascertain their desires and feelings about the sites, buildings and

financing. The motion was adopted with this understanding. [ccxxv]

And finally, the 1980 Doctrinal Sermon on "Once Saved, Always Saved: Yes or No?", given by Mike Dawson, pastor of Central Baptist Church, was so well received that a request was granted to have its entire text be printed in the annual minutes. [ccxxvi]

__________

1980

Minutes, p. 14.

Minutes, p. 41.

Minutes, p. 26.

Minutes, p. 46.

Minutes, p. 45.

Minutes, pp. 34-40.

1981

A rare occurrence was that two "special called meetings" of the entire association had to be convened at Central Baptist Church prior to the regular annual meeting (and there would be a third, also held at Central, in 1983), in order to resolve different opinions about where the association should purchase property for its headquarters. Each church was instructed to send messengers, and Moderator Joe Ray presided at both. At the first one (4/20/81), messengers conducted themselves in a fairly good spirit, although opinions were strong and varied. (To complicate matters, the air conditioning at Central was "on the blink" during one of the three meetings. The author recalls sitting with his dad and Mike Dawson at Shoney's afterwards and hearing them laugh about a few moments that had eased the tension. In response to one speaker's gripe that "we can't carry on business in this hot church", host pastor Mike Dawson had replied "It's still on fire from last Sunday!" The other was that a frustrated Harry Bentley, chairman of the committee, had told those present - tongue in cheek - "I'm just ready to buy any property; I don't even care if it's the wrong one!") [ccxxvii]

But, despite months of work by the committee, a slide presentation of the property by Bill Hacker, and an unsuccessful attempt to vote by secret ballot, the recommendation to buy property "next to the Corral Restaurant" was defeated in a standing vote. [ccxxviii]

By the second "special called meeting" (9/8/81), the first property committee had been dissolved (in May, by the Executive Committee) and Bob Gordon, pastor of West Hartselle Baptist was the new chair after "motion made for moderator to appoint a new committee." [ccxxix]

Garold Carnell, Don Alexander, and James Chitwood also served on the new committee (there may have been others). This time, another piece of property was being considered, 19.3 acres,

on which sat "the building and grounds of the State Construction Company, just north of Hartselle." Costs for property and buildings, which included "a Warehouse that can be converted into a gym" and enough land to have another camp if desired, would be $360,000. Anyone wishing to tour the site had been invited to do so on the afternoon of July 12. The motion was adopted, contingent on the association being able to raise the entire amount "through gifts and pledges." This became the property on which the associational offices and ministries are housed today - although not yet (see 1982 and 1983). [ccxxx]

Needless to say, the annual meeting in October seemed almost uneventful after all the preliminary events. One report worth mentioning was that of the WMU, given by Edna Carter, in which tribute was paid to "one of our former WMU Directors who served faithfully ... Gladys Hughes, who left her earthly home August 1981... She will be missed by all who knew her..." [ccxxxi]

___________

1981

Personal recollections of the author.

Minutes, p. 41-42.

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, pp. 8-9,39,43.

Minutes, pp. 21-22.

1982

The Property Committee reported that although "a real effort was being made to get all the churches of the association to raise money to purchase the Hartselle property", they had not had much success and thus disbanded - again. And Briarwood Baptist Church, which had previously requested to join the association, was continued under "watchcare" for another year. No other new churches were added during the 1982 annual meeting. [ccxxxii]

__________

1982

Minutes, p. 8.

1983

Funds that could be applied towards the proposed associational property apparently began to trickle in by 1983, because a special called meeting - once more - had taken place prior to the annual meeting. On August 22, the association again convened at Central for the purpose of voting to buy the State Construction Company property, in that the original stipulations of the purchase had not been met (see 1981). But this time, the motion to purchase by Harry Bentley (pastor of Trinity Baptist and former chair of the property committee) was carried with no stipulations after Richard Mason, pastor of Sixteenth Avenue, seconded the motion. The vote was 151 "yes" and 95 "no" after being tallied. By the time of the annual meeting, held October 20 at Central Park and Modaus Road, the executive committee could happily report to those gathered: "As of today, the Morgan County Baptist Associational Office is located in its new home . . . on Highway 31, north of Hartselle, Alabama." [ccxxxiii] Director of Missions Bill Hacker would echo the same sentiment:

Without a doubt the biggest step our association has taken in a long time

occurred on the night of August 22, 1983. . . This move will greatly enhance

the work and ministry of our association. [ccxxxiv]

The Executive Committee, composed of the pastor and one layperson from each church, stated that it had voted to meet quarterly henceforth instead of monthly. Also, the Briarwood Church was continued on watchcare status "due to a lack of progress toward a meeting place and other considerations." [ccxxxv]

___________

1983

Minutes, pp. 9, 43.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 8. The author recalls that several in the association, while respectful of Briarwood's autonomy, questioned

the need for another Baptist church on or near the Beltline in Decatur.

1984

Immanuel Baptist in Hartselle was received into the association after a year of "watchcare", although Briarwood's probationary status was extended another year. [ccxxxvi]

Sarah McEntire, who continues her fine service to this day, was now working as associational secretary, and "more printing and mailouts than ever before" were being circulated among the churches. [ccxxxvii] It was reported by Wanda White that the Morgan County Baptist Church Secretaries were now meeting at Shoney's once a month as an organization. An appeal was also made for them to attend the annual secretaries' clinic/retreat at Judson College. [ccxxxviii]

Daisy Little would begin serving for several years as associational historian. In her annual

report, she recounted the more than two decades of history work by I.W. Myers and his wife Azelia Cobbs Myers; also their extensive roots in the association, with Mrs. Myers' father, Charles Cobbs and her grandfather W.T. Cobbs, both having been longtime Baptist ministers in Morgan County; also Rev. Myers' work as pastor of numerous churches, his tenure as "field worker" for the association during the 1920s; and his longrunning column "Bits of History." Mrs. Little noted that when Sarah Halbrooks became historian Mrs. Myers, prior to leaving Falkville, passed along "a box containing the historical files that they had spent so many years collecting," and that now it had been passed along again and stored in a fireproof vault at the associational office. [ccxxxix]

The Temperance Committee was back - alive and well. Consisting of Harlon Hood, Tony Stockton, and Rayburn Morgan, a resolution was passed that

Whereas the quality of life in Decatur and Morgan County is enviable. . . And whereas alcohol is the number-one drug problem in the United States. . .

the 65th Annual Meeting of the Morgan County Baptist Association, representing 70 churches and 27,760 members oppose the legalization of alcohol sales both in Morgan County and in the city of Decatur and that we urge all concerned citizens to go to the polls and vote "NO" on the liquor referendum on November 6, 1984. [ccxl]

For years, local Baptists made several commendable efforts in preventing legal sales. But eventually the "wet" forces won, ending Decatur's perennial status as the "largest dry city in the United States."

__________

1984

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 14.

Minutes, p. 21.

Minutes, pp. 25-26.

Minutes, p. 41.

1985

Briarwood Baptist Church, which the author believes to have remained on watchcare status longer than any other church in the history of the association, was finally "received into full fellowship." Southwest Baptist in Decatur was also added. [ccxli]

Morgan County churches were encouraged by the Missions Committee to support ongoing efforts of assistance to the North Plains Baptist Church in Casper, Wyoming, which had been adopted as part of a larger campaign to evangelize "pioneer" areas of new mission work. [ccxlii]

Meeting at Shiloh for part of the annual meeting, Daisy Little presented a sketch of this historic church founded July 3, 1819. She noted that Peniel, location unknown, was its mother church, and that Shiloh means "Savior, The Prince of Peace." [ccxliii]

___________

1985

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 36.

Minutes, pp. 22-23.

1986

Minutes of the 1986 annual meeting were dedicated to Dr. William L. Hacker on his twenty-fifth anniversary as director of missions. No one else has even come close to such a record of service. A special anniversary service was held at First Baptist Church, Decatur, and as a love gift the Hackers were presented a deed to their home in which they had lived the entire time. Music was offered by Mike Allison, Elizabeth Erickson (Carter), organist; and the choir from First Baptist. The anniversary planning committee had included E.T. Waddell (chair), Wendell Callahan (moderator), Joyce Lesser, Josie Watts, Clyde Ledlow, and A. Ray Lee. [ccxliv] Bill Hacker also praised those assisting with the mission church in Wyoming, and noted that

It has been my privilege to serve as President of the Alabama Baptist Conference

of Directors of Associational Missions this year. I also have had the privilege to

teach again this year in our Samford Institute program. We have had a good

enrollment . . . the last several years. Thanks to Brother B.B. Isley, who

serves as our area director. [ccxlv]

During its morning session of the annual meeting, Liberty Baptist Church in Lacey's Spring was added to the association, while Andrew('s) Chapel was dropped. [ccxlvi] Well known area soloist Dee Dee Gallant, from Central Park Baptist Church in Decatur, provided special music. [ccxlvii]

___________

1986

Minutes, p. 32.

Minutes, p. 13.

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 31.

1987

Associational WMU Director Addie Hall noted that Morgan County Baptists were now offering classes in "English as a second language." Taught at Westmeade Baptist, she noted that these classes were in conjunction with other ongoing Literacy training sessions and workshops. [ccxlviii]

Soul Harbor Baptist Church was received into fellowship of the association. [ccxlix] However. . .

___________

1987

Minutes, p. 15.

Minutes, p. 7.

1988

Despite much good being done in the Kingdom's work, the 1988 minutes are unfortunately filled with references to problems taking place within a few of churches, into which the association had to be indirectly drawn. The Executive Committee reported at the annual meeting, held at New Friendship and Lebanon, that

...the Soul Harbor Baptist Church, a member of the association, was being sued

in regard to who should be the pastor of the church. Judge [David] Bibb had

directed that the Association form a committee to advise the church and supervise

a new election for pastor. A committee was appointed to carry out Judge Bibb's

instructions. A judgement was made in favor of the church without this Special

Committee of our Association getting further involved. [ccl]

Moderator Olan Whitten introduced Mrs. Zula Montgomery, beloved matriarch of First Baptist Hartselle, who "had attended the last meeting of the Old Muscle Shoals Baptist Association and the first meeting of the Morgan County Baptist Association when it was formed." [ccli] Mrs. Montgomery's church had experienced some recent problems, however; and now a dissident group naming itself "First Southern Baptist Church" of Hartselle was petitioning for membership into the association (see 1989).

Members present from the older First Baptist Church of Hartselle balked at the idea. Jimmy Little read a lengthy statement of protest. Sam Boster moved that the church not be admitted unless it adopts a name change that "in the collective and unanimous thinking of the Credentials and Petitionary Letters Committee reflects truth and does not adversely reflect upon the names of other churches" - and then only be admitted under Watchcare status. [cclii]

Parliamentarian Ron Madison, upon request for a ruling by Terry Blair, stated that the motion was out of order. His reasoning apparently was that, while a name might be offensive to some, it did not fall under the same category as churches described in Article III, Section 3 of the association's Constitution, which gives it the power to withdraw fellowship from those "unorthodox in faith, un-Christian in character or leadership, or non-cooperative in practice." First Southern had denied being any of those descriptions. [ccliii]

Matt Nail asked for a time of prayer. For now, the debate was over. But fallout from this church split would continue to be felt at the next annual meeting, too.

On a more positive note, it was reported that Mr. and Mrs. Mark (Eva Nell) Hunter had donated an organ for use in the associational building. [ccliv] Joe Joyner reported that ministers of the association were continuing to meet every Monday from 10:30 until noon at Central Baptist. This group has continued meeting for years, and the following was also noted: ...the coffee and doughnuts are always fresh and the fellowship is always good. Typically, we have special music and a message...Another significant part of

the ministers' meeting is our share time and prayer time. I believe there is a

true openness to share our needs and burdens with each other. There is a real

spirit of togetherness among the ministers of Morgan County. Our meeting is

always open to visitors. Come visit us sometime. In Christ, Joe Joyner [cclv]

___________

1988

Minutes, p. 8.

Minutes, p. 9.

Minutes, p. 8.

Ibid.

Minutes, p. 41.

1989

While at least one local church already felt its impact, October 19, 1989 was the first recorded incident in which conflicts trickling down from the Southern Baptist Convention hit the entire association "head on." Because of its historical significance, details are provided at length. [cclvi]

As already alluded to, the First Baptist Church of Hartselle was already "battle scarred" from fallout of the Moderate/Fundamentalist controversy waged since 1979 at the national SBC level. After Brooks Barkley had left the church in 1986 so as to pastor Southside in Decatur, a 27 year-old preacher supportive of the SBC "conservative resurgence" was called to Hartselle. He had been highly recommended by popular conservative leaders such as Jimmy Jackson of Whitesburg Baptist Church in Huntsville. Yet when disagreements over his administrative style led to his resignation, he and his supporters moved around the corner and formed First Southern Baptist of Hartselle, later to be called Mountain Oaks. (The name change argument is described in 1988.)

The new church had begun with a bang. One of its members, Junior Hill, was elected First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention, a rare and noteworthy honor. High profile fundamentalist leaders such as Jerry Vines and Bailey Smith were flown in to preach and lend support to the fledgling congregation. (Membership later dwindled considerably, however, and Mountain Oaks recently changed its name again, this time calling itself "Northside.")

The schism in Hartselle had made national news. Associational Historian Daisy Little and her husband Jimmy were quoted in SBC Today (now Baptists Today) as lamenting "Fundamentalists . . . are working in local churches. . . [We are] now seeking a moderate pastor. . ." [cclvii]

Now, in 1989, First Baptist Hartselle was once again out on a limb.

A group of "concerned pastors" from fifteen churches (an effort during the annual meeting to hear the fifteen names was ruled out of order) had met to voice strong disagreement with the church's decision to ordain a female, Leigh Quinn, to the ministry as a chaplain. She is believed to have been the first female ordained in the Morgan County Baptist Association. As the annual meeting began its morning session at Flint, attendance was unusually high, and rumors were rampant. Would the century-old bellwether congregation, birthplace of the association and home to its director of missions, its historian, and other leaders, be disfellowshipped?

The new pastor, Ron Wilson, had tried to explain that Quinn had no plans to enter the pastorate, and that ordination was a legal requirement for those seeking chaplaincy. Even some moderates in the association uncomfortable with the ordination of women had affirmed the congregation's historic Baptist freedom to interpret the Bible for itself.

Undaunted, J.T. Copeland, then pastor of Fellowship Baptist Church, asked to speak during the morning session as a matter of personal privilege. He proceeded to deliver an impassioned, flamboyant speech against the ordination of women, citing numerous scriptural passages. At the end, he dramatically removed his glasses and thundered, "Who here today would be willing to stand with me in support of the Word of God?"

About half of those gathered jumped to their feet. Others did not, believing the association was meddling into issues of local church autonomy beyond its jurisdiction. A few messengers, not exactly sure what to do, appeared to simply "bob up and down" in confusion; should they give the appearance of unwillingness to "stand for the Word of God" by remaining seated?

Moderator Jerry Reeder immediately ruled the action out of order. Copeland then walked down the aisle and out the door! (The issue has never publicly resurfaced.) As everyone regained composure, E.T. Waddell, highly respected and venerable pastor in Morgan County, then urged the association to heed Article II, Section 2 of its Constitution:

Recognizing that the local church is the only scriptural ecclesiastical body,

this Association shall never under any circumstances attempt to exercise any

legislative or ecclesiastical authority over or interfere with the right and

authority of the churches. The basis of operation in the Association shall be

entirely in the sphere of voluntary cooperation in work and fellowship. The

Association may, however, provide advisory counsel upon invitation for the

common benefit of one or all churches. The spirit of this section shall remain

forever unalterable.

Members of First Baptist Hartselle breathed a sigh of relief, and later the First Southern (Mountain Oaks) Church was received into the association "under Watchcare" after pledging its full spirit of cooperation - and a decision to change its name.

Almost overshadowed was the announcement by Dr. Bill Hacker that he would be retiring in 1990 after twenty-nine faithful years as Director of Missions. [cclviii]

__________

1989

From combined sources: Melanie Smith, "Morgan Baptists Polish Off 70th Yearly Meeting - Ordination of Women Topic of Sole Ripple of Controversy", The Decatur Daily, Oct. 21, 1989; Minutes, p. 26; and eyewitness recollections by the author and others.

Randy Coleman, "Conflict Hits Pastor Search", SBC Today, December 1988, p. 14. (It should be pointed out that since that time, despite such reactions to Fundamentalism, First Baptist Hartselle has been unable to reach consensus on such issues as funding vs. nonfunding of the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.)

Minutes, p. 17.

1990

The reader would have to agree that the Lord undoubtedly has a sense of humor; in that he allowed First Baptist Hartselle, after coming close to being "kicked out of the association" in 1989, to be asked to host its annual meeting in 1990! - which it did - a harmonious one, as a matter of fact. The church had also given the association a bus, to be used as a disaster relief van. It was reported that a delightful reception had been held for Dr. and Mrs. Bill Hacker in conjunction with his retirement after 29 years. Sarah McEntire, who was already working in the office, had served capably for seven months as interim director of missions. This was a rare affirmation of women in Christian service that would not have been allowed by many associations, and was another irony in light of the previous year's controversy on women's ordination. It was also a testament to the high regard that the pastors have for Mrs. McEntire. [cclix]

Dr. Jere Patterson had been unanimously called on October 1 by the executive committee to serve as the new director of missions. Although he would officially begin on November 1, 1990, Jere was no stranger to Morgan County, having served previously at First Baptist Church in Decatur, and had also served in Hartselle. His most recent position had been as minister of education at University Baptist in Huntsville, and was well respected for his administrative skills and leadership abilities. The search committee had included Charles Stone, Joe Joyner, Randy DeBrabant, A. Ray Lee, and Lewis Miller. [cclx]

Mrs. McEntire noted the support of the association's churches to the Here's Hope - Jesus Cares for You simultaneous revivals, mission projects by the Baptist Campus Ministry students, and assistance given by the disaster relief volunteers to flood victims in Elba, Alabama. [cclxi] Sam Boster and Jimmy Dobbs had led a group of "Campers on Mission" to assist victims of the disastrous Huntsville tornado, in response to a request for help from the Madison Association. [cclxii]

As mentioned in earlier chapters, it is rare that Morgan County Baptists adopt resolutions beyond routine measures of appreciation to the host church(es) and officers. In 1990, however, the committee (E.T. Waddell, chair; Brooks Barkley, Jesse Higginbotham) had several additional ones: appreciation for the DOM search committee and for Sarah McEntire; prayers for the soldiers of Desert Storm; a challenge to rekindle a zeal for witnessing to the unsaved; and

WHEREAS, the controversy in the Southern Baptist Convention appears to reflect

a negative witness to the unchurched and many Christians; and

WHEREAS, the Bible calls us to live at peace and in harmony with one another and

to love one another as Christ has loved us;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that we voice our desire for peace and reconciliation

among those involved in the controversy and that we pray for the leadership of

our state and Southern Baptist Convention; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that we affirm one another in Christian love and ministry. [cclxiii]

_____________

1990

Minutes, pp. 8, 17-18.

Minutes, p. 17.

Ibid.

Minutes, p. 23.

Minutes, pp. 45-48.

1991

Ed Nichols, popular band director at Austin High School, was one of several musicians providing special music for the 1991 associational meeting, held at Brookhaven and Danville churches. [cclxiv] All reports were upbeat. Kay Towslee was coordinating numerous activities for single adults in the association, and plans were announced by Willadene Hendrix for more organization in the area of senior adult ministries. [cclxv]

Noting its upcoming 75th Anniversary, Daisy Little made a motion "that a history of the association be written and be made available at the 1994 Annual Meeting." The motion was seconded and it carried. [cclxvi]

The Executive Committee reported having had a busy year, having returned some time earlier to the former practice of meeting on a monthly basis (instead of just quarterly). Paul Hill, associational music director, had announced a new practice he was launching: that a musical devotion by various soloists and ensembles would be scheduled for the beginning of each monthly executive committee meeting. And Jere Patterson had begun with full steam - having appointed eight strategic "task force" committees to streamline all areas of ministry within the association, as well as developing new ones. [cclxvii] A new, fast paced decade was upon us.

____________

1991

Minutes, p. 6.

Minutes, pp. 31-32.

Minutes, p, 36.

Minutes, p. 43.

1992

The 1992 minutes were dedicated to Robert Slack Jr. for "Twenty-One Years of Faithful, Dedicated Service as Associational Clerk." As discussed earlier, he had also been director of missions prior to that time. Sarah McEntire had been promoted to "Office Manager" and Nancy Jones had been hired as part-time office receptionist. [cclxviii]

Contrary to the perception by some that it is an aging organization, Mary Terry reported to the association that WMU (both on the state and national level) had experienced its greatest growth in 30 years. [cclxix]

Student work was also doing well. In August, Beth Brunson of Enterprise had been hired by the association as an Intern Campus Minister for Athens and Calhoun Colleges. She would work for one semester and then be re-hired (which she was) for an additional semester if funds were available. [cclxx] Ed Humphries noted the continued progress in Associational Brotherhood ministries; [cclxxi] and Margaret Morris reported that (Central Park youth minister) Ric Camp had coordinated the planning of a concert at Southside Baptist by the contemporary Christian group A Cappella, at which over 700 teens attended. Also, the association's "Network of Youth Ministers" was continuing to meet regularly for planning and fellowship. [cclxxii] And that was just a few of the reports! Founders of the association would surely be amazed at the wide variety of ministry areas now in existence.

A guest preacher, Troy Morrison, delivered the annual sermon which was well received. Dr. Morrison was now serving as executive secretary for Alabama Baptists since the retirement of Dr. A. Earl Potts. Both of these men are well respected.

And three new churches - River Oaks, Stoney Acres, and Oak Forest - were voted into membership of the association. [cclxxiii]

__________

1992

Minutes, p. 5.

Minutes, p. 23.

Minutes, p. 48.

Minutes, p. 34.

Minutes, p. 32.

Minutes, p. 9.

1993

No new churches were added in 1993, although the merger of Brookhaven and Modaus Road into "Cedar Ridge Baptist Church" was noted, along with best wishes and prayers for "a fruitful ministry." [cclxxiv] All associational reports were both harmonious and positive; and business was conducted in a spirit of love. Beth Brunson brought several students to speak during the morning session at Shiloh about ongoing campus ministry activities at Calhoun and Athens Colleges.

Jere Patterson noted plans for the 75th Anniversary of the Association in 1994; that Mark Ray had been chosen to write its history, and then made an appeal to those churches (about half) that had not sent in a recent history sketch. [cclxxv] Dr. John Loftis, executive director of the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, also spoke during the morning session and commended Morgan County Baptists for their upcoming milestone. [cclxxvi] Just a few days later, he and his teenage daughter would be killed in a car accident in Birmingham.

The "strategic task force" committees reported their findings and goals during the evening session. Special music was brought by Laurie Britton, music evangelist from Shoal Creek Baptist; and by Wayne Baggett and Steve McNutt of Southside. Craig Carlisle, new pastor of Central Park Baptist Church, delivered the annual sermon from Nehemiah, chapter two. [cclxxvii]

1993

Minutes, p. 7.

Minutes, p. 40.

Minutes, p. 42.

Minutes, pp. 50,57.

1994

(To date, no minutes have been printed for 1994. This chapter is being written solely from the author's recollections.)

The association was ready to kick off its 75th Anniversary with a flourish. For the annual meeting, it had been previously decided to assemble a giant tent on the grounds of the associational office, rather than follow the usual custom of being hosted by the churches. The entire day was to be structured in the style of an old fashioned "brush arbor" revival. All routine reports were suspended. Instead, dinner and a "missions fair" (prior to the evening worship service) were held inside, with booths depicting each area of ministry. Newer areas of work, such as language ministry and disaster relief, were featured prominently. A few matters of business did take place: (1) Sarah McEntire was given a well-deserved love offering in recognition of ten years of work for the association. (2) Messengers approved launching a counseling ministry, with Dr. Ann Smith of Huntsville being employed on a contract basis. She would set her own hours and fees in exchange for office space, etc., with a discount being given for clients from churches of the association. (3) The name was officially changed to Morgan Baptist Association, with "county" being dropped. Why? Occasionally a church on the edge of the county might want to affiliate instead with a neighboring association (Westside in Eva being an example). Several such changes for the sake of clarity are now reflected in the association's revised Constitution and By-laws.

There had been a budget crunch, and there was no money to even print the 1993 minutes, much less publish the 75th Anniversary of the association. (It didn't matter - the author hadn't finished it anyway.) But in the meantime, Eva Nell Hunter dramatized the history by narrating portions of the rough draft. She wore "old-timey" clothes, as did Harlon Hood who dressed up as Martin Briscoe (first pastor of Shiloh in 1819); he was amazed to witness vignettes of all the new associational ministries underway in 1994. Bob Waldrop and the Westmeade choir sang.

Both living former associational missionaries, Robert Slack Jr. and Bill Hacker, preached under the tent during the afternoon session. That night featured two beloved old-timers, Elree T. Waddell and Tilford Junkins, the latter of whom ended the 75th Anniversary reflecting upon his call to ministry years earlier in Falkville, on the edge of Morgan County. Messengers sitting under the stars that cool, autumn night listened intently as Tilford preached with a fervor reminiscent of the old circuit-riding preachers of the county; a prophet ready to soon "head on to glory" after making a final appeal for God's faithful saints to carry on. ***

THE FUTURE: AN ANALYSIS

What lies ahead for Morgan County Baptists? We confront a society changing faster than ever, although it seems as though this has always been the case. (Remember the lament from 1921, that the world was "in a mad rush", with "the devil traveling in Fords, automobiles, and airplanes?") The main role of the association during its early years was to start new churches. Today we look upon it as a vehicle for training, fellowship, Christian educational resources, and even conflict mediation in the event of a major church dispute.

Dr. Jere Patterson continues to offer innovative leadership. The association has wisely implemented strategic long range planning, single adult ministries, language missions, concerts, and other recreational activities. The BCM work with college students is active and going very well. "The Caring Place" has been started to try and meet the needs of those less fortunate. A counseling ministry has even been launched. To the degree that we are willing to combine the "old, old story" with modern technology, creative worship, and updated ministry ideas, the association will remain a vibrant and relevant force. Above all, we must demonstrate a renewed love for God and each other.

In the years ahead, what will be the big issues and challenges that the association must face?

The author sees seven (7) that will "make or break" us:

(1) Aging interest in the association. Ask any of our young adults today about the annual associational meeting, or even what the association or its ministries is about, and the questioner may receive a blank stare in return. What does it mean to be a cooperating, missions-minded Baptist? The need for programming and education geared towards youth, college students, and young adults cannot be overemphasized. Many of our churches are doing a fine job in this area; others are not. Can we not do more collectively?

(2) A continued shift from rural to city life. During its early years, the association drew much of its strength and leadership from the county as a whole. Baptists were chiefly a rural, low income, uneducated people who needed each other for moral support. There was a greater sense of "oneness" among the churches. Today, rampant materialism has replaced the common bond of economic hardship. The challenge today is for city congregations not to neglect the spiritual kinship and talent outside the boundaries of Decatur and Hartselle, nor to feel their importance so much that they think they do not need the association anymore. Small churches must continue a willingness to draw ideas and strength from the larger churches; they also face a challenge as new neighborhoods are springing up in the rural areas. Do they retain their worship style traditions, or try to appeal more to an urban population?

(3) Eroding loyalty to traditions and denominations. Groups known today as Yupppies, "Baby Boomers and Busters", and Generation X are less inclined to join a Southern Baptist Church simply because mom, dad, or their grandparents did. They tend to look for a vibrant congregation without regard to affiliation, as long as it appears to be doctrinally sound, family oriented, youthful, "high-tech", and professional. Many have been described as noncommittal. While acknowledging this as a reality, can we not also still insist on teaching and upholding the best of our historic Baptist beliefs? While we applaud and encourage fellowship with fellow Christians, we must not neglect to teach future generations that early Baptists were jailed and persecuted for certain freedoms that became their unique contribution to Christianity: cooperative missions and evangelism, the priesthood of all believers, local church autonomy, separation of church and state, and the authority of the Bible with freedom of interpretation. Younger Baptists seeking a church home are often surprised that such distinctives are not readily found among other Christian groups - not even among all Baptists!

(4) Continued fragmentation of Southern Baptists. After fifteen years of conflict on the national level, more and more observers are now admitting that the Southern Baptist Convention will never return to its pre-1979 level of cooperation. Depending upon which side of the controversy one is one, this is being called both wonderful and tragic. The Fundamentalists, who now firmly control the Sunday School Board, the seminaries, and each mission board, state they have returned the denomination to its historic, Bible-believing roots after years of drifting into liberalism. They note the phenomenal numeric growth of "conservative" churches nationwide, predicting an all-time surge in conversions to Christianity. Moderates maintain that unlike Methodists and other mainline groups, Southern Baptists were never drifting towards liberalism; that something has now been "fixed" that was never broken. They note that in 1979 (when the plan to steer the SBC in a more conservative direction was announced), Bold Mission Thrust had just been launched; the number of baptisms, new missionaries, and seminary enrollment was up, not declining. They declare that the result now is an opposite extreme, about which Jesus warned the Pharisees: intolerance, legalism, and a desire to use the government to force the advancement of Christianity.

But how does this all affect Morgan County Baptists? For starters, the controversy is now moving into the state conventions, WMU, and the local churches. Preachers who in past years might have eventually become Independent are now in SBC leadership, declaring that liberals are in charge of our state work (Samford, Judson College, the Children's Home, Shocco Springs, etc.) Any affiliation with a Masonic order has been declared by the Home Mission Board to be inconsistent with Christianity. The Sunday School Board has announced plans to develop materials for promoting home schools; some Morgan County churches are already using the new, more moderate Smyth & Helwys literature from Macon, Georgia instead. Investigative reporting by Baptist journalists, which might lead to criticism of current SBC leaders, has been declared unacceptable in the Kingdom's work. Extensively documented was an invitation by recent SBC President Ed Young for Independent Baptists, including Jerry Falwell, to "return home to the SBC - they like what we're doing and where we're going." (J. Frank Norris's old Independent church, First Baptist in Ft. Worth, has just recently done so. See 1926.)

Both sides agree that future pastors, if called from an SBC seminary, will reflect in droves the new ways of thinking. Supporters say these pastors will bring a returned emphasis on soul-winning and biblical power. Critics say they will function as the undisputed ruler of the church; regular business meetings, open deacon elections, and finance committees may be deemed unnecessary, as customary in many of the "superchurches" of the new SBC leadership. Particularly disturbing to moderates, and even some fundamentalists, is the latest twist: a resurgence of Five-Point Calvinism which, among its beliefs, states that Jesus did not die for the sins of all people ("predestination of the elect"). At least two new SBC seminary presidents have declared that such a viewpoint - indeed held by some early Baptists - will be enthusiastically promoted at the seminaries, particularly Southern in Louisville. Many fear a repeat of what occurred in the early 1800s, which lead to the formation of the Primitive ("Hardshell" or "Anti-missionary") Baptists.

Will the local association, the level of Baptist cooperation "closest to home" beyond the local church, continue to exist as a loving place for both groups to trust each other and work together in the cause of missions? For the most part it has been - so far.

(5) The Cooperative Baptist Fellowship (CBF). Will churches sympathetic to this new, upstart missions organization be allowed to remain in good standing with Morgan County Baptists? As new CBF churches are formed locally, will they be welcomed into the association? This growing force, composed of many (but not all) moderate Southern Baptists unhappy with the Fundamentalist direction of the denomination, cannot be ignored. As of this writing, at least three Morgan County churches have families who contribute to CBF, and First Baptist Decatur recently became the first local congregation to include CBF in their budget. Other churches are reportedly close to doing likewise.

CBF has now been endorsed by every living former WMU executive, a former president of the United States (Jimmy Carter), the retired president (for 30 years) of Southern Seminary, past (or fired) presidents of Southeastern Seminary, Southwestern Seminary, the Foreign Mission Board, the Annuity Board, the SBC Christian Life Commission, two past presidents of the Sunday School Board, three past presidents of the Alabama Baptist Convention, and by prominent pastors such as Richard Jackson, whose church led the SBC in Cooperative Program giving and in baptisms (over 1,000 annually). But still others still view CBF with unwavering suspicion; that it is a liberal "fringe" organization. In the months and years ahead, this will remain a crucial issue, as national SBC leaders will increasingly ask local associations to draw a "line in the sand" with disciplinary action, disfellowshipping, or both.

(6) The changing role of women and divorced individuals. Unlike the early years of the association, women today hold every executive and professional career imaginable. Many Baptist churches, particularly on the east coast and in Kentucky, are increasingly expanding such female leadership roles as to include ordained positions within the church (even though some Baptist churches always have). Divorced people are also being considered more often as deacons, as more and more persons within the church are becoming divorced. Yet most Baptist churches, particularly in Alabama, still believe that such practices are unscriptural. Will Morgan County Baptists as a whole continue to adhere to the stricter interpretation? If so (which is likely), will a sister church be allowed to hold a differing interpretation and remain a member of the association? A neighboring county has already faced this. Some churches and associations have handled these issues very harmoniously; others have not.

(7) Increased secularization of society. Sadly, the church is no longer the center of family and social life in the south. A breakdown of morals and family values, not to mention scandals involving television preachers and other role models, has caused many to ignore the Christian church as it declares "Thus saith the Lord." These issues will always be of concern; yet any fair observer must admit that godless behavior and aberrant lifestyles are an alltime high. Given that we seem to have less time, less energy, and less patience to solve our problems than ever before, Will the Baptist churches of Morgan County remain a relevant force for spiritual and social change? Will we take the high road in promoting church growth with integrity? And in a more secular environment than ever, can we avoid the understandable temptation to force our convictions on others by way of "Caesar", as Jesus warned against? Will we retain our evangelistic fervor, a commitment to holiness, a love for God and each other? As Ezekiel cried

out to God . . . "CAN DRY BONES LIVE AGAIN ? ? ? "

CONCLUSION

The great cloud of witnesses which surrounds us would say, in chorus, "YES!!" Reflecting upon the legacy left to us by Shackelford, McClanahan, Myers, VanArsdale, and other early giants of the Morgan County Baptist Association gives us hope in answering these questions and in our times of despair. Our present trials and tribulations, while very real, begin to appear light when compared to our ancestors' battles with poverty, sickness, insufficient roads, lack of transportation, illiteracy, and times of war.

"Where is your faith?", they might ask. "Is there any problem that an old fashioned, Holy Ghost, heaven-sent, Christ-exalting, hell-shattering, sin-convicting, saint-rejoicing, life-changing REVIVAL wouldn't cure??"

Their faint, yet powerful voices from the past still resonate: "Don't give up! Jesus is still on the throne. Soon he's coming back!" They would tell us to remember that the One who left us a Comforter also keeps his promises: "Come unto me, all ye who are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. My yoke is easy, and my burden is light. . ."

"I will never leave you nor forsake you. . ." "Be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. . ."

Or, in the words of an old gospel song:

"I read the back of the Book . . . and WE WIN!"

CHURCHES OF THE MORGAN COUNTY BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

1919-1994

Each congregation was asked to send a brief (1 or 2 page) summary of its history. While overall response was wonderful, some sketches were too lengthy to use, or perhaps required extensive editing. From several I never heard a word. You will notice a variety of lengths, writing styles, and points of emphasis. The author's goal was to preserve and spotlight as much of the character, personality, and diversity of our churches as possible (I Cor. 12).

A second appeal was made to each church that had not responded. As a last resort, historical files from the associational office, the Baptist collection at Samford, and notes from the Myers' files were consulted. Summaries not otherwise noted were written by the author.

* = current churches of the MCBA (F) = founding churches of the MCBA

ALBANY FIRST

(See Sixteenth Avenue)

ALBANY CENTRAL

(See Central)

ALBANY SOUTH SIDE

(See Southside)

ANDREWS CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Danville, Alabama

Andrews Chapel (often listed as "Andrew Chapel" or "Andrew's Chapel") was organized September 24, 1974 and voted into the association the same year. By 1986 it had declared itself to be Independent and was dropped. An incomplete list of pastors includes Mack Carter, Gary Carter, and Eric Bowling. Its last report sent to the association was in 1980.

ANTIOCH

(See Point Mallard Parkway)

ARM OF SALEM

(See Bethlehem, Lacey's Spring)

AUSTINVILLE

(See First Baptist Church of Austinville)

*AUTUMNWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

On January 5, 1994, the former River Oaks and Summit Baptist Churches merged to form Autumnwood. The actual first worship service took place on January 16, 1994. Summit (spelled "Summitt" on some of the earlier records) had been a long established congregation, while River Oaks was fairly new. Elree T. Waddell, longtime minister of Central Park Baptist Church (now retired) has been serving as interim pastor at Autumnwood since its inception. Membership as of May, 1994 was 161. [As this book went to press, Orville Collins had just been called as pastor.]

Summit Baptist Church, "located about seven miles from Decatur on the Decatur-Danville Road, was organized in the old Summit School House at 2:30 P.M., October 30, 1927." A new building, constructed in 1968 on the original site, is now the meetingplace for Autumnwood. River Oaks was organized primarily by Evangelist Phil Waldrep and other members of Parkview Baptist in Decatur, desiring a church that was contemporary and creative in its worship and ministries. Allen Atkins served as pastor. It peaked very rapidly and then leveled off. From all recent reports about Autumnwood, the merging of two churches very different in style appears to have been successful and harmonious thus far. Pastors of Summit 1927-92 (several serving more than once) have included J.L. Tucker, Grady C. Morris, J.A. Blankenship, W.E. Pritchard, George Payne, L.E. Toon, Walker N. Bynum, R.I. Franklin, Lante Smallwood, Bethea Stedham, M.G. Fields (while also pastoring Flint and New Center), B.R. Maddox, Harold Wright, Floyd Parker, J. Austin Self, James I. Self, Tye Cobb, C.W. Holloway, Junior Hill, Kenneth Voss, J.K. Rogers, J.A. Rich, Clyde Nicholson(?), W.W. Coffey, Wendell Callahan, Kenny Spain, Hollis Phillips, Wilbur Smallwood, J.T. Copeland, R.C. Borden, and Henry Trull. - from information submitted by Loretta McNutt; also associational files and notes by Lola Murphy, Summit Baptist Church

BAYSIDE

(See Oak Park)

*BELL SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

Notes from Mrs. Myers' files state that "this church claims to have been organized in 1886 or 1887 in some of the older minutes but there is no record of them being received and no other record until 1926", when it was admitted to the association. Pastors since 1926 have included J.R. Culver, John Steele, J.T. Blankenship, Roosevelt Pepper, O.D. Horsley, Cecil Looney, D.E. Brown, Arnold Wisner, Ruby Gandy, Hobert Junkins, R.L. (Ruby?) Gandy, J.E. Yarbrough, Earl Nix, Alvin Blakely, George Helms, Lester Price, Dean Burtram, Hubert Adams, James Swan, Charles Lindsey, and Ralph Henderson.

*BELLVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

Bellview Baptist Church was organized in 1898 with twenty-five charter members. The land was given by Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Roper. Early records show that the church held services only one weekend per month. Elder Jackson Gunn was elected for one year as the first pastor. The church was accepted into the Muscle Shoals Association at its 99th annual session held at Enon Baptist Church, at which time Bellview had a membership of thirty-two. It did not join the Morgan County Association until 1920.

The only records through 1911 are the pastors' names, where the associational meetings were held, names of clerks, and the membership of the church. A few notes in Mrs. Myers' files indicate that according to information (given in 1957) by Nettie Bullard, Bellview was organized at "Wolftown" in the two-story Methodist Church house. Also meeting in this same building was the "one-teacher public school" and the Masons, who had a lodge hall on the second floor. Mrs. Bullard was the daughter of Nelson Roper who gave the land and, despite having never joined any church, did most of the construction for Bellview's first building of their own. The timber was also cut from his land. According to this same source, construction on this first building was begun around 1900, and its first services therein were held about 1902. Following the first pastor Jackson Gunn were T.V. Shoemaker (1899), J.I. Stockton (1901), J.L. Heaton (1903), M.W. Bullard (1905), J.J. Sawyer (1908), J.P. Wade (1909), and J.D. Prater (1911). W.A. Hill was called in 1913 and served two years. O.B. Harris was elected for one year in 1916, followed by L.B. Harmon (1918), ? Harwell (1923), ? Henderson (1925), and Lante [or Lantee] Smallwood (1928). The first record of Sunday School was in October of 1931. During the spring and summer, services were usually cancelled so the members could go to other church decorations. Bellview's decoration day was usually held in the latter part of May. A "Bro. Collier" was elected pastor in 1935 and served only a few months; W.N. Bynum was later elected the same year, followed by L.E. Toone (1939), A.J. Tingley (1940), and L.C. Hill (1944). Vacation Bible School was first mentioned in the records in 1946. The church started having services two Sundays a month in 1947. Training Union was first mentioned in 1952. The first library was organized in 1959 with Patsy Bullard elected as Librarian. In 1959, the deacons decided the church needed a pastorium.

In 1967, Bellview Baptist Church held ground breaking ceremonies for the new auditorium and in October of that year, a Dedication Service was held. A Youth Council was started in 1968. They were granted permission to erect a sign outside the church. In 1972 a new church building was completed. By the summer of 1978, George Collins began as the first fulltime pastor, followed by Scotty Hogan (1980), under whose ministry another addition to the educational building, which included a pastor's office and library, was built.

On October 6, 1985, the present pastor Fred Glasgow, began his ministry at Bellview.

-submitted by Bellview Baptist Church, with additional information from associational files; edited by author

BETHANY

(See Lebanon)

BETHEL BAPTIST CHURCH (Independent) (F)

Hartselle, Alabama

Now Independent, Bethel is one of the older churches in Hartselle, having been established in 1872, and was one of the founding churches of the Morgan County Baptist Association. The reader will see that there have been several noteworthy pastors Also historically significant is that J.D.McClanahan was ordained at Bethel in 1879, along with F.M. Yeager. I.W. Myers attended the dedication of its new annex in 1966. He noted in "Bits of History", his column for The Decatur Daily, that the dedicatory sermon by Rev. James P. Adams of West Highland Church in Athens was "delivered in a spirit of great compassion to a packed house, appealing to the lost and straying to settle their spiritual condition while there is still time, because death must come and many times unexpectedly."

Bethel asked to be dismissed from the association in 1972, "as they discontinued to cooperate." It remains a strong church, however. According to Jere Patterson, East Highland Baptist was formed largely by members of Bethel who wanted to remain Southern Baptist. Pastors of Bethel 1872-1970 have included W.B. Carter, J.D. McClanahan, J.I. Stockton, W.J. Briscoe, T.W. Shelton, B.P. Collier, J.D. Prater (often misspelled as "Prator"), Ernest Dunlap, W.T. Cobbs (grandfather of Mrs. Myers), J.D. Willingham, J.A. Maples, Frank T. Smith. J. Titus Aldredge, A. H. Mahaffey, C.D. Boozer, W.K. Stephenson, Walker Bynum, Guy Petty, Olin Ray, Joe Gomes, E.H. Steverson, and Edward Lee. -from associational records and files

*BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

(Author's note: Bethlehem Church sent a copy of their very enjoyable historical sketch written by James R. Tate, Diane Garrison, and Evangeline Smith; it is available from the church. Being 16 pages long, it is too lengthy to reprint in its entirety. I have attempted to include many important excerpts below, paraphrasing at times.)

In August of 1921 Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church was organized, with J.J. Bishop as pastor. Services were held in the open air as long as weather would permit. Afterwards, Ellis Goodwin opened his home for services. On the second Sunday in January, 1922 the first Deacons were ordained: Ellis Goodwin and J.R. Black. In March of the same year Mr. William Randolph gave an acre of land on which to build, located on Byrd Road directly behind where the church is presently located. It was started in March and on the fifth Sunday in May, Lannie [Lante] Smallwood held the dedication services. Mr. Randolph's home burned and the church records were destroyed, thus leaving us without a list of the charter members.

In the beginning, services were held only once a month and the pastor's salary was $46 a year, yet progress was made and the church grew in number and in spirit, using a nearby rock quarry for baptismal services. On October 5, 1922, Bethlehem joined the Morgan County Baptist Association at the annual meeting held at New Salem.

The second pastor was Marion Hitt, followed by J.H. Hitt, L. Smallwood (1925), L.E. Toone, and Frank Smith. During these years we were able to purchase an organ. In 1938 Bro. Smallwood returned as our pastor. There were 98 members and the pastor's salary had increased to $60 a year. In 1943 and `44 with Dewey Crow[e] as pastor, plans were made to move the church to its present location. Sam Blevins gave the land on which the new building was to be built, the timber with which to build it, and L.E. Toone gave the first dollar towards moving it. Services were increased to three times a month, and the Building committee was authorized to sell the acre of land where the old church had been to the highest bidder.

In 1947 Jasper Kelly came as pastor. During his stay we went on half time with services 2nd and 4th Sunday, had our first Wednesday night prayer service at the suggestion of George Floyd, put new seats in the auditorium (donating the old ones to Shiloh), and placed our finances on the budget system. In 1949 B.R. Maddox was called and would later become the first fulltime pastor. Under his leadership, four Sunday School rooms were constructed. The yellow pine timber was furnished by J.A. Halbrooks and Ralph Speegle, who transported [it] to and from the sawmill. Jasper Kelly returned in 1950 for a second time, installed Butane heat, and moved the old wood heater under the floor. Shortly after this a youngster left a service to use the restroom, returning with several cans of beer in his pockets, wherein the membership learned that a local bootlegger had been hiding beer in the old wood heater. Soon after this episode, the heater was sold for $15. In 1951 Sam Blevins gave another half acre to be used as a cemetery. First laid to rest was the infant son of Mr. and Mrs. J.E. Blevins.

In 1952 G.C. Morris was called as pastor and passed away while in service. In 1953 a bus was purchased, but its use was reportedly discontinued "because the neighboring Methodists wanted Bethlehem to pick up some of their members and deliver them to the Methodist church." Vernon S. Smallwood was called as pastor in 1954, followed by Jack Williams (1956) and I.W. Myers (1957). Bethlehem hosted the association in 1957, and "the church voted to buy a hog and have it barbequed for the dinner", appointing a committee of Roy Couey and Darris Halbrooks to have it slaughtered and cooked. [Author's note: Only a bunch of Baptists would see the need to appoint a hog-slaughtering committee!]

Junior Hill (1958) was the first pastor not having to worry about an annual call. He would become a noted evangelist after leaving for New Orleans Seminary; and was followed by W.H. Chamberlin (1960), Robert White (1961), Harold Wright (1962), Gilbert Speake and Billy Hampton (Interims), and Grady Crowell, who served when the new sanctuary was dedicated in 1967. He would be followed by David Shelton (1968), Russell Lance (1969), and Robert Overstreet (1974-88). A major expansion adding a west wing, with most of the work being done by the members, took place in 1976. Ministers ordained by Bethlehem through the years have included Lante Smallwood, Howard Smallwood, Johnny Mayfield, James Brock, Jack Walker, and J.E. Blevins. "The saddest time was when Brother Robert Overstreet submitted his resignation . . . He had been with us for 14 years; his resignation was met with mixed emotions us knowing that he would be greatly missed, yet knowing he should follow God's direction." Well-known preacher Dr. E.H. Richards was called as pastor in 1989 and served through 1992, followed by Jerry R. DeBell, who is pastor at the present time. Indeed God has been good to Bethlehem and to Him be the Glory and Praise.

*BETHLEHEM BAPTIST CHURCH

Lacey's Spring, Alabama

(Author's note: Area historian Georgia Dunn, now almost ninety, graciously agreed to let me interview her on tape and use portions of her copyright history of the Bethlehem church. She was the postmaster for 37 years.)

The first Baptist church [in the area] was established as The Arm of Salem Church in June of 1825 and held their services in the Dry Creek Meeting House from 1825 until 1832. In 1832 the members decided to become a Constituted Church. It is believed by the early settlers of Dry Creek Cove that the Baptists could have used the old Providence School near the Wilson Cemetery where they established the Providence Church. According to copies of the original

church minutes from 1825 to 1832 [reproduced in Georgia Dunn's book], many black people were members of the church; and many "had no last name." If anyone did anything wrong the church would discuss it and if they were not forgiven they would be dismissed from the church.

In 1843 the Bethlehem Baptist Church was established on a plot of land a few yards east from the present Bethlehem Church. The tornado of 1932 destroyed all the church buildings at Lacey's Spring. Joint Sunday School and church services were held in the Lacey's Spring school until 1938, at which time a Union church building [Baptists/Methodists] was begun. Union Sunday School classes continued each Sunday in the new church. Worship services were held with the Baptist and Methodist ministers alternating Sundays.

In November 1959, the construction of the new Bethlehem Baptist Church was begun. Many improvements and additions have been made since the original structure in 1959. The membership survey made in June of 1993 shows a total of 690 members. The building stands today by the leadership and blessings of Almighty God and is dedicated to his glory.

Pastors in order since 1928 (dates available in book): C.D. Boozer, S.L. Heath, Claude Baugher, Don Atkinson, Don Stevenson, Floyd Parker, Benton Towry, Dr. John Milford (interim), Lee Gray, Robert Slack (interim), Smith Ledbetter, Eldridge Criscoe, Jerry Mahan, Boyd Parson, Glenn Savell, Donald Stephens, G.D. Barrett (interim), James Troglen, George L. Bark (interim), and the present pastor since 1993, Dr. Bruce Allen Calhoun.

*BLUE SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Florette, Alabama

Located some eight miles east of Somerville is an underground spring that was said to form a pool so deep the water was azure blue. Jethro Judson Weaver built a wooden square-like structure using hewn white oak sills; it was called Blue Springs [listed sometimes as Blue Spring] Baptist Church, so named for the nearby spring. It is said he built and paid for the building himself with only nominal help with the labor. The church was organized in 1846 according to old minutes from Shiloh Baptist Church. During the "War Between the States", church services were interrupted for several years. For about two months a raiding party of Northern troops occupied the church building but did not destroy it. Sometime after the war a twenty-foot addition to the building was made; the same building was used until 1961.

It is supposed that Jethro Weaver gave the property to the church by verbal agreement. No property records are found until March 12, 1875 when Nathan Weaver (Jethro's son by his third wife) and his wife, Harriet, deeded one and one-half acres on which the church and cemetery were located. Two additional acres adjoining the cemetery were purchased from Cicero and Coleman Peck in the mid-1900s. In 1960 Peck heirs to adjoining property deeded more land. In 1961, under the leadership of Pastor Lee Roy Champion, the church constructed a beautiful brick building next to the old wooden one-room structure. The old structure was later removed. In 1990 a 24 by 36 ft. addition was attached to the south side of the 1961 building. An elevator was also installed. Much needed work was done on the cemetery in 1993-94. The oldest marked grave is John Addison Ratliff, October 22, 1861, son of Clairborn and Sarah Ratliff. There are about 185 unmarked graves; some are believed to be much older than 1861. (See also Morgan County Cemeteries, Volume I, published 1982 by Dene [Mrs. Clarence] Walls and Sue Marine, which includes information about Blue Springs and other cemeteries east of I-65.)

The first known pastor was Elder M.A. Verser (1853), with Jethro Weaver and E. Oden as messengers that year to the Muscle Shoals Association. Verser was still pastor in 1855, with C. Oden, W.C. Denton, and J.W. Cain as messengers. The 1855 membership was listed as 24, with a contribution to missions of $5.00.

Evidently the church reorganized in 1872 because Shackelford's history records Blue Springs joining the Muscle Shoals Association that year. In 1882 John E. Weaver became pastor. Weaver was a staunch Christian with great influence in the community, serving for some 25 years. He was the grandson of the builder, Jethro Weaver, and the great-grandfather of the Randolph Ryan family who are present-day members. That the name "Blue Springs" held a significant place in the county is shown by the establishment of a Post Office by that name from 1898 to 1907. In the early 1920s three families, the James Palmers, the Charles Stacks, and the Charles Dixons, moved into the community from Birmingham. They were instrumental in beginning a Sunday School at Blue Springs, in lieu of a Union Sunday School that was being held in a Florette school house. Nellie Palmer, a devoted and enthusiastic leader of young people, is given credit for beginning Baptist Young Peoples Union (BYPU).

D.C. Prince was another stabilizing and strengthening pastor. It was during his time of service (1936-48) that Edgar E. Weaver, a direct descendent of the early Weavers [and also served as Morgan County's first associational missionary] conducted many revivals at Blue Springs, making a significant impact on the community's spiritual life. The result of one such meeting in 1939 was 35 baptisms, bringing the membership to 172.

During the years in which old Shiloh Baptist Church was dissolved, Blue Springs served as a church home for some of her members. In 1947, Blue Springs Pastor D.C. Prince, along with deacons L.L. Matthews, C.T. Stacks, and A.A. Couey, met with others and helped in the reorganization of Shiloh. From 1949, pastors included O.C. Marsh, Ira W. Myers, Lyndon Montgomery, E.N. Chandler, William A. Petty, Jerry Ferguson, and Lee Roy Champion.

Desiring a pastor on the field and having paid off the indebtednes on the church itself, a pastorium was built by the membership in 1975. Scott Payne, a young minister serving his first pastorate, was the first to reside there. He and his family served for about two years until he entered the seminary in Louisville. Robert Slack, Jr. followed as pastor. This was not his first connection with Blue Springs, having been invaluable in supporting and counseling the church during his years as Associational Missionary, and had conducted several revivals. He began as interim in 1978, then pastor until 1984. In 1983 the mortgage on the pastorium was paid off; a project to remodel the sanctuary was finished in 1984. The church became debt free in 1985.

Under pastor Lynn Perkins (1984-87), the resident membership grew to 108. Cliff Mitchell, a retired U.S. Navy Chaplain, served as interim until 1990 when Scott Harris became pastor. While serving as fulltime pastor, Harris attended New Orleans Seminary and graduated in June 1994. His wife, Cindy Willis Harris, was raised as a member of Blue Springs.

-by Pauline Gurley and Grace Fowler; edited by author

*BRIARWOOD BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

Briarwood was organized in 1979 by its first pastor, Lynn Dozier, and others. It remained under watchcare of the association from 1981 until it was admitted in 1985. It reportedly named itself after Briarwood Presbyterian Church in Birmingham. Associational records state that Chris Byrd was called to Briarwood in 1991 (his first pastorate), who along with his wife Jan was a lay worker in music and youth at Rock Springs Baptist. In more recent years Briarwood has been described as "charismatic leaning", and has been only nominally involved in the association. Ricky Hughes was listed as pastor in 1993.

BROOKHAVEN

(See Cedar Ridge)

BROWN'S CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Brown's Chapel was admitted into the association in 1929 and disbanded by 1953 or shortly thereafter. It was dropped from the association in 1956 "since no report has been received from them", it now having "disbanded, property sold, and no membership known any more." Pastors included D.E. Brown (was the church named for his family?), B.R. Maddox (not listed, but says Marvaline Roan), L.E. Toon, Addie Wallace, O.E. Marsh, Hafford Sharp, and Harry Wiley.

CALVARY

(See Cedar Ridge)

CALVARY (Sunday School Class)

(See 1957)

*CAVE SPRING BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Priceville, Alabama

(This congregation also sent a lengthy history booklet they have compiled, that includes an enjoyable page entitled "Some Interesting Facts About the Cave Spring Baptist Church." Below are as many excerpts as space allowed, with editing by the author.)

The Missionary Baptist Church of Christ at Cave Spring was organized on the 10th day of November 1889 near the community of Priceville. After preaching by Elder Thomas J. Weaver and Elder John M. Simpson, Weaver read the Church Covenant which was accepted. The name Cave Spring [listed often as Cave Springs] was adopted, along with 18 Articles of Faith of the Missionary Baptist Faith of the Muscle Shoals Association and 13 Rules of Decorum. Joshua Collier was elected as Church Clerk. The church adopted the 2nd Lord's Day of each month to meet. After prayer the organization was declared "to be in keeping with the apostolic order; the church truly the Church of Christ." [Author's note: See discussions of Campbellism elsewhere.] The following are the names that went in the organization. Males: James Ratliff, Charles Ratliff, James R. Carter, James M. Ratliff, Jr., William T. Collier, J. R. Collier; Females: Ava Ratlif, Nina A. Ratliff, S. Lue England, M. Ugene England, J.E. Carter, Martha E. Bean, M.F. Collier, Elizabeth E. Ratliff. The church met in different homes for the next few months. In February 1890 J.D. McClanahan, a Missionary sent by the Muscle Shoals Association, came with Elder Weaver and began preaching for the congregation, leading them to erect a one room building about where J.C. and Beula Brown's home on Skidmore Road is today. The building was also used as Cave Spring School. Miss Lillie Dinsmore and Miss Betty Copeland were two of the first teachers at the school. The first meeting in the new building was held in September 1890 with J.D. McClanahan preaching, who was called as the first pastor. It was decided that a series of meetings would begin the next day, and "two precious souls were converted . . . Sister Nettie Sharp and Sister Lou Ella Bean." Cave Spring joined the Muscle Shoals Association and in 1919 became one of the original 25 churches to form the Morgan County Association. The church practiced strict and swift discipline, having had to withdraw fellowship from three members because of unchristian conduct that had broken the fellowship. The first deacons, ordained in 1905, were F.H. Orr and Ben Collier. Collier would later be ordained to preach the Gospel; others have been B.V. Ross, Harold Bennett, Lee R. Champion, and J.C. White, Jr. The first house of worship burned in March 1913. With the help of good neighbors of the community, a new building was erected just a few feet west of this present building.

An "annual call" of pastors, frequently giving them a thirty day notice to leave, was a practice until 1956. Pastors of Cave Spring have included J.D. McClanahan (1890-1903), J.E. Weaver (1903-11, and 1914-his death in 1924), J.E. Roan (1911-13), B.P. Collier (1924-26, 1929-43), W.A. Pickens (1927?) J.A. Maples (1928-29), Max Pickens (1944), Charles Bishop (1945-46), Mahlon Thomason (1946-47), G.C. Morris (1947-52), Otis Golden (1953-56, 1964-66), Wilbur Smallwood (1956-58), Jimmy K. Rodgers (1958-61), B.R. Maddox (1962-63), A. Ray Lee (1963-64, 1984-87), E.L. Smothers (1966-70), Carl Smallwood (1970-1978), Lee R. Champion (Interim 1978), B.B. Isley (Interim 1983-84), and Cecil Berry (1978-83, Interim 1987-89, and 1989-present).

In January of 1945 the church voted to begin raising money for a larger building that included a new sanctuary, Sunday School rooms, and a kitchen. It was begun in November 1947 and the sand stone rock building [a beautiful structure still used today] was finished by June 1948. A pastorium was built in 1957, Wilbur Smallwood being the first to live there; it was sold in 1966.

Music was originally provided by a pump organ played by Flora Collier Voci, with singing led by Will Collier. Charlie Collier later led the music until his death in 1968. Other song leaders and ministers of music have included (in order) Alex Collier, Gina Sharp, Hazel Collier, Ricky Parker, Paul Humerick, Larry Coulter, Dalton Alridge, and Mark Carpenter. Much has been accomplished with the music program under the leadership of these fine leaders.

Other recent building improvements: a new fellowship and kitchen (1981), a steeple (1990), an educational addition with handicap walkway (1991), a library (1992) and a new, lighted church sign (1993). "Well kept minutes" have been kept by the following clerks: J.R. Collier (1889-91), J.M. Ratliff (1903-24), W.T. Collier, Jr. (1924-42), R.F. Duke (1942-43), Mrs. John (Vida) Collier (1943-73), Mrs. W.D. (Frances) Collier (1973-87), and Mrs. Bill (Mary Ann) Birchfield (since 1987). Included among the "Interesting Facts": *Mary and Frances Collier have been members the longest, joining by letter in 1927. *In 1929 the church "worked 5 acres of cotton" - 50% going to the unified budget and 50% to local church expenses.

*In June 1936 services were suspended for two and a half months because of Infantile Paralysis epidemic.

*The Methodists of the community worshipped with the Cave Spring Church for many years until they built their own building around 1945.

*The church "got electricity" in 1946, after using kerosene lamps and "aladdin lamps" for light prior to that time.

*CEDAR RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

(In 1993 the Brookhaven and Modaus Road (formerly Calvary) Baptist Churches merged to form Cedar Ridge, meeting now in what was the Modaus Road sanctuary. One of the Modaus Road pastors, C.P. Davis, was a frequently published writer of articles for Southern Baptist magazines through the years. Bill Nugent was the first pastor after the merger, followed by Marty Steelman at present. The author was unable to gather much information about Calvary Baptist, organized in 1951, but the following gives a brief history of Brookhaven and also the eventual merger.)

A group of Christian led believers from Westside Baptist Church in Decatur started around the winter months of 1956 meeting in different homes. On May 8, 1957 in the home of T.J. Engle the name Brookhaven was chosen for their church. Harold Wright began serving as the first pastor in August of 1957; with 33 charter members the church rented the old Cooper-Wells Hosiery Mill building for meetings. The Church was first organized as a Missionary Baptist Church and later became a member of the Morgan County Baptist Association and the Southern Baptist Convention. In September of 1957 one and a fourth acres of land on Memorial Drive SW was purchased from Judson Hawthorne, and groundbreaking ceremonies were held January 22, 1958. Sixty to seventy members moved into their first building on March 16, 1958. A library was organized with Nellie Wiliams as the first director.

As the membership grew, there was again a need for more space. Groundbreaking services for a new sanctuary were held in September 1966 with the old one later known as the Children's Building. Rev. C.R. Burns held the Dedication services in the new sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 2, 1967. Groundbreaking was held May 11, 1975 for the Family Life Center with a large kitchen, gym, and more educational facilities.

Brookhaven pastors have included Harold Wright (1957-62), Gilbert Speake (1962-63), Clifford Mitchell (1963), W.W. Coffey (1966). C.R. Burns (1966-69), A.A. Durden (1969-70), Kenneth Wayne Fields (1970-76), Donald R. Howell (1976-82), Dr. Harold (Hal) Warren (1982-89), and Benny R. Reynolds (1989-93). The Media Library was closed for five years; in the 1980s Lisa Murphree began organizing to reopen. Under the supervision of the pastor's wife, Cara Reynolds and a staff of ten members, the reopening of the library took place in September of 1991. Eva Nell Hunter of Central Baptist was present for the dedication of 1300 media items. [Mrs. Hunter would later also dedicate the library at Cedar Ridge.]

In July of 1993, Pastor Benny Reynolds took a position at Blue Mtn. Baptist in Anniston. Brookhaven was in a transition period with attendance down. A committee with Trish DeHart as chairperson needed to make decisions about the future. What was best for Brookhaven emotionally, financially, and spiritually had to be put into focus. Over the summer, Brookhaven did a study of its community with the help of Steve Cloues of the Alabama Baptist State Convention. [There was also a noble effort to start a black Southern Baptist church sponsored by Brookhaven, with help from the Home Mission Board, but it never got off the ground.] Jere Patterson, director of Missions for Morgan Baptist Association, advised Brookhaven after a decision was made to merge with another compatible church.

A final celebration service was held at the Brookhaven Church on Sunday September 5, 1993. Two preachers called out from the church, Thomas Farris and Billy Cagle, led in an all day service, with music coordinated by Michael Sherman.

A Holy Union, Brookhaven Baptist and Modaus Road Baptist, merged with their first service on Sunday September 12, 1993. On September 26, 1993, the two were united under the new name Cedar Ridge Baptist with a total of 129 members. -by Trish DeHart; edited by author

CEDAR SPRINGS

(See Flint)

CENTERDALE BAPTIST CHURCH

near Eva, Alabama

This church, "located 2 miles east of Eva" was admitted into the association in 1936, and was not listed after 1937. Efforts to find out more information about it were unsuccessful; it probably disbanded after a short time. W. S. Griffin was pastor in 1936.

*CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Decatur, Alabama

(Without a doubt one of Alabama's most historic congregations, Central has long been the largest and strongest in the Morgan County Baptist Association. It hosted the Alabama Baptist State Convention in 1902, during which (according to John Otha Black's historical sketch of the association) "the delegates were entertained with an excursion of the beautiful Tennessee River." Many of its members, referred to throughout this book, have been civic as well as religious leaders for decades. Remarkably, its history has never been published, not even for its centennial in 1992. "Shame on you", they are told by this writer at every opportunity! (Spoken in Christian love, of course.) Thankfully, Eva Nell Hunter and others have worked diligently in recent years to preserve as much of their history as possible, including a media presentation that was made a few years ago. They have also established a very fine media library. Below are some highlights, pieced together from associational files and from a presentation on the history of the music ministry that Mrs. Hunter read at the dedication of Central's pipe organ in 1994.)

On the 20th day of March, 1892, a group of 61 people met in a store building on the corner of Fourth Avenue and Sherman Street for the purpose of organizing a church. Finding themselves strategically located between the First Baptist Church of Decatur and the First Baptist Church of New Decatur (later First Baptist Church of Albany, now Sixteenth Avenue), they settled upon the name "Central." Most of the founders were from First Baptist Decatur, which was left almost without a membership. (John Caddell recalls that the division between the two towns was very intense, with formation of the Decatur Kiwanis Club being strategic in unifying the two. E.F. Wolfer's book states that some hoped the two other churches would fold, simply merging into one "Central" church.) Rev. H.R. Schram presided over the first meeting and W.M. Blackwelder was called as the first pastor after plans for organization were completed. The first deacons were W.H. Simpson, C.E. Malone Sr., J.W. Gibson, R.A. Kirkland, and Dr. J.E. Smith. Storefront services were held for two years, then the Decatur Land Company donated two lots: one on the corner of 6th Ave. and Gordon Drive, and the other on the corner of 4th Ave. and Grant Street. The latter was chosen for the church's location, and the first building committee was composed of W.H. Simpson, W.C. Buck, B.W. Malone, and John C. Eyster (father of Charles Eyster Sr. and grandfather of the present John Eyster Sr.)

In 1929, during the pastorate of James Allen Smith, Central moved into its present sanctuary. The church adhered to practices of discipline that were common in that day, as reflected by a 1935 recommendation that "those who dance, play cards, drink, or women who smoke should be asked not to teach in Sunday School." Through the years Central has remained a very conservative church; not very long ago a policy was adopted barring single men from being elected to serve as deacons. No greater proponent of righteous Christian living was there than John Cowell, one of the well remembered early pastors who died at age 43 while at Central. Many preachers were called out during his ministry. Dr. Cowell once cancelled a play that the young people were planning to present to a district Training Union event to be held at Central. Pageants operated against the spiritual interest of the church, he declared, and "in his 12 years of evangelistic work and hearing many testimonies he had never yet heard one say that he was saved as a result of a play in the House of God." In 1963 the educational building was named in honor of W.E. Sivley Sr., who taught junior boys at Central for 38 years.

By 1940, Sunday School attendance had reached an average of 640, and the church voted to give 35% of its undesignated budget through the Cooperative Program. Tremendous growth has continued to follow through the years, with plans for additional expansion of the buildings and grounds. Central also has a television ministry, and currently sponsors a mission church on Highway 20 that has been led for several years by Associate Pastor Pat Brock.

The distinguished list of pastors has included W.M. Blackwelder (1892), A.J. Preston (1894), R.P. McPherson (1896), R.M. Strickler (1898), W.Y. Quisenberry (1900), Dr. W.G. Curry (1903-06) [who, according to J.O. Black, was a Confederate chaplain of the 5th Alabama regiment; later a trustee of both Judson and Howard College, the latter conferring upon him an honorary doctorate]; Dr. G.L. Yates (1906-10), L.W.[?] Gwaltney (1910-12), [Staff of the Baptist collection at Samford found no record of an "L.W. Gwaltney" yet it was NOT - as many of us wondered - L.L. Gwaltney, longtime editor of The Alabama Baptist. They found only a record of a "J.D. Gwaltney" - could this have been Central's pastor? Deadlines prevented further research at this time.] H.B. Woodard (1912-15), L.T. Mays (1915-17), Dr. W.P. Wilkes (1917-23), Dr. W.P. Reeves (1923-28), Dr. James Allen Smith (1928-36), Dr. John C. Cowell (1937-44), Dr. Paul Roberts (1944-49), O.E. Burton (1949-51), A.B. Van Arsdale (1952-77), Michael H. Dawson (1979-1986), and Dr. N. Bob Carpenter (1988 until his recent death). Mention should be made of Associate Pastor and longtime staff member David McKelvey, who has faithfully shepherded the congregation during the passing of Bob Carpenter and continues to minister during the interim period. Dr. Roy Edgemon, long affiliated with the Sunday School Board in Nashville, continues to bring inspiration weekly as Interim Preacher at Central.

CENTRAL BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

This church was kept under watchcare of the association in both 1963 and 1964, and was admitted in 1965, yet no report was sent after that year. It appears to have abandoned; Deen (or Dean) Sims was listed as pastor the entire time.

*CENTRAL PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

In 1950, fifteen Christians had a dream - a vision of a newly established church on the west

side of Decatur. Their vision became a reality when they banned together in the Old Joe Wheeler School under the leadership of Dr. Jesse M. Rogers to form the Westside Baptist Church. In 1958, this dedicated group felt the need for a worshipful auditorium, and under the leadership of their pastor, Jimmy Ballard, added to the old school building a new auditorium designed to seat 400 worshippers.

In June, 1959 Elree T. Waddell was called as pastor of the church, serving for 32 years until his retirement in March 1991. In 1964, a new educational building housing five departments, a church office, and pastor's study was built at the back of the new auditorium. It was soon filled with people for Bible study on Sunday morning.

In 1974, the tides of urban renewal, social change in the community, and population shifts from the northwest area of the old church to the southwest area of town, forced the church to sell the old facilities and move to its present seven acre site, at which time it took the name of Central Park Baptist. Groundbreaking services for the first buildings on the new site were held on March 17, 1974. The new facilities were composed of a two-story educational building and an activities building. They were occupied in January 1975.

Groundbreaking services for the second building phase of a new chapel were held on December 10, 1978. The first services were held in the new chapel in February 1979. Groundbreaking services for the third phase, a new educational building, were held in the spring of 1989. The phase included an adult education center, a music suite, parlor, and offices. These buildings were occupied in July 1990.

In October 1991 Craig Carlisle was called to be pastor of the church and is currently serving in this capacity. The membership of the church has grown until at the present time there are 900 resident members, and a Sunday School enrollment of 1134, with an average attendance of 446. -submitted by Central Park Baptist Church; edited by author

*CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

Compiled of records available to me, Bessie Simmons Lawrence: In the summer of 1963, perhaps, June Mission Work was begun in the Rosenberry Piano Co. building on 13th Ave. Southeast directly behind Decatur General Hospital. Named 13th Avenue Baptist Mission, Ronnie Jones was its first pastor. Later the mission was moved to 19th Ave. SE, meeting in the Cafe building directly across the street from the Goodyear Plant #3, and continued meeting there until this building [the present one] was completed May 23, 1967 at a cost of $17,000.

During this time, according to Bro. Ronnie Jones, the plans were made to build a Church in this area, so this property at 1816 Chestnut St. SE was purchased on 12/22/65 according to the deed. In June 1965, the Chapel Baptist Church voted to go into the Morgan County Baptist Association with 13 charter members.

There were many trials and Disappointments during the next years, but the foundation of the Church remained strong. Although there were many changes, the church continued to grow in number. More classrooms were needed and on November 27, 1975, the church voted to borrow $1700 to build additional classrooms on the east side of the church. Later, other improvements were made, including new carpet and pews, with the pews being mostly donated in honor of members' loved ones. On March 26, 1984 the adjoining lots on each side of the church were purchased at a cost of $1800. In 1988, it was written that "the church is in process of planning and beginning a new educational building. God is really blessing in this undertaking, and under the leadership of our pastor, Bro. Olan Whitten, we hope all our plans will be finalized soon." In April of 1993, a new fellowship hall was indeed begun, and was completed by September. The dedication was Sunday, October 17, 1993. Darlene Parker writes, "Our building is called the Elmer N. Rollins Fellowship Hall. Our pastor took care of all details from beginning to end; he and several members of the congregation did all of the outside work. Our members voted 100% to name the fellowship hall for our pastor."

Pastors have included Ronnie Jones (1963-67), Frank Jones (1967), J. Herman Lowery (1968-70), C.L. Mitchell (1970-80), Olan Whitten (1981-92), and Elmer Rollins (1992-present).

-by Bessie Simmons Lawrence, with update by Darlene Parker; edited by author

CROW'S CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

This church was started and joined the association in 1931. Pastors included J.D. Pickens (1932) and J.F. Rich (1934). There is no further report after 1934.

*DANVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Danville, Alabama

Danville Missionary Baptist Church, located about ten miles west of Hartselle, was organized in 1884 in what was then known as Danville College [North Alabama Baptist Collegiate School], which was located north of the present church building. Rev. S.R.C. Adams, the first pastor of the church, was chairman of the meeting. First constituent members were Mrs. N.C. [S.R.C?] Adams, Mrs. Carrie L. Simpson, M.F. Blackwell, Mary Frazier, Glenn L. and Ettie Orr, and brethren S.R.C. Adams, Stephen Simpson, W.R. Frazier, John M. Kirby, and James W. Hargrove. The group met in the college until 1889, when it was decided to construct a church building 40 x 60 feet. Land for the one room frame building was purchased from the Jonathan Orr estate. Dedication was held the third Sunday in July, 1890.

The congregation worshipped in the frame building until 1942 when several Sunday School rooms were added. Later it was decided to purchase more property from the Orr estate for the purpose of constructing a new modern building east of the first church site. Cost of the new building was $8,000. In 1962, an educational unit was built.

The first deacons were W.R. Frazier and Samuel Nunn. Former pastors (in order) include S.R.C. Adams, Matt Lyon, W.T. Cobbs, Dr. Josephus Shackelford, Marion Briscoe, Enoch Windes, R.L. Quinn, Ernest Dunlap, B.P. Collier, C.K. Parker, W.E. Pritchard, Frank Smith, Dr. Henry Allen Parker (who became a very well known preacher in south Alabama and Florida, pastoring such churches as First Baptist Orlando), Titus Aldridge, D.C. Prince, B.R. Maddox, Robert Slack Jr., J.L. Johnson, Austin Moore, Ted Swann, Odus (or Odis) Jackson, W.D. Simrell, Thompson Pitts, John C. Copeland, and (since 1979) Jack Bailey.

Bobby James, Peggy Blaxton, and perhaps others have been involved for several recent years in compiling the story of this very historic church. Danville celebrated its Centennial in 1984, and a beautiful new sanctuary was dedicated in 1991.

-From The Hartselle Inquirer, June 23, 1966 and from associational files

DECATUR BAPTIST or DECATUR FIRST

(See First Baptist, Decatur)

DECATUR BAPTIST (Independent) (F)

Decatur, Alabama

Known formerly as Moulton Heights, and a founding member of the Morgan County Association, Decatur Baptist is now one of the largest Independent congregations in North Alabama. It was organized May 12, 1898 in the community by the same name, "when the Rev. Jackson Gunn began working with the church as a half-time minister." Moulton Heights grew to be a strong cooperative church, hosting the association's annual meeting in 1943; yet its original building (after being remodeled) was burned to the ground in 1944. It was rebuilt, and in more recent years renamed itself "Decatur Baptist Church" and relocated on Danville Road across from the new Cedar Ridge Middle School. Dr. Doug Ripley is pastor at present.

Following the lead of several area pastors in the 1950s, the church began to lean more and more towards Independent mission efforts and more staunchly conservative beliefs. The following letter has been preserved in the associational files: "To Whom it may concern: The Moulton Heights Baptist Church voted by unanimous vote the 10th day of April 1957 to sever its nominal relations with the Morgan County Missionary Baptist Association and with the Southern Baptist Convention. Respectfully Submitted, M.W. McMillan, Clerk."

Pastors in order 1898-1956 (several serving "half-time" and/or more than once) have included Elder Jackson Gunn, J.A. Eaves, M.E. Roan, J.E. Weaver, L.P. Royer, J.I. Stockton, J.D. ("Dan") Prater, A.R. Prosser, R.F. Stuckey, J.D. Pickens, C.K. Parker, J.L. Tucker, M.V. Stedham (or Steadham), R.L. Franklin, W.W. Coffey, J.A. Gomes, Milford Walker, Tom Freeney, and W.H. Quisenberry. -from association files and The Decatur Daily 9/28/63.

*DEER SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

(Since the day it was founded, Deer Springs has been viewed as having "charismatic" leanings, with virtually nonexistent involvement with the association, which it did not join until 1978. Yet they are a very loving group of Christians, recently inviting the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission to join them on their 25th Anniversary. Pastor Charles Forman has been associated with the church in some capacity or another since it was started by a group of Hopewell members desiring more "freedom in worship.")

Founded August 1970 by a small group of people (16 or so) who met in a home in Hartselle to begin a church. The Lord Jesus and The Soul Seekers Quartet, which included the pastor and pianist Ray Speakman, Van Eaton, Bobby Shaneyfelt, and Charles Forman, plus [their] families, were the original founders. [We] met in homes in Hartselle for the first few months while searching for land to build. Three acres or so at Deer Springs was purchased from Mrs. Willie Booth in Hartselle for $16,500. Mrs. Booth still says today that she doesn't know exactly why she sold the land to the church. (She could have gotten much more money from various businesses which wanted the property - but it was the Holy Spirit, of course, which prompted her to sell the property to the church.)

The Soul Seekers Quartet owned a huge tent which was set up on the property and used for worship for several months. Then the old house located on the property was converted to a small sanctuary and Sunday School rooms, and used for services a year or so. The church then (36 members or so) voted to launch a building program, selling church bonds to raise the $67,500 needed to build the present church building, the bonds being long since retired.

The name "Deer Springs" originated from the springs of water on the property which still is evidenced by water coming from the hillside in places, and the fact that Dr. Willie Booth had some real deer on the property while the Booth family lived there. At one time there was a motel on the property. Some of the old septic tanks, water and gas lines, and concrete are still there. People who remember the motel say that the property was a place of various evils, including alcohol, prostitution, etc. It is considered appropriate by most that God took possession of the property for the establishment of a church. Mrs. Euphanelle Luker, who still is a faithful member, says that she prayed for years for God to send a church close enough to her home that she could walk to church. God does answer prayer. She has walked to church many times since then.

Pastors of the church have included Ray Speakman and Charlie Tucker, from 1970 to 1977; Charles Forman from 1977 to the present. The pastor is bivocational, employed with the U.S. Army Missile Command at Redstone Arsenal as a chemist/engineer. Bro. Billy Jack Shaneyfelt, a licensed minister, teaches adult Sunday School, acts as a trustee, and assists the pastor in preaching when needed. The church has presently 300 or so members, with 50 or so in Sunday School and 75 to 100 in morning worship. The church has an active Sunday School, Brotherhood, WMU and outreach program, a growing youth group, and is presently looking for an affordable, additional staff member to act as a youth director or combination choir/youth director. Anyone interested out there? -by Charles Forman; edited by author

*EAST HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

In the fall of 1970, approximately 50 people met in various homes and discussed starting a Southern Baptist Church on the east side of Hartselle. As a result of these meetings, East Highland was organized in October of 1970. Immediately, the members began to make plans for a church building and calling their first pastor. We have come a long time since that time. We now have approximately 500 members.

Wilbur Smallwood was called as the first pastor of East Highland and led the church in the first phase of its growth. By the fall of 1971, East Highland had become a member of the Morgan County Baptist Association, increased the membership to 127, and had built a two-story structure complete with classrooms, kitchen, and sanctuary. Rev. Smallwood resigned in February of 1973, and Ernest Austin of Jefferson, North Carolina, was called to be the second pastor of East Highland. He was pastor until May of 1974.

Calvin Inman from Marks, Mississippi, was called in October, 1974, as the third pastor of East Highland. Because of the growth of the church, a new educational building was added in 1976. This building, as well as the original structure, was built largely through the efforts of church members who used their time to see East Highland progress. Rolland Clemons of Guntersville followed as pastor in June of 1979. While Rev. Clemons was pastor of East Highland, more than 211 members were added to the church. Clemons resigned in March 1984.

Our present pastor, since March 1985, is Charles Stone of Holly Pond. Under his leadership, East Highland called Calvin Inman [back] as Minister of Education and Outreach, and in November 1992, the church called Keith Jackson as Minister of Youth. In 1991 a fellowship hall, well equipped kitchen, 4 preschool rooms, 6 other classrooms and restrooms were built. The building was dedicated October 13, 1991. Cost of the building program was over $300,000. All new classrooms are now occupied. We now use our fellowship hall to conduct our monthly business meetings, fellowship supper, and a variety of other activities.

Music is a vital and exciting part of East Highland, and we have been fortunate to have the following men serve as ministers of music: Edwin Black, Thomas Dodson, J.C. White, Dick DeKalb, Harold Tate, David Blakeney, Dana Gassaway, and our present minister of music, Richard Bolin. Our senior adults call themselves the Happy Highlanders. They have monthly meetings and other activities that provide inspiration and fellowship. Several have attended the Senior Adult retreat at Shocco Springs.

The goal of East Highland Baptist Church is to be a total family ministry, ministering to all ages, a program of Spiritual enrichment, fellowship, and mission action. The prayer is that East Highland will continue to increase in the knowledge of Christ and spread His word throughout our city, nation, and world.

-by Laverne Black, written for Homecoming 1993;

edited by author

EASTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH

Falkville, Alabama

Admitted to the Morgan County Association in 1967, it was dismissed in 1970 after apparently becoming Independent. (There may be some connection to the Pine Street Independent Baptist Church presently in Falkville.) Pastors of Eastside have included J.H. Couch (1967) and Jesse Estes (1969). No report was sent to the association after 1968, and Mrs. Myers noted "they joined another denomination", probably one of the Independent Baptist affliations.

EASTSIDE DECATUR

(See Oak Park)

*FALKVILLE (or FIRST) BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Falkville, Alabama

On July 10, 1887, twelve people came together to form what is today the Falkville First Baptist Church. The twelve who met were led by Thomas J. Weaver, Missionary of the Muscle Shoals Association, and Elder W.G.W. Smith. Invitation was given for those who desired to enter into the organization of a Missionary Baptist Church at Falkville. The following names were presented [as charter members]: Elder W.G.W. Smith and wife, Mary Smith, J.M. McDaniel and wife, Amanda McDaniel, Sister L.F. Patterson, T.L. Simpson, J.M. Simpson, Ader Simpson, R.T. Brown and wife, Bush Brown, Sister Mary Swann and Sister N.M. Ratliff. Elder J.E. Weaver held the first preaching service on August 31, 1987.

By July 1889, the Church had completed a house of worship. It was dedicated on the fourth Sunday in July by S.R.C. Adams of Birmingham. The Falkville Church joined the Muscle Shoals Association. Under the leadership of E.L. Hayes, the Sunday School was organized in 1900 with J.L. Simpson as Superintendent. The first house of worship became inadequate as the membership grew and plans for a new church were begun. J.P. Rowe was chairman of the Building Committee. Church services were held at the Normal College (Shackelford's?) in the morning, and at the Methodist church at night, while the new building was being erected. Preaching services were held on the 4th Saturday and Sunday of each month.

Although the early minutes mention little about the women participating in the work of the church, we know that they were active from the beginning. Frannie Patterson was a charter member, the grandmother of our present active deacon, John Knight. Under the date of February 16, 1902, the minutes record: "The Ladies Aid Society presented the Church with elegant linens for sacramental purposes." The women started a Sunbeam Band for the children. Mrs. J.F. Clark helped organize BYPU under the pastorate of J.M. McCord in 1908.

In 1908 the church voted to increase preaching services from one Sunday to two Sundays a month, held on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. By then the membership had increased to 86. In 1909 a committee consisting of J.F. Clark, B.S. Rowe, J.P. Rowe, J.G. Liles, H.L. Hunter, S.S. Leeman, V.A. McCroskey, and J.K. West was instructed to "hear and investigate all charges against members and report to the Church." In 1910 J.D. Pickens, who would later pastor several area churches, was licensed to preach.

New pews were bought and installed in 1913. The Ladies Aid Society (WMS, now WMU) came to the rescue in paying $17.08 on the church pews. People had very little cash so much of the work completing the church building was done by the members.

On November 9, 1919, the Morgan County Baptist Association was organized, and Falkville contributed $25 to assist in employing an associational missionary. Revival services were held in a tent on the old college lot. There were 22 additions to the Church. In 1927, and again in 1930, a cooperative revival was conducted in the tent with Baptist, Methodist, and Christian churches participating. Tilford Junkins was licensed to preach the gospel in 1935.

In 1938 the first young people attended Shocco Springs: Tom Drinkard, Mary Lynn Rowe, Jean Strickland, Dolphus Price (ordained by Falkville in 1940), along with Pastor Titus Aldridge and his family. In 1940 a committee was appointed "to secure a lot on which to build a Negro church", and Falkville Baptist gave them a pulpit chair; funds were raised by the townspeople.

Falkville Baptist Church was destroyed by fire in 1944. The deacons recommended that "we build a modern church with seating capacity of 400 using labor as is obtainable and going as far as money will allow." Thus, the present sanctuary was completed in 1947. A Sunday School annex was added in 1953. It was that year the church was called FIRST BAPTIST as there were other churches in the area bearing the name Baptist. A new pastorium was recommended in 1959, the old one to be used for Sunday School rooms.

The church in 1972 extended "an arm of guidance" to "the Southern Baptist Eva Mission of the Falkville Baptist Church", which became Westside Baptist Church. In both 1980 and 1981, we sent a Summer Mission group to Oklahoma City to renovate and enlarge the Grace Rescue Mission. In 1991, the pastor and a deacon were sponsored by our church to go to Zambia, Africa. In 1993, a group was sent to West Virginia to witness, conduct Vacation Bible Schools and have church services. In June 1994, a family from First Baptist will be leaving to go to West Virginia to work in missions. A young man, Blair Goodman, who has been licensed to preach, is going to the Comoros Islands off the coast of Africa as a sports evangelist.

A new addition was completed in 1986 at a cost of $105,000. In 1987, we celebrated our first 100 years as Falkville First Baptist Church. The membership has grown from the original twelve to 331. Pastors have included [in order, the author thinks] T. J. Weaver (missionary), J.E. Weaver, H.J. Halbrooks, J.N. Thompson, W.T. Cobbs, M.M. Wood, Enoch Windes Jr., W.J. Briscoe, O.T. Anderson, J.M. McCord, W.D. Ogletree, J.L. Aders, J.A. Huff, H.H. Buzbee, L.A. Nall, E.W. Dunlap, J.L. Moye, E.A. Thompson, B.P. Collier, J.A. Hendrix, Frank T. Smith, I.W. Myers, L.T. Reeves, J. Titus Aldridge, A.H? Mahaffey, C.D. Boozer, V.T. Lewis, Frank McWhirter, Charles R. Glaze, Jay George, Kerry Cleghorn, and the most recent pastor Billy Wooten. -submitted by Falkville Baptist Church; edited by author

FAIRVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH (Independent)

Decatur, Alabama

Fairview, founded in 1904, joined the Morgan County Association in 1920 and was dismissed in 1953 after declaring itself Independent, although it had not reported to the association since before 1940. Covell Keenum was its pastor around that time and for 38 and a half years altogether; his house on Magnolia Street continues to delight passersby with the many lighted Christmas trees each year. His old golf partner, J.C. Howell (brother of Charles Ed), a lifelong Southern Baptist, says they discuss only football, and not religion, while golfing. Walt Schmidt is the present pastor. "Fairview" was also the name of the community which surrounds the church to this day, which is located across from Pop Oliver Park. Other pastors 1904-37 included R. N. O'Neal, T.W. Shelton, J.E. Roan, J.H. Hitt, A.R. Prosser, J.T. Anderson, D.W. Griffin, B.P. Collier, G.C. Burks, and B.C. Carter.

*FELLOWSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

Fellowship Baptist Church, located right off the Beltline in southwest Decatur, joined the association in 1973. In newspaper ads it describes itself as "Conservative in Belief" - with "Evangelistic Preaching" - and "where Christ is Lord and Bible is Truth." Pastors have included Robert Slack Jr., Nelson Tucker, Travis Voss, Allen Hill, Jimmy Snow, J.T. Copeland, Harry Lawrence, and the current pastor Billy Cagle, who is a native of Morgan County.

*FIFTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

In the early months of 1956 Southside Baptist Church donated two lots where the Fifth Avenue church is now located. The first section of the building, the auditorium, was made possible by members of Southside, First Baptist, and 16th Avenue Baptist Churches. Total amount given was $13,000. Mr. Reeves was the first contractor. On May 6, 1956, the building was ready for worship. W.W. Coffey was asked to be the first pastor. In the first service there were 82 people in Sunday School and 32 additions for membership that morning. That evening a fine group gathered for Training Union and twelve more came for church membership. All who joined within the first 90 days were listed as charter members, for a total of 92.

More educational space was needed. The church then purchased a 6-room house adjacent to the property. On July 1, 1956, Fifth Avenue Baptist Church was organized. Dr. A.H. Reid [former executive-secretary for Alabama Baptists] preached the sermon for the service. After a few years the church grew and more space was needed. An educational building was added and two more lots purchased north of the property. Houses on the lots were rented for a while and later torn down to make a parking lot. The auditorium was extended twenty feet east. The educational building and auditorium work was done by O.M. Hutchinson Sr. W.W. Coffey served the church for 8 years and resigned in November, but stayed on until a new pastor was called. Three men from Fifth Avenue accepted the call of the Lord to preach during this time. Olan Whitten and J.E. Dobbs were ordained, and Kenneth Graham was licensed.

W.W. Coffey died August 8, 1973. Wilbur Smallwood was called as pastor in January of 1965. He served three and one-half years, and died November 26, 1985. Following Bro. Smallwood, the church was without a pastor for six months, during which time Billy Hamlin served as interim. In January of 1969 Edwin Hodges was called as pastor. In 1971, Aaron Clark was licensed to preach and Bruce Newton was ordained. IN 1977 Paul Porter and Charles Hughes were licensed, and Dennis Bain ordained.

There was an expansion program in 1973, and ten additional lots around the church were purchased, one of which was remodeled by the members and used as a youth building. Edwin Hodges resigned in 1977 and the church was again without leadership. Joe Hoover served as interim until James H. Shumate was called in July 1977. During 1979 the church licensed two more members, Ray Stewart and Alan White. The church voted to sell the lot where the youth building was located because vandals kept the windows broken out and the church feared it might be burned. Charles Stone was called in November 1980 and served until 1985. William B. Lee came as interim in November 1980 and a few weeks later the church voted to accept him as pastor. During his pastorate, the church voted to sell the last two lots which were across the alley directly behind the church building. These sold shortly after Lee submitted his resignation in 1988. Perry Speegle came as interim in April of 1988 and was called as pastor in June. Terry Bailey agreed to become the first associate pastor of Fifth Avenue. He worked toward building the youth department from July 1988 to the time of his resignation on July 30, 1989.

In May 1989 the church entered into a renovation program. The first phase, bricking the sides of the building, putting new carpet in sections of the fellowship hall, and reworking the bathrooms, was completed in November. At that time a homecoming and dedication service was planned for November 12. Brochures were distributed but on November 5, one week prior to the event, Bro. Speegle died, throwing a deep sorrow over the entire church family and causing a cancellation of these plans. Billy Stephenson came to us on November 12 as interim pastor and was a great help through this time until his resignation on February 11, 1990.

The church then contacted Dr. William Hacker, director of missions for the Morgan County Baptist Association, about accepting the pastorate at the time of his planned retirement. He graciously accepted and came to us April 1, 1990. He worked with us faithfully and led us in completing our plans to brick the back of the building. Dr. Hacker resigned in September 1993. We are very fortunate that Olan Whitten came back with us after his retirement, and has been a great blessing to our church as we seek a new pastor. -submitted by Aretha M. Karrh; edited by author

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF ALBANY

(See Sixteenth Avenue)

*FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF AUSTINVILLE (F)

Decatur, Alabama

Around 1873, Austinville began as a small community with three or four houses, a gristmill and a cotton gin. The community was named for V.L. Austin, who owned the majority of the land in the vicinity. In 1890, the people of the community constructed a one-room building that was used as a school, community house, and a church. The people of the community all met together for worship, regardless of their denomination. Community worship services continued until 1900, when Austinville Baptist Church was organized with eight members. From the beginning the church began to grow. In 1904, this one-room dwelling was destroyed by fire. Early in 1905 a new building was completed. This building had an auditorium which seated about four hundred, two small Sunday School rooms, a steeple, and a bell. The community was growing and new members were added to the fellowship.

By 1942, the membership had increased so much that additional space was needed. To provide the needed room, the steeple and belfry were removed to accommodate a balcony, pastor's study, and library. Two additional rooms were added downstairs.

In 1945 the building was again destroyed by fire. Donations for a new building were given by members, friends, and neighbors. While it was under construction, services were held in Austinville School. Late in 1945 the building was completed.

Two additions have been made to this present building. In 1956, an addition was built across the rear of the existing building, and in 1977, a two-story addition was constructed.

From eight members in 1900 to the present membership of over 600, the church has grown steadily in the past one hundred years. Even with so many changes, however, the members remain committed to serving God. As the history of the First Baptist Church of Austinville shows, nothing can stop the growth of God's church. -by Wanda Dougherty

(Author's Note: I received two very fine sketches from Austinville, the other being a much longer one by Dewana Howard compiled for the Centennial; it is available from the church. I did want to include a few items from Ms. Howard's history: Charter members were Mr. and Mrs. Andy

Roper, Mr. and Mrs. Gum Berry, Mr. and Mrs. E.H. Austin, and Mr. and Mrs. Harvey Harris.

After the 1904 fire, the acre of land on which to build was given by Mary Lou and Unity Dancy (the Dancy sisters, for whose family the historic Dancy-Polk house on Railroad Street was named). An incomplete list of pastors, in order since 1900, have been Marion Briscoe, J.M. Flood, J.E. Berkstresser, R.W. Stuckey, L.N. Brock, Fred Slaucer, M.W. Dailey, J.W. Jones, P.A. Duke, Clayton Shaw, J.C. Jones, J.B. Snyder, Doug Reeves, Karl Johnson, W. K. Stephenson (interim), and the current pastor Alan Compton.)

*FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Decatur, Alabama

Although the exact date of the organization of the First Baptist Church of Decatur remains unknown, the first building, well constructed of brick and comfortably furnished, was erected during 1838 and 1839 with the formal deed for the property signed February 23, 1842. Elder John C. Edmiston was the first pastor and served until 1853. The church joined the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association in October, 1847. By 1854, associational records listed the membership at 74, with 61 white and 13 black. Disaster hit in the fall of 1864 when the church was destroyed by Federal troops during the Union army occupation. The members were scattered as the citizens of the area were forced to flee to the country. The challenge of reorganization and rebuilding was exceedingly slow. While there were several pastors during those lean years, the two that could be credited with holding the church together were Elder Jackson Gunn, who served during five different calls and Elder Josephus Shackelford for three pastorates.

The yellow fever epidemics of 1878 and 1882 further reduced the membership to twenty. The perserverance of those remaining was evident though, when the church was incorporated as the Decatur Baptist Church on June 30, 1882. Through the efforts of State Missionary Elder F.C. David and Elder Shackelford, the goal of a second church was reached when a small frame building was occupied in 1883. The first parsonage became a reality in 1891 through the efforts of the ladies. However, the membership of over 100 was reduced to 25 when the pastor, clerk, and seventy members left to form Central Baptist Church. (See Emmie Frances Wolfer's book for an interesting account of her ancestors and the few who could not bear to leave First Baptist,

and thus refused to do so.)

As Decatur's growth increased rapidly at the turn of the century, church membership grew to 104 in 1904 and reached 193 in 1911. Rededication was evident when the cornerstone was laid August 11, 1908, for the third building which continues to be used today as the Chapel. The church had a unique experience from 1901-1915 as members brought suit and won a settlement from the United States government for the destruction of the property in 1864.

In 1932 the name of the church was legally changed to the First Baptist Church of Decatur to avoid confusion with other churches being established in the growing town. First Baptist Decatur became a part of the Morgan County Baptist Association when it was formed on November 9, 1919. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. J.B. Tallant of Decatur First. The women's work has been a vital part of the church from its earliest days. In 1927-28, the salary of Miss Willie Kelley, missionary to China, was paid through the work of the ladies. They continue to support, to train youth, and to further the cause of missions.

Additions to the church property to meet the growing church needs have taken place regularly. A major construction in 1939-40 involved the building of a new parsonage on Lafayette Street, an education annex, and the church remodeled. Since then the J.T. Jones addition was finished in 1952 and the auditorium was enlarged in 1957. Another education building, facing Church Street, was completed in 1962. The last sanctuary, the fourth one, was completed in 1971.

Additional staff in education and music have been added as a vital part of ministry and outreach. This church was actively involved in starting five churches during the ministry of Dr. Jesse Rogers, a former missionary to China. Four mission Sunday Schools were started in the 1950's with the jail ministry still in operation today. In addition to those called earlier, thirty-four responded to the call to Christian service during Dr. W.K. Stephenson's ministry alone. Two have served as missionary journeymen, one in Peru and one in Japan; two missionaries are serving in Thailand. Including the current pastor, Dr. Michael J. Brooks who arrived on the field October 18, 1993, the church has been served by 35 outstanding pastors for 42 pastorates. The longest was that of Dr. W. K. Stephenson, who led the church for twenty-nine and one-half years from 1953-1982. [Dr. Ron Madison served after him and before Dr. Brooks, for around 10 years.] In recent years, changing times and needs have resulted in the necessity to remove some old buildings and prepare for the future. The last educational facility was occupied in 1991. Current membership is 1867. Church property is valued at $5,968,600.

In 1992, the church celebrated its long history. A book, Celebrating Over 150 Years [available in hardback], was published. It details more of the life of the church and identifies many of the people who led in serving our Lord in this place.

-by Allie Butler, with additional research by Clara Free; edited by author

*FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Hartselle, Alabama

(Compiled from excerpts of their published history, available in hardback from the church.)

On the second Sunday in September 1883, nine men and women set in the Presbyterian Church of Hartselle, Alabama, to organize the first Baptist Church of the town. They recorded their feelings of responsibility in the minutes of the meeting, "The organization of a church no small matter." Elders Josephus Shackelford, W.B. Carter, and J.D. McClanahan constituted the presbytery of sponsoring pastors. The nine original members have left present day descendants in the area - Orr, Burleson, McClanahan, Parker and Shackelford.

The first church building, completed in 1886, was located across the street from the Presbyterian Church, on the corner of Hickory and Hammett Streets. It was a white frame structure with green shutters. By this time the membership numbered 35, a sizeable congregation for a town only 10 years old with Methodist, Christian and Presbyterian congregations as well. Many pastors filled the pulpit in these early days, owing to the practice of "calling" a minister annually. Many of them were students of Howard College who brought new and progressive ideas to the little church. By 1913, the membership of the church had reached 226. Even with additions, the original building had been outgrown and was in need of repair. it was through the influence of R.L. Quinn, then the pastor, that a gray brick and stone church was begun in 1913, on the site of the old frame structure. It was reminiscent of the Greek Revival Architecture period prominent in the 1800s.

By the late 1940s space had again become a problem and the members were faced with making a decision to expand on the present site or to seek a new location for a larger and more adequate building. Under the leadership of Rev. Frank T. Smith, the latter alternative was chosen and property was purchased in the North West section of town between old Highway 31 and Crosby Street. The building was planned for three stages of construction. The first phase, completed in 1956, consisted of a chapel and Sunday School rooms. D.C. Stringfellow was pastor during this initial phase of construction. In 1957, W.L. Carden began twenty years of service. During his pastorate the second phase, a large auditorium was added in 1965. These buildings are of red brick with southern Colonial design.

The church has continued to grow under the leadership of each pastor. Sunday School as well as the organizations of the church have grown and have required additional space. It was decided in 1990 to completely renovate the present building rather than add an additional wing. Needed space was acquired by converting the chapel into educational departments. Ron Wilson was pastor at this time. 1993 marked the retirement (after 20 years) of Earl Jacobs who served faithfully as Minister of Music and Youth and in latter years as Minister of Music and Senior Adults. As we celebrate our 110th anniversary we continue pressing toward the goal that our forefathers set for us. First Baptist Church of Hartselle is a Christ-centered, Bible-based Baptist church. We seek to introduce people to Christ, nurture them toward Christian maturity, and live together in fellowship as a Baptist people.

Pastors, in order, have included [dates available in published history]: Charles Hare, W.B. Carter, Jackson Gunn, H.J. Halbrooks, T.R. Bragg, Issac Windsor, W.T. Cobbs, J.B. Kilpatrick, J.G. Lowery, F.C. David (interim), J.M. McCord, Albert W. Brisco, O.T. Anderson, A.A. Walker, J.A. Huff (interim), R.L. Quinn, Horace Greely Williams, M.Bunyan Smith, Grover Cleveland Walker, Claud Dow Boozer, S.L. Heath, D.W. Burson, Frank T. Smith, Carl B. Allen, D.C. Stringfellow, W.L. Carden, Brooks Barkley, Michael P. Calvert, and Ron Wilson.

-by Daisy Little; edited by author. Information also was contributed by Dianne Walters.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF NEW DECATUR

(See Sixteenth Avenue)

FIRST SOUTHERN, HARTSELLE

(See Northside)

*FLINT BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Flint, Alabama

(This is another congregation that is historically significant, worthy of further research and perhaps even "historic marker" status. Neither in Gilbert Edwards' history of the town nor in the information sent by the church is much recorded about the monumental contribution of the Burleson family baptized by Flint (then Mt. Pisgah) Baptist Church - See Distinguished Morgan County Baptists. Shackelford states that Dr. Rufus C. Burleson, who baptized General Sam Houston and became president of Baylor University, "has done more for the religious and educational advancement of Texas than any one man." Furthermore, "his life as a minister has been spent elsewhere, but occasionally he visits his old home and preaches at the church where he first met the Savior. In April, 1889, he preached a jubilee sermon, commemorative of his baptism at Mt. Pisgah fifty years before, to a large congregation . . . It was an interesting and enjoyable occasion and will not soon be forgotten." In more recent years, Flint hosted the association when it had its first debate about the ordination of women (discussed earlier). Moreover, Flint can argue credibly that it is the oldest continuous church in the Morgan County Baptist Association. Have we made a strong enough case for its importance?)

The church was organized May 8, 1824 and was named Cedar Springs Baptist Church. The ordained ministers officiating in the organization were William Byrd (first pastor) and Stephen Penn. Charter members were Peter Keizer, Lucy Edens, James Edens, Rebecca Keizer, John Russell, Minney (a slave), Mary Johnson, Katherine Keizer, Featherstone Walden (elected first clerk), Cathy Hensley, Elizabeth Sims, Mary Walden, Jafes Callaway, Daniel (a slave), and Nichademus Hackworth. [List of charter members taken from Minutes, 1989, p.18.] It is not certain where the first place of meeting was or what kind of building the church had. On Saturday before the second Sunday in January 1830 the church discussed another building, then on the fourth Sunday in the month it was decided to build at Crow's Spring on the property of Francis Crow. When the new building was completed the name of the church was changed to Mount Pisgah. the Mount Pisgah cemetery now occupies the same location.

In 1891 a new building was completed one-fourth mile west of Flint and was occupied the third Sunday in April. This building was destroyed by fire in 1918 and a new building was built in Flint City in 1919. The name of the church was then changed from Mt. Pisgah to Flint Baptist. In 1965, under the direction of Pastor Howard Smallwood the church built another building on an eighteen acre lot one block north of the later building. Pastor Smallwood served the church until February 1970. Pastors since that time: Steve Tucker (1970-72); John Hamilton (December 1972-75); James Chitwood (1976-83); John Whitlock (1984-85); Reuben "Lucky" Teague (1985-92); and Gary W. Waddell (1992- ). [At press time, Gary Cardwell was the new pastor at Flint.]

-submitted by Peggy Cobb; see also G. Edwards, Flint, Alabama: A Southern Town

*FORREST HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

north of Somerville, Alabama

In 1966, a widow donated some land for the purpose of building the Forrest [or Forest, in some listings] Hill Baptist Church. The widow's name was Mrs. Crucie Echols and work began when the first footing was poured on December 19th of that same year. The first church service was held February 5, 1969 and the church was officially organized March 12, 1967. The new sanctuary was completed October 15, 1967 and the note burning service was held July 8, 1973. Since that time, more land has been purchased for a cemetery on River Road and a new building addition has been completed. Presently church members are remodeling the nursery and pre-school wing. Pastors who have served at Forrest Hill are Coleman Taylor, Cecil Berry, Herbert Chunn, James Troglan, Jimmy Faulk, James Archibald, and the present pastor - Harry Moody.

Pastor Harry Moody and his wife, Melba, begin their 30th year in the ministry this summer. They reside in the Moulton area and came to Forest Hill in 1986 after returning to Alabama from the Army active duty Chaplaincy. Harry served as a Southern Baptist Chaplain with the 101st Airborne Division, Fort Campbell, Kentucky, He currently serves as a Chaplain (Major) with the 87th Division, U.S. Army Reserve in Birmingham. His twenty-five years of military service includes assignments to Europe, the Middle East and South America. The mission of the Army Chaplaincy is to bring me to God and God to men. The church at Forrest Hill has been very supportive in allowing him to continue his military ministry. Harry is a graduate of Samford University, New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Harry and Melba have two children and three grandchildren with the fourth due in September.

Key elements of worship at Forrest Hill Baptist Church are prayer and praise. Although the church is young, having been founded in 1967, the style of worship is reminiscent of Baptists of two generations ago. First time visitors are impressed with the spirit of love, joy, and acceptance they find when they enter the doors. All people are joyously welcomed and are made to feel at home, a part of the church family. The church is located on Bluff City Road, just north of River Road, about 3.5 miles north of Somerville. -submitted by Thomas H. Moody

GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH (Independent)

Though never a member of the association, Grace was founded around 1950 by a group from Central who felt a void after the untimely death of fiery "soul-winning" pastor John Cowell (The Decatur Daily 11/6/77). Independent from its inception, it was critical of denominational bureaucracies ("some will even send you a year's supply of suggested sermons") and for years ran Grace Baptist School in Decatur, which recently consolidated with several nondenominational groups to form Decatur Heritage Christian Academy.

*GUM SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

The Gum Springs [or Gum Spring, in some listings] Baptist Church had its beginning in October of 1871. The founding group of believers met at Mount Pleasant school to organize the church. The school was located approximately one fourth mile North of the present site of the church beside the creek. Following is the actual minutes of that organizational meeting:

The Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church was constituted on October 18, 1871. We, whose names are herein subscribed, believe in the necessity of a combination of persons for the purpose of the worship of God. We, the undersigned, being members of the Baptist Church have this day called a presbytery to organize us into a church, namely elder Tom J. Weaver, deacon James Tapscott and J.J. Weaver, who met and after consultation Brother J.J. Weaver made known the intentions of the meeting and called for letters from other churches. J. J. Weaver, Clerk, and the following persons presented letters: J.R. Brown, T.J. Weaver, J.W. Tapscott, Sarah Brown, C.E. Tapscott and L.H. Tapscott. Brother Brown was then chosen as spokesman for the church, examination and prayer was by Brother James Tapscott, after which a song was sung and the right hand of fellowship was extended to the church. The church was then named Mount Pleasant. The doors were opened for the reception of members. H.A. Brown, J.J. Brown, N.V. Brown and Marty Johnson joined by experience. J.W. Tapscott was appointed clerk . . .

The name was changed in July 1872 from Mount Pleasant to Gum Springs. The church got its name from a spring nearby that flowed through a hollow gum log that still flows today. The church joined the [Muscle Shoals] Baptist Association in October, 1872.

The first church built on the present site was in 1879. The original Gum Springs Church was small and the crowds were large. Of course, the building was without the convenience of central heat and air that we enjoy today. Because of the large crowds, seating was constructed outside of pine blocks and wide boards. Mothers with young children could sit in the cool breeze and still hear the service inside.

On a Thursday night in October, 1909 between 8 and 9 o'clock the church was completely destroyed by a tornado. This didn't destroy the spirit of the congregation, however. On the following Sunday morning they met to worship amidst the ruins and made plans to rebuild. The new building was completed in 1910. It was used until 1954 when a new building was constructed which is presently being used as a fellowship hall. [Author's note: Associational minutes state that Gum Springs was "reinstated" in 1934, but no explanation was found.] It was completely remodeled in 1966 and the present sanctuary was constructed. In 1992, a 3000 square ft. educational facility was added to the church complex. During the same time the parking lot was paved and the sanctuary remodeled.

Pastors have included Tom J. Weaver, W.S. Duncan, W.B. Carter, John D. McClanahan, J.E. Roan, J.W. Simpson, J.B. Huckabee, A.A. Pannell, Lantee Smallwood, W.E. Wright, J.E. Weaver, J.M. Hitt, ? Powers, J.A. Maples, Dewey Crowe, Frank Smith, Billy Stephenson, ? Pickens, Carl Green, ? Johnson, Jasper Kelly, Howard Nethery, Paul McCleskey, Maylon Collins, Clifford Collins, J.E. Bishop, J. Harold Bennett, Jerry Ferguson, Lynn Dozier, Billy Hamlin, J.H. Lowery, B.B. Isley (interim), Wendall Callahan, Bobby Newsom, Lloyd Helton, Robert Slack, Hank Smith, Joe Hoover (interim), and the present pastor, Jim Smith.

The Gum Springs Baptist Church has a rich heritage. Many people have been saved and many lives changed as a result of the ministry of the church. The community has been affected with the constant dedication of the members of Gum Springs. Our 122 years of existence are a reminder of perseverance, hard work, and dedication. May we take the torch of Faith into the next century with the same dedication of our forefathers. -by Jim Smith; edited by author

HARTSELLE BAPTIST

(See First Baptist, Hartselle)

*HIGHLAND BAPTIST CHURCH

Union Grove, Alabama

Highland, which has a Lacey's Spring mailing address, remains a very small church today, as it did in 1962 when it joined the Morgan County Baptist Association. Its participation in the association is minimal. Pastors have included Fred O. Brown, Coleman Taylor, Earl Clutts, James B. Weaver, and Radford Pritchett.

*HOPEWELL BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

near Danville, Alabama

One of the oldest churches in Morgan County, Hopewell was organized on the first Saturday in December 1824. It is mentioned in Hosea Holcombe's 1840 A History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists of Alabama. The presbytery was composed of "Elders John Birdwell, Stephen, Walden, and Featherstone [F. Walden? - see Flint]. Charter members were Barkley Ballard, Polly Ballard, William Johnson, Sarah McDowell, Martha Rodgers, James Simmons, Stacy Simmons, Elizabeth Simmons, Polly Simmons, Solomon Simmons, Mary Simmons, Nicholas Gillentine Sr., Jane Gillentine, Richard L. Gillentine Jr., Martha Gillentine. Annie Gillentine, Gideon Spalden, and Nancy Spalden." The first deacon was Nicholas Gilentine and the first clerk was William Johnson. The first recorded pastor was Henry W. Hodges in 1827.

The church was located on land deeded to the church by William Johnson, "near the well of Brother Simmons" about two and one-half miles east of Danville, eight tenths of a mile south of what is now Highway 36, between Hartselle and Danville. The church was received into the Muscle Shoals Association in July, 1825.

Hopewell is "a very strong and liberal church and stands up for the missionary effort." Down through the years members left and started new churches. Lebanon Baptist is one of these churches. Hopewell split in 1952 and several members left and West Hartselle Baptist was formed. In 1970 Deer Springs Baptist was formed. The present building was constructed in 1952 and the educational building in 1986. While researching history of the association, the author discovered that in 1875, a president of Judson College, Jesse G. Nash (See Distinguished Morgan County Baptists) apparently left there and came to Dr. Shackelford's school in Danville to teach. For at least one year, he simultaneously pastored Moulton Baptist Church and Hopewell. He is named in Moulton's list of pastors, but many of Hopewell's early records are incomplete and therefore he had not been previously listed.

Today, Hopewell is small in number, but large on love and serving the Lord. Pastors have included (with starting dates): Henry W. Hodges (1827), Joseph Lane (1829), James Eden (1833), Sylvanus Gibson (1834), William Lucus (1853), W.W. Wilhite (1854), Jackson Gunn (1870), J.S. Gibson (1873), [Jesse G. Nash 1875], E.D. Stephenson (1879), T.H. Stamps (1881), Matt Lyon (1883,who later co-authored Dr. Shackelford's book), J.D. McClanahan (1884, 1894, 1899, 1910, 1921), W.T. Cobbs (1893), M. Briscoe (1895), W.B. White (1907), F.J. Schlesses (1912), Lante Smallwood (1916, 1944), J.H. Halbrooks (1918), V.B. Ross (1919), G.C. Walker (1924), J.T. Anderson (1926), W.E. Pritchard (1927), George Pane[or Payne] (1934), N.R. Griffin (1937), Sam Granade (1938), Dolphus Price (1941), Guy Petty (1943), John M. Hendon (1947), E.D. Garrett (1948), V.L. Foust (1949), Joe H. Slate (1950), Harold Wright (1951), Lyndon Montgomery (1953), Charles Maples (1955), J.H. Bennett (1956), Floyd Parker (1957), Robert Champion (1960), George Brown (1963), William Terry (1964), Russell Lance (1967), Bobby Speegle (1968), Ray Speakman (1969), Bobby Couey (1970), C.D. Shaneyfelt (1971), Joe Anders (1975), Olan Whitten (1976), Dewitt Crowe (1982), Donnie McDonald (1987), and David Bradford (1991). -submitted by Wanda Mullins; edited

with additional information by author

IMMANUEL BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

Immanuel joined the Morgan County Baptist Association in 1984 and was dropped by 1991, after having disbanded. James B. Minter was its pastor.

*LEBANON BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

near Falkville, Alabama

Instead of just a short sketch, Lebanon (which was founded in 1845 as Bethany, an "arm of Hopewell") sent only a copy of its 1979 published history, one of the most surprisingly delightful I've ever encountered. It is too lengthy to be adequately summarized by this author. Those interested in the rich story of this congregation of believers, located on Hwy 55 of Morgan County, would not be disappointed by obtaining a copy for themselves. With warm humor and affection, Altha Barkley Shaneyfelt writes with firsthand knowledge and a personal touch that only a descendant of Lebanon's early families could devote such insight. Lebanon has sent out several preachers, including James Shaneyfelt and A. Ray Lee. It is "worth the price of admission" just to read excerpts from letters written in 1962 from 85-year-old Sallie Wilhite Miles of Sherman, Texas, granddaughter of early pastor W.W. Wilhite.

All 22 charter members are listed in the book, as well as a fairly complete list of pastors. The latter includes well known Morgan County preachers S.R.C. Adams, J.N. Thompson, J.D. McClanahan, W.J. Briscoe, T.H. Weaver, J.I. Stockton, J.E. Roan, through Jesse Higginbothan (described as "dedicated to the cause of Christ and deeply rooted in the Word", who began as pastor in 1977). Of J.D. McClanahan, the author writes: "He served Lebanon as pastor four different times. He was a great old Warrior of Faith...The last night he was on earth he sang "How Firm a Foundation", quoted some scripture, took his text, started preaching and went right on through the gates of Glory . . . at the ripe old age of 99." Pastor Lantee Smallwood (father of Howard, Vernon, and Wilbur, who all became preachers) is praised as "another great old Soldier of the Cross...During the week he and his wife worked side by side in the crop and when they stopped for dinner, he studied his Bible for a message while she cooked dinner, then they were back to the field. When summer came, he left his crop to go preach in protracted meetings, and his wife took the plow handles...Saturday nights she was usually working till midnight, preparing clothes and many times mending shoes for the children to wear to church the next day...Bro. Smallwood was never able to own a really good vehicle, just always an old used model...The author remembers seeing him stand in the pulpit at Lebanon, in severe winter, and preach wearing his overcoat...Only God knows the number of souls brought into the Kingdom by his preaching. . ."

*LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

Liberty Baptist Church was organized on September 4, 1977, with Bro. Jimmy Chapman as pastor. We worshipped in a storefront in Tanner Heights. We bought land on Lane Road, built the present building, and it was dedicated on May 6, 1979.

The following [have also been] pastors of Liberty: Bob Williams, Ray Stewart (during whose pastorate we built a beautiful pastorium in 1988); Larry Thrasher, and the present pastor is Bro. Bud Mayfield. At the present time our Sunday School enrollment is fifty. We have the AWANAs program for our children. Harold and Dot Segars have childrens' church each Sunday. Deacons at present are N.A. Bowling, Collins Brown, and William Glasgow. -by N. Austell Bowling; edited by author

*LIBERTY BAPTIST CHURCH

Lacey's Spring, Alabama

Associational files indicate that Liberty was founded in 1981; the members unanimously petitioned for membership into the association in August of 1985, and it was admitted in 1986. Pastors have included Larry Saint, Lynn Harvel, and Smith Ledbetter.

*MACEDONIA (WEST) BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

(Author's note: Neither "Macedonia East" nor "Macedonia West" are listed in the founding churches of the association in 1919, but both were listed by 1920. I tried in vain to discover what happened to "Macedonia East" - Did it disband? Did they merge? - but the present church is Macedonia West. Perhaps a wise reader will enlighten me.)

Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church was organized on the last Monday in September 1879 with 12 members. J.D. McClanahan and Elder F.M. Yeager comprised the organizing presbytery. First deacons were Enoch Walraven and John Bramlett. The church was a part of the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association until the Morgan County Association was organized. A new church was built in 1929 on the site of the present location, approximately 5 miles west of Flint City and 10 miles south of Decatur, on approx. one acre of land donated by Frank Napps. When a group of men began tearing down the old church about the middle of the afternoon, the building collapsed suddenly, killing John L. McCullough instantly, and seriously injuring Dave Sams and Elbert Kitchens. When the new church was finished, J.D. McClanahan requested permission to preach the first sermon, since he had helped organize the church and had preached the first sermon. The vision for our present sanctuary began in 1978 when Ruth Miller gave an acre of land, doubling the church's property. The Building Program began with the addition of seven classrooms, bathrooms, new kitchen facilities, and heating and air conditioning units. The previous main entrance was closed in at this time, and the exterior of the building was bricked. A large bricked cross was included in the exterior design. Our present sanctuary was dedicated on September 25, 1983, with a special Homecoming service. On this day, Andy Miller and Stephen McCullough were the first two members to be baptized in the church's first baptistry. In 1992, a few years after the church was annexed into Decatur's city limits, an additional purchase of land brought the total church property to four acres.

Believing that God blesses churches as well as individuals who obediently give tithes and offerings so that His Word may be spread throughout the world, our church has continually participated in missions, giving to the Cooperative Program, State and Associational Missions, Lottie Moon and Annie Armstrong Offerings, as well as community missions. We have also sponsored a weekly Sunday School class and a monthly worship service at West Morgan Health Care Facility at Trinity, Alabama, for more than 30 years. God has blessed us through growth -both spiritually and physically, and we now have a resident membership of approximately 170.

W.K. Stephenson is currently serving our church as pastor, and deacons include Mark Clark, Dan Compton, Kenneth Harpe, Kevin Keenum, Buck McCullough, Davis McRight, and Melvin Miller. We thank God for His blessings on our church and are reminded of His promise in II Chronicles 7:14 to "humble ourselves, pray, seek God's face, and turn from our wicked ways" so He will continue to bless Macedonia Baptist Church with a renewed vision.

Pastors have included J.D. McClanahan (1879-86; 1928); J.M. Roberts (1887-89); John Speer (1890-93); ? Martin (1894-95); J.I. Stockton (1896-98, 1901-03, 1909-10); W.J? Briscoe (1899-1900); M.E. Rome (1903); ? Eave (1903-06); ? Davis (1907-08); J.D. Prater (1911-15); N.M. Moore (1916); B.T. Harvell (1917-21); J.W. Jones (1922); J.M. Hitt (1923); John Hitt (1924-26); E.H. Henderson (1927); L.E. Toone (1929-36); W.N. "Bud" Bynum (1936-1940); I.W. Myers (1941-44); Don Hill (1945); L.C. Hill (1946-48, 1950-52); O.C. Weaver (1949); W.A. Tucker (1952-54); Floyd Parker (Interim 1955); Lyndon Montgomery (1955-56, 1965-67); Charles Maples (1956-57); J.M. Pickens (1958-64); Eric Bowling (Interim 1964); Kenneth Graham (1967-1970); Martin Chenault (1970-72); Charles Slaten (1972-73); Harvie Reynolds Jr. (1974-76); J.W. Hampton (Interim 1976); Earl Holt (1977-87); Matthew Nail (1987-90); and W.K. Stephenson (Interim 1987, and 1990-present). -submitted by Mrs. L. Miller; edited

by author. A copy of the following letter was found in the associational files, dated 2/22/27: Dear Bro. Washburn:

Thinking over the past history of my life, I organized Macedonia Church 47 years ago under

a chestnut tree. This was my first Pastorate, so I want to make an appointment for the fifth Sunday in May next; I want to see the place and all the people. I have no conveyance [trans- portation], so if it can be arranged to get me out of Flint in the morning and back to meet the evening train South at 3:30 P.M.

Yours truly,

J.D. McClanahan

*MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

On October 18, 1969, approximately 50 families met in Monsanto Park, Decatur, Alabama. From that meeting came the organization of a church later to be known as Memorial Baptist Church. Dr. W.J. Johnson was called as pastor, a position which he held for 16 years. The church rented a building at 415 7th Avenue SW and began to be known as Seventh Avenue Baptist Church, chartered with 52 families.

On July 29, 1970 the R.E. Hardwick family made 6.85 acres available to the church at a minimal cost and on August 5, 1970 the church was officially named Memorial Baptist Church. Incorporation papers were filed on October 7, 1970. The church was accepted into the Morgan County Baptist Association on October 14, 1971.

On February 6, 1972 construction of a church building began under the supervision of John W. Ferrell, Sr., a charter member, at 2616 Arms Avenue SE, Decatur, Alabama. A dedication ceremony was held on January 28, 1973. Dr. Leslie Wright, President of Samford University was the guest speaker. A mortgage burning ceremony was held on June 27, 1982. The church was debt free. The building and furnishings were valued at $450,000. Dr. Johnson retired as pastor December 29, 1985. Rev. Bill Simrell was called as interim pastor and served in that position until the church called Rev. W.J. "Bill" Nugent was pastor on May 21, 1986.

Under the supervision of Benton Garner, supervisor, and James Reeder, assistant supervisor both charter members of the church, construction was begun on a new educational building on December 16, 1987. Dedication ceremonies were held on August 28, 1988, and the building was named The Hardwick Educational Building.

Dr. W.J. Johnson, first pastor, died April 7, 1989. Rev. Bill Nugent resigned as pastor in July 1992. Rev. E.T. Waddell was called as interim pastor and served in that position until the church called Rev. Robert W. Gordon Jr. ("Bobby") as pastor on January 10, 1993. Rev. Gordon is pastor at this writing September 25, 1994. [At press time, the author was told that Bobby Gordon had resigned in order to begin a new "seeker" type church north of Decatur.]

-submitted by Sue Garner

(Author's note: For years Memorial Baptist was synonymous with its pastor W.J. Johnson. He was an active denominational leader in his earlier years, having served as chair of the Alabama Baptist State Executive Board (now State Board of Missions); called by one of his members at the time "possibly the highest honor that can come to a preacher of the state except for being elected president of the Convention." He served on the site selection committee which led to the Alabama Baptist Children's Home choosing Decatur for its new branch in 1970; and received an honorary doctorate from Samford University. In his recent autobiography, George Bagley extensively praises his old hunting partner Bill Johnson as someone who "helped me get things done." Smith Ledbetter told this author that "if you heard W.J. Johnson preach behind a curtain you'd not be able to tell if it were him or W.A. Criswell; that's how good a preacher he was.")

MODAUS ROAD

(See Cedar Ridge)

MOULTON HEIGHTS

(See Decatur Baptist - Independent)

*MT. CARMEL BAPTIST CHURCH

near Eva, Alabama

Prior to the organization of Mt. Carmel, I.W. Myers held a number of services in the Union Hill School building with its principal Rev. W.H. Varnell. In the summer of 1930 Rev. Myers conducted a revival in the woods near the school.

Mt. Carmel Baptist Church located near Eva was organized July 25, 1930 in the Union Hill School building at 3:00 in the afternoon. Several sister churches were present and the need for a Missionary Baptist Church for this area of the county was recognized. The following charter members formed the church: J.F. Brown, Leldon Brown, Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Henry, R.G. Parker, Rosa Sellers, Tiny Sellers, Mr. and Mrs. Lanzo Summerford, Mrs. W.C. Wright, Maggie Wright, and Rev. and Mrs. W.H. Varnell. The church's first pastor was W.H. Varnell from 1930-33. The first deacons were R.I. Wright and Thomas McGurkin.

In 1933 a one room church building was erected on a small plot near the school and was used until July 1945, when Union Hill School was consolidated with Eva High School. The school house and two acres of land were given to Mt. Carmel by the Morgan County Board of Education. This building and land were used until the present building was erected in 1958. M. G. Mann came as pastor in 1958 and worked with members to finish the auditorium and the first Sunday School and Training Union rooms.

James Brooks came as pastor in 1960. It was during his tenure that a pastorium and one acre of land was bought. Pastor Wayne Voss came in 1967. It was during his tenure that the church bought two acres behind the church to be used for a cemetery. Through special contributions the land was paid off in three months. Billy Teague came as pastor in 1969. A new addition was added to the present building. The members worked hard and built 8 additional Sunday School/Church Training rooms, 2 restrooms, kitchen, fellowship hall, pastor's study and a baptistry. With bountiful blessings from the Lord, the church never had to go in debt for any of the materials. A heating and cooling system was installed. New pews were purchased along with two pulpit pews and communion table. There have been 21 pastors.

The present pastor (written in 1986) is Billy Joe Gable. During his tenure the new addition as well as the pastorium were bricked. Mt. Carmel is completely debt free and has a fulltime pastor and a paid choir director. We have had a total of 475 and membership is presently 256 (as of 1986). Mt. Carmel was blessed to have had a church clerk who served for 42 years, Mrs. Lillie Mae Woodruff. Efforts have been made to gather a list of all baptized at Mt. Carmel since 1930. -from a 1986 sketch in the associational files by Maryann Strickland; edited by author

*MT. NEBO BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

near Falkville, Alabama

(The beautiful Mt. Nebo church still meets in its 1885 building, which the author found by driving south on Danville Road. Go past Danville school, turn left on Hwy 157 and go a mile or two towards Cullman; the church is on the left. The sign still says "Mt. Nebo Missionary Baptist Church 1869" and its old bell out front still rings. It is worth the drive.)

As with most churches, Mt. Nebo began with a few neighbors and friends who felt the need for a house of worship. According to records, twelve charter members and their families made up the first congregation and Mt. Nebo was "constituted on the third Sabbath in October 1869." The first building burned in 1885 and the present auditorium was constructed. In July 1886 a three acre plot of land was deeded to the church by James W. and Elizabeth Gibson. Thirty-three pastors have served Mt. Nebo through its 124 years. W.C. Witt was the first and our church is now being ably served by Wayne Voss [as of 1993].

This church was first alliliated with the Muscle Shoals Association but some time later became a member of the Morgan County Association [a founding member, 1919].

A special service celebrating "100 Years of History of Mt. Nebo Church" was held in October 1969 with guest speakers and representatives from many of the churches throughout the association. Since 1969 two additions have been added to the auditorium. These are a fellowship hall and kitchen, Sunday School rooms and bathrooms. The auditorium was also renovated with lowered ceilings, paneling and carpeting.

Being located in a rural area, Mt. Nebo Church has never had a large membership. Enrollment has varied from 87 members in 1884 to the smallest number of 40 in 1910. Currently we have 63 members. We have Sunday School, morning and evening worship services and Discipleship Training each Sunday. We also have Wednesday night prayer services and Bible School. The number of residents in our community is steadily growing. Under the very capable leadership of Bro. and Mrs. Voss, we are praying for growth in commitment, dedication, and service - also in numbers. -by Mrs. James H. Hopkins, clerk. (There is a longer sketch in the associational files, from Mrs. I.W. Myers' centennial sketch. It lists charter members as J.C. Cox, W.C. Witt, Josey Witt, John W. Gibson, Mary Gibson, John Gibson, L.L. Gibson, D.W. Sherrell, R.B. Gibson, Sarah Sherrell, J.H. Day, and J.D. Turentine. An incomplete list of pastors 1869-1969 in order includes W.C. Witt, W.W. Wilhite, W.B. Carter, S.R.C. Adams, W.T. Cobbs, J.B. Huckabee, J.D. McClanahan, M. Briscoe, W.J. Briscoe, S.B. Gibson, W.T. Kelley, J.I. Stockton, James G. Carr, V.B. Ross, J.M. Hitt, C.K. Parker, W.D. Payne, W.E. Pritchard, J.A. Maples, Lantee Smallwood, E.E. Matthews, I.W. Myers, Armon Briscoe, Roosevelt Pepper(s?), Garland T. Hancock, Horace Fielding, and Olan Whitten. She noted that Shackelford's book records that "this church has had to contend with a great deal of false doctrine which was disseminated in its midst." Mrs. Myers adds: "We can remember that in more recent years the same statement could well be repeated. But even through all the trying experiences the love and loyalty to a Loving Savior has held the Church true to the Master's cause with a stronger faith.")

MT. PISGAH

(See Flint)

MT. PLEASANT

(See Gum Springs)

MT. TABOR BAPTIST CHURCH

Marshall County, Alabama

This church near the edge of Morgan County was a member of the Morgan County Association from 1924 until dismissed to the Marshall Association in 1926; it has information in its records about New Canaan Baptist Church and the Criscoe family. (See also history of Pine Ridge.)

*MT. VIEW (or MOUNTAIN VIEW) BAPTIST CHURCH

(The author found three starting dates claimed for Mt. View: 1925, when a group began meeting in a schoolhouse; 1928, when it affiliated with an Independent Baptist organization; and 1952, when the church "reorganized" with 35 "charter members" after its building burned, at which time it aligned with the Morgan County Baptist Association. The Myers' files did not acknowledge the older church as the same one; although information adapted from a 6-page sketch sent by Pastor David Taylor and written by J. Anthony Lindsey, claims the 1925 date for its origin. He notes that all early dates and facts are "approximate due to being past by word by mouth", in that the church and all its records burned in 1951 (or 1952). Other notes by Lindsey (1991) in the associational file give 1928 as a starting date. The author will attempt to condense all of it below, take two Tylenol, and leave it at that for now!)

Mt. View Baptist Church was started in 1928 (or 1925) when several families saw a need for a community church. They met and started holding meetings in the Mountain View School House. In 1935 (or 1937) Mt. View School and several other rural schools in the area were forced to close and were consolidated into Eva High School. Shortly after this the members purchased the one-room school house from the Morgan County Board of Education; this building then became the home of Mt. View Independent Baptist Church. Mt. View and the surrounding community churches were affiliated with the Morgan-Winston Independent Baptist Association.

The church received a crushing blow when the building was destroyed by fire. Also around this time dissension arose in the Independent association and it was dissolved. Without a church building, and with the association dissolved, services were held bi-weekly in the homes of members. On September 7, 1952, the church building was reorganized by Rev. L.E. Toon and Rev. W.A. Petty. The title was changed to Mt. View Missionary Baptist Church and it became affiliated with the Morgan County Baptist Association.

Today, some sixty-five years later, Mountain View Baptist Church has grown from a one-room rural school building to a fine facility, among these a nice sanctuary with a seating capacity of 192 people, an educational wing with ten classrooms; a kitchen and fellowship hall, and a gymnasium. In 1962 a bell tower and steeple were added; and a "sister church" donated the bell which still rings at the beginning of the morning worship service each Sunday. Pastors of the "old" Mt. View church included William Tanner, Howard Nethery, L.E. Toon, W.A. Petty, W.O. Lindsey and Lubby Veal. All but the last two were "circuit riding preachers" who came to Mt. View when it was part of the "Eva Circuit" (probably all Independent), along with Oden('s) Ridge, Pine Burr (Lawrence's Cove), and Gravel Ridge (Eva Baptist). Services were only held once a month at each, with Mt. View's occurring the first Saturday night and Sunday morning of each month. Pastors (in order) of the newer church have included W.A. Petty, J.H. Anders, J.H. Lowery, Bobby Couey, Russell Lance, Arvil Hendrix, Jesse Estes, Wayne Vincent, Raymond Brown, Harry Lawrence, Rayburn Terry, Whitt Wray, Steve Brown, and David Taylor (since 1991). Mt. View Christian School for kindergarten through 11th grade was operated from 1974-78, when it closed "due to the lack of funds and help."

Anthony Lindsey closes by saying, "As you read this history, please pray that Mt. View will continue to go, give, and reach the world for Christ...Let us continue in our labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. The best is yet to be!"

*MT. ZION BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

near Hartselle, Alabama

(No information was received from Mt. Zion, a founding church of the Morgan County Baptist Association. Except for more recent pastors, the following is taken from a 1953 sketch found in associational files, written for the church's 100th Anniversary in 1953; author is unknown.)

On May 8, 1853 Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church was constituted at what is now known as Piney Grove [Christian?] Church, some three miles south of our present location. The presbytery was composed of Elder Enoch Vines [Windes?], W.W. Wilhite, J.K. Lynn, and M.A. Verser. The following were the constituent [charter] members: Samuel Francis, Elizabeth Francis, James Tabscott, John W. Francis, C.L. Wilhite, S.L. Wilhite, and W.W. Wilhite.

The church convened at Piney Grove until November 1869, and then was moved to Thompson's School House, this being the ground upon which the present building now stands. About 1871, a building was erected near the old school house, which was repaired and added to in 1880. In April, 1901, the building burned to the ground. A committee was appointed to rebuild and another building was completed in 1902. On March 22, 1932, disaster struck again and the church building was destroyed by a tornado, but the spirit of the church was not destroyed; and with faith and a forward look, the people erected a new building in 1933 in which we now worship. In recent years this building has been enlarged; and upon adopting a full-time program of service in April 1952, five Sunday School rooms were provided, and the auditorium was completely reworked. A gas heating system was also installed. This was done because the "people had a mind to work."

The first ordained deacons were R. Ratliff and James Tabscott. Pastors have included W.W. Wilhite, followed by W.G.W. Smith, C.W. Callahan, J.N. Thompson, S.R.C. Adams, Elder ? Stamps, C.A. Owens, W.(J?) Briscoe, J.D. McClanahan, J.E. Eaves, G.C. Walker(?), J.E. Roan, Lantee Smallwood, J.A. Blankenship, V.B. Ross, T.J. (or J.T.) Anderson, C.D.Boozer, L.E. Toon(e), Frank T. Smith, Billy Stephenson, Paul McCluskey, W.E. Pritchard, Alva E. Jones, D.C. Prince, Jim Caudell, Maxwell Harper, William Terry, Jerry Ferguson, Hollis Phillips, Ronnie Bullard, and Greg Alred.

MOUNTAIN OAKS

(See Northside)

*NEW CANAAN BAPTIST CHURCH

Union Hill, Alabama

George Washington Criscoe and his wife, Jemima Prince Criscoe were among the early settlers of the Brindlee Mountain area in northeast Morgan County. They were founding members of Mt. Tabor Church. They both signed the constitution, and Mr. Criscoe was one of the first deacons. However, in September of 1884, the Criscoes and their daughter, Adeline Wolff were granted their letters of dismissal. It is believed that they left Mt.Tabor to form New Canaan. [It did not join the Morgan County Association until 1924, the same year as Mt. Tabor.)

The original New Canaan Church building was located at the head of Newsome Sinks north of the old New Canaan cemetery. The church was a one-room log building. Preaching was held once a month in good weather. Apparently, the last time this building was used by the Baptists was for a revival held by John Bowling in 1904. About this time, the church began using the schoolhouse at Union Hill for services.

In 1910, a section of land was deeded to the church by Frank Brooks and his wife. It was located across from the school. Here, the Baptists established themselves permanently. Soon afterward, Theodore Wolff (grandson of the founding Criscoes) erected a church building; however, it was not used very long because it was not properly braced so that its side bowed out; the roof eventually fell in. While without a building, the church used Union Hill school again. In 1929, a new church was erected. John Bowling donated the lumber and paid for the labor to construct the church. [Few early records from New Canaan exist. An older sketch of New Canaan on file, written by Julie Kahrs, states that John Bowling "was a respected man in the Union Hill area. He established his home at the head of Newsome Sinks, and along with his preaching he ran a sawmill, a gristmill, a cotton gin, and a general store."] In 1946, this church was replaced with a block building. The church's budget at that time was $297.71.

In 1953, New Canaan began to have preaching every Sunday for the first time. Al Funderburke was the pastor at that time. In October of 1955, the church approved plans to build a parsonage. However, the church was having difficulty meeting operational costs. During this time, the church was raising crops and they decided to use the proceeds from the crops to pay for the parsonage, which was completed in 1956. In 1960, New Canaan decided to build a new auditorium with a baptistry. The old block building was used for classrooms. By 1967, new classrooms were added, and the old block building was torn down. In 1971, Doug Simrell was called to pastor New Canaan. Simrell served until 1976 when he and his wife were appointed as missionaries to the Ivory Coast where they are still serving today. The church then called Eldridge Criscoe as pastor who, ironically, is the great-grandson of founding members George and Jemima Criscoe. During his pastorship, New Canaan experienced healthy growth and began plans for a 500-seat auditorium, which was completed in the church's centennial year.

Since 1984, New Canaan has continued to expand its programs involving youth, children, senior adults, music, education, and outreach. These programs are headed by Al South, pastor; Jennelle Yancey, music director; and Jim Northway, youth/children's director.

-submitted by New Canaan Baptist Church; edited by author

*NEW CENTER BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

near Hartselle, Alabama

(In addition to the sketch submitted below, there is also a 22-page history of New Center that was prepared by Sarah Halbrooks and the youth department in 1976, with an update through 1986. Also, as this book went to press the author had an enjoyable conversation with Maxine (Mrs. Henry) Gibson, corresponding secretary for the Morgan County Genealogical Society, who said she was compiling a much more extensive history of New Center for publication; also, its cemetery, the Union Hill area, and other churches (not just Baptist) in the area - including pictures. Thanks to new Morgan County Archivist Susan Bzdell for helping me locate her!)

New Center Baptist Church was founded September September 5, 1886 with five people: E.P. Simmons, W.M. Bryant, S.M. Simmons, E. Ferguson, and Drucilla Ferguson. The first pastor was Rev. W.E. Wright and the first baptism took place September 19, 1886 when J.M. Holaway, J.N. Holaway, and Elizabeth Maples were baptized. Training Union was organized in 1946. The first Vacation Bible School was in 1947 and the Women's Missionary Union was organized in 1962. The first full-time pastor was Rev. Roy Black in 1963. The Royal Ambassador Program was organized in 1970. Listed below are the pastors and interim pastors:

W.E. Wright (1886-1926); J.E. Roan (1926-27); Lante Smallwood (1927-28); W.H. Varnell (1928-29); J.T. Blankenship (1929-32); W.D. Crow (1932-46); M.G. Fields (1946-47); O.C. Marsh (1947-48; Jasper Kelly (1948-1950); Wilbur Smallwood (1950-53); J.M. Pickens (1953-55); Dean Sims (1956-62); Roy Black (1963-65); Kenneth Mullins (1966-67); Jack Belew (1967-69); Olan Whitten (1969-76); Curtis Rush (1976-79); Rayburn Morgan (1980-87); and Robert E. ["Bob"] Williams (1987-present). Interim pastors that have served: Gilbert Speake, J.H. Hitt, Bob Trammell, and Joe Hoover. -by Tammy Whitten, church clerk

NEW DECATUR (CENTRAL, FIRST, or SOUTH SIDE)

(See Central, Sixteenth Avenue, or Southside)

*NEW FRIENDSHIP BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

between Priceville and Somerville, Alabama

No information was received from New Friendship, which is unfortunate because it is one of the older churches of the association; it is a beautiful church nestled in its own corner as you drive around the bend. Its cemetery "rules" are displayed prominently. A few notes from I.W. Myers are on file in the associational office, taken from one of his "Bits of History" columns. At the top is boldly proclaimed: "The New Friendship Baptist Church is a product of associational missions." Myers, drawing from Josephus Shackelford, states that it was founded in 1875 by Elder John R. Nesmith, missionary for the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association.

Pastors have included (in order, although several served twice): W.M. Duncan, S.R.C. Adams, W.B. Carter, F.M Yeager, H.J.(J.H?) Halbrooks, T.J. Weaver, J.E. Roan, W.E. Wright, J.S. Wright, J.H. Halbrooks, S.E. Berry, E.H. Henderson, J.C. Whitten, L.E. Toon, Jasper Kelley, G.C. Morris, R.L.(Lee Roy?) Champion, Bunyan Wallace, Floyd O. Parker, Huie Turner, Otis L. Golden, E.H. (Hoody) Richards, Ronald Manly, Grady Crowell, Willard Wampler, Bill Handley, Steve Bonnell, Archie Nix, Mahlon White, and Thomas Smothers.

Also in the files is a letter written from Mrs. E.H. Leemon to I.W. Myers, requesting information having to do with her husband's grandfather, Joseph Leemon, who had been "a deacon of the New Friendship Babtist Church." She ended with "We will be watching for more history of our beloved association." This was written in 1962 - I guess later is better than never!

NEW PROVIDENCE BAPTIST CHURCH

This church was admitted to the association in 1932 but was soon no longer listed. No information about it was found in the Myers' files. This may have been a reference to the "Union Church" (Baptist/Methodist) that Georgia Dunn says was formed for a few years when the old Bethelem Church in Lacey's Spring was destroyed by a tornado in 1932. It had been known as Providence at one time. A senior center now meets in the old Union church building.

*NEW SALEM BAPTIST CHURCH (F?)

Center Grove, Alabama

Shackelford states that the old Salem Baptist Church was located some twelve or fifteen miles east of Somerville (which, or course, was the county seat of Morgan County years ago), and was organized July 30, 1822 with 53 members from the Shilo(h) church. The presbytery consisted of Elders William Byrd, John Nicholson, and James Welch; it adopted the articles of faith of the Flint River Association and joined the Muscle Shoals Association in 1823. (Early pastors deacons, and clerks are listed in Shackelford's book.) He goes on to say that during the War Between the States, the old church had no regular preaching and gradually declined. "There was a lack of unity and a great deal of disorder and contention had sprung up. Discipline could not be enforced." On December 21, 1873, New Salem was organized with 19 members, and the old Salem church was disbanded on December 30th of the same year.

New Salem left the Muscle Shoals Association for a few years, joining the old Mt. Carmel Association from 1878-90, then returned. New Salem is "a growing church and stands firms in the faith", according to Shackelford's description at the time. It was not at the founding meeting that organized the Morgan County Association but was listed by the end of 1919.

Pastors of old Salem included Enoch Windes (1840), J.K. Lynn, M.A. Verser, and J.C. Shelton. Pastors of New Salem, in order from 1873 have been M.A. Verser (twice), C.W. McClelland, J.E. Weaver, F. Rains, E.E. Weaver, T.B. Ramsey, L. Smallwood (twice), B.P. Collier, D.C. Prince (twice), E.R. Champion, Walter Brooks, Frank Richards, Milton Compton, Buford Brackin, T.G. Monroe, J.K. Mayfield (twice), Cline D. Shaneyfelt, Charles Stanley (NOT the one in Atlanta!), Harvie Reynolds, Glen Smallwood, Johnny (J.K?) Mayfield, Gary Peebles, and Harlin Hanes. -from associational records and files

NORTHSIDE DECATUR

(See Parkview)

*NORTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

An earlier Northside Baptist Church in Hartselle was voted into the association in 1967, but apparently never got off the ground. In 1994, the newer Northside was received into the association, a merger of Mountain Oaks Baptist Church (formerly First Southern Baptist Church) and a group from Shady Grove. Jim Hanschumacher is pastor at the present time.

First Southern began as a group that pulled out of First Baptist Hartselle in 1988 with Pastor Michael Calvert, who was later called to a church in Florida. Ronnie Rose followed as pastor. The First Southern/Mountain Oaks church is discussed at great length in 1988 and 1989.

Northside has thus gone by three names and is the third church in the association to be called by "Northside." Perhaps its most noteworthy significance is that Evangelist Junior Hill was a member when he was elected 1st Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention in 1989.

*OAK FOREST BAPTIST CHURCH

Pricevillle, Alabama

(Jere Patterson states that Oak Forest started out to be an Independent congregation, and then was "adopted" as a new work project by individuals within the association around May of 1992. Longtime Morgan County minister William B. (Bill) Lee became its pastor; he wrote the following account for the first anniversary celebration May 23, 1993. Special guests were Jere Patterson, members of the Shoal Creek Brotherhood, and music evangelist Laurie Britton.)

We praise the Lord for His goodness to Oak Forest Baptist Church since we began this new work one year ago. We were accepted as a Southern Baptist church in October 1992 by the Morgan County Baptist Association. This new work began with less than 10 members. During the past year we have added 20 to our membership by baptism and statement, giving a total of about 30 members. We are trusting God for great things in the future. We give him praise and glory for all He has done.

During the past year we have completely renovated our sanctuary. New pews, carpet, lights, windows, and central heat and air conditioning have been added. An educational building has just been completed with fellowship hall, kitchen, 4 Sunday School rooms and 2 baths. Our new building has central heat and air conditioning, carpet, and is completely equipped. Both buildings have new outside siding and a paint job.

The purpose of our service today is to dedicate these buildings to the honor and glory of God. We give Him thanks and praise for all He has done. Our desire is that Oak Forest Baptist Church will be used of God to further advance His Kingdom.

We want to express our thanks and appreciation to all those who helped us complete this work. Bro. Wayne Creel drew our plans: thank you Bro. Wayne. Bro. James Petty was our chief. He organized, worked, and led us. Bro. James, you did a great job. We could not have done without the men of the Brotherhood of the Shoal Creek Baptist Church, our sponsoring church. They spent many hours helping us work and labor. Thank you Bro. Lewis Maples for the paint and supplies. Many gave love offerings to our building fund. On and on we could go. We could never express our gratitude to all of you for your dedication to this work for our Lord. May our Lord bless and reward you.

We would not forget our men and women at Oak Forest. Men, you did a great job, and we thank you. Ladies, the many meals you fixed were delicious and appreciated. We [also] express thanks and appreciation to our dedicated building committee. They were Bro. Howard Briscoe, chairman; Bro. John Ransom, treasurer; Bro. Albert Ferrell, and Bro. Harold Fulmer.

*OAK PARK BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

In 1946 Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church established a mission in Southeast Decatur which was called the Sixteenth Avenue Chapel. A frame building was constructed at 920 19th Ave. SE and the first service was held July 7, 1946. The mission continued to grow and in December 1951 was organized as the Eastside Baptist Church. In February 1954, Eastside had grown to a membership of 47. In 1959 the young church purchased four lots in the 1300 block of 19th Ave. SE, the present location of Oak Park Baptist Church, in anticipation of a future relocation.

In January 1963, Bayside Baptist Church, another small group that was organized but meeting in a home, voted to merge with Eastside. This merger brought 11 new members to the church. In August the church voted to build on the new lots at 1311 19th Ave. SE. The first service was held in the new building on February 16, 1964 and the name was changed to Oak Park Baptist Church.

The second floor of this first building (over the present fellowship hall) was completed in 1965 by the men of the church. The parking lot was paved in 1966. In 1967 additional property was purchased to bring the church a total of almost 5 acres on which to expand and build. A Survey and Planning Committee began meeting in 1968 to consider future buildings. From its work the church projected at least two more buildings. One of these, our Youth Building, was completed in 1969. The other, a sanctuary, was completed and the first service held in it on November 18, 1978. The new building was dedicated on March 4, 1979.

God's hand has been evident in the life of our church, and He is leading as we look to the future. Pastors of Eastside were Jack Coke (1951-52); Coleman Taylor (1952-55); Lyndon Montgomery (1956-57); Huey Turner (1957-58 and 1962-64); George Brown (1958-59); Charles Maples (1959-61); and Clifton Green (1961-62). Pastors of Oak Park have been Huey Turner (1962-62); Dr. Lee E. Davis (1976-77); Lloyd Helton (1978-80); Gary Kendricks (1982-86); and A. Ray Lee (1965-76 and 1987- ). [Dennis Bain has since been called as pastor.]

-submitted by Oak Park Baptist Church

*OAK RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

Oak Ridge was organized in 1976 and joined the association in 1977. Pastors have included Bobby G. Couey, Bobby McIntyre, Harry E. Lawrence, Eric P. Bowling, and Timmy Harrison. -from associational records

ODEN'S RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH (F?)

Oden's Ridge was not on the original list of churches forming the Morgan County Baptist Association, but was listed by the time of the second account written later in 1919. One of I.W. Myers' handwritten notes reads "Oden's Ridge was represented at the organization of the Morgan County Baptist Association November 9, 1919. Their name does not appear again." So it is not known what became of it; although it may be the "Oden Ridge" church referred to as being part of the "Eva (Independent) Circuit" in the history of Mt. View Baptist.

*PARKVIEW BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

Northside Baptist Church (now known as Parkview) was organized on September 27, 1947 through the efforts of Rev. R.L. Champion, Rev. Smith E. Ledbetter, Dr. Jesse Rogers and 13 charter members. The first meeting was at the home of Rev. Champion, 214 Wilson St. NW.

Charter members: Rev. and Mrs. R.L. Champion, Miss Thelma Elaine Eubanks, Mrs.[Mr?] John Delmes Hooper, Mrs. Billie Doris Hooper, Miss Jean Hooper, Mr. and Mrs. Clarence C. Hudson, Mr. and Mrs. Dee W. Jones, Rev. Smith E. Ledbetter, Mrs. Mae Robertson, and Mrs. Eugene Shafer. Champion and Ledbetter were called by the members to serve as co-moderators for three months. At the end of the three months, Rev. Champion was called as Pastor and Rev. Ledbetter as Associate Pastor; however, one month later R.L. Champion resigned and Smith Ledbetter was called as pastor with a salary of $5.00 per week. The State Executive Board supplemented his salary with $20.00 per month for two years.

After meeting one Sunday in the home of Rev. R.L. Champion the members decided to have regular morning and evening services in a barn across the street (see also 1948). The Baptist Training Union was started after the first meeting. Sixty-nine people attended the first service. Three months later Sunday School was started. The first deacons were Dee W. Jones, Clarence C. Hudson, Clyde Randolph, and Leroy Johnson. Services were held in the barn for 16 months. After obtaining a lot in the one hundred block of Wilson Street, the members moved into a basement at a cost of $10,000. Membership grew to about 235 members and a full time church program began under Rev. Ledbetter who began work as fulltime pastor in June 1951. He served until October 1952. The roll call of pastors is as follows: R.L. Champion (Sept. 1947-Nov. 1947); Smith E. Ledbetter (Sept. 1947-Sept. 1952); Paul E. Goodner (1953-54); Ollie Linkous (1954-62); Leon Dawson (1962-64); Carl Smallwood (1965-67); Maxwell M. Preston (1967-69); James R. Best (1969-1975); Wilbur Smallwood (1975-77); J. Wayne Penn (1977-87); Joe Guthrie (1987-91); and the current pastor James Troglen.

Construction of an auditorium began in 1953 and was completed the following year. Later, additional property on both sides of the church was purchased. The church now had property all facing Wilson Street from the corner of Sycamore Street to the corner of Grove Street. The first pastorium was purchased in 1960.

The church acquired twelve and one half acres on Modaus Road and, after selling $215,000 in bonds, began construction of a new church building in September 1970. In July 1971 the church assumed its current name of Parkview and moved into the new building. Six additional acres have been purchased. Membership has continued to grow and the church is now in the process of considering a direction for future growth. The New Building Committee has brought before the church a design for a new sanctuary. This design plan was approved. -submitted by Parkview Baptist Church. (Author's note: At press time, Parkview appeared to be moving "full steam ahead" with plans for its new sanctuary. The church is also to be commended for its Christian-oriented "martial arts" program, used as an outreach tool for young people; it has received recent publicity in The Alabama Baptist and elsewhere.)

*PINE RIDGE BAPTIST CHURCH

Union Grove, Alabama

(Sharon Cobb sent a wonderful, well-researched sketch that she compiled along with Mary Harmon, Mary Martin, Leona Strahm, and Kermit Young. It is lengthy; so please forgive a condensed version below. A complete copy can be acquired from the church.)

The first white settlers in North Alabama moved into Madison County in 1804 and the first Baptist church to be organized in the State (a stone monument on Highway 72 a few miles east of Huntsville marks the site) was on October 2, 1808. The rich farmlands of the Tennessee Valley were a powerful magnet to land hungry pioneers; and in a short fifteen years the State was admitted to the Union with a population of 127,901 people.

The first Baptist church to be established south of the Tennessee River in eastern Morgan County was Old Shiloh [discussed elsewhere]. The Brindlee Mountain area was bypassed for a few years while the settlers located on the springs and creeks of the valley. William Newsome seems to have been the first to enter land on the mountain. He homesteaded in the head of the "sinks" that bear his name in 1838, and the Prince and Criscoe families followed him around 1840. Here as in the valley, when settlement started, the area filled rapidly. The names of Coulter, Compton, Henderson, Raines, Rivers, Black, Bowling, and Hughes along with others are found among early records. Most of these early settlers came from Georgia and the Carolinas; and some who came moved on to new lands of Arkansas and Texas.

In 1858, the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association appointed Elder M.A. Verser to serve as missionary in the eastern part of the county and brush arbor meetings were held. On June 2, 1860, the Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church was organized with seven charter members from Bethlehem at Lacey's Spring and Old Salem at Apple Grove. Mt. Tabor called Elder Verser as first pastor and he served until his death eighteen years later. Other churches on the mountain have been Mt. Olive, probably [organized] 1878, disbanded before 1900 and was reorganized in 1926 [not a member of the Morgan County Association]; New Canaan 1884; Union Grove 1889; West Point 1940; and Highland 1961.

Most of the Baptist people of Pine Ridge held membership at Mt. Tabor and attended the monthly preaching service there, but in 1904 a school house was built near Hulett Culbreath's present home. George Parson suggested the community be named "Pine Ridge" because of the large number of pine trees in the area. A union Sunday School met in the school house and was well attended, but never became a church. The building was open to any that wished to use it: revival meetings were conducted by the Methodists, Church of Christ, Holiness, and Baptists.

Walter Wilson served as superintendent; Beecher Tapscott led the singing and taught the adult class, while George Parson taught the card class. Preaching was frequently held after Sunday School. Elder Sam Ditto, who was crippled but walked regularly from his home near Rescue, was faithful in these services; Jim Black, a layman, preached occasionally. Elmer Compton was among several saved in the services at Old Pine Ridge.

Venice, the first county school, was built in 1922 and the following year Pine Ridge was torn down. People began holding Sunday School in various homes [these are listed], although inconsistently for the next 10-15 years. Little is known about the time or thought that led to the building of [the newer] Pine Ridge church, but the first steps seem to have been taken about 1936 when Walter Wilson made three-fourths acre of land available and hauled pillar rocks to the site. The rocks became overgrown with weeds and were sometimes referred to as "the church." Lumber was purchased in 1938, and the men of the community started building the following spring. The women assisted by making quilts, collecting chickens, eggs, canned fruit, and other items that could be converted into money to meet expenses.

Mrs. Clyde Compton seems to have been the leader in the fund raising effort; she contacted the Morgan County Baptist Association who donated $200 to the building fund. On March 5, 1939 it was "moved and seconded for deacons of Mt. Tabor to ordain church at Pine Ridge." On Saturday night, April 1, 1939 a number of people met in the still unceiled building to organize the church. Charter members were Elmer Compton, Clyde Compton, Lewis Bramlett, Maggie Wilson, Lois Wilson, Leona Wilson, Ruby Ransom, and Woodrow Williams. George Helms of Eva preached the first sermon and served on the presbytery.

Joseph R. Brown "a strong missionary minded man" was called as first pastor. The church joined the Morgan County Missionary Baptist Association in October of 1939, with 119 enrolled in Sunday School (Claude Compton, supt.) and 80 enrolled in BYPU (Woodrow Williams, director). The church was furnished with benches made from 4-inch pine lumber, some desks from Old Venice, some "2 by 10s laid across blocks of wood" for other seating, a pot-bellied stove for heat, and kerosene lamps for light. One of the happy memories of these first services is how the singers would stand around the organ to sing at the night meetings.

The building was completed and a parsonage built in 1940; the funeral of Walter Wilson was the first to be conducted in the church. In 1948 the building was expanded.

[By 1959] more space was needed and the church was led to begin consideration of a new building. A fund was set up and started off with a spaghetti supper. Dr. Waymon Reece gave needed encouragement and recommended the building plan that was used. Groundbreaking was held on Sunday evening Dec. 18, 1960. Although some skilled labor had to be hired, the church did much of the work itself; regular work nights were set aside. On July 16, 1967, the new church building was formally dedicated. Those ordained by Pine Ridge have been Woodrow Williams, Eldridge Criscoe, Arthur H. Criscoe, Larry Pritchett, and K.C. Thomaskutty. Those licensed have been Mary Carr (as a missionary), Michael Martin, and Tony Garrison. A new parsonage was constructed in 1974; the sanctuary was renovated in 1989.

Pastors of Pine Ridge in order (dates available): Joseph R. Brown, Frank Carver, Roosevelt Pepper, Bethea Steadham, Corice Kelly, Clint Wilson, Rolland Clemons, Willie Aldridge, Aubrey Hudson, Floyd Camp, Alva Jones, Radford Poole, Eldridge Criscoe (twice), J.C. White, Cecil Hall, Aruel [Arvil?] Hendrix (interim), Sherman Trussell, Ray (O.I.) McMillan, Roger Willmore, Winfred Stayton, K.C. Thomaskutty, Enos Cross, Larry Bishop, and Lee Joyner. George Bark has recently served as interim. (The church also has a complete list of deacons.)

*PINES BAPTIST CHURCH

(I had never been to Pines Baptist Church; but one day I turned off Hwy 67 going towards Brewer High School and followed the signs. This is a beautiful, tiny church that meets in its original building and sits across from a small cemetery. I found it a very serene spot to have a "quiet time" with God amidst a very stressful week. You should check it out for yourself.)

Pines Baptist Church was first organized around 1936 with the Rev. David Brown officiating as pastor. Many people were saved and baptized. Several are still living and are witness to that fact. The church disbanded in a year or two and was not organized again until around 1953 with the Rev. Horace Fielding as pastor. He is known as "Marrying Sam" around Morgan County Courthouse. The church has had its ups and downs as I suppose is true of most churches and it has had many pastors and officers. People still worship there in the original building. The people feel close to each other and work and worship together in unity almost always. -by Elgin M. Bowen, deacon

*PLEASANT HILL BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Pleasant Hill is located about two miles southwest of the city limits of Decatur, just off the "old Decatur and Moulton road." The church was constituted about the year 1843 or 1844 and received into the [Muscle Shoals] Association. In 1866 just after the Civil War, at which time the church was almost dead due to the fact that many of its men had gone off to fight in the war and others moved away, the church was reorganized. Only three male members remained in the church at this time of reorganization: John Prater, James Anderton, and Bro. ? Gregory. The church called Jackson Gunn to serve as pastor and help this struggling church recover from the war years. The church house was in desperate need of repairs due to neglect. In 1866 Gunn began to preach the Word of God and soon the blessings of the Lord began to become evident as people regained interest and large congregations greeted him at every service. During the year about 60 were added to the roll by baptism.

With new life and new forces there was built a new and more comfortable house to worship in. Other great men of God were to follow in the early years of this church: W.B. Carter, Josephus Shackelford, J.I. Stockton, and W.T. Cobbs who served through 1897. Under the leadership of these earlier men of God, along with many dedicated laymen and laywomen Pleasant Hill entered the new century with a strong foundation for the challenges of the Twentieth Century. Out of these early years Charles W. Callahan and S.R.C. Adams were ordained to the gospel ministry. It was from this church that letters were obtained by a large part of the members who constituted Hillsboro and Macedonia churches.

Pleasant Hill entered the 1900s with hopes and desires to minister to the community of Slipup and claim her for Christ. Other notable pastors have included J.D. Prater, I.W. Myers, J.D. Pickens, W.N. Bynum, J.A. Gomes, H.B. Woodward, C.K. Parker, W. D. Simrell, Roosevelt Pepper, and the pastor for around the last ten years, Don Gentry. -from a 1986 sketch in the associational files by former pastor Robert Collier. (There is also an enjoyable article by John Knox from The Decatur Daily (undated) entitled "How Slipup Got its Name." It quotes from Bonnie Stockton Ryan of Arab who says it was named when her grandmother Susan Gordon Simpson (1833-1921; buried in a family cemetery near Curtis Wells) fell as a young girl in one of the "hidden gulleys...of wild honeysuckle which surges down the slopes between Pleasant Hill Church and the ancient spring." The kids yelled "Susie slipped! She slipped up. Slipup! Slipup!" Knox says Mrs. Ryan wrote a book entitled Grandmother Remembers (I was unable to locate it) with "stories that go back to the frontier, when there wasn't another house for miles around, and through the Civil War when invaders raided and everything from silver spoons to horses had to be hidden. . . There are stories of schools and churches where Dr. Shackelford and others taught and preached... and the colorful pictures of everyday life in a vanished age: apple-picking and jelly-making, hog-killing time and the smell of hickory smoke in the frosty air, horseback and wagon rides through the woods, games and parties and visits to the old blacksmith shop... and the cotton patch that was tended in order to raise money for a piano - which fell into the Tennessee River at Decatur." Does anyone knows about this book?)

*PLEASANT VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

Flint, Alabama

No information was received from Pleasant Valley, although detailed information about it can be found in Gilbert Edwards' Flint, Alabama: A Southern Town. An undated article from The Decatur Daily found in the associational files states the church was organized June 5, 1938 with 14 charter members in what was known at that time as the Bird Springs community. The first building was a log structure, 28 ft. by 35 ft; land was donated by Cyrus Meritt and J.T. Baker. Alvin Tucker has been pastor at Pleasant Valley since 1967.

*POINT MALLARD PARKWAY BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Decatur, Alabama

Point Mallard Parkway Baptist Church, formerly The Antioch Baptist Church was organized March 6, 1887. This is the second oldest church of its denomination in North Alabama, south of the river. On May 29, 1887, it was moved and carried that church services be held on the third Sabbath and the Saturday before of each month. Saturday was for Bible Study, Business Meeting and sometimes preaching in the afternoon. Sunday was "Preaching Day!"

The church became a member of the Muscle Shoals Baptist Association on September 27, 1909. It was one of the 27 Constituent Churches in the organization of the Morgan County Missionary Baptist Association. During the years the church continued to grow and new additions were made to the building. On October 23, 1966 there was a Dedication and laying of the cornerstone for the new three-story annex. As we see the church today with renovations and remodeling the old Antioch church has never been discarded. The original heavy joists of great oak logs continue to support the rough plank floors, over which hardwood and carpet has been laid.

In these recent years Point Mallard Parkway has enjoyed the wonderful blessings of material and spiritual growth, and pray that we will continue to grow spiritually in response to all our Lord has done for us. Now we can look forward to the continuance of new growth and the salvation God has promised us. Most recent pastor has been J.B. Snyder. -submitted by Pt. Mallard Pkwy. (There is also a very good older sketch in the associational files, written by Julia Clendenon. She describes how Antioch was organized: "In the 1880s traveling in wagons, the people of Crowton struggled over muddy, boggy forest roads to Kirklands Ford on Flint Creek, to worship at Mt. Pisgah. Located east of Flint, only a cemetery remains today. The pastor [at Mt. Pisgah] caused dissension among the membership, and a group met to organize Antioch at Crowton. They met in the `Grange' or school building below and north of the present auditorium...J.D. McClanahan was called as first pastor but did not accept; a call was extended to J.N. Thompson and he accepted." Family names included in the lengthy list of charter members includes Crow, Sivley, Sandlin, Sykes, McClellan, Bailey, Wilkerson, and Walden. There is also an extensive list of pastors who have served through the years.)

RIVER OAKS

(See Autumnwood)

*ROCK (or ROCKY) CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

No information was received from this historic church, organized September 6th, 1867. Shackelford states that "this church is situated in the eastern part of Morgan County, near what is called Lawrence's Cove...[and] has had an eventful history." It joined the Warrior River Association prior to aligning with Muscle Shoals in 1881. Charter members were Jesse J. Weaver, Jacob Holmes, W.E. Denson, J.C. Oden, Reuben M. Holmes, Martha J. Holmes, Mary J. Weaver, Sarah A. Denson, Lucretia Smith. Under the care of Elder Butler Williams, "it soon became the strongest church in that part of the county...[But] division of sentiment and doctrine soon manifested itself. The anti-missionary spirit developed . . . by a resolution to declare non-fellowship with all Bible and tract societies, and with all the benevolent institutions and missionary organizations. A division followed. The missionary part held the church house and soon developed in the same channel of life and power which it had before enjoyed...The young pastor, with a church free of strife, enjoyed many precious revivals of grace, in which numbers were brought to know their Savior." But Shackelford goes on to say there was another contention about "associational attachments"; this one being resolved only when the dissident group "attached itself to Cullman Association." An undated sketch by Regina Smith states that Rock Creek originated out of the Blue Springs Church as "The Baptist Church of Christ at Rocky Creek" (see Campbellism); also interesting is that in 1929, the church "planted a cotton patch to pay the pastor." In 1963 the church officially voted its name to be "Rock Creek Baptist Church." Pastors T.J. Weaver; J.E. Weaver (39 years! - 1884-1923); Dewey Crowe (29 years! 1933-62); Lante and Vernon Smallwood; and W.G.W. Smith have served, among others.

*ROCK SPRINGS BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

Rock Springs Missionary Baptist Church was founded in 1935 and joined the association the same year. Property for the church was given by Mr. and Mrs. Luke Roberts, with the stipulation that "if changes were ever made that it was no longer a Baptist church, the property would be returned to the Roberts family." Supposedly the church got its name from "the area surrounding it being so rocky" and also from the fact that there was a spring directly behind the church property. As was common in small churches, money was often raised by growing a cotton crop and giving the proceeds to the church.

The first pastor was George L. Payne, who had been "holding services at Rocky Ford and Oakridge for some time before the decision was made to organize a church between the two communities." And since he lived in Winston County near Addison, a collection was taken by the community to help him purchase a Model "T" Ford "so he would be able to come here to hold services." Rock Springs began as a "quarter-time church" but Sunday School was usually held every week. In 1945, the church had trouble locating material to make curtains, which were needed to divide the sanctuary into Sunday School classes. So, "it was suggested to use fertilizer sacks. . . These were attached to wire hung from the ceiling and were pushed back after Sunday School in order to clear the auditorium for preaching."

Pastors of Rock Springs through 1975 have included (several serving more than once): G.L. Payne, L.E. Toon, Floyd O. Parker, Addie Wallace, O.C. Marsh, Jasper Kelly, Arnold Wisner, Junior Hill, Clifford Mason, Cline Shaneyfelt, Ernest Terry, M.B. Carrell, Wendell Callahan, and Jack Belew. -from "Life Begins at 40!", an unpublished but well written history booklet of Rock Springs 1935-1975, by Sandra Roden, on file in the associational office. (For several years now, Rock Springs has been described as "charismatic-leaning", with virtually no involvement in the association.)

ROCKY FORD (mission)

The Rocky Ford mission was started around 1934; references are made to it in the associational minutes, but it apparently never got off the ground enough to become an established church. The history of Rock Springs church discusses efforts by Rev. George L. Payne to "hold services" in the area, perhaps in homes. At last report, Larry Brown, a member of the Morgan County Historical Society, was researching the history of the Rocky Ford community, which was near Danville.

RURAL GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH (Independent)

Established around 1924, the Rural Grove Church "flipflopped" back and forth, in and out as a member of the association; it caused quite a stir for several years (discussed in 1924, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, and 1972). Longtime independent pastor Covell Keenum says that the Rural Grove Church "is still going strong up there on the mountain." He mentions L.E. Toon(e?) as having been "a giant of a man - size and everything else. He was one of their great preachers."

*RYAN BAPTIST CHURCH

Ryan's Crossroads, Alabama

According to some old notes by Mrs. Myers, the Ryan community (which is as far on the edge of Morgan County as you can go, when driving east on Hwy 67) grew when "many of the early settlers came from the valley below, where they had been members of Salem - later New Salem - and Center Grove. Others came from Joppa and Ruth in Cullman County." What led to the founding of a Sunday School and then a church was a community survey made by the teachers of Ryan School, under the leadership of Principal George Woodruff. In asking "What is the church of your choice?", more than three-fourths said "Baptist."

So a Sunday School was first organized around 1917 by Glen Winn, John Butler, and Joe A. Crawford, using the school building as a meeting place. Grady Wheeler, then a ministerial student at Howard College (now Samford University), was invited to come preach during various intervals the winter of 1921. In the summer of 1922, he brought his friend John L. Whorton, an evangelist, to preach a revival; it was during this meeting and afterwards that plans were made to organize a church and erect a building. Wheeler was called as the first pastor in 1922, and the church joined the association the same year. -from associational files

SALEM

(See New Salem)

*SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Neel, Alabama

(Thanks to Pat Morris, our switchboard operator at work, for finding me this history of Shady Grove. She is their pianist - so of course I had fussed to her about not having received one!)

The Shady Grove Missionary Baptist Church was organized in an old log building known as the Poteet School house located about 1/2 mile northeast of Neel, Alabama in October 1889 by Rev. John D. McClanahan assisted by Brethren J.I. Stockton, J.A. Moore, E.D. Stephenson, and W.T. Cobbs. There were fifteen charter members, some of whom were T.H. (Thad) Howell, James Howell, Solomon Syberts, Eliza Syberts, Sara Ann Crow, Ida Wiley and Mrs. Mary Adda Puckett Thompson. Thomas Prater was the first deacon and Woodie Brown was the first clerk. The 1890 minutes state that the church was received into the Muscle Shoals Missionary Baptist Association in 1890, and Thomas Prater and Woodie Brown "received the right hand of fellowship", as representatives of the church, from Moderator Elder Jackson Gunn.

The first church building was built in 1889 or 1890 on an acre of land given by the Syberts, and was located in the fork of the Decatur/Danville and Hartselle/Moulton Roads. It was repaired several times, remodeled in 1943, and torn down in 1955. A new one was built on an adjoining acre of land purchased from the Rackley family. Bryce Sons was pastor at this time. New church furniture and pews were bought.

The Dedication Service and burning of the mortgage was held on December 31, 1957 at which time three former pastors, one former deacon, three nearby pastors, and the Associational Moderator took part. It was a great service. In 1962, work began on a new pastorium and Robert McIlwain, with his family, moved in and became the first fulltime pastor to live on the field. The pastorium was paid for in two years. In June 1965 an educational building was completed, enabling Shady Grove to teach on a "departmental basis." In 1970-72 five new rooms were added; brick was put on the church and carpet was put down. Jack Freeman was pastor at this time. Other improvements were as follows:

*1975 - inside of the auditorium remodeled;

*1980 - education building and auditorium joined together by a new music room and vestibule;

the front part of the auditorium enclosed by new restrooms and larger vestibule;

*1984 - a second story added to the educational building, giving 9 more classrooms, a church office, and a conference room. Approximately one acre purchased behind the church;

*1985 - church parking lot paved; sidewalks built around the church; and an awning erected.

The church has remained mission-minded over the years. Pastors have included (in order, with several serving more than once): J.D. McClanahan, J.I. Stockton, J.D. Prater, J.A. Lipham, N.M. Moore, W.A. Goldman, R.A.[A.R?] Prosser, Lante Smallwood, J.M. Hitt, J.A. Blankenship, E.H. Henderson, W.E. Pritchard, J.Dee Montgomery, W.W. Coffey, Paul M. Baisch, Addie Wallace, I.W. Myers, J.Walker Bynum, Guy Petty, Bert Murphree Jr., G.C. Morris, Willie Parker, Bryce Sons, John Lee, Huie Turner, Robert McIlwain, Don Calloway, Jack Freeman, Johnny Tucker, Jack Mayfield, Wendell Callahan, Bill Anderson; and the pastor at present, Tom Campbell. -edited by author

*SHADY VALLEY BAPTIST CHURCH

(Author's note: This little sketch may be my personal favorite, because in "a nutshell" it summarizes our entire reason for existence as an association.) Shady Valley, "a small church 5 miles southwest of Decatur", began as a mission of Pleasant Hill and was on its own by 1976. An entire booklet was produced in the late 1970s, telling of its appreciation for those Brotherhood men from the association who helped them get on their feet. Some excerpts from David Kelly, pastor at the time: "We at Shady Valley had a desperate need for Sunday School rooms. Most of our classes were meeting in an old weather beaten trailer next to the church. Financially we were unable to build them. As we began to pray about this matter, Bro. Bill Hacker, our Associational Missionary, heard about our situation and began . . . telling others about a small church in need. Work started with men from various churches in the association and in four weeks the project was completed except for carpeting. We at Shady Valley want to express our appreciation for the fellowship we had with these men from different churches and for their labor of love and financial aid. We thank God for the Morgan County Baptist Association, its churches and members; for without their help, this missionary project would not have been possible." From associational Brotherhood Director Jack Honea: "It all started when a Brotherhood layman returned from a volunteer foreign missions project. Bubbling over with excitement, he wanted other people to experience the same thing he had... Our Director of Missions Bill Hacker said we had needs right here in our own county... Shady Valley only had 4 men in the church; Sunday School was being held in an old trailer that would not hold the 35 members they averaged each Sunday...The Brotherhood put much prayer and thought into this and felt led to help build the new rooms. It would take $6,000 to buy the materials. . .

Already the Holy Spirit was moving at Shady Valley, and they were able to [raise $1,000 themselves.] Hank Smith had taken a years leave from his pastorate in Indiana to volunteer for construction work on the foreign mission field. As it turned out, his mission field became West Morgan County... Tom Bennich (Associational R.A. Director) was busy each week trying to see that the necessary supplies were on hand... The ladies of Shady Valley (Mildred Turner, Betty Turner, Teresa Lindsey, Verna Pugh) provided some of the best noon meals anyone has ever eaten; it was rumored some came out just to be fed!

Friendships were developed and a new love and bond for fellow Christians was strengthened each and every day. Shady Valley WILL go forth to reach people for Christ, because the Holy Spirit is already moving in their community. Other churches like Brookhaven, Central Park, Central, Danville, 1st Decatur, 1st Hartselle, Hopewell, Mt. Carmel, Southside, Trinity, Vestavia Hills, West Hartselle, and Westmeade will grow - because we can't outgive God. . ."

The churches named were those that provided these volunteers (in addition to those already named): Bill Cagle, A.P. Carroll, Darryl Dockery, Don George, Wayne Fetner, Ronny Hood, Maurice McGuire, Herschell Morgan, Hank Smith, Ed Cathy, Bill Cook, Pete Kirkland, Randy Presnell, George Lindsey, Henry McCrary, Eddie Landers, Alex Whitstone, Jack Walker, Kenneth Chandler, Loyd Childers, Randy Childers, Larry Powell, Paul Taylor, Denny Bailey, Jimmy Brazelton, Ken Floyd, Stan Fory, Jimmy Griffin, Wesley Holland, Sam Ward, James Petty, Verlon Whaley, Johnny Appleton, Carl Goss, Pete Tcherneshoff, Tom Bates, Charles Sanford, Harold Woodruff, and Jimmy Dobbs. Workers from Shady Valley were Robert Turner, Jimmy Turner, Steve Turner, and Timmy Turner. Financial contributions were also received from Flint, Lebanon, Macedonia, Mt. Nebo, and Parkview.

The effort was featured in The Decatur Daily, noting that "winters had been hard" for Shady Valley, with teaching Sunday School a difficult task as "the roof leaked and the floor sagged." Mildred Turner summarized the feelings of everyone on the first Sunday they used the new addition: "I wish you could see the expressions on the church members' faces after being cooped up in that trailer... I don't think there was a dry eye there."

*SHILOH BAPTIST CHURCH

Somerville, Alabama

(The following is combined from two sketches sent by Nell Tucker, who is in the process of having Shiloh's history published. It was a treat to join them for their 175th Anniversary. Pastor Harlon Hood was called to preach while my dad was his pastor years ago in Birmingham.) Founded in 1819, Shiloh Baptist Church (discussed throughout this book) is the oldest church in Morgan County, even older than the state of Alabama. A few settlers gathered at a home and organized the church with five members. From the earliest organization Shiloh became the religious center for the territory. In rapid time there was an influx of settlers which began with the Alabama Territory achieving its statehood. They added to the original membership and made Shiloh the mecca of the Tennessee Valley region. Somerville, only a few miles away, was the county seat and many of the county officials belonged at Shiloh.

Salem Baptist Church was formed in 1822 by fifty-three members of Shiloh; and Blue Springs was also organized to a large degree by Shiloh in 1846.

When the Civil War came in 1861, many of the men and boys of Shiloh joined the Confederate Army and many of them never returned. The church never recovered and suspended services in 1887. On August 17, 1947 at a meeting at Six Mile School, Shiloh was reorganized. Then on July 16, 1950 the new building was dedicated. In May 1958, the church voted to build a new pastorium. Total membership at this time was 165. Due to continued blessings from the Lord, Shiloh grew and groundbreaking for a new church building was held on July 27, 1969. The growth continued and in 1976, construction began on a new Children's Wing. As the membership continued to increase, the need for a new auditorium was soon realized. In 1988, construction was completed on the present auditorium, additional classrooms and office facilities.

According to known records, Shiloh has had thirty pastors (Martin Briscoe was the first; these will be available in their published history). The church has been a member of three Associations: Flint River (before 1828); Muscle Shoals (1828); and Morgan County (1947).

*SHOAL CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Route 2, Decatur, Alabama

(A more lengthy, unpublished history of Shoal Creek was written for its 150th Anniversary on March 13, 1994 by Laverne Halbrooks Lipscomb, Janie Henson Wray, and Diana Parker Key. They did an excellent job. It is available from the church and has names of all pastors, 19 charter members, and clerks. At the anniversary, Dr. Frances Hamilton and I had the privilege of being asked to bring greetings from the Alabama Baptist Historical Commission; we were given a Jake Hess tape and a souvenir mug.)

Shoal Creek Baptist Church was organized on the second Sunday in March 1844. The first pastor was Elder J.C. Vincent. The church was made up of 19 charter members. The building was situated where it is today. They met only one Sunday a month as Elder Vincent was a circuit riding preacher. The first building was a log structure about 16 by 20 ft. It served also as a schoolhouse. In 1846 Robert Asa Thompson donated the parcel of land with the church building on it to the church for as long as it was used for a church. A new building was built in the very early 1900s to replace the log structure. The members built this building themselves even down to handpainting the lumber and hand-splitting the shingles. The building measured 30 by 40 ft. Later an addition was added. Records indicate that strict discipline was carried out in the first sixty to seventy years of the church. The membership was updated on occasion deleting members who had become inactive. Therefore, the roll would vary sharply from time to time. In 1951 an additional 3.5 acres were purchased from Mr. O.C. Marsh to build a pastorium. That same year the church replaced the sanctuary with a larger one and an educational building. A pastorium was built in 1954. In 1967 the church again replaced the sanctuary and added more educational facilities to accomodate the growing congregation's needs.

In the early 1970s Mr. Leonard Lee donated additional land to expand the cemetery. In 1983 the church purchased 1 acre of land from Mrs. Janie Wray and built a new pastorium on this acre of land in 1984. The church began services twice a month in 1941. Then in 1951 the church voted to start a Training Union and to have services every week.

The church has remained mission minded over the years. It has licensed many men to the Gospel Ministry. It has remained fairly consistent through the years and even strengthened during the Depression and the War Years. The church has had 31 pastors.

Bro. Jack Freeman came as pastor in November 1975. Dan Morton is Associate Pastor and Randy Sharpe is Music/Youth Minister. -submitted by Diana Key

*SIXTEENTH AVENUE BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Decatur, Alabama

One hundred years ago the population of the two Decaturs was struggling to pull themselves from the bottom of hard times; the scourge of Yellow Fever in 1888 had not only taken many lives, but had punctured the boom that had brought northern industrial investment into New Decatur. Expansion of manufacturing plants along the river from the railroad bridge to present day G.E. Company had offered more and more jobs to New Decatur. The Alabama legislature in February of 1889 had given New Decatur its charter.

Newcomers to New Decatur had bought homes in the vicinity of Gum Street in the year before the yellow fever hit the town. It seems there were more of the Baptists than other denominations and they banded together by meeting in homes for worship. They were hardworking people, loving the Lord, and praying for his guidance. Six families, comprising fourteen adults, began to feel that they should have a place of worship.

Rev. Josephus Shackelford, D.D., author, preacher, and teacher, in his History of Muscle Shoals Association is quoted in the following: In 1889, a number of brethren and sisters, living in that part of town called East Decatur, constituted themselves into a church, which they called the First Baptist Church of New Decatur. It was organized on the third day of October, 1889, with fourteen members. The following were the constituent members: D.W. Dooley, Mrs. M.A. Dooley, Miss S.E. Dooley, J.C. Lance, Mrs. T.A. Lance, J.T. Chenault, Mrs. S.A. Chenault, J.J. Sawyers, Mrs. S.R. Sawyers, Miss Lizzie Sawyers, W.C. Buck, Mrs. M.E. Buck, E.S. Skillingston, and Mrs. E. Skillingston.

Elders J.D. McClanahan and J.M. Simpson were the Presbytery. They have built them a small house of worship, and have a good Sabbath school. The church joined the association...in 1890. Elder John Speer was their first pastor, supported in part by Muscle Shoals Association and the State Mission Board. He resigned in October 1890. The number of members reported was 38. W.C. Buck is the clerk and Brothers J.J. Sawyers and A.M. Lee, the deacons."

Shackelford did not identify the first meeting place. From other records, we know the first meeting place after organizing was old Oakton Hall, located at Gum Street and Commercial Avenue (now Church Street). The "little" frame building was on two lots at the corner of Wadsworth Street and 16th Avenue, given to the church by Decatur Land & Furnace Co. In 1900 an addition was built to this building. In 1915 Rev. R.F. Stuckey [first moderator of the Morgan County Baptist Association] came as pastor. Early in 1916 plans were made to build a brick edifice which was a great challenge for the membership, taxing their faith and ability.

Due to the change in name of New Decatur to Albany by vote of the citizens, the church thought it necessary to take the name of First Baptist Church of Albany. In 1923 the towns of Albany and Decatur were consolidated (see also history of Central Baptist Church). Again, there was need of changing the church name. The First Baptist Church of old Decatur was organized between 1842-1847 [but has since determined itself to be even older - see also history of First Baptist Church, Decatur] and was due to keep its original name. The First Baptist Church of Albany was renamed Sixteenth Avenue Baptist Church.

In 1948 during the pastorate of Carlos Radford, the first two story, brick education unit was built. Also during Radford's pastorate, Sixteenth Avenue built a mission on 19th Avenue at Cypress Street on land provided by Mr. and Mrs. T.R.Harrison, December 1945. They constituted their body of believers into the Eastside Baptist Church which later formed the nucleus for Oak Park Baptist Church.

In 1963 during the pastorate of R.E. Wilkins, expansion of necessity again moved the membership to build an Education building that would have a first floor that could be used as an auditorium until the 1916-18 church could be demolished and a new church built. Like the children of Israel, we had to delay. Richard Mason became pastor in 1980 and began planning to establish a means of financial acceleration. In 1983 the membership accepted "Challenge to Build", a plan that stirred every member with its motto "Not Equal Gifts, But Equal Sacrifice." In prayer, meditation on God's purpose, over $350,000 was given or pledged. While Keith Grace was pastor in 1985-87, the auditorium was built and dedicated. With Christian joy, we can say in our prayers of thanksgiving to God, guide us and use us for thy work. -submitted by Modell Davis; edited by author. (In its early years, this was one of Morgan County's strongest and most prominent churches. There have been 33 pastors; these are all listed, along with dates, in a 1989 Centennial booklet available from the church. Ministers ordained or licensed by Sixteenth Avenue: L.E. Toon, Walter Fields, Ralph Fields, Edward Richards, Harold Brown, Paul McCluskey, William B. Lee, Jimmy Warren, Jack Coke, and Elton Johnson (missionary). David Lawler has been pastor since 1987.)

SOMERVILLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Somerville, Alabama

Comparable to Baptists in the Danville area, Presbyterians and Methodists have an especially rich history of schools and churches in the Somerville area (see David Whitehorn's history of the town), Nevertheless, notes in the Myers' files state there was a "Somerville Baptist Church of Christ" (another influence of Campbellism) organized in 1887 with 28 members, founded by Muscle Shoals Associational Missionary Thomas J. Weaver. Other charter members were Elder John M. Simpson, Deacon William S. Simpson, Joseph Griffin, A. Jackson Griffin, Sister Elizabeth A.F. Simpson, and Sister Rebecca Rice. Members of the "Huston" family were later received into the church.

Maxine Gibson and I were unable to find out what happened to the Somerville church, although it was still in existence as late as 1896 or even later. Its original minutes have been preserved and are in a fireproof vault in the associational office. Apparently the old Somerville church has no connection to the independent Somerville Baptist Church that is there today.

*SOUL (or SOUL'S) HARBOR BAPTIST CHURCH

Little information was available to me about this church, which was admitted to the association in 1987 and early on had some serious internal disputes alluded to earlier in this book. It has not been active in the association since that time.

*SOUTHSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH (F)

Decatur, Alabama

(For some reason, Southside seems to be a "gathering place" for offspring of Morgan County Baptist preachers. Clarence Prater, grandson of J.D. Prater, is the husband of our pianist Ramona Prater. Buddy Coffey is the son of W.W. Coffey; Dr. Mickey Maddox is the son of B.R. Maddox; Martha Bailey is the daughter of Jasper Kelly; and Milford Roan is the son of J.E. Roan. You have seen these names throughout the pages of this book. My brother Tommy Ray also came back to Decatur; as I did. Of course, everyone knows that preachers' kids are a terror while growing up, and then especially become troublemakers upon reaching adulthood. Come to think of it, maybe no other church would have us come back to haunt!)

The section known then as New Decatur (later Albany) was a busy place in the early 1900s. Streetcars ran up and down Sixth Avenue, and horse-and-buggies carried residents to other parts of the community. Such was the setting as 16 charter members gathered in the home of T.W. Prosser on Seventh Avenue to form the South Side Missionary Baptist Church, October 24, 1911. Five year-old A.L. Burns was outside playing on the front porch while his parents were inside helping constitute the church. J.E. Merrell was asked to be the first pastor and served until 1914. The minutes describe the phenomenal growth which was experienced immediately as being "Unparalleled in the State." The first wooden sanctuary on Ninth Street SE was completed in the spring of 1912 by the E.P. Childs family, who would later build the 1965 present sanctuary (as well as almost everything built in between.) Mr. Childs was the father of Edith Clendenon (librarian for 25 years) and Inez (Mrs. J.C.) Howell. J.C. Howell has often sung for associational gatherings and other events. Southside adhered closely to the strict methods of discipline common in those days; members were dismissed for such offenses as card playing, drinking, heresy, or "behavior unbecoming a lady and a Christian."

Other early pastors (dates available in published history available from the church) included George Wilburn, a student at Howard College; L.L. Hearn, who went door to door administering medicine with Mrs. J.D.L. Burns (see 1930) during the flu epidemic of World War I; G.C. Walker, who guided the church through the disastrous L & N Railroad Strike; E. Floyd Olive; and Dr. Charles H. Turner, who later became the last president of the Baptist Collegiate Institute in Newton, Alabama. Leading the church through the Great Depression was J.D. Pickens, followed by longtime associational historian I.W. Myers. The first brick sanctuary was completed in 1940 under the pastorate of J.A. Chambers (who is still living, in BIrmingham as of this writing). World War II was felt deeply by the members of Southside, including Pastor B.B. Burks, who had four sons overseas simultaneously. The late 1940s and 1950s was generally a time of peace and rapid growth at Southside and throughout the nation. Pastors were Carl Roberts (1947-49) and Dr. W.J. Johnson (1949-69), the latter having the longest tenure of all. (Since 1949 - almost a half century - Southside has only had 3 pastors.)

Continued growth led to the completion of the present sanctuary in 1965, one of the largest in north Alabama. An unfortunate split in 1969, however, threatened the future survival of the church. Around 100 members departed with the pastor to form the Memorial Baptist Church. It was only the dedication of individual members, combined with the strong leadership of the Interim Pastor E.C. Hendon which, by the grace of God, miraculously sustained Southside.

Joe D. Ray was called as pastor in 1970 and would serve for almost 16 years. The struggling band of believers was gradually able to get back on its feet; the following years were marked by renewed manifestations of spiritual, numerical, and financial growth.

Brooks Barkley became the fourteenth pastor in July of 1986, after a faithful interim led by Dr. W.K. Stephenson. Much needed renovations have taken place, most recently in a stunning facelift of the sanctuary in 1992. Ministers ordained through the years have included Roy Niager (the first), B.R. Maddox, Hafford Sharp, E.C. Hendon, Fred Halbrooks Jr., Ralph Halbrooks, Carl Smallwood, Harold Wright, Charles Boster, Mike Casey, Wayne Bowen, Orville Collins, Michael Cassity, and Jack Lovelace.

*SOUTHWEST BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

This church joined the association in 1985 and until recently was located next to Calvary Assembly of God on the Beltline. It plans to build a new sanctuary on Old Moulton Road in a growing section of the city. Pastors have been Terry Blair and Ron Manly.

*SOUTHWEST BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

Begun as a mission of First Baptist Church Hartselle, this church celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 1993. A well written booklet was compiled for the celebration; a copy was sent to this author and I am sure additional copies can be obtained from them, as it is too lengthy to print in its entirety here. It notes that while First Baptist had always supported foreign missions, it was not willing to stop there; they had a VISION. . . FOR A LOCAL MISSION. In 1965 "a systematic census was being taken of each section of town by the church. . . The entire year of 1966 was spent making the final plans for starting the mission. Some of the most dedicated and capable workers were enlisted to serve in places of leadership in the mission..."

First services were held in a house rented on the corner of Eubanks and Pittman Streets. The church was officially constituted as Southwest Baptist on February 11, 1968 at 3:00 p.m. (There is a lengthy list of all charter members; those still attending as of 1993 were Ann Crow, Kay Penn Crow, and Grace Clemons.) It joined the Morgan County Association later that year.

By March of 1968 the church had purchased five acres of land from Leonard Robinson on which to build a sanctuary; its first service therein was held June 23, 1968. Rodney Andrews, a student at Samford University, had been called as the first pastor; O'Neal Penn was the chairman of the building committee.

Southwest had its first on-site baptismal service on November 21, 1971; prior to this time they had been held at First Baptist "or at Dick Dekalb's fish pond." A missions minded congregation from its inception, Southwest was one of the churches that helped financially sponsor the North Plains Baptist Church in Casper, Wyoming during the 1980s.

Pastor James Vanderford was honored with a countywide reception upon his retirement from the ministry on July 29, 1984. He wrote: "There have been sad days as we stood by the grave of a loved one; there have been happy days as we stood with those in the altar of matrimony; but the most wonderful Joy has been when people came to know Jesus as their Savior." The new pastor Terrel ("Terry") Blair would echo the same sentiments.

A complete list of pastors includes Rodney Andrews (1967-69); Bill Lee (1969-70); Bill Hampton (Interim 1970-71); Alvin Jackson (1970-72); William Starkey (1972-73); Jack Freeman (Interim 1974); J. Martin Ray (1975-78); James E. Vanderford (1978-84); Hank Smith (Interim 1984); Terrell Blair (1984-1990); George Bark (Interim 1990-91); and Paul Holmes, since 1991.

-from information contributed by Lenora Yarbrough and Charlotte Young

SPRING HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

between Decatur and Trinity, Alabama

This predominantly black church on "Old Trinity Road" has never been a part of the Morgan County Baptist Association, yet it was the first church to join the Muscle Shoals Association (of which we were a part), and its history has been intertwined in other significant ways (see discussion in other chapters). It began as both "a white and black church", but it became inactive or disbanded after the Civil War, later regrouping itself as a black church affiliated with the "Muscle Shoals Colored Baptist Association." It has two cemeteries; its main, predominantly black cemetery (still used) is across the street from the church. An even older "white and black cemetery" is behind the church, if this author's research is accurate.

Spring Hill could very well be the oldest church in Morgan County. It joined the association in 1821, which is usually given as its founding date. However, a letter in the files of the Morgan County Association from James O. Vassar (who says "I am an invalid; have to use wheelchair") to Ira W. Myers (1962) states that "I read your column in The Decatur Daily with interest. . . As to the oldest Baptist Church in Morgan County, being founded in 1814 . . . there is a grave in the white cemetery at Spring Hill Church on the old Trinity Road, as follows:

Mrs. Nancy E.B. Thompson, daughter of Edward and M. Thompson. Died 5 June 1812, Age 18 years and 1 month. . . Now if the cemetery was establish[ed] at the same time as the church, then the church must have been founded by 1812..." John Knox was so intrigued by this question that he wrote a lengthy article (also on file in the associational office) entitled "How Long Ago Was Spring Hill Settled?" This question may still not have been fully answered, but the Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church is still going strong to this day.

*STONY ACRES BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

This church located in an area of southwest Decatur with much potential for future growth, joined the association in 1992 as a mission of Parkview Baptist. Ronnie Bullard is pastor.

SUMMIT

(See Autumnwood)

*TRINITY BAPTIST CHURCH

Trinity, Alabama

(There was an older Trinity Baptist Church which joined the Muscle Shoals Association in 1895 with 27 members, and was down to 13 members by 1919. It did not appear in the first listing of the newly formed Morgan County Association, nor any time afterwards. It probably disbanded around that time, and does not appear to have any connection with the present Trinity church, begun around 1947. You will recall that Trinity was also where Josephus Shackelford opened his "Mountain View High School" after his other school in Danville burned. The author's cousin John McClendon served as youth minister at Trinity while a student at Samford; there are fond memories of attending services with him on occasion - and rolling yards with his youth.)

Trinity Baptist Church began officially as a mission of Bellview Baptist Church with 39 members. Dennis Hearndon was elected at this time as the first Pastor of the church. The first church building was a block building located across from the cotton gin.

Pastors of Trinity have included Nelson Bullard (1947-48); Edward O'Neal (1948-50); W.W. Coffey (1950-?; minutes are missing); Odis Golden (?-1957); Jasper Kelly (1957-60); George Sinquefield (1960-61); Jack Jones (1961-65; first fulltime pastor); J.E. Bishop (1965-66); Richard Cassity (1967-68); Jerry Robinson (1970-72); Bill Robertson (1973-76); Harry Bentley (1976-84); and Stephen Caudle (since 1984).

In 1961 the church bought 8.8 acres on Hwy 24 and a first building was completed and dedicated on July 18, 1965. This building housed the sanctuary, Sunday School rooms, nursery and kitchen. An Educational Building was added in 1972. In 1988, a third building was built consisting of a recreation area, Sunday School rooms and kitchen. Also since 1987, the sanctuary has undergone an expansion and remodeling, adding about 150 seats.

The first recorded music director was Eddie Glenn who served starting in July, 1966, at a salary of $10.00 per week. Other Music Directors include Wayne Hollimon and Ken Knight who served from 1980 until 1986 when the church called Charlie Janney as the first full time Minister of Music and Youth. He served until 1992. Ed Nichols is now serving as part time Minister of Music and Lee Dymond was called as Minister of Youth and Education in June 1993. Trinity Baptist has had a fruitful history and if God is willing, will continue until we see the return of our Lord, Jesus Christ. -submitted by Trinity Baptist Church

*UNION GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

Route 3, Lacey's Spring, Alabama

Established 1889, the official name is Union Grove Missionary Baptist Church; however, over the years the word "missionary" has been dropped. The original church sat in the east corner of what is now the Union Grove Cemetery. Our church ministered to the needs of the people, as we do today, but then the rural area was far less populated. The church did not have a regular pastor and relied on a traveling preacher to bring the word of God. Sometimes Sunday service was on Saturday or possibly even a Friday! Laymen or deacons provided leadership within the church at other times. [It did not join the association until 1924.] When the tiny church outgrew itself a new one was built standing in a grove of oak trees toward the northwestern part of the cemetery. The church remained there until the current building was erected in the early 1960's. The dedication for the new Union Grove Baptist Church was 1963 with the education wing being added and dedicated in 1975. In 1984 the church added new carpet and padded the pews in the sanctuary and carpet in other parts of the church. Also, the pastorium was remodeled. In 1989 the church voted to renovate the basement area under the sanctuary for additional classrooms to accommodate our growing Sunday School attendance. In February 1993, the church purchased two mobile classrooms to keep up with our growing congregation.

Our oldest records begin in the early 1920s. Baptisms were held many times at Kid Creek and the Tennessee River, but also various members' pasture ponds were used for baptisms. Our records starting in 1922 show E.H. Henderson as our pastor, serving us until 1926. A list of additional pastors: Thomas B. Ramsey (1927-28); L.F. Campbell (1928-38); Jack Carroll (1938-40); T.C. Brown (1940-42); Lante Smallwood (1942-44); L.F. Campbell (1944-?); R.H. Clemmons (?-?); James Denny (1949-50); Charles Hill (1950-53); Bro. Rich (?-?); Wilbur Smallwood (1953-55). No clear record of pastors was found until the 1960s when a Bro. Head and a Bro. Simpson served as pastors. On March 28, 1971, D.A. Emerson was elected as our full-time pastor which he held until September 1974. Paul Holmes was the next pastor to serve at our church beginning sometime in 1975 until 1979. Howard Smallwood was called as an interim pastor and served until 1984 when his health forced him to retire. Jerry Reeder was called and served until June of 1991. Don Ware served as our interim until Ken Galyean came as our pastor in May 1992. Bro. Galyean serves as our current pastor.

The ongoing purpose of the church has not changed since it began in 1889. Our church motto "Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained strangers unawares" is still just as honored today as it was when it was adopted. Many changes and improvements have been made through the years but the main reason never changes - Jesus died for each of us because of his love for us all; and because of His grace and our faith one day all of His children will reside with him forever. -submitted by Judy Mitchell

*VALHERMOSA (SPRINGS) BAPTIST CHURCH

Valhermosa Springs, Alabama

(Author's note: According to information from Myers and Shackelford, there was an older Valhermosa Springs Church that was organized by Elder Thomas J. Weaver in 1889 and was still listed by 1901. It appears to have disbanded and has no connection to the present church.)

In 1969, Brother E.P. Berry felt a definite call from the Lord to establish a church in the Cotaco Valley. Along with C.F. Mitchell and J.P. Patterson, Bro. Berry rented the Dr. Gus May Jr. childhood home to begin a mission at Valhermosa Springs. The first service was held on the second Sunday in June 1969. 38 people attended the service. The congregation soon outgrew the building and had to make additions. The church petitioned and was received into the association that same year.

The church bought two acres of land that joined the Dr. May farm and began making plans to build the new building. Children, as well as adults, began to work by giving $.25, which was the price of a new block, each Sunday. When the day came to build, the children had enough money to buy 3000 blocks. The first service was held in the new building on Dec. 25, 1972.

In 1988, due to health problems, Bro. Berry resigned as minister. On October 1, 1988, Bro. Dewitt Crowe, who is "well respected as a man of God by colleagues and the people of this community", took over as pastor of the church. It today has over 300 members. -combined from information contributed by Patty Montgomery and Dewitt Crowe

*VESTAVIA HILLS BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

Vestavia Hills was started primarily by a group that departed from Parkview Baptist Church, along with the pastor, James R. Best. The following excerpts are from his letter on file in the associational office: (To) Mrs. I.W. Myers, Historian, Morgan Baptist Association: "...The organizational service of our church took place on March 2, 1975. The council [what used to be called "presbytery"] was composed of the missionary W.L. Hacker, C.G. Reding, Wayne Fields, Billy Stephenson, Joe Ray, Charles Gaston, and myself. There were 94 charter members. . . This church was actually born out of a prayer meeting that was held in the home of David Harrell on Saturday night, Feb. 1 and was continued Feb. 5 and services [were] begun Feb. 9. I was called as pastor on Feb. 16. . ."

All the above named ministers from "sister churches" participated in the upbeat worship service of dedication. On the printed program, a word of appreciation was expressed "for the love and concern expressed by the Southside Baptist Church, Shoal Creek Baptist Church, and the Decatur Housing Authority as they have provided seats, chairs, and hymnals for our use during our birth. Thank you so very much for assisting us in our time of need." Among the first deacons were Charles Davis, Wayon Pritchard, and Gerald Payne.

Pastors since that time have included Peter J. Tcherneshoff, E.H. (Hoody) Richards, Tony Smith, Mickey Bracken, and Lynn Marshall, pastor at present. -from associational files

*WALDEN('S) CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

No information was received, but Mrs. Myers' notes state that Walden's Chapel was organized "at the close of a revival held in a brush arbor in August 1930." It later joined the association in 1931 and B. Merriman was the first pastor.

*WALNUT GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH

On August 21, 1964 a small group of people met in Bro. Rosebury's Piano Company and discussed the need and possibility for a church. The idea of this church we hope was born in the heart of God. One summer day, Mr. and Mrs. O.C. Marsh were driving by the old Walnut Grove Methodist Church which had been destroyed years ago. As they were passing, Mrs. Marsh saw a For Sale sign on the lots next to the old cemetery. She suggested they buy the lots for the church. After a special prayer meeting, the lots were bought. The First Baptist Church [Decatur] agreed to help get things started.

On September 3, 1964 the people who were organizing the Walnut Grove Mission agreed to ask Bro. Jesse M. Rogers to be the moderator. On September 6 at 10:00 a.m. the first service was held in the open air; there were 12 people present. Rogers' first sermon was John 11:28 and the first offering was $24.46. On Sunday Sept. 27, 1964 they had their first indoor service, inside a tent that had been donated. Monday they had their first revival. April 25, 1965 a contract was made to build a 32x50 block building. The mission was organized into a church on July 25, 1965 and J.M. Rogers was elected as pastor. April 1966 the church voted to build a new addition; the church also decided to have the Lord's Supper the second Sunday in June and every six months thereafter.

The second pastor was Grady Greeson. He was with the church until February 1968. In that same month Dan Sparkman was called to pastor; he was with the church until 1972. In February J.T. Copeland was called as interim and in April of the same year he was voted to be the pastor; in September 1972 he resigned. In November 1973 Bro. [Martin?] Chenault was voted with a 100% vote. In 1975 Bro. Copeland became pastor [again] and remained until March 1978. In that same month Clyde Ledlow became pastor; he was here until 1991.

That brings us to the present; on March 8, 1992 Walnut Grove Baptist Church was blessed with a 100% vote for Gary Carter to be our first full-time pastor. In 1993 we connected the two buildings by adding a new nursery, a new Sunday School classroom, two new bathrooms and a new office for the pastor. In May 1994 David Wilson was elected to be our part-time music director. The first Sunday in June is our Homecoming.

When Walnut Grove got started there were 40 charter members. Today we have enrolled close to 300 members and we average about 100 in Sunday School and about 125 in worship service. We still have one of the original charter members, Mrs. Louise Owens. Thirty years ago someone felt the need for a church in this community and through the Holy Spirit and human faith we here at Walnut Grove are still trusting in the Lord and we are still growing.

-submitted by Walnut Grove Baptist Church; edited by author

*WESTMEADE BAPTIST CHURCH

Decatur, Alabama

(Compiled from excerpts of their published history, available in paperback from the church.)

On October 2, 1966, a meeting was held in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Vernon Lang for the purpose of organizing a church in Southwest Decatur. Attending were 19 people representing 15 families. This meeting was called by Dr. Jesse Rogers, who moderated and offered prayer, enthusiasm, and support for this project. The mission, sponsored by Westside (now Central Park) Baptist Church, met in temporary facilities on Moulton Road until October 1969 when the permanent building on Betty and Runnymeade was dedicated.

In October 1969, a service for constituting the mission into a church was held, at which time there were 81 members. April, 1980, a new sanctuary was dedicated and in 1989 the present sanctuary on Beltline Road SW was dedicated.

Joe Hoover was the first pastor and served until 1976. Richard Sharp was called in November 1976 and served until 1985. Joe Joyner was called to serve in 1986 and is the present pastor. Glen Jennings was the first minister of music and youth. Rick Hunt, Jimmy Cantrell, and David McArthur also served as minister of music and youth over the years. Bob Waldrop has been the minister of music since 1989. James Chitwood came as minister of education and outreach in 1983 and is still serving at present. Margaret Morris is the minister of youth and activities and has served in that capacity since 1985.

Westmeade Baptist Church celebrated its 25th Anniversary on Sunday October 3, 1993. This church has been blessed throughout the years with church growth. We now have approximately 1400 Sunday School members and 1460 church members.

-from 2 sketches submitted by Judy Hughes; edited by author

*WEST HARTSELLE BAPTIST CHURCH

Hartselle, Alabama

In the fall of 1953 a group of interested Christians saw the need of a Baptist church in the West Hartselle area. They began meeting in homes for prayer and Bible study. The first of these meetings was held in September 1953 with D.F. Hickman, Associational Missionary of Morgan County Baptist Association speaking to the 66-member congregation. On Thanksgiving Day that year, 26 people met on the site where the church is now located. They prayed together and, by faith, gave and pledged $690 toward the purchase of an acre of land for a building site.

West Hartselle Baptist Church was organized on December 13, 1953 in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lonnie Lawrence with 29 charter members. Freeman Blankenship, Kyle Johnson, Harry Wiggins, and B.D. Wright were elected as the first deacons. Harold Wright was called as the first pastor in January 1954. The services in the early days were held in the homes of members. The church began constructing a basement which would provide an auditorium and Sunday School rooms. The first service in the new basement was held February 7, 1954.

During its first year the church received 13 members by baptism and 70 members by letter. The church also voted to give 5% of its total offerings to the Cooperative Program and increased it to 10% the following year. The church became a member of the Morgan County Baptist Association in October 1954. An auditorium was built above the basement. On Feb. 12, 1956, the church held its first meeting in the new auditorium.

John Ingouf became pastor on Sept. 1, 1957. Since membership had more than doubled, the church began plans in 1958 for additional educational space. On June 15, 1961, the new educational building was dedicated. In October 1960 Rev. and Mrs. Ingouf were appointed as missionaries to Indonesia by the Foreign Mission Board. The mission-oriented dedication of the couple as they led the church left members with a vision of missions which has never dimmed. (An older history of West Hartselle was written by John Ingouf and is on file in the associational office. It lists all 29 charter members and notes that when the church was started, an old radio cabinet was used for a pulpit. He also tells this story of the first building: "One day as several of the men were working on the basement, one made the statement that at least $200 was needed to finish before services could be held. Confidence was expressed that God would provide a way... Another man dropped in to see how the work was progressing; he expressed his regret that he could not help with the labor since he was working out of town. Then he handed the men a check for $300 to use in the building. No other man had told this Christian of the church's immediate need; God had spoken to another heart.")

Robert Slack became pastor on June 1, 1961. Under his leadership a pastorium was built. During the first ten years, there were 515 additions made to the church. The church called Herman ("Jimmy") Dean on August 4, 1968; he led the church in yet another building program and on August 8, 1971 the congregation moved into a new auditorium and office complex.

Jimmy Chapman became pastor on April 21, 1974. The church continued to grow. After his resignation, Robert ("Bob") Gordon became pastor on February 5, 1978. He continues to lead the 750 member congregation as they attempt to carry out Christ's Great Commission. Not only has the church given of its money to missions, but also has given 18 of its young people to carry the message of Christ to a lost world. May God grant that the words of the Psalmist be the words and emotions of each member of the West Hartselle Baptist Church: "The Lord has done great things for us; therefore we are glad." (Psalm 126:3) -from an unsigned sketch prepared for The Hartselle Inquirer, 3/21/95; edited by author

*WEST POINT BAPTIST CHURCH

Union Hill, Alabama

As best as can be deciphered from a very old handwritten sketch by Mrs. Clifford Haga (who tells Bro. Myers "Sorry didn't get it in sooner but have been sick, but am O.K. now") the church was organized August 24, 1940, according to excerpts from the "First Minnit." Names of charter members from Union Hill (Union Grove?) are listed, along with members of the presbytery, but are very hard to read. J.R. Brown was the first pastor; and after the organizational meeting "the presbytery turned the work over to the new church. . ." -from associational files

WESTSIDE BAPTIST CHURCH

Eva, Alabama

In 1972 an "arm of guidance" was given to a group calling itself (with a few variations) the Eva Southern Baptist Mission of Falkville Baptist Church. A group led by pastor Charles Glaze and Mrs. I.W. Myers that also included John Knight, Sam Watters, and Perry Speegle "met with 7 men and 3 ladies at the Eva Saddle Club House for the purpose of discussing their request for our church at Falkville to...sponsor them as a mission until they can organize into a Southern Baptist Church." Director of Missions Bill Hacker also gave much guidance to the mission during its formative stages. Groundbreaking for its first building took place on April 29, 1973; and it was constituted as Westside Baptist Church on August 19, 1973 with 39 charter members (on file). Details of the founding of this church, along with commemorative programs of the groundbreaking ceremony and other early milestones, were preserved by Mrs. Myers. Steve Bryant was the first pastor. Westside joined the Morgan County Association in 1973 but was dismissed to the Cullman Association in 1988, having more geographical kinship with the Vinemont/Cullman area, as is common in that section of Morgan County.

WESTSIDE, DECATUR

(See Central Park)

WILDER'S CHAPEL BAPTIST CHURCH

This church was founded in 1917, joined the association 1928, and was not listed after 1944. Pastors included C.H. Powers, Buck Merriman, and Rufus Norwood. -from associational files

WOODLAND MILLS BAPTIST CHURCH

Listed a time or two as "Woodland Hills", this church in the Cotaco area was founded 1919, joined the association in 1924, then later dwindled. In 1937 it was "revived with a membership of 8", but had disbanded by 1954. The first pastor was Lantee Smallwood, followed by W.H. Varnell, I.W. Myers, and O.C. Marsh. -from associational records and files

DISTINGUISHED MORGAN COUNTY BAPTISTS

By singling out certain Baptists from the entire history of Morgan County, this section is being written with full knowledge that "Pandora's Box" is now being opened! The risk of having glaring omissions is great. Most "leaders" in our association have quietly labored behind the scenes. (Or, like J.D. McClanahan, not-so-quietly!) The writer particularly regrets not having a complete list of Baptist missionaries called out from Morgan County, although several have been mentioned in other sections of the book.

There are nonetheless several unusually gifted individuals, mostly laypersons, who have over the years reached outstanding heights of achievement in Baptist circles. They are being mentioned for their servant leadership and for contributing their diverse talents to the Christian witness.

L. GENE BLACK - Director for over 30 years (since 1965) of the Samford University A Cappella Choir and former dean of the school of music. Dr. Black has taken his students to sing in churches, cathedrals, and Baptist gatherings around the world. He is a native of Decatur, was raised in Central Baptist Church, and was profoundly influenced by the late A.B. VanArsdale.

ALBERT P. BREWER - Governor of Alabama 1968-1970. This former Decatur attorney and Baptist deacon is now a professor at Cumberland School of Law, Samford University. Around the time he was in office, he was asked to give his testimony at the annual SBC gathering.

S. S. BROADUS - Prominent banker and member of First Baptist Church of Decatur who, in the early 1900s led the effort to acquire what is now one of the few remaining Carnegie Libraries in the United States. Ironically, the church has in more recent years rented the Oak Street NE structure from the city; it is now used as a youth house. Most notably, he was the son of President John Broadus of Southern Seminary. (Broadus Ave. is named for this family.)

"BURLESON" - Along with names such as Briscoe, Weaver (thanks to Bill Weaver for showing me the family tree!), Halbrooks, Criscoe, and Orr (Bud Orr of the "Bud's" chain is a descendant), an entire book by itself could be written about these early Baptist families in Morgan County - particularly the Burlesons, whose descendants still reside in Morgan County and are active in historical projects. Their legacy is evident when hearing one speak of Burleson Mountain, or the old school at Danville, the Burleson-Hinds-McEntire antebellum house in Decatur, or Burleson Elementary School in Hartselle. Particularly significant to Baptist history are four sons (of 13 children altogether) of Jonathan Burleson, early settler and landowner in Morgan County (the Burlesons having intermarried into the Orr and Byrd families):

*Rufus C. Burleson - baptized at Mt. Pisgah (now Flint) Baptist, he left Alabama and became a great leader in Texas history. He was the second president of Baylor University and was instrumental in its move to Waco. He also pastored First Baptist Church of Houston, now one of the nation's largest, and baptized General Sam Houston in Rocky Creek at Independence. Legend has it that he came up from the water and said "Now you've baptized my pocketbook."

*Richard Byrd Burleson - also went west after being baptized at Mt. Pisgah (Flint), later was pastor at First Baptist Church of Austin, Texas (where a later pastor, Carlyle Marney, would be named by Time as one of America's ten greatest preachers) and became vice-president of Baylor after teaching there. Shackelford says that Burleson's last hour on earth was spent with his wife and his brother Rufus, and one of his last utterances was "I want to see the promised land like Moses." Earlier, he had administered Shackelford's school in Moulton.

*Dabney A. Burleson - state legislator and charter member of First Baptist Hartselle. This branch remained in Morgan County (F.E. Burleson School), and his ancestor David Burleson (banker and current president of the Hartselle Historical Society) lives on the original family estate near Hartselle, which is listed on the National Register of Historic places.

*A.A. Burleson - physician and charter member of First Baptist Decatur who built the Burleson-Hinds-McEntire home. Named in one book of antebellum structures as "perhaps the most historic house in Alabama", it was one of four not burned by General Sherman during the Civil War. It also hosted Generals Grant and Sherman as they helped plan battles such as Shiloh. This branch of Burlesons eventually went to Arkansas and the Memphis area.

ANNIE LOU SPIGHT (MRS. SENECA) BURR - Sister of millionaire layman W.R. Spight, "Miss Annie Lou" continued as a trustee of Howard College (now Samford University) for several years after her brother. She was also organist at Central Baptist for around 40 years.

NINA HODGES CLINE - Now in her nineties, Mrs. Cline has for years been an unassuming, "behind the scenes" benefactor for many Christian causes, quietly depositing thousands of dollars into such channels as the Baptist Foundation of Alabama (for ministerial scholarships, etc.), the Decatur General Hospital Foundation, and the Baptist Children's Home, where one can see the grand piano inscribed with her family's name. In 1994 she lived to see her longtime dream of providing a (Wicks) pipe organ for Central Baptist Church become a reality. Dr. Ron Boud, former Billy Graham crusade accompanist and professor at Southern Seminary, performed the dedication. A member of Central for 76 years, she has sought little recognition and will probably fuss about being listed now.

T. W. (TOM) COLLIER - Superintendent of Decatur's branch of the Alabama Baptist Children's Home from the time of its inception through 1975; then became the state Executive Director 1975-1990, having the longest term of service to date. Locally, his work as head of the Decatur branch has been ably carried on by Claude Grigsby and Bobby Joe Smith in more recent years. (And Southside's pastor Brooks Barkley was just elected chair of trustees.)

CHARLES EYSTER, SR. - The administration building of the Alabama Baptist Children's Home, Decatur branch, bears this inscription: "In Memory of Charles B. Eyster, Dedicated Baptist, Devoted Husband and Father, Loyal American and Distinguished Alabama Attorney." Although his wife Kitty was a staunch Episcopalian, Mr. Eyster was an equally devout pillar of Central Baptist, established partly by Eysters in the 1800s. Today, Charles Eyster's youngest son, John, is a member of Southside Baptist, and the entire family continues to lend philanthropic support to many Christian causes, as they did in 1970 by helping to launch the work of the Children's Home in Decatur.

JOHN GLOVER - Longtime Minister of Music, First Baptist Church, Atlanta. Appearing weekly with Charles Stanley's nationwide "In Touch" television broadcast, today John Glover is arguably the most widely seen church musician in America. Many may not know, however, that he served First Baptist Hartselle, from 1958-1962.

JUNIOR HILL - One of America's most widely known and popular evangelists. He is a lifelong resident of Hartselle and served 1989-1990 as First Vice President of the Southern Baptist Convention. He and his family are now members of Westmeade Baptist Church.

CHARLES ED HOWELL - Minister of education in such noted churches as First Baptist Nashville; First Baptist and Central Park, Birmingham; and Citadel Square Baptist in Charleston (where R.G. Lee pastored prior to Bellevue). A Decatur native, he grew up in Southside Baptist and returned to both upon retirement. Served as a trustee of the Sunday School Board, The Alabama Baptist, chaired the state Committee on Boards and Commissions, and was elected 2nd Vice President of the Alabama Baptist State Convention in 1985. His influence helped to inspire a large number of young, future leaders of Sunday School work from Morgan County: Bruce Hose, Don Watterson, Fred and Ralph Halbrooks, Don Strahm, and Art Criscoe. Upon Mr. Howell's death in 1990, The Huntsville Times lamented the passing of "Mr. Sunday School."

JESSE G. NASH - While scanning through Daughters of the Dream, the history of Judson College, the author discovered that President Jesse Nash - who only served Judson one year - left there to teach at Josephus Shackelford's school in Danville (See 1927). While doing so, he pastored the Moulton Baptist Church and also Hopewell in Morgan County. (Hopewell did not have a pastor listed around that time.) He later left and moved to Texas.

HENRY ALLAN PARKER - Pastor of Danville Baptist during his early years, he later became a noted leader in south Alabama and Florida. He helped found Calvary Baptist in Dothan as a mission of First Baptist Dothan, and also pastored the now-enormous First Baptist Orlando where 1994 SBC President Jim Henry is at the present time.

MADELINE DIX REEVES - Pastor's wife (her husband served at Central Baptist 1923-28) and former president of Alabama Woman's Missionary Union; also former vice president of the national WMU. Daughter of T.M. Dix (and niece of Paul Dix), she hails from one of the early prominent families of Decatur and First Baptist Church. Mrs. W.P. Reeves also served as a trustee of her alma mater, Judson College. She was honored by the Alabama Baptist Historical Society in 1993, at which time a paper was presented concerning her life and ministry.

JOSEPHUS SHACKELFORD - Gifted preacher, author, legislator, Confederate chaplain (thanks to Robert Parham for making me aware of that fact), historian, farmer, and educator who left a remarkable legacy in Morgan County during the late 1800s and 1900s (See Introduction). His early research of Baptists in north Alabama and Tennessee provided monumental data for John Knox and other local historians who came later. A detailed tribute and biographical sketch of Dr. Shackelford is provided in Allie Butler's history of First Baptist Church, Decatur, one of his numerous pastorates in this area.

CRAIG AND BETH SINGLETON - Professors of music at Golden Gate Baptist Theological Seminary. Dr. Craig Singleton has served for many years as chair of the music department. Beth is an accomplished organist and the daughter of W.K. Stephenson, beloved pastor of First Baptist Decatur for almost thirty years and an honorary life trustee of Samford University.

JAMES SMITH - Served with distinction for many years as national director of the Southern Baptist Brotherhood Commission. Smith names Central Baptist in Decatur as his home church.

MELANIE SMITH - Highly respected, longtime religion editor for The Decatur Daily; winner of numerous journalism awards; member of Westmeade Baptist Church.

BOB TERRY - As this book went to press, Dr. Bobby S. Terry had just been named editor of The Alabama Baptist after the sudden death of longtime editor Hudson Baggett; he is a Decatur native, having left at a young age (and whose parents have returned to Morgan County to live);

most recently served for twenty years as editor of the Missouri Baptist paper, Word and Way.

W. R. SPIGHT - Trustee of Howard College and prominent lay member of Central Baptist Church who, in the 1930s, gave the largest contribution to mission causes in Alabama Baptist history to that date. So declared A.H. Reid in Baptists in Alabama: Their Organization and Witness. Funds were divided between foreign and home missions, Howard and Judson Colleges, New Orleans Baptist Seminary, and Union University in Tennessee, for a total of over two million dollars - a staggering amount in that day. Older residents remember him as the proprietor of Brock & Spight Wholesale Grocers on Bank Street, a title still barely visible on his old building that is now the Decatur Business Incubator. Pearl Knight says he looked like "a Kentucky Colonel." (Sanders perhaps?) The following was published about him years later in a book of sermon illustrations (P.L. Tan, c1979; with gratitude to Eva Nell Hunter for finding this for me):

"Mr. W.R. Spight, wholesale grocer of Decatur, Ala., passed away. Shortly after his departure the trusteeship of the Spight estate came into being. Representatives of the eight beneficiaries of the estate met, reviewed the activities of the trustees, and found that out of an original estate worth a million dollars, the beneficiaries have received $1,040,000 and there is still an approximate million's worth left in the estate. A friend said that he gave $500 [in 1920s-30's era money] to the Lord every Sunday of the year, while he lived. To be worth a million, and give a million, and leave a million to be given away is a record. Only eternity will reveal the vast amount of good accomplished by the million given, and the million now being given! Money simply cannot be put to a higher use than that of honoring the Lord."

CHARLES H. TURNER - Pastor of Decatur's Southside Baptist Church 1927-28, Dr. Turner later became the last president of the Baptist Collegiate Institute in Newton, Alabama which closed in 1929 due to lack of funds. This well remembered institution trained scores of ministers in the early part of this century, and noted alumni such as Dr. Brady Justice of Enterprise continued an annual reunion until recently, when most had died or were too old to attend.

A.B. VANARSDALE - Revered late pastor of Central Baptist Church, 1952-1977. He had a booming voice that sounded like God Himself. Among other achievements, "Brother Van" served as a trustee of his alma mater, Southwestern Seminary. Most notably, he preached the Convention Sermon at the 1961 SBC in St. Louis, on the subject "The Everlasting Gospel." In his new book, A Messenger's Memoirs: Sixty-One Southern Baptist Convention Meetings, retired Southwestern President Robert Naylor recalls this sermon by his friend VanArsdale, and states that "only another preacher" can fully understand what a high honor this is.

PHIL WALDREP - Though still in his thirties, this young evangelist and Decatur resident began preaching as an Austin High teenager and has now gained nationwide recognition. He continues to hold revivals and other conferences throughout the Southern Baptist Convention.

EMMIE FRANCES POLHILL WOLFER - Philanthropist who became one of the most generous benefactors in the history of Judson College. Before her death in 1993, Mrs. Wolfer sponsored countless students and was awarded an honorary doctorate in 1983. Her family has longtime roots in Decatur and in First Baptist Church. (Note the inscription "T.M. Jones and J.T. Jones, 1904" above Bank Street Finance Co. in Decatur, named for Mrs. Wolfer's grandfather and great-uncle, respectively.)

Many past and present government officials have also been Morgan County Baptists. Against the author's better judgement (for omissions will be certain), here are a few of the more recent and current ones that come to mind, along with their church membership: Judges Ed Breland and David Breland (Central); Judge Bobby Day (16th Avenue); Planning Commissioner Rob Walker (Central); Morgan County Commission Chair Larry Bennich (Flint), and Commissioner E.V. "Plug" White (Cave Springs); County 911 Commissioner (and former council member) Max Patterson (Central); License Commissioner (through 1994) Cleon Yates (Southside), and License Commissioner (since 1994) Sue Roan (First Hartselle); Morgan County Coroner Gene Shelton (Westmeade); Decatur City Manager (and former council member) Ray Nixon (Central); and Decatur City Attorney Herman Marks, Jr. (Central). The author regrets not having a list of officials from earlier years; time restraints simply prevented being able to compile one.

There have been several state senators and representatives: from Dr. Josephus Shackelford Elder Jackson Gunn, and Elder D.P. Bestor (in the old days); up through Herman Marks Sr. (Central); Morris Anderson (Westmeade); and Paul Parker (First Hartselle). Scotty Maples (First Hartselle) is an immediate past mayor. At this point the great temptation to begin listing council members from the various towns and cities will be avoided, as there have been dozens.

FOR FURTHER READING

Published Local History

Bark, Irene Walker. A Journey of One Hundred Years. Hartselle, Alabama: First Baptist Church, 1983.

Butler, Allie C. Celebrating Over 150 Years. Decatur, Alabama: First Baptist Church, 1992.

Dunn, Georgia L. A History of Bethlehem Baptist Church. Lacey's Spring, Alabama: Bethlehem Baptist Church, 1993.

Dunnavant, Robert Jr. Decatur, Alabama: Yankee Foothold In Dixie. Athens, Alabama: Pea Ridge Press, 1995.

Edwards, Gilbert. Flint, Alabama: A Southern Town. Published by the author, 1977.

Jenkins, William H. and John Knox. The Story of Decatur, Alabama. City of Decatur, 1970.

Knox, John. A History of Morgan County, Alabama. Decatur, Alabama: Morgan County Board of Revenue, 1967.

Ray, Mark Douglas. The First Seventy-five Years: Southside Baptist Church, Decatur, Alabama 1911-1986. Nashville: JM Productions, 1986.

Sentell, Lee (ed). The Historic Decatur Picture Book. Decatur, Alabama: The Morgan County Historic Preservation Society (now Morgan Co. Historical Society), 1976.

Shackelford, Josephus. History of Muscle Shoals Baptist Association. Trinity, Alabama: The author, 1891.

Shaneyfelt, Altha Barkley. A History of Lebanon Baptist Church 1845-1979.

Smith, Melanie and others. A Lighthouse in Decatur for 25 Years (1968-1993). Decatur, Alabama: Westmeade Baptist Church, 1993.

Wise, Cynthia A. The Alabama Baptist Children's Home: The First One Hundred Years. Montgomery: The Brown Printing Company, 1991.

Wolfer, Emmie Frances Polhill. Emmie Frances, Judson College, and Her "Wolfer Girls." Birmingham: Banner Press, 1994.

(As this book was going to press, someone reminded me of David Whitehorn's history of Somerville. My apologies for not including it by title. There is also a wonderful unsigned, undated sketch in the associational office entitled "Somerville: A Town with a Proud Heritage.")

Published State Baptist History

Allen, Lee N. Born For Missions: Birmingham Baptist Association 1833-1983. Birmingham: Birmingham Baptist Association 1984.

Bagley, George E. My Four Decades With Alabama Baptists. Birmingham: Alabama Baptist Historical Commission, 1991.

Crumpton, W.B. A Book of Memories 1842-1920. Montgomery: Paragon Press, 1921.

Gwaltney, L.L. Forty of the Twentieth, or, The First Forty Years of the Twentieth Century. Birmingham: The author, 1940. (Discusses several pastors who were in Morgan County at some point, including E.Floyd Olive. I didn't even know this book by the former editor of The Alabama Baptist existed until discovering it while trying to determine if he was the former pastor of Central - which, as it appears, he was not.)

Hamilton, Frances Dew and Elizabeth C. Wells. Daughters of the Dream. Marion, Alabama: Judson College, 1989. (Its section entitled "Portraits of Judson" discusses President Jesse G. Nash, who left and pastored Hopewell Baptist Church.)

Holcombe, Hosea. A History of the Rise and Progress of the Baptists in Alabama. Philadelphia: King and Baird, 1840. (Mentions several of our oldest Morgan County churches.)

Reid, A.H. Baptists in Alabama: Their Organization and Witness. Montgomery: Alabama Baptist State Convention, 1967. (A new history of the state convention by Wayne Flynt is scheduled for release in 1998.)

Riley, B.F. A Memorial History of the Baptists of Alabama. Philadelphia: Judson Press, 1923.

Sulzby, James F. Toward a History of Samford University (2 vol). Birmingham: Samford University, 1986.

Wilks, W.P. Biographical Dictionary of Alabama Baptists 1920-1947. Opelika, Alabama: The Post Publishing Co., 1947. (Dr. Wilks was a former pastor of Central. He mentions Madeline Dix Reeves and several of the Morgan County preachers.)

Published Denominational History

Baker, Eugene W. To Light the Ways of Time: An Illustrated History of Baylor University. Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press, 1986. (Discusses the Burlesons.)

Hobbs, Herschel H. The Baptist Faith and Message. Nashville: Convention Press, 1971.

McBeth, Leon. The Baptist Heritage: Four Centuries of Baptist Witness. Nashville: Broadman Press, 1987.

Murray, Lois Smith. Baylor at Independence. Waco, Texas: Baylor University Press, 1972. (Also discusses Rufus and Richard Burleson, and the baptism of General Sam Houston.)

Naylor, Robert. A Messengers Memoirs: Sixty-one Southern Baptist Convention Meetings. Franklin, Tennessee: Providence House, 1995. (Talks about A.B. VanArsdale.)

Shurden, Walter. Not a Silent People (revised). Macon, Georgia: Smyth & Helwys, 1994.

Watson, The Baptist Association. Nashville: Convention Press.

Inerrancy Controversy (Fundamentalist perspective):

Hefley, James C. The Conservative Resurgence in the Southern Baptist Convention. Hannibal, MO: Hannibal Books, 1991.

Hefley, James C. The Truth in Crisis (vol. 1-5). Hannibal: Hannibal Books, 1986-1990.

Inerrancy Controversy (Moderate perspective):

Cothen, Grady C. The New SBC: Fundamentalism's Impact on the Southern Baptist Convention. Macon, Georgia: Smyth & Helwys, 1995.

Cothen, Grady C. What Happened to the Southern Baptist Convention? Macon: Smyth & Helwys, 1993.

James, Rob. The Takeover in the Southern Baptist Convention. Decatur, Georgia, Baptists Today, 1989; updated 1994.

Leonard, Bill J. God's Last and Only Hope: The Fragmentation of the Southern Baptist Convention. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990.

Other Works Cited

Black, James Otha. History of the Morgan County Association. (unpublished booklet, no date).

Buckelew, Irene. "Grace Baptist: Church Has Blossomed Into More than Just an Institution", The Decatur Daily, November 6,1977.

Coleman, Randy. "Conflict Hits Pastor Search", SBC Today (now Baptists Today), December 1988, p. 14.

Knox, John. "How Long Ago Was Spring Hill Settled?", The Decatur Daily, December 13, 1964.

Knox, John. "How Did `Slipup' Get Its Name?", The Decatur Daily, undated. (Discusses Pleasant Hill.)

Minutes, Morgan County Baptist Association, 1919 - present.

Minutes, Muscle Shoals Baptist Association, through 1919.

Myers, Azelia Cobbs (Mrs Ira W.) Fifty Years History of the Morgan County Missionary Baptist Association. (unpublished booklet, 1969).

Newton, Jim. "SBC's `Golden Age' Ended in 1979, Claims Fields", The Alabama Baptist, April 30, 1987.

Smith, Melanie. "Even Before Decatur Was Born, Churches Were Here", The Decatur Daily, September 7, 1985. (Discusses Shiloh Baptist Church.)

Smith, Melanie. "Morgan Baptists Polish Off 70th Yearly Meeting - Ordination of Women Topic of `Sole Ripple' of Controversy", The Decatur Daily, October 21, 1989.

Tan, Paul Lee. Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations: Signs of the Times. (no city listed): Bible Communications, Inc., 1979. (Gives an illustration about Christian stewardship using Mr. W.R. Spight of Decatur as an example.)

Wahl, Cathy D. "Friends Honor Baptist Leader" (Madeline Dix Reeves), The Decatur Daily, March 20, 1994.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

MARK DOUGLAS RAY is a licensed therapist and director of the adolescent psychiatric program at Decatur General West, serving this year as district president-elect of the Alabama Counseling Association. He is a graduate of Decatur High School and has degrees in psychology and counseling from Samford University and Southwestern Seminary. A member of several professional organizations, Mark is active in church, civic, and community endeavors.