Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes c. 1850 - 1870

Introductory note. These church minutes, possibly incomplete, cover a period beginning somewhere after 1850 and ending in 1870. The material is chronological except that page 12 has some material from 1857-8. The document was given me by Mrs. Sue Young of Cedar Bluff, Alabama, whom I call "the unofficial historian" of Cedar Bluff. I received copies of the original transcriber's typewritten pages 1 - 15, not the original minutes.
Mrs. Mann's comments are shown by brackets and unrecognized words by underlines followed by a question mark. Using brackets, I added the full name "Williamson" after the abbreviation "Wmson." I have attempted to keep the spelling and punctuation faithful to Mrs. Mann's transcription. If there is a question about the possibility of a typographical error, please contact me.

Typewritten page 1
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Copied from records now in the possession of Mr. Samuel Cate Lawrence, Route 2, Centre, Alabama, by Cathrine Cleek Mann on December 27, 1957.
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[Date torn off but after December 26, 1850, which is the date Col. Benjamin Cudsworth Yancey took possession of the so-called Yancey Plantation.]

The Church of Christ [torn off] El. W. C. Mynatt, Moderator.
Visiting Brothern were in [torn off]
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
The com. to confer with Bros. E. S. Hardwick and [can't read] were given further time to Report.
The Com. to enquire into the conduct of Colr. Brother San property of Col. B. C. Yancey reported that they had conferred with the said Colr. Bro. and upon his confessions and the proof elected they were satisfied that he was guilty of theft & lying and upon motion of Bro. F. M. Hardwick the Report was rec'd and the said Bro. was excluded from the church.
Bro. J. B. Mynatt moved that the Church has a Prayer Meeting at this Church every Wednesday evening hereafter, which motion was unanimously adopted.

Cedar Bluff, Ala, Novr. 8th, 185_
The Church at this place met in Conference. Eld. Wm.. C. Mynatt, Moderator.
An enquiry was made for the fellowship of the Church. All in peace.
Visiting brothren were invited to take seats.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. No date.
The Baptist Church at this place met in conference. El. Wm. C. Mynatt, Moderator.
Enquiry for fellowship, all in peace.
Visitng Brethern were invited to seats.
An opportunity was offered for Membership. No one applied.
The Report of Com. appointed at August conference was called for. Com. report no progress. Bro. Mynatt asks the Church to release him. Which the Church did.

No place or date.
Church convened. Committee were asked for report. Subject delinquent. A Committee appointed by Moderator.
Bro. Hawkins, Bro. Baber - _______ Salomons
Bro. Gains, Hill - Miss Crews
Bro. Vaughn& Hardwick - John Witt.

Cedar Bluff, Feb the 7 1856
When Brother Hill and Brother Gain came to see me I told them that I would attend Church on Saturday. But I do not expect to attend Church on to day and if any of the Brothers and Sisters are dissatisfied with me in the Church to take my name off. I don't feel willing to make any further acknowledgments than I have made. /s/ Rebeccah Crews.

Cedar Bluff, March 4,
Church of Christ met.
Enquiry made for fellowship. All in peace.
An opportunity for membership. None applied.
Report of Committee in August case deferred.
Committee in the case of JNo. Whit - rec'd & committee released. and a charge preferred of immoral & unchristian conduct - also contempt
 

Typewritten page 2
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Committee on the case of Bro. Salmons reported & the charge of drunkness preferred & sustained. Motion made & carried to expel Bro. Salmons.
Committee on the case of Bro. Jno. B. Hardwick reported & received, Upon making confession to the Church he was restored to full fellowship.
Committee on the case of E. S. Hardwick & [can't read] reported & rec'd with amendment. Bro. E. S. Hardwick confesses with regard to immoral conduct & restored.

Mr. Lawrence, Sir:

Permit me through you to address the Baptist Church at Cedar Bluff, requesting new letters of dismission from that body both for myself and sister, Sarah A. Beavers. Through some mislay we have not the former ones in possession. I should have made the request long ago, but I had thought all along until within a few weeks past, that we had the letters in safe keeping. Should the Church think proper to grant our request, you will much oblige us by mailing the letters to us at Blountsville Ala.

1st. April Term /57
The Church in Conference
2 proceeded To Business.
3rd opened a door for the reception of members. Recd by Letters the following members (viz) Elder Hezekiah Glover, Cintha Glover, John Crow, Georgian Crow, and M. J. Christian.
4th agreed to Grant Sisters Polly Whitten and Sarah Ann Wells Letters of dismission.
5. Appointed Brothers George Wester and Miles Smith to see Brother John Smith and sight him to our next Conference in May/57. The Session then Closed in Harmony. A. Hawkins, Clerk protem.

May Term 8th. 1857
Church of Christ met in conference. All in peace.
Visiting Brethern invited to seats.
Door of the Church opened for members. Sister Poly Ann Jackson presented a letter December 15, 1855 from Spring Hill Church, Arkansas and was rec'd a member in our body.
Report of committee had & rec'd. Committe, G. Wester & Miles Smith discharged. A charge was preferred against Bro. John Smith and was expelled by Motion. *
It was moved & carred to postpone the Regular Communion until our next Regular Meeting.

*This Church upon the Report of the Committee appointed to see Bro. Jno. Smith prefers a charge of immoral conduct and refusing to obey the same in using profane language against said Bro. Smith.

July l6th,/57
The Church of Christ at this place met in Conference.
The fellowship of the Church being called for all in peace.
 

Typewritten page 3
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with us.
The Door of the Church being opened Bro. Robert Lackey presented a Letter of Dismission from Mount Paren Church, York District, So. Ca. Upon the reading of the Letter it was moved & carried to receive the Bro. in full fellowship.
It was moved & carried to elect Delegates to Association in August next. After Balloting, the following Brethern were elected:
W. C. Mynatt, F. M. Hardwick, M. B. Gains, Jno. Lawrence, G. J. Wmson [Williamson], Alternate.
Letters were called for two servant girls Abby & Hannah - Caroline Tipton formerly
Wester.

State of Ala. )
Cherokee County) April Term 1857
We the Baptist Church of Christ at Cedar Bluff do hereby certify that our Sister Sarah Ann Wells is a member in full fellowship with us and is hereby dismissed from us when joined to any other Church of the same Faith and order. Done in Conference and Signed by order of the Same. April 12, 1857. W. C. Mynatt, Moderator.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. October 17, 1857.
The Church met in conference. By choice - Bro. Wm. C. Mynatt Moderator.
The peace of the Church being called for all was peace.
Visiting Brethren being invited to seats with us.
The door of the Church was opened. None, applied.
Business of the Church being called for -- no business.
Our worthy Pastor stated that he could not serve us any longer as our pastor as he was forced to accept another field of labor therefore we must select another.
No further business the conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Nov. 7th, 1857
The Church of Christ at this place met in Conference. Elder. Wm. C. Mynatt, Moderator.
The peace of the church was called for -- harmony prevailing.
Visiting Brethren were then invited to seats with the Church, to aid her in her deliberations.
Bro. Hill, Clk of this Church being absent, Bro. Jno. Lawrence was requested to act as Clk Protem.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one offered themselves.
Bro. W. C. Mynatt asked for letters of dismission for himself, wife, son Wm. K., and daughter Mary J., and servant woman Mahala, which letters were granted. And Bros. Jno. Lawrence, G. J. Wmson [Williamson], and W. P. Reid were appointed to draft suitable and appropriate Resolutions expressive of the estimation held by this Church of El. W. C. Mynatt, wife & family. Bro. Jno. L. Cothran & wife, and Bro. Adam (or Aaron?) Wester & wife and Sister Mary Ann Wester asked for letters of dismission which several letters were granted.
The Church then adjourned to meet at 11.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Jany 8,/58
The Church at Cedar Bluff met in Conference. On motion Bro. A. Hawkins was called to the seat of Moderator.
After inquiry for the Union & peace of the Church - all in peace.
 

Typewritten page 4
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with us in Conference.
There being no reference in the minutes, the subject of procuring a minister to serve us as Pastor was taken up & Bro. G. S. Wmson [Williamson] & Jno. Pucket were appointed by motion of Bro. F. M. Hardwick to confer with Bro. Comer & other ministers to see if their services during the year could be procured to serve the Church during the year & report at the next Regular Meeting.
It was moved & carried that letters of dismission be granted to W. F. M Hill & Lady; also Jane McElviain(?)
Upon motion of Bro. Wmson [Williamson] for Bro. A. Hawkins to take charge of Church Books & papers.
It was also moved and carried to allow letters of dismission to Bro. Jno. Long & Lady.
There being no further business adjourned in Peace.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Aug. 7, 1858
To the Baptist Church at Cedar Bluff, we the Committe to whom was referred the subject of enquiring after the whereabouts and general conduct of Bros. Wm. & Jno. Sowell, beg(leave)? to report that at last accounts Wm. was in the State of Texas & Jno. in the State of California and further that Bro. F. M. Hardwick informs us that he saw a letter from under the hand of Bro. Heffner stating, that Bro. Wm. Sowell was guilty of immoral conduct such as contracting debts and leaving for parts unknown without making an effort to settle them and others of a more serious character. As to the conduct of Bro. Jno. Sowell we are not able to report. Respectfully submitted. (no signatures)

Saturday, Sep. 15th, 1860
The Church at Cedar Bluff, Ala. met in Conference. El. J. R. Chambers Moderator.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
The minutes of the last conference were read and approved.
Absentees were requested to acknowledge or render a reason for their absence.
Bro. Baber, Hawkins, & Gains were appointed to see Sister Margaret Salmons and report in regard to what rumor had been saying about her conduct.
No other Business - Conference Closed.

On Sabbath following Sisters Mary & Rachel Crews were rec'd into the Church by baptism.

Saturday, October 27th, 1860
The Church met in Conference. El. Chambers, Moderator.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats.
An opportunity was given for membership. Rec'd by experience for Baptism "Collins" & "Elize" servants of sister Martha S. Wmson. [Williamson]
Acknowledgements requested. None made.
Report of Com. called for when Bro. Hawkins of the Com. stated that he had seem the mother of Sister Margaret Salmons, who informed him that said sister was guilty of the sin of "illegitimacy." Statement of Bro Hawkins rec'd and com. discharged.
Upon motion, a charge was preferred against said sister in accordance with the statement of Bro. Hawkins, upon which the Church withdrew fellowship from said sister.
 

Typewritten page 5
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Bro. Hawkins requested a letter of dismission for sister Frances Allen, which was granted.
No other business, Conference adjourned.

Saturday, Nov. 17th, 1860
The Baptist Church at this place met in Conference. Elder Chambers, Mod.
1. Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
2. An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
3. The minutes of the preceding conference read, corrected & approved.
4. Acknowledgments called for - none made.
5. Letters of dismission were granted to Bro. J. E. Jarrett & his wife, Bro. A. Baber, and sisters Sandlin and McIlwain.
6. Elected Wm. M. Wilson, Moderator for the ensuing year, Bro. Jno. Lawrence, Clk.
No other business conference closed. -

Saturday, Janry 12th, 1861
The Church met in Conference. El. W. M Wilson, Mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats in the Church.
An opportunity was offered for membership. Rec'd El. Thos. Grogan and Sister Elizabeth Grogan by letter.
A charge was preferred against Br. A. Cromer for Drinking and swearing. Upon which a motion was made to appoint a Committee to see and request said brother to be at our next regular conference and answer to the charge, appointed R. Baber, Harton, & Puckett.
Letters were granted to Robt. Lackey and Caroline Parker.
No other business conference closed.

Feb. Term 1861
Elder Hamilton, Moderator protem. The Church in Conference proceded to Business.
1. Opened a door for reception of Members. None offered.
2. Invited visiting Brethren to seats in the conference.
3. Inquired for Fellowship of the Church. Found in peace.
4. The case of Brother Adam Cromer was taken up and investigated by the Church with regard to the sin of intoxication and upon his acknowledgement was restored to his former standing in the Church.
5. The case of Brother E. S. Hardwick taken up with regard to a report which was in circulation against him for using intoxicating spirits to an excess which report proved to be unfounded. As such the Brother was released from said report.
Conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. March 9th 1861.
The Church of Christ at this place met in Conference Elder Wm. M.Wilson, Mod.

Typewritten page 6
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Visiting Brethren were invited to sit with the Church and aid in its deliberations.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
The minutes of the January & February conferences were read & approved.
The Moderator then enquired for the general peace of the Church, under which head he wished to imply all differences between members, and general offences. Upon which the Clk moved that a certain matter which had been before the Church at its last conference, and which had been laid on the table be taken up. The proposition was about in substance, to wit, Will the Church permit its members to buy & sell spirituous liquors for gain in any quantity -- which motion was sustained. Whereupon the said mover was requested by Bro. F. M. Hardwick to state his reasons for wishing said subject to be taken from the table, which he attempted to do, stating among other things that reports prejudicial to the interests of the Church had been circulated in relation to the action had by the Church at the preceeding conference to wit: that the Church in the disposition of said subject had (if not directly) impliedly sanctioned the buying & selling of spirituous liquors in any quantity provided their action did not come in conflict with the laws of the Land. To correct which the mover desired the Church to give an authoritative opinion in relation thereto, or in other words to make the proposition a test question. Bro. F. M. Hardwick in response said in substance that if it was the desire of the Church to prohibit the traffic in spirituous liquors as heretofore engaged in by his son, he would appeal to him as a dutiful son and as a member of Cedar Bluff Church to abandon the traffic altogether; but that he would say in addition that he disliked very much to see men strain at a gnat and swallow a camel and further that he could discover in the introduction of this subject a disposition manifested to persecute his son; and that there were members in this Church who had heretofore manifested a strong disposition to become the persecutors of his son, that they had time after time had him arraigned at the bar of the Church with a settled determination to crush him down if possible and that they had always failed to prove any thing prejudicial to his Christian character, etc., etc. At the close of which remarks the mover requested the said Bro. to state whether he regarded him as one of the number referred to. He answered he did. The mover then requested Bro. Hardwick to state for the information of the Church his reasons for branding him as the persecutor of his son. He then stated that as the mover had called for an explanation he would make a clean breast of it, or words of similar import and commenced by referring to the position taken by the mover in a certain adjudication of a difficulty between his son & Bro. Jere Lawrence; that his son had complained to the Church of Bro. Jere Lawrence's conduct towards him orally -- an that the Church through her Moderator had required his son to make out his complaint in writing, and present it to the Church, which be subsequently did; and that the mover had strenuously opposed the introduction of the specifications of charges contained in said complaint, and through his opposition procured a reference of the whole subject to a committee, and that after the final action of said committee, the said brethren were each required to make acknowledgments to the Church, and that his son being present did as required, but that the said Jere Lawrence had never made any acknowledgment from which he reasoned that the mover, with others were & had been the persecutors of his son. The mover then read from the record the proceedings of the Conference held in March 1857 which showed that the difficulty heretofore existing between Bros. E. S. Hardwick & Jere

Typewritten page 7
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Lawrence had been amicably adjusted. After many things had been said by several members of the Church and the mover had appealed to the Church in vindication of his character without any response, Bro. High, a member of a sister Church asked leave to speak a few words, giving the Church a delineation of her character in the neighborhoods adjacent saying among other things, that Ceder Bluff Church was regarded as one great big drunkard, and closed by exhorting the Church to put away from them accursed thing -- touch not, taste note, Handle not.
The following resolutions were then offered and unanimously adopted to wit: Resolved, That this Church will not recognize any member in good standing who deals & sells ardent spirits.
Resolved, further That it is the sense of the Church that its members are prohibited by Divine Law from using spirituous liquors in any quantity as a beverage.
Letters of dismission were granted to brother G. W. Potter & wife.
Bro Jeremiah Bishop and the Clerk was instructed to write a letter to Bro. Jno. Sewell of San Raphael, California certifying that at the date of his departure from the neighborhood he was a member in good standing in this Church.
No other business conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Apl. 13th, 1861.
The Church of Christ at this place met in Conference. El. Wm. M. Wilson, Mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with the Church and aid in its deliberations.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
The minutes of the March conference were read & approved.
Appointed as a committee to enquire into the conduct of Bro. Wm. M Hardwick, Bros. John Lawrence, Hawkins & Gains.
No other business conference closed.

Cedar Bluff Ala., May 11th, 1861
The Church of Christ at this place met in Conference. El. Wm. M. Wilson, Mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
The Com. appointed at our last meeting requested further time to make up a formal report which was granted.
It was agreed that the Church postpone her Communion until our meeting in June next and the Deacons were requested to invite the Churches in our vicinity to participate.
No other business conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. June 8th, 1861.
The Baptist Church at this place met in conference. Elder William Wilson not being present, Bro. A. Hawkins was chosen Mod. Pro Tem.
The Peace of the Church was called for — no disturbance.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. Rec’d by Letter Bro. J. W. Cromer.
The Com. appointed in Apl. last submitted a report -- which was rec’d and adopted and the Committee discharged.
“We your committee to whom was referred the subject of investigating

Typewritten page 8
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

to course of conduct of Bro. Wm. M. Hardwick ask leave to report.
That so far as our enquiries have extended we have been unable to ascertain any thing particularly derogatory to christian character. We would therefore recommend that he with all other members of this Church strive to become more devoted to the cause of Christ, and use all due deligence to allow our lights to so shine that others seeing our good works may be constrained to glorify our Father who is in Heaven believing that it is an indispensable duty we owe to each other to live lives entirely void of offence so that we may avoid becoming subjects of reproach to our brethren.

The Church then unanimously agreed to distribute equally between themselves the deficit in the Church building fund in proportion to their subscriptions and that they would severally and unitedly guarantee that the building committee should suffer no loss in paying or assuming to pay said contractor for said Church building.
No other business conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. July 13th, 1861
The Church met in Conference. El. Wm. M. Wilson, Mod.
Enquiry was made for the fellowship of the Church. All in peace.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats.
An opportunity was given for membership. - No one applied.
The minutes of the preceeding conference read and approved.
Elected Jno. Lawrence, A. Hawkins, El. Thos. Grogan & F. M. Hardwick Delegates to Cherokee Baptist Association. Jno. Puckett & M. B. Gains alternates.
No other business conference closed.

No conference in August & September.

October 12, 1861. Cedar Bluff.
The Church met in Conference.
The door of the Church was open for membership. None came forward.
Charges prefered against Sister Cruse for barstardy. It was moved and seconted that the Church withdraw fellowship from her and was unanimously agreed to.
 

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Nov. 9/61.
The Church at this place met in conference. El. Wilson being absent, Bro. Gains was requested to act as Mod.
Enquiry was made for fellowship. All in peace.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. Rec'd by Letters from Unity Church in this County Sisters Sarah & Elizabeth McElwain.
The selection of Pastor for the ensuing year was postponed to our next regular meeting.

Typewritten page 9
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Saturday, 13th, 1862 (no month given).
Church met in Conference.
Invited visiting Brethren to seats.
Gave an opportunity for membership. No one.
Called for refferences. No one.
Called for the peace of the Church. Brother John Crewes was reported as having been drunk on which the Church appointed Bro. Baber to see him and notify him to attend the next meeting all so to invite his ___? to attend.
General business took up _______?. All so proseaded to call a pastor for the ensuing year whereupon W. W. Livingston was _______?.

Cedar Bluff, June 1862
The Church of Christ at this place met in conference. El. Livingston Mod.
The Clerk being absent, Bro. Geo. D. W. Lawrence was appointed Clk Pro Tem.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats.
An opportunity was given for membership. Rec'd by letter Sisters Amelia & Joicy Greenway. No other business conference closed.

Baptist Church, Cedar Bluff, Ala. July 1862
Met in conference Bro. Livingston, Mod.
The doors of Church opened. None offered.
Call for Brotherly love. None.
Any thing of general character. A move to collect a Church fund. Collected $3.30.
Move to go in to an Election for Del. to Convention. Bankston & Shane tellers. Elected Brothers Grogan, Hardwick & Gains, John Lawrence, alternate.
Collection for Minutes - $2.35.
Moved for Bro. Cothren & wife a letter of dismissal from this Church. Granted.
Delegates instructed to withdraw from East. Ala. Con.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Aug. 8th, 1862
The Baptist Church at this place met in conference. El. Livingston Mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to sit with the Church and aid in its deliberations.
An opportunity was given for membership - no one applied.
The minutes of the preceding conference read & approved.
The Church then appointed Jno. Lawrence delegate to the Association. Bros. R. Baber & Puckett alternates.
No other business conference closed.

Sabbath, Aug. 9 ,/62. The Letter to the Association was read & approved.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. March 7th, 1863.
The Baptist Church at this place met in conference. Elder W. W. Livingston Mod.
Invited visiting Brethren to seats.
Opened the doors for membership No one applied.

Typewritten page 10
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Saturday, Sept. 1863
The Baptist Church of Christ at Cedar Bluff met in Conference. A call being made for business, Bro. James made some statements in regard to his distilling spirituous Liquors. After which a motion was made and carried to acquit Bro. James of any blame in the matter.
On Motion Bro. Harten was appointed to see Bro. Cromer and request him to attend next conference to answer to certain reports.
Conference adjourned.

Cedar Bluff, Ala., Nov. 7th, 1863
The Baptist Church at this place met in Conference. El. Canfield Mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
Proceeded to select as Pastor for the ensuing year which resulted in the choice of Bro. Canfield.
Bro. Harton was requested to see Bro. A. Cromer and inform him that the Church desired him to attend its next regular session.

Cedar Bluff, Ala., Apl 8/65
The Church at this place met in Conference. El. J. W. Canfield Mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was offered for membership. No one applied.
The Committee to whom was referred the matter of ascertaining the names & number of members of this Church who have left the precincts of the same without asking the Church to give letters of recommendation to them to other Churches of like faith & order reported orally & were discharged.
Upon motion, the fellowship of the Church was withdrawn from the following members, viz, Philip Cromer & Levinah his wife, J. W. Cromer & Dillar his wife, Barbara Paty, Elizabeth Willoughby, Nancy A. Allen, Amelia & Joicy Greenway, Paschal & Mary Jane & Phoebe Willoughby - Martha Anthony.
The Church then proceeded to select two Deacons which resulted in the Election of Bros. A. M. Harton and Jno. Lawrence and their ordination to be attended to at our next regular conference, Elder Canfield was requested to invite El. O. D. McNeely to be present and assist in the ordination.
No other business conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala. July 8th, 1865.
The Church at this place met in Conference. El. J. W. Canfield, Moderator.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership no one applied.
Acknowledgements were called for & heard.
The Church appointed Bros. Harton & G. D. W. Lawrence and Sisters Davis & E. E. Lawrence to labor with certain erring members of this Church who have been engaged in or encouraging vain amusements particularly dancing.
A charge was preferred against certain colored members of the Church, to wit, Collin a man, heretofore the property of Sister M. J. Wmson [Williamson] and Moses a man heretofore the property of Bro. F. M. Hardwick,

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Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

in words following, viz: for using profane language. Bro. Jno. Lawrence was to notify Bro. Collin and Bro. E. S. Hardwick Bro. Moses to appear at the next regular meeting of the Church to answer to the same.
The Church then selected delegates to the Association, to wit, F. M. Hardwick, A. M. Harton, & Jno. Lawrence - Jno. Puckett, alternate.
Adjourned to meet on Saturday before the 1st Sabbath in Aug. instead or the second.

Cedar Bluff, Ala., August 5th, 1865.
The Church at this place met in Conference. El. J. W. Canfield, Moderator.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
Acknowledgments were ca1led for & Heard.
 

Cedar Bluff, Ala., June 9th, 1866
The Church met in conference. El. Canfield, Mod.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
Acknowledgments were then called for. Bro. Vaughn rendered an excuse for absence, which was regarded by the Church satisfactory.
No other business conference closed.

Cedar Bluff, Ala., July 7th, 1866
The Church met in conference. El. Canfield mod.
Visiting Brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was afforded for membership. No one applied.
A letter of dismission was granted to Bro. Wm. M. Harton upon the application of his father.
No other business conference closed.

Jno. Lawrence
Ch. Clk.

Cedar Bluff, Ala., Mar. 7th, 1868
The Church met in conference. El. J. W. Canfield, Mod.
Visiting brethren were invited to seats with the Church.
An opportunity was given for membership. No one applied.
Acknowledgments were called for. None given.
The case of disagreement between Bros. Bagley & Anthony was continued.
A letter of Dismission was asked for and granted to Bro. W. F. Robbins.
No other business conference closed.
 

Church met in conference on Saturday before 2nd Sabbath in Sept. 1868.
Doors of the Church were opened. No one applied.
The references in relation to application of Bro. Bagley for letter was taken up. Bro. Bagley not being present. It was moved and seconded that the Church prefer charges against Bro. Bagley for immoral conduct whtch carried.

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Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Typewritten page 12

It was then moved & seconded the case be postponed until our next regular meeting. Carried.
Bro. Geo. Wester & Sister Wester and Sister Ann Parker made application for letters of dismission which was granted.

Cedar Bluff , June Term [believed to be 1857 see below]
The Church of Christ met in Conference.
Visiting Brethren invited to seats with us. All in peace.
Membership called for Door of Church opened. Rec'd by Experience for Baptism Mrs. Mary P. Jarrett & Mary Stevens.
Upon the suggestion of Bro. Hardwick a subscription was taken to support Bro. Mynatt
for his services during his stay with us.
Upon the reading of a Letter from Bro. Renfroe a suggestion was made for the Clerk to answer the letter forthwith. Motion carried.

We the undersigned promise to pay the several sums annexed to our names to Elder W. C. Mynatt for his services as pastor of Cedar Bluff Church for the present year.

June 13,/57 

Jno. Lawrence - $10.00
Robert Baber - $2.00 
A. M. Harton $3.00 
J. M. R. Smith - $2.00 
James Anthony - $.100 
Ephraim Docky $1.00 
Jere Lawrence - $3.00 
John James - $3.00 
J. E. Jarrett - $1.00 
A. Lovelace - $1.00 
A. Hawkins - $5.00 
* Total $62.50 

F. M. Hardwick - $10.00 
John Pucket - $2.00 
M. B. Gains - $1.00 
E. S. Hardwick - $1.50 
John Crews - $1.00 
M. T. Christian - $1.00 
P. H. Lawrence $3.00 
John Long - $3.00 
F. Turner - $1.00 
G. J. Wmson [Williamson] $5.00 
Mr. Geo. Wester - $.200 

We the undersigned subscribers promise to pay the several sums annexed to our names for pastoral services for the Baptist Church for 1858.

G. J. Wmson [Williamson]-$20.00   F. M. Hardwick -      $15.00
Geo. W. Wester -          $5.00   A. Hawkins -           $5.00
W. P. Reid -              $2.00   A. Baber -             $2.00 
Mrs. J. W. Jentry -       $2.00   Mrs. M. Angle -        $1.00
M. A. Christian -         $1.00   Jno. Lawrence -       $10.00
G.D.W. Lawrence -         $5.00   M. B. Gains -          $2.50
A. M. Harton -            $2.50   W. A. Mays             $5.00
W. B. Sparks -            $2.50   Sarah Chisenhall -       .50
Robt. Baber -             $2.00   J. E. Jarrett -        $1.00 

Cedar Bluff, Ala. Nov. 14th, 1857
The Church of Christ at this place met in conference. Elder Noah Cate was requested to act as Moderator & Bro. Jno. Lawrence, C1k.
The Church agreed to raise: (then follows the above list).

The State of Alabama)
Cherokee County )
We, the undersigned subscribers promise to pay the several sums annexed to our names at the time hereafter designated to: Geo. J.Wmson [Williamson], F. M. Hardwick, A. Hawkins, M. B. Gains, Dr. Wm. A. Mayes, Dr. G. D.W. Lawrence and Jno. Lawrence or either of them for the purpose of

Typewritten page 13
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

Building a Baptist Church, or House of Worship for said Church to be located within the corporate limits of Cedar Bluff, which House is to be built of wood of the following dimensions to wit - 60 feet long by 40 feet in width, 14 feet between the floor and ceiling with a sufficient number of doors and windows for light and ventillation; and we do further agree that the said named parties as above shall have the power of superintending the Building -- or that number of them who will serve as such supervisors, and that they shall have the power of reducing the size of said Building if the amount subscribed render it necessary and said parties shall have the furnishing of said Building with Stand and Seats. One half of said sums subscribed shall be due and payable whenever said building is put under contract and the remaining half shall be due and payable whenever said building is completed. Witness our hands and seals this 21st day of May 1859.

Subscriber's Names Amount
 
Jno. Lawrence $100.00 
Jas. Bradford 25.00 
Robt. Baber 10.00 
G. W. Wester 25.00 
Jno. Puckett 15.00 
Sam W. Robbins 10.00 
F. M. Hardwick 100.00 
Jos. B. High 10.00 
P. H. Lawrence 25.00 
Mrs. C. Lawrence 25.00 
A. B. Ross 10.00 
M. B. Gains 10.00 
D. G. Campbell 5.00 
Wm. McGhee 5.00 
W. McDaniel 5.00 
Lewis Cunningham 5.00 
P. J. Chisolm 5.00 
W. H. Willoughby 5.00 
Mrs. E. H. Thorpe 2.00 
A. J. Cothran .50 
J. Cummingham .50 
Mrs. Mary Garrett 5.00 
Henry Smith .50 
J. M. Hendrix 1.00 
Sam. , P. L. Marshall -- 1stove 
J. C. Doyle 1.00 
Jas. Grogan .60 
Mrs. E. E. Lawrence .50 
Mrs. L. Webber .85 J. 
Millsaps 1.00 
W. B. Sparks .75 
A. W. Allen 1.00 
S. H. Sedberry 5.00 
J. P. Thompson 1.00 
Gaston 1.00 
Jos. M. Witt 1.00 
H & S. Bogan 10.00 
Jere Lawrence 25.00 
J. E. Jarrett 5.00

Subscriber's Names Amount

E. S. Hardwick $20.00
W. M. Hardwick 10.00
Mrs. M. Angle 10.00
G. W. Bogan 5.00 
J. W. Coker 5.00 
A. Hawkins 20.00
Wm. A. Mayes 20.00 
G. D. W. Lawrence 25.00 
William Sparks 10.00 
N. F. Bagley 5.00 
Hosey Cromer 2.00 
Nelson Cromer 5.00 
Henry Hurley 1.00 
W. P. Golightly 3.00
C. C. Hail 2.50 
A. Poore 2.00 
S. K. McSpadden 5.00 
A. M. Allen 1.00 
D. C. Daniel 1.00 
H. H. Golightly 1.00 
A. Truett 1.50 
Asbury Randle 5.00 
E. C. McBroom 1.00 
W. B. Smith 1.00 
Wm. E. Lucy 1.00 
John W. Ramsey 2.00 
B. C. Sparks 1.00 
Gen. Sam Ward 1.00 
Jno. Van Dyke 1.00 
J. B. Hardman 2.00 
John L. McConnell 5.00 
Wm.Vincent 1.00 
J. L. Cuinmingham 5.00 
Mrs. Rebecca O'Dell 5.00 
Sister Wmson [Williamson] 100.00 
R. S. Cowan 2.00 
J. C. Cromer 1.00 
Jas. W. Bogan 5.00 
Jamie M. Eliott 5.00

Typewritten page 14
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

J. Gardner Stone     5.00  
R. G. Hampton        5.00
B. F. Ringer         5.00
John C. West         1.00
Nelson Salmons       1.00
Josiah Savage        1.00
James Wester         1.00
O. N. B. Sandler     3.00
F. M. Lawrence      10.00
A. C. Huston         5.00
John James          25.00
W. T. Shook         10.00
A. M. Harton        10.00

Total $897.70

Wm. Banister       2.00
Wiley Grogan       5.00
Sister Sandlin      .50
John Bishop        2.00
J. M. Daniel, Centre 2.00
Ebinezer Cunningham 1.00
W. M. Reid         10.00
P. B. Smith         2.00
John Wist           2.00
J. W. Smith         5.00
T. B. Cooper        5.00
R. M. Harison       2.00
M. B. Gains        20.00

Names of Members of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, Apl 1867 [Information shove in ( ) written in pencil apparently as addition]

 1. F. M. Hardwick, Deacon
 2. Rebecca Sewell
 3. Martha J. Wmson
 4. Sarah Hawkins
 5. Mary Ellenburg
 6. Elizah L. James
 7. Jno. James
 8. Jno. Lawrence
 9. Elizabeth Reed now West
10. Carolina Reed
11. Ephraim Dockery
12. G. W. Wester
13. Tabitha Wester
14. Z. Dockery (removed)
15. Sarah A. Reed
16. Ruth Whitt (removed)
17. A. Wester (L. G. 
Excluded Oct 12/67)
18. Elizabeth Bishop
19. Emily E. Lawrence
20. Jane Holt
21. H. Vaughn	
22. E. B. Ramsey (Dismissed
by letter)
23. Penelope Harris
24. Amy Harris
25. Dorcas Ragsdale
26. Elizabeth Hurley (long absence)
27. Jno. B. Hardwick (charges
to be preferred)
28. E. S. Harwick
29. Jno. Sewell (removed)
30. Mary Lawrence
31. Adaline Dockery
32. Sarah F. Lawrence
33. Sarah Johnson
34. Jno. Long
35. Selina Long 
36. Mary Dockery (now Wester)
37 Nancy Crews
38. Nancy Mellwain (Removed)

39. Rachel B. Cromer
(Letter granted Dec/66
40. Emily J. Cromer
(Letter Granted Dec/66
41. Nelson Salmons, Jr. 
(Excluded June 8/67
42. Melinda Salmons
43. A. M. Harton, Deacon
44. A. G. Harton
45. Cornelia West (now McNamara)
46. Margarett Cann (Removed)
47. Martin J. Anthony
48. G. D. W. Lawrence
49. Jere Lawrence
50. Jno. Puckett
51. Lovey White
52. Jno. Crow
53. Georgia Ann Crow
54. Dorcas Puckett
55. Georgia Ann Dean
56. Melissa E. Bagley
57. Nathan F. Bagley
58. Rosa A. Dickey (Removed)
59. G. A. Cromer 
(Letter Granted Dec/66)
60. M. A. Davis
61. E. A. Robbins
62. Judith Ringer (Removed)
63. Jane Chisenhall
64. Wesley M. Reed
65. Milly Wells
66. Mary Hardwick
67. Adaline Thompson (Removed)
68. Danl Cromer (Removed)
70. A. B. Johnson (Letter
Granted May/67)

Typewritten page 15
Cedar Bluff Baptist Church Historic Minutes

71. Emily H. Bagley
72. Billy Clifton, Colrd (dead
73. Mary Baber
74. T. Ann Parker
75. M. F. Lawrence
76. C. Ann Lawrence 
77. Eliza Wmson, Colrd (Removed)
78. Matilda Wmson, Colrd.
79. Laura Lawrence
80. W. D. Hawkins
81. Samantha Harton
82. W. F. Robbins
83. Z. T. Lawrence
84. Jno. McBee (Excluded Sept 7/67)
85. Mrs. McBee (letter Sept 7/67)
                

86. Wm. Johnson
87. Minerva Johnson
88. Elizabeth James
89. Louisa Cromer 
(Letter Granted. Dec.)
90. Jno. Cothran
91. Jno. Bagley
92. Emily C. Reeves
93. Jno. W. Gentry
94. Sarah Gentry
95. Haseltin Leath
96. Serepta Dykes
97. Frances M. Miller
98. Martha Anthony 
(Restored Sep 7/67)
99. Walker Harton (By Letter Oct)
100. Sister J. N. Cromer

The State of Alabama)
Cherokee County )
We, the undersigned Subscribers promise to pay to Jno. Lawrence, Deacon of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church or to his successors in office, the several sums annexed to our names, on or before the second Lord’s day in December A. D. 1871 to create a Church fund to be used in defraying the necessary expenses of the Church; To wit -- For pastoral services, repairs of house, and furnishing such articles as the Church may need - In witness whereof we have hereunto annexed the several sums to our names, given under our hands on this _____ day of ________ A. D. 1870.
[No sums were annexed -T.L.H.]

1. Rebecca Odell
2. Martha J. Wmson
3. Wm P. Reed
4. Mary Ellenburg
5. Eliza L. James
6. Jno. James (died July 30/72
7. Jno. Lawrence
8. Elizabeth West
9. Caroline Reed
10. Ephraim Dockery
11. Sarah Chisenhall
12. Z. Dockery
13. Sarah Reed
14. Ruth Whitt
15. Martha Anthony
16. Emily E. Lawrence
17. H. Vaughn
18. Elizabeth Hurley
19. E. S. Hardwick
20. Mary Lawrence
21. Adaline Dockery
22. Sarah F. Lawrence
23. Jno. Long
24. Selina Long
25. Mary Wester
26. Nancy Crews
27. Ann G. Harton
28. M. J. Anthony
29. Dr. G. D. W. Lawrence
30. Jere Lawrence

31. Lovey White
32. Dereas Puckett
33. Georgia A. Dean
34. Jno. Puckett
35. Judith Ringer
36. Jane Langston
37. Milly Wells
38. Adaline Thompson
39. Daniel Cromer
40. Mary Baber
41. Mary F. Lawrence
42. Chesnessa A. Lawrence
43. Samantha Harton
44. Z. Taylor Lawrence
45. Wm. H. Johnson
46. Minerva Johnson
[there is no 47]
48. Elizabeth James
49. Jno. W. Gentry
50. Sarepta Dykes
51. Frances (Francis?) M. Miller
52. Jack Ballard
53. Walker Harton
54. El. V.A. Bell
55. Sis. Bell
56. Wm. Flannegan
57. Eliza Flannegan
58. Sarah J. Gentry
59. Nancy E. Branum
60. Margaret Gentry
61. Sarah Crews