EMORY UNIVERSITY
LIBRARY
Purchased from the
funds of
The Lewis H. Beek Foundation
A
CONCISE
HISTORY
of th&e
Kehukee Baptift AlTociation,
From its original rise to the present time.
"Wherein are {hewn itsfirfl: Conftitution, Increafe, Num¬
bers, Principles, Form of Government, Decorum, Revo¬
lutions that AlTociation has paffed through, Revivals,
Miniilers, Churches, Confeffion of Faith, Times
and Places when and where Affociations have
been holden, Queries and their Anfvvers ; and
all other ufeful Articles relative to Church
Hillory.
By Elders Lemuel Burkitt and Jesse Read,
.Ministers of the Gospel in Northampton ip' Halifax counties,
North-Carolina■
Pfal. en. 16—18 When the Lord {hall build up Zion, he
{hall appear in his glory.—This fhall be written for the ge¬
neration to comeand the people which {hall be created
{hall praife the Lord.
HALIFAX: Piunted bv A. HODGE, 1S03.
[copy right secured according to law.]
TO ALL TH*
ELDERS and BRETHREN
Belonging to the
K.ehukee,Vifginia Portsmouth, and jQetise
Associations;
AND TG ALL TH£
MINISTERS and MEMBERS
OV THE SEVERAL
Baptist Churches throughout the United
States,- with all who wish well to Zion,
Are the following Sheets
HUM BL Y DED1CA TED,
By their ajfcctionate and humble Servants,
L, BUR-KITT,
JESSE REAEL
CONTENTS.
Preface contains; 1. The ufe of Hiftory. 2,
iMature of a gofpel church and the manner of
gathering rHe fame* 3. Reafons for particu¬
lar communion, &c.
CHAP1, t. V
J. The State of the Churches at fir ft b-
they were United in an AlTocia'ion at ah.
2. The devolution thole Churches paiTed
through before they becarn" an eittblilhej
Affociation. 3. The Form of a Church Co¬
venant, and the Plan on which they were
feftibffhej. 4* Biographical. Sketches of
fome of ilule Mmillers, who died before
Hk-* Kflahlidnnent of the Affociation on its
^relent 01 dtr.
CHAP. It ^ ^ ra?e Id
!• The Revolution the Affociation paffed
through before tfTblifhed on the prefer.c
plan. 2» Her Organiz mon at the Falls of
Tar River, and the Principles on which die
is founded, adopted at Sappony, in Suflex
bounty* Virginia ; and afterwards publifhcd
by order of the Affociation helJ at W hitHeld'a
hjeeting-hoUfe, Pitt county, North Carolina,
October, 1789. 3. Biograph cal Sketches
bf Elder J micb Bell. 4. Perfecution of El¬
der John Fanner.
CHAP. III. P«ze.59
J. Some of the Proceedings of the Affociation,
and remarkable Events that rook place from
the year 1 778, until! 1785. 2. The Decorum
or Rulesby which the Affnciation is governed,
v, hen made and adopted, and the * Ru'ts at
large. 3. The nature of a Miniffcr's Call to
|ho ofii e of the .VJiuiitry, and ths Manner of
£ h.i9
CONTENTS.
his Ordination. 4. Biographical Sketched
of Elder Jeremiah Dargan, who departed
this life the 25th of December, 1786.
CHAP. JV. Page 84
j. Proceedings of the Aflociatron until 1789.-
2. Proceedings of the Aflociation at Whit¬
field's meeting houfe. The Junction of thd
Hegular Baptift Churches with US, and the
names to be buried In oblivion ; and the Aflo*
ciation to be hereafter known by the name of
the " United Baptift Aflociation.,r 3. The-
Confiitution of the Aflociation, and Form of
Government. 4. Proceedings until the Di-
viflon took place at Davis's meeting-houfe i«-
379°. 5. Remarks on the Divifion. 6. Bio¬
graphical Sketches of Elders Samuel Harrel
and Henrv Ahbot.
CHAP. V. Page WO
JE. Proceedings of the Aflociation until the Di¬
vifion took place between the Kehukce and
Neufe Aflociations, concluded on at the Af-
fociaticn, holden at Skewarkey, in Gdfober,.
1793. Proceedings continued until 1796;
2, Biographical Sketches of Elder John
Page, Jonathan Barnes, and Brother Joflutl
Freeman. 3. A few remarks or! Itinerant"
Preaching. 4. The Aflociation Fund.
CHAP. VI. Page 154
]jr. Proceedings' of the Aflociation until 1 Sc2#
2« Biographical Sketches of Elder John-
Meglamre, and Brother Eliiha Battle, who'
departed this life 11 1799
CHAP. VII. Page} 37
2. The happy Revival which took place in the
Churches belonging to the Kehukee Aflocia-
liou, in 1802 and 1803* g. Means which
CONTENTS.
the Lord blefsed in the Revival. 3. Confu¬
tation of an Union Meeting.
CHAP. VIII. Page 150
*. On the nature of Circular Letters. 2. A
Letter " On the Maintenance of the Mr-
niftry," for ijgt, by Elder Martin Rofs.
CHAP. IX. Fuge 1 fin?
Circular Letters. I. A Letter " On the final
Perfeverance of the Saints in Grace," for
1794, by Elder Lahcafter. 2. "On Good
Works," for 1800, by Elder Gilbert.
CHAP. X. Page Md
1. What a true Church of Chrifi: is, the Man*
ner of receiving Members, Confutation, Di-
fcipline, Officers, &c. Hiftory of the fevert
Churches eaft of Chowati River, viz. Cam¬
den, Yoppitr, Cowenjock, Sawyer's Creeks
iCnobfcrook, Flatty Creek and Ballard's
bridge. Memoirs of Elders Done, Cole, Har¬
mon, Wellh, &c.
CHAP. XI. Pttge\9i
Hiftory of the five churches that compofe tbs
Bertie Union Meeting ; containing the
churches belonging to the Aflbciation be¬
tween Roanoke, Chowan, and Meherrin,
viz. The Bertie church. 'i be church a£
Caihie, Wiccacon, Meherrin and Connarit-
fy.
CHAP. XlT. ( Page 210
I. lliftorj of rl.c Flat-Swamp Uniotl Meeting,
Comprehending the churches at Flat Swamp,
SLcv^arkfcV, Connoho, Great Swamp, Mo.
rattuck, Connetoe, Crofs Reads, and Little
Connetoe church. 2. An account of the
churches at biuppernong, Pungo and Mat-
Untuikeett
CHAP.
d O ft t E;' N T S.
CHAP. XIII; Page 226
it The Swift-Cr eek Union Meeting—-Falls of*
Tar River, Reedy Creek. 2. Biographical
Sketches of Elder Walker. 3 - - Fifhing.
Creek Church, Elder C. Daniel, Kehukee,
Rocky Swamp, Quankey, Sandy Creek, Ma-
pie Spring, and Haywood's meeting houfe
Churches. Memoirs of Elder Mercer, C*
Daniel, &rc.
Chap..xiv. page 250
i. The names of the Churches in the Portf-
rnourh AfTociation, arid its bounds. 2, The
Church at Pungo, Blackwater, LottJ.bn
Bridge, and Portimputh and Norfolk. 3.
Froft, an Arminiari Baptift preacher, flri-ken
Vith death while preaching his lentirtien's-
4. The Chufch at Shoulder's Hill. 5. Per¬
secution of Elders Barrow and Mintz. 6»
Hiflory of N* W. River Bridge, Weflertt
Branch, South-Quay, Black Creek, Mill*
Swamp, Seacock, and Rackoon-.Swarrip
Churches.
;CHAP. XV. Page 274-
it Hiflory of the Church on Meherrin, High-
Hills of Nottoway, Fountain's Creek, Ree-
dy Creek, Grineto, Cut Banks, .Sappony*
Rowsntyj &c* ii Perfecuiion of Elder
Elijah Baker.
Chap. xvr. _ Page 2^3
i. jNiftcry of the Church on J ofnior, Little
Contentney, Rock Spring, Town Cre<k*
"W mftead's, Bear Marfh,'Town Creek Edge¬
combe ; Naughunty, Saddletree .Swamp*
Muddy-Creek, Coor Creek, See. 2- Biogra¬
phical fketches of Colon si N^lhan Bryan#
3. ConcUtfion.
PREFACE
HISTORY is so genuine and familiar'
to men of all estates, ages, qualities,->
sects and conditions, that amongst the
many elogies it hath received from the
learned pieces of ancient and modern
Writers, it may be justly accounted ra¬
ther the recreation, than the application of
a st udious Ma ft.
It is indeed that telescope by which we
see into distant ages, and take up the ac¬
tions of our forefathers, with as much
evidence as the news of the latest Gazette ;
it is the mirror that represents the various
transactions of times past, and shews us
the dress of antiquity, according to which
we may rectify, or adjust our present fashi¬
ons. In a word, it is the last will and
testament,of our deceased progenitors;:
which though it does not expressly leave
every one ot us a particular legacy,, yet it
shews us how we may be possessed of
A a 'their
VI
PREFACE.
their inheritance; and accordingly as we
follow their example, live in reputation or
ignominy.
Insomuch that the ruder ages of the
world, who were unacquainted with let¬
ters, and consequently ignorant of refined
sciences, thought history„ ne^t to their
religion, the only useful and proper study
of mankind j and judging the forming of
the manners, and regulating the actions
of man, to be the duty and care of socie¬
ties, they thought documents, precepts
and laws, too weak a means to work so
great effect, without they were confirmed
and strengthened by the examples oi their
predecessors ; to which prone nature, even
amongst the most barbarous, does willing¬
ly render an implicit veneration : And
therefore seeing their libraries were their
memories, and words their characters, so
songs, and rude rhimes were their only
books whereby their Bards and Druids in¬
structed. their children in the histories of
former ages, making the famous actions
of their ancestors, so much the more
the patern of their conduct and manners,,
as it was. the subject of their innocent me¬
lody and mirth: And this custom is at this,
day in practice amongst the uncultivated
heathens, of Africa and America.
Btrcr
PREFACE.
vir
But when the kind Heavens were pleas¬
ed to gratify the industry of man with the
invention of letters, no subject seemed to
the ancients so worthy of the prerogative
of being transmitted to posterity, as that
of history; and indeed, the most ancient
of their writings that can be found is of
this kind. Whether it was, that they
knew no immortality but that of fame,
or found no better way to provide with se¬
curity for their offspring, in whom they
were to live to posterity, than by handing
down to them the methods and honest
courses, by which some attained to ho¬
nour, wealth and command, whilst others,
by the contrary ways, lived and died in ob¬
scurity, poverty and contempt.
But what satisfaction soever dying men
may have in the prospect of a lasting name,
it is certain the living reap great benefit
from the register of their actions; for
would a Fj'iuce have measures to govern,,
a Subject how,, to obey, a Statesman how
to give counsel, a Judge and Magistrate
how to execute justice, a Husband and
Father how to command' and cherish, a?
Wife or Child how to love, honour and
obey, all conditions of men how to per¬
form. mutual good offices in every kind of
society, history, and especially the truest
and
virr
PHPAG E,
and most ancient of all, the Holy Scrip*
turcsy is that repository from whence they
may draw the truest maxims for all duties t
exemplified with the good or bad success¬
es of those who have followed or trans¬
gressed the same. And thus much, in short,
bf history m.general.
It has been, of late, the wish of some of
the leading characters in the churches be
longing to the Kehukee-. Association, for
a brief history of that Association to
be published, from its origin to the pre¬
sent time, hoping it may prove a blessing
to the churches in general, and their poste¬
rity in particular ; that they may be fully
acquainted with the faith and practice of
the churches to which their forefathers
belonged. It was therefore the request
©f some of the churches and ministers,
that we should engage in this work.
It was a subject which had not engag¬
ed our attention before ; but upon a seri¬
ous reflection, that whereas we had been
members of this Association as long per¬
haps as any now living, and one of us had
been Clerk of the Association for thirty
years, and acquired a considerable degree
of information' relative to the Association
and churches in general j and bejng per¬
suaded of the general utility of such an
history,
preface.
history, we were encouraged to under¬
take the publication thereof.
As to the history now about to be pub¬
lished, it is an history of a Baptist Associat¬
ion ; it might therefore, be thought neces¬
sary by some, that something should be
said respecting the origin of that society*
The name might probably have originated
from the word Anabaptist, which was a
stigma prefixed on us by the Pedobaptists,
who suppose that because we baptize per¬
sons on the profession of their faith, who
were sprinkled in infancy,that were-baptizd
them. But it is the general opinion of the
Baptists, that where any person has a valid
baptism, agreeable to the scriptures, that on
such, baptism ought not to be repealed; and
as infant sprinkling isnotscriptural,and bap¬
tizing such persons on profession of their
faith in Christ, who were sprinkled in in¬
fancy, cannot be re-baptism, therefore we
disown the name of Anabaptists. The
word Baptist may be considered as a so¬
ciety > or as a baptiser. If by it we are to
understand a particular society of people,,
we may claim the highest original, since
we read in the very front of the New Tes¬
tament, " In those days came John the
Baptist, preaching in the wilderness, &c."'
It does not say, in those days came John,
the
±
PREFACE.
the Churchman, nbr John the Presbyte¬
rian, nor John the Methodist, nor John
the Quaker : But John the Bhpt.isL Arid
we know that where a Baptist preacher
comes into any place, and baptizes a num¬
ber of believers, they are immediately Cal-
led Baptists. But it may be, that he was
so called, because he was a Baptizer j and
we may be called Baptists, because we
hold with his baptism, in the manner it
was by him and the Apostles administered:
If so we think it no disgrace, to be called
by that name. It i§ most certain that the
Baptists do administer the ordinance of
Baptism agreeable to the word of God, in
the practice of John and the Apostles.
In the first place, we find from the Scrip¬
tures that Baptism is a duty. Mat. iii. 15T
" Jesus answering, said, suffer it to be so
now: for thus it becometh us to fulfill all
righteousness." Mat. xxviii. 19. et Go
teach all nations, baptizing them in the
name of the Father, and of the Son, and of
the Holy Ghost." Acts, x. 41. 48. "Can
any man forbid water, that these should
not be baptized, which have received the
Holy Ghost as well as we ? and he Com¬
manded them to be baptized.""
Second. We have reason to believe that
Johntho Baptisty and the Apostles y baptized
none,
PREFACE.
none, only such as, within the judgment of
charity, they believed to be possessed of
Faith and Repentance. This appears from
$he following scriptures. Mat. Hi, 5,.
" Then went out unto him Jerusalem, and
jail Judea, and all the region round about
Jordan, and were baptized of him in Jor¬
dan, confessing their sins." Verse7. "But
when he saw many of the Pharisees and
§adducees come to his baptism,he said un¬
to them, Q generation of vipers ! who
hath warned you to flee from the wrath to
come. Bring forth, therefore, fruits meet
for repentance," 85c, Mark,xvi, 16. "He
that believetli and is baptized shall be sav¬
ed." Acts, ii. 3. " Repent and be baptiz¬
ed every one qf you in the name of the
Lord Jesus." Yerse, 41. " They that glad¬
ly received the word were baptized/-
Bzc. Acts, viii. " If thou believest
With all thy heart thou mayest."
Third. Wp also have reason to believe,
that in the primitive times, baptism was ad¬
ministered by dipping, or plunging the par¬
ty baptized all under water. This seems to
appear from the practice of John, and the
Apostles—from the practice of John who
fraptized our Lord and many others in Jor¬
dan $ and was baptizing in Enon near
Saljm,because there was much water there.
John,
?RfEF AC E.
John, iii. 23. Also from the practice of
the Apostles, Acts, viii. 38. 39. " And
they went down into the water, both Phi¬
lip and the Eunuch ; and he baptized him,
A'nd when they were come up out of the
water, the spirit of the Lord caught away
PhiKp, that the Eunuch sawhim no more."
But perhaps some may say, can we trace
the practice of adult baptism, by immersion,
from us to the Apostles times ? If this
was required of the Pedobaptists to trace^
the practice of baptizing infants, from the
present time to the days of the Apostles,
we should find the Episcopalians, Presby¬
terians and Methodists at a very great
Joss. For after they had dragged it through
Rome, and had the sanction of Popes.,
Councils, Churches and some of the an¬
cient Fathers, so far from tracings it to
the Apostles days, it cannot be carried far¬
ther back, by positive proof than the third
century, in which mention is made of it
by Tertullian, Origen and Cyprian. And
the first of these dissuades from it, and ad¬
vises to defer baptism to riper years. Ori¬
gen, with all his corruptions, mentions it,
but his translations are so imperfect, that
it is observed by some, that, " Origen is
not to be found in Origen," And although
it is allowed that infant baptism began to
be
P R E F A G S. xm
be practised in Cyprian's day, yet it was
esteemed an upstart notion, since it was
not till then determined at what time it
should be administered. But it is evi¬
dent that believer's baptism by immersion,
was the primitive practice, and that there
have been .some, no doubt, ever since the
Apostles, in some part of the world, who
practised it; as is evident there were in
Bohemia, Germany, Piedmont and other
places, notwithstanding the general apos-
tacy which took place since the Apostles
times throughout the whole world. And
as we think we are sufficiently authorized
to baptize believers by immersion, so we
think that gathering, and organizing par¬
ticular churches, and their union in an As¬
sociation way, is agreeable to the stand¬
ard of truth, the unerring word of God,
And for the satisfaction ot the reader, we
will give a proper, definition of the church,
and the utility of an Association of churches,
which we think is agreeable to the Holy
Scriptures. On the Church.—The word
church, in the New Testament, must ne¬
cessarily mean an assembly, and not the
house in which they assemble. Mat. xviii.
15 .16.17. •" Moreover, if thy brother shall
trespass against thee, go and tell him his
fault between*th-ee' and-him alone : if he
B shall
xi v PREF A; C E.
shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brow
ther. But if he will nolhear thee, then take
with thee one or two more, that in the
mouth of two or three witnesses every
word may be established. And if he
shall neglect to hear them, tell it to the
churchIt cannot be supposed our Lonf
meant that we should tell it to the house.
Again. Acts. ii. 47. " The Lord added
to the church daily such as should be saved"
1. Cor. xiv. 23. " If therefore the church
be come together into one place." These
places in the sacred writings must un¬
doubtedly allude to the people, and not
to the building. The New .Testament
writers always apply the word church to a
religious assembly, selected and called out
of the world by the doctrine of the gos¬
pel, to worship the true God according to
his word. And is emphatically represent?
ed in the nineteenth article, of the
Episcopal church, w7hich saith, " The
visible church of Christ is a congrega-
" tion of faithful men, in the which the
" pure word of God is preached,.and the
" sacraments be duly administered, ac©
" cording to Christ's ordinance, in all tho^
" things that of necessity are requisite to
^ the same." .
When we consult.the^acred.writings
we
PREFACE.
xv
We have sufficient reason to believe that the
word church, is intended to signify the
church catholic, triumphant, invisible and
particular,
The church catholic, means all that
have been, or ever will be saved. Eph. i-
22. 23. " And gave him to behead over
all things to the church which is his body,
the fulness of him that fillelh all in all."
Collos. h 18.24. The church triumphant,
means all the saints, who are now already
in Heaven. Heb. xii. 23. "'Ihe general
assembly and church of the first born,
which are written in Heaven—and to the
sprits of just men made perfect." The
church militant, means all the saints on
earth. There are about nine passages in
scripture which refer to this church. Acts,
viih 3. 1. Cor. x. 32.—xii. 28—xv. 9*
Gal. i. 13. Phil. iii. 16. 1. Tim. iii. 15.
The invisible church, means all the elect
not yet called, " Other sheep I have,
which are not of this fold i. them also must
I bring, and they shall hear my voice and
there shaULbe one fold and one shepherd."
John x. 16,
A particular church, is a little distinct
and separate society, called out of the
World, and professing faith in Christ Je¬
sus, have gi\ en themselves up to the Lord,
and
PREFACE,
and to one another,, to be governed and
guided by a proper discipline agreeable to
the word of God. Of this sort of church
frequent mention is made in the word of
the Lord. Some of the passages relative
thereto, are, " The church in their house."
Rom. xvi. 5.—l. Cor. xvi. 9.. "The
church in thine house." PhiL 2. "The
church in Jerusalem." Acts. viii." 1.—At
Antiocb, at Rome, Corinth, Philadelphia,
Ephesus, Smyrna,. &c. &c.
The churches which compose the Ke-
hukee Baptist Association, profess to be
of this description y and churches baptized
•upon profession of their faith in Christ Je¬
sus, and well, organized, we think it is
agreeable to those particular Congrega¬
tional churches mentioned in the Holy
Scriptures.
An Associationis a combination of
churches uniting together in one body, go¬
verned by certain rules when met together,
and whose business it is to hear from, and.
enquire into the state of the churches ih
the union, and give advice, in order to
reconcile differences, detect errors and re¬
move difficulties; so as not to lord it
over God's heritage, but sit and act only
as anadvisary council.
The divine authority of this ancient cus¬
tom
PREFACE.
xvii
torn seems manifest in the example of our
Lord and his holy Apostles. Our blessed
Lord when entering on his divine mission^
and laying a plan for the establishment ot
his kingdom, as soon as he entered on his
public ministry^ made choice of twelve^
with when} he associated, not indeed to
assist him by their counsel, but to train them
tip to assist one another. And we find the
Apostles themselves assembled on certain
occasions to confer about the affairs of the
churches* See Acts, XV. If Paul, Barna¬
bas and oijhers, therefore were delegated by
the^r brethren of the churches atAnuodh,
tcrassemble, or associate with the Apostles
and Elders at Jerusalem, how much more
will the propriety and necessity of such
meetings or assemblies, appear to us who
do not enjoy their abilities, nor possess their
powers, And as the scriptures support
its divine authority and expediency, so
from the experience we have had of its
well known benefits, ,we are the more ea¬
sily persuaded that the churches will al¬
ways find it of general utility > in maintain¬
ing and supporting—1, A general 2/72/0/7,
2. Th^ coyununion of the churches. 3.
The increase of brotherly love. 4. To gain
information of the state of the churches,
5. Remove dft£cujiics. 6. Grant supplies
B B to
xvirr
F.K E f A C £v
to destitute churches. 7. The' extirpation*
of false doctrines; and 8. -The benefit a--
rising to the church an'd neighbourhood
where the Association-is fiolden.-
1st. The Association fs of general utility
in supporting; and maintaining a general
union. Now,:the more' firiply any civil or
religious society is knit together by love,
and coalesce in unity y by so much the bet¬
ter they are secured against their Com¬
mon enemies and dangers-,, and Become
still the more prosperous and flourishing,
United force, we all know,- is more than"
single; and hence it is* We are so frequent¬
ly in the sacred scriptures exhorted to a-
general unanimity. Rom. xii. 16.—1. Cor:
i.. 10:—Phik ii. 2.—Psal. cxxxiii. 1.
2d. The general utility of an Associa--
tion also consists in the communion of- the
churches-. It is through this sameness of
love,, mind and rule, that'a chain of com¬
munion is,- or can be'kept up with the
churches.- Christ's ehurch is a family.
Any thing that is lawful and right, that
will main-tain an- union- among the chil--
ciren, so they with lore and fellowship,
can from time to-time eat bread together
in the spirit of meekness, must be of use.
Christ's church is> a body- All proper
msans that have a tendency to keep-
PR EF AC
J£f2
the members in place, should be used for
that purpose: For the beauty and strength-
of a body, depend on its not being maimed,
or disordered. We therefore think that it
is impossible that so endearing a privilege,
and , particular duty as the communion of
the churches, can be preserved sacred^and
inviolable without some such mode of as¬
sociating together; where we can hear
from the different churches, know each
others principles, and be acquainted with
the proper discipline of each church 5 we
therefore think that an Association is useful.
3d. We not only think that it tends to
preserve a communion of churches, but we
also believe it has a: tendency to increase'
brotherly love. It is through this medium
that an acquaintance is cultivated amongst
the brethren, and brotherly love increased
and continued. Heb. xiii 1.
4th. To gain proper information of the
State of the churches. It is by the means-
of an--Association* that we obtain this in¬
formation, and from the accounts given, be
able to ascertain whether they be in pros¬
perous or declining circumstances •, and'
sb can pro-pose measures accordingly, so'
as to mourn with' them" that mourn, and
Rejoice with them that do rejoice.
5't-hv j&y means of an Association, bre-
thrm
preface.
thren under difficulties of mind may be re¬
lieved, by presenting their, queries to the
Association, and having them properly dis¬
cussed j which often tends to the satisfac¬
tion of the aggrieved party ; and as, in the
multitude of counsellors there is safety,
we believe an Association is useful.
6th. It is through this mode of assem¬
bling together, that information is com¬
municated to the Association of the stale
of destitute churches, and on their request,
and by the consent of the brethren in the
ministry, supplies can be granted. Mi¬
nisters receive the intelligence, make their
appointments, and the destitute churches
get furnished at proper seasons, and the
ordinances administered to them,
7th- It is useful for the extirpation of
heterodoxy. " Do not err my beloved bre¬
thren," was the .exhortation of the Apos¬
tle to primitive christians and another-
Apostle warrantably informs us that some
should bring in damnable heresies. Now
if this was the case in ancient times, we
may reasonably expect it in this corrupt
age of the world. And where are-We so
likely to gain the information of these
heretical principles amongst the church,;
if there be any, as at the Association; and
where so proper a place to nip them in
PREFAC £.
xxt
tfie bud as at this time ? Thus we seeT the
primitive churches, and that under the im¬
mediate inspection of the Apostles them¬
selves, were likely to err in this point, had
they not had recourse to the assembly of
the Apostles and others met at Jerusalemv
Witness the sueat disoutation of Paul,
& • 1 •
with all his experience, his learning, his-
oratory, and his inspiration (for we may,
suppose he used all his efforts) to refute
an error then getting birth in the church,
and ail would not do, it must be carried
up to the Association of the Apostles and
Thiers deleg-ated at Jerusalem.
8th. The good effects which have at¬
tended the church and neighbourhood
where these numerous assemblies have
attended, bespeak the utility of the Asso¬
ciation of churches.
Thus, dear Reader, we have given suf¬
ficient reasons to believe that the mode of
gathering churches, by baptizing believ¬
ers, and their union in an Association way,
is purely scriptural and apostolical.
Before we intirely close the subject of
gathering churches after this mode, it.
might not be amiss to say something with
respect to- the particular communion of the
Baptist churches. We have been, by some,
Judged as a singular narrow hearted set of
christians,
t* H
PREFACE.
christians, because we would not com¬
mune with other societies. But we ap¬
prehend ourselves justifiable in so doing,
and without this we could not be consist¬
ent with our own principles. For we be •
lieve that christian Baptism is the first or¬
dinance a believer ought to comply with y
and persons cannot become regular church
members without first being baptized ac¬
cording to the word of God. This appears
from the conduct of the Apostles in 1 the
first gathering of the. churches of Jesus
Christ. Acts, ii. 41. 42. " They that gladly
received the word were baptized • and the
same day there were added unto them about
3000 souls." And they, i. e. those baptiz¬
ed, continued stedfastly in the Apostle's
doctrine and Fellowship,, and in breaking
of bread and in prayers. Also it is said,
" By one spirit we are all baptized into one
body." 1. Cor. xii. 13. That is, by the
leading and teaching of the Holy Spirit
we are all baptized into one body, i. e. the
church. And we cannot find from the
holy scriptures, and we think no man can,
that since the ascension of our Lord and
Saviour Jesus Christ, that any were re¬
ceived members ot the visible church be¬
fore they submitted to the ordinance of
bnptizm. And we also believe, that it is
cmt
P R E F A C E. xxj#
out of the power of any person to prove*
that any one was ever admitted to the
ordinance of the Lord's supper. before he
was .first baptized. Were any of John's
proselytes ? No. The ordinance of the
supper had never then been administered.
Were any of the members of the church
at Rome, Corinth, Galatia, Philippi, Epher
sus, &c ? We have no reason to believe
they were. The Apostle's exhortation to
the people was, c< Repent and he baptized
every one -of you in the name of Jesus
Christ, for the remission of your sins.'-'
Acts, ii. 38. And it is evident from sun?
dry examples, that baptism was the first
ordinance to be complied with, before
they w'ere admitted to other ordinances, or
to church privileges. What was the first
ordinance the 3,000 who gladly received
the word were admitted to ? It was bap*
Usm, the same day, What was the first
the Eunuch complied with, after he be-*
lieved with all his heart ? It was. baptism.
What was the first the Jailor and his house
were admitted to, after he believed in
God with all. his house ? It was bapiism>
the same hour of the night. Acts, xvi. 33fl
What was the first Lydia complied with, af¬
ter the Lord opened her heart ? It was bap*
tism, Acts, xvi. 15. What-was the first the.
Apostle
"JWC1V
PREFACE.
Apostle Paul submitted to after Annanias
laid his hands on him, and said, "Brother
Saul receive thy sight?" It was baptism. He
does not say, and now why tarriest thou ?
arise and go preach the gospelnor does he
say, now, why tarriest thou, arise and come
to the Lord's, table ? but arise and be bap¬
tized. Acts, ix. 18. xxii. 16.
We therefore do believe that it is a du¬
ty for every real christian to comply with
baptism in the first place, agreeable to the
word of God, and then be intitied to the
privileges of the church and to the ordi¬
nances -in general. And except they do
comply with their duft/'m this respect, they
are disorderly; and we are commanded to
withdraw from every brother that walks
disorderly. ii. Thess. iii. 6. We there¬
fore think we are justifiable, from God's
word, to raise a bar of communion against
all-, churches and persons who have not a
baptism that is valid, agreeable to the
Word of the Lord.
These are a few of our reasons for par-.
Ucular communion, which we hope may
be duly considered, and weighed in the
balance of the-sanctuary with an even hand.
As to the ensuing history we arc about
to publish, we can assure thee, Reader,
that we have endeavoured to collect all
the
?RE r A -c E.
materials we could come at; .and ob¬
tain all the information wejcould, in order
to render the work compleat: Notwith¬
standing all, it may be imperfect in many
things, as it is well known that writings
of this kind are subject to errors. But we
hope to obtain a pardon from the public,
when we assure them that we have done
the best we could.
The greatest part of the History, our
readers may depend on the real by of those
Tacts recorded, as we were both eye and.
car witnesses to them.
To conclude, we may add, that this
little compendium wilj present you with
the glorious increase of Christ's kingdom,
in calling poor sinners to the happy privi¬
leges of the gospel, and the increase of his
churches. When our Association was first
established, there were only ten churches,
and now near about ninety, which have
become three Associations in thirty years.
Blessed be God, we hope the happy day
is fast approaching, when the kingdoms
of this world shall become the kingdoms
cf our Lord and his Christ. May we all
pray, "thy kingdom come.11
C
XXVI
PREFACE
We are, dear reader, your soul's well
wishers, and affectionate servants in the'
gospel of our dear Lord Jesus.
LEMUEL BURKITT,
JESSE READ.
Northampton County, No ih- )
Carolina, October, 1803. J
A CONCISE HISTORY
•OF THE
&EHUKEE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION,
CHAP. I.
I. The Slate of the Churches atfirst, before
they icere united in an Assscciaiion at all.
2. The Revolution those Churches passed
through before they became an established
Association. 3. The Form of a Church
Covenant, and the Plan on which they
were established. 4. Biographical Sketches
of some of those Ministers, rc/w died be-
fore the Establishment of the Association
on its present Order.
SOME of the churches which at first
composed the Kebukee Association,
were, the church at Tosniot, in Edgecomb
county ; the church at Kehukee, in Hali¬
fax county ; the church at the Falls of Tar
river, in Edgecomb county ; the church
on Fishing creek, in Halifax county; the
church on Reedy creek, in Warren coun¬
ty ; the church at Sandy-Run, in JBertie
county i and the church in Camden coun¬
ty,
sef HlSTOkY or the KEHUfcTfiE
ty, North-Carolina. The most of these*
churches, before they were ever united in?
an Association, were General Baptist, and
held with the Arminian tenets. We be¬
lieve they were the descendants' of the
English General Baptists? because we find
from seme original papers, that their Con¬
fession of' Faith was subscribed by certain
Elders, and Iieaeons, ana Brethren, in be¬
half of themselves and others, to whorn-
they belonged, both in London, and seve¬
ral counties in- England, and was present¬
ed to King Charles the second.
They preached, and adhered to the*
Arminian, or Free-wili doctrines, and their
churches- were first established upon this
system. They gathered churches without
requiring an experience of grace previous-
to their baptism : But baptized all who
believed in the doGtrine of baptism by
imjnersion, and requested baptism of them,.
The churches of this order were first ga¬
thered here by Elders Paul Palmer and
Joseph Parker,, and were succeeded by a*
number of ministers whom they had bap¬
tized s and seme of-whom we have no1
reason to believe were converted when
they were baptized, or first began to
preach. We cannot learn that it was cus¬
tomary with them to hold an Association;
at ali i but met at yearly meetings, where*
matters*
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 29
matters of consequence were determined.
This was the state of these churches
Until divine providence disposed the Phi¬
ladelphia Baptist Association to send
Mess. Vtinhorn and Miller, two of the
ministers belonging to that Association,
who lived in New-Jersey, to travel into the
southern Colonies, and visit the churches
and preach the gospel. And it appears
that it was attended with an happy effect.
When they came into North-Carolina, some
of the members belonging to these chur¬
ches seemed to be afraid ot them, as they
were stiled by the most of people New-
Lights; but by the greatest part of the
churches they were cordially received.
Their preaching and conversation
seemed to be with power, the hearts of the
people seemed to be open, and a very
great blessing seemed to attend their la¬
bours.
I Through their instrumentality many peo¬
ple were awakened, many ot the memoers
of these churches were convinced of- their
error, and were instructed in the doctrines
of the gospel; and some churches were
organized anew, and established ...upon
the principles of the doctrine of g'race.
These churches thus newlv constituted,
adopted the Baptist confession of failh
published in London in 1639, contan eg
C c 32
$9» HISTORY OF the KEHUKEE'
*ST2 articles, and upon which the -Phihde^-
p.hiu and Charleston associations are found--
ed.. And as it is customary for churches*
thus formed, at their first constitution, to*
have a church covenant,, in which they so¬
lemnly agree to- endeavour to keep up the-
discipline of the church, the- following;
specimen will, shew the reader something;
-@f the nature of that covenant compact*.
Xt is. to. this-effect r
FORASMUCH a? Almighty God', by
feTs grace,- has been pleased t©\ call us-
fwhose names are underneath subscribed)
Out of darkness into- his. marvellous lights
and all of us have been "regularly baptized;
fcpori a profession- of our Faith in Christ
'Jesus,, and have given up ourselves to the-
Lord, and to- one another,- in- a gospel
church \vayr to- be governed and guided
by a proper discipline agreeable to the.-
'word of God r We do therefore, in the-
imme of our Lord Jesusj and'by his assist¬
ance,-convenant and: agree to keep up the-
discipline ©f the church we arc members',
of,, in. the most brotherly affection towards-
each other-,, while we endeavour punctual¬
ly to Observe the-following rules,, viz..
1st In brotherly love to-pray for each
ether,, to- witch over one another, and Iff
m and-affectionv
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 3T
ate manner to reprove one another. That
is, if we discover any thing amiss in a bro¬
ther, to go and tell him- his fault accord¬
ing to the direction given by our Lord in
the 18th of Saint Matthew's gospel; and
not to be whispering and back-biting. We
also agree, with God's assistance, to pray
in our families, attend our church meet¬
ings, observe the Lord's day and keep if
holy, and not absent ourselves from the
communion of the Lord's supper with-
jout a lawful excuse j to be ready to com¬
municate to the defraying of the churches
"^expences, and for the support of the mi¬
nistry /not irregularly to depart from the
fellowship 6f the Church, nor remove to
distant, churches without a regular dismis¬
sion.
These thingsw-e do Covenant and agree
to observe and keep sacred', in the name
of, and by the assistance of, the Holy Tri¬
nity. Amen. Signed by the mutual con¬
sent of the members whose names are un¬
derneath subscribed,
THUS, by means of those ministers
who visited the churches, several were re*
formed, and the work of reformation pro¬
gressed, until the greater part of whaf
few churched were gathered-in Ncrth-Ca-
Joiina>. both ministers and members, cam^
S2 HISTORY of the KLEHUKFE
into the Regular Baptist order. Elder Pal-
mer, we believe, died before the Reforma¬
tion took place •, and Elder Joseph Parker,
we cannot learn, was ever convinced of
his errors, or receded from them; but
continued in his way as before. And we
cannot understand he was very successful,
because all the ministers of that party
were brought over to embrace the Calvinis-
tic scheme, except himself, Elder Win-
Jield, and Elder William Parker; and we
presume, but a few7 others, either minis¬
ters or members, except the members of
their churches.
The churches thus reformed, although
but few in number, entered into an Asso¬
ciation compact about the year of 1765, and
first convened at Kehukee, from whence
the Association took the name of the
" Kehukee Association." Thus being
formed in a body, they corresponded with
the Charleston Association; and in this
situation they continued some years, until
the year 1774, when an alteration took
place, which our readers will be favoured
with in the next chapter.
The principal ministers which belonged
to the Association on its first establishment,
were, Elders Jonathan Thomas, John
Thomas, John Nlo&re, John Surges,. 'Wik
liam .Burges, Charles Daniel, William
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 35
Walker, John Meglarnre, James Abing-
ton, Thomas Pope and Henry Abbot. All
of whom, except Elders John Meglarnre
and James Aldington, we believe, were
baptized by ministers of the Free-will or*
der.
As some of these ministers died before
those remarkable events took place, men¬
tioned in the succeeding chapter, it would
be necessary to give a few sketches of their
biography in the close of this.
Elder JAMES A BINGTO N.
Elder JAMES AB1NGTON was $
resident of Bertie county, North-Carolina^
Before he became religious, he wasamair
much addicted to sporting and gaming#,
and very vicious in, his life and conversa¬
tion. But it pleased God by his great good¬
ness to convince him of his dreadful state
by nature, and to reveal his dear Son Je-
sus Christ to his soul; and after he wa^
converted, he was baptized, and began to
preach the gospel. He became a mem¬
ber of the church at Sai dy-Run, and after
preaching sometime he was ordained pas¬
tor of that church, and was instrumental
in gathering a considerable number of mem¬
bers. He was a man of a bright genius#,
a ready mind^ a good voice j and was a
Beanergev
si History the REHUKEE
Boanerges in preaching the word. He
Vv.as remakably gifted in distinguishing be¬
tween the Law and the Gospel. The in¬
sufficiency of the one to justify a sinner in
the sight of God, and the suitableness of
the other to recommend us into the favour
of God. He continued but a few years in
the Work of the ministry;, how long we
are not able to say, but at last being ta»
ken very ill, he was taken away from the
evil to come. He departed this life Fe¬
bruary, 1772. His funeral sermon was
preached by Elder Jonathan Tkojnas, from
ii. Tim. iv. 7. 8. " I have fought'-agood
" 'fight, I have finished my course, I have
" kept the faith : Henceforth there is laid
et up for me a crown of righteousness,
f( which the Lord, the righteous judge,
" shall give me at that day."
Elder JONATHAN THOMAS.
JONATHAN THOMAS was the son
©f John Thomas, of Edgecombe county,
North-Carolina. He had a brother by the
name of John. Both his father and bro¬
ther were preachers of the Baptist deno¬
mination. Jonathan, at first, was received
into a church and baptized by a minister
of the Free-anil order. But in process of
time embraced the Calvinian plan, and
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION,. &
became an eminent preacher of the regur
lav Baptist Society. He was ordained
December, 1758. He was a man of ta¬
lents, very affable in his address, and a
great orator. He had the general esteem
of the churches, and was revered by all
men of character with whom he was ac¬
quainted. He was exceeding orthodox in
his principles, and had a peculiar faculty
in reconciling seeming contradictions in
the scriptures; and on intricate passages
of scripture, his judgment was thought
exceeding good. In a word, he appeared
as a pious good christian, a sensible zea¬
lous minister of . the gospel, and one who
aimed at the peace and harmony of the
churches in general; Insomuch, that where
discord or division were likely to take place
jn a church, he was very careful to endea¬
vour to reconcile them again ; and he ve¬
ry often proved successful in his attempts.
Towards the latter end of his life, he ap¬
peared to be more zealous, and more con¬
stantly employed in travelling and preach¬
ing. His last sermon was preached at
Sandy-Run meeting-house, in Bertie coun¬
ty, from Luke xiv. 23. " Compel them
*c to come in, that my house may be fill-
(t ed." He said, " his master had sent
him to compel them to come in, and
they need npt begin to make excuse, tot
t( no
M HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
no excuse could be received, nor denial
taken." There was a large assembly,
and but few in the congregation but what
were in floods of tears; and many cried
out loudly. This was in December, 1774;
and from Sandy-Run he went home, being
under complaint of a bad cold,, and the
last of January or first of February follow¬
ing, he died.
CHAP. II.
/
I. The Revolution the Association passe A
through before established on lh4 present
plan 2, Her Organization at the Falls
of Tar River, and the Principles on which
she is founded, adopted at Sappony, in
Sussex county, Virginia j and afterwards'
published by order of the Association held
at Whitfield's meeting-house, Pitt countyt
North-Carolina, October, >789. 3. Bio¬
graphical Sketches of Elder James Bells
4. Persecution of Elder John Tanner.
SOME years after the Association was
established on its original plan, in
.Virginia, and some parts of North-Caro¬
lina.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 37
Una, the Separate Baptists (as they were
then called) increased very fast. The Se¬
parates first arose in New-England, where
some pious ministers and members left the
Presbyterian,or the Standing Order, on the
account of their formality and superfluity,
viz. 1. Because they were too extrava¬
gant in their apparel. 2. Because they
did not believe their form of church govern¬
ment to be right. But chiefly because
they would admit none to the ministry on¬
ly men of classical education, and many of
their ministers apparently seemed to be un¬
converted. They were then called Sepa¬
rate Newligkts. Some of these were bap¬
tized and moved into tire southern provin¬
ces, particularly Eiders Shubal Sterns and
Daniel Marshall, whose labours were won¬
derfully blessed in Virginia, North and
South-Carolina, and Georgia. Many souls
were converted, and as the work of the
Lord progressed, many churches were esta-
bi ished in Virginia and some in North-Ca¬
rolina. T heir preachers were exceeding
. pious and zealous men, and their labours
.wonderfully blessed: And such a work
appeared to be amongst the people, that
" some were amazed and stood in doubt,
" saying what means this." The distinc¬
tion between .us and them was, that they
were called Separates, and the ITiladel-
•P phi a,
$8 HISTORY OF THE KEHUKEE
phia, the Charleston, and the Kehukee
Association, were called Regular Baptists,
The Rehukee Association desirous of
fellowship, and a general communion be-r
tween these two parties, sent Elders Jo?
natkun Thomas John Meglamre to the
Separate Baptist Association, which was
holden in one of the northern counties in
Virginia, to endeavour to effect an union,
Accordingly their Association delegated
Elders Elijah Craig and David Thompson
fo the Rehukee Association, which was
hoklen at Kehukee meeting house, in Ha¬
lifax county, N. Carolina, August, t772,
and rendered their reasons why they could
not commune with the Regulars. Their
reasons were as follows, viz, They
complained of the Regulars no,t being
$tricl enough in receiving experiences, when
persons made application to their churches,
for baptism, in order to. become church
members. £. They refused communion
with Regular Baptist churches, because
they believed that faith in Christ Jesus,
was essential to quality a person for bap-,
tism, yet many of the Regular churches
had members in them who acknowledged
they were baptized before tlpey believed,
3. The Separates found fettlt with the Re¬
gulars for their manner oj. dress, supposing
they indulged their members in superfluity
ff apparel. These, with a few other non¬
essentials,
&APtlST ASSOCIATION. 3$
Essentials, were the reasons they refused
Communion with us : But the most weigh¬
ty reason was, "the Regulars holding pei-
" sons in fellowship in their churches,
who were baptized in unbeliefwhich
Was a matter of some consequence, and
operated strongly on the minds of many be-
iongingto the Kehukee Association Ac¬
cordingly in 1774, the church in Bertiet
Under the care of Elder Lemuel Burkiit,
herd a conference, and declared they
Would commune with none who cenfessed
they Were baptized before they believed
in Christ. And the reasons why they did
so were, because they believed that from
the practice of John the Baptist, from the
Commission given by our Lord to his Apos¬
tles, and the conduct of the Apostles in
executing that commission, that repentance
towards God and faith in our Lord Jesus
Christ, were required as a pre-requisite to
baptism of all they baptized. If so, it
appears reasonable that even adult per¬
sons themselves, if baptized in a state of
imperii I eucij and unbelief are no more the
proper subjects of the ordinance than in¬
fant r, as the age of the person does not
qualify him for baptism, but his faith in
Christ. These things had such weight on
the milids of the members ot that church,
that they declared in open conference,
non-fellowship
AO HISTORY of the KEHUKfifc
non-fellowship with all churches and per¬
sons who held and maintained the contra-
ry doctrine. And some of the members of
that church, who we baptized in unbelief,
came forward and petitioned for baptism,
and were baptized upon confession of their
faith in Christ.
The church at Sandy-Run had no soon¬
er set up a bar of communion against such
churches and members, than they received
information that the church in Sussex, in
Virginia, under the pastoral eare of Elder
John Meglamre; the church in- Brunswick*
uhder the care of Dachary Thompson ; the
chinch in the Isle of Wight, under the
cave of David Barrow, had done the same.
All these churches belonged to the Kehu-
kee Association.
Ix October, 1775, the Kehukee Regu¬
lar Baptist Association, according to their
annual appointment, by their delegates,
met at the Falls of Tar River, John Moore's
meeting house, and on Saturday, being as-r
sembled in the meeting house, information
was received by the other churches belong¬
ing to the Association,what the churches in
Jjeitie, Sussex, Brunswick, and the Isle of
Wight had done. And a great dissension
arose amongst the churches respecting the
propriety of their proceedings ; and , the
other party claimed the prerogative of be-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 41
ing the Kehukee Association, and we who
had engaged in the reformation, insisted
on being the true genuine Association, as
we believed we had never departed from
the original plan on Which that Associa¬
tion was first founded. We argued, that
it was well known, that we all held faith
in Christ essential to qualify a person for
baptism, and if so, they who were bap¬
tized before they believed, were not bap¬
tized agreeable to God's word $ and as
their baptism is not valid they remain un-
baptized members j and not to commune
with unbaptized persons was a principle
of the Association on which we were at
first established. We therefore argued that
we were the true Association who had not
departed from their original principles.
After some desultory conversation, the
Association divided, and those churches
which had begun the reformation sat and
held an Association in the meeting-house j
and the other party Went into the Woods,
the first day, and held an Association,
and the second day temoved to a private
house in the neighbourhood.
This division, our readers may be Well
assured, afforded great grief to many tru¬
ly pious and godly souls ; but that God
who works all things by his divine provi¬
dence, according to the counsel of his
D » own
42 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
own will, was pleased to brlng.order out
ot confusion, and good out of evil, for by
these means he was pleased to effect are-
formation in the churches, and bring a-
bout a glorious revival of religion through¬
out the churches in general. It was not
many years before all the churches were
united again, and the names Regular and
Separate buried in oblivion, and we were
known to the world by the name of the
"United Baptists." And blessed be God,
the distinction at this time has become
obsolete, and the different names lost
throughout the United States,* and we
hope throughout the woFld.
One particular reason why those chur¬
ches were at first dissatisfied with others,
and were so forward in sitting up a bar of
communion against chufches and invidu-
als, who held members in fellowship who
jwere baptized in unbelief, was, because se-
, veral of those churches, that at first belong¬
ed to the J&ehukee Association, were ga¬
thered
* Until about twelve months before the writing of this
Biflory, the diftindlion was kept up m the ftate of Ken¬
tucky. There were a few churches in that hate which
llili retained the name of Separates, and the munifiers and;
members feemed rather inclrnedto believe ip General Re-
demptin'. Thefe churches chiefly lay in the counties of that
flate, fouih of the river Kentucky, and were formed into
an Aflhciatjon called the Separate Affectation, and they
did not commune with the other Affectations. Cut by »
letter fVnth E'der David Barrow to Elder Burkitt, we learn
that there is a happy amonjlf all the Af-
fociatijns, and tlieie r times mil.
'BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 43
tiered by the Free-wilt Baptists, and as
their custom was to baptize any persons
who were zvilling, whether they had an ex¬
perience of grace or not, so in consequence
of this practice, they had many: mein-
bers and several ministers in those church¬
es, who were'baptized''before They were
converted; and after they were brought to
the knowledge of the truth, and joined the'
Regulars, openly confessed they were 'bap¬
tized before they believed : And some of
them said they did it in hope of getting to"
Heaven by it. Some of their-ministers con¬
fessed they had endeavoured to preach, and
administer the ordinance df- baptism to
others,' after • they were baptized, before
they were converted themselves; and so
zealous were they for baptism, (as some
of them expected salvation by it) that one
df their preachers confessed, if he could
get any willing, to be baptized* and it was
in the night, that he would baptize them:
by fire light, for fear they should get out
of the notion of it before the nextmorn-;
inS"
We therefore in conscience thought,
and that from God's word, that we ought
to withdraw from every brother that walk¬
ed disorderly, and we were under very
great impressions to begin a reformation
in the churches.
The principal churches which stood in
opposition
4i> History or the kehuKeis
opposition to our measures, at the time
when the division took place at the Falls
of Tar River, were the church at Tosmot,
the church on Fishing creek, formerly un¬
der the care of Charles Daniel; the church
at Kehukee, under the care of William
Barges j the church in Warren county, on ,
Reedy creek, formerly under the care of.
William Walker j and part of the church *
at the Falls of Tar R iver—for it appears
that church was divided—Cob Horn, who
Was a member of that church,,Was a chief
speaker in the time of the contention, and
had a very warm debate with Thomas Da- t
niel, a minister of the other party ; and
Col. Horn insisted on the propriety of our
procedure, and justified our raising a bar
of communion against them. The chief
ministers belonging to those churches who
opposed the reformation, were, Elders
John Moore, William Barges, John Tho¬
mas and Thomas Daniel. The churches ors'
the other side of the question, were, the
church at Sandy-Run, the church in Sussex,
the church in Brunswick, and the church in
Isle of Wight, Virginia. Their chief mi¬
nisters present, were, Elders John Meg-
lamre, David Barrow and Lemut I Burkitt.
Very little business of consequence was
done at this Association, except their en-1
gagements to keep up the order and rules
oi
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. AS
o£ aft Association ; and accordingly a-
greed to meet the next time at Elder James
BeWs meetinghouse, on Sappony creek,in
Sussex county, Virginia.
On the Saturday before the 2d Sunday in
August, 1777, delegates from ten churches
(some of which were, what was then called
Separates, and others which formerly be¬
longed to the Kehukee Association, and
had raised a bar against unbaptized mem¬
bers, of which mention was made before)
met in an annual Association at Elder
James Bell's meeting house, on Sappony,
itt'Sussex county, Virginia, and bv their
delegates presented a confession of their
faith to the Association ; which was una¬
nimously acceded to. At which time and
place the Association to which we now
belong, was settled and established on its
present order. 1
: Ir was necessary at this time, for the
churches to present in their letters to the
Association, a- confession of their faith $
because, l st'. Some of them were churches
that claimed the prerogative of being the
Kehukee Association, that never had de¬
parted from their original principles, there¬
fore in order to convince the other churches,
and the world at large, that they still, held
the same faith and order they were at first
established on, it was necessary to present.
to
46 HISTORY of the KEHUKEfi
to this Association, and make public, then*
confession of faith.
2d. As some c«f those churches which
at this time were about to unite in the As¬
sociation with us, had never before been
members, and were what was then called
Separates, it was necessary they should
present a confession of their faith, that it
might be known whether we all agreed
in principles or not.
The churches, by their delegates, then
convened, and the number of members!
they contained, and their present ordet,
whether Regulars or Separates, are as fol¬
low, viz,
An.
1. The church in Bertie county, N.
Carolina, Under the care of Elder V 211
Lemuel Burkitt, \
2. The church in Sussex, Virginia,"}
Under the care ot Elder John V 209
Meglamre, )
3. The church in Brunswick, Virgi-S
nia, under the care of Elder Za- v 320
chary Thompson, ^
4. The church in the Isle of Wight, \
under the care of Elder Davids 142
Barrow, j
5. A newly Constituted church in )
Chowan county, North-Caroiina, f
6. The
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 47
6. The church in Granville county,T
NorthrCarolina, under the care V 70
of Elder Henry Ledbetter, )
7. The church in Bute, North-Ca-"!
rolina, under the care of Elder v 109
Joshua Kelly, J
8. The church in Sussex, Virginia,h
under the care of Elder James v 200
Bell, )
9. The church at Rocky Swamp,"!
North-Carolina, under the care k 139
of Elder Jesse Read, )
10. The church in Edgecombe"!
county, under the care of Elder V 1QQ
John Tanner, )
1590
Of which churches, the first six were
Regular's, and the last mentioned four
were Separates,
AN abstract of the principles then agreed
to, and the substance of which after¬
wards was published in print, by order
of the Association at Wnitfieki's. meet¬
ing house, Pitt county, North-Carolina,
1799, is as follows, viz.
1. We believe m the being of God, as
almighty, eternal, unchangeable, of in¬
finite wisdom, power, justice, holiness,
goodness, mercy and truth: And that
this
#8 HISTORY of mt KEHUKEE
this God has revealed himself in his wolxf,
under the characters of Father, Son and
Holy Ghost.
2. We believe, that Almighty God has
made known his mind and will to the chil-
dren of men in his word ; which word we
believe to be of divine authority, and con¬
tains all things necessary to be known for
the salvation of men and women. The
same is comprehended or contained injhe
books of the Old and New Testament, as
are commonly received.
3. We bejieve, that God, before the
foundation of the world, for a purpose of
his own glory, did elect a certain number
of men and angels to eternal life; and that
this election is particular, eternal and un¬
conditional on the creature's part.
4. We believe, that when God made
man at lirst, he was perfect, holy, and up¬
right, able to keep the law, but liable to
fan], and that he stood as a foederal head,
or representative of all his natural off¬
spring, and that they were to be partakers
of the benefits of his obedience, or ex¬
posed to the misery which sprang from his
disobedience.
5. We believe, that Adam fell from this
state of moral rectitude, and that he in¬
volved himself and all his natural offspring
in a state of death ; and for that original
transgression
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 4$
transgression, we all are both filthy and
guilty in tne sight ot an holy God.
6. We also believe, that it is utterly
out oF the power of men, as fallen crea¬
tures, to keep the law ot God perfectly,
repent of their sins truly, or believe in
Cnrist, except they be drawn by the holy
spirit.
7. We believe, that in God's own ap¬
pointed time and wdy \by me ns winch he
has ordained j the eiect shall ue cam d, jus¬
tified, pardoned and sanctified; an i tnat
it is impossible they can utterly ret use the
call ; but shall be made willing, by divine
grace, to receive theofiers ot n.e.cy,
8. We believe, that jusiifradon in the
sight of God is only by the impu ed
righteousness of Jecus Christ, received and
applied by faith alone.
y. We believe in like manner, that God's
elect shall not oniy be called, and justified,
but that they shall be com cited, born a-
gain, and changed by the effectual work¬
ing of God's holy spirit.
10. We believe, that such as are con¬
verted, justified and called bv his grace,
shall persevere in holiness and never fail
finally away.
1 ]. We believe it to be a duty incum¬
bent on all God's people, to walk religi¬
ously in good works; not in the old cove-
E naot
50 HISTOKY OF THS kCMUKEE
nant way of seeking life and the favour of
the Lord by it; but only as a duty from
a principle of love.
12. We believe baptism and the Lord's
'supper are gospel ordinances, both be¬
longing to the converted or true believers j
and that persons who were sprinkled, or
dipped, whilst in unbelief, were not re¬
gularly baptized according to God's word,
and that such ought to be baptized after
they are savingly converted into the faith
©f Christ.
13. We believe that every church is in¬
dependent in matters of discipline; and
that associations, councils and conferences
of several ministers or churches, are not
to impose on the churches the keeping,
holding or maintaining any principle or
practice contrary to the church's judg¬
ment.
14. We believe in the resurrection of
the dead, both of the just and the unjust,
and a general judgment.
15. We believe the punishment of the
wicked is everlasting, and the joys of the
righteous are eternal,
16. We believe that no minister has a
right to the administration of the ordinan¬
ces, only such as are regularly called and
come under imposition of hands by the
jftesbetery,
17,
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. Si
it. Lastly, we do believe, that fof
the mutual comfort, union and satisfaction
of the several churches of the aforesaid
faith and order, that we ought to meet in
an Association way; wherein each church
©ught to represent their case by their dele¬
gates, and attend as often as is necessary
to advise with the several churches in con¬
ference ; and that the decision of matters
in such associations, not to be imposed, or
in any wise binding on the churches with¬
out their consent, but only to sit and act
as an advisary council.
These principles were adopted by the
Association at Elder James Bell's meeting¬
house, on Sappowjjl%:Sussex county, Vi^|-
Ilia; and afterwards re-examined and re¬
commended by the Association at Potaca-
sy meeting-house, in Northampton county,
N. Carolina, 1778.
At this Association on Sappony, Sussex
county, being the first after the division
took place at the Falls of Tar-River, the
following business was done:
The Association was opened by prayer,
Elder John Meglamre chosen Moderator,
Elder Lemuel Burkitt Clerk. Letters
from the several churches were read—all
agreed in judgment about principles, and
an answer given to the following queries.
HISTORY or thi KEHUKEE
Query 1. From the church in Chowan—
Suppose a man to be a member of the Pres¬
byterian church, and therein ordained a
minister of the gospel, and administrator of
the ordinances thereof with approbation of
them in their way, afterycai ds submits to be-
licvers baptism—is his ordination Valid to
the Baptistsf Answer. Xo.
2. From the church in the Isle of Wight
—What shall a church do with a minister
who labours to make than btlieve, that dif¬
ference in judgment about water baptism,
ought to be no bar to communion t
Ans. Such a practice is disorderly, and
he who propagates the tenet ought to be
dealt with as an offender.
3. From brother Thompson's church—
What shall a chmch do with a member, wha
is suspected to be guilty of a fault and de¬
nies it, and no plain proof can be had, and
yet circumstances appear very plainly that
he is guilty t
Ans. That if the church shall think that
the circumstances are good, that they ought
to act accordingly, and deal with him.
The Association further agreed to hold
two Associations yearly, viz. One in the
spring, the other in the fall. It was also
ordered that Elder Burkitt should procure
a book and keep the records of the Asso¬
ciations, The next Association appointed
at
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 53
at Elder Burkitt's meeting-house, in North¬
ampton county, on Pottacasy creek, the
Saturday before the third Sunday in May,
1773.
Extract? from the Minutes of the Associa¬
tion held at Pocatasy, May, 1778.
Saturday, the 16th of May, the delegates
from the several churches being assembled,
Elder John Meglamre was chosen Mode¬
rator, and Elder L. Burkitt Clerk. The
letters from the churches being read, we
proceeded to business.
A church at Cashie, in Bertie county,
N. C. under the pastoral care of Elder Je¬
remiah Dargan, presented a letter by their
delegates, desiring admission into the As¬
sociation j and some difficulties appearing
in the way, they were received on condi¬
tion of having a hearing of those difficul¬
ties afterwards in the Association.
A church in Brunswick county, Virginia*
under the care of Elder Moses Foster, on
petition was received.
Then adjourned till Monday morning.
On Monday, the 13tn of May, the As¬
sociation being convened, those difficulties
respecting the church Under the care of
Elder. Dargan were taken into considera-
tionj and the Association resolved, that
Elders James Bell, Jesse Read and William
E b Andrews
$4- history of the kehukee
Andrews be appointed to attend his meet¬
ing, and give advice, and further enquire
into the state of the church, and returns
be made to our next Association.
Query 1. From Elder Burkitt's church—
By what rule shall a church approve or dis¬
approve of a minister's gifts, who thinks he
is called to the work of the ministry f
Ans. We give it as our opinion, that if
the following things attend the ministry of
a brother, that the church may approve of
his gifts and encourage him to go on in the
work : 1. If he preach the truth. 2. If his
preaching tends to the conviction and con¬
version of sinners. 3. If it be instructive
and consolatory to the people of God. 4.
And if need be, to call other ministers to
the examination of his call to that work.
2. Is the marriage of servants lawful be¬
fore God, which is not co??rplied, with accord¬
ing to the laws of the land? Ans. Yes.
3. Is it duty to hold a member in fellow¬
ship zvho breaks the marriage of servants f
Ans. No.
Elders James Bell, John Aleglamre and
Zachary Thompson were appointed to visit
the Regular Baptist Association, viz. the
churches 'we were formerly connected with,
who had formed themselves into an Asso¬
ciation, and in the most friendly manner
endeavour to effect a reconciliation be¬
tween us. before
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 55
Before we conclude this chapter, we
think it our duty to give our readers a brief
account of the persecution that was a-
gainst Elder John Tanner ; and a few bio¬
graphical sketches of Elder James Bell,
who departed this life before the sitting of
the next Association.
Elder JOHN TA NNE R.
A certain woman by the name of Daw¬
son, in the town of Windsor, N. C. had
reason to hope her soul was converted,
saw baptism to be a duty for a believer to
comply with, and expressed a great desire
to join the church aj Cashie, under the
care of Elder Dargan. Her husband, who
was violently opposed to it, and a great
persecutor, had threatened, that if any
man baptized his wife he would shoot
him; accordingly baptism was deferred for
some considerable time. At length Elder
Tanner was present at Elder Dargan's
meeting, and Mrs. Dawson applied to the
church for baptism, expressing her desire
to comply with her duty. She related her
experience, and was received ; and as El¬
der Dargan was an infirm man, he gene¬
rally when other ministers were present,
would apply to them to administer the or¬
dinance in his stead. lie therefore request-
56 HISTORY of the KEHUKES
ed Elder Tanner to perform the duty of bap*
tism at this time. Whether Elder Tan¬
ner was apprized of Dawson's threatning
or not; or whether he thought it was his
duty to obey God rather than man, we are
not able to say,- but so it was he baptized
sister Dawson. And in June following,
which was in the year 1777, Elder Tanner
was expected to preach at Sandy-Run
meeting-house, and Dawson hearing of the
appointment, came up from Windsor to
Norileet's ferry on Roanoke, and lay in
wait near the banks of the river, and when.
Elder Tanner (who was in company with
Elder Dargan) ascended the bank from the
ferry landing, Dawson, being a few yards
from him, shot him with a large horse¬
man's pistol, and seventeen shot went in¬
to his thigh, one of which was a large
buskshot, that went through his thigh, and
lodged between his breeches and thigh on
the other side. Elder Burket was present
when the doctor (who was immediately
sent for) took part of the shot out oi his
thigh. In this wounded condition Elder
Tanner was carried to the house of Mr,
Elisha Williams, in Scotland-Neck, where
he lay some weeks, and his life was de¬
spaired of; but through the goodness of
God herecoveredagain.—Dawson seemed
somewhat affrightened, fearing he would
die/
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 57
die, and sent a doctor up to attend him.
And after Elder Tanner recovered, he ne¬
ver attempted to seek for any recornpence,
but submitted to it patiently persecution
for Christ's sake.
FJder JAMES BELL.
El deb JAMES EELL was born in
Sussex county, Virginia, of parents who
professed the Episcopal religion, but there
was no great reason to believe they were
acquainted with an experience of grace,
lie, as his parents before him had done,
frequently attended the church of England,
and complied with the forms of the church,
lie was a man of bright intellectuals, and
at a very early period became popular in the
county where he lived. He first received a
commission in the military department;
he was appointed Captain of a rpilitia com¬
pany; then a Justice of the Peace; and
some time after became Sheriff of the
county. His popularity increasing, he
gained the general esteem of every re¬
spectable character in Sussex, and the ad¬
jacent counties. He was at length, soli¬
cited to offer himself a candidate for the
General Assembly, and accordingly did,
and was elected by a large majority, and
continued to represent that county for some
time.
51 HISTORY er the KEHUKEE
time. All the time he was anxiously pur*
suing popularity he had no concern a-
bout religion, nor anxiety for the salvation
of his soul, until his brother Benjamin
Bell, who had for some time been remov¬
ed to the south, came in to see him. His
brother Benjamin was converted, and had
joined the Baptists in the south state, and
when he came into Virginia and saw his
brother James Bell, he told hiin what the
Lord had done for his soul, and what a
miserable state he apprehended his brother
to be in; insomuch that it took a very
powerful effect on his brother, so that he
never was truly satisfied until he had rea¬
son to hope the Lord had converted his
soul. And he was then willing to part
with all his worldly honour and prefer¬
ments for that honour that comes from God
only. He was baptised in Sussex county,
by Elder John Meglamre, in the year of
1770, and soon after became a zeanous
preacher of the gospel of our Lord Jesus
Christ; and it is well known he always
continued a remarkable pious and zealous
christian until his death. He became a
member, and took the care of the church
on Sappony, in Sussex county, Virginia,
which was formerly under the care of El¬
der John Rivers, and continued preaching
and baptizing until September, 1778,
when
PAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 4§
•when he died. In his last sickness, he
said, he was apprehensive he should not
be in his senses when he died. He there¬
fore wished to have his children called to¬
gether, that he might talk to them while
he had the exercise of his reason. Which
Was accordingly done, and all his children,
who were present, stood around him, and
he very affectionately exhorted them all be¬
fore he bid the world adieu ! He request¬
ed Elder Burkitt (who was then present)
to preach his funeral sermon from i. Tim.
i. 15. " This is a faithful saying, and wor-
u thy of all acceptation, that Christ Jesus
came into the world to save sinners, of
" whom I am chief," It is this, said he,
upon which my soul depends for life and
salvation. He departed this life, Septem¬
ber, 1778, aged about 43 years.
CHAP. III.
1. Some of the Proceedings of the As socio.*
tioji, and remarkable Events that took
place jrom the year 1778 until 1785 2.
The Decorum or Rules by zchich the
Association is governed, when made and
adopted, and the Rules at large. 3. fhe
nature of a Minister s Call to the Office
#6 HISTORY or ttie KEHUKEE
of the Ministry, and the Manner of his
Ordination. 4. Biographical Sketches
of Elder Jeremiah Daigan, who depart¬
ed this life the '25th of December, 1786.-
IN the year 1778, September 28th, the
Association met at Elder Meglamre's
m<. cting-house, in Sussex county, Virginia.
Elder MegJanire Moderator, Elder Burkitt
Clerk. From the great respect we stijJ
had for our sister churches, which were
formerly in union with us, it wTas resolved
that Elders John Meglamre, Z. Thomp¬
son, and Eider Burkitt (instead of Elder
Beii deceased, who was -appointed by last
Association) were at this Association ap¬
pointed to visit those churches, and endea¬
vour to effect a reconciliation with them if
possible, and returns be made to our next
Association.
A query proposed at this Association
from Elder Burkitt's church—Suppose a
member is accused of a fault and denies it,
and a person who is not a inember, and is
not interested in the-matter, has made oath
before a Justice of the Peace that he is guilty
—what shall a church do in that case?
Ans. That the church shall judge of the
veracity of the person who swore, and the
circumstances attending it, and act ac¬
cordingly thereto.
At
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 9t
At this time the churches began earnest¬
ly to desire a revival of religion, and sat
apart two days of fasting and prayer, to
lolicit the throne of grace for a revival.
The next Association was appointed at
Fishing-Creek, at the new meeting house,
on the Saturday before the third Sunday in
May next.
The Association met at the time and
place before mentioned, and on account
of the present distress of our country, bufr
few delegates met, and but little business
was done. It was at this time we receiv¬
ed information that the British were,, at
Suffolk in Virginia, and had burned the
town; and the people were fearful they
were on the way to N. Carolina, but the
Association sat, and we continued a short
space of time—The following business
was done, viz.
A church in Camden county, N. C. by
their delegates, presented a letter to the
Association desiring admission. On exa¬
mination they were tound to be an order¬
ly church, and the*, were received. This
church was one of those which was for¬
merly in union with us before the reforma¬
tion took place, and was a very ancient
respectable church. It appears that this
church had for some time believed the
principles on which the reformation was
F grounded
02 HISTORY or THE KEHUKEE
grounded at first; But they did not so rea¬
dily accede to the measures which were
fallen on at the Falls of Tar river, because
their Pastor Elder Henry Abbot was bap¬
tized in unbelief, and had not seen it his
duty to comply with baptism since he was
converted ; but before this Assoctation,
which was holden at Fishing-Creek, he
complied with his duty, and a reformation
i|i that church, in this respect, took place,
and they have again united with us. Bless-*
ed be God for the union of saints,
It was at this time that the church un¬
der the care of Elder Dargan was receiv¬
ed, All those difficulties before mention¬
ed, which were ffir some time a bar to their
being admitted, were all removed.
By reason of the distress in our country,
and the molestation of our enemies, being
the time of the war, we were prevented
from holding any regular Association, of
which we have the minutes, until the Sa¬
turday before the 4th Sunday in May, 1782,
which was holden at Mr. Arllwr Coiten's
in Hertford county, North-Carolina.
Saturday, 25th May, 17J42. The As¬
sociation being open, Elder Mcglamre was
chosen Moderator, Elder Burkitt Cieik.
A church in Pitt county, under the care of
Elder John Page, presented a letter by
tfreir delegates, desiring admission into
the
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 62
the Association, and were received. Al¬
so the church at the Falls of Tar River was
received. And also the church in Edge-
comb, under the care of Elder Joshua
Barns; and one in the county of Currituck,
North-Carolina, under the care of Elder.
James Garnewell, were received.
Elders Silas Mercer, Abraham Mar¬
shall and t)avid Barrow were appointed to
preach on the Sunday.
The Clerk was requested to prepared
t)ecorum for the Association, and present
it on Monday morning.
Monday morning, 27th May, 1782,
the decorum, or rules of the Association,
which the Clerk had prepared, was read
and approved of. A copy of which is 33
follows, viz.
1. The Association shall be opened and closed by
prajef.
2. A Moderator and Clerk shall be chosen by the
snffiage of tire members.
3. Only one person shall speak at once, who shall
tise from his seat and address the Moderator when bet
makes his speech.
4. The person thus speaking shall not he interrupt¬
ed in his speech by any, except the Moderator, till
he he done speaking.
5. He shall strictly adhere to the subject, and i.n
no wise reflect on the person who spoke before, so>
as to make remarks on his slips, failings or imperfec¬
tions; but shall fairly slate the case and matter a?
nearly as he can, so as to convey his light or ideas.
6. No person shall abruptly break off, or absent
himself from the business of the Association, without
liberty obtained from it. 7. No'
64 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
7. No person shall rise and speak more than three
times to one subject, without liberty from the Asso¬
ciation.
8. No member ot the Association shall have liber¬
ty to be whispering or laughing in time of a public
speech.
9. No member of this Association shall address
another, in any other terms or appellations but the
title nf Brother.
10. Toe Moderator shall not interrupt any mem¬
ber in, nor prohibit him from speaking, till he give
his light on the subject, except he break the rules of
thb decorum.
11. The names of the several members of the As¬
sociation shall be enrolled by the Cierk, and called
over as often as the Association requites.
12. The Moderator shall be the last person who
may speak to the suhjei I ; and may give his light on
it, if he please, before he ; ut< the matter to a \ote.
13. Any member who shall willingly and knowing¬
ly break any of these rules, shall be reproved by the
Association, as they shail see proper.
These rules being confirmed and esta¬
blished, we then proceeded to business ;
wherein there was much disputing about
the power of Associations, their business
and foundation. But at last there was a
unanimity among the whole upon the fol¬
lowing plan, viz. The Association did
a tree that we should answer emeries when
O 1
approved, when presented by a member
of the Association and not as coming trom
the church ; and the proceedings of the
Association to be returned in writing to
the respective churches. Here a motion
was made for a division in the Association,
but
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 65
but the Association did not agree to it.
But for conveniency the Association ad¬
vised that four general Conferences should
be holden, at different places, and that
the churches convenient might represent
themselves in those Conferences, and their
proceedings I>e transmitted to the annual
Association. Accordingly the four follow¬
ing were appointed, viz. At Elder Meg-
lamre's meeting-house, the Saturday before
"the second Sunday in August ; at Yop-
pim, the Saturday before the fourth Sun¬
day in August j at Camden, the Saturday
before the first Sunday in September; a,t
Eider Page's, the Saturday before the se¬
cond Sunday in September.
The next annual Association to be at
Davis's meeting-house, cn Roanoke, in
Halifax county, North-Carolina, the Satur¬
day before the last Sunday in May, 1783.
According to appointment, the Asso¬
ciation met at Davis's meeting-house; at
Which time and place the following busi¬
ness was done; 1. They thought proper to
set aside the practice of general Conferen¬
ces, and appointed four occasional Asso¬
ciations in tneif stead; and for each church
convenient to represent their case by letters
and delegates, and consult the affairs of
the churches; and the minutes of the^e
Associations to be transmitted to an annual
F F Association,
C6 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
Association, where all the churches which
possibly could, should attend. 2. The
following queries were answered at this
Association, viz.
Query 1. By Elder Mercer—Is washing
feet an ordinance of Christ's church which
ought to be continued in the church f
Ans. We look upon it a duty to be con¬
tinued in the church.
2. By brother Peter Mercer—Has a
church of Christ any right to try causes of
a civil nature f
Ans. We look upon it that the church
has a right, from God's word, to try all
causes which may arise amongst them¬
selves.
3. The proceedings of the general Con-
Terences appointed by the last annual As¬
sociation, and which were held last year,
were read in this Association, and the mi¬
nutes ordered to be recorded in the Asso¬
ciation book. Queries of consequence
answered at these Conferences were as fol¬
low, viz.
Query 1. By brother Lancaster, in the
Conference at Elder Meglamre's meeting¬
house—Has a church any right to suspend
a member from communion, zvho has been
guilty of a crime, and still hold him as (S
member of the church ?
Ans. As. our Lord in the 18th of St,
Matthew's
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 67
Matthew's gospel, has given a sufficient
rule to deal with offending members, we
generally think there is no degree of church
censure to be inflicted on an impenitent
member, after a public hearing in the
church, besides excommunication; which
we believe consists in putting him out of
communion and membership.
2. Has a church any authority from God's
word, to Lay it upon their minister to get up
in a congregation, and publish the excommu¬
nication of a disorderly member f
Ans. We think that the offending mem¬
ber being dealt with in a public conference,
is sufficient without any more publication.
3. By brother Shelly—WVhat way is
thought best for a church to act in support¬
ing their minister ?
Ans. That each member ought to con¬
tribute voluntarily, according to his or her
ability; and in no wise by taxation or any
ether compulsion.
4. What method shall be taken with a
member, who shall rent himself off from his
own church and join another?
Ans. We think it is disorderly for a
member to rent himself off from his own
church, and disorderly for a church to re¬
ceive him.
5 Is the baptism of a believer, a legal
baptism, if performed by an unauthorised
minister ? Ans,
€8 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
Ans. It is our opinion, that the person
who administered the ordinance was very
iBiuch out of his duty, and displeasure
ought to be shewn to such a practice: but
as tor the person's baptism, as it was done
in faith, we esteem it legal.
6 By Elder Abbot, in the Conference
at \ oppim— Is a person who is called to the
■work of the ministry, in his duty to travel out
into different parts of the world, to preach
without a letter from his church, signifying,
their approbation of his personal conduct,
and call to the ministry ?
Ans. We do not think they are in their'
duty.
7. By EId»r Burkitt, in the Conference
.at Camden—What shall a church do with a
member, who shall absent himself from the
communion of the Lord's supper f
Ans. That it is the duty of the.church
to enquire into the reason of his thus ab¬
senting himself from the communion, and
if he does not render a satisfactory reason
the church shall dea^with him.
8. By brother Forbes---B 7m £ number of
members can be thought sufficient, in an arm,
branch or wing of a church, in order J or
their constitution ?
Ans. We give it as our opinion, that a
number of members who are capable to
carry on a proper discipline in a church,
are sufficient for a constitution, 9,
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 69
9. Has an itinerant minister, who has
not the care of a■ churchy a right to baptise
411 any occasion ?
Ans. We suppose he has not a right on
all occasions, but only on some. The oc¬
casions which we conceive he has a right
to baptize on, are as follow, viz. 1 When
he visits a church destitute of a pastor,
and is called by the church to baptize. 2.
When he travels into dark places, des-
thute of ministerial helps, and persons
get converted and desire baptism of him
and they are not capable to make applica¬
tion to any church by reason of their dis¬
tance from them.
Af fer the Association had heard and
approved of the procedure of these gene¬
ral Conferences, they then appointed their
next annual Association, which was to be
holden at Sandy-Run, in Bertie county, N.
C. the Saturday betore the third Sunday in
May, 1784.
By a resolve of this Association there
were four occasional Associations to be
holden in 1783, viz. At Ballard's Bridge
in August, at Camden in September, at
South-Quay in October, and at the new
meeting on Fishing-Creek the Saturday be¬
fore the third Sunday in September, and
the minutes to be transmitted to the annu¬
al Association.
Extracts
to History op T«E REHUKE-E
Extracts from the minutes of these occasional
Associations.
At the Association at Ballard's Bridge*
the following queries were answered, viz.
Q.uery 1. By Eider Burkitt--/vit agree-
able to God's word, for christians to marry
ui. converted, persons?
Ans. We do not know that God's word
does actually forbid such marriages, but
We would advise the members of our
churches to comply with christian marria¬
ges, as nearly as they can judge, for their
own comfort and satisfaction.
2. What shall the master of a family do
with his slaves, who refuse to attend at the
time of public prayers in the family ?
Ans. We think it is the duty of every mas¬
ter of a family to give his slaves liberty to
attend the worship of God in his family
and likewise it is his duty to exhort them
to it, and endeavour to convince them of
their duty; and then leave them to their
own choice.
S. By Elder Welsh—Is it thought regit*
lar for a church, to restore a Deacon upon
repentance, from suspension to office, as ivell
as to membership?
Ans. It is our opinion, that if the church
be fully satisfied with his conduct in exe¬
cuting his office beforekthat they may re¬
store him to office again, as well as to
membership. 4, By
BAPTIST ASSOCIATIONS fy
4. By 'Elder Burkitt—What way is
thought best for a church to put. members up¬
on a trial of their gifts, who think they are
Called to the work of the ministry ?
Axis. We judge it necessary that all mi¬
nisters should be called of God to preach
the gospel, and when any member thinks
he has a call to preach, he ought to inform
his church of it; and then we would ad¬
vise the church to deal very tenderly with
him, and give him all the encouragement
necessary: and we would advise that bro¬
ther to follow the direction of the church
with respect to the manner of beginning
to preach,
At the occasional Association held, on
Fishing-Creek the same year, a church on
Black-Creek, in Wayne county, N. C. pe->
titioned for admission into the Association,
and was received. And at this Associati¬
on the following queries were answered:
Query 1. By Elder Meglamre--TFAal
shall a church require of a person for satis-
faction, who had been excommunicated from
another church at a great distance, andnoiv
being removed convenient to them and desires
felloivship with them ?
Ans. That such a person ought (if pas¬
sible) by a letter of recommendation from
the church where he lives, apply to the
chqrch from which he was excommunica¬
ted,
72 HISTORY or teh KEHUKEE
ted, and regain fellowship with them, and
then take a letter of dismission from them,
and join the church amongst whom he lives.
2. What are the essentials of church coin-
muni on ?
Ans. That a person shall, before being-
admitted to commune, give a satisfactory
account of his being savingly converted tc
the Lord Jesus Christ, and publicly declare
the same by being regularly baptized bj
immersion.
At the occasional Association at South-
Quay very little was done, except a motion
fbr a division in the Association; which
was rejected.
The annual Association at Sandy-Run.
The 15th of May, 1784, the annual As¬
sociation commenced at Sandy-Run meet-
ing-house, Bertie county, North-Carolina
The Association was opened by prayer-
Elder Meglamre was chosen Moderator
and Elder Burkitt, Clerk. Then proceed¬
ed to business. A church in Pitt county,
under the care of Elder Abram Baker, on
petition was received into the Association,
Elders Jesse Read, John Meglamre, Phi¬
lip Hu ghes and David Barrow were ap¬
pointed to preach on Sunday.
This Association agreed to correspond
with the Salisbury Association, in Mary¬
land, by letter and delegate. Elder Ed¬
ward
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 73
ward Mintz was appointed our delegate.
Elder Uurkitt was reqnested to prepare
letters to the Salisbury Association, and to
the general committee at Dover, in Virgi¬
nia. An answer to the following queries
Were given, viz.
Query I. Is a Paster or Bishop of a
church hound by the word of God, to the
c>mgrelation he agrees to lake the oversight
of, for life j or is he in this case at liberty to be
governed by his inclination, interesty or toll at
he may suppose to be a call from God. Tea
or nay?
After debating the query some time, and
it appearing ambiguous, by the consent of
the Association the query was altered to
read thus—
Is it thought that a Bishop, or Pastor of a
church, stands upon the same tooting in the
church as any otto r member, with respect to
his having a right to <7 dismission on his re¬
quest ?
Ans. It is our opinion that as a member
he is accountable to the church, and as a
minister he is accountable to God.
2. Is it agreeable to gospel rule and or¬
der, to call a minister 'o take the pastoral
care of a church, without the unanimous con¬
sent of lb' members of said church ?
Ans, We think they ought to be unani¬
mous.
G The
n HISTORY OF THE KEHUKEE
The Association agreed to hold only
one occasional Association this year, which
was appointed at Hshing-Creek, Daniel's
meeting-house, the Saturday before the
second Sunday- in October The annual
Association was appointed next at Should¬
er's Hiu, in Virginia.
At the occasional Association on Fish¬
ing Creek, a church in Craven county, N.
C. under the care of Elder James Brinson,
joined the Association. Also another in
said county on Swift Creek, was received.
Another in Franklin county, formerly un¬
der the care of Elder William Walker, pre¬
sented a letter, setting forth their desire to
be in union with us, and-wished to know
what were those bars which heretofore sub¬
sisted between the churches. Accordingly
information was given. This hcureh was
one of the Regular Baptist Association
which was formerly in union with us.
Extracts from the annual Association holden
at Shoulder s Hill.
Saturday, the 14th of May, 1785, the
Association met at Shoulder's Hill, in Nan-
semond county, in Virginia, and after it
was opened by prayer, Elder Megiamre
was chasen Moderator, and Elder Burkitt
Clerk.
Tetters from 21 churches were read.
A church at the Northwest river bridge,
in
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 15
in Norfolk county, Virginia, a church at
Shoulder's Hill, a church on Scuppemong,
in Tyrrel county, N. C. a church at Pun-
go, Princess-Anne county, Virginia, and
a church 011 Blackwater, Princess'-Annej
were all received in this Association.
Elders John Lcland, Lemuel Burkitt,
David Barrow and Jonathan Barns, were
appointed to preach on Sunday.
On motion of Eider -Barrow, the en¬
grossed bill, respecting a general assess¬
ment, was taken into consideration; and
on motion of Elder Leland, a petition of
the inhabitants of Charles-City county,
Virginia, was read; and the Association
advised that this petition, or one similar
thereto, should be adopted by the delegates
of this Association who reside in Virginia,
and be presented to the inhabitants of their
respective comities, and when they have
gotten a sufficient number ot subscribers,
be presented to the General Assembly of
Virginia.
Here at this Association, the churches
were still sensible of the declining state of
religion, accordingly a day of lasting and
prayer was appointed, to solicit the throne
ot grace tor a revival.
The next Association was appointed at
Kehukee,. the Saturday before the second
Sunday in October, 176j.
At
7* fltSTORY o* the KEHU1CEE
At this Association the most of the
churches complained of coldness in religi¬
on, a few informed us of a great stir
amongst them.
A church at-South-Quay, in Virginia, ♦,
a church at Bear-Creek, in JJobbs county,
IN. C. a church in the upper end of l)irel
county, on Morattuck, were received into
membership in this Association.
On motion of Elder Read, Elders John
"Meglamre and Jesse Read, and brothers
Charles Champion and Thomas Gardner,
were appointed a committee to meet the
Regular Baptist brethren in conference,
to endeavour toeFect a reconciliation with
them.
Elders David Barrow, Lemuel Burkitt,
John Meglamre and Jonathan Barns were
as pointed to preach on Sunday.
Query I. J J as a zcoman any right io speak
iu i he church iu matters of discipline, unless
called upon t
Ans. We think they have no right un¬
less called upon, or where it respects their
own communion.
In consequence of a motion made by
Elder J. M'Cabe, the Association thought
proper to advise the several churches (in
order to remove the general complaint of
COiduess in religion) to set apart some time
every day, between sun-set and daik, to
be
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 11
Ibe engaged in private prayer to the Lord
for a revival of religion.
The next Association is to be holden
at the house of brother Joshua, Freeman,
in Bertie county, May, l786„
We shall conclude this chapter, by
shewing the nature of a minister's call to
the office of the ministry, and the manner
of ."his ordination j and a lew sketches of
the biography of Elder Dargan, who de¬
parted this life the 25th of December,*
1786.
A Ministers Call and Ordination.
It is by many thought absolutely neces¬
sary that the first qualification of a minister
of the gospel should be a classical education;
ancLuch peisonsdiinkthat aminl&tercaunct
be qualified to preach the gospel except he
be a man of eruditionBut is it not evi¬
dent, that many \yho have spent) ears hi
the schools to acquire a liberal education,
and yet notwithstanding all their acquire¬
ments, are ignorant of the true .knowledge
of God, and are unacquainted with the
spiritual meaning of his word. " The natu¬
ral man receiveth not the things of the spi¬
rit of God, neither call he know them, for
they are spiritualty discerned." iCor. ii. 14.
" And the wisdom of this world is fool¬
ishness with God," £hap« jut. J —Learn¬
ing is a very good handmaid, but we are
far
73 ttrstory of the kehukee
far from supposing that it is essentially ne¬
cessary for a man to be acquainted with
the oriental languages before he is qualifi¬
ed to preach the gospel. Many may be
acquainted with these languages, and yet
be, as a poor African told a young gentle¬
man, " 1 perceive (said he) that them are
many learned fools." Upon the whole,,
we suppose that it is necessary every mi¬
nister of Christ should, in the first place,
be truly conveited, and regenerated by the
grace et God, that he have a general ac¬
quaintance with the word of God, and that
be should be ealledqt God to preach the gos¬
pel." M J\q man taketh this honour to him¬
self, but he that is called of God, as was
Aaron." Ileb. v. 4. An evidence of his
call, for his own satisfaction, is, first, if his-
views in preaclung the gospel be not for
the sake of lucre, nor for honour nor Ap¬
plause but, secondly, if he aim at the
glory of God and the good of souk. An
e\ idence of his call, to the satisfaction of
others, is, first, his spiritual understanding"
in the word of God* second, his ability in
e>. plaining the meaning of the word; third,
the success of his ministry in the conviction
and conversion of sinners, and comfort of
the saints, it is necessary that a person
thus called to the ministry, should preach
on. thai foi some time,and when the church
h
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 19
is satisfied with his call and usefulness, he
shall then be set apart .by fasting and pray¬
er, by the hands of the Presb)tery, in man¬
ner and form something like the following
example:
1. It is necessary that a fast should be
observed. Acts xiii. 3. 2. That a Presby¬
tery of two ministers, at least, should be
present.
The day appointed for ordination being
come, and the church being assembled, a
sermon shall be delivered by one of the
ministers, suitable to the occasion. The
sermon being over, the solemnity may be¬
gin with singing a suitable hymn, and pray¬
er to Almighty God. Then one of the
ministers standing up, ought to address the
candidate and church after this manner;
" When the church at Jerusalem, the mo¬
ther of us all, had chosen men to office, it
is recorded that they set them before the
Apostles to be ordained, by laying on of
hands and prayers-, we desire, therefore,
that this church will set before us the man
whom they have chosen to the ministry/'
Then let some of the church conduct the
candidate to the ministers, and one of them
may address him in this- manner:
" The regard we pay to that sacred
charge, £.13/ hands suddenly on ?io man, obli¬
ges us to use caution—Sir, we would be
certified of your call to preach/'
80 HlStORV or the KEHUKEE
The candidate may relate his call, or pre'
sent a copy of his call, audit may be read.
" We would also see your lisense, which
may be to us a testimony of your good mo¬
rals, and the approbation which your 'mi¬
nisterial abilities have obtained."
Let the license be read, or let the church
testify.
Then add, " Hitherto your advances to¬
wards "the ministry appear to have been re¬
gular and fair, but we are obliged to seek
for further satisfaction, which "you alone
are capable of giving: permit me there¬
fore to ask you—Do you, Sir, willingly,
and not by constraint, out of a ready mind,
and not for filthy lucre, devote yourself to
the sacred office?"
The candidate shall answer, that the mi¬
nistry to him is of free choice, and that his
viezv is not lucrative.
ft Do you believe that you are moved
hereto by the spirit of God, so that a ne¬
cessity is laid on you to preach the gospel,
and that a wo will be to you if you preach
it ilot?"
The candidate shall ansxmr the question in
the affirmative.
tc Do you fake the Bible to be the word
of God, in such a sense as to hold your¬
self bound to believe all it declares; to do
all it requires of you as a christian; to ab¬
stain
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 81
stain from all it forbids ? Do you cdnsider
that book as the only rule oi faith and prac-
tice in matters of religion ; and a sufficient
rule, so that there is no occcaslon for any
other judge of controversies; or for creeds,
confessions of faith, traditions, or acts of
councils of any denominations, to supply its
supposcddefects? Do you hold that book as
your creed or confession qffaiths and will you
make it )ouf directory-, whether in preach¬
ing, administring ordinances, exercising
governraeiTt ^ndr-discipTme, or m perform¬
ing any other branch of your function t
2'he candidate shall conjess thai he owns
it as the word of Cod, and. that his resolu¬
tion is to be directed by it as a christiant
ami as a minister.
After this the candidate shall be desired
to kneel, and the ministers lay their hands}-'
On him, and pray, each of them. Then
the ministers to withdraw their hands, and
when the oidained person rises, to salute
him in the follow ing manner:
We honour you, deatf brother, in the
presence of ali the people, and ghe you
the right hand of fellowship as a token of
brotherhood and congratulation; and wish
you success in }cur office, and an answer
to those prayers which two or three have
heartily agreed on earth to put up for you."
Tnxx the solemnity is to be concluded
by
gt HISTORY of the KEHUREE
"by a charge given to the ordained minister,
and a certificate of his ordination as fol¬
lows : .
'Stale oj N. Carolina,
society, and a member of the church in tiie county
and state ah repaid, being before proved and recom¬
mended by said i hutch) was set apart ^ fasfng and
ptayers,. on 'he 3d day of Ontober, 1803, by tire im¬
position of t*ands of C. D. E. F. and G. H. ministers
of the gospel, who were called as a Presbytery for
that purpose, whereby the said A B. is ordained a
frmdster of the gospel, and entitled to the admini¬
stration of alt UlTe ordma'nees Witness our
bands the day and date above written. C. D.
Elder JEREMIAH DARGAN.
Elder JEREMIAH DARGAN was
converted and baptized in the south state,
but divine providence so ordered that he
should move in, and become a resident in
Bertie county, N. C. The manner and
means by which it Was effected through the
divine agency of him, who workcth all things
according ta the counsel of his own will, .was
sister D; irgan, whose name before married
was Anne Moore, who resided at Cashie,
in Bertie county, got converted, and as
there was no administrator near to ' admi¬
nister baptism, she travelled out into
the state of South-Carolina, under a
Bertie county.
E. F.
G. H.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 8J„
sense of duty and a desire to comply with
it. Here she met with Elder Dargan,
whom she soon after married, and he iiiuv-
ed into Bertie county. He was a remark¬
able pious christian, and a very zealous mi¬
nister of the gospel. He was so tender¬
hearted, that it was hardly ever known that
he preached a sermon without plentifully
shedding tears; so that he could say with
the Apostle Paul, For the space of three
years I have warned every one, nipfit and
day, zvith tears. Acts xx. 31. Eider Dar-
gan was an instrument of first planting the
gosp>el at Cashie, and of first gathering that
church. Pie did not continue a great ma¬
ny years amongst them, but his labours
were wonderfully blessed amongst that
people, and in that part of the country near
W iccacon. He was a means, in the hands
of God, of planting that church, called
Wiccacon church, now under the care of
Elder Hendry. Being greatly afflicted, he
did not travel much ; and towards the lat¬
ter end of his days he was grievously afflict¬
ed with the gravel, of which he at last died.
Pie was very patient in his affliction, sub¬
missive to the will of divine providence,
and expressed a desire to depart and to be
with Christ, which was far better. He
departed this life on the 25th of Decem¬
ber, 1786. He requested that Elder. Bur-
kitt
14 history of the kehukee
kitt should preach his funeral sermon, and
that a copy of the sermon should be writ¬
ten (as nearly as could) for the benefit of
his friends. Accordingly Llder JSurkitt at¬
tended athis funeral solemnity,and preach¬
ed to a crouded audience, from Luke ii.
29,30. " Lord no-.vlettest Uou thy servant
depart in peace,accordingto thy word: For
mine eyes have seen thy salvation." The
sermon aftehvards was printed.
CHAP. IV.
1. Proceedings of the Association until! 789.
2. Proceedings of the Association at H'hit-
JielXs meeting-house. The Junction of
the Regular Baptist Churches icith us,and
the names to he buried in oblivion; and
the Association to be hereafter known by
the name of the " United Baptist Associ¬
ation," 3. The Constitution of ttie As¬
sociation, and Form of Government. 4.
- Proceedings until the Division took place
at Davis's meeting-house in 1790. 5.
Remarks on the Division. 6. Biographi¬
cal Sketches of Elders Samuel H arret and.
Henry About.
0\ the 20th of May, 1786, the Asso¬
ciation met at brother Joshua Free-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION 85
man's, in Bertie county, N. C. The As¬
sociation was open by prayer, Elder
John Meglamre was chosen Moderator,
Elder Burkitt Clerk. Letters frcfln twen¬
ty-one churches were read. They mostly
complained of coldness j but there were
added to the churches since last Associa¬
tion nearly seventy members. Here, a
church at fvnobscrook, in Pasquotank
county, N.C. a»nd one in Brunswick coun¬
ty, Virginia, on Fountain's Creek, were
received into the Association.
Elder Read, who was appointed ^with
some others) to attend a committee ot the
Regular Baptist Society, informed the As¬
sociation that he attended the committee,
and made to them the following piopooals:
1. We think that none but believers in
Christ have a right to the ordinance of
baptisms therefore we will not la-Id com¬
munion with those who jtl^aci tor the va¬
lidity of baptism in unbelief.
2. We leave everv church member to
judge for himself whether tie was baptized
in unVHief or not.
3. We leave every minister at liberty to
baptize, or not, such persons as desire to
be baptized, being scrupulous about their
former baptism.
TuE Association concurred with the
report j and lecomuu tided those propoai-
li tioiis
3<S HISTORY op t»e KEHUKEE
tiops to the several-churches in our union,
and desired their opinion thereon.
Query 1. Is it legal to administer Ihc
Lord«s supper to a single person, in case of
inability to attend public worship f
Ans. We believe it may be lawful in
gome cases,
1. Is it orderly for a church to hold com-
pi union with a member who frequents the
.Free-Mason Lodge?
Ans. We think it disorderly.
The next Association to be holden at
South Quay, in Virginia, the first Sunday
in October, 1786,
On the SOtb day of September, being
the Saturday before the first Sunday in Oc-#
tober, 1786, the Association met at South-
Quay. The following business done.-:
A church at Black Creek, Southampton
County, Virginia, was received.
Ox motion of Elder Barrow, a commit¬
tee of six, viz. Elders Meglamre, Barrow,
Mintz, Staneil, Etheridge and Head, were
appointed to devise ways and means for
the encouragement ol Itinerant preaching.
On Monday the 2d of October, the com¬
mittee reported that they were divided in
their sentiments, and had concluded on
nothing decisive. Whereupon it was or¬
dered thai Elder Meglamre, the chairman
ff said committee, report the difficulties
Tehieii occasioned the division as aforesaid }
^AHiST ASSOGIATlOfc. tf
and after hearing those difficulties and con*
sideringthem, the Association ordered'that
the proceedings of said committee be en¬
tered on the Miniates of the Association,
and be transmitted to the different churches
.for their consideration and approbation 5
and they were requested to signifytbeir
minds to the next Association! The pro¬
ceedings were as follow* viz.
1. From the frequent requests, In th<2
church letters to the Association* we think,
it necessary that four ministers be appoint-*
ed to visit the churches in oUr -connection*
each one to go through the churches twice
in one year.
2. For the support of those ministers*
We think necessary tor the Association to
advise the congregations thus visited, to
contribute as they may think to be duty j
and favour the next Association with an
account of what they shall do for that pur-
pose.
3. That the said Itinerants equally par*
take of the bounty of the people.
4. That this work be begun the 1st day
of November, at Soufi-Quay.
Query 1. Hat a church a right to ex*-
co/inn-inu ate a member on the single testi¬
mony oj a zcorlcting, in any case P
Ans. No : unless corroborating circum¬
stances be sufficient to induce the church
Ikj believe tne testimony to be tiue.
U HTSTOKY T»E
At this Association the churches agreed*
to divide, in a measure-^ that is, they a-
grecd to hoid one Association in Virginia
in the spring, add ihe-Carolina Association
in th^ tall 5. and that each Association shall
send1 five ministers, and each of the mini¬
sters to take with him one of the members-
of Jus Church, as a delegate; and that eh
ther of the Associations may dismiss ot* re¬
ceive any church in the connection for the
sake of convenience.
Toe next Association in Virginia to he
at Fountain's Creek in May; and the Ca¬
rolina .Association to he at Daniel's meet-
in s-hoiioe, on Fishing-Creek, in October
next.
Ok the 19th of May, 1787, the Associ¬
ation, met at Fountain's-Creek.
A church at Otterdani's, Sussex county,
Virginia, was received.
"Fins Association agreed to reconsider
the business of itinerant preaching. A
committee was appointed for that purpose,
and after deliberation, thereon, reported as
follows:
1. It is thought expedient that every
quarterly meeting should be attended by
some neighbouring itinerant preacher.
2. That not only ordained preachers, but
young gifts also be advised and called up¬
on by the church to which they belong, to
engage
£A£flSf ASSOCIATION. 89
Engage in th® work) not Only amongst the
churches, hut in other places where it may
appear necessary;
S. That as many appointments as can
be conveniently attended, be by the pre¬
sent Association made^ in order to begin
the work.-
An amendment to tfiese rules tvas pro-
posed'by-Elder Barrow^and concurred with
by the Association, viz.
Ttiat this Association would recommend
it to the several churches to search among
themselves for such iftembers as have use¬
ful gifts, a»d pressingly lay it upon them
to exejrcise them without delay.
Query I. What number of ministers are
sufficient to compose a Presbytery f
Ans. Two or more';
The next Virginia Association appoint-
«d at Elder Megfamre's meeting-home, in
Sussex co'unty, on the Saturday before the
third Sunday in May next.-
o n the Saturday before the' second Sun¬
day in October,- 1787,> the Carolina Asso¬
ciation met at Daniel's meeting-house, on
Fishing-Greek.- Elder Meglamre Mode-'
rator, Elder Burkitt Clerk.-
At this Association a church in Martin!
county, under the care of Elder Martini
Ross, was received into the Association.
Query 1. What measures shall a Deacon
id a take,
90 HISTORY of the REHUKEE
takey who sees the necessity of the minister's
sit poor t, and his conscience binds him to do
his duty, in consequence of which he frequent-
ly exches the brethren to their dufyj yet af¬
ter all, to his daily grief, he finds they ne¬
glect their duty f
Ans. It is our opinion that it is the mem¬
bers duty voluntarily to contribute to the
minister's support, and if the Deacon dis¬
covers any member remiss in his duty that
be shall cite him to the church and if the
church finds him negligent m his duty, we
gihe it as our advice, that the church should
deal with him for covetousness.
T:-i5 churches were requested, both in
Carolina and Virginia, to send in their let¬
ters to our next Association, whether
they approve of a division of the Associa¬
tion, according to the proceedings at
So uth-Quay in 1786,
On the Saturday before the third Sunday
in May, 1788, the Association convened at
Elder Meglam-re's meeting-house, in Sus¬
sex, Virginia. Flder Mcglamre chosen
Moderator, Elder Burkitt Clerk.
A church at Seacock, in Sussex county,
a church near the Cut-Banks, on Notto¬
way, Dinwiddie county, a chuichinthe
same county, on Rowarty, and a church
on Great-Creek m Brunswick county, Vir¬
ginia, wc.e received into the Association.
Qj»
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. %
On motion of Elder Barrow, a commit¬
tee was appointed to examine the minds
of the delegates from South-Q.uay church,
respecting a certain sentence in their let¬
ter to this Association. On examination
of the delegates, the committee reported
as follows, viz.
That this church had adopted a certain
plan for discharging their duty towards
travelling preachers by a public fund;
which plan the church recommended to
the approbation 01 disapprobation oi this
Association.
The plan was as follows, viz.
" By raising a fund, in the first place,
*' by their own contribution. 2. By pub-
" lie collections from the inhabitants, twice
" in the year at least. Which money so
" collected and deposited in the hands of
«' some person, and subject to the orders
" of the church, to be appropriated to the
" aid of any and every travelling preach-
•' er, whom they shall judge to be sent of
*' God to preach. Aad they conceive that
" such apian, with them alone (beautiful
" as it appears) will not answer the desired
''purpose; therefore have thought it ne-
" cessary to present it to this Association
" for their approbation."
Upon a further investigation of the
matter, the Association determined that
the
$2 HISTORY of trt<e KEHUKEE
the plan proposed, he inserted in the tni-
nutesofthe Association,'and the following
answer be prefixed::
The Association after a mature delibe¬
ration upon the matter, do think that ac¬
cording to scripture, that there ought to
be some provision made in the churches
for the ministry; and therefore thought it
improper to decide on the proposed plan ;
but do recommend it to the consideration
of the different churches for their approba¬
tion or disapprobation.
On the mature consideration of the di¬
vision of the Association, it was thought
expedient for the two bodies to be again!
United in one as formerly: And it was al¬
so resolved that there should be two As¬
sociations in the year j one in Virginia,>
the' other in Carolina > one in the spring,
the other in the fall. And that they should
be appointed by the respective brethren:
in each state, when and where they please j
i. A the brethren belonging to Virgi¬
nia to appoint the Association in then1 State,-
and the brethren in Carolina to have the'
privilege' of appointing the Association
in that stateand that every church in each
Sfate be under an obligation to attend each
Association, in each state, according to
their former compact, before the division
look place ✓
BAEtlST ASSOCIATION. *4$
The next Association, in Virginia, )s
appointed the Saturday berore the third
Sunday in May, 1789.
The Association* in Carolina rhet, the
Saturday before the second Sunday in Oe-
'•tober, 1788, at the Falls of Tar-River.
EcoEr Megl am re was chosen Modera¬
tor,, and Elder Burkitt Clerk.
A church on Newport RiVer, in Cartd-
ret county ; and one on New River, in
Onslow county, under the care of Elder
Robert Nixon, were received.
On motion, the Association was reques¬
ted to give th-nr opinion what they belie vfe
the real work of a Deacon is.
Ans. Tiiat we think that there ought to
be such officers in the church, as Deacons,
and that their work is to serve tables.
That is, the table of the Lord ; the table
of the minister; and the table of the poor.
And for to see that, the church makes pro¬
per provision for them.
Query 1. Hovo far can a church that has
no pastor, or ordained minister, (though they
have some of her ordained officers) proceed
in discipline to receive or him out membe?s,
and be orderly in their proceedings?
Ans. We think that such an organized
church, has full power to receive persons
tobaptism, and call upon an authorized mi¬
nister to baptize themj and that such a
church
History or the kehukee
dhurch has full power to excommunicate
disorderly members.
2. Suppose a man should he married to «
•woman zvho was under twelve years old, he
knowing her age wht n he married her; and
should afterwards forsake her, and marry
.1another: Can such a man be justifiable in
so doing; or ought that man to beheld in
the fellowship of a gospel church ? Ans. No.
Whereas the church at Kehukee are
fallen into disorder* and stand in great
need of our assistance* to advise them to
such suitable measures as they may think
proper to effect their union again,
I is ordered that Elders Burkitt, Read
and White, be a committee to attend said
church* and propose suitable measures for*
that purpose.
I r was the opinion of this Association,
.that those bars, which heretofore subsisted
between the baptists amongst us, former-1
ly called Regulars and Separates, be taken
dow n * and a general union and commu¬
nion take place according to the terms pro¬
posed. at brother Joshua Freeman's, in
Bertie county, May, 178(5$ and that the
names Regular and Separate be buried in
oblivion, and that we should be henceforth
known to the world by the name of the
United Baptist
The next Association in Carolina, is ap¬
pointed to be at VPhitficld's meeting-house,
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. §S
$rj Pitt county, the second Saturday in Oc¬
tober, 1789.
M \y, 1789, the Association met at the
Isle of Wight meeting-house, in Virginia.
A church on Meherrin,Southampton coua-»
ty, under the care of Elder Murrell,was r#-
teived into the Association.
Elder Isaac Backus, of New-England,
and Eldets John Pollard, Thomas Read
And Thomas Armistead, being present,
were invited to a seat in the Association.
Query 1. Is it the ditty of a minister to
take little children in his arms (at the re¬
quest of their parents or others) and name
them, and pray to the Lord to bless them ?
Ans, We think it duty for ministers to
j>ray for infants as well as others, but not
to take them in their arms and name them
at that time.
2. Is it orderly for a minister to withdraw
from a church he is pastor of and refuse to
preach, or administer the ordinances amongst
them, because they do not pay him ?
Ans. By the law of Christ ministers are
required to watch for souls as they that
must give an account, and their hearers
are required to communicate unto them in
all good things. Heb.xtii.7. Gal. vi. (5.
We believe that no minister can justly re¬
fuse to feed the Hock he had taken the
diarge of, without either having their con¬
sent
HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
tent therefor, or else referring the case to'
the judgment of impartial brethren.
. Wh sheas out sister church at Pungo,
Princess Anne county, Virginia, has not
associated with us for a considerable time.
It is advised that the minutes of this As¬
sociation, together with a letter of admo¬
nition (which Eider Barrow is requested
to prepare) be sent to that church.
The next Association in Virginia, to be
hoiden at Reedy Creek, .in Brunswick
countv, the Saturday before the third Sun*
day in May, 1790.
On the 10th of October, 1789, the As¬
sociation convened at Whitheld's meeting¬
house, in Pitt county, North-Carolina, bro¬
ther Eiisha Battle was shosen Moderator,
and Elder Burkitt C.erk.
A church at Lockwood's Polly, in
Brunswick county, a a church in Kobe-
son county, Non?.-Carolina, under the
care of ivder JacoL> farver, joined the Asn
sociation.
On motion, Elders Burkjtt, Barrow,
Read, Ross and Moore were appointed
a committee to prepare a plan or constitu¬
tion fojr ihe futu.e government of the As¬
sociation,
Eni>-n Bcrkit' from the committee ap¬
pointed o\ a recoLuion of tiie last October
Association, to propo.se metC'iires for a re¬
conciliation
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 97
«onciliation in the church at Kehukee, re¬
ported, that the committee attended ac¬
cording to appoinment, and thought it
best to advise that church to relate their
experiences to each other, and come un¬
der reexamination, in order to regain a
general fellowship; which was unanimous¬
ly agreed to by the church, and according¬
ly put in practice. The Association con¬
curred with the report.
Elders Burkitt, Barrow, and Read
were appointed to preach on Sunday.
A church in Bladen and New-Hanover
counties, under the care of Elder William
Cooper, were received into union with us.
The Junction of the Association.
W.iereas a division heretofore subsist¬
ed between the churches in the Associa¬
tion, called the Kehukee Association, those
bars being taken down by the churches
themselves, and approved by the Associ¬
ation ; and as it is the desire of- the churches
and this Association that we again become
one body as formerly, it was agreed that
the following churches should be consider¬
ed as part of our body, viz.
I. The chivch in Warren county, un¬
der the care of Elder Lewis Moore.
II. The church in Frank'in county, un¬
der the care of Elder Wiifam Lancaster,
3. The church on Tosniot, under the
care of Reubin Hayes. 4. The
$8 HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
4- The church in Johnston and Wake
counties, under the care ot John Mcore.
5. The church in Duplin, Wayne and
Johnston, under the care of Charles Hine«.
6. The church in Sampson, Wake and
Cumberland, under the care of W. Taylor.
7. The thurch in Sampson county, un-*
dor the care of Fleet Cooper,
Elder Burkitt, from theeommitte ap¬
pointed to. prepare a Plan or Constitution
for the future Government of the Associa-s
tion, reported, that they had prepared a
plan, which to them. was. thought the most
adviseable which was read, and debated
article by article, and amendments being
tnade thereto, the Association resolved tQ
adopt the following Plan or Constitution,
for the future Government of the A^socia-s
tion, viz.
PLAN or CONSTITUTION of the
UNITED BAPTIST'ASSOCIATION*
formerly edited the Kehukee Associa¬
tion.,
Tremble T?RQM a W cf experience,
.1? we, the churches of Jesus Christy
being regularly bapliz-ed upon the profession of our
faith !n Christ, are convinced of the necessity of a.
combination of churches, in order to perpetuate an,
union and communion amongst us, and preserve and
maintain a correspondence with each other in our
union: We therefore propose tp maintain and keep
the orders and rules of an Association, according to
Ihs following plan o.r form of government,
Arlidi
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. S3
Jtrlick I. The Association shall be composed of
member* chosen by the different churches in our uni¬
on, and duly sent to represent them in the Associati¬
on ; who shall be members whom they judge best
qualified «for that purpose, and producing letters
from their respective churches; certifying their ap¬
pointment, shall be entitled to a seal.
II In the letters from the different chilrches, shall
be expressed their number in full fellowship, iiv>s6
baptized, received by letter> dismissed, excommu¬
nicated, and dead since the last Association!
III. The members thus chosen and convened, shaft
be denominated the United Baptist Association, fat-
tnerly called the Kehukae Association ; being composed
of sundry churches lying and being in North Caroli¬
na and the lower parts of Virginia : Who shall have
no pr>yver to lord it over God's heritage; nor shall
they have any classical power over the churches; not
shall they infringe any of the Internal lights of any
church in the Uniotli
IV- The Association, when Convened, shall bS
governed and ruled by a regular and proper decorum.
V. The Association shall have a Moderator and
Cletk, who shall be chosen by the suffrage of the
members present.
VI. New churches may be admitted into this uni¬
on, who shall petition by letter and delegate*; and
upon examination (if found orthodox and orderly)
Shall he received by the Association, and manifested
by the Moderator giving the delegates the right hand
of fellowship.
VII. Every church in the union shall be entitled
to representation in the Association ; but shall i avC
6nlv two members from each church.
VIII Every query presented by any member in
the Association, shall be once read ; and bt-foie it he
debated the Moderator shall put it to vote, and if
there be a majority for its being debated, it shall be
taken into consideration, and be deliberated ; but if
there be a majority against it, it shall be withdraw
109 HISTORY of the KEBUKEE
IX. Every motion made and seconded,, shall come
iinder the consideration of the Association, except it
Tje withdrawn by the member who made it.
X. The Association 3ha.ll endeavour to furnish the
churches with the minutes of the Associations. The
test method for effecting that .purpose, .shall be at
the discretion of the future Associations.
XI. We think it absolutely necessary that we"
should have an Association Fund for defraying the
expences of the same: For the raising and support¬
ing of which, we think it the duly of each church
in the union, to contribute voluntarily, such sums as-
ihey shail think proper, and send by the hands of
their delegates, to the Association 'T and those mo¬
nies thus contributed by the churches, and received
by the Association, shall be deposited jn the har.d»
of aTrea^mer, by the Association appointed, who-
shali he accountable to the Association for all monies
by him received and paid out, according to the di~
rection of the Association.
XII. There shall be an Association book kept,
wherein the proceedings of every Association shall
be regularly recorded, by a Secretary appointed by
the Association, who shall receive a compensation
yearly, I or his tri uble.
XIII. The minutes of the Association shall b*
read (and corrected if need be) and assigned by the
Aloderator and Clerk before the Association rises,
XIV. Amendments to this plan or form of govenv-
jnent may be made at any time by a majority of the¬
rmion, when they may deem it necessary,
XV. The Association shall have power
1. To provide for the general union of thechur--
thes.
2. To preserve inviolably a chain of communion
amongst the churi lies.
3. To give the churches all necessary advice in
matters ot ditfkuliy.
4 To enquire into the cause why the churches
fail to represent themselves at any time in the Asso¬
ciates..
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 16!
5. To appropriate those monies by the churches
Contributed for an Association Fund, to any purpose
they miy think proper.
6. To appoint &ny member or members, by and
wifh his or their consent, to transact any business
Which they may see necessary.
7. The Association shall have power to withdraw
from any church in this union, which shall violate the
tules of this Association, or deviate from the ortho¬
dox principles of religion
8. To admit any of the distant brethren in the mini¬
stry, as assistants, who may be present at the time of
their sitting, whom (hey shall judge necessary.
9. The Association shall have power to aijourty
themselves to any future time of place they may
think most convenient to the cburthcsj provided it
fce holden once in the year in the state of Virginia,
and once in the year in North Carolina j and the As¬
sociation in North Carolina, interchangeably one
year on the north side of Tar-River, and the next year
on the south side of Tar-River : And the memers liv¬
ing within each district* to fix (he time and place
for holding the Association within said district.
The minutes of the Association had
never before this time been printed. It
was at this Association ordered that 250
copies of the minutes of this Association
should be printed j and that the Constitu¬
tion or Form of Government, and an ab¬
stract d£ our principles, be inserted in the
same 3 which was done accordingly.
There were now 51 churches, and 3J4-F
members in the Association. So that
through the goodness of God we had in¬
creased 41 churches, and 135 t members
in twelve years, and we have great reason
1 1 to
-N-- —- X
tp2 HISTORY ox tat KEHUKE-g
to be thankful to Almighty God that gft
happy union had taken place between all-
the churches of Regulars and Separates.
The next Association was hoi den at
Reedy-Creek meeting-house,-in BrunsWick-
county, Virginia, M ay, 1790. Elder Me--
glamre Moderator, Eider Burkitt Clerk.
At this Association,- a church in Ports¬
mouth, and one in Mecklenberg, Virginia,
under the care of Elder John Ring, were
received into the Association.
At this Association the business* of dm
vi cling the Association was under Consider
ration, but it was judged not expedient to:
divide at this time.
Elder Burkitt wras appointed to write a:
Circular Letter for the next Association,,
on the doctrine ol sanctification.
It was also resolved, that it be recom¬
mended to the churches in-our connection,,
to give their ur.orda.ined' preachers, who*
travel amongst the churches, a suitable re--
commendation.
The next Association was appointed at-
Davis's meeting-house, in Halifax coun¬
ty, North-Carolina,,on the Saturday before"
the second Sunday in October, 1700c
Oe sober, I7f)0, the Association: met.
at Davis's meeting-house, according, to
appointment. ^ Elder Barrow preached the
introductory sermq** &QIXV xii. 15c,
baptist Association. w
Take heed and beware of covetousness.
Brother Elisha Battle Moderator, Elder
Burkitt Clerk. Letters from fifty-four
churches were read/
A church on Flatty-Creek, Pasquotank
County ; a church near Wiccacon,- in Ber-
tie county 5 a church on Sawyer's Creek*-
Camdcn. county ; a church on Trent,Tones
county; a church on Hadnott's Creek,
Carteret county, and a church in Dobbs
county, North-Carolina, were received in¬
to membership in this Association.
A committee of five,- viz. Eiders Barrow>
Burkitt ;. and Brethren Battle, Lenimon,
and Col. Bryan,- were appointed to devise
ways and means for the encouragement of
Itinerant preaching. Who reported, that'
Whereas it does appear to us, from a varies
ty of circumstances, that itinerant preach-'
fug is necessary, and we hope would be a
blessing* we therefore advise the Associa¬
tion to recommend to the several churches
in the union, to signify in their letters-
to the next Association, whether they
approve of the following plan, viz. 1.
That the Association be divided into cer¬
tain districts, 2, That a certain number
of ministers be appointed by the Associa¬
tion to travel* attend at, and'preach to
each church once at least in six months' or
ttwre often. '£* That, such ministers- a»
104- HISTORY ©f rat K'EHtJ&EE
are nominated, shall have no powef ©i
superiority over the churches by virtue of
their delegation or otherwise, more than
to advise. 4. We would advise every
church when visited to call those le.inisters
to their assistance in conference, about
any matter of difficulty, whether it be in
principle or practice. 5. That the Asso¬
ciation do recommend the respective
churches of their connection, to consider
what the Apostle says concerning this mat¬
ter, " That they who preach the gospel
" should live of the gospel $" and accord¬
ingly advise the churches to consider the
expences of those ministers, and use pro¬
per means in each church (which they
themselves may prescribe) to answer that
purpose, and voluntarily contribute to them
for the defraying of such expences.
El ders Burkitt, Ross and Barns, were
appointed to attend the church at Flat-
Swamp, who were under difficulties re-
soecting the doctrine of Universal Resto-
a. b o
ration, strenuously propagated amongst
them by a certain John Stansill, and pro¬
pose measures for their relief.
At this Association, it was again solicit¬
ed for a division of the Association,and af¬
ter a Jong deliberation on the subject it was
resolved, that the Association be divided
into two distinct Associationsj and that the
State
•BjAjPTlST ASSOCIATION. tffl
-State line -between Virginia and North-Ca¬
rolina, be the dividing line between 'the
rtwo Associations, and that thev should
.... -7 j
.constantly yisit each other by two delegates
and -a letter of correspondence.
fieniarks on the Division.
The division of the Association was
not occasioned by any discordant princi¬
ples, nor any difference of judgment with
respect to church government, nor want
.of love ; but purely for conveniency. The?
Association had become very numerous,
and the churches lay at a great distance
from each other. The Association now
consisted of 61 churches, which contain¬
ed 5017 members, and many of the.
churches being .at a great distance from
the center of the Association, it was
thought best to divide into two bodies.
For the conveniency of the churches, 1:
There were appointed four general Con--
ferences in different parts Gf the Associat¬
ion, which were authorised with power
to transact business similar to the Associa¬
tion, and their proceedings transmitted to
the annual Association: then it was thought
best to have only two occasional Associati¬
ons, and their minutes returned to the an¬
nual Association Some of the churches
Repeatedly requesting a division, and as
Rnuny of the churches lay in Virginia, th®
Association
106 HISTORY of the KEHUftEE
Association agreed to hold two Associa¬
tions annually ; one in Virginia* the other
in Carolina* the Association in Virginia
in the spring, the Association in Carolina
in the fall* This continued until the As¬
sociation at Davis's meeting-bouse in 1790,
when according to a resolution of the last
Association the subject of a division wais
again taken up* and they agreed to divide,
and the state line between Virginia and
North-Carolina was to be the dividing line
between the two Associations. The As¬
sociation in North-Carolina then consisted
©t 42 churches, and still retained the name
of the Kehukee Association. The Associ¬
ation in Virginia fist assembled at Ports¬
mouth, and called themselves by the name
of the Virginia Portsmouth Association*
They consisted of 19 churches at their first
meeting.
' Biographical sketches of Elders Sa¬
muel Ilarrell and Henry Abbot.
Elder SAMUEL HARRELU
Elder SAMUEL HARRELL wa$
born the 25th December* 1756, in Hert¬
ford county* N. C. He embraced religion
in his youth, and joined the church near
Wiccacon, now under the care of Elder
Hendry* He began t© preach in a few
EAPTIST ASSeCIATION. 1QT
ye^rs after be became a member, and was
much approved of by al-1 who heard him.
Me was a man of a bright genius, mascu¬
line voice, a ready mind, and a good ora¬
tor. He appeared to-be a man of eminent
piety, and a'zealous preacher of the gos¬
pel, notwithstanding his worldly embar¬
rassments, He was Major ©f the militia
in Hertford county, Clerk of the court of
said county, and employed in the mercan¬
tile line, in the time he exercised his pub¬
lic ministry j yet we never found he ne¬
glected the worship of God in his family,
or omitted attending at his own church,
Conferences, or public worship when con¬
venient. He was elected a member of the
Convention in 17BS, for the deliberation of
the Federal Constitution.—He continued
preaching a few years, but was never or¬
dained. He departed this life in January,
1791, aged 3 £> years.
Elder IIENRY ABBOT.
Elder HENRY ABBOT was the sor
of the Rev. John Abbot, Canon of St.
Paul's, Condon. Fie left England while
young, without the consent or knowledge
of his parents, and came over to America.
He had a tolerable education and was chief¬
ly employed iu keeping school until con¬
verted
10$ HISUORY ©r ti*E KERUKEE
verted and called to the ministry. He was
baptized by a minister of the free toill or¬
der before he was converted, as he after-'
wardsiacknowJedged. But it pleased God
to reveal his dear Son to his soul, the hope'
of glory, and also to convince him of the
doctrines of free and sovereign grace,
and he joined the Regular Baptists, and
became a preacher of that society. He
acted as an itinerant preacher for a few
years, and about the year of 1764 or 1765,
he took the care of the church in Camden
county, N. C. which was formerly under
the care of Elder John Burges, a worthy-
character. He continued preaching and
baptizing here until the revolution took
place at the Falls of Tar-River, mentioned
in page 40. After this, being dissatisfied
with his former baptism in unbelief, he
was baptized upon acontession of bis faith
in Christ Jesus, and still continued his pas¬
toral functions in that church, and his la¬
bours were blest. He was a man of a
Strong mind, very orthodox, well acquaint¬
ed with church discipline, and of a distin¬
guished character. He was much esteem¬
ed by men of character in the county where
he resided, and very useful as a statesman.
He was chosen several times a member of
the State Conventions. He was a member
of the Provincial Congress when the State
Constitution
HAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 109
Constitution was formed and adopted •, and
to him we owe our thanks, in a measure,
for 'the security, of some of our religious
rights. He was also a member of the
Convention for the deliberation of the Fe¬
deral Constitution, and at the time of his elec¬
tion bad a greater number of votes than any
man in the county. Alter he had for many
years been useful, it was the will of his Lord
and master to call him away to receive the
Crown of righteousness he had laid up for
him. Towards the latter end of his hie,
he said he did not delight much in reading
controversies, but experimental' divinity
met his approbation. He was frequenlly
reading, and seemed much delighted in a
book, titled " Pious Memorialswhich
contained the life and death ot many emi¬
nent saints. At last, after a violent aftiic-
tion of a few days, he chearfully resigned
his immortal soul into the hands of a dear
and ever blessed saviour. He departed
this life, May, ]791. He requested a
long time before he died, that it Elder
Burkitt survived him, that he should preach
his funeral sermon ; which he did to a
crouded and much affected audience, from
ii. Tim. iv. 7. 8. I have/ought agoodfght,
I have finished my course, / have kepi the
faith, 8cc.
CHAP.
J10 HISTORY OF THE KEHUKEE
CHAP. V.
4. proceedings of the Association until the
Division took place between the Kehukee
and Neuse Associationst concluded on at
the Association, holden at <S!<cwarkeyy
in Octobery 1793-, Proceedings continu¬
ed, until 1796. 2. Biographical Sketches
of Elder fohn Pagey Jonathan Barnes,
cind Brother Joshua Freeman. 3. Ajeiq
remarks- on Itinerant Pi-caching. 4. The
Association Fund.
OCTOBER* 1791, the Association con¬
vened at Plat-Swamp meeting-house,
Pitt county* North-Carolina. 'J his was,
the first Association after the division.
Delegates from thirty-seven churches were
present,
Th s introductory sermon was_preache<$
by Elder Rurkitt, from Rev. xii. 3. 4.
Col. Nathan Mayo was chosen Moderator,
and Elder Burkitt Clerk. Elders Barrow
and Browne- were Messengers, from the
Virginia Portsmouth Association.
A church on Morattuck-Creek, in Tyr-
rel county, a church at Mattaomskeet, a
church on Utile Conteutney, end a church
on Bear-March, in Duplin county, North-
Carolina, on petition, were received into,
the Association.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. Ill
As there v/as a plan proposed by the
last Association for the encouragement
of itinerant preachings and recommended
to the churches for their approbation or
disapprobation ; it appeared by the letters
to this Association, that there are a great
majority of churches against the adoption
of the proposed plan. This Association
thought proper to certify to the churches
that they still thought itinerant preaching
useful, therefore advised the churches to
fall on some measures to encourage it,
lr was also, at this time, resolved to re¬
commend it to the churches, to signify ill
their letters to the next Association, whe¬
ther they would approve of an alteration
of the last section of the last article of the
Constitution, or not, the words are, 45 The
44 Association shall have power to adjourn
" themselves to any lime or place they may
" think most convenient to the churches,
" provided it be interchangeably hol ien
" one year on the north side of Tar-River,
44 and the next year on the south side of
" Tair-River."
Elder Ross and Elder Baker were ap¬
pointed our Delegates to the next Virginia
Portsmouth Association. Elder Read was
appointed to write a circular letiwr for cur
next, on the doctrine of original sin.
The next Association was appointed at
Elder
112 HISTORY of the KE'HUKEE
Elder Baker's meeting-house, on Bear-
Creek, then Dobbs, but now Lenoir coun¬
ty, the Saturday before the 2d Sunday' in.
October,. 1792.
October, 1792, the Association con¬
vened at Bear-Creek. The introductory
sermon was preached by Elder Ross. The-
circular letter prepared by Elder- Read
was received, and ordered to be printed.
'I he Association after some time sitting,,
adjourned to their next annual appoint¬
ment 3 which was appointed at Skewar-
key meeting-house, in Martin county* the
Saturday before the. 2d Sunday in October,
1793.
Ar which time and place the Associa¬
tion met, and an introductory sermon was
delivered by r.lder Thomas Etheridge,
from John iii. 16. Col. Nathan Bryan was
chosen Moderator, and Elder Burkitt'
Clerk. Letters from forty-three chu^hesv
were read in this Association. Elder Mdf-
r.ell was a Delegate Irotu the Portsmouth
- an •
Association. A letter tram Georgia As¬
sociation was received and read. A church'
in Franklin county, at thePopfar Spring;,
a church at the Maple Spring,in said coun¬
ty; and a church ©n Durham's Creek, iii
BeaufortCounty, on petition, were receiv¬
ed into this Association.
The Association had now increased,and
some
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. il3
Some of the churches were very desirous
for another division to take place* The
Kehukee Association now consisted of 49
churches, which contained 3440 members*
according to the returns made to this As¬
sociation. It was therefore thought ne¬
cessary to divide a second time j accord¬
ingly it was resolved, that Tar-River be thd
dividing line between the Associations ;
and die Association between Tar-River
and Virginia line, still retained the name
ot the Kehukee Association j and the other,
south of Tar-River, was called the Neusd
Association,
Xt was also agreed that eaelu Associa¬
tion should annually visit the other with,
two Delegates, and a letter of correspon¬
dence.-
Our Delegate's to the Association south
pf Tar-River, were Elders Jesse Read
and Lewis Moore.
Our next Association Was appointed at
Sandy-Run, in Bertie', North-Carolina,
Elder M'Cabe to preach the introductory
sermon, Elder Lancaster to write the eir-
cu'ar letter, on the saints final persever¬
ance in grace.-
On the 27th of September, 1794, the
Association according to her respective
appointment, met at Sandy-Run. The in¬
troductory sermon was delivered by Elder
R- k M'Cabey
rrl HfSTORf of tpn KEHUEEE
M'Cabe, according to appointment, from
John xv. 14. Ye are my friends, if ye do
ivhalsoever [ command you. After prayer
by Elder Bnrkitt, Colonel Mayo was cho¬
sen Moderator, and Elder Burkitt Clerk.
This was the first meeting after the
second division took place, and we were
reduced to only 26 churches. Letters from
only 22 were received and read in this
Association. Brethren Wall, Murrell and
Barnes, ministers from our sister Associa¬
tions, being present, were invited to seats
with us. Elders Lancaster, Ross and
Murrell were appointed to preach on Sun¬
day. A church on Meherrin, formerly un¬
der the care of Elder William Parker (a
'General Baptist) petitioned by letter and
Delegate for admission into this Associa¬
tion. On examination, it appears the.ie
has been a revolution in this church, and
believing them now to be of our faith and
4rder, they were received.
Our next Association is appointed at
Yoppim meeting house, in Chowan coun¬
ty, the Saturday before the fourth Sunday
in September, 1793. Elider Read was
appointed to preach the introductory ser¬
mon, and Eider Burkitt was appointed to
write the circular letter, on t$h tual sailing.
At this Association it was resolved,,
that the Saturday be Ore the fourth Sunday
ia every month* should be appointed a day
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. I B
for prai/er-meet trigs throughout the 'church'
CSj whereon alt the members of the re¬
spective churches are requested.to meet at
their meeting houses, or places of wor¬
ship, and there, for each of them, a-s far'
as time will admit, to make earnest prayer
to God for a revival of religion amongst us.
September,. 1795, the Association met
at Yoppim. 1 he introductory sermon- was
preached by Elder Read, from i. Pet. v. 2*
3. ifecd the Jlock of God, which is among
pon, taking the over-sight thereof, hot • by
constraint, hut willingly / not joe filthy lucre,
but of a ready mind: Neither as being lords
'over (* ad's heritage, but being, ens amples to
the flock.
Col..Nathan Mayo Moderator, Elder
Burkitt Clerk. Elder Barrow was Mes¬
senger from the Virginia Portsmouth As¬
sociation. A letter of correspondence
from the Neuse Association was received,
but the Delegates failed attending. A.
letter of correspondence from the Georgia.
Association was received and read.
Elders Barrow, Burkitt and Spivcy were
appointed a committee to devise ways and
means to- encourage the brethren in the
mmistry to visit the churches. Who, alter
mature deliberation on the subject, report¬
ed, that it was their opinion that this As¬
sociation shouldappoint four ministers who
arc ordained, to travel and preach at eve.-
116 HISTORY of THE KEHUKEE
iy meeting house of meeting place in this!
whole connection, that can be made con¬
venient this year, viz. The fast in the no-*
mination (it to him convenient ir not to
substitute one of the other three' in his
Stead) to begin at Kehukee on Sunday the
15th of November, and to continue till he'
has gone through all the churches > and that
the appointments be sent forward frorn
thE place. And that day three months*
the second in nomination to follow him*
beginning at the same place; the first noth
fying the people of the second coming on*
the second the third, &c.
Tiie committee also added,that they did
not intend by the plan they proposed, to
discourage any other brethren in the mini¬
stry who are not in the nomination, from
travelling and preaching to the churches as
much as they think the Lord calls them to:
The Association concurred with the re¬
port 3 and by ballot of the Association,
Eld u s Biirkitt, Etheridge,- John M'Cate'
and Spivey were chosen.
The next Association to be holdeti at
Parker's meeting-house, in Hertford coum
tv, September, the fourth Sunday, 17<)h.
Elder Lancaster appointed to preach the
introductory sermon, Elder M'Cabe to
Write the circular letter,
Saturday, 24th September, il96, the
Association met pursuant to the appoint
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 117 ,
itient, at Parker's meeting-house, on Me-
herrin. Elder Lancaster preached the'in¬
troductory sermon from Songs iv.. 4 2. A
garden inclosed, is my sister, my .spouse s a
spring shut up, a fountain sealed.
Elder M'Cabe chosen-Moderator, Elder
Burkiit Clerk. letters from.22 churches-
were received and read.. Elders Browne
and Morris were Corresponding Delegates
from the Virginia Portsmouth Association.
Elders Tote wine andTison were Delegates
from the Neuse Association. Elders Mur-
rclh Barnes* Yv all.and M'Clenny, from our
sister Associations, bting present, were
■invited to scats .with us.
A church on Great-Swamp, in Pitt coun¬
ty, under the pastoral care of Elder.Noah
Tison, was received into membership with'
th is Association.
Tins Association did not think proper
to continue the mode adopted by the last,
for the encouragement of itinerant preach-
Query. Is it agreeable to the word of
God to hold a man in fellowship, that has
married a woman icho has another husband
living in the same county, or hold her in
commiiniQn? --
Ans. We humbly conceive that such a.
practice is diametrically opposite to the
word of Gpd, and therefore give it as our
opinion,
IIS HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
opinion, that such members ought not to
be held in, communion.
The next Association appointed at Flat¬
ty-Creek, in Pasquotank county, N. C. on
the Thursday before the fourth Sunday in
September, 1797. Elder Spivey to preach
the introductory sermon, and Elder Gilbert
to write the circular letter, on regeneration.
Biographical Sketches.
Brother JOSHUA FREEMAN was
the son of William Freeman, of Chowan
county, N. C. His parents were both
strict Episcopalians. He was converted
under the ministry of Elder Dargan, about
the year of 1777, and was received and
baptiztd, a member of his church near
Wiccacon, now under the care of Eider.
Hendry. He was one of the Deacons of
that church. He was so remarkably zea-
lous, and tender under preaching, that he
hardly ever heard a sermon zealously .de¬
livered, but what he would break out in
raptures, praising and glorifying God. He
very frequently attended our Associations,
and he was so loving that he gainechhbe
general esteem of all the brethren with
whom he was acquainted, and we felt
happy when he was present, and when he
was absent something seemed wanting.
He was a man 01 considerable fortune, and
some years past was Captain of -a compa¬
ny
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 119
ny of militia in Bertie; but had long since
resigned that office, for it was evident that
he sought not the honour that comes from
man, but that which comes from Ood on¬
ly. Alfho' he had many slaves, his lenity
towards them was very remarkable. If any
ot them transgressed, his general method to
chastise them was to expose their faults be¬
fore the rest of his servants and the whole fa¬
mily, when they came in to family worship
in the morning: who, when assembled at
morning prayer, would talk to them, exhort
and rebuke them so sharply for their faults,
that made others fear. Elder Burkitt had
often been at his house the time of public
prayer, and he was so very much affected for
the spiritual welfare of his family, that of-
Hen he, seemed almost eonvulsed. And this
extraordinary zeal was not the impulse
of a moment, but his constant practice for
seventeen years, and continued to his dy¬
ing moment, and instead of declining ra¬
ther increased. On Saturday night before
he died he went to prayer with his family,
and was immediately afterwards seized
with a paralytic fit (for he had been under
that complaint for about tvyelve months)
the operation of which continued till Mon¬
day evening, the 10th of November, 1794,
when he died. And we hope he is now
■yvhere his longing soul is satisfied with be¬
holding
120 HISTORY or TM KEHHKEE
holding his Saviour's face without a glass
between. His death was sincerely lament-
ed.by all his friends and acquaintance; and
every person who was acquainted with his
merit, on hearing the melancholy news of
his death, can but drop a tear. His fune¬
ral sermon was preached by Elder Burkitt,
from Phil. i. 21. For to mc to live is Christ,
and to die is gain.
Elder JOHN PAGE.
Elder JOHI^ PAGE embraced religi-
gion under the preaching of Elder Jona¬
than Thomas, and became a member of a
branch of his church at Connetoe. At
what time he was called to the ministry we
are not able to say; but exercising his gift
for a while, he was at length ordained
Pastor of the church at Flat-Swamp, which
was dismissed from Tosniot, and became a.
constituted body. He continued preach¬
ing for several years, and his labours were
blessed. And although his church at times
•was greatly distressed on account of a di¬
vision amongst them, bv reason of Anne-
nianism and Vnhcrsalism, yet Eider Page
appeared always steadfast in the Calvinis-
tic doctrines. After finishing the work
which his Heavenly Father designed for
him to do, he departed tljis life October,
17 96." Elder
'BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 121
Elder JON A THAN BARNES.
Elder JONATHAN BARNES was a
resident of Currituck county, North-Caro¬
lina ; and was a member of the church at
Cowenjock, in said county. He zvas born
blind; and it is very certain that he ne¬
ver saw any thing with his natural eyes.
He was converted in his youth, and was
baptized; and began to preach while young.
His mother and others were frequently
reading to him, and he was remarkable
for aretentive memory. There were not ma¬
ny passages of scripture, but what he
wouid tell the book, chapter and verse
where they were, if applied to. And in
preaching he would prove his doctrine, by
citing texts of scripture, and telling the
placo where they were, far exceeding any
oihcr minister we ever heard. It was said
he could repeat about two hundred of
W'atts's hvmns, and there were none in
the book but he knew some verses of them.
Tie had such a faculty in knowingthe voices
of people, that if he heard a person of his
acquaintancetaik in conversation with him
half an hour, and was not to hear him
speak again in five years, he would know
him again on heading him talk. He mar¬
ried a wife in Currituck, but we do not
know whether he had any children. He
travelled considerably, but alwa"s k'd a
L fciude
}22 history of the sehukee
guide when he did so, He was much ap-
proved by the people, £nd many were
amazed at his gifts and memory. He mov»
ed out fo "Whitfield's meeting-house, on
Tittle Conteptney, where he lived awhile,
then removed back to Currituck, where he
died j which was in the year 1796. -
Jtineran t French ing.
for a great many years, it was thought
that itinerant preaching was calculated to
prove a blessing to the churches ; there-
tore sundry attempts were made by the As¬
sociation to bring about the desireable ef¬
fect, A plan was first laid ii> the church at
South-Quay in 1786. A committee was
appointed to investigate it, but did not;
agree on it. The next Association ano¬
ther plap was adopted, but did not prove
successful. Some of the churches and mi-,
uisters still kept soliciting for ways and
means to be-devised for its encouragement,
until the Association at Davis's meeting¬
house, where a certain plan was. devised
by t.hre® laymen and two preachers,in com¬
mittee, and approbated by that Associati¬
on, was sent tp. the- churches, to know whe¬
ther they would approve or disapprove of
said plam Accordingly a majority of the
churches in th,eir letters to the next Asso¬
ciation, disapproved pf it, and all the at¬
tempts for the encouragement of itinerant
In caching
fcAP'tiST ASSOCIATION.
preaching proved ineffectual, Until the As¬
sociation at Yoppim in 1796. Then a new
plan was laid and put into execution at the
time appointed. Cut we believe only two
of the four ministers who Were appointed,
travelled through all the churches, viz. El¬
der Burkitt and Elder M'Cabe. We still
believe, that if miaistefs were to travel and
preach more, that it would prove a bless¬
ing to the churches.
Association Fund*
It became necessary that there should
be an Association fund, to defray the e;x-
pences thereof; but no regular plan was
laid for to bring it to pass, until the Asso¬
ciation at Whitfield's meeting-house, in
1789. When the minutes were first print¬
ed, and the Constitution formed, it was
en article in the Constitution, and Elder
Burkitt appointed Treasurer. The fund
Was chiefly intended to defray the expenceS
of printing the minutes, and other charges
arising therefrom, and may lawfully be ap¬
plied to any ether use the Association may
deem necessary. The mode of contribut¬
ing is for every church to send what they
please, and the sum by them contributed
to be inserted in the minutes; and a regu¬
lar statement of the money contributed
from all the churches, and the expences of
the Association, to be printed yearly,so that
all may know the state of the fund.
124 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
CHAP. VI.
1. Proceedings of the Association until 1802.
2. Biographical Sketches of Elder John
Meglamre, and-Brother Elisha Battle,
zvho departed this life in 1799.
THE Association met at Flatty-Creek,
Pasquotank county, N. C. on Thurs¬
day, 21st September, 1797. Elder Spivey
preached the introductory sermon,, from
Psal. cxxxiii. l. Behold, how good and h&w
pleasant it is for brethren to dzoell together
m unify. Elder M'Cabe Moderator, Elder
Spivey Clerk. Letters from 19 churches
were read. Elder Morris, Corresponding
Dele gate from the Virginia Portsmouth
Association, took his seat, and presented
to the Associasion a letter of correspond¬
ence and 27 copies of their minutes. Eld¬
ers William Soary and James M'Clenny,
ministring brethren from our sister Ports¬
mouth Association, being present, were in¬
vited to seats in this Association. Elder
M*Cabe was appointed a Delegate to next
Neuse Association : Elder Ross to the Vir¬
ginia Portsmouth. The next Association
to he at Cashie, in Bertie county, N. C.
September, 1798.
September, 2oth, 1798, the Associa¬
tion convened according to appointment,
at
Baptist association*
at Cashie in Bertie county, The introduc¬
tory sermon by Elder Davis Biggs, from
i Pet, lii. 12, For the eyes of the ford are
over the righteous, and his ears are open to
thdr prayers: But the face of the Lord is
against them that do evil. Prayer by Elder'
.Ross. Col. Mayo was chosen Moderator,
Tlder Burkitt Clerk, Letters from *23
churches were read. Received letters
from the following corresponding Associa¬
tions,. viz, Virginia Portsmouth, with hef
minutes j Elder Brown and Jacob Gregg
Messengers. Neuse, with their minutes >
Jochiia Barnes Messenger: and Georgia,
With minutes. We also received minutes
from Philadelphia, NcW-York, Charleston,
Danbury, Middle District, Stopington,
Delaware, Woodstock, Ketockton, Wat-
ten, Roanoke, Goshen, Dover, Shaftsbu-
ty and Hepzibah Associations.
A church in Franklin county^ffaywood's
meeting-house) was received into this As¬
sociation,
Query, iVhat shall a church do, xvheit
one member brings an accusation against an->
other member, and he denies the charge
shall the testimony of the accuser, unsup¬
ported by any other evidence„ be received by
the church or not ? Ans, No, ,
At this Association it was resolved to
liave as many copies of the minutes print-
L. h ed
125 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
ed as would amount to j£. 18, and forta
sell the minutes to defray the expences.
.But oa experience it was found ineffectu¬
al. It was the first time that an attempt
of this kind was made, and it has been
the last. This Association also thought
proper to discontinue the practice of pay¬
ing the coresponding Delegates from us
to our sister Associations.
The next Association appointed at the
new meeting house on Fishing-Creek.
Klder Amariah Biggs to preach the intro¬
ductory sermon, and Elder Spivey to write
the circular letter.
Saturday, the 5th of October, 1799,
the Association met at Fishing-Creek.
Brother Amariah Biggs preached the in¬
troductory sermon, from Heb. xiii. 1. Let
brotherly love continue. Prayer by Brother
Davis Biggs. Col. Mayo Moderator, El¬
der Burkitt Clerk. Letters from 22 chur¬
ches were read. Elders Jesse Mercer
from Georgia, Elder Barnes fromtheNeuse
Association, and Elder Brame from Vir-"
ginia, were invited to sit with us. A
newly constituted church at Quankey, in
Halifax county, was received into thfs
Asssociation. Letters of correspondence
from Virginia Portsmouth, Georgia and
Ilepzibah Associations were received and
read.
As
baptist Association. m
As several of the churches in their letters
to this Association, complain of their des¬
titute state with respect to ministerial helps,
and some others have earnestly requested
the ministers to visit them, on motion by
Elder Burkitt, it was resolved that Elders
Mercer, Lancaster, Read, Gilbert and
Burkitt be a committee to devise ways and
means for the encouragement ot itinerant
preaching. The committee sitting, and
taking the matter into consideration, re¬
ported, that-—Whereas sundry of the
churches in our Association are deprived
of ministerial helps to administer the or¬
dinances to them, and several others have
requested the brethren in the ministry to
visif them, we, your committee, do ad¬
vise this Association to make out their ap¬
pointments, and grant supplies to those
destitute churches, and visit them, at least
at each of their quarterly meetings ; and
to visit as often as conveniency will admit,
all other churches who have so particular¬
ly in their letters requested the ministers
to visit them. The Association concurred
with the report. The church who convene
at Parker's meeting-house, representing
their destitute case with respect to ministe¬
rial helps to administer the ordinances to
them, the following brethren in the ministry
did agree to attend them at their quarter¬
ly
m HISTORY of the feEHtJXEfi
ly meetings the ensuing year, viz.- Elclef
Harrell, the Saturday before the first Sun¬
day- in 'November 5 Elder Bnrkitt, on the
Saturday before the first Sunday in Februa¬
ry; Elder Lancaster, oil the Saturday be¬
fore the first Sunday in Way; and Elder
Read, the Saturday before the first Sunday1
in August next.
Quern Should a minuter zcho haa been
regulaity ordained as an itinerant preacher,
be called upon to lake the pastoral care of a
particular church ; is there any thing ntccs-
sary to be done, more than the consent of
each party f
Ans. Nothing more Is necessary.
Minutes from the following Associa¬
tions were received, viz. Sbaftsbury, New-
Hampshire, Leyden, Woodstock, Danbury,
Warren,Delaware, Culpepper, Ketockton,
Philadelphia and New-York Associations.
The next Association was appointed at
the Falls of Tar-River, the Saturday be¬
fore the first Sunday in October, 1800.
Elder Gilbert appointed to write the cir¬
cular letter; Elder Hendry "appointed to*
preach the introductory sermon, and in
case of failure Elder Joseph Biggs.
Thursday, 21st of November, Was ap¬
pointed a day of general thanksgiving to
Almighty God, throughout the churches,
for this temporal blessings on our fields and;
farms, and that our country seems happily
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 129
delivered from the fearful apprehensions of
want and scarcity.
The Association next convened at the
Falls of Tar-River, Nash county, pursu¬
ant to appointment, on the Saturday before
the first Sunday in October, 1800.
Sermon by Elder Joseph Biggs, from
1 Kings, vi. 8. The door for the middle
chamber was in the right, side of the house :
and they went up with winding stairs into
the middle chambert and out of the middle
into the third. Col. Mayo Moderator, El¬
der Burkitt Clerk. Letters from 2 l chur¬
ches were read. Elder Lewis Moore from
Tennesse being present, was invited to a
seat. Letters of correspondence from
Virginia Portsmouth and Neuse Associa¬
tions were read ; and their Messengers,
Elders Murrell, Barnes and Oliver took
their seats. Elders James M'C-abe and Gil¬
bert were appointed Messengers to the
Neuse Association ; Elders Lancaster and
Read to the Virginia Portsmouth. Elders
Murrell, Moore and Burkitt were appoint¬
ed to preach on Sunday.
Query. Is it not wrong for a man
who is a member of a church and the head
of a j amity, wholly to neglect family wor¬
ship on account of the smallness of his gifts
in prayer? Ans. It is wrong.
Received seven copies of the minutes
of the Charleston Association, as a to-
13® HISTORY or the KEKUKEE
ken of their respect. One was read iii
the Association*
Query 2. Ought not Deacons to be regit*
larly ordained before they use the office of ct
Deacon in any respect ?
Ans. Yes.
The next Association was appointed at
the Great-Swamp meeting house, in Pitt
county, October, 1801. Elder Martin
Boss to preach the introductory sermon,
Elder Etheridge to write the circular let¬
ter.
OcTorsER the 3d, 1801, the Associa¬
tion met accordingtoappointmentat Great-
Swamp, Pitt county, North-Carolina. In¬
troductory sermon by Elder Boss, from
Be v.xvi. 15. Behold, I come as a thief.
Blessed is he that watckcth and hcepeih his
garments, lest he ivalk naked, and they see
his shame. Col. Mayo Moderator, Eider
Burkitt Clerk. Letters from 20 churches
Were read. Elder Brame being present, was
invited to a seat. A letter from the Vdr*
ginia Portsmouth Association was received
from their Messengers, Elders Browne
and Griagr. A letter of corresoor.dcnce
oo t i
from the Neuse Association was received.
Elder Barnes was their Delegate. Elder
Burkitt appointed to write to the Ports¬
mouth, Elder M'Cabe to the Neuse, and
Elder Ross to the Georgia Association,
The
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 131
The circular letter which Elder Etheridge
was appointed to write for this year, was
presented to the Association in an unfinish¬
ed imperfect state ; it was therefore resolv¬
ed that Elder Burkitt write such an one as
he may think proper, which shall contain
as accurate an account of the revivals of
religion in the different states as have
come within his knowledge, and insert it
in these minutes ; which said letter shall
be deemed the circular letter from this As¬
sociation to the respective churches El¬
ders Brown, Burkitt and Grigg were ap¬
pointed to preach on Sunday. The circu¬
lar letter in the minutes of the Dover As¬
sociation was read, which informed us of a
happy revival among them. Elders James
M'Cabe and Tison were appointed Dele¬
gate to the Neuse Association. Elders
Burkitt and Ross to the Portsmouth Asso¬
ciation.
Minutes from Elat-River, Dover, Ke-
tockton, Roanoke, TTiddle District and Go¬
shen Associations were received. The
next Association appointed at Elder Hen¬
dry's church near Wiccacon, October,
1802. Elder Moses Bennett appointed
to preach the introductory sermon, and in
case of failure, Elder Lancaster. Elder
Read appointed to write the circular let-
132 HISTORY op the KEHUKEE
By the letters to this Association there
were 108 baptized last year ; and it ap¬
peared by the success of the wcrd preached
at this time, and the general engagement
of the ministers, and the great desire of
the brethren, that a glorious revival was
not far distant; which shortly appeared,
and,the particulars of which our readers
will be furnished with in the subsequent
chapters.
October. 2, 1802, the Association met
at Elder Hendry's meeting-house, in Ber¬
tie, North-Carolina. The ministers ap¬
pointed by the last Association to deliver
an introductory sermon to this, not being
present, a sermon was preached by Elder
Davis Biggs, from ii. Cor. v. 10. For we
must all appear before the judgment seat of
Christ, that every one may receive the things
done hi his body, according to what he hath
done, whether it be good or bad. Col. Mayo
Moderator, Elder Spivey Clerk. Elder
Jeremiah Ritter from Virginia, being pre¬
sent, was invited to a seat. Letters from
20 churches were read.
Letters from Portsmouth and Neuse
Associations were received and read ;and
their Messengers, Elders Browne, Biggs,
V/hit field and Cooper took their seats.
Elder Gilbert appointed to write to the
Portsmouth, Elder Spivey to the Ncuse
Association.
•BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". W$
Association. It was agreed at this Asso¬
ciation to reprint a sermon published by
Elder Leland, of Massachusetts, titled, a
*' Blow at the Root." Elders Browne,
Whitfield and Ross were appointed to
preach on Sunday. Elders James R.oss
-and Holloway Morris Messengers to the
Neuse, Elders Read and Martin Ross
Messengers to the Portsmouth Association-
The next Association to be held at the
Log-Chapel, in Martin county, on Con-
iioho Creek, on the Friday before the first
Sunday in October, I#03, and continue
four days. Elder Wall to preach the in¬
troductory sermon, Elder Ross t<? write
the circular letter. As Elder Burkitt -was
absent from this Association by reason of
sickness, it was resolved by the Association
that the following minute should be made
in the proceedings of the Association, viz*
Our very respectable and highly esteem-
cd Brother Lemuel Burkitt, whose la-
" hours in the gospel have be an much bless-
•" ed in the churches belonging to this As-
<e sociation, especially in the late revival of
" religion, has manifested his sincere de-
" sire toEc with us at this Association, by
u coming to this place through many difii-
<c culties ; but sickness soon obliged him
«' to leave us, which has grieved our hearts,
" and he has been greatly missed. But
M " we
m HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
Vwe must submit to the hand of the Lord.'*
A glorious revival took place the past year
according to expectation : and the letters
from the churches say that 872 were added
to the churches by baptism since the last;
and blessed be God the work was going
on. The particulars of the revival we
rrjean tq speak of in tirne and place.
Biographical Sketches.
Elder JOHN MEGL A MRE was
"born and raised in one of the northern states,
and being somewhat religiously inclined
in his youth, at length moved into North-
Carolina. fde joined the Baptist Society
about the year 1764 qr 1763. After preach¬
ing sometime, he was ordained and took
the pastoral care of the church at Kehukee,
But having some invitations, he travelled
'iiito Sussex county, Virginia, where he
preached, and his labours were attended
with a blessing. And through his instrm?
mentality, and Elder John Rivers, and
some qthers, a church was gathered
in that county ■„ and through their solici¬
tations he removed to that place, and gave
Up bis pastoral charge at Kiehukee m J^Uer
William Burges. After continuing in Sus¬
sex for a few years, a large and very re¬
spectable church was gathered, and Elder
Meglairue continued to be their pastor as
Jong as he was capable of preaching. H$
very
lApffsf association. \jr
Vgfy frecpiefitly attended the Assdciatiohi
and almost every Association acted as Mo¬
derator for upwards bf twenty years; un-
tiL the division took place at Davis's meet¬
ing-house, and then he became a member
bf the Portsmouth Association, and gene-
tally served that Association in the same
Capacity Until his death. He Was a vefy
useful member seenied Well acquainted
With church discipline; but by reason of
the asthmatic Cbmplaint, he was prevented
from preaching some time before he died.
He departed this life December 13th*
1799, about 3 o'clock in the afternoon,
tiged 69 years, 6 months, G days:
Brother ELISHA BATTLti.
Brother ELISHA BATTLE was botri
In Nansemond county, Virginia; on the
9th day of January, 1723—4. In the year
bf 1748; he moved to Tar-River; Edge-
Comb comity, North- Carolina. About the
year 1764, he joined the Baptist church at
the Falls of Tar-River, and continued in
full fellowship until his death; He was
chosen a Deacon of theehuich, and serv¬
ed the church in that office about 28 years,
until he resigned by reason of old age. He
usually attended Associations, at Vvhich he
Sometimes acted as Moderator; and was
very
*36 HISTORY or rim KEHUKEET
very suitable for that office. It is well
known he was a remarkable pious zealous-
member of society. He also was very
useful as a statesman. About the year
J 756 he was appointed a Justice of th'e
Peace, and continued in that office until
the year 17y5, when he resigned on ac¬
count of his- infirmities-. He was chosen
a member of the General Assemby in the
year 1771,. and continued to represent the
county, and was never lett out for about
20 years, until lie declined offering him¬
self a candidate by reason of his advanced
state in life. He served i-n that capacity
throughout the war, and was- in almost all'
the State Conventions. He was a mem¬
ber of the State Convention at the forma¬
tion of the State Constitution ; and was al¬
so a member of the Convention for the de¬
liberation of the Federal Constitution, and
•when the Convention formed itself into a.
Committee of the whole House^ Brother
Battle was appointed Chairman In 1799-
he requested his youngest son to come and
take possession ®f the land and plantation
whereon he liyed (which he had before-
made him a deed for) that he might give
up the care of a family and live with him.
About this time he desired his children to
meet him, that he might have some private-
discourse with them, and concluded to have
his;.
MftlST association. i$7
liis will Written and execute it, although he
had for many years kept a written one lay
him, altering it when he found it necessary;
He divided his prd^rty amongst his chil¬
dren, only reserving a sum of money and
notes, as security for himself in his decent
maintenance. Soon after he Was taken
more unwell than Usual, and weakened
till he became so helpless that he could
hot tUrn in his bed. In his sickness he
seemed to have rid desire to recover; he
Said he Was willing to go, but must wait
the Lord's time. After being about eight
Weeks in this helpless condition, Without
the least apparent doubt of future felicity*
he departed this life the 6tli of March, 1799*
being the i6th year of his age. His fune¬
ral sermon Was preached by Elders Gilbert
arid liurkitt* from Psal. xxxvii. 37. Eld¬
er Gilbert preached from the former pigrt
of the text* viz. Mark the perfect man^ and
behold the Upright. And Elder Burkitt
preached from the latter part of the same
text, viz. For the end of that man is peacet
—Eg—M.I
CHAP. VIL
I. The hcippy Revival which took place in the
Churches belonging to the Kehukee Asso¬
ciation in 1SU'2 and 1803. 2. Means
M M which
135 HISTORY of the. KEHUKEE
which the Lord blessed in the Revived'..
3. Constitution of an Union Meeting.
FTER a long and tedious night of
spiritual darkness and coldness in re¬
ligion, blessed be God, the sable curtains
are withdrawn, the day has dawned, and
the sun of righteousness has risen with heal¬
ing on his wings. The churches appeared
to be on a general decline. Many of the
old members were removed from the church-
militant to the church triumphant. Some
had moved to the western countries, and
some had gone out from us, that i t might:
be made manifest-that-they were not all of
us.'* These things reduced the number off
members in the churches greatly. So that
in some churches there were hardly mem¬
bers enough to hold conference, and in
some other churches the Lord's supper was-
seldom administered. Iniquity abounded
andLhe love of many waxed, cold.. The As¬
sociation nevertheless met annually,, and in.
every church there were a few names still
left, who seemed anxiously concerned for
a revival. There were but few added by
baptism for several years. In 1789, only
TS-members were added in ail the church¬
es. In 1790, there were 446 baptized. In<
17.91, 99. In 1792, 192. In 1794, 5.7.. In.
1795,only 19. In 1.796,.only 33. In 1797,
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 152
S3V In 1798, 43. In 1799, 72. In 1800,
1.29. At the Association in 1801, 138
were returned in the letters from the church¬
es to the Association. Thus the work pro¬
gressed but slowly, but there always-
appeared some worthy characters in
every church sensible of the coldness of
religion,, and at almost every Association
would be devising some ways and means
to bring on a revival. As early as- the year
1778, a revival was greatly desired, and a
fast was proclaimed, to humble ourselves*
before the Lord, and to solicit the throne
©f grace for a.revival. In 1785, at Should¬
er's Hill, another fast was- proclaimed.
The same year, at an Association at Kehu-
kee, it was agreed to set apart some time
betweee sun-set and dark every day, for all
the churches to unite together in prayer,,
and earnestly pray for a revival. And in-.
1794, the Association agreed to appoint
the Saturday be lore the fourth Sunday in
every month, a day for prayer-meetings■
throughout the churches;, whereon all the"
members of the respective churches were
requested to meet at their meeting-houses-
or places of worship, and there for each of
them as tar as time would admit, to make'
earnest prayer and supplication to-Almigh¬
ty God for a revival ot religion. Thus the
*ieans were used, and the request was so*
laudable
140 HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
laudable tbat there was no doubt but the!
Lord would grant the desires of the righte¬
ous. For the Lord has promised, ask and
ye shall receive, seek and ye shaU find, knock
and it shall he opened id ijoii. The eyes Of
the Lord are over the righteoiis, and his ears
are open to their prayers. And where the
Lord puts it into the hearts of hii people
so' earnestly to desire the increase of Christ's
kingdom* and the revival of his work a-
rnongst his churches* the request is so laud¬
able, that Christians need not doubt but
the Lord will hear them in his own time'
and Way. So when the' set time to favour
Zion was come, he heard the prayers of the
Kehukee Association. There was a small
appearance of the beginning of the work
in Camden, and the Flat-Swamp aftd Con-
noho church,- in 1800—32 this year were'
baptized in Camden, 22 in the Flat-Swamp
church, and 24 at Connoho. But at the
Association at Great-Swamp ift 1801, Elder
Burkitt just returning from Tennessee and
Kentuckey* brought the news to this Asso¬
ciation,- and proclaimed it from the stage*
that in about eight months six thousand had
given a rational account of a work of grace
on their souls, and had been baptized in
the state of Kentuckey, and that a general
stir had taken place amongst all ranks and
societies of people, and that the work was
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. i#i
stifl going on. The desireable news seem¬
ed to take such an uncommon effect on
the people, that numbers were crying out
for mercy,and many praising ana glorifying
God. Such a Kehukee Association we bad
never before seen. The ministers all seem¬
ed alive in the work of the Lord, and eve¬
ry Christian present in rapturous desire,
was ready to cry, Thy kingdom come. The
ministers and delegates carried the sacred
flame home to their churches, and the fire
began to kindle in the greatest part of the'
churches, and the work increased. The
first appearance that was discovered was,
great numbers oj people attended the mini¬
stry of the word, and the congregations
kept increasing. It was observed in some
places, that as many people would now
meet at a meeting on a common day, as
used to meet on a Sunday, and as many
would come on Sundays as used to attend
at great meetings. And it was also- ob¬
served that the audience was more solemn
and serious than usual. This was the first
beginning. Thus the work began to re¬
vive in many places within the bounds of
the Association. The word preached was
attended with such a divine power, that-at
some meetings two or three hundred would
be in floods of" tears, and many crying out
loudly what shall we do to be saved. Ano¬
ther
U§ HISTORY OF THE KEHUkEfc
ther thing was observed, old Christiahs
Were so revived they were all on fire to see
their neighbours,their neighbour's children
and their own families so much engaged.
Their souls seemed melted down in l@ve,
and their strength renewed like the eagles.
Many backsliders who had been runaway
for many years} returned weeping home.
The ministers seemed all united in love,
and no strife nor contention amongst them^
and all appeared to be engaged to earry oti
the work} and did not seem to care whose
labours were tnost blessed so the work
went ohj and none of them seemed desi¬
rous to take the glory of it to themselves,
Which ought cdrefully to be observed. God
is a jealous God, and will not suffer any of
his creatures to take the glory of his work
to themselves; We hope that no person
Will ascribe the glory of the work to any
person or persons whatever, but to the Lord
alone j for true religioa is a zvork of God.
The work increasing} many were convert-
fed, and they began to join the churched
In some churches where they had not re¬
ceived a member by baptism for a year or
two} would now frequently receive, at al¬
most every Conference meeting} several
members.- Sometimes 12, 14} 18} 20 and
24 at several times in one day. Twenty-
two and 24 were baptized several times at
IQat-
.BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. U$
Flat-Swamp, Cashie, Parker's meeting¬
house, Fishing-Creek, Falls of Tar-River,
&c. Some ot the churches in the revival
received nearly 200 members each. In
four churches lying between Roanoke and
Meherrin rivers, in Bertie, Northampton
and Hertford counties, were baptized ip
two years about COO members: and bless¬
ed be God the work seems yet progressing.
The work has engaged the attention of all
8Qrts of people—rich and poor, and all
yanks. Many very respectable persons ip
character and office have been called m in
this revival. There are a few church e$
within the bounds of the Association that
have not as yet experienced a revival, buf
we hope for them! According to the ac¬
counts returned to the two last Associations
1500 have been added to the churches by
baptism in tjie Kehpkee Association.
It has been objected by some that we
ought not to number the Lord's people,
and bring for example the bad consequence
which attended J)avid's numbering the
people of Israel. But we think our¬
selves justifiable in mentioning our num¬
bers, when we are actuated by good prin¬
ciples. David might number them to boast
©f the number, and to put confidence in a
■piulti/ude, not considering the race was not
to ike swift, nor the battle to the strong,
^ ; ' But "
m HISTOfcY OP T.JTE KEHU^ES
But we number them to exult in the rich¬
es of God's free grace, in magnifying his
mercy in the conversion of thousands. We
find that the scripture makes mention of
the great addition at the day of Penteco$t
The same day zvere added about three
thousand souls. Acts ii. 41.
The Lord was pleased to make use of
weak and simple means to effect great pur¬
poses, that it might be manifest that the
work was his and not man's. Singing was
attended with a great blessing: Elder Bur-
kitt published two or three different pam¬
phlets, which contained a small collection
of spiritual songs, some of which he had
brought from the western countries. They
were in very great ftemand. As many as
about 6000 books were disposed of in two
years. We m igh t truly say, the time of sing¬
ing of birds had come, and the voice of the
turtle was heard in our land. At every
meeting, before the minister began to
preach, the congregation was melodiously
entertained with numbers singing delight-
fully, while all the congregation seemed in
lively exercises. Nothing seemed to en¬
gage the attention of the people more ;
and the children and servants at every house
were singing these melodious songs. From
experience, we think, we can assure
readers, that We have reason to; hope, Tjbat
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 145
this, with other means, proved a blessing
in this revival. Shaking hands while sing¬
ing, was a mean (though simple in itself)
for to further the work. The ministers
used frequently, at the close of worship,
to sing a spiritual song suited to the occa¬
sion, and go through the congregation,
and shake hands with the people while
singing ; and several when relating th^ir
experience, at the time cf their admission
into church fellowship, declared that This
was the first means of their conviction.
The act seemed so friendly, the ministers
appeared so loving, that the party with
whom the minister shook hands, would of¬
ten be melted in tears. The Hymn
" I long to see the happy time,
<c When sinners all ce ne Hocking homej
" To taste the riches of his love,
" And to enjoy the realms above."
And especially that part of it,
" lake your companion by the hand ;
" And all your children in the band,"
«—many times had a j owerful eftect. Giv¬
ing the people an invitation to to tut up to be
prayedfor, was ako blessed.
The ministers usually, at the close of
preaching, would tell the congregation,
that if there were any persons who felt
themselves lost and condemned, under the
guilt and burden of their sins, that if they
N would
*4*5 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
would corpe near the stage, and kneel
down, they would pray for them. Shame
at first kept many back, but as the work
increased, numbers apparently under
^strong conviction would come and fall
down before the Lord at the feet of the
jninisters, and crave an interest in their
ptayers- Sometimes twenty or thirty at a
time. And at some Union, Meetings,fwo
or three hundred would come, and try to
come a § near as they could. This very
much engaged the ministers ; and many
confessed that the Lord heard the prayers
of his ministers, and they had reason to
hope their souls were relieved from the
bm Ion of their sins, through the blood
of Christ ft had a powerful effect on the
fpecfmors to see their wives, their hus¬
band", children, neighbours, &c. so solici¬
tous far the salvation of their souls; and
was sometimes a means of their conviction*
Many ladies of quality, at times were sq
powerfully wrought op, as to come and
kneel dowp in the dust in their silks to be-
prayed for. The act of coming to be pray¬
ed for in this manner had a good effet t on
the person* who came, in that they knew
the eyes of the congregation were on them,
and it" they did fall off afterwards it wcuid
be a disgrace to them, and cause others to
deride them ; this therefore was a spur
push them forward. Relating
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. \Vr>
Relating experiences, and the administra¬
tion of the ordinance of baptism were greatly
blessed in this revival. When the churches
held conference to receive members (which
they always did in a public assembly) the
congregation would draw up in such crouds,
as they would tread one on another, anx¬
ious to hear the experiences of their neigh-
bours and families. And while the can¬
didates were relating their experience, the
addience Would be in floods of, tears, and
some almost convulsed, while their chil¬
dren, companions and friends were relat¬
ing their conversion. And several declar¬
ed this was the mean of their Conviction.
And when the oidinance of baptism
was administered, nothing had a more so¬
lemn effect. Sometimes fifteen or twenty
Would be received at one time y and at the
time appointed for baptism, great numbers
would attend j from COO to 1000 and
more would assemble at such .times. And
then to see fifteen or twenty persons suita-»
bly attired, to go into the water, who usu¬
ally stood in a row, a small distance from
the water, hand in hand, and the minister
joiningthe rank at the head, would march
down into the water regularly, like soldiers
of Jesus, singing as they went,
»' Come all ye mourning fouls who feck reft in Jefus' love>
" Who i'et jour whole ajfections on things that are above
Come
MS HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
" Come let us join together arid hand in hand go on,
f* Until We come to Canann, whece we no more {halt
mourn,"
•—would take a solemn effect on the nu¬
merous assembly. Numbers would be
in floods of tears, and so greatly affected
could scarcely, stand, while they would
express their sincere wishes, that they were
prepared to go in with their children and
companions.
Sometimes they bad the pleasure to see
the father and the son, the mother and her
daughter, the wife and the husband, go
into the water together hand in hand. This
proved conviction to many. Thus the
Lord carried on his work.
Evening Meetings were greatly blessed.
Some years past it was customary to hold
night meetings ; but for sometime they
were disused. When the revival commenc¬
ed thev began to revive. In some neigh-
bourhoods they met once a week on an
evening ; and numbers would attend. At
sometimes, and in some places, nearly 200
people would meet, and some people
wouid come ten miles to a night meeting.
And when they had the opportunity for a-
minister to attend them, they usually had
a sermon preached, and the rest oF the
time they were together, would be spent
in exhortation, singing and prayer. And
we
Baptist association. h9
WSare fully satisfied the Lord blessed these
meetings*
Where they had not the privilege of
a minister to attend and preach, the time
Would be spent in singing, exhortation,
prayer, religious conversation, &c. Some¬
times they would tell each other their ex¬
periences and examine others whether they
had any experience to relate. Thus the
Work went oil.
Union Meetings have also been attended
With a blessing. An Union Meeting con¬
sists of several churches, being convenient
to one another, of the same faith and order,
who meet at stated times to confer in love,
about matters relating to peace, brotherly
union, and general fellowship. The time"
the meeting holds is generally three days*
On the first day when they meet one of the
ministers delivers a suitable sermon intro¬
ductory to business; then all the brethren
present from every church, who are in fel¬
lowship, sit in conference, and any bro¬
ther rS at liberty to propose such cases of
conscience, as he wants advice on ; or any
difficult passage of scripture on which he'
Wants light; or any thing else which tends
to the harmony of the churches, or to love
and peace amongst brethren. And when
the conference adjourns, the rest of the time
is employed in preaching, praying, singing,
&C, N & There
150 HISTORY OF THE KEHUREE
There are four Union Meetings within
the bounds of the Kehukee Association,,
viz. On the east side of Chowan River,
which is composed ofthe churches at Cow-
enjoek, Camden, Sawyer's-Creek, Knobs-
crook, FJatty-Creek, Yoppim and Ballard's
# bridge. The Bertie union meeting is com¬
posed of the Bertie, Cashie, Wiccacon,
Meherrin andConnaritsey churches, flat
Swamp union meeting comprehends the Flat
Swamp, the Great-Swamp, Connoho,
Skewarkey and Morattuck churches. The
Swift-Creek union meeting contains the
churches at the Falls of Tar River, Kehu¬
kee, Fishing-Creek, Rocky-Swamp and
Quankey. There are a few churches that
have not joined in any of these Union Meet¬
ings. We do not know what is the reaj
son, unless it be on account of the incon-
veniency of their local situation.
To give our readers a more general idea
of the nature of an Union Meeting, we
will insert the Constitution of one of
them, and we presume, that in substance
they are all nearly similar.
Constitution of the Bertle Union Meeting,
At tick I. This meeting sbali in future consist of the
members who may attend the same, from Bertie,
Cathie, Wicracon, Meherrin and Connaritsey
churches, and member's who may attend1 the same at
their respective appointments from ail sister churches
and Aisjociuiions,
II. Tfa*
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 151
It. This meeting shall be known by the name of
the " Bertie Union Meeting."
III. Each meeting sha'd have power to adjourn
themselves to any lime or place they may see proper;
so that the different churches in tlie union be equally
benefited by their several appointments.
IV. When assembled they shall make choice of a
Moderator and Clerk ; and the Clerk of said meet¬
ing shall enter the minutes of the conference, and
transmit them to the next meeting.
V A book, shall be procured, in which all the mi¬
nutes of the different conferences shall be inserted
from time to time, and a person appointed to record
the same.
VI. In time of conference, each member shall be
intitled to the liberty of speech, and shall first arise
and address the Moderator.
VII. No person shill be admitted to speak more
than three times to anyone subject, without liberty
from the conference.
VIII. Any motion made and seconded, shall come
under the consideration of (he meeting, unless with¬
drawn by the person who made it.
IX. Every case or query presented in writing shall
be twice read, if required; and before debated, shall
be received by a majority of the meeting then pre¬
sent.
X. New chur-ches that may hereafter be constitu¬
ted, or are now conciliated, lying and being within
the bounds of Roanoke and Meherrin Rivers, or
convenient thereto, may be admitted into this union.
XI. At the time of conference a door shall be o-
pened for the admission of members by the ordi¬
nance of baptism.
Xi I. The ordinance of the Lord's supper shall be
administered at the time of each union meeting, on
onv of the da) s whith tne conference may appoint.
XIII. The meeting shall be opened and dosed by
prayer.
Thess
152 HISTORY ar tHi KEHUKEE
These Union Meetings were attended
with a very great blessing. At some of
them three or four thousand people would
meet, and some times fifteen or sixteen
ministers attend, Greatnumbers were so¬
lemnly affected, and at times, we have
reason to believe, many got converted.
At an Union Meeting at Elder Hendry's
meeting house in Berfie, June, 1803, a
very worthy character, who had been Sena¬
tor for that county, and having been so¬
lemnly impressed with a sense of his lost
state by nature for sometime before, un¬
der preaching on Sunday, received com¬
fort,and hoped that his soul got converted i
And when the minister concluded preach¬
ing, arose from his seat, and stood on a
bench, and told the people, C{ That he
" had many times been a Candidate at E-
" lections, but he was now a Candidate fof
" the Kingdom of HeavenAnd being
overpowered with the love of God fell-
backwards off the seat, but was upholden
by some of the bystanders. When he was
baptized, which was a few weeks after,
nearly a thousand people were present;
and at the side of the water he addressed
the spectators thus, " I perceive, said he,-
" several of my friends and old companions
"standing around; and l ean truly say I love
t( you, but I cannot continue with you, iii
6<
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". 153
" the ways we have so long been in, and
" if you will not go with me, I must
" leave you and so bade them farewell,
and went into the water.
At an Un ion Meeting at Parker's meet¬
ing house, August, 1803, it w7as supposed
there were 4000 people. The weather
proved very rainy on Sunday. Thcie was
a stage erected in the meeting house yard,
and at about halt after 11 o'clock, Elder
Burkitt ascended the stage to preach, and
it was expected from the appearance of
the clouds it would rain every moment,
and before he was done preaching it did
so. Yet notwithstanding the numerous
congregation still kept together; and al¬
though every effort was used to shun the
rain, by umbrellas, carriages, .blankets,
&:c. yet we believe 1000 peoplevwere ex¬
posed to the rain without any shelter ; and
somecrying, some convulsed to the ground/
some begging the ministers to pray for
them ; and they composedly stood and re¬
ceived the falling shower without ever be¬
ing dispersed.
And it is not only at particular times,
but blessed be God, these meetings are ge¬
nerally blessed. O! that men would praise
the Lord for his goodness, and bis wonder¬
ful works to the children ot men 1 We
feel ourselves very happy, and thankful at
Ui- HISTORY OF TitE KEHUKEE
this time for the visitation of the Lord.
O ! that he would continue his work until
the whole world is brought into subjection
to the peaceable reign of Christ, the Prince
of Peace ; and that the whole earth may
be filled with his glory. And his know¬
ledge cover the earth as the waters do the
seas.
This gracious work in this Association,
has been differently manifested in its ope¬
rations, and the effects it took on the peo¬
ple. Some were deeply affected under a
sense of their lost state, and their hearts
ready to burst within them, whilst reflect¬
ing on their past conduct; yet under the
ministry of the word made no noise.
Others sensible of these things were in
floods of tears, and at last constrained to
give vent to their passions, and c-r-y out in
the presence of the multitude, What must
X do to be saved f Some were taken with a
tremour, like a fit of the ague. And others
fell to the ground like a person in a swoon,
and continued helpless and motionless for
some time; and this power was manifest
at times, on persons at home about their
secular concerns in the house, and in the
field.
Whatever infidels may say in opposi¬
tion to the work in this Association, stub¬
born reason is obliged to decide in favour
of
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 15$
of this revival. It is evident it was from
God, from the good effects it took on the
people, and the tendency it had to moralize
■them. Persons of the most dissolute livesj
as drunkards, swearers, liars, thieves, Sec.
became sober, punctual, honest, virtuous
persons. Surely that religion must be of
God that makes people godly from good
principles; that makes better husbands,
better wives, better children, more obedi¬
ent servants, better masters, better neigh¬
bours and better citizens. This the work
has evidently done. Let the politician
with all his maxims of policy ; the Deisf
with all his deisticui reasoning, endeavour¬
ing to invalidate the divine authority of the
holy scriptures 3 the soldier with all his
arms and ammunition, see if any or all
of them together, can by all their art, so¬
phistry or power, or even by the force of
gun powder, effect such a reformation in the
morals of men. Can they do what the
simplicity of the gospel of our dear Lord
Jesus has done ? Can they make those
who hate God and religion, with ail their
hearts love him and his service ? Can they
jnake men at variance and enmity Jove one
another ? This the gospel has done in
this revival. In some neighbourhoods,
persons at enmity with each other, and
when they met would not speak to one an->
other,
•j56 history of the kehukpe
other, after receiving the benefits of the
gospel's gracious 'influence, could take
each other in their arms with the greatest
pleasure, and cause an Unbelieving world
to say, Behold how .these christians love.
CHAP. VIII.
.1. On the Nature of Circular Letters. 2. A
Letter" On the Maintenance of the Mi¬
nis try f for 1791, by Elder Martin Moss.
EVER since the .second year after the
minutes were first printed, which was
in the year 1790, it has been customary
for the Association to address the churches
by way of circular letters. The custom
is, to appoint some minister, the year be¬
fore, to prepare one against the next Asso¬
ciation. .At first it was the practice to
name a subject; but of late the minister
is at liberty to choose his subject. The
letter thus prepared is brought to the Asso¬
ciation, and if approved by them is print¬
ed in the minutes.
We have tho ught proper to insert in this.
History, a few of those letters on the most
interesting subjects i which will not only
give our readers an idea of _thenature,of
these
■BAPTIST ASSOCIATION T57
these letters; but it is hoped; from thernng-
.nitude of the subjects imthem discussed,
will be both pleasing and profitable.to the
impartial inquirer.
(CIRCULAR LETTER.)
-The Messengers of the several Baptist churches belonging
to the Uuked Baptist Association, formerly called the
Kehukee Association, met at the Flat-Swamp meeting¬
house, in Pitt county, North-Carolina, October, 1791::
To the several churches in union with this Association,
send geeeting:
,Dearly beloved Brethren,
Ol)R divine Lord and Matter, in the courfe of am
indulgent providence, hath favoured ns with ano¬
ther aniiiverca: y interview, by which we obtain know¬
ledge of the circurnftances of thecbnrehes that com¬
pote this convention ; and we alfo received agreeable
information concerning theintereft and growth of our
adorable Redeemer'sikingdum in <many other places.
And it mutt: give peculi jr ;pleafure to every rgracious
foul to hear, " that he .wtio fitteth between the cheru-
-bims has ((retched forthhis mighty armband ism-iking
.a willing people in the day'ef his pov;er
And iinee Almighty God in carrying on this giorioivs
work, is pleafed by the foolifhnejs oj ft caching tVfave
them that believe, it therefore becomes necefftry that
°there (ltould.be a number of preachers or m'Riders of
the gofpei. And accordingito the dircftion of orr lalt
/Alfociation, we proceed, in-our.circular letter, at'this
time, to make a fewobft rvationiion the necettary fop-'
port or maintenance of gofnsl minltters:; although we
are very forry that there lb >wld be the tea ft eccailoii
■to write or fpcak upon that.fubjc£L
We apprehend that one principal reafoa Vthy the
• churches have been fo retnifs in this duty is, becaufe
the people have been for a number of years grievoufly
opprefied by an ecciehaflical eflabttlhment§, i" railing
<Q money
§ We would not be unAerftood to infinuaie that ihoft
ifftab It fitments da yet remain, they have been wholly
153 HISTORY of the KEHUKE.E
money by taxation for the fupport of minifters of £
contrary fent rnant. many of whom they had reafon to
f*ar God-.never fent to preach, but only preached for
h're and divined for money, and regarded the fleece
more the flick To fii in this extreme, many .z-alouj
preacher:, who abhorred their woiks of darknefi and
.deceit, being fenfible"tnat Arch men crept into the mi-
'nMtry for the f\ke of ■filthy lucre, have thought it their
•duty to bear public tefiim my againft them. But not
being careful to diltinguifh between living of the goj-
pel of Chrift, and being fupported by the laun of men,
fhofe zealots have inj-uiicioufly condemned the prac¬
tice of receiving any thing at all as a reward for mini-
Oeiial labours, „and fo have fallen inf© an error on the
other hand. It is therefore.,ndceITary th^t a juft medi¬
ocrity'he obferved between the two extremes.
To guard againft the error on both hands,J it is ne-
ceftary, dear brethren, we fhould make the ho?y fcrip-
tures the. rule of our faith ami practice. That mini-
ftershave a divine right to maintenance from the peo¬
ple is evident :
, ,r. From the exprefs declaration of Jefus Chrift,
Matt, x- 9, 10 u Provide neither gold nbr filver, nor
brafs in your purfes, nor fcrip for your journey; nei¬
ther, two coats, neither (hoes, nor yer ltaves; for the
woikmanis yvortby of his meat—and the labourer of
if s hire." Luke x. 91
2. This right the.ApoftWs publifhed throughout the
world, i Cor. ix. 14. " Even fo hath the Lord ordain¬
ed, that they which, preach the gofpel, fhould live of
the gofpel " Gal vi. 6. Let him that is taught in
the .word, communicate to him that tcacheth in all good
th'n'gs." i ^ *
» 3 Phis divine right of the rrunifter's maintenance
is manifefled by the law of nature : Detit. xxv. 4.—
i Tint. v. 18. 1,4 1 hon fti.hlt nor mizzle the cx that
trerdeth out the corn—and the labourer is worthy of
his reward."
. 4. By the law of nations. " Who goeth a warfare
at any time at his own chprgr1i Cor. ix. 7.
5 By the iaws ot farmers, graz'ers, sine-planters,
reaper., threli.ers, &c. i Cor. ix.<7. "■ Who p'ai.teth
a vineyard and eateth not of the fruit thereol? Or
t who
removed, and finally abolished in this Jlate, by the'late
m ft glorious AtvjlutjoW
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 150
who feedcth a fiook, and -eateth not of the milk of the
flock?' i Cor. ix. 10, u. 44 For our fakes no doubt
this is written : that iic that plovveth Should plow in
hope; and he that threlheth in hope rtiould be partaker
of his hope IFwe havefown unto you (piritual thirds,
is it a great thing if we (Iwll reap your,carnal things ?w
6. By the Ltvitical la&. i Cor. ix. iy. 44 Do von not
know that tir-y which miniller about holy things, live
of the things of the tempie ; and they which wait -Jt
the altar, .are partakers with the altar?"
Thnshave we, dear brethren, clearly proven from
exprefz fc.'ipture, that the mirnflers of the gofpei are
juliiy entitled to a comfortable maintenance from the
people. -The miaiilfcr'sfupport (Iwa)d-be-fuficieutand
plentiful, becaufe they are ci joined hofpitality. The
matter of their maintenance is expufied in terms fo'
general, as to leave the people at 'liberty to pay them
ni kind, or value, all good thing:. The mann< V ofpny'ng,
is, cheerfully, and not gtuagingly,-The contributors
are all who k- are taught in the word " '
The truth of thefe things, beloved brethren, we
make no- doubt you are convinced -of, but the neglect
of them is too glaring-to us, your.feives and others.
We cannot but feel exceeding forry on this account.
The confequences ariiing therefrom are verv pernici¬
ous. By. this fid nrgleft the poor irt'niilerscf the gof¬
pei are necellbrily obliged to follow the ir wbrlclly avo¬
cations for the fuppoct of themfelves and their iami-
lies, which prevents them from reading the holy fcri'p-
tures, meditating, preaching couftantly.and givi:-gt!iem-
felves whol'y to the w ork-—which weakens their- hands,
dulls their ideas, cools their zeal, and of uectfiicy they
are not fo profitable to the churches, nor to the caufe
of Chrift in general Thefe things, in a meafure,
you mull be fenfible of Much more might be ibid up¬
on this fubjefl, but the bounds of a circular letter will
not admit of it.
ThUs have we, dear brethren, (puifuant to an or¬
dinance of our laft Afibciation) endeavoured to confi-
der this important duty, and now peimit us slTeflion-
atelyand fo.'irmn'.y to call upon you to coniider our ador¬
able Mallet's weighty and powerful expoflalations—
it .Why call ye me Lord, Lord and do not the things
I fay ? Ye are my friends if ye do wimtfoever I .com¬
mand
1£0 v HISTORY; OF the KEHUfCEE'
htand you. If ye love me keep my commandments.
He that faith I know him* rfnd keepeth not bis com¬
mandments, is a liar and the truth is not in him. My
Jittie■ children, let us not love in word; neither in
tongue ; hut-in deed*" and in truth;"— Luke vi. 46.
John juv. 15. xv. 14.- 5 John it. 4. i John iii 18.
Finally, bri thren, thofs things which ye hive both
lear ned, and received, and heard and feen, d<T; and
tic God of peace (bill be with vou. ..
Signed by order of the Affaciatlon,
NMTHAN MAYU, Moderator.
LEMUEL BURK.ITT, Clerk:
— mniiiiiiiiiijii nim mi ' l.
CHAP. IXZ.
Gircular Letters: 1. A Letter " 'on the,0
nabPerseverance of the Saints in Grace0
for. 179 4-, by lilder Lancaster. 2 ."On
Good Worksf for 1.800, by Elder Gilbert..
(CIRCULAR LETTFR ")
Tike Elders and Messenger-s of the several Baptist Church*'
en belonging, to the KAuikee Association, met at Bro*
then Buj kin's meeting house, an'Sanity-Run, in Bertie
county, N. Carolina, September, 1794-— Vhe Churches
in union with this-. Association, send theirChristian ■->
salutation: .
B E L. O V £ D.. B R E TH R EN,-,
BRING favoured by Divine Prov'desice, we have
"once more had a profitable and pleating interview
at the tiineaad pi >cn appainsed The buli ,efs « e have
transacted you ha.ve iw our minutes, vhicfi we hope
will meet with your concurrence and approbation.
The fabjeit of our. Circular Letter this year, ac¬
cording to a refctlve of our laft, is to be "The final '
ferj entrance of the faints in grace " Ar.d as the (ub-
j;'c! is iufeparably conneilecl with, and a concomitant
of, that God exalting, foul reviving, doQriue of |aar- •
ticular election, and free, unmerited grace in Chrift •:
Tefus.*
BAPTTST ASSOCIATION. 1'fil
Jefus, we dotibtrnot of |ts toeing tordialj^^feived
yon, and fiernfed both whhpleaf ore ^rtid fatitf^cHfeff.
'To-dd ample juftice toeai^jelTof this mag'.itude,
fo fcepronsin its nature and intentliirig in its Coiifi queu-
tres, would very far exceed the bounds of a Cncidar
Letter. We (hall therefore. only offer.a few reaft us,
fupported by the bed authority, in favour of it. A'd
fifft, a llrong and undeniable re3fon in fuppcut-of the
dc&rine, may be fairly drawn from the covenant ande
with Noah: the tenor of which wvf, that God would
no more droWn the World by water-—fee Gen. ix.
Naw vvtodo flotj neither can we, without being go fty'
of the ntoft darirtg-and grofs rmpiety, calf in queflion
or difpHte the veracity of God in this fpiemmpromifie ;
neither can any.call in qu'elliort the finrlptrfawrance
ef ike faints frLgrao*, without being guilty of tfferieg
the moil daring infuJt.> to the God of trut^ ; for tie*
prefcrvMHn ®f the one, and the feturity of the other*,
is, in every ^oiht of views, marked with the A-me ? w-
ful folemuirv of. an oATHJ Itr the tnuh of whichr
we beg leave to refer you to that memorable prfldge in
Jfa. liv. o, to. For1 this is as rhe waters of Noah un¬
to mt?j fores I haVe fiutrty th^t the wa+ers of Nrrh'
no more (halt, cover the eai'th,- fo have I /urr« that I
would not be.i wroth with thee,m>r rebuke thee.—For
the mountains dial 1 depart and the bills be removed,
bdt my kindnefs' fh-ill ,nBt depart from thee, neither
fhall the covenant of my peace be removed*- ff.iih the
Lord that hath mercy on thee.'-V
From she premifes thus laid down by ipfpiration it-
felf, the cotoclufron is Very^naturaf and ubvic us, o;z.
That the-people-of God have no more renfon to doubt
of their fecurity in Chiiflf and finai perje-oer ance in*
gretce\ than they have that God cnn:.r<uy td hi° oath,
will fend a feeoud dHoge of wMet &*drown the worlds
And whoever difputes the one or the other, is fo far
all infidel, and defbrvesno better title f<orti men.
Another authority perfe&ly fim-iUr to the above quo¬
ted pkfTage. we find recorded by that great than pica
of tt uth, and prtron of the faints final perfect-rant* in
grace, in Hefi vi. 17, 18. « \V herein God w.ilbrg
more abundantly to fhew unto the beira cf pn.muV the
immutability of his counfel, confirmed it by an calk—
Xitttt bjf two imumuble hiflgst, in \vk\h it wasJiuv^
O* O pcliii^e
W2 HISTORY' OF 'the K1HXJ&EB-:
Pe^, for-God to He, we might have a ftrong coaibZ*
fisiertf!? who have flad for to lay hold upon the
hepefet before *ffe^e we find the Apoftle fpeake
of the heir; of promife, who are believers; a. of the
immutability of God's counfel, 5. e. refpe£tiEg the pro¬
mife and the heirs of it, which he fays was confirmed
by an oath—the reafon of which was, that we might
have a ftrong confutation who have fled for refuge to
Javhold'on the hope fet before us; which hope, tfie
Apoiiie faith with great propriety, is an anchor of the
fatal, neither does he give the Jeaft hint of any danger
of thisanchor giving way, fo as not to anfwee the pttr-
pofe-for which it was intended, but on the .contrary,
declares unequivocally,4 and we may add uncondttion*
ally alfo, that it isiboth fttre and JleadJaJl?* Which
tfhetvs nwft clearly, that Noah was not morefafe when
#wt up in tire ark, than believers are whofe livea are
hid wjth-Ghrift in God. Again, we are infejmed by
the fame Apoftle, Rom.-viii, a8.J "That all things
vwork together £oc,good to-them that Jove Goif'—then
c.onfeqapntly nothing can work for their deftra&ion.
Ag'yn, Jef. xxxii. 4p.„" And I- wiifmake an everlaflhtg
covenant wiih„them, that I will, not turn Sway from
them to do them good " But it is obj- fled «iay
turn aweyfrom bira, and fo finally, pcrifh t To which
W/O rtpiy, that the-fame covenant provides, againft
that, alfo, for in the fame verfe God fays, rv I Svill put
my> fear in their hearts that they fhall not depart from
me," 1 So if*God has laid that he will nor turn avlay
from his people,' and that he will never ieavenor for,,
fake-thernr (Heb. x'tii. 5.) and that they fliall not de¬
part from h'm.—-then furely that man mnft hawea front
of brafs, and.not the fear of God beforehis eyes, that
cacv-dtfpu'e the point wkh his hiak^r, andfay the union
R>jy be difiolvedy,and.helievers Cferift- may finally*
* <
" As-a further-confirmation-of tbe.dofirlne contended
for-, we-offer to your'confideration thefollowtugfcrip-
tureat ffal' Jut**". s$, 24..- " IhiS Rgps-ot a good
man are;. ordeetl by the Lord ■„ and he delightetb in
hip way-* Tbaugb he fail, he IliaUnmt be utterly ealt
dawn, for the LpuHipboktetb him with- his hand."—
IftU *iti. i6^t <l Anil I $wll briug. the blind by a way
that -Uey Hue w mt j Lwiiliead ihm M a ptffi iter &ey
Ilai'-e-a
BAPTIST "ASSOCIATIONS IG3
have not known : I will make darknefs light before
them, and crooked things flraigfot. Thefe things will
I d" unto them, and not forl'ake che.m."~Mic. v i, 8.
•• Rejoice not againlt me, O'miue enemy : when I fall
I fhaiI srife."—i John ii. ig " They went out from
us, but they were not of us: For if they had been of
us, they would no doubt have continued with us:
Bat tbey went out that they might be made manifeft
that they wertvnot of us." '
Again, the bleffeJ Jefus hath faid, "all that the Fa.
ther g'veth me (hall come unto me, and him that com*
eth to me I will in no wife caft out;'" and further de¬
clares, " that it was the will of the Father that he
fttould iojs nothing but that he -fhoukJ ratfe it up at
the iaft day." That the water he would give his peo¬
ple (which is the graces of his fpirit) flieuldbe in them
a well of water fpringitig up unto ever! alii tig life.—
That-he has given them eternal life", and that they (hall
never perilh : And that they fhall. not-come into eon-
demnation, for they are puffed from death unto life.
And becaufe I lire (fays he) ye Ihall live alfo. For a
proof of which, fee John vi. 36—39. iv. 14. x 28.
29- '• v. 24,.
Several authorities as much in point as thtife already
quoted* offer their friendly afiifiance, but our fcanty
limits admonifh us it is time to ftup. We fliall there¬
fore beg leave to quote only two more fcriptures, and
with them- we cloie. The firlt we bring from 'Rom.
viii. 38, 39. There, fays that great Apolile tothegen-
tiles-, who was well acquainted with the mind of has
divine Lord and Mailer, and under the immediatein-
fpiration of the fpiiit of God—"! am perfuaded, that
neither death nor life, nor angels, nor principalities,
nor powers; nor things prefrnt nor things to come—
nor heighti, nor depth, nor any other creature, fliall
be* able to feparate us from the love of God which is
in Chritl Jefus our Lord." The popular objeflion
that they may fe< arate themfelves, is too futile to me¬
rit an anfwer ; we lb-til therefore treat it with fiience
and defer ved contempt, until it flaiil be made appear,
by tome unheard of arguments, that a believer nim-
feif is ;i noil eu.ity, or no creature at all, which is im-
poiliple te he done.
bat the jiMitiea skun of God's-'decrees,' and the be-'
Hove it's,--
S&6 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
p.f a circular letter will not-admit of a full inveftigatiU
on of opr fubjefl, we fhal 1 in a few particulars fhe\tf
what we untjerfland to be jntended by the lenn good
works. And firft, it might hot be umifs to obfetve,
that before works can be called, or really deemed
good wot ks, it it neceffary that ifcey be the prudutt of a
tiue and genuine faith in Chrilx ; for as " Faith with¬
out work;, is dead," lb works without faith 14 dead
alfo. He'o. ix. 14." The fburce or fountain then,,
Whence good work:- flow is not from any expeftatiofi
of merit, bat purely from a principle of love to God.
By good woi ks, w£ upderllatvd works of, various
kinds, as, 1. Our duty to Gi'd 2. cur duty to the
Church and people of God. .Our duly to cur neigh¬
bours,. 4. Our duty to rhagiflrates, or earthly 1 tilers.
5, Our duty to ow family, and 1-aftiy to our/elves, r.
Our duty to God is, to conlider him a? the caufe of our
exiflenee, our great benefaitor, and foie author of all
our bappinefs in. time and,eternity To love hirn, a-
bpve any earthly enjoyment; yea with all our heart*
foul, mind and ilrength. We Ihould ufe our uttnoft
endeavour to keep his tonfmandoyent§, and have re-
fpefl to all his precepts. But as our duty to God is in-
feparably conuecfttd with our duty, jn other particu¬
lars, we pafs on, 2. To our duty t» the.Church and
people of God. As our Lprd apd Saviour has loved
usand given, himfelf for us, that.he might deliver us
from the cmfe of the law. and the flames of devour¬
ing Are, and hath taken its from the wild flock of na¬
ture. made us all to drink of the fame fountain of his
eyerlafling love, and fo temoe1 ed our I pit its as to unite
us together, not by tyrannical chains,, but by the
fweetell bands of ,iove and "fellowfhipj and declared
us to be, a ft? left body by him .phoCen, and fel apart
from the world,, it becomes oqr duty then to walk as
people who ate not of the .world, but chofea of, God
and bound forthe heaveuly.Canaau,, having given our
hands and hearts to each,other, to endeavour to keep
the unity- of the fpirit in the bond of pecce to AreogtheU*
comfort) uphold, eqcour, age, watch over & topray with
and for one another, to bear one another's burden's,
and ,k fo fulfil! the royal law of Chrilt " Ohr Lord
bds compared his church to a company of horfe in
Pflaroah's chariet-—hence it appears that all have fuma*.
thintr "
.BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. J£7
thing to do in the church of Cbrifl, that nane fhouldbe
barren nor unfruitful. The Lord has made it our du¬
ty often to r.fiembie ourfcives together, and we are
exhorted by an apcfi'e act to for fake it as the manner
of fome was. We hope you will, therefore, endea¬
vour as oft as poffible to attend your church meetings,
and places of publie worfhip. We hear of coldnefs
among fume of you—what eife can be exp«£te'd? when
the church members fo fclrinmfee each other, they be¬
come in a manner (trange and ufelefs to one another,
while fome perhaps feldom, ar.d others fcatcely ever,
attend Coaference at all. Dear brethren, pray con-
fider the worthy name by which yon are called, and
the honour of that caufe in which you are inlifted ;
you are called the light of the world, but how can your
light be ufeful when many even of the people of the
world, are more careful to attend on worfhip, yea
even conferences to®, than many who profefss to be
followers of the b'tfTed Jefus. While thus backward
or carelefs in attending your Conferences and places of
fublic Worfhip, you w ound and grieve your brethren,
nd weaken the hands of your ministers, who after
coming perhaps many miles to endeavour to comfort
you, find themfelves < ft times under the difagreeable
neceffity of preaching almoft to the naked walls, or
IK*, at all. The'-few hearers they may have being
chiefly thofe who make no proftflion of religion, w hi I ft
the members of the church arebufityengaged at home*,
'and cannot take time to attend on the woi (hip of God,
and many times kept bac k for a fmall excufe even on the
-^Lord's day '• v
Thirdly, our duty to love our neighbour h to him
as our/elf to be kind and charitable to ail w'hofe needs
.may require it, be they ft ranger* or acquaintances^
without refpeit of p'erfons ; to vifit the'Jick, the fa-
therLfs aftd the widow in their afll ctions, 'endeavour¬
ing to nourifh" and comfort them as far as in us lies5
alio to receive ftrangers, u'fe them kindly, clothfe
the naked; feed the hungry, and to be careful to con¬
sider the poor arid needy, and grant them relief ac-
'cording to our ability. Beware of cotittoufneCs, re¬
member the kingdom of God is not" in meat and drink,
but Jove, peace and joy in the Holy Chuff; therefore',
'glorify God and comfort your fellow crestures witfe
what you pofiefs. Fourthly,
HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
Fourthly, we fliould obey toagiftrates, and all
thofe who are,put in authority to rule over us in our
temporal affairs. We fliould not fpeak evil, nor re¬
proachfully of them, but acknowledge their autho¬
rity, and honour them as niimfters of God, by him
appointed for the punilhment of evil doers, and the
proteflion of thofe who wifh to do well; we ibould
therefore ihew all good fidelity as patrons of.good
works and a light to the world, that we bring not re¬
proach on the Church of Chrift, nor caufe to -be blam¬
ed that holy name by which we are called.
Fifthly, our duty to our family, which appears ve¬
ry exteniive when,we confider ourfeives, inrefpett to
them, not only as ilewards, who hive to give an ac¬
count of our ftewardfhip to God, but as it were, as
prophets, prieds, and kings. As a.-prophet, we Ihould
teach, and iuftruft them ; as a prieft .we fhould pray
with and for-them, and fliould be. cat etui in the or¬
der of their government. Each one to whom Gud
.has committed the care of fouls, or a family which
is the fame thing, fnould confider himfelf as their
teacher, to whom all the family look, and from w hom
.they all expr& to receive their inftru&ioi), ,.as it is
well known that children in their tender years are na¬
turally led to think the judgment, couafel, ways and
behaviour of their, parents.to be fuperior to all others,
efpecially when parents or ruiei s exercife a proper
authority. Every family fhould have one, and only
one proper head who fliould take the government
thereof, and in all cafes endeavour to rule with juf-
tice, having aparticular regard for all about him, let¬
ting forth good examples, .walking in ,the ways of
goo'linefs and true piety, praying with and for them
<j£t; yea we are exhorted 10 '• pray without coaling,"
and in every thing to give vhank*. If "e neg!e& pub¬
lic prayer, praife and thanksgiving in our families, do
we not leave tiitm all to walk in the dark, as it were^
whiie we fuffer our light to be hidden under the bufliel
of worldly cares, or under the bed of fijth, while
we ourfelves walk unworthy the chriftian name. A
family {herald not be governed byp.ifiioi>, ju'.lice fhould
be tempered with judgment and tuerey. In vain does
the paffionate, fracbous, turbulent and niconfiderate
jf>erfon, after being the caufe of a whole day's unhap.
v uinefs
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 169,
tiefs and riifcontentin -his familv, at night, call on all
-orany of them to join him in the worlhip of Cod,
while every mind is tilled with piejudice, every eye
vnhevil and every f-> igue ready li»tay, phyticiari
ti fal thylelf," or Ouhr-rwiie, * rhou h 'pocrite fiift caft
c«t the beam out 11 thine own eye " Therefore every
-ru'er of 4 f« raily flmu'd always rember that example
has the mo I powerful, influence, without which all
■our admo lition, will in all probability, prove iiuffec-
tuaL Pat errs fliould be careful to preferve and cu'ti-
■vate the morals of their children, they fhould uft i eir
authoiiry and not gratify them id their own wicked de-
fires, loch as ii olickiug, vain company keeping g n ing,
idle viiits on the Lord's clay, &c. but Ihould tu that
alay carry them to 1 ices of public worfhip and after
they return ende*vour to inaprefs upon their minds
the things they br aid For after giving too great a loofe
to the reins of om tl ildreu's lulls, we ih.ill And our
reproof® ro beii vain. Witvefs Lheionsof F.ii, n Sam»
ji. 24. 5. And Solomon fay?, "HJhafien thy fun
while there is li ipr, and let not thy foul fpare for his
-efying," Prnv jrix i&. It w« cannot command the
hearts of our child; en and la inly p*> make them pray,
and love Cod, we may teatb -aid admoniih them; and
fhould all our endeavours fail, we may laftly have re-
courfe to the example of Job. job t. 5.
And further, with refptft to the obfervation of good
works, relative to family duty% k becomes every mem¬
ber of a family to pra,lice the parricularduties in the
refpefiive places, our Div.ne Lord and Mailer has
placed us in, as kv(bands to love their wives and be
mot bitter ngalxid them. Wives to fubmit the ufelvesr
to their own hulband®. Servants to be obedient to
"ihcir mailers, and pleafe them well in all things.
Mailers to give unto their fervanta that which is juflt
and equal. Parents not to provoke their children to.
anger led they be difcouraged ; as well as for children
fo obey their parents. Col. ill.
Laftly, we fhould look to our own fouls, drive to
walk humbly with-God, and itudy t< hew ourftlves
approved of him in all things, p«itn of gmi workst
.mid endeavour to keep a coiifciear void of of¬
fence to check and keep under as hiikIi as pofiible
All our unruily paffionsj to watch and pray, and
P avoid*
no HISTORY #f THg $EBUKEE
avoid, as far asia us lies, g'ving any caufe wheFehy
the enemies of the Lord may fpeak evil of us, or blaf»
phenie that worthy name by which we are called.
Ready at »1I times to reprove viceftriving to confirm
ail our reproofs, eounfels or admonitions by a regu¬
lar life, pious walk, and godly converfation We
fhonld be careful to read and (tudy the fcriptures,
pod often to withdraw from the hurries of life to le»
cret prayer and meditation; for where thefe duties
are neglected, our cafe becomes very alarming, we
then grow cold, backGde, aori in a particular man¬
ner may give the enemy of fouls great advantage
over ns.
And now may the kind and good Lord ftrengthen,
tiphold, aid enable yot) to watch and pray, fill vop
with every good word and work, corofo'tyou abund¬
antly, and preferve yon blamelefs until his fecond
appearance to vific his Hreping faints, and to be ad-
ppred by all who love him, and long for his glorious
appearance. Amen
Signed by order,
NATHAN MaYO, Moderator,
LEMUEL BUREITT, Cleif,
»... . ..I ntKgaafflginau—
CHAP, X.
| . What a true Church of Christ is, the
Manner of receiving Members, Constitu¬
tion, Displine, Officers, Sic. History, of
the seven Churches east of Chowan Biverx
viz. Camden, Yoppim, Couuenjock, Saw¬
yer s Creek, Knobscrook, Flatty Creek
end BaUqrd's bridge, Memors of Elders
Done, Cole, Harmon, Welsh, Yc.
HAVING gone through the material
parts of the Historv of the Associa*
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. lit
tion, we shall now proceed to the history*
of the churches, as they relate to the Kc-
huk.ee Association ; and to the Virginia
Portsmouth and Nease Associations*
which were formed out ot this. And before
we enter on the description of the same, it
wouid be necessary to say something about
a church of Christ; its Constitution, Officers^
their Oiidanition, Church Government, &.c.
A church of Christ is a congregation of
men and women, publickly professing
faith in Christ Jesus, and being regular¬
ly baptized by immersion, who have cove¬
nanted together^ given themselves up to
one another in the Lord, to be governed
by his word, and to be guided by a regu¬
lar and proper discipline, agreeably to the
Holy Scriptures. [See breface.]
The customary way which the baptist
churches in the Kehukee Association, re*
ceive members into church-fellowship,
for the person who is desirous of admission
into the church, to attend at church con¬
ferences ; and when conference sits, to
come into the church^and signify his inten¬
tion to the minister, or some of the mem¬
bers; and the church then sitting, the par¬
ty who applies shall relate his experience,
setting forth how the Lord awakened hkny
and brought him to a sense ofhislost state
by nature; how he had seen the insuffici¬
ency
172 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
ency of his own works to save him : And
how the Lord had Feveakd to him the
way of life and salvation through Jesus
Christ.; and the reasons he has to believe
that he is interested in this.glorious plan ;
and the evidences that he has become a
new creature. If any doubt remain, the
minister, or any of the members present,
ask such questions a.s are necessary rela¬
tive thereto y and satisfaction being ob¬
tained, then the minister usually asks the
church respecting the life and conversa¬
tion of the candidate. And if there be
general satisfaction,the minister and mem¬
bers give him the right hand of fellow¬
ship^ Then a time is appointed for his
baptism; *and being assembled at the side
of some convenient.water, after singing and
prayer, the-minister takes the canditate
by the hand, and leads him into the
watery and at the same time having hold
of the hands of the party to be baptized
in one of his, and the other hand holding
by a ban kerchief tied fast round his head*
shall d^him.discretly backwards*, all un¬
der
* The practice of baptizing Backwards, has been objected
t* by fome locieties ; and therefore has been pra&it'ed by
dipping the pcrCouJoriuards. And fome others, by way of
ridicule, fay, "They have no opinion of perfons going to
" to heaven backwards." To fuch we reply, The fcriptures
call l^ptii'm a burial, Rom. vi. 4. and we all know that it
is n&tcuftomary to bury people with their faces ckwn--
ward-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 173
der water, expressing these words, or some
similar thereto, " In the name of our
" Lord Jesus Christ, and by the authority
C( of our office, I baptize thee, in the name
" of the Father, and of the Son, and of
" the Holy Ghost." After the solemnity
is performed, they both coming up out of
the water, join the congregation in singing.
" Do we not know that solemn word,
"That we are buried with the Lord j
" Baptiz'd into his death, and then
" Put off the body of our sin," &c.
■*—At the water, the newly baptized person
is met by the brethren, who sometimes
Salute him, thus,- " You are welcome to
" the cross, dear brother."
Some years past it was usual, after the
£arty baptized v/as dressed, and had come
info the congregation-,- for the minister to
lay titi hands on him and pfay. But of
late years the practice of laving on of
hands on Baptized members is disused in
the Kehukee Association v as it is thought
the few passages which mention it in the
Kew Testament, allude to miracclous gifts'
being conveyed, by the laying on of the
hands of inspired men in the Apostolic days-..
As to the number sufficient to constitute
a church, we do not know the scriptures
point out. Soine suppose if is necessary
there should be thirteen, because Jesus<
P P
m HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
and the twelve Apostles were present at
the first celebration of the sapper. Others'
descended to seven. Tertullian to three y
ubi tres eccksia est Exh. de cast, Ch. 7.
Our Lord says, where two or three are ga¬
thered together in my name, I will- be irr
the midst of them 3 and we read of churches
being in some houses or familes, as was
the case with Aqurlla and Priscilla, Rom.
Xvi. 5, i. Cor. xvi. IP, also that of Phi¬
lemon, verse 2d, The church in thy house.
Yet, notwithstanding, we are left at an un¬
certainty to know how many were in those
families; nor can we suppose any particu¬
lar number is intended by our Lord. We
judge that where there are a sufficient
number to carry on church discipline, with
suitable church officers, it is sufficient to
constitute a church.
I n the next place we will treat of the
manner in which a church is constituted,
according to the mode usually practised
In our Association.
The newly constitued churches in this
Association, are such as have beets consti¬
tued out of the old churches, being bran¬
ches or arms of the same. Being gather¬
ed, baptized and received members of such
churches :- And when ripe, for constitution,,
Usually petition the body for dismission in
order thereto y and having obtained a re-
gulaf dismkAon^ a day of tasting appoint-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. \15
ed for tlae purpose, one or more ministers pre¬
sent, the members all should be present and
and give in a list of their names, and produce
their dismission from the body. The minis^
sters enquire whether it is their desire to be¬
come a church, whether their hibttations are
near enough to each other, conveniently to
attend church conferences r Whether they
are so well acquainted with each other's
life and conversation as to coalesce into-'
one body, and walk together in love and
fellowship ? Whether it is their intention to
keep up a regular discipline agreeably to the
scriptures, to make God'sxvord the rule of
their conduct in church government, obey¬
ing his ordinances, and in matters of faith,
and all other things relative thereto in a
church relation, and by these things dis¬
tinguish themselves as a true church of
Christ ? These things being answered in
the affirmative, then a covenant is produced,
similar to that mentioned, page 3© and
being read, consented to, and subscribed,
the ministers pronounce them a church, in
some such words as these, " In the name
" of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by the au-
*• thorny of our office, we pronounce you,
" [mentioning their names] a true gospel
" church j endowed with ail necessary pow-
" er towards becoming a complete orga-
" nized body, and the due government of
"yourselves) and therefore stand bound
If®* HISTORY OF THE KEftUKEtf
** to make proper use of that power, as- yd
" shall answer it to the head of the church.
" On whose name let us further call."
Then they pray to God for a blessing oil
them', and conclude by singing his praise,
and giving each other the right hand of
fellowship.- The church thus constituted,>
haYe full power to choose their officers, re¬
ceive Members, and deal with offenders.-
The last case is, when any member trans-
grosses', and sins against God, any mem¬
ber or members who are acquainted with
if, Ought to go and charge the offending
brother \vith the crime ;• and if he make'
confession of his sin and appear penitent,
&nd the offence be of a private natsre, the1
dealing is carried no further. See Mat.-
x'viii.- But if it be a public transgression,?
he must be cited to appear before the'
church 5 and being charged with the crime,,
if he confess it,- and express satisfactory
signs of repentance, he is then restored to1
fellowship :: But if he prove incorrigible„•
he is put out of the communion of the'
church, until he be restored by repentance'
and reformation-.
The principal officers in the church are'
Ministers and Deacons. It has long beert
the opinion of the Association that there is;
#10 more to1 be continued in the church, or
that is sufficiently authorised from the word1
Of Godv The churches in the Kehukee'
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. iff
Association, at first, had ruling Elders*
But it has a great while been the opinion
of most ot the churches belonging to that
Association, that there are rio i tiling Elders
mentioned in the scriptures, distinct from
Teachers, who are called Elders. There¬
fore the practice of having ruling Elders,
distinct trom the ministers, is laid aside.
This subject has often been debated in the
Association, and the only reasons which
they have assigned for not having ruling
Eiders, when those queries have been dis¬
cussed, are, I. The word ot God no where
points out the qualifications $uch officers,
as is the case with Ministers and Deacons.
2, No example in the New Testament of
any being called, nor the time when, and
manner how they were ordained to office.
3. No work prescribed in the word of God
for them to do. The Minister's work is'
pointed out, " To teach, rebuke, exhort,'
&c. The Deacon's work prescribed, viz.
*' To serve labias.'1 But no work pointed
out lor a ruling Elder. The work design¬
ed tor an E according to Mr. Hooker
and others, would be expressly to break
one or Christ's commands. If thy bro¬
ther trespass against thee, says our Lord,
go and veil him his fault : Bur they say, we
must go and tell the Elders ot it, and it is
tneir work to try to settle it. Upon the
whole
lis tilSTORY ot fHE KEHUKEE
"Whole, we know not any thing they havS
to do, distinct from the Minister, Deacon*
and what is every member'* duty to do.
As we hold only these two, and as the
office, call and ordmation of a minister
have been treated of before, we shall on¬
ly give an example of the ordination of a
Dcucon.
It is necessary there should be two or
Snore Deacons in every church. The of¬
fice of a De- icon is secular, extending to
ail the secular affairs of the church, Acts*
vi. 2. 3. 4. His office authorises him to
require, receive and lay out money towards
answering the church's worldly necessity..
The scriptures when speaking of his of¬
fice notes it under the terms* business, dai*
ly ministration, helping, caring for the poor*
collecting, distributing and serving tables,* viz.
the table of the Lord, tabie of the minister*
and the table of the poor. Acts, vi. 5. i.
Cor. xii28. Gal. ii. 10. John xii. 6. Their'
qualifications ar£ expressed both negative-*
}y and positively by the Apostle Paul — Sot
doubled tongned, not greedy of flly lucre ;
but grave, holding the mystery of the faith
in a pure conscience ; approved, blameless, thi'
husband of one wife, ruling his children and!
house zvell, men of honest report,full 0f the'
Holy Ghost and wisdom, i. Tim. iii. chap.
Acts* vi 3. Requisite to their ordination*
is
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. I7»
jt is neeessary there be? 1. A meeting of
the church. 2. Two ministers present at
the least. The ministers to enquire into
their call and qualification, then lay hands
on them and pray; and conclude the so¬
lemnity by a charge given, and singing
God's praise, in a hymn suitable to the oc-
casion.
The fyehukee' Association at present
contains 31 churches, viz. Bertie, Camden,
Cashie, Chowan and Gates, Cowenjock,
Connoho, Connetoe, Ccnnaritsey, Cross
Roads in Edgecomb, Falls of Tar River,
Fishing Creek, Flat Swamp, Flatty Creek,
Great Swamp, Haywood's Meeting House
in Franklin, Kehukee, Knobscrook, Mo-
fattuck, Mattamuskeet, Maple Spring,
Pungo, Quonkey, Rocky Swamp, Reedy
Creek, Sandy Creek, Sawyer's Creek,
Scuppernong, Skewarky, Wiccacon, Me-
Jherrmand Yoppim.
Fhese churches originally took their
names from some water course near which
the meeting-house stands, and if there be
no water course near, nor othernoted place,
they usually bear the name of the county
where the churches are. And in the mi-
putes of each Association, they are print¬
ed as they stand alphabatically. The Ber¬
tie church is the first in order, and the
jjpst Ui the Association ©n its present plan j
!S0 HISTORY ©F THE KEHUKEE
but not the first constituted church. We
shall treat ot the churches, not as they
stand in alphabetical order, but as they are
connected in Union Meetings. Beginning
with those on the east of Chowan River.
And first with the Camden church.
The Church in Camden county, JV. Carolina.
This is an ancient and respectable
church. This church (according to Asp-
lund's Register) was constituted in the
year 1777. More can be said of this than
any church in our connection, with respect
to her fruitfulness. She has borne nine
isons, or ministers of the gospel; and six
daughters, or constituted churches. Mine
ministers have been raised in this church,
viz- Elder Barges, and his two sons John
and William Barges j and Elders Burkitt,
Etheridge, White, Davis Biggs, Lurry and
Duncan. Six churches have been consti¬
tuted from this, viz. Pungo, in Princess
Anne county, Virginia, Cowenjock, Saw¬
yer's Creek. Ivnobscrook, Flail v Creek and
Yoppim. And the churches at Black Wa¬
ter and London Bridge, in Princess Anne,
may also claim affinity, being descendants
from one of her children, ft is believed that
this church was originally gathered and
organized on the free-wili plan, but has
for a a great many years been established
en the orthodox system, Elder John Bur-
-BAPTIST ASSOCIATION'. J8{
gwewas^ a.burning and a shinjnglight, and
in his day the doctrines they held were
purely Calvinistic. After the death of El¬
der Burges, they were attended occasional¬
ly by Elders Charles Daniel, John Moore.,
John Meglamre, and other travelling mi¬
nisters, until Elder Abbot took the care of
them. And after the death of Elder Ab¬
bot, Elder Davis Biggs took the care of
that church for a few years, then resigning
his pastoral charge, he left them and mov¬
ed to Port sm o u th.
Religion hashadits ebbing and flow¬
ing in that church for many years, Some¬
times it appeared at a low ebb, then it
would revive, About three years since,
commenced a happy revival, which ha?
continued for some time. A good many
have been called in in this stir. Their meet-
ingsare holden the Saturday before the first
Sunday in every month. Their yearly meet¬
ings, the Saturday before the first Sunday
in September; and quarterly meetings, re¬
gularly once in three months afte;> through®
out the year.
The Church at. Yoppim, Chozvan county,
Noiih-Carolina,
Is so called, because the members thereof
are near to, and the meeting-house stnnds
on the head waters of Yoppim River.
A small river which divides the counties of
Q. Chowan
182 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
Chowan and Perquimans. This church
was originally a branch of the Camdeq
church, and was constituted a little'aftefy
the revolution at the Falls of Tar River,
and was one of the ten churches that first
composed our body at Sappony, in Sussex
county, Virginia.
The gospel, by the Baptists, was first
preached here about 1764. Elders Henry
Hone, John Burges, Henry Abbot and
"William Cole were some of the first Bap¬
tist ministers of our order, who preached
about Yoppim. Elder Done was born,
raised, and baptized in England ; came
over to America, and lived not far from
Edenton. He was a man of a very exten¬
sive memory, had a good acquaintance
with the scriptures, and a remarkable gift
in prayer, and tolerable good in exhorta¬
tion ; but not extraordinary in preaching.
He became a member of this church after,
it was gathered, and continued in it . with
approbation for several years. But by rea¬
son of his advanced state in life, he did not
preach very frequently. He had no wife nor
family ; and at last finished his course with
joy, being nearly 80 years of age.
Elder Cole was from a small boy
brought up to. the sea, and was miracu¬
lously converted on a voyage to Lisbon.
While on the passage the Lord was pleas¬
ed to shew him whgt a vile sinner he was^
Baptist association.
153
&ft<l fiis dangerous state by nature. In Hte
distress, never having had a religious edtf-
featicfn, and no religious book on board*
except the Bible, he had no where to ap¬
ply for direction but to the Lord. He
Searched the scriptures, and his distress
increased to such an height* he was .not
abl£ to perforin his duty on board the ves¬
sel. He used to say* when his soul was
Overwhelmed in sorrow, and he read how
in times of old, some would repent in sack¬
cloth and ashesi he would go down in the
vessel* and wallow and eoverhimself in a
heap of sand, hoping the Lord Would hear
•him, btit he found no relief. But at last
it pleased God fo reteal his Son in him, the
fiope of glory ; and his soul was in such
raptures and joys, he could not contain
himself night lior day.- Praying, praising
God* and exhorting the sailors, were his
chief employ.' He was Mate of the ves¬
sel* -.and in the absence of the Captain, fre¬
quently would order the Sailors in his pre¬
sence* and begin to preach to them. The
Captain thought hini road, and threatened
to have him put in irons. Heat this time,
for want of better information, thought he
eould work miracles, ni d often told the
Captaia he could drink poison, or walk on
the water. But the Lord through his good-
ftess prevented him from making the attempt,'
He
fn HrsTo?vY mmmt
He at length was measurably. convince#
that the power of working miracles- was*
ceased, from an attempt he. made to-cut
off one of hh toes- with a'Fazo*, and had
partly done sa, but could not heal it, As-
soon as he arrived at Ed en ton, he began to
preach to the inhabitants, The people had
their attention very much engaged, from a
report which prevailed. It was said a man
Was to preach, who " declared he had
been dead arid Was alive again ;< and that
s* he should never die." Who reported it,
we know not, but take it in a spiritual
sense it Blight be true. He travelled to*
the south and met with some free-wiii Bap¬
tists, and was baptized by Elder* Winfield.
He lived awhile near Yoppim, then mov¬
ed to Princess Anne, thence to Bertie, and
then into Hertford county ; and in or about
the year i785, he left this country, master'
of a vessel bound to tire West-Indies, and
he nor any of his mew ever returned agaiOji
we expect he made his- grave in the great
deep, I>j was a very pious zealous- good,
christian, and we hope he is now whepe
winds and waves- can no more distress.
He left a wife and several small children
behind, who sometime past removed to
Cumberland in Tennessee^
The first person we. know of who was
a resident near Yoppim, and was receivsd
Into
fiAfTIST ASSOCIATION.
Into the Baptist church, was Joseph Creec'yy
a man of considerable fortune, and in
much esteem amongst the people. After
he had a hope the Lord had converted his
soul, went down to Pasquotank (now Carh-
den) and was baptized by Elder Burges.
And it raised the admiration of his neigh¬
bours, because when he was baptized, it
was in the time of a great snow* But we
think, we can, as-old- experienced minis¬
ters, who have baptized hundreds* testify
that we never knew a person receive any
damage by going into the water at such
times ; no, not even so much ate to take
cold. After brother Creecy had joined the
Churchy soon after Abraham Jennet, De¬
light Nixon, Jonathan Haughton, Thomas
and Mary Burkitt,- Me Win Dukes and
others,-were baptized. ,
About this time, Eld'ef iLimtiel Burkrtt
got awakened,- and had reason to hope he'
experienced- converting grace, and began*
to read in public congregations at- his fa¬
ther's* near Where the meeting house now
stands.- He was now tweidv years of ase.
* * * y
After entertaining the people with White-
field's and Wi bison's sermons for a while,-
be began to write his o\tn sermons and
#ead the in to the people ; Indto pray wkh-
fhemf. Some time after kef was convinced
4$ kb# duty of Baptism, an<£ was baptized
44 9,
fffff Ffrsl'ORY Of tat KEtfO'KE£
by Elder Abbot in Pasquotank river, July*
1771, and began to preach the gospel in
two months alter.
The few members who were gathered
here, continued a branch of Camden
churchy Elder Abbot used to attend them
at times, and the places he preached at*
were chiefly Joseph Creecy's and Thomas
Burkitt'sv This branch kept increasing un¬
til the year 1775, when it became a consti¬
tuted body.- The meeting house is east of
Edenton, about Ave miles.
After the Constitution took place, they
were still attended by Elder Abbot for some
time, until it pleased Divine' Providence*
to raise ap and call to the ministry,- Elder*
Thomas Harmon, who some time alter was -
ordained pastor of that church, bv Elders
Burkittand Welsh. Elder Harmon con--
tinned preaching and baptizing, for several
years; then .applied-to-the church-for,, and-:
received a- dismission* and moved to Cum'
berlandrwhere he died. The church-after
this for awhile were without a pastor* un¬
til Elder Rosi came and took the charge of
them, who is now their existing pastor*
Their public meetings are hoi den at Yap*
pirn meeting-house, on the Saturday befoio
the fourth Sunday in.every month. Yearly
meeting in August, and quarterly hi N<o~
vcmber,-February,and May. On the Satpr-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 187
day before the 2d Sunday in every month*
is stated meetings at Yoppimchapel. This
church has had lately a comfortable revival,
34 were baptized here last year ; and ther
church now contains 176 members.
The Church at Cowenjock, Currituck coun¬
ty, North-Carolina.
This church was also a branch of the
church in Camden. The membes near this
place were at first received at the old meet¬
ing-house, in Camden,and continued mem¬
bers of that church for some time, until they
erected a meeting-house near Cowenjock^
and conference was then balden here and
communion administered. In the year 1780
(accordingto Asplund'sRegister) they were
constituted into a church, but were with¬
out a settled pastor. Elders Jonathan Barnes
and William Lurry, were preachers in this
church. They are now attended, and the
ordinances administered to them by Elder
Etheridge. We are encouraged, by their
letter to the last Association, to hope that
a revival is taking place amongst them.
Their number oi members at present is
50.
The Church an Saysyer's Creek, Camden
county,
Was likewise a branch of Camden old
church, The members who originally
composed this churchy were received al
f8& HISTORY OF the KEHUfcEE
the old meeting house, and becarrfcf
members there, until a very commodious
meeting-house was erected on Sawyer's
Creek. Then a number were dismissed
from that church, and were constituted in¬
to a church here about l790, and Elder
Thomas Etneridge became their pastor.
The members of this and the Camden
church are intermixed, and there are no
natural bounds which divide the churches.
There has been no great revival here, nor
many members added since the constitu¬
tion thereof. The church only contains
about 34 members.- There are no minis¬
terial gifts in this church that we know of,-
except Elder Et'heridge'.-
The Church at Knobscrook, Pasquotank'
county, North-Carolina,-
Was also- a branch of the church in
Camden. The meeting, house at* which1
this church assembles is within two miles*
of Elizabeth City, the metropolis of Pas¬
quotank. Several of the members who:
belonged to-this church, were baptized a
good many years ago, and continued mem¬
bers of the church in Camden, until about
1786, when- they were constituted into a1
church.
The gospel' was first preached in this;
jieighbourhood,by the Baptists about }7G0.-
Udirs Surges, Abbot and Camtwdl:f
W&&
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. IB#
Were some of the first ministers who. preachy
e4 here. Elder Burkitt used to attend
them very frequently in ] 771 and T7t2,
There were two brethren in the ministry,
.viz. Smithson and Jennings, in this branch
of the church, who used to exercise their
gifts in public ; but they never became
Very popular. This church has never in¬
creased much since her constitution. They
only contain, according to theacounts re¬
turned to the last Association, about 25
members. They have no settled pastor at
.present.' They are attended by travelling
ministers^ and Elder Etheridge usually ad¬
ministers the ordinances to them. There
.'are some very respectable members in this
little church. Bailey Jackson, Esq. one
of their members, has been a member of
the General Assembly for that county se¬
veral years. From tbeir last accounts we
hope a revi val is taking place in this church*
The Church at J laity. Creek, in the same
county.
This church is so called, because the
members thereof live, and the meeting
house stands, near to a Creek so called, in
Pasquotank county, to the east of Nixon ton.
It was formerly a branch ot Camden
church, and the members who were first
received, and baptized here, belonged to
that church. Eider Game well used to. at¬
tend
f9a History of the kehuke^
tend at Col. Lowry's, and baptized sofh&
iliembers. Elder Abbot iisedto attend ori
Kewbiggin Creek, and received some. El¬
der Buikitt used to attend statedly at'
'"William Freshwaters's, in 1772. After
a sufficient number were gathered, they
Were constituted into a church in 1790.
There were two members in this church,-
who used to exercise their gifts in the work
of the ministry, viz Pendleton and Luteii.
The church some years past were reduced
to a very low ebb with respect to religion.
The church got divided, and very little or
no discipline was carried on in the churchy
and the ordinances intirely omitted, until
very lately the church agreed to meet to¬
gether, and come under re-examinariony
and such with whom the church had ndt
fellowship to be set aside; which was ac¬
cordingly done. Many of the old mem¬
bers died, and moved away in the time of
the declension, so that the church sinceher
new settlement only consisted of 26 mem¬
bers, 9 of whom were baptized in a short-
time after.—They inform us in their letter
to the last Association, that the Lord is*
carrying on a gracious work amongst them,
and love and fellowship seem to abound.
They have no settled pastor. Elder Mar¬
tin Ross attends them, preaches and ad¬
ministers the ordinances to them.
T/tf
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.. J9J
The Church at Ballard's■ Bridge, in Chow*
an county,
The meeting-house at which this con¬
gregation assembles, is about fourteen
miles west of Edenton, and stands near
a creek bridge, called Ballard's bridge,
The first Baptist minister of our order who
preached near this place, wras Elder Bur^
Jcitt. In the year of 1772, he preached
once or twice near Tarrapin Hill. And by
reason of a remarkable dream he had, oc¬
casioned him and Elder Dargan to preach
several sermons in those regions 3 and we
believe were attended with a peculiar
blessing. We do not place much confidence
in dreams, but we believe that the Lord
sometimes warns- his people in dreams.
This appears to be the case in the present:
instance, as related by Elder Burkitt,
And from the happy effects which took
place, consequent thereon, and for the
satisfaction of our readers how the Lord
carries into effect his divine purposes, we
will give a relation of the whole matter,
In the year 1772, Elder Burkitt and Elder
Abbot travelled together from Camden to
Amelia, in Virginia, to preach the gospel.
On their return, they parted at Suffolk towmj
lie intending for Camden, and Elder
Burkitt for Edenton. It is about fifty-five
jnilcs from Suffolk to Edenton. This dis^
tancc
Mt HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
tance Elder Burkitt rode by himself ; and
as he travelled the road, bis mind seemed
solemnly impressed with a sense of the
state of that people, as there appeared to
be none who professed religion, or seemed
to care for their soul's concern. Jn the
evening he took up his quarters near BaU
lard's bridgp, and the people of the house
had no thought about religion. The small
children were so well trained up in vice,
that a small boy about nine or ten years of
age had a pack of cards, and was challeng¬
ing the whole company to play. Elder
Burkitt being a good deal fatigued, went
to bed, and that night lie dreamed that an
angel of God appeared to him, with a
map in hi.s hand, in which was drawn the
figure of the roads, on which he said the
gospel had never been preached, viz. from
buffolk to Edenton, from Suffolk to the
Great bridge, and from Suffolk to the head
of Perquimans river. This was represented
fn drawn lines on paper, and appeared so
plainly in his view, that he drew off* the fi¬
gure next day in his journal. The angel
of whom he dreamed, ordered Elder Bur¬
kitt, as he thought, to CaH for Elder
Jonathan Thomas, or Elder Dargan, and
" make appointments, and offer to preach
the gospel to these people twice in each
place i and if they refused to hear, he
ft should
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. m
At should be clear from their blood." Ac¬
cordingly, Elder B.urkitt, without delay*,
applied to Elder Dargan, appointed, at¬
tended and preached at the respective
places. Elder Welsh, a resident near Bal¬
lard's bridge, hearing that the Baptists were
about to preach in these parts, and bear¬
ing of several appointments, was resolved
to attend all of them, and bear all he
could, as he expected to hear some strange
doctrine from these New-Light Baptists.
Accordingly he attended ; and as he
often has said, the first or second sermon
he was stricken with conviction and never
nested satisfied until he had a hope Iris soul
was converted. He was baptized and
joined the church near Wiccacon, which
was a branch of the church at Cashie.
Thus the work began about Ballard's
bridge. Elder Welsh became a pious zeal¬
ous preacher of the gospel. And soon af¬
ter he began to preach, several others got
converted in this neighbourhood, and join¬
ed the same church, until a sufficient num¬
ber were gathered, and then they were
constituted into a church, in 1781. Elder
Welsh became their pastor, and continued
several years, until it was the will of his
Eord and master, to cail him home. The
.chureh was then a few years without a pas?-
•tor, at length Elder John M'Cabe bccamg
ii fb,e
IH ;-AofORY or im KEHUKEE
'he pastor thereof, and continues in thai
office to the present time. They have ex¬
perienced no great revivals of late. Their
yearly meeting is the Saturday before the
second Sunday in August, and quarterly
once in three months from that time
throughout the year. Their number at
resent is about 79.
CHAP. XT.
History of the , five churches that compose
the Bertie Union Meeting ; containing
the churches belonging to the Association
between Boanoke, Chozcan, and Meherrin^
viz. The Bertie church. The church (it
Cashie, I Vice aeon, Meherrin mid Von*
nariLy.
rHESE seven churches last treated of,
compose the Union Meeting east df
howan river ; we shall next in place give
diort description of the Bertie Union
Meeting, and first of the
Bertie Church.
This church was so called because It
was the first church constituted in that
county, and many.of the members thereof,
t the first establishment of the,same, we*i
scattered
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 1**
Scattered over the county in different neigh¬
bourhoods. But at present there are lour
constituted churches in the county, "lhe
church at Casbie was the next to tbiy, and.
when that church was gathered in the
same county, this still retained the name of
the Bertie Church, and that the name of
Coshie Church. This church was original¬
ly at her first constitution, what was then
Called a Regular.. Baptist church, and we
think we can boast that we have never as
yet departed from our original principles.
This church was the first in the Kehukefi
Association that raised a bar of communi¬
on'against the'members baptized in unbe¬
lief, and has ever since, in the minutes,
stood the .first--in order,011' the list. The
meeting-house stands in the upper end of
the county, about three miles from Nor-
flact's ferry, on Roanoke river, and about
two from Sandy Run. The first minister
of the Baptist society who preached in this
neighbourhood, ok our order, was Elder
Thomas Tope, and through his instrumen¬
tality the church was gathered here; and
Elder Abinglon, who was converted under
the ministry ol Elder Pope, joined this
church, and at length became the Pastor
thereof about the year 1761, and continu¬
ed until his death in the pastoral function.
Alter the death of Elder Abiupton ,T-
ft# HtZTOftT or The KEHUKEE
church was greatly reduced. <c Iniquity'
abounded and the love of many waxed
cold,-" Disorders and divisions took place'
amongst many of the members, but there"
were a few who remained steadfast and
orderly,- The great desirfe these had for a-
reformation and revival in the church, in¬
duced thenr to'pe Pi tibn the Association in
i 772, for advice in this matter. The As¬
sociation. taking the same under conside¬
ration , appointed Eiders-Jonathan Thomas^
John Moore and Eemuel B-urkitt to attend
them,- and- advise them to such measures
as-were likely to regain'a general fellow-*
ship in the church'. Who accordingly at-'
tended,.andin conference assembled, ad-*
vised the church to relate their experiences-
and1 come under reexamination; and for"
all disorderly members, and such as with*
whom.:the church had not fellowship,, to be*
excluded; Which they agreed, to and ac¬
cordingly put irr-practice,, and a majority"
©f members were received, and some were'
refused; The church thus established on.
a new. constitution,, made choice of Elder'
B-urkitt for their Pastor, who was accord-
in gdy ordained by Elders Thomas and Me-
giamre, November, 17-73'. The succeed--
ing year a very considerable revival took
place in this church. Many attended on-
die word preached, appeared wonderfully^
affected,.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 197.
affected, and an uncommon power was
manifest amongst the people. Some would,
fall to the ground as suddenly as if strick¬
en by lightning, and would to appearance
remain in a state of insensibility for hours,
r»Qt able to move a limb. Some would be
taken with a tremour as if they had a vio¬
lent ague. Others would be so powerful¬
ly affected, they would be exercised nearly
like a person with the hickup. And ma¬
ny were truly affected at heart who made
little or no noise. Thus the work began,
encreased and was carried on, so that El¬
der Bufkitt within two years after he took
the charge of this church, baptized nearly
1£0. In the time of the revival there was
a .branch gathered in Northampton county,
N- C. on and near Potacasy-Creek, where
there has since been a.meeting-houbC built,
and to which a considerable part of this
church belongs, and have been a long, time
ripe for constitution, but will not as yet
consent to it. Another branch was gather¬
ed' in Bertie on Connar.itsy, which is now
constituted into a church, and has become
a member of the Association. Alter a
few years this extraordinary work in a
measure subsided, and many of the old
members died, and a coiisi<iera-ble number
moved to the western countries, and some
were excommunicated for
R R
m HISTORY o F" ihE KEHURE2
But few added, so that the number of mem*-
bers was greatly'reduced, and the state of'
religion very cold until the year 1801, when"
Eider BUrkitt took a journey'to the states^
©f Tennessee and Kentucky, and was ab¬
sent from his church on the journey near¬
ly four months. When he returned his;
soul seemed full of love, and his religious <
exercises greatly revived at seeing the great'
revival in Kentucky.- His church seemed;
very glad to see him return, and soon after '
a gracious revival took place again in;
this church's The con gregation1 in creased.-
Evening meetings again were appointed,,
and more attended them than used to at¬
tend Sunday meetings before; The wordi
preached was usually attended with - a.
blessing;. The hearts of the people seem--
ed'^pen. A fast was proclaimed by the"
church, and the Eord heard the prayers of'
bis church. And commonly- when a revi--
vai tabes place, hr a- church, the people of'
God are made greatly to-desire it previous--
t'o its commencement;. The youth appeal¬
ed to be the first imprest with-1 a -religious ^
concern.- Seldom a meeting, after the re--
vival took place but-what some offered for;'
membership—four, five, six,- and as many-
as eleven have been baptized at a time Tin
about two years-as many as 150 have beem
Maotizejd.- Many travelling. ministers^iisiG-
ech
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 19^
cd' us in this time of revival, and their la¬
bours seemed blessed. As this church was
the first that experienced a revival in this
part of the Association, so the work spread
through the adjacent churches. Some of-
almost all ages, from sixteen to eighty,
have been called in and joined this church.
Several worthy characters have been add¬
ed to the church in the revival. Several
in the commission of the peace, and others
in office have been ' baptized here. And '
although the work was not so rapid in its
progress as in some other places, and we
might reasonably expect that some chaff,
as well as good wheat, would be gathered*
into the garner, yet we can bless God, we"
have not as jet had occasion to seclude'
one member from, fellowship since the re*
vival commenced'.-
Since the first constitution of this-5
church,- a- few ministring.. brethren have-
been'' raised, up in- it,- and called to the-
work of the ministry, viz: Elders Amos*
Ilarrell, Robert Moral, M'Allister Vinson,.
Pitts Ivirbyr Frederick Futrall, James Rut¬
land and James^ Vinson. Elder Harrell-
has been dismissed, and is-now a member
of the church at Connoho, and become'
their Pastor. Elder Moral was dismissed*
to the church'on Meherrin,- in Southamp--
Virginia;, and- become' their Pastor;/
I-ltts-
2#0 HISTORY «.f the KEHUKF.E
Pitts Kirby and Frederick: Futrall are cJIsr-
missed from the church militant to the
church triumphant. James Vinson was a
member of that branch of the church on
Pdttacasy, and a resident of Northampton
county—he was a pious good man. He
exercised his gift several years, but never
had the charge of any church. He was in
the commission of -the peace, and was a
member of. the Convention for the delibe¬
ration of the Federal Constitution. He
was Sheriff of the county ' of Northamp¬
ton the year before he died. He departed
this life, December, 1798. The. number
of members ' at present in the Bertie
church, is about 220. Their yearly meet¬
ing is holden at Sandy-Run, the Saturday
before the fourth Sunday in September.
And quarterly the same time in December,
March\ and-June. And statedly at the
same time once a month. Quarterly meet¬
ings at Pottacasy are holden the Saturday
before the second Sunday in January, A-
pril, July and October.
The Church at Cashie, Bertie county, Ar. C.
The gospel, by the Baptists, was first
preached here by Elder Dargan, who was
formerlya resident of South-Carolina ; but
by the direction of divine Providence he
moved into this neighbourhood, and set¬
tee! near Cashie. Before a meetru: hot? —■
baptist association. 20#
built he usually preached at a Mr.
Sowell's, and at other,private houses in the
settlement, and was greatly persecuted by
a few, who used all their influence to pre¬
vent him from preaching, particularly
Capt. John Campbell. But vain were hist1
attempts j for the Baptists now, were iiV
a measure like the Israelites in Egypt, the
more they afflicted them, the more they
multiplied. Some of the firsl fiuits of the
gospel hqre, were Mrs. liyman, Joseph-
Jordan, sen. a rcsp stable character in?
Cathie neck, Pitufi-nce Maer, Margaret
Read, George Dm is and vifiT James?
"iates, George Ci|_ehcart, William Fleet¬
wood, &il. This Church was first gathered^
and constituted on I he Separate (Jn'tr, but
came into tellov 11 ip wiih us, alter the re--
Volution took place at the Falls of Tar ri¬
ver. In process of time their meeting-^
house was erected, about one mile east of
Windsor, and by additions, it, now become'
a commodious house of worship, being'
about forty-two feet square.
This church has had its revivals and de¬
clensions. Soon after its establishment a
Very considerable Work attended the la¬
bours of Elder Dargan, and Elder Walker
and others who travelled through this
church. Many souls were awakened and*
got converted, and joined th© church, anck
so-
mts HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
90 continued for several years. But aftec
some time, Elder Dargan died, the mem¬
bers grew cold in religion, and for several
years, the state of religion seemed to be
languishing. The church at this time was
very destitute of ministerial gifts, until it
pleased the great head of the church to
raise up Elder Spivey, a man of distin¬
guished piety and zeal in the cause of the
adorable Redeemer. He was baptized in
1789, and received a member of the
church at Skewarkey ; and in 1.790 was
dismissed from this church,and became a
member of the church at Cashier and in
1794, July 6, wras ordained Pastor of the
same, by the hands of Elders Ross and-
liendry.
The church before this, being without,
a pastor, had become very remits in their-
duty, and but little discipline was observed-
in the churchand; of" course we might
expect disorders to creep in,, which was
the case here. But in conference, in 1790,,
the church was purged, and such only as:
had fellowship with God and their own
consciences, and with one another, were,
continued in membership. For several
years after, there were but small additions
by baptism until 1809. In January, 1802,
a revival begun to take place here Elder
jPurkitt attended the quarterly meeting at
that - ^
^fTIST ASSOCIATION.
fhat time. Religion appeared very cold %
but few people attended, and they seemed
very hard and inattentive, Ife preached,
-prayed and sung, but no good effect seemed
apparently to follow. Towards the jclose
of worship, told the congregation he
had done all that was in his power, and hiis
efforts were very, feeble and unsuccessful;
it was only the-Lord that could bless'it, and
that he could do no more than pray for them
and if there was any person.in the con-
" gregation who saw himself ^ in a lost
condemned state by reason of sin, if he
would come up to the table, at the pulpit,
" he would pray,to the Lord for him."
Accordingly Mrs. Giilam came forward
and kneeled dpwn at the table, with one
or two more. The people had never seen
an instance of the like before, and behold-1
ing their great desire for the salvation of
?their souls so earnestly expressed, it had
-a very great effect on the people; and
^brother Moses Giilam, the husband of
•Mrs. Giilam, seemed greatly affected.—So
;that we hadahappy meeting at last. About
► eight day s before this in Cashie neck, another
-singular instance took place, which was a
onean in the.hand of the.Lordto begin the
work there. r.&jmuel Maer, a very
wicked man, and a ring-leader in\icer
^yvas converted on his death-bed ; and th$
solemnly
*04 MISTORY of »Me IC-EHUKtE
solemnity of bis dying speeches had a s<i£
I'Jtary effect on some. Some time after
the January quarterly meeting in 1802, Eb
,der Spivey was again called to the preci¬
ous work of baptizing. Mrs. Gillam and
some others were the first fruits of the re¬
vival. Several more were soon converted
;and baptized ; and at April meeting fol¬
lowing, twelve related their experience
and went down into the water together.
And at every monthly meeting after, for
nearly two years, some were received.
Sometimes ten, twelve, fifteen, twenty, and
twenty-lvbo at one time. Thus the work
began and increased ; and the Lord mag¬
nifies the riches of his free grace, in carr
rying on his work by simple means. He
is a sovereign agent, he can and does
work when and where he pleases ; and by
strong means, weak means, or no means.
As was the case in this revival, every thing
seemed to conspire to carry on the work.
The work of the Lord progressing at Ca^
shie about 200 were baptized in 18 months.
Sundry of whom were men of great re¬
spectability. Three brethren, members of
this church, have been called to the work
of the ministry in this revival, viz. Elders
James Ross, James B. Jordan, and Mo¬
ses Gillam j who seem promising, and we
bope the Lord will make a blessing to the
neonle.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". •«<*?
people. The number of members at pre¬
sent is .about £21.
Their meetings.are holdexi monthly, at
-Cashie meeting-house, on the Saturday be¬
fore the first Sunday. The Saturday be¬
fore the first Sunday in April is yearly meet¬
ing ; and .quarterly once .in every three
months after. The fourth Sunday in every
month meetings are holden at Rock-whist
chapel, in Cashie nec|c. And the third
Sunday, at tfie Indian woods rneepngr
house.
The Church near Wiccacon, Bertie county,
North-Carolina.
This church was a branch of the church
,at Cashie. Elder Dargan's ministry was
very much blessed ; and the work spread
down into the lower end ol the county ;
and about Cochran's ferry, on Chowan rb
ver, at several private houses in the neigh*
bourhood, and at Capt. John Freeman's,
meetings were' holden, and a blessing at¬
tended ; several were converted in the
neighbourhood, and were baptized, Some
of the first fruits of the gospel in these
parts were John Freeman, Esq. a man of
eminent piety, ajid very useful in church
and state ; Capt. Joshua Freeman, the
sketches of whose biography -were hereto¬
fore mentioned; Hardy Hunter, Elder
Hendry and others. After a sufficient:
S number
^M HISTORY OF THE KEHUKEE
number were gathered, they were consti¬
tuted into a church in 1/789. This church
has, and does contain as many worthy
members, as perhaps any in the union.
Their meeting-house (which is a commo¬
dious building sufficient to accommodate
a thousand people] stands on the lands for¬
merly belonging toCapt. John Freeman,
in Bertie county, about four miles front
Colerain. After the death of Elder Dar-
gan, this church was attended by Elder
Welsh, who served them as an occasional
pastor until his death; and after his death,
the church made choice of Rider Hendry
(who was born in Ireland, and was con¬
verted and became a member of this church
after his'settlement hi this neighbourhood)
to be their pastor ; who continues in the
pas'oral function to the present time.
r There are many respectable characters
in this church, who have always stood
faithful, zealous Hnd orderly members of
society ; and although at times the church
has not increased so fast as at other times,
yet the brethren have generally been lively
in religion, and. vvere not so frequently
complaining of coldness as some other
churches. There has been a considerable
revival of late in this church. About 60
have been been baptized in. two years.
■Their number at present is about 173.
Their
UAPTTST ASSOCIATION'. 207
Their meetings are holden the Saturday
before the third Sunday in every month.
Quarterly in September, DecemberfMarcIi-
and June.
The, Church on Connaritsy, Bertie, N. C.
..This church was a branch of the old
Bertie church; and the time it was in this
state/ meetings were holden at the houses
of Robert Rhodes and James Jenkins.
Conferences were holder! here/and the or-,
dinances administered, until about 1797
Or '98, this branch was dismissed from the
body, i and became a regular constituted
church, arid Elder Northam became the
pastor, who Continued iii his pastoral of¬
fice a few years, then removed to Guilford
<*'ddritf,'Nbfth-CaTOfifta: After the remov¬
al of Elder Northam,. Elder Uarrell sup¬
plied his place, as an occasional pastor.
This church for some tlriie o fritted joining-
the Association, until the year 1803, at
Connoho. This church/after constitution,"
increased very little for some time. They
remained very cold a considerable time af¬
ter the neighbouring churches were bless¬
ed with a revival. But ot late the Lord
has visited them. Nearly 50 members
have been added in a short time. The
church has, never as yet built a meeting¬
house. Meetings are holden at the house
of James Jenkins on Connaritsy swamp ;
and
m HISTORY of -the KEHOKEE
and at Jumping.-Run chapel; which stands
ki the county aforesaid, not far distant from
Pugh's TavCrn. A house of worship ori¬
ginally intended for the us£ of the cspico-
pal churchy but now occupied by the Bap¬
tists. Their number is about 70, Their
tneetings are holden the Saturday before
the first Sunday in every month.
The Church'on Me'hefrini Hertford countyy
North Carolina.
This church was originally gathered,-
and constitued on the Free-will plan. El-
deis Joseph'Parker, William Parker, Wiif-
field, and others of that order, frequently'
preached here. Elder William Parker was-
P resident in this neighbourhoodwho af¬
ter being baptized, and giving himself a
member of- the church here, began to*
preach. At what time the church was
constituted on this plan, we are not able
to say. Elder W. Parker Was in the exef-~
cise of the pastoral function as early as the
year 1775: How long before we are not
able to say. T he customary way with him'1
in receiving members, was to baptize ail
who were willing, and requested it. In¬
consequence of Which he baptized manyy
as he required no experience previous to-
their admission. But altera meetingrhouse
was erected on Pottacasy, and a branch of
Bertie church was gathered there, a num-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 209
t>er of the members, who before belong¬
ed to Parker's church, left that church and
joined the branch at Pottacasv. This fre¬
quently being the case,the Free-will church
decreased very fast until the death of Wil¬
liam Parker. After his death the church
requested Elder Burkitt to attend them,
which he did and preached to them stated¬
ly for some time. They at last concluded
to come under re-examination, and be or¬
ganized on the orthodox plan, and join
the Kehukee Association.' It was carried
into effect, Elder Burkitt and several mem¬
bers from his church attended at a time ap¬
pointed for that business and a small num¬
ber was received, and as a church of
Christ prOlEssing the same faith, on which
our Association is established, they petition¬
ed the Association for admission, and their
petition was granted' in the year 1794. A
few of the members whohadleft thechurch
and joined Poltacasy, returned back after
the revolution ; but the most continued as
they were. This caused the church to be
but few in number. They remained with¬
out a pastor for some time -3 and increased
but \erylittle. Eider Burkitt attended them
occasionally. In 1802, Elder Wall mov¬
ed from Southampton, Virginia (who was
a'member" of the church in Sussex) and
SV g?v£:
210 HISTORY of the KEHUKES
gave himself a member of this churchy
and became pastor thereof.
The work of the Lord encreasing about
Sandy-Run,Pottacasyr&c. The work began
here in the summer ot 1302, and the Lord
has carried on a most glorious work in
this church-. In less than two years, a-
bout 1 do have been baptized. Elder Wall
hasbaptized as manyas 23inone day. Some
very respectable characters have been add¬
ed to this church in and about Murfrccs-
boroimh. The meeting; house at which-
o o
the church--assembled, was of a small di¬
mension before, but has been by addition,-
made a very commodious house of wor¬
ship, since the revivai commenced. It'
stands about one mile south of Mur-
freesborough. Their number of members
at present is about 17 5.- Their meetings-
are holden the Saturday before the first-
Sunday in every month. Quarterly meet¬
ings in May,- August, November and
Eebruary-.
— - .... »«.fcaUJ|Bliluiii*i»i '
GHAP. XII.
History of the Fiat-Sivamp Union Meet¬
ing, comprehending the churches at Flat-
&zcGmp3 Skewwkey, Connoho, Great-
&wamp3
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
Swamp, Morattuck, Conneloe, Cross-'
Roads, and Little Conneioe church. 2.
An account of the churches at Scupper-
?ioiig, Pungp' and Mattamuskeet.
HAVING given a description of fhose:
five churches that compose the Ber-"
tie Union Meeting; we shall next proceed-
to describe the churches in the Kehukee'
Association, that compose theFlal-Swamf
Union Meeting, and first of
jflic Flat-Swamp Church, Pitt county, /V. C.
About the year 1766, the spirit of the'
Lord began to breathe upon some of the
dry bones, in the valley of Flat-Swamp,-
and the Connetoe settlements. Several
persons were seriously impressed with the
importance of religion j and accordingly
ail invitation was given to Elder Jonathan-
Thomas (pastor of the church at Tosniot)'
to come and visit themi Accordingly he'
did so, and preached successively for some
time, and his labours were blessed y so ,
that numbers embraced the doctrines of
free grace. Several persons were received
on experience, and were baptized, and
became a branch of the church at Tosniot^
in Edgecombe county, North-Carolina.
In the year of 1771, Elder Thomas in¬
formed them he thought they were ripe
for- constitution,.- prepared the plan, and
set
212 HISTORY ©f the KEHUKEE
set them on the business ; which was near¬
ly effected, when providence put a stop to
the business, by calling this great man of
God out of time, and removing him to his
eternal rest.
Another circumstancehappened which
greatly procrastinated the business of a
Constitution, there were two candidates
for the pastoral care of the church, viz.
J. Page and J. Stansell ; but Page ulti¬
mately succeeded. Who was ordained at
the same time the church was constituted,
with the assistance of the father, and bro¬
ther of the said deceased, Elder Thomas,'
who were both in the ministerial function
at that time, The establishment took
place in the beginning of the year 1776.
Elder Page being thus called to the
pastoral office in this church, "labouring
with great zeal amongst them, smd his la¬
bours were greatly blessed, the church en-
creased, the work spread farther, and now
their place tor the meeting of the church, !
was on Flat-Swamp. Tbe'Tneeting-.house
which the church meets apis in Pitt coun¬
ty, not far fromTlat-Svvanrpl
/This church has been very fruitful: She
has become the mother of four daughters,
ot constituted churches, and part of another
church,viz. The church at Skewarky. The "
chilrch at Great-Swamp. The church at '
Cfoanobb/' TE*e chuisir at/little*-
baptist association i\i
foe, and part of the church at the Cross-
Roads. The churcm at Flat-Swamp had
her ebbing and flowing. But to the great
joy of those who wished well to Zion, she'
still encf eased and her bounds became very
extensive, and her members numerous.
In 1787, a petition was handed in from'
a branch of this church at Skewdrkey, re¬
questing a' dismission, in order for consti¬
tution; and although they met wnhsomede-
lays and difficulties, \t was at length1
granted in 1794. Another petition was
handed froffi the branch-oh Connoho-Cretk^
And obtained their request in 1795. Be¬
fore this the'church at Flat-Swamp began-
fo experience severe difficulties; as the love'
Of some of her members began to wax
Cold, it gave a'ri opportunity to the enemy
Of souls to sow seeds of discord amongst
them, which caused the Arminians and
Univefsalians to look out of their dens,-
where they had been driven by the reful¬
gent beams of gospel truths. T he former
(to wit) Arminiahism, prevailed but little
amongst them,being an old doctrine they
had been very well acquainted with before:
conversion. But the latter having been1
previously broached by one of their former'
preachers, viz. John Siansill, and one that-
was tolerable arch, cunning and insinuat¬
ing, many of her' members were carried
away with his craft, through the subtlety of
414 HISTORY o* the KEHUKEE
Satan. And even to .this day, some that
were excommunicated: from the privileges
of the church, when Satan made this ha¬
voc in her, have not been restored to fel¬
lowship again. And although Universal-
ism began to haul in his horns again, yet
the church continued at ebb tide 5 no in¬
gathering for several years, even until the
death of her pastor in the year of 1795, at
which time, although she had raised seve¬
ral useful preachefs, yet was destitute of all
ministerial gifts in her. In this destitute
situation they raised their cries to the Lord
of the harvest, to send forth labourers
—to raise'up, or send to them one to go in
and out before them. The Lord in an-
sWer'to their prayers was pleased to send
them, Elder Joseph Biggs, a youth emi¬
nent for his gifts, piety and zeal; who had
been baptized and received a member of
the church at Skewarkey. The church
gave him a call to take the pastoral care
of them, February, 1796. But in answer
to his request, ordination was deferred un¬
til February 1797. And as it was observ¬
ed before, the church being in a cold state,
abounding with disorders, no ingathering,
many excmmunications, and very little de¬
corum 5 conferences were very thin. Of¬
ten did her young pastor sit in conference
with six, seven or eight members 5 and the
few who did attend, endeavoured stir up
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION'. - 215
the rest to a sense offtheir duty: but often
did their labours prove unsuccessful. And
often had their pastor reason to cry, " my
leanness ! my leanness ! and who hath be¬
lieved our report?" And sometimes truly
did he think of giving over the pursuit; but
being preserved and supported by an invi¬
sible hand he held on his way, through ma¬
ny trials and sore conflicts, looking to
the Lord, hoping that the time to favour
Zion was not far distant. Under God, he
was made a mean, to prevail on his bre¬
thren, members of several churches, to vi¬
sit each other, and pray with, and for one
another, and Zion's God at last heard their
cries ; and in the latter end of the year
1800, there were several added to her num¬
ber, so that the work gradually progressed
'until the spring and summer of 1801 and
.1802. The gates of Zionseemed truly to
be crouded wTith converts ; sb that in or¬
der for the church to be able to hear expe¬
riences, of all that wished to relate them,
and offer for membership, the conference
has been under the necessity of dividing
into two bodies, each sitting at one time,
in the meeting house. Then, surely, the
shouts of heaven born souls were heard
in Israel's camps. The congregations
now crouded, and the distressed from eve¬
ry quarter, calling 011 the ministers 1o pray
for them. This church, in about thres
2\6 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
years, has had an addition of about 142
members.
There are several worthy characters in
this church, who have ever adorned their
profession, particularly that eminent ser¬
vant of our Lord Jesus, Colonel Nathan
Mayo, who has been a member of this
church almost from its origin, ana has been
an ornament to the church, and to the bap¬
tist societv in general. The members of
this church, it is presumed, will never for¬
get his usefulness as a member of their
society in the execution of church disci¬
pline j and his usefulness as a member of
civil society. Tie is now dismissed from this
body and become a member in the church
atConnetoe, Cross-Roads. The .church at
Flat-Swamp, after all her dismissions for
new constitutions, contains about 113
members.
The ChuTch at Skewarkey, Martin countyf
North-Carolina.
This church was once a branch of the
Flat-Swamp church ; and was attended as
such; by her pastor. John Page for several
years. Conferences were holden, disci¬
pline kent up, and the ordinances were
administered to them, as a branch of that
church for some time; and by his la¬
bours the work seemed to flourish. At
Jepgth they became too numerous for tq
continue
'BAPTIST ASSOCIATION
tcontinue a branch; and as they had a yotmg
man raised amongst them of promising ta-
Jents, they concluded they were ripe for
-exercising church dicipline.; therefore pe¬
titioned the body to which they belonged.,
for a dismission, in order to become a con¬
stituted body ,• the petition being granted,
they were constituted, and their young
preacher, Elder Martin Ross came under
examination, and the laying on of hands
of thepresbytery, in the year of 17^7, by
by Elders Lemuel Burkitt and John -Page.
This church experienced some additions
for several years. But like the rest of the
.churches, in a time of coldness she .expe¬
rienced a share ; although hex .pastor serv¬
ed her, as also in travelling ana preaching
elsewhere, with indefatigable labours.
In the year 1791, a petition was receiv¬
ed from a number of her members, at a
remote distance, for dismission, in order
to become a constituted church at Morat-
tuck j which was granted them. And in
the year 1796, Elder Martin Ross their
pastor moved tor a chsmtssion from them to
join the Yoppim church. And at the same
time Elder Joseph Biggs also petitioned
for dismission to join the Fiat-Swamp
church. With reluctance they were both
granted ; and she now was stript of all
.ministerial gifts. She therefore groaned
X Header
sis HISTORY or the KEHUKEE
Under her affliction, until the kind hand of
Providence favoured her in raising up Eh
jder Luke Ward, a member of that church,
to the work of the ministry ; who in the
year 1799 was ordained pastor of this
church, by Elders Joseph Biggs and Ama-
aieh Biggs.
The Lord has been pleased to raise up
and call to the ministry, a number of minis¬
ters in this church. As many as eight who
were, and now are members of this church,
viz. Martin Ross, Aaron Spivey, Joseph
Biggs, Luke Ward, Abraham Tice, Har-
rell Cherry, John Bennet, pastor of a
church in Anson county, North Carolina,
and James Daniel, who was a very re¬
spectable member of this church nearly
three years, and departed this life Sep-?
tember, 1803. Having great faith, rer
joicing in the Lord to the great surprize,
and satisfaction of all who attended him
in his last illness. The Skewarkey church
was the last, in the Fiat-Swamp Union
Meeting, that experienced a revival. The
work seemed more gradual and appears to,
continue. In the year 1803, thirty-tour
members vvere dismist to be constituted in¬
to a church on Smithwick's-Creek, which
was expected to be done in November last.
Their number of members at present is
ttbout 13-9. Their meeting-house, at which
Baptist association. sis/
this church assembles^ is about one mile
from Williamston.
The Church on Convoke, Martin counti/i
North-Carolina.
Triis Church was formerly at branch of
Flat-Swamp church j and obtained a dis¬
mission in the year of 1794, in order for
a constitution. And she became a consti¬
tuted body accordingly the same year, and
Called on Elder Amos Harrell, a member
of the church at Sandy-Run, to take the
pastoral charge. Elder Harrell had been
before ordained on the itinerant plan. lie
obeyed the call, became the pastor of said
church, and continues td serve them id
that capacity. Connoho church like others
is well acquainted with a cold wintry
state in religion. Yet she has, with her
sisters in the same union, experienced irr
some good degree the late revival, so that
she became numerous by its effects ; and
therefore in the year of 180S, she received
a petition, and granted a dismission to some
of her members. Who with some dismist
from the Flat-Swamp, were constituted at
the Cross-Roads. The place where this
church assembles is at an house called the
the Log Chapel, which stands on Connohor
Creek, about six miles from Taylor's fer¬
ry on Roanoke. Their number of mem¬
bers at present is about 06 j and the time
£?0 ifcSTOkt e*
holding, their meetings, is the S&tnrd&y
before the third Sunday in every month.
Tik GhuNJi On Grtut-Swamp3 Put county*.
North- Carolina,,
Wa'S"* formerly a branch of Flat-Swamp-
•hurch,, which was tailed the Tar-river-"
branch p but obtained- a dismission from-
the body indie year of ] 795, in order To«
become tit constituted church, which was
done in a short time' after ; and called El¬
der; Noah Tison to take the pastoral care
thereof-, who was Ordained on the itinerant
glsn, and a member of the church at the*
j&ecbBanks on Tar river. He obeyed the'
call and serves them in that capacity, (when-
able) until the present time.- The Great—
Swatnp> chiircb,. being the last of the
branches in the-Flat-Swamp church, that
was* constituted in the time religion* was
at its low ebb;. bhe of course has not felt
so much coldness as the-rest. And in this
revival has experienced very-considerable ■
additions 3 and as she has not-dismissed
any for constitution,her number at presehtis*
greater than any-church in the Flat-Swamp«
mnionj andstilL appears to be-in a prosper¬
ous state. Although the pastor is a man*
much afflicted, yet the church is not ne¬
glected among the families of Israel; for*
by the zeal of the pastor, and the Lord's •
falsing^ utwo. young preachers-in the-
churciu
BAFTISf ASSOCIATION. 221
(ihUrch, and the friendly visits of others,
she has the word preached, and the ordi¬
nances administered, as duly as any of the*
churches in union with her. Their meet¬
ing-house stands in Pitt county, on the
north side of Tar river, within eight or
nine miles of Greensville,- Their number
is i39.
Moraituck Church, Washington county.,•
North-Carolina,
Was first gathered through thd instru¬
mentality of Eders Silas Mercer and John'
Page ; who was succeeded by Elder Mar¬
tin Ross. A few were connected in a
church- relation; but like many other
churches they had sonie very unworthy cha-'
racters among-the m', which were very trou-'
blesome, and prOved to be a fatal stroke to¬
wards their downfall: So that the church*
in a little time became extinct;- But a fewr
of her members,- who delighted in church
fellowship, became members of the church
at Skewarkey(although at a great distance)*
and endeavoured to attend there once in.
three months',-Jo r_some time, Until 1791,»
they'petitioned the body to' which they
then belonged, for" a disrhis&ion, in order
to becorrie a constituted body again at the'
sanfe place $' which thdy obtained, and'
\Ver^ again1 dhited m a saiall body ; and
th?6ti3$ tiledb ft Ti'id i o il s n i g ti t of cbldness?
2±2 htstory'or the 5i£htf£e!s*
and spiritual darkness this church had,* to *
appearance, only a name to Ut>e. She was
attended by Elder Martin Ross until his
removal from Skew ark ey to Yoppim ; and
afterwards, very generally by Elder A ma¬
rl ah Biggs ; but each attended them, and
-served as an occasional pastor. But in the
latter end of theyear 1801, and beginning
©fj 1802., the church became more lively ;
and also experienced some additions,which
stirred thern upw So that in 1802, they gave *
Elder*" Amariatv Biggs'a call to take the
pastoral eare of them. Which call he ac- -
ceptedand is noVv-considered their existing '
ppstor/- Although this church in the be- -
ginning-, of 1803, had some severe trials
and difficulties-, yet she-appears at present'
t6 have surmounted them all; and seehis -
t&be in a flourishingstate. Her pastor is
very attentive to her, ^nd very industrious
hi--his labours elsewhere. - The meeting- -
house at" which ihh> church assembles, is •<
wit hi iv about fw-o*< or three miles of Ply* ■
mouth.'- Their number at present is iboutr
Ihe CTiicrchat CbmtefoeCross^ Roads, Edge*--
comb county,. ,North-CatoUna.
P&ft oh the: members of this church *
formed )r belonged to the Ch arch on Conno- -
rf$o?l$nd.part hdonged-to the church at Flatf
Qsvaeip;, .wha ■ ohtaiaeclC dismissioits from**
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION";
theif respective bodies, and embodied in a1
church at the Cross Roads, and were con¬
stituted a church the Saturday before the
second Sunday in July, 1803, with the as¬
sistance of Elders Joseph Biggs and Jo¬
nathan Cherry. On the same day, they
gave Elder Cherry a call to take the pastoral
care of them (who had sonic time before
Been ordained en the itinerant plan.).
Which call he accepted, and was receiv¬
ed, and continues pastor of the said church,
The church being constituted in the time
of a revival of religion, and composed
mostly of young members lately convert¬
ed, has many pleasing, prospects before
them; and seems possessed with great
confidence at present. They have some
very useful lay-members. Their number
at present is 68.' -
The Little ConneIoe Church,
W^as formerly a branch ot Flat-Swamp
church, and had quarterly meetings held in
that branch for several years, attended by
the pastor of Flat-Swamp church, But ii?
1803, they-obtained a dismission from the
body in-order- for constitution, at Little
Gonnetoc-Creek- meeting-house, Which"
accordingly took place oil the Saturday be¬
fore the fourth Sunday lii July,'.. 1803, as-'
sfsted by: Elder3^ Joseph 'Biggs, Jonathan
<®herry.and Jo shutk Barnes,-- And at- the
hist6&y of the KEHUIiEE
same time, the church gave Elder TkontaS
JRoss (one of her members) a call to take
the pastoral care of them; and although the
tall was not at that time accepted, yet on
Saturday before the fourth Sunday in Sep-
fember following, he obeyed the call, and
was ordained by Elders Joseph Biggs,-
Jonathan Cherry and Luke Ward, and'
was received as pastor of said church.
Their number at present is about 43.
These two churches were received mem¬
bers' of our Association at their last sit-
tinS- - , -
There are three more churches to. the'
east of these, that by reason of their distance'
from other churches, and other inconve-
liiencies attending-them,* that they are nob
connected with any Union Meetings as
We know of: but as thev belong to the
Kehukee Association, we think it our du-'
ty to give a few sketches of their history.-
And first,
'The Church at Scuppkrnortg, Tyrrel county,»
North-Carolina.
Some of the first ministers of otir- order,-
Who preachednearS'cuppernong river,were'
Holders Page, Stansill-and Mercer. Their
labours were blessed j several were admit-*
ted to the ordinance of baptism, and ah*
ttr thete was a competent number' receive
ed-, the church" was constituted about the-
Eldoif tbolsi>.
j*a¥tist association, $$$■
cafe of the church, and continued iraj
that office several years ; but is al present,!
pastor of the church at MorattuCk. The
labours of Elder Biggs have been blessed
here. A revival has taken place in some
$arts of the church, and within two years
>a considerable number have been added.
Their meeting-house stands a few miles*
from Scuppernong river. Their number is
about 58.
The Chui'ch at Pungo^ Beaufort county
Norths Carotin a.
Near this place was a church of the'
Free-will order, of whom Elder Vi infield-
Was pastor. But it was the will of Divine'
Providence, that the gospel of the free'
grace of God in Christ Jesus should be'
preached here ; and sundry persons head¬
ing, embraced the truth, and were constw
tuted into a church; and the church is noW
Under the care of Eider James M'Cabe.-
This church has experienced but little of'
the late revival.; Their number at pre¬
sent is about 32-.
The Church at MatUirnuskect, Hyde county,»
North-Carolina.
From the remote distance that this
church is from us, we have but a small ac¬
quaintance with her state and standing. The
local situation of th^ church, as it is en-"
vironed with- swamps, .desarts, creeks,..
rivers, s
&S HISTORY OF the KEHUKE&
fivers, &c. renders, it very ineonvenietif
to get at. This church has several years
been a member of our Association ; but
she seldom attends at our annual appoint¬
ments. Her number of members, ac¬
cording to thelast accounts, was about 60.
They are now under the pastoral care of
William Carrowan.
CHAP. XIIF.
J. The Swiff-Creek Union Meeting—Volts'
of Tar River, Reedy-Creek. 2. Biogra¬
phical Sketches of Elder Walker. 3.
Fishing-Creek Churchy Elder C. Daniel,
Kehiikee, Rocky-Swamp, 'Tuonkey, Sandy
Creek, Maple Spring, and Haywood's
meetinghoiLe Churches. Memoirs of El¬
der Me fee 'V C. Daniel, Sc.
IN this Chapter we propose to give an
account of those churches belonging'
t:o the Kehukee Association, which com¬
pose the Swift-Creek Union Meeting. The
churches belonging to this union, are be¬
tween Roanoke and Tar river, west of
Flat-Swamp Union Meeting. This meet¬
ing took its name from the place it was
fcstholden at, which was on Swift-Creek.,
Edge-
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, sm
Edgecombe county, at Prospect Chapel,
We shall first begin with the
phurcli at the Falls of Tar River, Nash
county, North-Carolina.
This is an ancient and respectable church,
According to the best accounts we can
get, this church was constituted on Swift-
Creek,by EldersC. Daniel and John Moore,
in the year 1757. Whether the church
was constituted on theFree-will or Regular
Baptist order, we are not able to say. El¬
der John Moore was their pastor a num¬
ber of years, while the church was on the
regular plan. But in 1780, he took a disT
mission from the church and moved out of
the neighbourhood. After this, Emmanuel
»Skinner, a worthy member of this church,
being an ordained minister, and raised up in
the church, supplied the place of a pas¬
tor, but was never appointed by the
church to that office. Jn September,
1797, he took a dismission from the church
and moved to Cumberland m Tennessee.
August, 1795, Elder Nathan Gilbert (a
respectable character) who was an ordain¬
ed minister, joined this church by a letter
of dismission from Scuppernong church,
\vho supplied the place of a pastor after
the removal of Elder Skinner. In 1798,
the church by unanimous vote, requested
j^lder Gilbert to take charge of the church
#28 HISTbltY or m MWIE
;as pastor, bat his mind was not to do It
&t that time. In 1802, he accepted the caH
and is now the existing pastor.
Af ter the revolution in the Association,
this church continued in the regular Bap¬
tist Association (viz. that part of the Kehu-
ikee Association that refused (to accede to
our measures) until March, 17-81, when
this church being dissatisfied with the pro¬
ceedings of that Association, withdrew
from them, and was in communion with no
other church until November of the same
year, when shejoined communion with the
church on Fishing-Creek, at Daniel's meet¬
ing-house, under the care of Elder Silas
Mercer. Soon after this she joined our
Association again. We do not learn that
there have been any great revivals in this
church, since her constitution, until late¬
ly. The ingatherings have been gradual.
At the x\ssociatiou in 1801, the number
in fellowship was only 59. Soon.after this
a glorious revival took place here, and by
the Association in 1802, there were 80
members added by baptism. And fronj
that to the Association in 1803, 74 more
were received. Eighty members were dis-
missed this year for constitution ; and are
snow constituted on Town-Creek, and ap¬
pear to be in a flourishing state. This con-
Stitutionhas increased already to 122, and is-
under
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION". in
snder the care of Eider Winstead, The
meeting-house at which the church assem¬
bles, is .a very commodious house, suffi¬
cient to accommodate a large .assembly of
people, and stands on the north of Tar
river, a small distance from the Falls.
There are, at present, four preachers in this
church, viz. Nathan Gilbert pastor, Jordan
Sherrcd, an ordained minister, ,and Lewis
"Wells and John Atkinson, who are young
.preachers. The number of members at
present is about 134. There have been,
land still continue to be, several respecta¬
ble members of society here ; who have,
a long time, adorned the profession they
have made ; and their memory will always
be dear to this church and to .all their .ac¬
quaintance.
The church on Reedy-Creek, Warren counfi
jS'or/h-Carol/'na.
Doctor Jo siahHart was the first preach¬
er of the Baptist persuasion, who preach¬
ed here. He came about the year 1750,
and preached, aud baptized. Soon after
him Wm. Washington, James Smart, Sam.
Davis, William Walker and others, joined
in the work of preaching and baptizing, all
upon what is called the Free-will plan,
and numbers came and were baptized.
But nothing like a church constitution.
Wm. Walker was chosen from amongstth<*
U rest.
f30 HISTORY of me KEHUKEE
rest, and was called their pastor. Things
went on thus, until 1755. In May, that
year, Elder John Gano, from the North.,
visited this place, and seeing the situation
of" affairs, probably represented the case,
pn his return, to the Philadelphia Associa¬
tion, who, the fall following, delegated El¬
ders Peter Peterson Vanhorne and Benja¬
min Miller to attend, and settle churches
ppon the the doctrines of Free-Grace, and
according to gospel order. They attended
accordingly, and received all the baptized
persons, that in a judgment of charity were
born again. And of the great numbers
baptized only aboyt 10 more were receiv¬
ed. William Walker was received as a
member, but not admitted as a preacher.
The membersthus received were then con¬
stituted, and joined in covenant, adopted
the confession of faith, and were declared a
gospel church of Christ. At the depar¬
ture cf the aforementioned brethren, the
oversight of the church was committed to
Elder Thomas Pope j who attended at
times, and preached and administered the
ordinances to them. Elder Thomas Tully
also visited here occasionally. The impres¬
sions that William Walker professed to
have with respect to preaching the gospel
ftill continued with him. he began again
to exercise. -The church approved of his
gifts.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 231
gifts, and was solemnly called upon to
take the oversight of them. He accepted
the call and went t© Charleston, accompa¬
nied by some of the brethren here, and was
-there {probably) ordained in the year
J7.56. He returned, took upon him the
pastoral charge, and continued in that ap¬
pointment until his death, which was in
the year 1784.
There were several preachers raised up
in this-chujch, viz. Elders Charles Daniel,
Thomas,Daniel and William Lancaster,
Alter the death of Elder Walker, Elder
William Lancaster supplied the place of a
pastor, until February, 1786. At which'
time, after mature deliberation and prayer
to God for direction, the church agreed to
call Lewis Moore, a resident of Johnston
county, to take the pastoral care of thenl.
He accepted the call, and was ordained to
office by fasting, pra)er and laying on of
hands; and continued in that office until
1798; when he removed to Kentucky.
The same year the church made choice
of Elder Moses Bennet (a preacher of pro¬
mising talents, who had been raised up
in this church) for their pastor, who still
continues to hold that office. Elder Pem-
berton who had been in the excercise of
his gifts in this church, was ordained at
the same time.
Elder Philemon Bennet was raised up
252 HISTORY of t-he KEBUICEfi
in this church and ordained in 1861. Thefts
have been several happy revivals of religions
in this church, but chiefly under the minis¬
try of Elder Walker. It is true there
have been happy times, and considerable'
additions under the subsequent ministers,
but they were only as the gleanings- of the
vintage in Elder Walker's day. Their num¬
ber of members at present is about 70.
Their meetings are holden the Saturday
before the third Sunday in every month.
Biographical Sketches of Elder V» jlliahr
Walker.
Te& time and place of his nativity to us
are unknown. He settled in Warren coun¬
ty, between the years 1750 and '55. He at
first became'a Free-will Baptist preacheiy
as was mentioned before. After he em¬
braced the doctrines cf grace, and was re¬
gularly authorised as a gospel minister, he"
was very zealously engaged in preaching,,
and his labours were very much blessed.
His labours in the ministry were not con¬
fined, to Reedy-Creek only,, but he travel¬
led and preached in a number of places,
and was an humble instrument of bringing
many precious souls to the* knowledge of
the truth. After he was established in the
truth" of the doctrines cf the gospel, lie
was- never known to court the smiles, nor
fear the frowns of any man. God's-- free
electing, everlastings unchangeable- lover
TATTIST ASSOCIATION. 233
through Christ to poor sinners was his fa¬
vourite theme ; whilst he pressed the ne¬
cessity of the new. birth, in consequence
of our fallen degenerate state bv nature.
He was loved and esteemed by all ranks
of people. The labours of his life which
closed his ministry here on c arth, were Sa¬
turday and Sunday, October the third and
fourth, 1784-. On Saturday he attended a
funeral at Mr. Honorias Powell's, and
preached from Deut. xxxii. 29. O! that
they were were wise, See. In the first part
of his di&course he seemed much engaged.
O O • '
but a sudden weakness affected his mortal
frame, and he concluded the labours of
the day after going through his second head
of doctrine. He retired to the house of
one of the brethren, dined heartily, but
in conversation seemed incoherent, and at
times inclined to be wild and start!sh. He
rested but very little that night, and was in
a great hurry to get to the meeting-house
next morning 5 more so than was ever
known before 3 and said, he wi bed to go
and do what he had to do. He went to
meeting and took his text in the 8th chap,
of Paul's epistle to the Romans; but could
not distinctly read it before he was strick¬
en with the dead palsy, and fell in the
pulpit, and wasf* heard to say, " Blessed
" be God i have fallen in a good cause,"
U 47 i iC
au HISlORf OF THE KiTlU'ftSE
I le was put- Into a chair and conveyed to ffe
house where he lodged the night before
his reason left him and returned no more.
He was- carried to his house in Frank lirr
county, on Wednesday following. It was
observed that he scarcely ever slept from,
the time he received the stroke of the pal¬
sy. A physician was consulted- who gave"
hirrf a sleeping dose- it operated, and put
him to sleep and be never awoke more in-
this world, but breathed out his soul into1
the bosom of his Redeemer, on Wednes¬
day, the t3th of September, i'78t, much la¬
mented bv all who- knew him.
j
There were two other brethren; in fhis;
church, for their eminent piety,- zeal and
usefulness, merit a place in- this history,
viz, Samuel; Thompson and Charles James,
Samuel Thompson was baptized Augu'st,*
17-10, and Charies-J'ames, January, 1-776.
The great advantage (under God) that
these servants- of Christ were to this-
church, will never fee forgotten by num¬
bers. Their extensive knowledge of church
government j their godly pi®us examplary
Jives- f their qmcknes-s of apprehensiony
and unshaken faithfulness in the discharge;
of their duty, reject honour on their me¬
mory- fearauei 'Thompson. was dismissed
In August, !78-6y i& Elder Lancaster's,
church, Sp-rmg, and was -killed
fey a tree foiling on the begmnine
mAHPTtS-T ASSOCIATION
of the year 1&Q0. Charles James, after
■at feog afid singularly useful life, died in:
the fad of the .year 17b 4.
The Church on Fishing-Creek, Halifax
county, North-Carolina.
This church was originally gathered
thror the instrumentality of Elder Charles
Daniel. According to Asplund's Re¬
gister, it was constituted in 1755. If so*
we may suppose* it was at first established
on the orthodox plan} as we judge it wa&
formed after the regulation took place, on
the visit of Elders Vanhorae and Miller*
Charles Daniel was the first pastor of this-
church, who was a man of considerable'
abilities ; and in the former part of his life
was very pious; bulf in his latter days did-
greatly backslide.
But from the account we have receiv¬
ed, of his exercises when he came to die,
we hope he died in faith. About the year
- 1783, Charles Daniel, who then lived- in?
Warren county*. was taken with a com*
plaint in his bead,, which in about twee
months ended his life. In the time; of his
illness he greatly lamented his backsliding
state. About two weeks before his death,
. his wife despairing of his being restored to¬
ft e aid v she desired- to know the exercise-
-of-his- tmrcdl She asked him if he thought
the Lord, had -pardoned his sins, and re*
peace ■fc. Ms. seal ? & told hpi b#
236 HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
hoped he had. He further added* the pain
is so sharp that I must die * I shortly must
leave you ; but my soul has an interest in
Christ.
Thomas Daniel, brother of the deceas¬
ed, was the next who had the care of this
church • until a di vision arising amongst
them, he separated from them. And after
him, Elder Silas Mercer took the charge
of the church, who was an instrument in the
hand of God to reconcile matters, and set¬
tle the church again on a regular plan.
Elder Silas Mercer was a great man
of God. He-was a remarkable zealous,
orthodox preacher of the gospel. And
perhaps possessed of as an extensive ac¬
quaintance with the mysteries of the Holy
Scriptures as any in this Association. He
was very indefatigable in his labours ; and
We suppose, for a few years, no minister
in our connection travelled and preached
more than he. He was pastor of this
church for a few years, then removed to
Georgia ; where he ended his course with
joy, the first of August, 17y6, in the 52d
year of his age.
After the removal of Elder Mercer,
Elder Joshua White, who had been a mem¬
ber in the Camden church, and called to
the ministry there, moved into this neigh¬
bourhood, became a member of this church,
and took the pastoral care thereof}
iA^tlrf 8ssoteiwi@sf;* w
c'dhtiii^ied that office a few years, then re¬
proved to Ciimberland in Tennessee. Af¬
ter his removal, Elder HolloWay Morris*
Who had been raised in this church and
Called to the ministry here, was ordained
and became their pastor; who continued
hut a short time in that office, before hef
moved likewise to Cumberland.
After the removal ot Elder White, the
Church laboured under great cofdnes and
barenness until about i8(Jl, when the
church consisted of not more than 2(X
members in full fellowship. About this
time, Elder B-urkitt on a circuit of meetings
attended this place, f ie preached, pray¬
ed and sung, but no good effect seemed to*
attend his labours. At the close of the'
meeting, he at last told them, " that if
*' there was any person in the congregation
*' who desired to go to heaven, or be cori-
'** verted, if he would come up to the pul-
a pit, he would pray to the Lord for him.''
No person came for some time. At length a
young man carrie, with tears in his eyes,
and requested his prayers.—-Some months
after, this yciing man got converted and
related his experience at an Union Meet¬
ing, Warren, &eedy-Creek, and declared
this was a mean in the hand of the Lord for
his conviction and conversion ; and said he
was a thousand times obliged to the man for
praying for him; and ten thousand to the
233 HISTORY of *he KEHUK'Et
Lord for putting it in the mind of his mi¬
nister to do so. Soon after this a revival
took place in this church, since which
about 100 have been baptized ; and some¬
times as many as 24 atone time. The
church now contains 120 members.
Since the removal of Elder Holloway
Morris, the church has made choice of El¬
der Philemon Bennet, a respectable minis-
.ter of Jesus, for their pastor. Who taking
a dismission from the church on Reedy-
Creek, whereof he was a member, and
joining this church, he now acts in that
capacity. Their meeting-house stands
about one mile from Wyatt's bridge, on
Fishing-Creek ; and theirmeetiugs are hol-
denthe Saturday before the-second Sunday
in every month. Their yearly meeting is
in August^ and quarterly once'in three
months.
The Church at Kehukee, Halifax county,
North-Carolina.
This church, at first, was gathered, and
constituted out of some members, who
had been received and baptized on the
Free-will plan. On the visit of Elders
Vanhorne and Miller, they were establish¬
ed on the regular order, and joined in cove¬
nant in the year of 1755 ; and were under
the care of that eminent servant of our
Lord Jesus Christ, Thomas Pope. After
the
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. m
the death of Elder Pope they were under the
care of Elder Meglamre for some years.
Elder Meglamre removing his residence
from this neighbourhood to Sussex, Virgi¬
nia1,' he resigned his pastoral concern to
Elder William Burges ; who was raised
in Camden, and called to the ministry in
that church ; and brother to the famous
John Burges of that place. Elder Burges
continued a few years in that office, after
which he was called home to rest from his
labours. The church now had grown ve¬
ry cold ; and by reason of deaths, excom¬
munications, and removal's, the church was
greatly decreased in number. Elder Mer¬
cer used to attend at times; after his re¬
moval to Georgia, was statedly attended
by Elder White for several years. After
his removal to the westward they have
been attended by Elder Burkitt. This
church has gone through sundry revolutions
as may be seen in the minutes of the As¬
sociation i and although she has been blest
with many pious members, some able
ministers, and the place where the Asso¬
ciation was first holden, and has been hol-
den many years, and from which the name
of the Association took place, yet she is
so greatly reduced, that they are at present
hardly able to hold conferences, or keep
up church discipline. Amongst the few
yvfoo
*■*& HISI-OsRY sr* the KEHUKEE
who belong to this church is; William
Ymughan, of singular piety, and a preach¬
er of the gospelbut has not as yet been
ordained: And Mrs. Sally Smith, consort
ofCapt. James South.; a woman of onpar-
ralleled virtue, piety and charity.
We have a flaftering hope of a revival
here. A few have been added in the late
revival.
1 There is a connection between this
church, and .one on Fishing-Creek, at the
new meeting-house, as it is called, which
-was originally gathered by Elder Tanner9
but was never constituted a church as we
know of. This congregation and the old
Kchukee church, became one body; and
the minutes of the Association have been
considered as such, and the members on
Fishing-Creek haye, by the Association,
been deemed a branch of that church. But
at present this branch has become more
numerous than the body. A very consi¬
derable revival has taken place here lately,
They are attended monthly by Elder Gil¬
bert, and meetings holden,beginning on the
Saturday before the fourth Sunday in every
month, bfeetings at old Kehukee meet¬
ing-house are, Saturday before the third
Sunday in every month, Yearly meeting
in August—November, February, and
May., are quarterly.meetings, at this place.
There
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 24i
There were 44 members added to this
church last.year, but chiefly at the meeting
house on Fishing-Creek. Their number
at present, in both branches, is about 112.
The Church on Sandy-Creek, Franklin
county, North-Carolina.
This church came out from the church
at Reedy-Creek; and wa-s constituted in
1774. The number of members constitu¬
ted we cannot ascertain. William Walker
was chosen pastor, and continued till his
death, in 1784; then Elder Lewis Moore
took the charge thereof, and continued
until 1798. This chureh being left desti¬
tute made choice of Elder John Pember-
lon; he continued but a short time. They
then chose Elder Jacob Crocker, jun. who
soon after left them and moved to Broad
River, in South-Carolina. After the re¬
moval of Elder Crocker, they called on El¬
der Moses Bennett in 1801, who served
them as an occasional pastor, and conti¬
nues so to the present.
This church adopted the confession of
faith, and joined in Covenant, and lias been
a prosperous church; although, at present
there are not more than 2b members in
fellowship. The time of their meetings
is the .Saturday before the second Sunday
in every month. This church is not con¬
nected with any Union Meeting, aswe
know of, ~ X The
242 HISTORY or the KEHUREE
The Church an Rocky-S-ivamp, U nilfa z
county, North-Carolina.
In in the year of 1767, Eider Jesse
Read(who is now the pastor of this church)
was convinced of the necessity of speedi¬
ly reforming his life ; which he undertook
with great engagement; but soon was re¬
duced by affliction to a low state; so that
his.friends despaired of his recovery. In
this tedious spell of affliction he endured
great pain of body, and much distress of
soul; but the Lord had mercy on him,
and restored him again. He was then
brought to discover the sinfulness of his
nature, his own weakness, and the impos¬
sibility of being saved by his own obedi¬
ence to the law of God. He was greatly
distressed and grievously tempted, anc|
could obtain no relief until he was enabled,
by grace to believe in Christ, Jesus, as the
Saviour of his soul. He then &GQuld feed
on the sincere in ilk of God's word ; and
when he met with the writings of George
Whitefleid and John Bunyan, they gave"
him great consolation. He then desired
the happiness of mankind^ and wanted
them to know theway of salvation through
Christ. He therefore undertook to ap¬
point meetings, and in public read White-
field's sermons. At that time there were,
no Baptists in the neighbourhood. Some,,
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 243
time after, Elder Charles Daniel a Regular
Baptist minister came into those parts to
preach > ' and not long after, Rocky-
Swamp meeting-house was built on the land,
Elder Read gave for that purpose. There
were several people who made profession
of their faith in Christ, and were baptiz¬
ed by said Daniel, and they were consider¬
ed a branch of the church on Fishing-Creek
{Daniel's meeting-house.) Elder Read
was not quickly convinced that it was his
"duty to be baptized jandwh.enhe was satis¬
fied it was his duty ; he embraced the senti¬
ments of those who were then called Sepa¬
rate Baptists, and accordingly was baptiz¬
ed in the year 1773 by Elder Jeremiah
Walker, a minister of that order : And
not long after this, Elder John Tanner
came into the neighbourhood and baptiz¬
ed several others, and on the 11th of July,
1774, the church was constituted, with1
the assistance ot Elders Walker, Tanner,and
Joseph Anthony. The church at her first
constitution consisted only of eight mem¬
bers: But there is reason to hope the Lord
planted this little vine, and directed seve¬
ral ministers to visit, and water it. This
church, the same year, sent a letter and
delegate to the Separate Association, hold-
en in Amelia county, in Virginia, and was
there received. On this journey, the im¬
pressions
24i HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
pressions on the mind of Elder Read to
preach the gospel of salvation to sinners,,
increased. So that on the Lord's day, af¬
ter his return, he irade an attempt to preach
in public. He was encouraged by the1
members to continue in the work $ and on
the 5th of May, 1775, the church unani¬
mously called him to the pastoral care there
ot. Elders Sam. Harris and Joseph Anthony
assisted at the ordination. After the divi¬
sion took place at the Falls ot Tar river,
as heretofore mention, this church joined
the Ke'rukee Association, and was one of
the ten churches at her first establishment
on the present order. Notwithstanding this;
church was constituted with only eight
members, yet the Lord has greatly added
to her number, and smiled upon her. Since
that time 260 have been baptized, but by
deaths, removals and dismissions tor 'con¬
stitution. The church consists at present
ef about 100 members in fellowship.
There is a branch of this church at Da¬
vis's meeting-house ; which is not far from
Connicarmary, in Halifax county. The year¬
ly meeting at Rocky-Swamp, beginsonthe
Saturday before the fourth Sunday in Au¬
gust ; and the quarterly and monthly meet¬
ings in course. Meetings are holden at Da¬
vis's meeting-house, the Erst Sunday in
every month.
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION, 245
The Church on Quo.nkey, Halifax county,
North-Carolina.
This church w.»s formerly a branch of
the church at Rocky-Swamp; and for.
some years exercised discipline with the as¬
sistance of Elder Read, who generally at¬
tended at Quonkey Chapel, two days in
every month. But on the fourth Saturday
i.n July 1799, they sent a petition to the
body of the church at Rocky-Swamp for
a dismission, in order to become a consti¬
tuted body.
Their petition was heard, and accord¬
ingly 30 members were dismissed, and on
the 7th of August following, they had to
theif assistance Elders Burkitt and Read,
and by mutual consent they were constitut¬
ed a church. Since that time there have
been 36 added to the church. But by
deaths removals, &x. they now contain only
51 members.
They have no pastor, but at their re¬
quest, are attended by Elder Jesse Read as
formerly ; and Elder McAllister Vinson,
\yho was ordained on the itinerant plan
before their constitution, and is a member
in this church, also assists them in wo.d
and doctrine. The yearly meeting begins
on the Saturday before die third Sqnday
in October ; and monthly and quarterly
meetings in course.
.X k Haywood's
246
HISTORY of the KEHUKEE
Haywood's Meeting-House, Franklin coun«
ty, North-Carolina.
This church is thus named, because the
meeting-house at which the congregation
assembles, is so called, in honour of Judge
Haywood, who gave for the use of the so<-
ciety, the piece of ground on which the
meeting-house was erected. This church
we believe was originally a branch of the
Sandy-Creek church, gathered through
the instrumentality of Elder'Walker. Af¬
ter some time it pleased the Lord to con¬
vert and call to the ministry Elder Jacob
Crocker, who labouring amongst the peo¬
ple in this neighbourhood, and a blessing
attending his labours, a church was ga¬
thered and constituted here. But since,
it hath pleased Almighty God to call El¬
der Crocker to his eternal home, and they
are now without a settled pastor ; but El¬
der William Lancaster supplies them, as
an occasional pastor. Their number at
present is only about 35. Their yehrly
meeting is holden the first Sunday in Au¬
gust. Monthly and quarterly meetings in
course.
Memoirs of Elder Jacob Crocker, ike form¬
er pastor of this church.
Elder JACOB CROCKER attended
a meeting at his- meeting-house, the first
Sunday in November, 1791, and was great-
Baptist association. w
ly engaged ill exhorting the people, a £
which time he said to his auditory, that he
believed it would be the last time he should
ever address them,which eventually proved
to be no chimera, for he never attended a
meeting after that time. The same evening
he said to his beloved wife, " Many lone-
" some hours youhave seen in my absence,
" but comforted yourself with the hope of
"my return; but now I am going from
" whence I shall no more return." Some
days after this, his wife asked him if he
thought he should die, he answered (with
a smile) " I hope I shall; I have no de-
" sire to stay here any longer." Sometime
after, he desired that she might resign to
his death, saying " it would be but a short
" time before they should meet again."
The day before he died, one of his daugh¬
ters being by his bed side a weeping, he
said to her, " do not weep for me, I hope
" God has converted your soul, and if so,
"we shall soon meet again in abetter
" world." One of the brethren asked him
a few hours before his death ; how it was
with him, he answered " a few more strug-
" gles,and it will be eternally day with my
" soul." Thus that faithful servant of the
Lord bid this woild adieu. He was great¬
ly lamented by his pious acquaintance in
general, and his church in particular. *
The
2^.; Hi STORY or the KEHtJSEE
The Church at ■ the--Maple-Spring, Franklin/
coilnli), North•Carolina.
This church watf at first composed of a
few members, who obtained a dismission
from the church at Sandy-Creek, in order
to become a distinct body, and accordingly
they were constituted a church, July '27th,
1793 ; and Elder William Lancaster took
tb.e oversight of them ; who a* a minister--
of'the gospel, is eminent for his clearness
in the doctrine of grace, as you may see by
thecircular letter which was written by him
an the persevance of the saints in grace,
Page 160.
The number of members in this church
at present is 38. Their yearly meeting is
holden the fourth Sundayin July, and their
monthly and quarterly meetings in course.
Their meeting-house is a tolerable r«omy
building, and stands near the road, about-
four miies from Louisburg.
The Church at the Poplar Spring Meeting-
House.
El "der William Lancaster was instru¬
mental in gathering and plaining this
church, which was constituted in Novem¬
ber 1793, and he continues to serve them
as pastor. Their number at present is 57.
When the Neuse Association wag formed ;
Tar river was considered the boundary line,
and this church being on the. south side of
BAPTIST ASSOCIATION. 249
said river, belonged to that Association,
but their minister living on the south side
of said river, they have obtained a dismis¬
sion from the Neuse Association, in order
to join the Kehukee Association. Their
yearly meeting is holden the second Sunday
in October. Their monthly and quartetly
meetings in course.
CHAP.
CHUR-CHES in t««
CHAP. XIV.
I . The names of the Churches in the Ports*
mouth Association, and. its bounds. 2.
The Church at Pungo, Blackivater, Loft¬
on Bridge, Portsmouth and Nor¬
folk* 3. Frost) an Arminian Baptist
preacher, stricken zvith death while preach*
ing his sentiments. 4. The Church at
Shoulder's-IIill. 5. Persecution of El¬
ders Bar-ow and Mintz. 6. History of
N. IV. River Bridge, Western Branch,
South Quay, Black-Creek, M ill-Swamp t
Seacock, and liackoon-Swamp Churches.
IT was promised, that a brief account of
the churches in the Virginia Portsmouth
Association should be inserted in this His¬
tory ; inasmuch as the greater part of these
churches once belonged to the Kehukee
Association. The Portsmouth Associa¬
tion was dismissed from the Kehukee, in
1790, and became an established Associa¬
tion in 1791. Their first meeting was at
Portsmouth, in Virginia. And for that
reason, and from the polite treatment of
the gentlemen of that town, it took the
name , of the Virginia Porlsmoulh Baptist
Association. The bounds of this Associa¬
tion is frcyn James' river to the state line;
from the sea to Petersburg, and lower end
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 25*
of Dinwiddie and Mecklenberg counties
in that state; and at present contains 23
churches, viz. Black-Creek, Southampton
county ; Black-Water, Princess Anne
county ; Cut-Banks on Nottoway, Dinwid¬
die county; Davenport's meeting-holise.
Prince George county; London-Bridge,
Princess^Xnne; Fountain's-Creek, Greens-'
ville; Genito, Mecklenburg; High-Hill's
of Nottoway, Sussex; Meherrin, South¬
ampton ; Mill-Swamp, Isle of Wight s
Otterdams, Surry ; Portsmouth and Nor¬
folk ; Pungo, Princess Anne; Rowanty,
Dinwiddie ; South-Quay, Southampton ;
Shoulders's-Hill, Nansemond; Rackoon-
Swamp, Sussex; Reedy-Creek, Bruns¬
wick ; Sappony, Sussex; Seacock, Sus¬
sex; North West river Bridge, Norfolk;
county ; Western Branch, Nansemond;
HayesVCreek, Brunswick county. All thesp
churches, except four, were once mem¬
bers of our Association. We shall begin
with the church at Pungo, which appears
to be the first constituted church in the
Portsmouth Association.
The Church on Pungo, Princess Anne, Vir¬
ginia.
This church was a branch ofithe church
in Camden county, North-Carolina; and
in 1762, they petitioned the body for a dis¬
cission in order to become a constituted
church.
£5-2 CHURCHES in thb
church. Which they obtained, and at the
time of constitution were 45 in number.
They were constituted by Elders John
Burges and Charles Daniel. Elder James
Gamewell now became their pastor, and
he made application to the Governor of
Virginia, who granted him licence to
preach ; and a place for a meeting-house
was procured, and recorded in the gene¬
ral court at Williamsburg. This church at
first, was founded on the Calvinian prin¬
ciples, and has continued in the same faith
until now. They used to associate with
the Kehukee Association, at Kehukee,
North-Carolina. In the year of 1766, El¬
der George Plummer took the care of
them, who some time after was suspend¬
ed for marrying his wile's sister. Edder
Abbot from Carolina, then served them as
an occasional pastor. In 1774, Elder
Joshua Lawrence was sent for to take the
care of said church ; and in 1775, they
came under a new examination, and May
14, 1775, he was ordained their pastor,
bv Elders Dargan and Abbot. Elder
J r
Lawrence for some years was in greatre-»
pute amongst them, until a matter of diL
ficulty happened in the church ; which oc^
casioned the Association in Portsmouth,
in 1791, to appoint Elders Barrrow, Ar-
mistedand Mintz to attend the said church
and
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 253
and endeavour to conciliate matters, the
result of which was the excommunication
©f said Lawrence. No facts of any im¬
portance were supported against him. The
committee left him to clear or condemn
himself, by an appeal to God, in presence
of them, with a declaration of his inno-
cency. Which he refused, leaving it to
his accusers to support the charge brought
against birn. After he was secluded, he
continued to preach,and p-ublickly declared
before God and his congregation his inno-
cency of the charge brought against
him. The people erected a meeting-house
for him, in which lie preached for several
years. The church was then without a
settled pastor, being only supplied by tra¬
velling preachers, until the first Sunday in
October, 1803. At which time, we un¬
derstand Eider Lawrence was restored to
full fellowship a g un. The time of holding
their monthly meetings is the Saturday be¬
fore first Sunday in every month. Their
yearly-meeting is in April ; and quarterly
in July, October and January.
The Church on Black-Water, Frimess-
AniiCy Virginia.
This church was once a branch of the
church at Pungo. They were constituted
a church in 1784. Several ministers of the
gospel were instruments (under God)to be-
Y gin
CHURCHES in the
gin and carry on the work of God here.
Beside the ministers who used to come
from Camden to Pungo, and preached here
on their journey, were Ejders Thomas.
Armistead, William Cole, Daniel Gould,
George Plumper and others; who used to.
labour statedly, in and near this place.
They are now under the pastoral care of El¬
der Sorey. Their number at present is.
about 57.
The Church at Isondon Bridge, Princess
Anne, Virginia.
This, church is so called because the
eongregatiouassembles at a meeting-house*
which stands not far distant from a bridge
palled by that name, east of Norfolk, in
Princess Anne county. Some of the mem¬
bers of this church formerly belonged to
the church at Pungo, and were a branch,
pi said church, They were constituted in
May, 1784, by Elders Daniel Gould and
AViiliam Morris. At the constitution, El¬
der Morris delivered a sermon, introducto¬
ry to business, from Songs ii. 15,. Take
us the foxesy the Hbtie foxes that spoil the vines,
for our vines have fender grapes. The
church at the time of her constitution con¬
sisted of 55 members. On the same day
the church made choice of Elder Morris,
for their pastor. A sermon introductory
thereto was delivered by Elder Gould, from
Acts
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 255
Acts xx. 26. I am pure from the blood of
«// men. A few years before the constitu-
tion of this church, there was a great stir
of religion amongst the people , many on
the right and left might be seen and heard
crying for mercy. About this time Elder
Isaac Tote wine was raised up, and began
to preach, whose gilts were approved. l ie
is now in the western country. About,
the time of constitution the church seem¬
ed to be in a colder state. Only about se¬
ven were added in One year. Isaac Jacob,
Thomas Norris, John M'Cauland Henry
James were chosen and ordaiiied Deacons.
From the year 1785 until '87, there was but
small additions. In 1787, about August
there appeared a small revival again ; 13
were received in one day. The work seem¬
ed to go on until November 1788, by
which time 35 were received. Through
various changing scenes this church passed
until the year 1802, Elder Morriss the pas¬
tor, petitioned for a letter of dismission, in¬
forming the church of his intention to move
to Kentucky. The letter was granted, but
a great uneasiness was created in the minds
of the members, they being loth to part
with their pastor. It not only caused au
enquiry in their minds, but a cry in their
paouths, what shall we do for one to go
in and out before us. Accordingly appli¬
cation
2 o'e
CHURCHES IN Tire
cation was made to Eldef Jeremiah Ritter^
a member of the church at Shoulders's-Hill,
and he granted, their request, and has at¬
tended them monthly and administered the
ordinances to them ever since. From the
time Elder Morris left this church there
was' no revival until the 27th of March,
1803. At which time, being the time o-f
their quarterly meeting, just at the time of
dismission, the brethren appeared to be
much engaged, and were bidding-farewell'
to each other, up stepped a little lad - and-
wished to tell the church what the Lord
had' done for his soul. In so doing the,
whole house appeared to be in floodsoT
tearsj and within a tew-mouths after.23-
were baptized. It is'hoped -the Lord is-
about to revive his work inthis-place. Their''
nXimber at present" is about- 134. Their>
monthly meeting is the Saturday before the'
last Sunday in the month ; Their quarterly/'
meetings are in November, February andr
May; - andAugust meeting i» their yearly-
meeting.
The Church in Portsmouth and Norfolkf
firgirtia.-
In the year ) 789, there were a few-1
members in Portsmouth* and its vicinity^
who were ;of the Bapi 1st society,- but were'
members in the church at Shoulders's-Hill.-'
Through tire - instrumentality - of -- Eldera
Eiiiah
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 267
Elijah Baker,Thomas Armistead and others
there were several added in Portsmouth
and Norfolk, After which the members
petitioned the Association then held in the
Isle of Wight, to send helps to constitute
them into a church. .Whereupon Eiders
John Meglamre and David Barrow were
sent; who, when attending, called to their
assistance Elders Elijah Baker, William
Morris, Thomas Armistead, and James
M'Cienny and Etheldred Lancaster. A
covenant being formed by a committee ap¬
pointed for that purpose, was read in con*
ference, consented to and subscribed by
the members. They were constituted on
the principles of Free-grace, Elder Tho¬
mas Armistead took the care of this church,
and his labours were blest for a season.
Ik the year of 1791, there came from
Europe, a certain Air. Frost in the habit
of a Baptist preacher, who at first seemed
to be approved of ; but soon began to de¬
ny the faith of the church, tmd pirach the
doctrines cf free-will, supposing man hall
power .to work himself into a state of fa¬
vour with God. This man caused great
uneasiness in the church. The brethren
appointed a committee, to wait upon him
and try to gain him over to embrace the
principles of the church j but he remained
incorrigible,
253
CHURCHES >tV :tMK
The church appointed another commit-^
tee to go and try to silence him, but could"
not prevail. He said he had a:meeting to-'
attend the Wednesday night' following *
and he should preach. But the Lord inter¬
fered in behalf of his distressed church. For!
when Frost went to pregch again, and
took his text,which W3S, He shall thorough*,
hj purge his jloor, and gather' his wheat in->
to his garner ; and corning to the wordsj,
" purge his floor," his tongue failed, hd
cryed, " let us pray," but sunk: in his
knees, and spoke not another word. He
was dead in less than three hours. Thus
did God avenge his suffering church in
these towns, for this fox was spoiling the
tender grapes.
On Saturday, the $th of June, l7£2y irt
conference Elder Armistead requested the
church to look out another pastor to go id
and out before them, as he was much in>
disposed in body and not able to serve then*
as he ought," or wished to do. But no
person supplied his place for some time;
In 1794, Elder Armistead moved into
King and Queen county ^ and in 1795,
there came a black preacher from North¬
ampton county, in Virginia, whose name
was Jacob Bishop. The brethren and
friends in that county, gave him money to
buy his freedom, which he did> and soon
after
PORTSMOUTH-ASSOCIATION, m
affor" bought his wife's, And, when he
came to Norfolk he bought his eldest son's-
freedom. His-preaching was much admir¬
ed- both by saints and sinners, for some¬
time, wherever he went. As a stranger,
few received an equal degree of liberality
with him. After Elder Armistead moved
awav, the church fell into a cold negligent
state for several months; no conference
business done.j some of the members did
backslide : Yea, the state of church seemed
at a lew ebb, until October, 1796, at
which time the church seemed stirred up
to try to get-together again. They called
for helps from the neighbouring churches
to sit in council and give them advice.
Who advised them, that whereas the black
brethren in the church seemed anxious for
a vote in conference, that it would-be best
to consider the black people as a wing of
the body, and Jacob Bishop to take the
oversight of them, as this church, at that
time consisted of a number of blacks. The
black people at first seemed pleased with
the proposition, but soon repented and came
and told the Deacons they were afraid
that matters might turn up disagreeably to
them and dishonouring to God, and said
they would be subordinate to the white bre¬
thren, if they would let them continue as
they were 5 which was consented to. The
church
060 CHURCHES itt the
<hurch now applied to Elder Thomas lithe-,
ridge, who servecHliem awhile ; and soon
after there came over from Africa, and set¬
tled here for awhile,Elder Jacob Grigg^ho
had been on a mission from England to
Africa. While in this church, he exercised
a public gift, but soon married and moved
to North-Carolina, and took the care of a
church at N. W. river bridge, and in 1802
moved to the state of Kentucky. In
1799, Elder Davis 15iggs moved near to
Portsmouth, and took the care of the
church in these towns ; and a few have
been baptized every year since. The bre¬
thren have been very attentive to confer¬
ences, and have been careful to maintain
a good discipline. In 1802, there cam^
from Europe, and took up here, a man
named Ralph Mather, who called himself a
christian minister. He preached once for
the Methodists in their meeting-house in
Portsmouth ; and expected to preach a se¬
cond time, but some other preacher was
introduced in his-stead, which very much
displeased him. He then came to the
Baptists, with a very smooth tongue, and
got in favour with many of them, and be¬
gan to rail at the Methodists from the pul¬
pit and from the press. And by some he
was answered again. In order to invali¬
date their doctrine, he said that good works
could
PORTSMOUTH" ASSOCIATION. 201-
cpuld not add any thing to the creature^ ?
nor to the praise and glory of the creator:
And that there, was an intermediate state [
where alh the world, except a few, must?
go into when they, left this life. He was/
discovered to be of the Swedenberg pro-.-
fession, who suppose that particular cha-,
racters were sent into this intermediate,
state to preach to spirits there imprisoned ;
in which state the spirits there might be in¬
structed and prepared for heaven : Or by/,
disobedience be. sent to hell. Also that :
those women who loved little childrenherai
would go into:this intermediate state afterr
death',:and-there nurse and bring-up. littlei
children, and prepare them for beaten, and)
sundry other wild enthusiastic notions;:
Elder Biggs wrote him, that, he must ac-.
knowledge his error, and make public re-?
cantation- tor two particulars, as charges?
against him, viz. l.for holding . with an,"
intermediate state in order for preparation,
and 2 : denying good works jW1hic n aoes- mosto
surely ad vance.the giory a.nd. praise of God,
amongst men. Which, acknowledgement,.,
if not made, he must not expect to preach:
any more in. the. Baptist.meeting house,..,
He wrote Elder Biggs several ili natured?
letters, which were answered. He ineiv
appliedto one or one principal meters in
Norfolk, for leave to preach in the. Baptist
meeting-house
262 CHURCHES IN Titfc
ftveeting-house oil that side of thewatef,
but was wisely told that their church mem¬
bers on each side were one body. He
then appeared to try to draw a party away
With him, speaking evil of their present
pastor, trying to bring him in disrepute
amongst the citizens in general. But his
zeal for preaching quickly abated, and he
turned into speculation, and soon died.
Saturday, the 16 th of October, 1802,
Was set apart as a day of fasting and pray¬
er to the Lord for to revive his work. The
brethren seemed to engage heartily in the
Work, and the Lord heard the prayers of
his church. A revival commenced in De¬
cember, the second Sunday a mate of a
ship was baptized. In February, 18
Were baptized ; and by the 15th of Sep¬
tember, 1803 (about 15 months) 80 were
added by baptism. Their present num¬
ber is about 240.
In March 1803, were ordained to the
work of the ministry in this church, Elders
Benjamin Ashley, Peter Lugg> Henry
Keeling, and James Mitchell. Since which
time another young man has begun to ex¬
ercise his gift, and appears likely to be pro¬
fitable. Their yearly meetings are holden.
the Saturday before the second Sunday in
December j quarterly in March, June an4
September.
The
"PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION, m
The Church at Shoulders'Nansg*
_ mond county, Virginia.
Some of the first Baptist ministers, who
preached in the neighbourhood of Should-
ers's-Hill, were Elders Barrow and Mintz.
They first began to preach at, and near to
Sleepy-Hole, on Nansemond river. As the
Lord had a work to do in this place, so the
Devil and his emissaries began to try to im¬
pede the work. So it was when Paul and
Silas were at Philippi, and their labours
were blessed. The Devil stirred up the
mob and the magistrates, to persecute and
imprison the innocent Apostles, in order
to stop the work. Acts xvi. So it was on
Nansemond river, with Elders Barrow
and Mintz j alter'preaching a few times,
and their labours being blessed, the De-»
vil influenced some wicked and ungodly
men to persecute them. And at a certain
meeting when they were going to preach,
these impious men went to the meeting
and dragged Elders Barrow and Mintz
from the place where they were standing
tc preach, down to the water, not far distant
from the place of worship, in order they
said, " as they loved dipping, to give them
<£ enough of it." And carried them down
into the water and plunged them into it.
Elder Barrow said they almost drowned
him. They dipped him two or three tinges,
264 emracHEs IN THE
and>held him under water nearly one mi¬
nute at a timej and when they raised him
lip, would ask him "-If ht believed}" He
at last replied j "I believe you will drown
" me." They at last desisted and let them
go. Afterwards these two innocent-suf-
ferers never sought any recompence, but
submitted to it, as persecution for Christ's
sake.
It may be observed thatthe dissenlers in
Virginia, before the revolution, were per¬
secuted more than they ever were in N. Ca¬
rolina. in the county of Chesterfield several
Baptist ministers were imprisoned for
preaching in that county ; and the people
were so desirous to hear preachiug that
they would attend at. the prison, and the
ministers would preach to them through
the grates of the prison. And in order
to prevent their hearing, Colonel Cary
had a brick wall erected 10 or 12. feet.high
before the prison, and the top thereof fix¬
ed with glass bottles set in mortar, to pre¬
vent the people from sitting on the top of
the wall to hear the word. But if perse¬
cutors did but know it, they take a wrong
step to prevent the progress of religion .by
persecution : For persecution always whets
the edge of devotionCol. Cary and others
in Chesterfield argued that the act oi ■tolc-
ration, in 'the - statute- of; William and Ala¬
ry,
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 265
ry, did not extend to the colony of Vir¬
ginia. But Elder Jeremiah Walker, a
Baptist minister, was imprisoned for
preaching in that county, and he was per¬
mitted to plead in his own defence; and
after he had pleaded his own cause, and
explaned the act of toleration before the
court in Chesterfield, they allowed his ar¬
guments were conclusive; and so discharg¬
ed the prisoners.
But blessed be God, all scruples now
are removed by the glorious revolution,
which gives all, under its auspicious go¬
vernment, equal and impartial liberty.
After the persecution of Elders Barrow
and Mintz; the work of the Lord pro-,
gressed about Shoulders's-Hill, several got
converted and were baptized ; and about
the year of 1785, they were constituted a
church. They continued under the care of
Elder Mintz, until his death ; then Elder
Jeremiah Ritter took the care of them.
Their number is about 161.
The Church at the N. W. Upper Bridge9
Norfolk county, Virginia.
This church is supposed to be constituted
(according to Asplund's Register) in the
year of 1782. Elder Mintz used frequent¬
ly to attend this place, and preach and ad¬
minister the ordinances here. Afrerhim
they were attended by Elder Etheridge and
Z others.
CHURCHES in the
others. Some time after, Elder Jacob Grigg
became a member of this ch urch, and took
the care of them ; but is now moved to Ken¬
tucky. They are at present without a
pastor. Elder Dempsey Casey is a mem¬
ber of this church, and exercises a public
gift in the church, and is approved of.
There are some very respectable characters
in this church; amongst whom is James
Grimes, Esq. who has a long time been
a member of this church great in repute.
Their number at present is about 52.
The Church on the Western Branchy JJansc-
mondy Virginia,
This church wasconstituted about 1779.
Elder Edward Mintz first took the care of
this church, and continued in the pastoral
functionfor several years. Since him, we
believe the church has been without a. set¬
tled pastor. They are supplied by travel¬
ling preachers, and lately by ElderTho'mas1(
Bunting statedly. Elder James M'Clen-
ny a man of respectability (who was an
officer in the military and civil departments)
used to exercise a public gift in preaching
in this church. But it has been the will
of the Great Elead of thg church to call
him to the church triujmphant. His use¬
fulness has been a blessing to the, church j
and his labours are much missed. There
fasnot as yet been any great revival in this
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 267
church. Their number of members in the
year 1802, was only 36.
The Church at South-Quay, Southampton
county, Virginia.
About the year of 1TT4, the ministers
of the gospel of Jesus Christ of the Bap¬
tist order, commenced preaching in the
neighbourhood of South-Quay. Several
people in that neighbourhood, about that
time, made profession of faith in Christ,
and gave themselves members of the Bap¬
tist church in the Isle of Wight. But in
consequence of the distance they lived
from the body of that church, and for the
purpose of preserving order and decorum
amongst themselves they formed a distinct
society ; held meetings regukrlv once a
month; met frequently in conference ; ad¬
mitted to baptism and membership such
as offered, with a good account of a work
of grace upon their souls ; watched over
one another in love ; dealt with disorderly
members, &c. See.
The first conference,held by this society,
is dated the I St of Amrch, 1775 ; when the
necessary officers were chosen ; and so from
time to time conferences were holden as
stated above : but wasnevertheless consider¬
ed and held a branch of the Isle of Wight
church, until October 1st, 1785. At which
time, having* first obtained a regular dis¬
mission
263 CHURCHES in the
mission from that church, this society watf
constituted a church under the denomina¬
tion of the if Baptist church at South-
Quay."
This church has never had a regular
qualified pastor ; but from the first forma¬
tion of the society she had the ministerial
aid of Elder David Barrow, until his re¬
moval with his family to Kentucky, which
took place in the year of I79S. From that
period Elder John Bowers who was a mem¬
ber of the chnrch at Black-Creek ; and who
had for some time exercised a public gift,
waited on the church as apreacheronce a
month, at the time of her public meetings.
Since hisordinationhe hasserved this church
as their minister. Their meetings are hoi-'
den the Saturday before the first Sunday in
every month. Quarterly 111 March, June,
September and December; and their stated
conferences the Saturday of each quarterly
meeting, alter preaching.
No extraordinary event has taken place
in this church since she was first planted.
She has, like other religious societies, al¬
ternately experienced the various vicitudes
of seasons. This is a church, in the com¬
position of which their have been several
shining professors, and some useful and ac¬
tive members of society : but the most of
them are caliad home, and we belitevd are
receiving
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 269
receiving the reward of their labours, at
the right hand of God, through Jesus
Christ. The piety, zeal and usefulness ofc
Holland Darden, Eli ska Dardai, John Lau¬
rence and others, who were once members
in this church, will ever reflect honour or*
their memory. The number of members
at present in this church is about 41.
The Church on Black- Creek, Southampton
county.
The first minister of the Baptist society,
who preached on Black-Creek, was Elder
James Dupee. Soon after him Elders Me-
glamre and Barrow attended, and preach¬
ed in this neighbourhood. The labours of
those servants of Jos us Christ were bles¬
sed; several were converted and baptized.
Elder Barrow was the first who baptized
any by immersion in this place; and they
were received members of the church in
the Isle of Wight, whereof Elder Barrow
was their pastor. When a sufficient number
were received, they wereconstituted into a
church in 1786. At the time of constitu¬
tion, their number was 70. Elders Barrow
and Abraham Marshall attended. A ser¬
mon, introductory to business was preached
by Elder Marshall from Songs, ii. 15. There
a covenant was brought forward, read and
consented to and then subscribed by all the
members, This took place on the 27th of
Z z May,
CHURCHES in the
May, 1780. Elder Barrow took the care
of the church and settled in the neighbour¬
hood. JBis labours were blessed ; and his
usefulness in this church, and others, we
think \\ ill never be forgotten. Since the re¬
moval of Elder Barrow to the westward, this
church has been supplied by the labours of
Elders John Bowers and Henry Jon£s.
Both being regularly called to the ministry
and ordained, and appear useful in the mi¬
nistry. There appears of late to be a revi¬
val taken place in this church. Their
number last year was about 87.
The Church on Mill Swamp, Isle of Wight
county, Virginia.
In the neighbourhood wherein this church
was gathered, were formerly some free-will
Baptists, but they had no minister. S. Jones
was the first in this place who was baptiz¬
ed by a minister of our order. After
he got converted, he wen tout to Bute, in
N. C. and was baptized. Then Elder
Meglamre went down into those parts and
preached, and baptized several members;
they were received members of the church
on the Rackoon-Swramp, Sussex county ;
and were considered a branch of that
church. When a sufficient number were
added they were constituted a church the
•idcf July, 177-1; at the same time Elder
David Barrow, a member of the church in
Brunswick counts under the care of Elder
PORTSMOUTH ASSbdUTION. §71
iZachariah Thompson was called on to take
the pastbralcareof said church. Whoaccord-
ingly did, and served as pastor until Dec.
15, 1797, at which time he was dismissed,
Oti his request. Since the removal of Elder
Barrow. The church has had no settled
pastor. Elders Jesse Holiimon and John
Gwalfney, members of -said church have
been called to ordination, which took place
June 6, 1801. They both continue metn-
bers in this church. Benjamin Bell, James
Gwaltney and Lemuel Wombwell are dea¬
cons in this church.
There are some very respectable mem¬
bers in this church ; and for a regular dis¬
cipline, and good decorum in church mat¬
ters, they are not excelled, it equalled by
any church in that Association. There
appears to be a revival taken place of late
in this church, about 18 were added last
year. This church now consists of above
156 members. Their yearly meeting is hol-
den on the Saturday before the first Sunday
in September. December, March and
June, quarterly meetings; and monthly,
at the same time of the month, in every
other month throughout the year.
The Church on Sea-Cocky Sussex counfijy
Virginia.
Elder Elijah Baker was the first Bap¬
tist preacher of our society, who preached
near Sea-Cock. Soon after, he was succed-
2*712 : CHURCHES in the
ed by Elder Janaes Bell arid Elder Burkitt.
As some of the first preachers were itine¬
rants, some people in this place, bv way of
derision,gave them the nameof the running
Baptist. About this time Elder Meglamre
preached here, and received those he bap¬
tized, and some who were baptized by the
itinerant preachers, as members of ,the
church on the Rackoon-Swamp, and they
were called a branch of that church. The
church was constituted in 1787,consisting
only of 18 members. There has been a
comfortable revival here lately. As many
as 23 members were added in a few months
last year. They have no settled pastor.
EiderBrown attends this church occasionly.
Tlit Church on the Rackoon-Swamp, Sussex
county.
Elders John Meglamre, John Rivers
and Benjamin Bell were the first Baptist
preachers of our order, who preached in
Sussex; which was about the year 1770.
Elder Rivers was a minister of the separate
order, who was a resident in Sussex coun¬
ty,' on Sappony-Creek ; a verv pious and
zealous minister of Jesus Christ. lie
preached frequently, not only in the neigh¬
bourhood where he Jived, but in- several
places in that county, and his labours were
wonderfully blessed. Elder John Me¬
glamre was at that time pastorof a church
utKehukee, North-Carolina. He used to
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 2*73
preach frequently at the house of Henry
Bailey, and Henry Andrews in said coun¬
ty ; and his labours were also attended
with a blessing. Some of the first fruits of
the gospel here, Were, John Fort and wife,
Richard Johnston, "Richard Marks, Na¬
thaniel Taturn and others. Soon after, El¬
der James Bell (who had been a leading
man in that county) had a hope the Lord
had converted His soul, and was baptized
by Elder Meglamre'. After the work be¬
gan to progress, Elder Meglamre resign¬
ed his pastoral charge at Kehukee to Eider
Burges, and moved in to Sussex. In the
year of 1772, June 13, the church; was
constituted in that place by Elders John
Moore and William Walker, consisting.of
87 members, and Elder Meglamre took the
pastoral care thereof. Several ministering
brethren have been raised up and called to
the ministry in this church, viz. James Bell,
Z?dock Bell, Balaam Izzcli, John Wail,
Randolph N'usam and Wiliarn Browne,
the last of whom, is a man eminent for
piety, gifts and zeal; and acted in the pas¬
toral function after Elder Meglamre re¬
signed, on account of inability. The
church for some time past has been in a
declining state; butof late, the work of the
Lord seems to revive. Sundry members
have bebn received herb within twelve
months ;
<2n CHURCHES in the
months ; and we hear the work is still go¬
ing on. The yearly meeting in this church
begins on the Saturday before the second
Sunday in August, and continues three
days. Quarterly meetings in November,
February, and May.
■■■■hlill'll—limi i —
CHAP. XV,
1. History of the Church on Meherrin,
High-Hills of Nottoway, Fountain's
Creek, Reedy-Creek, Geneto, Cut-Banks,
Sappony, Rowanly, 8(c. 2. Persecution
of Elder Elijah Baker.
Thet Church on Meherrin, Southampton
county, Virginia.
THE members who originally compos¬
ed this church, were members of the
church on the Rackoon-Swamp, in Sussex.
— and the first of them were received and
baptized at that place. After a considerable
number were received, the ministers be¬
gan to hold meetings at John Sturge¬
on's, on Meherrin,. and the ordinances
were administered j andthe members were
called a branch of the church in Sus¬
sex. At length a meeting-house was
o o
erected near to said% Sturgeon's, which
was
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 275
was called Sturgeons meeting-house ; and
in, or about the year 1788, they were con¬
stituted into a church. Elder John Me-
glamre (who had been an instrument pf
gathering this branch) continued to serve
them as an occasional pastor for awhile j
then application was made to Elder Mur-
rell, who was a member of Elder Burkitt's
church, to take the pastoral care of said
church ; and he now continues to serve
them in that capacity.
This church has a branch in Northamp¬
ton county; and the congregation assem¬
bles at a place called Smith's church, not
far from Northampton court-house, North-
Carolina. This was a house of worship,
built at first, for the use of the Episcopal
church ; but for several years, was chief¬
ly occupied by the Methodists ; and a con¬
siderable class of that order was gathered
here; until the preaching of the Baptists,
Of late the Baptist interest prevails ; seve¬
ral have been baptized at this place:
amongst whom were 17 or 18 bf the Me¬
thodist Society. Quarterly meetings, on
Meherrin, are holden the Saturday before
the fourth Sunday in December, March,
June and September. And at Smith's
church, monthly the third Sunday in every
month.
576
CHUBJCHES in th*.
Tfie Church at the High-Hills, of Nottoway,
Sussex.
This also was a branch of the church on
the RackoonSwamp." The greatest part
of the members here, before the constitu¬
tion of the church, were received and bap¬
tized at the meeting-house on the Rackoon
Swamp. That church being numerous
and its limitsextensive, it was thought best
for a constitution to take place here, which
was effected in the year 1787. Elder William
Browne took the pastoral care of the same;
and continues in that office, to the present
time. There have not, as yet been any
great revivals in this church, nothwithstand-
ing they have been statedly attended by
that eminent Servant of JesusChrist, El¬
der Browne. Their number of members
in the year 1802, was only 22.
The Church on Fountain's-Creek, Greens¬
ville county.
Some of the members who at first com¬
posed this church, were baptized by Elder
Zachariah Thompson^; and were under
his care for several years ; and about this
time there was a considerable revival of re¬
ligion in these parts. After sometime a
church was constituted ,here, and Elder
"William Garner took the phstoral care ofthe
same; and became a member of the Ke-
hukee Association, and continued so until
the
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 177.
the division took place between the Ka¬
li ukee and the Virginia Portsmouth Asso¬
ciations, and then of course this church be¬
came a member of the Portsmouth Associ¬
ation, because she fell within the bounda¬
ries of the same. This church like others has,
experienced her different seasons; both
of declensions and revivals. For someyears
past, religion seemed cold'; but of late a
considerable revival has taken place. We
learn that in this late revival, several of the
Methodist society, have submitted to the
ordinance of baptism.
There is a branch of this church in.
Northampton county, North Carolina.
The congregation assembles at a meeting¬
house, called Vasser's meeting-house, a-
bout ten miles above Northampton court¬
house. The church on FountainVCreek,
was constituted about the year 1787.
The Church on Reedy-Creek, Brunsivick
county, Virginia.
This church was originally gathered by-
Elder Zachariah Thompson. He used to
preach here, and attend them statedly;
and a few members were baptized. In the
year of 1776, they were constituted into a
church ; but had no settled pastor; nor
have had to the present time. Elder
Thompson attended them for awhile.
Since, they have been supplied by the ia-
A a bours
978 CHURCHES tn the
bours of Elder Browne and others, who
have attended thern at convenient times.
There are some members in this little
church, famous for virtue, piety and usefub
ness. Amongst whom is Joseph Saun¬
ders, who generally serves the Association
as Clerk. Their number of members in
the year of 1802, was only 33.
The Church on Geneto-Creek, Mecklenburg
County.
This church was constituted in the year
1771. The ministers who attended at the
constitution,were Elders Elijah Baker, John
^Villiams and James Shelborpe. The num¬
ber of members were tew at the first institu¬
tion of the church. The first preacher who
attended this church as pastor, was Elder
Elijah Baker, who some time after mov¬
ed from this church to Northampton,
onthe eastern shore of Virginia, where his
labours were abundantly blessed. He suf¬
fered great persecution in his first attempts
to spread the gospel in the lower parts of
Virginia. He was once seized by a giddy
set of ruffians, where he was preaching,
who took him by violence, and carried him
on board of a vessel, informing the captain,
he" was a disturber oj the peace," and 'wish¬
ed him to make him work for his passage
over the seas, and leave him in some of the
European countries, as an exile. It was on
Saturday night he was carried on board \
frb&TSMOtJTH ASSOCIATION.
ind was put to work* and. continued till
late at night. Next morning he came be¬
fore the captain, and begged liberty, as it
was the Lord's day,to go to prayer amongst
the people on deck. He was gratified ; and
he exhorted and ptayOd, and the Captain
heard him; He thought Elder Baker a
good man* and was determined not to hu¬
mour the spiteful mob; but ordered his
people to put him on shore. In the
mean while his friends, had dispatched a
messenger to the Governor, stating facts*
in order td prevent Elder Baker's banish¬
ment. But when the messenger returned
with the Governor's orders to the captain
to release Baker ; behold it was done, fie
was often threatened to be mobbed ; and
sometimes apples throtvn at him while
preaching ; but out of it all, the Lord de¬
livered hiin ; and by his labours a glorious
work of God was begun, and carried dn,
on tjie Eastern shore of Virginia.
AFTERElder Baker moved fromGeneto,
Elder John King took tbecare ofthe church*
and after sortie years he moved to the west¬
ward, near the mountains. After which*.
Elder Balaam Izzell attended the church
for a few years. He then moved high up
in Mecklenburg. Elder William Creath
has since attended the church at this place*
once a month; Their number of members
in 1803, were 41. The
**• CHURCHES w this
The Church near the Cut-Banks on ATott&*
way, Dinzi iddie county.
The church near the Cut-Banks was
constituted in 1789, by Elders Read, King
and Lee. "I he number of members was
about 19. EJder Lee served them while
he lived, after his death they have been at¬
tended occasionally by EJder Wynn. Their
number of members in 1808 was about 38.
Their meetings are holden on the Saturday
before the 3d Sunday in every month,
The Church on Sappony, Sussex county,
Virginia.
About the year oh 1770, a work of the
Lord began in this neighbourhood. Elders
o o
John Rivers, Isaac Robinson and others
got converted, and went up into the coun¬
ty of Amelia, about 50 miles distant, and
were baptized by Elder Jeremiah Walker;
these members were received as members,
at Harper's meeting-house, in Dinwidd-ie.
But the work progressing about Sappony,
at length there were a considerable num¬
ber added, and then they were constitut¬
ed into a church, in 1773. Elder Rivers,
who was a man eminent for piety and zeal,,
and raised up in this neighbourhood, and
called to the ministry here, took the charge
of this church ; who continued labouring
amongst them a few years, with great sus-
cess, was at last taken with the consump-.
PORTSMOUTH ASSOCIATION. 28!
tion, and his Lord called him home, to rest
from his labours.
The church was at first established On
What was then called the Separate order.
After the death of Elder Fixers, Elder
James Bell joined this church, and in a
short time became their pastor. Elder
Bell continued but a few }ears, and he
was called away by death. The church
then for a considerable time remained with¬
out a pastor.. Elders Robinson, and
George Parham, exercised a public gift in
the church. They have tor some time been
attended by Elder Browne. For several
years she bem xmed her widowed state, af¬
ter the death of her pastQrs, and when reli¬
gion was on the decline. But blessed be
God, he has heard their mourning voice
and has granted them a revival of late, and
we hope the Lord will continue his work.
The Chutrch at. Bowant'y, Diniculuie county.
This church issuppjsed to be consti¬
tuted in 1775. Elder Jesse Lee had the
care of this church f »r many years. It
was a small chuich vvhen first constituted,
and there have never been any great re-
\Tivals here; and not many added. In
the year ol 1790, this church consisted only
of 40 members ; in 1791 she contained S6
members, and in 1792 only 04 members.
Elder Lee continued pastor of this church
A a 2 for
282 CHURCHES rw rife
for several years but was removed to the
world of spirits a few years past. Since
his death, we dont know that the church
has had any settled pastor.
There are three more churches in the
Portsmouth Association, viz. Davenport's,
in Prince George, Otterdams, in Surry, and
Rayes's-Creek, in Brunswick county, that
we have but a small acquaintance with ;
and as we have neverreceived proper docu¬
ments from those churches, we are not able
to give the history ofthe same. Itmaysuf-
fice to say, that it appears from their mi¬
nutes of 1802, that the church at Daven¬
port's, consisted of 16.5 members that
year. This church is supplied by the mi¬
nisterial aid of that worthy servant of Je¬
sus Christ, Elder James Wright. And the
Otterdams by Elder Beverly Boothe,
CHAP.
NEUSE ASSOCIATION. 283
CHAP. XVI.
1. History of the Church on Tosniot, Little
Contentney, Rock-Spring, Town Creek,
Wins lead's, Bear-Marsh, Town Creek,
Edgecombe ; Naughunty, Saddletree
Swamp, Muddy-Creek, Coor-Creek, &c.
2. Biographical sketches of colonel Na¬
than Bryan. 3. Conclusion.
S the Neuse Association came out
from the Kehukee Association ; and
the greatest part of the churches now in
that Association were formerly members
of our Association; we propose to give a
brief account ,of such churches, as are
within our knowledge, or from whom we
have received intelligence.
In a short lime after the Virginia Ports¬
mouth Association was dismissed from us,
the churches increasing, it was thought
best to divide again, which was according¬
ly done ; and their first meeting was oil
Pear-Marsh, in Duplin county, October,
1794. This Association is bounded on the
North, by Tar river ; and extends to the
South, nearly to the southern boundaries of
North-Carolina. As this Association con¬
sists of churches on both skies or Neuse
river, it was therefore called the Neuse
Baptist Association,
TIIB
us* chtfrshes in the
Th£ names of the churches, and the
Counties in which they he, are as follow":
Durham's Creek, Beaufort; Livingston-
Creek, and Lockwood's Folly, Brunswick ;
Hadnot's-Creek, Nevdpol't, and North ri¬
ver, Carteret county ; Coor-Creek, Goose-
Creek, and Swilt-Creek, Craven county j
Cape-Fear, Cumberland ; Bear-Marsh, Du¬
plin ; Muddy-Creek, Duplin; Tosniot,
Town-Creek, and Winstead's meeting¬
house, Edgecombe ; Little Contentney,
Green county ; Mill-Creek and Rocky-
Spring, Johnston ; White-Oak, Jones ;
Bear-Creek, Lenoir ; Bever-Dam, Lenoir;
Bull-Tail, New-Hanover } New-River,
Onslow; Red-Banks, Pitt,* Ashpole and
Saddle-Tree, Robeson county; Cowhairy,
Mingo,and Seven miles, Sampson county ;
Cross-Roads, Wake -, Black-Creek and
Naughunty, Wayne county.
The Church on Tos:uutJ Edgecombe county,
North-Carolina»
This church was one of the first consti¬
tuted churches in the Neuse \ssociation.
This church was constituted in the \ear
1756. Some of the members who first
Composed this church, were baptized on
the Free-will plan, but bet are the crganioa-
tion of the dhurch they embraced princi¬
ples of free and sovereign grace—and
were established on the ortho.lox plan.
They
TtfEtJSE ASSOCIATION. 285
They received and strictly adhered to the
Baptist Confession of Faith. About the
time of the first formation of the church*
there were three preachers in it, viz. Elders
John Thomas, and his two sons, Jonathan
and John Thomas. The memorable Jo¬
nathan, was an instrument in the hand of
God, of gathering this church in its vari¬
ous branches. After his death the church
was in a languid situation for many years,
being without a pastor. At length Elder
Reubin Hayes took the care thereof, and
continued in that office some time, but he
has resigned, and Elder Jordan Sherrod
has taken the oversight thereof. From the
latest accounts we have received, there has
a considerable revival taken place of late
in this church.
The Ch arch on Little Contentful/, Green
Co;tni'!, North Carolina,
Was a branch of the church on Tosniot.
Th is church was constituted the I Oth of
August, 1785 ; and has been generally
known by the name of the Meadow meet¬
ing-house. There were only 24 in num¬
ber at the time ofconstitution. Their num¬
ber at present is about 62. As they had
no pastor they called on Elder Joshua
Barnes, who serves them at present as an
occasional pastor.
The
286 CHURCHES in the
The Church at Rocky-Spring, Johnstofi
county, North-Car olina;
In the year 1776, John Killingsworthj
who was baptized in Wake county by El¬
der John M'Cabe, moved into this county
and there was at that time no other Bap¬
tist in the neighbourhood, and he in the- year
of 1788, requested Elder Jacob Crocker of
Franklin county, to come into the neigh¬
bourhood to preach the gospel. lie did so,
and his labours were blessed. Several were
baptized, and gave themselves members*
of the church under the care of said Crock¬
er in Wake county, at the Cross-Roads
meeting-house. ln_ 1790 John Gulley, one
of the members, began to preach the gospel j
and after the death of Elder Crocker, he
and eight more petitioned the churchy at
the Oross-Koads, fof a dismision in order
to become a constitution, which they ob¬
tained ; and the 16th of November, 1793,-
Eiders Reubin Hayes and John Thompson
Were called to their assistance, and they
were constituted a church ; and the same
day Eider Guiley was ordained pastor of
said church. Soon after several were added
to the church. Their number in 1803 was
37 Their monthly meetings are holder*
every month, on the fourth Sunday, and
Saturday before. Their yearly meeting be-
NEUSE ASSOCIATION". §87
gins the Friday before the fourth Sunday,
in August.
The Church on Town-Creek, Wins toad's
~ Meeting-house, Edgecombe.
There were a few members in this
neighbourhood belonging to the chutch, at
the Falls of Tar river. Elder Francis Win-
stead, who was born and raised to the
northward of Virginia, moved into this
neighbourhood, and in the year of 1794
began to preach the gospel. When Elder
Winstead first came into this place there
was a very small appearance of religion.
Many were his sorrows and afflictions of
mind on account thereof. In 1800, he
was received a member of the church at
the Falls of Tar river, and continued
preaching in these parts. The Lord bless¬
ed his labours j and several were baptized
near him, by Elder Jordan Sherrod, a mem¬
ber of tfle church at the Falls, before El¬
der Wlnstpad was ordained. As many as
44 were received and baptized bv 1802,
and became 3 branch of the church at the
Falls. In September 1802, Elder Winstead
was ordained ; and in December of the
same >ear, this branch was constituted in¬
to a church, by Elders Gilbert and Sherrod.
Since that time, this church has had an ad¬
dition of J01 members. A glorious work
of God has been carried on, and is carrying
on
981 CHURCHES rtr the
on in this church. On last Christmas day
Elder Winstead baptized a Mr. Shepherd
and all his houshold (like the Jailor was)
which contained three in family. In this
church, there has been raised up and cal¬
led to the ministry, Hillary Morris, who
continued preaching in this church for
some time with approbation; who since
has removed into Hertford county, and be¬
come a member of Elder Wall's church,
on Meherrin.
The Church on Bear-Marsh, Duplin coun¬
ty, North Carolina.
Near this place were ten persons, five
males and five females, who requested
some baptist brethren in Pitt county to vi¬
sit them. Accordingly Elders Jeremiah
Rhame and John Nobles came about 25th
February, 1763, who examined into their
principles, and finding them sound in faith
and orderly in life and conversation, they
were on that day by the said ministers con-
€tituted a church under the care of Elder
Rhame. Some time afterwards there were
added five more members. William Good¬
man, who was a preacher, moving into
the neighbourhood became a member.
After exercising his gift in word and doc¬
trine, and being approved of, about the
year 1775 was ordained, and took the pas¬
toral care of this church. He continued
hi.
NEUSE ASSOCIATION. W9
in the pastoral function until about the
year 1781, he then removed southwardly.
Elder Charles Hines then took the care
of the church, and his labours were blest,
and a number were added to the church.
Some time after the work encreasing, and
Elder Hines's charge appearing too great,
having the charge of several branches, El¬
der Francis Oliver, who had been exercis¬
ing his gift in the ministry, was called, or¬
dained and took the care of Bear Marsh,
church, and Elder Hines was dismissed on
the 17th May, 1792. The labours of El¬
der Oliver have been greatly blessed, and
several branches gathered. One branch is
at Naughungo in Duplin, another at Plea¬
sant Plains in Wayne, and at each of these
meeting-bouses they enjoy all church liber¬
ties and privileges. Their number is about
120. Yearly meeting at Bear-Marsh be¬
gins on the Friday before the 3d Sunday in
August, and quarterly in course. Quar¬
terly at Naughungo, the Saturday before
the 2d Sunday in September, &c. At Plea¬
sant Plains, quarterly meeting begins the
Saturday before the 4th Sunday in August,
and so in course.
The Church on Town-Creek, Edgecombe
county, N. C.
This church Was gathered by means of
Eider Joshua Barnes, whose iabours have
.B b been
999 . • CHURCHES IN ths
been abundantly blessed in these parts*
This church was constituted with the as¬
sistance of Elders John Thomas and John
Page,-on the 17th September, 1780. The
state of this church appears at present some*
thing promising. Their number now is 61,
The yearly meeting in this church begins
on the Friday before the 2d Sunday in Au*
gust, and continues three days. And quar*
terly and monthly, regularly in course.
The Church at Naughunty, Wayne county,
North-Carolina.
The work of the Lord began near this
place about the year 1781. Elder Hayes
and others used to attend and preach here,
and their labours were blessed. The church
at Naughunty was constituted in Septem*
ber, 1791, with the assistance of Elders
J-lines and Hayes. This church is now
under the watchful care of Elder John
Thompson. The church at present ap¬
pears to be in a cold state. Their number
at present is only 25. Their yearly meeting
is the Saturday before the 3d Sunday in Sep¬
tember in every year, and quarterly meet?
ings in regular rotation thereafter.
The Church on Saddle-tree Swamp, Robeson
county, North• Carolina,
This church was constituted with the
assistance of Elders Thomas Browne and
Benjamin
NEUSE ASSOCIATION, 291
Benjamin Mosely, of South Carolina, and
left under the pastoral care of Elder Jacob
Tar ver, previous to the date of 1788. At
the time of constitution she consisted of
about 30 members. They continued un¬
der the care of Elder Tarver for seven of
eight years, then he moved to the slate of
Georgia, but the number of members in¬
creased to 76 or 80 while he continued
with them. They were then left for some
time without a paslor, but about the year
1798 it pleased the Lord to hear the cry of
the church in her widowed state, and
granted them their present pastor, Elder
William Hawthorn> who Was raised in that
Church Under the ministry ot their former
pastor. The increase of the church from
the ordination of. their present pastor unto
the year 1801* was 114. There were 40
members dismissed and constituted under
the care of Elder Isham Pittman. Their
number at present is about 89.
The Church on Muddy-Creek, Duplin conn,
tij) North Carolina.
Elder Job Thigpen moved into this
neighbourhood in the year 1781. At that
time there were none of the Baptist society
in these parts, only himself and his wife.
He had then just begun to preach a little
more than.©ne year, and it appeared that
CHURCHES IN TfiTE
the Lord blessed his labours, insorriucfc
that a considerable number was brought to
the knowledge of the truth, and by hiin was
baptized. But as he was a minister of the
Jrec-witt order,, and the members received;
on that plan, it was thought adviseable for
the church to come under re-examination $
accoidingly helps were called for, who were.
Lider Robert Nixon and others, and the
members in this place were received in tot
fellowship with the 'particular Baptist
churches, and came under the care of Li¬
der Nixon, and continued so for five cr six
years, in which time very few were added.
Through various revolutions this church
passed until the year 1792, February 25, at
which time this church was constituted of
SO members, and the same year joined the
Kehukee Association. In the year 1793,
Elder Thigpen was called to the pastoral
office in this church, and was ordained in
May the same year, by Elders Nixon, Oil-!
Hehunty and Oliver. The church remained
without any great addition until the ycax
]8Q2; she then in two years, received 57
members by baptism, but by reason, of
deaths and removals the church contains
only 95 members. Their yearly meeting
begins the Friday before the 4th Sunday in
November, quarterly once in three months,
and monthly the same days of the month,
Ike
N£tTSE ASSOCIATION. 2OS
The Church on Coor-Creek, Craven county,
North-Carolina.
This church was originally a branch of
Swift creek in the said county, under the
care of Elder William Phipps, and continu¬
ed under his care until December, 1791 ;
then she was constituted, and in 1792 join¬
ed the Association At that time her num¬
ber was 51. Elder Phipps continued to
-attend them until he removed to the state
of Tennessee, in 1797. At the same time
-John Beasley was exercising his gifts in the
ministry, and on the 29th September, 1798,
he was ordained and received pastor, of
this church. Their number at present is
about 49. Their yearly meeting commences
The Friday before the 4th Sunday in Sept.
The Church on M'hiteoak River Jones county,
No>'th-Car )Ui a.
This church v. as formerly a branch of
The church on New-River, under the care
■ of Elder Nixon. Elder Robert Nixon was
a remarkable pious zealous minister of
Christ. He was of the Separate order at
first, but joined the Kehukee Association
seme years after the revolution in that As¬
sociation. After a"long and very singular
-useful life, it was the good will of his Lord
and Master-to call him home the 4th of
December, 1791% After the death ot Et-
.'«kr church, was constituted in-
U £ 2 X*
2§4 CBURCFIES f» rat
to a body the 21st March, 1795. From
this time tiH the 15th of November, 1800,
'they were without a pastor. On that day
Elder Caleb Smith was ordained pastor of
th is church. Their number in 1802, was
45. Their yearly meeting begins on the
Friday before the 4th Sunday in July, and
-their quarterly meetings the Saturday be¬
fore the 4th feunday in January, &c.
The Church at the Cross Roads, Wake coun¬
ty, North-Carolina.
Elder Jacob Crocker,pastor of a church
in Franklin, was requested to preach in
these parts. Several professed faith in
Christ, and soon after were baptized. Af-
• ter some time a meeting-house was erected
at the Cross Roads, near Rogers's terry on
Neuse river. The members gathered here
Avere considered a branch of Elder Crock¬
er's church in Franklin county. He con¬
tinued to attend them as long as he was
;iJe, but they vtere not constituted in his
lifetime.- On September 22d, 1792, the
church was constituted of 53 members,
with the assistance of Eider Lewis Moore,
Soon alter they called Eider Zadock Beil
to take the pastoral care of them, who was
-ordained to office by Eider William Lan¬
caster, See. Their number in 130'2, was
■39. Their yearly meeting begins on the
••Tauay before the 3d Sunday in August^
NEUSE ASSOCIATION.
atid other public meetings regularly in of*
der.
. The Church at the Red-Banks, Pitt cdUntys
North-Cat olina.
This church was constituted the 20th
November, 1758, consisting of about 20
members, assisted by Elders Thomas L^pe
and Joseph Willis. Elder Jeremiah
, Rhame was received pastor of the church.
There Was a considerable increase in the
church, but no records bf church confer¬
ences kept. Their list of members con-
tained 95 in number. Elder Rhame mov¬
ed away about the year of 1*771 or '72*
and adeclensiontook place in the church,
and matters lay very unsettled until the
24th September, 1773,. when through
. the goodness of God, and the instrumen¬
tality of Elder John Thomas, a reformati¬
on took place, and the church came on a
more regular plan. William Travis and
John Moye were considered principal
members in the church. William Travis
used to exhort and teach in the church,
and continued until November, 1784,
when he was dismissed, and moved to
Georgia. John Moye continues a mem¬
ber yet. June 8th, .1782, Eider Abram
Baker took the pastoral care of the church,
and there was a considerable increase for
§eyevaiyears^ and the limits ol the church
became
beeame very extensile, May, 1789, Ei¬
der Baker resigned the pastoral care of
this part 6f the church in Pitt county,
Consisting of 104 members.} and in or a-
botit year 1792* there were three minis¬
ters in this church, viz. Noah Tison, John
Vinson and George Granbery ; and the
church agreed to cast lots for one of them
•to serve them in the office of a pastor, and
the lot fell on John Vinson t And not¬
withstanding he was at that time approv¬
ed by the brethren generally, yet because
-his wife would not live with him, some in
the church were dissatisfied, and got dis¬
mission, and some others refused to come
to the Lord's supper, for which they were
excluded, and the church became very-
few in number, George Granbery moved
-to Georgia, and Elder Tison took the care
of the church at the Great-Swamp; and
in August, 1796, Vinson was excommu¬
nicated. James Hancock has been a
teaching member in the church'some time,
but has never as yet become their pastor,
and they are still without one. There has
been a revival of late in this church. There
have been baptized 27 in ohe year. Their
number at present k about 79.
The Church at Lock wood's Folly, Brunswick
county) North-Carolina.
&&QVT the year 1757 Qt '5$, Nathaniel
IWdl
NEUSE ASSOCIATION.
Powell and James Turner came into thai
quarter, preaching the gospel, whose mi*
nisterial labours the Lord blessed to the
conversion ot some souls. In about 1762j
came Elder Ezekiel Hunter, who was
pastor of the Baptist church-on NeW*Ri*
ver in Onslow county, and received and
baptized some members here, and were
considered a branch ofhis church. Jamef
Turner settled amongst them, and conti-
nqed to preach with zeal and success.
Thus the church stood until the death ot
Elder Hunter, which took place about
H772, and said Turner died shortly after.
Then they were visited frequently by that
worthy old servant of the Lord, Robert
Nixon, from New-River, and Samuel New*
ton and others, who supplied them with
ministerial aid till Elder William Goodwin,
who had been pastor of a church in Du¬
plin county, N. C. moved into the county
of Brunswick, and took the pastoral care
of them about the year 1788, and conti¬
nued in that office tillv his death, which
was in 1793. Shortly after his decease,
Abram Baker, who formerly resided on
Neuse, and exercised the pastoral care of
a church situate in the counties of Pitt,
Dobbs and other counties adjacent, moved
into the county of Brunswick, and attend¬
ed tueir meetings for several years; but
fading
CHURCHES i* tirii
Ending the principal part, of the old and
most pious members deceased or moved
away* and the remainder being scattered
through a large and extensive county, liv¬
ing renmte from each other* and so much
coldness prevailing amongst them, that
they could notjbe collected even to hold
conferences* he refused to take the pasto¬
ral care of them.in that situation, but re¬
commended them to collect together, and
renew fellowship by relating their experi¬
ence, and renewing their church covenant*
to which they consented* and accordingly
Saturday* the llth of February* 1797*
was appointed* and helps sent for; the
Worthy Francis Oliver attended* the busi¬
ness was entered upon, at which time no
more thaii six members were received* be*
sides Elder Baker* when upon their en¬
tering anew into church covenant* he con¬
sented to take the pastoral charge* Since
that time about five or six have been re¬
ceived* who were formerly members ; but
the Lord has been pleased to add to the
church, until the number returned to the
last Association was 67. Since which five
have been received, which makes the num¬
ber 72. In March 1801* a meeting on
the west side of Waccamaw river was first
appointed'for the reception of members
on the Seven creeks, near which two or
three
NEtfSE:'ASSOCIATION. m
fbreemembers lived. The Lord hassso
blessed the work there, that they dismissed
upwards of 30 members on that side of
Jthe river, who were constituted into a
church on the 25th November, 1303, and.
Elder Job Goodman ordained, theiripasior;
Ike Church on Livingston creek,,Brunswick
county, North-Carolina.
This church contains two branches/,
viz. one on Livingston creek,* the other
©n the White Marsh in Bladen county. A*
bout the year 1765, it pleased the Lord to
send the gospel into Bladen, by Elder
Ezekiel Hunter. The Lord was pleased
to bless his labours, and there was a church
gathered, and William Bryan, being one
of that number, in a short time, after it
pleased the Lord to call him to the minis¬
try. Me was.approved by the church, and
exercised his gift, but was never ordained;
Elder Hunter soon died after he began to
preach, and the church was left as sheep
without a shepherd. William Bryan la¬
boured amongst them many years, through
afflictions and difficulties, until the 26th
March, 1797; when he died.
About this time it pleased God to work
effectually upon the soul of bis son Ezekir
el Bryan, and bring him to the knowledge
of the truth, and also to call him to the i
work of the ministry j and at the time he
was
300
CHURCHES iw xft*
was baptized, two more were baptized
with him. These three and tour old mem-
be rs first composed the church, and the
Lord in about one year and eight months,
added to the church till their number in¬
creased to 21, and then they were consti¬
tuted. Elder Bryan was chosen pastor, and
on the third Sunday in November, 1801,
was ordained. There appears to be a great
work of God ..carrying on here. Their
quarterly meetings at Livingston creek
are on the 1st Sundays in February, May,
August and November ; and at the Marsh
the 1st in September, See.
The Church on NeaTs creek, Cumberland
county, North Carolina.
This was formerly a branch of the
church on Swift Creek, but they obtained
a dismission from that church and became
a constituted body, and chose William
Taylor to be their pastor, who continued
to serve them several years, until 1798, and
then he moved away. The church from
that time continued without a pastor, un¬
til November, 1803, at which time Elder
Nathan Gully took the pastoral care there¬
of. There has lately been a considerable
revival of religion in this church. Their
r ♦ •
number in fellowship at this time, is 57.
We
NEUSE ASSOCIATION. 3si
We shall close this treatise with some
biographical sketches of Colonel Nathan
Bryan, who was formerly a member of the
Kehukee Association, until the divisi¬
on took place between the Kehukee and
Neuse Associations, and then of course,
i©n account of his local situation, he be¬
came a member of the Neuse Association.
Colonel NATHAN BRYAN,
Of Jones county, and state of North-
Carolina, was a yery useful man both in
church and state. And although the scrip¬
tures have abundantly testified that the
poor receive the gospel, and that God hath
chosen the pooroi this world, rich in faith ;
and that not many wise men after the flesh,
not many mighty, not many noble, are called,
&c. (Matt. xi. 5. James ii. 5. 1 Cor. i. 26.)'
yet the scripture does not say, not any of
such characters, but not many. To answer
his divine purposes he calls some of all
ranks to be witnesses of his grace, and to
advance his glory among men. Col. Bryan
was a man of reputation. He was possess¬
ed pf an independent fortune, was a per¬
son of considerable talents, and in great
esteem amongst men of the first character
in this country : yet it pleased the Lord to
bring him to an experience of his grace
ikrough faith in Christ Jesus, and that af
C c au
$09 CHURCHES IK Tims
fin early period of his life. He was bapti¬
zed at 18 years of age, and became a mem¬
ber of the Southwest of Neuse, under the
care of Elder M'Baniel, succeeded by El¬
der Dillahunty. Being a promising youthj,
he was called upon to represent the county
in the General Assembly. He served them
in that capacity for a number of years, and,
although he was usually opposed, yet he
filways obtained his election when he of?
f'ercd as a candidate. Notwithstanding
fie was a man of abilities, and worthy to
fill posts of honour and profit in the state,
yet it is well known to his constituents
that he sought no lucrative office; but from
that patriotic spirit which lie was possess¬
ed, the good of his country was his gene¬
ral aim. ' His public and' private life was
$o regular, and agreeable to a christian
character, that he clearly manifested to all.
his acquaintance the sincerity of his heart,
in that profession he had made of Christ,
Jesus the Lord. His countenance was
grave, yet commanding 5 and he was ve¬
ry affable in his addresses, and inferior
to none of his age and learning. He was
very careful to contribute to the relief of
the pDor saints, and ministers of the gos-:
pel. lie was careful to fill his, seat at the
house of God on Conference days,, and
pfher d'avs of preaching. In the year
ttEUSE ASSOCIATION". 305
1^91» at the house of God, he said, f< Bre*
;t thren, what lies before us to clay? I sed
** nothing but good. We are al] at peace
" and in love with each other. This is
" joy to me. Brethren, be strong in the
f( Lord, The days may come when we
" shall desire to see one of these daysj and
" shall not see it* Brethren, in my child-
" hood in the gdspel, I often feared and
te doubted my saving interest in Christy
fc but in so doing it was no hc-nour to my
" Lord ; but through the goodness of God
" I have been kept from the base polluti-
" ons of the world, and I have no reason
" to doubt, for I know I shall stand in my
" lot."
He was a man of so much philanthropy
that he wished well to all, and strove for
peace amongst religious professors of every
denomination, and amongst all men. From
his respectability, and the great desire of
the people, he Was elected a member to
represent the district of Newbern in the
Congress'of the United States, in the year
of 1791, by a majority of 1200. In 1796,
he was re-elected for the same district.
But his promotion to honour did not make
him look with contempt on a poor brother,
or ever divert his mind from religion and
the fear of the'Lord; but true piety and
holiness were his aim, by which he distiii*
guished
m CHURCHES IN Til*-
c
guished himself to be a servant of th&
*ieek and lowly Jesus.
In the year 1796, from Congress, h^
wrote to Elder.Koonce on Trent, in Jones
county, as follows, viz.
Philadelphia, Saturday nighty 10 o clock?
91 h April, 1796.
Dear Brother Koonee,
A ltho' at the distance of five hundfeci
miles, my mind is often with you, thinking
ot my religious brethren on Trent and
sympathising with you. I expect you and
the rest or the brethren with you feel
weak under the loss of your pastor,, but
you are'set as a watchman in Israel,- you
are to support the weak, and say unto Zb
on, " thy God reigneth." I expect there
are many sons of God incur church. I call
it oil? eirwc'!, for I must say of it as Davidi
c.'.d of Goliah's sword, " there is none like
it," with me. And whatever part of the
globe I may be in, or vvhatever station I
may be in, my right hand would much
sooner forget her cunning, than I could
forget my brethren who are with you, or
cease to pray for you, and the prosperity'
of Jerusalem. Farewell in*the Lord.
NATHAN BRYAN.
In the year 1797, before he went to Con¬
gress the last session, he said to his chiR
nrefi/ I have no expectation of surviving
tf this-
&EtJSE ASSOCIATION.
M
this year—for hOne of my family ever
*' survived fifty years." He went to Con¬
gress* where he served the public until
the year 1*798$ amd the saute year he died
in the fiftieth year of Ms age—and was
buried in the Baptist meeting House yard
in Philadelphia. His funeral sermon was
preached by Elder Ustick. And although
this gfeai good man of God is gone to re¬
ceive his fcrown of life,- yet he speakjsth
his past pious life and undoubted charac¬
ter, which will render his memory dear to*
thousands?,; and reflect immortal honours"
6n his name.-
Finally to conclude. We have greal
reason to praise the Lord for his good¬
ness and Wonderful Works to the children
t>f men. About yO years have rolled round
since thd first Baptist Association was es¬
tablished in America,- which was in the
city of Philadelphia $ and now at this
time there are between 40 and 50 Associ¬
ations in the United States. About r200f
Churches,* and nearly on hundred thousand
Members.
The Baptists in N. Carolina as well as
the rest of their Brethren in the United
States, hold it their duty to obey magis¬
trates, to be subject to the law of the land*
to pay their taxes, to pray for all in autho¬
rity.- Xhey hold with lawful oaths* an4
3oG jDtJtXRCHES TV tdi
fere willing when required to take an catfi
uf God upon them to testify the truth be¬
fore a court or magistrate, bufc reject pru-
fane Swearing. Their religion allows them
to bear arms in defence of their life* liber¬
ty and property. This society have mani¬
fested themselves to be true friends to civil
liberty ever since the commencement of
the war 5 and generally speaking, in their
politics, they are strict republicans.
We shall, by way of conclusion, add
a sentence fron'i General Washington's
answer to the address of the Baptist com-
inittee of Virginia, in ttie year 1789.
" WhIjn 1 recollect with satisfaction^
ie that the religious society of which you
te are members} have beeil throughout
America, uniformly, andalmost unani-
lc mouslv, the firm friends to civil liberty,}
ic and the persevering prctnotcrs of cur
" glorious revolution, I cannot hesitate to
te believe that they will be the faithful
" supporters of a free yet efficient general
it government.- Undef this pleasing ex-*
" pectarion, I rejoice to assure them, that
" they may rely on my best wishes and
kt endeavours to advance their prosperity/'
A LIST OF
SUBSGRI BE R Bf
John Anderson, Caroling, Virginia,
James Askew, Hertford.
David Askew, Bertie,
John Askew, do.
Alexander Arquehart, do,
Baldy Ashburn, do.
ames Allen, do.
lardiman Abington, Northampton.
B. Elder Richard Broacjdus, Caroline,.
Elder Andrew Broaddus, do.
Mrs. Mary Brame, do,
Elder William Braine, Richmond, 2 copies
Epaphroditus Butler, Isle of Wight, 2
Jacob Battle, Edgcombe, 30
Wyatt Ballard, do. 12
John Berry, Pasquotank, 13
Anthony Burroughs, Martin, 12
Elder Joseph Biggs, do, 12
Jesse Bazemore, jun.. 12
Elder Davis Biggs, Portsmouth, 12
Elder Abram B^ker, Brunswick, N. G, 1$
Samuel Buston, New-Hanover, 2
Abraham Beasley, do.
William W. Bijlops, Currituck, 4
Abraham Baum, do.
Timothy Brogdon, do.
Green W. Burge, Prince-George^
John Butler^ da.
m
A LIST OP
Joseph Browne, Binwiddie.
Elder John Bowers, Southampton
l)r. Willis Bowers^ do.
Arthur Bowing, do.
Jesse B™cy, " do.
Richard Barden, Hertford.
William JI. Boyce, do.
Benjamin Browne^ do.
Arthur Byrd, do.
Jeremiah Browne, Esq. do.
Edmund Barrow, Murfreesborough.
Dr. B. JBunbury, do.
William Burdin, Bertie.
Blake Baker, do.
Benjamin Baker, do.
Michael Britton, do.
William Byrum, do.
John Bond, do.
William Burlinghame, Windsor.
Joseph H. Bryan, do.
Khoades Barclay, Northampton.
Joseph Britt, do.
Thomas Banks, do.
Benjamin Banks, do.
Matthew Beck, do,
William Best, <dp«
Jeremiah Bunch, do,
John Branch, Esq. Halifax.
Win. Burt, Esq. do.
JLewis Barlow, do.
C. Elder Jonathan Cherry, Martin, If
Nathaniel Chambles, Sussex, 12
S U B STC R I B E It
30£
JElder John Courtney, Richmond.
Thomas B.! Coleman, Caroline.
Samuel Coleman, do.
John Chiles, dp.
John.Crumpler, jun. Southampton*
Shadrack Cobb, -do.
Matthew Crumpler, dp.
Mills (jarr, jsle of Wight,
Crutchins Council, do.
William B. Cheatham, Murfreesboroughu
eGodwin Cotten, Hertford.
James Cherry, do.
Jeremiah Cale, do.
Isaac Carter, jun. dp.
J)avid.Coffield, Bertie.
.George Cox, do.
Andrew Collins, do.
William Crutch, do. 2.
Solomon Cherry, -do.
Culien Carter, do.
William Clements, Windsor.
William Cottle, Northampton.
Jesse R. Cross, do.
Gen. Stephen W. Carney, Halifax.
D. I sham Davis, IIaliia:s, 12.
Lemuel Deberrv, Pitt, 20.
Israel Decoudrey, Petersburg, 6.
Robert Duncan, Louisa.
Jacob Darden, Southampton.
Jethro Darden, Hertford.
Thomas Deans,
-JHrs. Sally Davenport, Prince
D n
S10
A LIST OF
William Dickerson, Northampton,,
David Dickenson, do.
Lawrence Paughtrey, do..
William Deans, do.
Edward Dunston, & John Dewer, Bertie.
E. Elder Ed. Eley, Culpepper Virg. 2
James Etheridge, Currituck, 12
Thomas Etheridge, Sen. Camden, 12
John Edmonds, Isle of Wight.
Kinchin Edwards, Southampton.
John Edwards, Northampton. .
F. Elder Reuben Ford, Hanover,
Jackson Fraysar, Henrico.
John Figures, Southampton.
Shadrach Futrell, Northampton^
John Futrell, do.
Thomas Futrell, do.
James Farmer, Bertie.
William Farmer,
Carney Freeman,
Jeremiah Freeman,
Jacob Freeman,
Joshua Freeman,
Charles Freeman,
Jesse Freeman
James Freeman,
Benjamin Folks,
William Freeman,
Enoch Fly,
Arthur Foster,
Richard Figures, do. 2
<al. James Grimes, Norfolk, 12
do.
do.
do.
do.
do.
%
do.
do.
do.
do.
6
do.
Hertford.
do,
do.
& U E £ £ Jl I £ £ R S.
Thomas Guion, Tarborough, 24
Miss Edny Gillam, Southampton.
B. Griffin, . cIo.
Micajah Griffin, do.
John Gornto, Onslow.
Lewis Guion, Hertford.
Pat. Gatiin, do.
Thomas Gill,
Jonathan Gay, Northampton.
Nathan Gums, do.
"William H. Green, Berde.
Jacob Garret* do.
Moses Gillam, do.
_ H. AmuS Harrell, Martin* 22
fchariefi Hooks, Esq. Duplin, 12
Je sse Hassell, Chowan, 12
Josiah Holiiman, lsie of Wight, 18
Luke Howard, Hertford, 12
John Harrell, do.
Robert Hide, City ot Richmond.
Doctor Peter Hawkins, do.
John Haddon, Prince George.
William Hawthorn, do.
William Home, jun. Northampton,
Kinchin Hayes, do.
B. Hardy, Bertie.
Samuel Haste* do.
James House, do.
Joel Ilyman, do.
Josiah Holley, do.
Thomas E. Hare, do.
A LIST OF
Joseph Home, Bertie.
Lemuel Harrell, do.
Henry Harrell, ' do.
J. William James, Fredericksburg,
Abner Jackson, Washington, 12
John Jones, Bertie.
Abraham Jenkins do.
James Jenkins do.'
James B. Jordan, do.
Thomas Jones, do.
Elder Henry Jones, Southampton/
Amos Jovner, do.
William Johnson, do.
Benjamin Joyner, do.
Joseph' Jones, Hertford.
John Jones, do.
Grafton Ireland', do.
James Jones, do. 2
Benjamin Jenkins, Northampton^
Guilford Jones, Esq. Halifax.
K. The Ketockton- Association
subscribed by Elder William Fris-
toe and Thomas Buck, in behalf
of that Association,. 125
John Key, Sussex, 12
Edmund Kidd, Caroline, Virginia.
Job Kail, Bertie.
John Knott, do.
L. Wiliis Lang fort, Isle of Wight,
Mills Lawrence, do.
John Lee, Southquay.
Benjamin-Lanier, Duplin.
SUBSCRIBERS.
Sarsfield Leonard, TVince George.
Shelly Lee, Dinwiddie.
William Lane, Hertford.
Adamant Liverman, do.
Llisha Lawrence, do.
Ldwin LileSj do.
William Lurry, Bertie, 3
Alexander Legate, do.
Frederick Lawrence, do. 2
William Lurry, Currituck, 12
Reuben Lawrence.
Jesse Little, Edgecomb, 14
Frederick Luten, Chowan, 12
James Lawree, Northampton.
Elias Langford, do.
William Lightloot, do.
M Gideon Moye, Pitt, 26
William H. Murfree, Murfreesborough.
William Moore, New-Hanover, 2
John M'Christy, Portsmouth, 12
Parrot Mewhern, Lenoir, 12
Thomas Mason, Halifax, 12
Eli M* Mullen, do.
Ephraim Miller, Bertie, 12
iDemsey Modiin, do.
Nathan Modiin, do.
Lewis Miiier, do.
Moses Morriss, do.
Cader Mi-don, d'v
William Mitchel, do.
"William Maer, do. 6
JohnMhoon, do.
D d 2
A* L 1S T OrF
John Miller;
Peter Moore, Southampton*
Elder Robert Murrell, do.
Moses Mannings Duplin.
James Moore, jun, Hertford*-
William Moore, do.
John Moore, do*
Edward Murphey, do.-
Hiilary Morris,- do. 12
Randolph Maddry,- Northampton.'.
\Villiani E. Moore, do.-
1 heodorick' M ann, do.
N. Thomas Nelnis, Southampton*-
Elisha Newcomb, Petersburg.
Demsey Nowel, Bertie.
John Nowel, do.-.
W i His Nickins-, Hertford*
William Negus,.M". D. Wayne.
O. Gol. John Overton,- Louisas
Henry Oberry, Southampton.
Elder Francis^ Oliver, Duplin,-
David Outlaw, Hertford.
John Oliver, Bertie,
Joshua-Outlaw^ do.
William Outlaw,- do.
Aaron Outlaw, do.-
Wright Outlaw,- do.-
Ecwis Outlaw,, do.
M icajah Oliver, do.
Edward Outlaw, do.
<Eorge'Outlaw,. do.
ecrge Outlay/, jun, do,-
t> U iiSCRibERS,
P. Augustine Pugh, Bertie,
Cader Iknvel, do.
Henry Pugh, do. 2
James Pugh,.- do.
Josiah Perry, do. 4
"VViliiam Powel, do.
Thomas Parker, do.
Reubin Parker, do.
J'ethro Pender, Hertford,
Cader Powell, jun. do,
John Parker, do.
Silas Parker, jun. do.
Silas Parker, sen. do.-
Robert Parker, do.
King Parker, . do.
Peter Parker, do;
William Parker,. do.-
John H. Pugh, do.
Micajah Powell, do.-
Samud Powell, Halifax.
JessePoweli, do. 12
Henry Peebles, Northampton;
Lemuel Parker, do.
John Pipkirt, Esq, do.
Lemuel Parker, do.
WiJ iiam Pethross, Caroline.
Elder Joh-n Poindexter, Louisa, 3
William Pope, Southampton.
Jeremiah Pluinmer, Princess Anne, 13:
R. James Robins,- Edgecomb, 2- ,
Nathan Ross, Mai l in.
Tliyiiias K*msay, Ncw-ILyioverj
316
A LIST OF
Joseph T. Rhoades, Duplin.
Frederick Ranees, Petersburg^
Robert Rhoades, Bertie.
Moriah Rawls, do.
Joshua Rayner, do.
Samuel Rayner, do;
Zadok Rayner, do,
Elijah Rayner, do4
William Rayner, do,
John Rowan, do.
James Rian, do.
Thomas Rhoades, do.
Enoch Rayner, do.
Jonathan Rhoades, do.
Capt. John Rhoades, do.
James Rutland, do4
John Rascoe, do. 6
Miles Rayner, Colerain.
Elder Martin Ross, Perquimans, 24
Benjamin Roberts, Esq. Murtreesboro' 3
Abednego Rutland, Northampton,
Watson Rutland, do.
James Ruffin, do*
S. Jonas Shivers, Pitt. 24
Jacob Sawyer, Currituck, J 2
Elder Aaron Spivey, Bertie, 12
J. E. Sumner, do.
Richard Spivey, do.
Nathan Sessoms, do.
Lanier Smithwick, do.
William Spivey, do,
David Spivey, do.
s u B S C R I B L R J.
Thomas Sutton,
Henry Speller,
Thomas Speller,
John Skiles,
do.
do.
do.
do.
Bertie. 9
Luke Smith wick,'
Hum-. B. Smith wick do.
Irijah Simmons, Nansemond.
Robert,Southerland, Duplin.
Phil. Southerland, sen. do-.
John P. Saunders, Hertford.
Adam Spiresy Prince George.
John Shelly, do.
Jeremiah Scoggin, do.
James Skinner, Northampton.
T. Robert Pucker, Dinwiddle,
Elder Henry Toler,* Wesmortland
Elder John Thompson, Wayne,
John Turner, city of Richmond.
Joseph Turner, Southampton.
Jacob Turner,- do.
Elder Job Thigperi, Duplin.
Douglas Turner, Prince George/
Epps Temple, do.
Reuben Tucker,' do.
John I art, Bertie,
James Thompson, do^
James Taylor, do.
Hvi rs. Elizabeth Turner,do.
R. Tun stall, do.
John Saunders, do.
5.
leorge Sowely do.
homas Spiers,'. do.
Sid A LIST OF
James Tunstall, Bertie.
Thomas! aloe, do.
Absalom Tad lock, do.
Nicholson Thompson, Northampton.
Isaac Tignor, do.
Donaldson Turner, Greensville,
Charles Tull, Lenoir, . 12
W. Elder F» Winstead, Edgecomb,
Spilsby Wooliork, Caroline, 2
Willia m Wells, Dupl in, 18
Le vin Watkins, do. 12
Aaron Williams, do. 12
Nath. Waller, do.
George Williamson, Richmond,
joiuer Ahsaiom vvantr, Spotsylvania,
Charles Wortham, Caroline.
John Winn, Hanover.
James Wright, Nansemond.
James Wilson, Isle ot Wight.
Elder James WYight, Prince George,
M itajah Webb, do. v
George Wair, Bertie.
Timothy Walton, do. 4
James Ward, do. £
William Watford, do.
Francis Williams; do.
/oshua Ward, do;
John W ynnsj do.
Peter White, do.
/esse Williams; do.
Mrs. Ferebe Ward, do^
William Ward* do*
SUBSCRIBERS,
George White, Bertie,
i)emsey Welch, do.
George Wynns, do,
William Wilson, do.
jTames Warren, do,
7ohn Warborton, do.
Thomas Worley, do,
William Watford, jun. do.
John Watson, do,
George West, do,
Thomas West, do,
James JFilkes, do.
M icajah JFilk'es, do.
/ohn Wade, Norihampton.
/onas Wood, Esq. do.
Demsey Winborne, do.
Henry Wheeler, do,
W illiam Winborne, do.
William Winborne, sen. do,
/ohn JFheeler, Murfreesborough,
James Wynns, Hertford,
Solomon White, do.
James Wynns, do.
Matthew jfFynns, do.
Elder /ohn JFall, do, 1£?
Thomas /Feston, do.
Alexander Valentine, do.
/ohu Vanditurd3 do,