Douglas Branch Baptist Church, Slyvania, Screven, Georgia page 3

DOUGLAS BRANCH CHURCH RECORDS CONTINUED

Volume 3

Church Minutes
September 1914 - December 1946

Brief History of Douglas Branch Baptist Church

by Mrs. H. S. McCall,

April 1938

PERFECT

CHURCH RECORD

ARRANGED BY

W. L. MUSICK

______________

PRICES:

No. 1. For 640 Names ------------------$2.50

No. 2 For 960 Names -----------------3.50

No. 3For 1280 Names --------------- 4.50

_______________________

SUNDAY SCHOOL BOARD,

SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION,

NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE

CHURCH COVENANT.

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Saviour, and on profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly, most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church, and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting, and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place, we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant and the principles of God's word.

This is the Church Covenant taken from Pendleton's "Church Manual."

DECLARATION OF FAITH.

I. Of the Scriptures.

We believe that the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired, and is a perfect treasure of heavenly instruction; that it has God for its author, salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error, for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds, and opinions should be tried.

II. Of the True God.

We believe that there is one, and only one, living and true God, an infinite, intelligent Spirit, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme Ruler of heaven and earth; inexpressibly glorious in holiness, and worthy of all possible honor, confidence and love; that in the unity of the Godhead there are three persons:the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost; equal in every divine perfection, and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.

III. Of the Fall of Man.

We believe that man was created in holiness, under the law of his Maker; but by voluntary transgression fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now sinners, not by constraint, but choice; being by nature utterly void of that holiness required by the law of God, positively inclined to evil; and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without defense or excuse.

IV. Of the Way of Salvation.

We believe that the salvation of sinners is wholly of grace; through the mediatorial office of the Son of God, who by the appointment of the Father, freely took upon him our nature, yet without sin; honored the divine law by his personal obedience, and by his death made a full atonement for our sins; that having risen from the dead he is now enthroned in heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest sympathies with divine perfections, he is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate, and an all-sufficient Saviour.

V. Of Justification.

We believe that the great gospel blessing which Christ secures to such as believe in him is Justification; that Justification includes the pardon of sin, and the promise of eternal life on principles of righteousness; that it is bestowed, not in consideration of any works of righteousness which we have done, but solely through faith in the Redeemer's blood; by virtue of which faith his perfect righteousness is freely imputed to us of God; that it brings us into a state of most blessed peace and favor with God, and secures every other blessing needful for time and eternity.

VI. Of the Freeness of Salvation.

We believe that the blessings of salvation are made free to all by the gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a cordial, penitent, and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the salvation of the greatest sinner on earth but his own inherent depravity and voluntary rejection of the gospel; which rejection involves him in an aggravated condemnation.

VII. Of Grace in Regeneration.

We believe that, in order to be saved, sinners must be regenerated or born again; that regeneration consists in giving a holy disposition to the mind; that it is effected, in a manner above our comprehension, by the power of the Holy Spirit in connection with divine truth, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the gospel; and that its proper evidence appears in the holy fruits of repentance and faith and newness of life.

VIII. Of Repentance and Faith.

We believe that Repentance and Faith are sacred duties, and also inseparable graces, wrought in our souls by the regenerating Spirit of God; whereby, being deeply convinced of our guilt, danger, and helplessness, and of the way of salvation by Christ, we turn to God with unfeigned contrition, confession, and supplication for mercy; at the same time heartily receiving the Lord Jesus Christ as our Prophet, Priest, and King, and relying on him alone as the only and all-sufficient Saviour.

IX. Of God's Purpose of Grace.

We believe that Election is the external purpose of God, according to which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consistent with the free agency of man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God's sovereign goodness, being infinitely free, wise, holy, and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, love, prayer, praise, trust in God, and active initiation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it may be ascertained by its effects in all who truly believe the gospel; that it is the foundation of Christian assurance; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves demands and deserves the utmost diligence.

X. Of Sanctification.

We believe that Sanctification is the process by which, according to the will of God, we are made partakers of his holiness; that it is a progressive work; that it is begun in regeneration; and that it is carried on in the hearts of believers by the presence and power of the Holy Spirit, the Sealer and Comforter, in the continual use of the appointed means, especially the word of God, self-examination, self-denial, watchfulness, and prayer.

XI. Of the Perseverance of Saints.

We believe that such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their persevering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professors; that a special Providence watches over their welfare; and that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. Of the Harmony of the Law and the Gospel.

We believe that the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is holy, just and good; and that the inability which the Scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfill its precepts arises entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and to restore them through a Mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the gospel, and of the means of grace connected with the establishment of the visible church.

XIII. Of a Gospel Church.

We believe that a visible church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his laws; and exercising the gifts, rights, and privileges invested in them by his word; that its only scriptural offices are Bishops, or Pastors, and Deacons, whose qualifications, claims, and duties are defined in the epistles to Timothy and Titus.

XIV.Of Baptism and the Lord's Supper.

We believe that Christian Baptism is the immersion in water of a believer, into the name of the Father, and Son, and Holy Ghost; to show forth, in a solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in the crucified, buried, and risen Saviour, with its effect in our death to sin and resurrection to a new life; that it is prerequisite to the privileges of a church relation; and to the Lord's Supper; in which the members of the church, by the sacred use of bread and wine are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always by solemn self-examination.

XV. Of the Christian Sabbath.

We believe that the first day of the week is the Lord's Day, or Christian Sabbath; and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and sinful recreations; by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that rest that remaineth for the people of God.

XVI. Of Civil Government.

We believe that civil government is of divine appointment, for the interests and good order of human society; and that magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed; except only in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only Lord of the conscience, and the Prince of kings of the earth.

XVII.Of the Righteous and the Wicked.

We believe that there is a radical and essential difference between the righteous and the wicked; that such only as through faith are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly righteous in his esteem; while all such as continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.

XVIII.Of the World to Come.

We believe that the end of the world is approaching; that at the last day Christ will descend from heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; that a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment, and the righteous to endless joy; and that this judgment will fix forever the final state of men in heaven or hell, on principles of righteousness.

This Declaration of Faith is by J. Newton Brown, D.D., editor of Encyclopedia of Religious Knowledge.

RULES OF ORDER.

I.The pastor, or in his absence any member appointed, shall act as Moderator of all business meetings of the Church.

II. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to keep order; and in case the Church is equally divided on any question, he shall give the casting vote

III. The meeting shall be opened and closed with prayer.

IV. The order of business shall be:

1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting.

2. The reception of members by experience or letter.

3. Granting of letters of dismission.

4. Reports of committees.

5. Unfinished business.

6.New or miscellaneous business.

V. A motion before the Church must be disposed of before another motion can be entertained, unless the motion be to amend, postpone, or adjourn, or call for the previous question.

VI. The moderator may speak on any question by calling on any brother to preside in his place.

VII.Every member who speaks shall rise and first address the Moderator.

VIII.The Church in conference shall entertain no proposition for discussion which has not been presented on motion of one member and seconded by another.

IX.On any point of order a member may appeal from the Moderator to the Church, whose decision shall be final.

X.All questions, except that on reception of members, shall be decided by the vote of a majority.

(Note: Pages were printed with 12 column headers. Only the columns with entries are listed here. Each page has a large "Out of Date" entry. Some pages have "letters" overlaid.)

Alphabetical and Number Index to Enrollment Book.
Membership Number	Name	Address	Letter (date)	Erasure (date)	Death (date)
	Male Members
1	Mills A. Burke
2	F. W. Burke
3	A. M. Burke
4	Abram Burke
5	Cornelius Burke
6	Arthur Burke
7	Arthur Burke, Jr.
8	Ottis Burke
9	Crawford Burke
10	Calvin Burke
11	S. E. Bolton
12	John Bolton
13	Thos Cail
14	Ashton Cail
15	Willie Cail
16	George Cail
17	J. A. Dixon	Oliver, GA	1910
18	Sam Dixon
19	Mitchell Daughtry
20	Charley Daughtry		Sept 22 1937
21	James Evans
22	Sterling Evans
23	S. D. LEE
24	Ernest LEE
25	Clarence LEE
26	Hobby LEE
27	Grady LEE		1928
28	Martin LARISCY
29	John MOCK
30	Rev H. S. MCCALL		May 1923
31	Sterling MCCALL		1920
32	George MCALL
33	L. W. Parker
34	Cornelius Somers
35	Mike Somers
36	Henry SMITH
37	John W. SMITH






Douglas Branch Church Dec Term After Preaching by the Pastor, Conference was called to order. No minutes of the previous meetings, old or unfinished business taken up and a final report from the committee that was appointed Elect Deacons was made and J. H. Evans & W. S. Evans was elected Sr. Deacons and Thomas Burke, Alvin BLACKBURN, Elrich Zeigler, Ralph Evans, & Cecil Evans was elected Jr. Deacons. After some discussion of the Church business Conference closed in usual form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod W. S. Evans Clk Pastors Salary $30.20 Missions $8.45

Douglas Branch Church January Term 1934 After Preaching by the Pastor conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting was read and adopted. An annual report of the organization of the Church was read. The Pastor called for a report on provisions collected for the Orphans Home was incomplete at that time after some discussion on to business of the Church conference. Closed in usual form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND, Mod Collection for Pastor $15.20 W. S. Evans Clk Missions $7.00 Orphans Home $38.50 Freight on same $2.54

Douglas Branch Church Feb Term 1934 After Preaching by the Pastor Conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting was read and adopted. No unfinished business. New business was taken up and Mrs. H. S. MCCALL, Mrs. G. N. THOMAS and W. S. Evans was appointed as a committee to write Resolutions of the Death of Brother F. W. Burke. On Friday night before the 1st Sunday, J. H. & W. S. Evans was ordained Sr. Deacons. Brother H. S. MCCALL preached the Ordination Sermon and other Pastors assisting in the service were Rev. Loyd GARLAND, Rev. L. P. GLASS, Rev. F. H. MCELVY, Rev. G. M. LEVERETTE and Rev. W. J. CARSWELL and also the followering Deacons J. H. Waters, J. R. COOPER, A. M. BREWER, R. Zeigler, and the following Jr. Deacons were introduced to the congregation Elrich Zeigler, Alvin BLACKBURN, Thomas Burke, Ralph Evans, Cecil Evans. No further business. Conference closed in usual form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod Pastor Salary $21.00 W. S. Evans Clk Missions $7.45

Douglas Branch Church March Term 1934 After Preaching by the Pastor conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting read and some amendments recommended. Old or unfinished business was taken up and a report was called for from the committee that was appointed to write Resolutions of the Death of Brother F. W. Burke which had not been attended to. No further business. Conference closed in usual form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod Pastor Salary $22.50 W. S. Evans Clerk Missions $5.20

Douglas Branch Church April Term 1934 After Preaching by the Pastor Conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting was read & adopted. Old or unfinished business was taken up and the Resolutions of the Death of Brother F. W. Burke was read by Mrs. G. N. THOMAS. Then new business was taken up & it was suggested that our Pastor secure help to assist him in the Revival meeting to be held in July. After some discussion on same conference closed in usual form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod Pastor Salary $20.05 W. S. Evans Clk Missions $4.74 Pastor Salary for June $20.90 Missions $2.25

Douglas Branch Church July Term 1934 After a week of community Prayer Meeting our Revival Meeting began on the 1st Sunday in July with our Pastor conducting the meeting. There were nine new members added to the Church roll Mrs. C. R. MOCK by letter Mr. C. R. MOCK Miss Relia MOCK Miss Eloise MOCK Miss Sallie Mae CALHOUN Miss Evelyn Bragg Miss Oralese BRUNSON Mr. Thomas Daughtry Miss Marjorie SMITH all by Baptism. And on the 2nd Sunday in July Conference was called to order and letters of Dismission was Granted to Mrs. Florence Dixon MOCK and Mrs. Alma Dixon SEASE. No further business. Conference closed in usual form. J. H. Evans Mod W. S. Evans Clk Pastors salary $22.75 Collection for Pastor During Revival $21.50 Missions $6.90

Douglas Branch Church Aug Term 1934 After Preaching by the Pastor conference was called to order. A report of the previous meeting was read & adopted. No old or unfinished business. New business was taken up and after some discussion on remodeling the School House for a Church J. H. Evans & M. T. Burke was appointed as a committee to look after same. Mrs. Reuben Zeigler, Mrs. H. S. MCCALL, Mrs. R.J. NEIDLINGER, Mrs. J. J. MOCK & W. S. Evans was appointed as a committee to revise the Church record Book. There was some discussion concerning abolishing Saturday's meeting which was postponed until first Sat in Sept for a final decision and Mrs. Floy Cail SHUMAN was granted a letter of dismission to unite with Double Heads Baptist Church. No further business. Conference closed in usual form. Rev Loyd GARLAND Mod W. S. Evans Clk Collection for Pastor $19.50 Missions $6.00

(The following loose notes were probably used to write the Minutes.) Old Business] about Church Book. AlsoChurch Building. Sat. Service will be discontinued but to have business last Sunday in each quarter at the close of Sun. mornings serv. New Business. Write a letter of thanks to Wades. Delegates to Assoc. Mr. R. Zeigler, W. S. Evans, Mr. Charlie MOCK.

Douglas Branch Church September Term 1934 After Preaching by the Pastor conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting was read & adopted. Old business was taken up that of revising the Church Membership book. Also discussed remodeling the School House for a Church. New business was taken up and conference voted to discontinue Saturday service and to have conference every three month except when to have a call conference and on the 1st Sunday night in Nov we had a call conference to fix the Church Budget. Pastor Salary was fixed at $240.00, Incidentals $25.00, Missions $60.00, 100000 Club $12.00. Mrs. H. S. MCCALL was appointed to write letter of thanks to the people of Wades Church Fold for gift of Song Books to Douglas Branch. Delegates elected to send to the association was as follows. Mr. Reuben Zeigler, C. R. MOCK & W. S. Evans and letter of dismission was granted to Mr. & Mrs. W. C. LEE. No further business, conference closed in proper form. Pastor Salary Sept $21.30 Missions $8.00 Pastor Salary Oct $23.05 Missions $2.66 Arnett Loan fund $2.00 Associational minutes $2.00 Pastor Salary Nov $20.50 Missions $10.93

Douglas Branch Church December Term 1934 After preaching by the Pastor conference was called to order. Minutes of the Previous meeting was read & adopted. Old or unfinished business was taken that of the Church budget for the followering year. After some discussion was adopted. Plans for an every canvass was discussed and we also appointed a committee to cut logs to have lumber sawed to help build a Baby Cottage at the Orphans Home and committee was appointed to collect provisions for the Orphans Home. And Mrs. C. R. MOCK was voted into the full fellowship of the Church. A letter of dismission was granted to Huel Joyner. Also a report was read on cost of repairing School House for a Church. No further business. Conference closed in proper form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod W. S. Evans Clk Pastor Salary Dec $18.30 Missions Dec $3.50 Pastor Salary Jan $21.75 Missions Jan $2.31 Pastor Salary Feb $20.70 Incidentals $3.79 Provisions Orphan Home $24.10 Lumber for Orphan Home $54.00

Douglas Branch Church 2nd Quarterly Conference 1935 After Preaching by the Pastor Conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting was read and adopted. Old or unfinish business was taken up and a list of the members that would contribute money or plant a plot of Ground to Repair School House for a Church was taken. New business was then taken up and letters of dismission was granted to Mrs. Floyd Cail, Mrs. Paul SMITH, and Miss Marjorie SMITH and plans for the Revival Meeting was discussed and we decided to let our Pastor secure help to assist him. We also changed our communion date so it would not conflict with the quarterly reports. No further business. Conference closed in proper form. Rev Loyd GARLAND Mod W. S. Evans Clerk Treasurer Report Pastor Salary March $20.80 April $20.75 May $21.95 June $18.25 Missions March $ 4.70 April $3.16 May $4.22 June $2.91

Douglas Branch Church 3d Quarterly Conference of July, August & September 1935 After Preaching by the Pastor Conference was called to order. Minutes of the previous meeting was read & adopted. No old or unfinished business. New was taken up and plans to conduct our revival were discussed and leaders were appointed to conduct the prayer meetings during the revival. Rev. Robert Bale assisted our Pastor in the Revival and preached some very interesting Sermons. There was three additions by baptism . We also had a call conference the 1st Sunday in September and discussed conducting a Sunday School enlargement campaign. We also called our Pastor to serve us another year and he accepted. No further business. Conference closed in usual form. Rev Loyd Garland Mod W. S. Evans Clerk Pastor Salary July $27.05 Aug $18.50 Sept $20.55 Assisting Pastor in Revival 30.00 Missions July $7.58 Aug $2.00 Sept $3.28

Douglas Branch Church Jan 5 - 36 4th Quarterly conference of 1935 After Preaching by the Pastor Conference was called to Order. Minutes of the previous meeting read & adopted. Old business was taken up that of the Church building & C. W. Parker, W. S. Evans, Mrs. Reuben Zeigler, Mrs. H. S. MCCALL, Mrs. G. N. THOMAS & Mrs. F. W. Burke was appointed Building Committee with full power to act when necessary to conduct business. Building ofChurch and conducting Sunday School Enlargement Campaign was discussed and names of contributors to Church building Fund were taken and money subscribed to pay for S.S. campaign. No further business. Conference closed in usual form. Rev Loyd Garland Mod. W. S. Evans Clk Pastor Salary Oct 1935 $20.30 Nov $20.55 Dec $20.30 Oct Associational Minutes $2.00 Arnett Student $1.89 Nov Cooperative Program $1.47 100000 Club $1.37 B.P.I. $5.00 Orphans Home 16 cents Dec Cooperative Program $1.45 100000 Club 67 cents Orphans Home 16 cents

No minutes 2nd quarterly

3rd Quarterly Conference ofDouglas Branch Church 1936 Before Preaching by the Pastor Conference was called to Order and business of the Church building was discussed and our Revival meeting which was to begin in July was discussed and the Church in conference voted to give our Pastor authority to secure help to assist him in the revival meeting. At a call conference during S.S. Study Course the Church elected officers and Teachers for the next year. J. H. Evans Supt. Miss LINA assistant Supt. Teachers as follows Mrs. H. S. MCCALL Adult Mrs. W. S. Evans Young People R. Z. NEIDLINGER Intermediate Winnie Evans Jr. Grace Evans Primary Miss Mildred Parker beginners No further business. Conference closed in usual form. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod W. S. Evans Clk

4th Quarterly Conference ofDouglas Branch Church for July, Aug & Sept 1936 After Preaching by Pastor conference was called. Minutes of the previous quarter was read & adopted. We held our Revival meeting during the 1st week in July with Brother T. R. HARVILL of Millen assisting our Pastor. There were two additions to the church by baptism viz. Miss Elmira WILLIS & Miss Cathaleen WILLIS. We had call conferences when ever necessary to dis plans for theChurch Building. Rev. Loyd GARLAND Mod W. S. Evans Clk

(The following items are filmed against the pages of the minutes.) Letter on letterhead of The Executive Board, Georgia Baptist Convention,Atlanta, Georgia, dated February 13, 1935 Dear Brother Treasurer: You are cordially invited to attend the afternoon and evening sessions of one of the approaching one-day Regional Conferences on Evangelism and Stewardship, and you are earnestly requested to secure the attendance of other laymen from your church. I hope you will study and keep for future reference the enclosed schedule of these meetings. Note especially the list of strong speakers and leaders. These meetings, which will deal with two of the vital things of Christian experience and life, will be of interest and profit to laymen everywhere and it is hoped that you and other men of your church will attend. Others beside pastors and laymen are also cordially invited to share the blessings and benefits of these conferences. The meetings are well distributed throughout the state and in fairly easy reach of every section, which should make it possible for every church to be represented. You are earnestly requested to read the second enclosure which this letter contains. I refer to the blue sheet carrying statement of receipts for January and an important announcement regarding a change of plans with reference to the publication of the monthly honor roll of contributing churches. The full cooperation of every church and treasurer is vitally important in the task of maintaining regular and generous support of the Cooperative Program, which is the heart of all our work. I hope to meet you at one of the conferences. Cordially yours, /s/ JAMES W. MERRITT, Executive Secretary-Treasurer. SCHEDULE OF CONFERENCES ON EVANGELISM AND STEWARDSHIP (Prayer, Open Discussion, Information, Inspiration, Fellowship)
Date	Place of Meeting	Pastor -Host
February 25th	Americus - First Church	O. M. Seigler

Church MinutesSeptember 1914 - December 1946

Church Minutes
September 1914 - December 1946