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Mt. Zion Baptist Church 1838 - 1898 Located in old community of Bethany
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Notes made by Bobbye Craft Winston from old record book of Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Bethany |
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The old Mt. Zion record book was hard to read. Records were written by many church clerks through the years and there were periods that no records were kept. I made these notes around 1980 - before I had a computer or scanner so making notes was the best I could do at the time. I tried to include entries that included families of the area. Mt. Zion Baptist Church of Christ was organized in December 1839 in the Bethany area of Pickens County. The first entry in their record book reflects that David Hudson was named the first Church Clerk. William K. Stancill was unanimously chosen as its first pastor on January 18, 1840. This church grew quickly during the early years, as new families were moving into the Bethany area. The church operated on a slim budget during the early years but they were a dedicated group. The membership of the church dwindled during the Civil War as men from the church and community served in the War. The church closed in 1898. The following are families that were members at some time during the church's 59-year existence. Some names were not legible so the list is not complete: There were notations made in the record as to marriages, military service, deaths and where the families moved. Allen; Ashcraft; Baker; Bell; Billings; Billions; Blocker; Bodiford; Bolton; Bouchillion; Brandon; Brownlee; Bunn; Buntin; Buntting; Carliles; Carpenter; Celina; Chamblee; Childers; Clanton; Clinton; Cobb; Cole; Colter/Colther; Colvin; Cook; Cothern; Craft; Davidson; Eatman; Eiland; Floyd; Franklin; Gardner; Garner; Gaskin; Gibson; Goff; Goodwin; Gordon; Griffen; Guiton; Guyton; Hamilton; Hanks; Harbin; Hinton; Holder; Holland; Holliman; Horton; Hudson; Jennings; Johnson; Jones; Keislo; Kent; King; Kirkland; Knight; Lanier; Leachman; Lewis; Locke; Lofton; Love; Mapey; Massey; Mayo; McAliley; McCully; Miller; Moody; Morgan; Noland; O'Daniel; Owens; Peach; Pippens; Porter; Price; Richardson; Rhodes; Robinson; Rogers; Russell; Sanders; Shelton; Sheridan; Sherrod; Shurdon; Smarr; Speed; Stalworth; Stancill; Stone; Strickland; Stuckey; Suggs; Taylor; Teer; Thomas; Thornton; Turner; Upchurch; Waller; Walker; Ward; Welch; West; Wilder; Wilson; Williams; and Winston. Record Entries
Dec. 28, 1839 David Hudson named first church clerk. Jan. 18, 1840 Brother William K. Stancill named first pastor. Chosen unanimously. March 14, 1840 Brother Manning Knight charged with being baptized twice. June 1840 Thomas Wilson was named Church Clerk. June 20, 1840 It was agreed by the church to write to the Green Pond Church in Spartenburg, South Carolina from whence Brother Manning Knight came from on Mr. Manning Knight's case. Letter received that Mr. Knight had actually been baptized before by an orthodox Baptist Church and Mr. Manning Knight was promptly excommunicated. There was a rumor in the neighborhood that another church member, James Eiland had a living wife. A Committee consisting of D. Hudson, J. Floyd, L. Stucky, L. Holland and T. Lock was formed to look into this matter. Letters were written by the Committee to Autauga County, where the Eiland family previously lived, and found out that he, indeed, had a previous wife. Aug. 7, 1841 Delegates to the Association were T. Locke, Harbin Floyd, L. Stuckey. Church agreed to send $26.00 to the Association for the years 1841 and 1842. July 24, 1842 The following baptized: by Brother William Manning: James Davidson; Rush Hudson; Richard Walker; William Walker; Mary Davidson; Jane Hudson; Margaret Carlisle. Sept. 17, 1842 Brother William Walker acknowledged having been engaged in a play on a Sabbath evening and asked the forbearance of the church. The church resolved to retain him in fellowship. Also Brother James Eiland made an acknowledgement of having been engaged in a play at the same time and asked the forgiveness of the church. The church resolved to retain him in fellowship. $4.00 was sent to the Association; $2.00 for minutes and $2.00 for Association Fund. Nov. 20, 1842 Frances Celina and Mary Amelia Clanton and a black woman named Sarah were baptized by Brother Manning after divine services by Brother Manning. Dec. 17, 1842 Brother Manning resigned. Jan. 14, 1843 New pastor voted upon. Brother T. Thomas elected. May 26, 1843 Brother William Walker up again for confession before the church. He confessed he had indulged in drinking too much liquor at a certain time past and he desired the church would forebear with him promising to do better in the future. The church received to bear with the Brother this time. June 24, 1843 The case of Brother Washington Eilands and his wife taken up. On motion and second Brother Washington Eiland was excluded from the fellowship of the church for non attendance. On motion and 2d, the case of Sister Eiland was laid over for six months if she should not be present before. The church partook of the Lords supper in loving communion. July 22, 1843 Delegates elected to the Association: Brethren D. Hudson; S. Noland; E.W. Goff and D. Sanders. Resolved to make up $5.00 for the purpose of the Association, three for the Association fund and two for minutes. Oct. 21, 1843 Sister Eiland granted a letter of dismission. 42 Resolved that a Committee be appointed to visit Brother William Walker and cite him to attend our next conference to answer to a charge of drunkenness. Committee appointed: T. Locke; S. Noland. Resolved that a Committee be appointed to visit Sister Eiland to ascertain if a certain report against her be true or false. Committee appointed: Sisters D. Stucky; Nancy Noland and Catherine Bunn. Jan. 27, 1844 Brother William Walker was unanimously excluded from the fellowship of the church on a charge of indulging in the intemperate use of ardent spirits. The case of Sister Julian Eiland was then taken up by reference on the charge of fornication and she was excluded from the fellowship of the church. The church granted a letter of dismission to Brother James Eiland. April 27, 1844 A charge was brought against a black brother, Isaac, belonging to Brother Harben for being intoxicated, gambling and fighting and the church excluded him. Resolved that Brothers Sanders, Locke and Harben be appointed as delegates to the Union meeting to be held at Eutaw. July 20, 1844 Brother Thomas in ill health and church needs to call new pastor. Agreed to call Brother Thomas to serve as interim pastor the remainder of the year. Oct. 19, 1844 New minister called, Brother A.M. Hanks, for the next year. Sister _____Clanton was charged with fornication and unanimously excluded her from fellowship. Nov. 23, 1844 Brother Richardson cited for non-attendance and other charges and T. Locke, D. Sanders and Noland were appointed to cite him to our next conference meeting. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in Sept. 1845 there were 40 members present for the fellowship and preaching by Brother Hanks. January 1846 Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath - application was made through Brother Hanks by Sister Permelia Williams for a letter of dismission which was unanimously granted. Also letter of dismission was granted to Deacon Brother David Hudson and his daughter Sister Jane Hudson. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in March 1846 - Lany Winston joined church. Thomas Locke elected deacon. He was not present at church that day and Brothers Lewis Stucky and D. Sanders were appointed a Committee to wait on Brother Locke and apprise him of the choice of the church and attain an answer if he will serve the church in that capacity. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in April 1846 - Thomas Locke consented to serve the church as deacon. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in May 1846 - The Presbytery called for the purpose of ordaining Thomas Locke consisting of Brethern T. H. Taylor and A.U. Hanks proceeded to the work. First with reading select portions of scripture and 2nd examination of the candidate upon his faith by Elder A.U. Hanks and 3rd Ordaining prayer and charge delivered by Elder John H. Taylor and 4th right hand of fellowship extended by Elder Hanks and Taylor and the church. Tuesday, Oct. 20 1846. B.C. Walker joined. Wed. Oct. 21, 1846 Sister Martha Walker was unanimously received coming from the Salem Baptist Church. Others received by experience for baptism were: Mabrey Locke, Elizabeth Mayo; Terisa Ann Richardson; Sarah Blaylock; Carey Evans and James L. Davis. Thursday, Oct. 22, 1846 Brother Jessee Locke received by experience for baptism. There was a meeting accordingly appointed to commence on Monday 19th day of Oct. 1846 and will continue so long as circumstances seem to justify. The church came together according to appointment for prayer and the public preaching of the Word. The Lord gave us evidence taken of his gracious presence in our midst to bless our feeble efforts in his name. Friday, Oct. 23, 1846 William Walker, Sr., William Walker, Jr. Received for baptism were Eli Price, Nancy Harbin and Ann Eiland. Saturday 24th 1846 Brother William P. Hudson and Sister Coily Hudson, his wife, by letters of dismission from the Mount Elon Baptist Church of Christ, Darlington District South Carolina. The church also heard an acknowledgement from James Minge (?) and agreed to forward the same to the Cross Roads Baptist Church, Wake County North Carolina and request a letter of dismission for him. Sunday, Oct. 25, 1846 The Lord's Day - The Ordinance of baptism was this day administered to the 12 persons who had been received by the church during the meeting after which the church and congregation went from the Sipsey River to the meeting house and listened to an interesting discourse from Elder E.B. Teague and after offering prayer for a large number of anxious persons, the church set in conference and received by experience for baptism Miss Elizabeth Colter. This closed the meeting of 8 days. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in November 1846 Received the following names of persons by experience for baptism: James Bodiford; Samuel B. Richardson, James Mayo, Miss Rhoda Richardson and Miss Martha Mayo. Letters of dismission were granted to Brother Effington Strickland and his wife, Cisley Strickland and also for Mary Franklin and Sisely Stone. Sabbath 15th of Nov. 1846 the above name five persons together with Miss Elizabeth Colter were baptized in the Sipsey River.
Oct. 1848 Nancy Lewis joined church. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
April 1854 John Craft elected church clerk. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's day in Dec. 1854 Received by letter of dismission from Pleasant Ridge Church in Greene County: Solomon Robinson, Mrs. Mary Robinson, Miss Mary Robinson; Mrs. Caroline Sugg. On a motion, Mr. Solomon Robinson was made a deacon of the church. Granted letter of dismission to Eli Price, Marther Blocker, Jefferson Colvin. On motion appointed Brother B. C. Wilder Clerk of the church in the place of Mr. Jessee Locke who has moved away. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath in Jan. 1855 Granted letters of dismission to Brothers James Locke and Jessee L. Locke. Sat. before the 3rd Sabbath in May 1855 Received as members Powell Baker and his mother Mrs. Anna Baker by letter of dismission from Salem Church in Tuscaloosa Baptist Association. Sent $2 for minutes and $2 for the Association fund. Sat. before the 3rd Sabbath in Sept. 1855 Received as member Miss Henrietta Baker by letter of dismission from the Salem Church in Tuscaloosa County. NOTE: White Males 22; Females 33; Blacks none. Sat. before the 3rd Sabbath April 1855 John Brandon was charged with intoxication. He acknowledged this and he was retained. Charges brought against William Cother for intoxication and committee appointed to see him. Sat. before the 3rd Sabbath May 1858 William Cother was charged with _____. He acknowledged this and he was retained. Sat. before the 1st Lord's Day in Sept. 1858 A charge against James Bodiford for non-attendence to church conference. He was excluded from the church by his own request. Sat. before the 2nd Lord's Day Sept. 1858 Members received William Sherrod by experience and Mrs. Hanner Brandon by acknowledgement. Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day Sept. 1859 Brother John Brandon excommunicated from the church for swearing. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in May 1859 It was reported to the church as common rumor that the walk of Sister Margaret Lewis was such as was not becoming a Christian. The church appointed Brothers Thomas Locke, B.C. Walker and Lewis Cobb as a Committee to inquire into the case and report as our next communion day. Saturday before 3rd Lord's Day in June 1859 The Committee that was appointed on Miss Margaret Lewis's case reported that all that they could ascertain about it was unfavorable. The report was received and the Committee discharged. It was unanamiously agreed that the church excommunicate Sister Margaret Lewis from the church for her unchristian conduct. Sat. before the 3rd Sabbath in Oct. 1859 Sister Caroline Sugg, Sarah L. Cobb, Martha Walker (now a Blocker), Elizabeth Locke (now a Cole), and Brother Lewis Cobb all called for letters which were all granted. Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day in Dec. 1859 New member - Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor came forward and joined by letter from the Baptist Church of Christ at Leighs Chapel, Nash County, North Carolina and was unanimously received. Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day in April 1860 Mrs. Robinson called for letter for Julia Ann Belcher which was granted. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day June 1860 Wileys Sheardon joined by letter from the Pickensville Church. Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day in Aug. 1860 Mr. Bodiford applied by letter to be restored to the Church. It was moved and seconded that he be restored to the church. Mr. Bodiford and his wife desired letters of dismission from this church. It was agreed that they both have letters granted to them. Oct. 20, 1860 Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day in Oct. 1860 Received members Angelina Noland and Ritchard D. Noland joined by experience. Mr. Sylvester Winston called for a letter of dismissal from the church. It was granted. Mrs. Bolles desired to be restored to the church again. She was restored and a letter of dismissal given her. Elder Charles Bain, pastor of the church, notified church he was moving to Louisiana. Mr. Robinson was unanimously called to be new pastor. Mr. Robinson was present and accepted the call provided church pay him $2.00. Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day in Nov. 1860 Mrs. Laura A. Stuckey joined by experience and baptism. A girl of Mr. W.H. Ritcherson joined by experience and baptism. July 16, 1861 Miss Arminda Sheardon joined by letter. Appointed a protracted meeting to commence on Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in August. August 25, 1861 Mrs. Lucinda Jane Wilder joined by letter. Sat. before the 3rd Lord's Day Nov. 1861 Mrs. Isabella Gordon joined by letter and the right hand of fellowship given. William Colther and William Shearod were reported to the church for becoming intoxicated. Thomas Locke, B.C. Walker, Wiley Serdon were appointed to report them to our next conference. June 28, 1863 Hannah, the servant of W. G. Hinton a letter of dismission. M. L. Gaskin was Church Clerk pro tem. It was moved and 2nd that money be raised to assist in supporting a missionary in the Army. Raised $14 and for minutes and associational purposes raised $6.25. July 23, 1864 Members - Sister Nancy M. Smarr presented a letter of dismission from the South Carolina church for herself and her husband, M. P. Smarr in the army. She was received and the right hand of fellowship extended to her and will be extended to him when he returns. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in Aug. 1864 New members - 3 servants of Brother Smarr joined. Missionary meeting. Brother John M. Taylor preached to a large and attentive audience and a collection was taken up which amounted to $164.56. Another sermon was preached by Brother A.M. Hanks in the afternoon and the church observed the sacrament of the Lord's supper which we hope resulted in the lasting benefit of the large audience present. The church decided to protract the meeting. Brother Taylor remained until Wednesday and Brother Caster remained through the meeting. Sept. 1, 1864 Miss D. H. Guiton (?) joined by experience. Sept. 2, 1864;Miss Nancy Chamblee, Mrs. L. H. Stricklin, Mr. Samuel Bunn and Mrs. G. W. Noland and Mrs. Mary A. Lewis joined. Mrs. Lewis by letter and all the rest by experience. Sept. 3, 1864 Opened the doors to Mrs. Mary Lewis joined by voucher or letter; and Chany, Servant of Brother Locke and Matilda, Servant of Mr. Westley Sherrod (?) joined by experience. Sept. 4, 1864 Sabbath morning at the water. Opened the door to Mrs. E. Shelton, joined by experience. All the above candidates were then baptized. After preaching by the past Pastor to the young converts, the meeting closed. March 25, 1865 Brother Smarr present and church extended to him the right hand of fellowship. Returned from War. Saturday before the 4th Lord's Day 1865 Sister Amanda Johnston was unanimously excluded from our membership for fornication. Jan. 31, 1866 William Ashcraft preached. It was moved and seconded that a Committee be appointed to see all the members that has been brought before the church for swearing, dancing, etc. Brother Locke and Brother Walker was appointed to see Brother Sherod and cite him to attend our next conference. Brother Sam Bunn was again brought before the church. Brethern Walker and Winston appointed to see him and request him to attend our next conference. Sister Bettie Baker was reported to the church for dancing and Brother Baker appointed to talk with her and request her to attend our next conference. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's Day in February 1866 Brother Shearod's case taken up. He being found guilty of swearing, etc. and refuses to make any acknowledgements. It was moved and seconded that he should be excluded from the church, motion carried and he was excluded. Brother Walker stated that Brother Samuel Bunn denied the charge brought against him. Brother Bunn was honorably acquitted. Sister Bettie Baker was brought before the church for dancing. She refused to make any acknowledgements and she was excluded from the fellowship of the church. Saturday before the Lord's Day March 1866 Sister Catherine Bunn, Miss Mary Bunn (?) and Mr. Samuel Bunn called for letter of dismission from the church. Their request was granted. Sister Henrietta Baker, now Moody, called for a letter of dismission from the church and it was granted. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's Day July 1866 Church plans to dig a well for the benefit of the church and the approaching Association. At next meeting read report on dancing. Saturday, before the 1st Sabbath in Sept. Sister L. P. Wilder called for a letter of dismissin from the church. It was granted. Sept. 4, 1866 Amos Horton joined by experience and baptism. Sept. 6, 1866 Nathan M. Winston and Nancy Locke joined by experience and baptism and Ebenezer P. Holder by letter. James Turner was received in the watch care of the church until he could get a letter of dismission from Enon Church. Sept. 9, 1866 ;Miss Catherine and Sallie Eatman, John Lewis, Tolbert Kirkland, Miss Martha Locke joined by experience and baptism. Saturday before the 1st Sabbath in Nov. New members Miss W. Strickland, Miss Catherine Rhodes, Jefferson Noland joined by experience and baptism and James Turner by letter and Jack Gaskin (Negro) joined by experience and baptism. Saturday before the 1st Sabbath in March 1868 Samuel W. and Mary McAliley moved letter from Beulah Baptist Church of Christ in Greene Co. Saturday before the 5th Sabbath in March 1868 Brother L. P. Baker will be ordained as deacon on 2nd Sabbath in April. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath July 1868 Sister Nancy Chambly having been guilty of immoral conduct unbecoming a lady and christian was excluded from the church and her name removed from the book. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in August 1868 Starting of the meeting which lasted all week. No members joined. Services conducted by Elder William Ashcraft and assisted by Bros. George M. Lyles and Joseph Lee of Pickensville. Sabbath School organized the first day of May 1870. The first Sabbath school teachers were: Brother B. C. Walker, Senior Male ______ class; Brother L. Stuckey, Jr., Male ______ class, Mrs. M. R. McAliley, Senior mixed class, Mrs. C. Sheridan, 2nd mixed class, Mrs. Laura Stuckey 3rd mixed class. There were 45 members and 6 teachers. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in May 1870 Brother Albert Hill, from the Orphans Home of Alabama preached. Letters of dismission were granted to Sister Doncilla Love, and Sister E. I. Shelton. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath 1870 Letters of dismission were granted to Sister Martha Jordan and Sister Nancy Jane Bouchillon. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in August 1870. Brother David Craft being guilty of conduct unbecoming a christian was excluded from the church. Brother James _____ being guilty of intoxication presented himself and asked the church to forgive him which was done. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in October 1870 Meeting began which lasted 16 days. Brother Ashcraft preached and was assisted by Brothers Lee, Herndon and Tennel (?) for the term of ten days after which he conducted the meeting alone and his labors were blessed. Nineteen being added to the church: one by restoration; 2 by letter; and 16 by experience and baptism as follows: W. H. Sherrod restored by acknowledgment. W. H. Richardson received by letter from North Carolina; Jennings by letter from Bethel church in Tuscaloosa County, AL. Received by experience and baptism: William Cook and wife, Willie Cook; Pleasant Bolton and wife, Emma Bolton; Gaston W. Hinton; William L. Wilder; Oliver Lewis; James A. McLanier; Joseph D. Bunn; Willie Bunn; Pattie Strickland; Nora Walker; Mittie Russell; Mrs. Sallie Colvin; Mrs. Lucinda Holliman; Fannie Allen. The meeting closed on the first Sabbath in Nov. After preaching, the Lord's Supper was administered by Brother William Ashcraft. The church was much revived during the meeting and the good of which will only be known in eternity. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in Dec. 1870 Granted letters of dismission to Brother P. A. and Sister Emma Bolton. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in March 1871 Granted letters to Sister Caroline Suggs and Sister Mary Robinson. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in June 1871 Brother James Turner was reported as being intemperate. A Committee approved to visit him and report back. Saturday before the 4th Sabbath in July 1871 Granted a letter of dismission to Sister Martha Lee. The Committee made their report on Brother James Turner and Brother Turner was present and acknowledged his guilt of gross intoxication and asked to be forgiven for drinking. The 4th Sabbath in January 1872 Appointed a committee to represent the church and visit Sister Laura White's family and converse with her son, Henry White, he having confessed a change. So Brothers Amos Horton, R. Jennings and S. W. McAliley were appointed and found Henry ready to rejoice and believing his change professed the works of God. He was received as a candidate for baptism and then into the full fellowship of the church. Saturday before the first Sabbath in May 1872 Elected 4 deacons: Amos Horton; W. H. Richardson; James L. Stuckey; and M.L. Gaskin. Also elected William Horton as treasurer. Preaching by Robert Keislo. Saturday before the first Sabbath in June 1872 Ordained new deacons: Amos Horton; W. H. Richardson; M. L. Gaskin and James L. Stuckey. Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath in Sept. 1872 Sister Mary R. McAliley attended meeting first day and was taken sick at church the 2nd day and died the Friday following rejoicing in her Savior. Received one for baptism, Miss C. F. Noland. Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath in Nov. 1872 No preaching as Brother Keislo not having any conveyance to bring him to church. On Sabbath being the day appointed to preach the funeral of Sister Mary R. McAlily, Brother Keislo met according to appointment and preached the same from these words there remaineth therefore a rest for the people of God. Granted letter to Brother McAliley and Brother James A. M. Lanier and elected Brother James Noland recording clerk. Brother Amos Horton was to write the aforesaid letters. Miss C.F. Noland was baptized this morning. Saturday before the first Sabbath of May 1873 Brother J. H. Curry elected ______. Granted letters of dismission to Sister Darcus Stuckey, Elizabeth Rhodes, Cathrine Shurdan, Brother James L. Stuckey and Rebecca Stuckey and Sister Mary Noland, Brother L. G. Noland, J. J. Noland and Sister Ophelia Noland. Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath of August 1873 Granted letter of dismission to Philip Noland. Saturday before the first Sabbath of Nov. 1873 Sister G. E. Griffen came forward for membership with letter from Siloam Church at Marion, AL and was received into church fellowship. Also Sister Horton came forward without letter and was received into the care of the church until she obtains a letter from her former church. Saturday before the first Sabbath of June 1874 Granted Sister Willie Cole a letter of dismission. On the sabbath following, Brother John C. Lewis granted letter of dismission. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's Day in May 1875 Opened the door of the church for the reception of members, L. P. Baker, a deacon, and Robert William Baker came forward with letters from Unity Church and was received. Saturday before the 2nd Lord's Day in Oct. 1876 James Carliles joined by experience. The 2nd Sabbath in June 1877 Sister Alice E. Waller and Ella E. Owens joined with letters from Mineral Springs Church. They were received. Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath in Feb. 1877 New members: Brother T. P. Waller, Mrs. M. D. Waller came forward and were received. Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath Sept. 1878.& Mittie Russell granted letter of dismission. Brother R. M. Mapey elected pastor for the year 1878. $3.00 was raised to send to the Association - $2 for minutes and $1 for Associational purposes. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in June 1878 Brother Mapey proposed that church buy a Bible. The church acted on the motion by making up a portion of the money. Rev. R. A. Mapey was unanimously elected pastor for 1879. He was present and accepted the call provided the church give him $75.00 for the year. The church agreed to do so. January 19, 1879 Brother James Garner came forward and made acknowledgement of becoming intoxicated and asked forgiveness of the church which was granted. A motion was made for Brother Mapey to write the obituary of Sister Cother. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in July 1879 Letter from Sister Rhodes and daughters was read requesting letters of admission. They were granted and the clerk instructed to write the letters. Saturday before the Lord's Day in May 1879 Brother Jennings asked for a letter of dismission. Nov. 1879 Brother James G. Thorton called as pastor. Saturday before the Lord's Day March 1881 The following resolutions were made: 1. To cheerfully forgive all who have in the past engaged in dancing and 2. To forgive all who had drank to excess and used profane language 3. Resolved that in the future we will hold all to strict account who in the future drink to excess or use profane language or engage in dancing. 4. Resolved that we invite all of our church members to meet with us in our regular meeting and unite with us in all of our deliberations. May 1881 Preaching by Brother J. G. Thornton and afterwards the church met in conference. Brother Burt Upchurch came forward and joined by a letter from Forest Church. Brother Burt Upchurch and W. P. Waller were elected deacons. Saturday before the first Sabbath in July 1881 Brother Burtin Upchurch and W. P. Waller ordained as deacons in Mount Zion Church. First Sabbath in Sept. 1881 Meeting starts. Sister Emily Upchurch joined by letter from Unity Church. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in Nov. 1881. Brother Allen Owens called for a letter of dismission from the church. It was granted. Saturday before the 1st Sabbath in January 1882 Brother Tom Peach was reported for dancing, drinking and using profane language. Also Brother Joe Bunn for dancing. Brethren M. L. Gaskin, J. B. Carlisles and Thomas V. Locke were appointed to see them and report at our next meeting. Saturday before the first Lord's Day in February 1882 The Committee appointed to work on Mr. Thomas Peach and Joe Bunn case did not make any report and was continued to our next meeting. Brother William Billings reported a difficulty between himself and Brother R______ and asked pardon which was granted. Saturday before the first Lord's Day in March 1882 The Committee appointed to see Brothers Joe Bunn and Thomas Peach failed to see them and was continued to our next meeting and see the brethren and get them to attend our next meeting. Saturday before the first Sabbath in April 1882 The Committee was called on to make their report. Brother Thomas Peach by proxy made acknowledgements and was restored. Brother Joe Bunn being present refused to make any acknowledgements and stated he was not sorry for what he had done but was sorry it was again the church rules. Contrary to all church rules and against all church government and against rules adapted by this church only a short time previous, the church excused Brother Bunn and he arose and told the church he did not ask them to forgive him. Saturday before the first Sabbath in Sept. 1882 Sister Susan Holder asked for a letter of dismission which was granted. Brother J. G. Thornton resigned. Oct. 1882 Saturday after preaching by Brother J. G. Thornton the church met in conference New members received were Herbert Baker, Frank Baker, Anna Baker, Willie Stone and ______ Sherrod came forward to join by experience and baptism after examination they were received and baptized on Sabbath morning. Brother J. G. Thornton's resignation accepted by church. Brother M. G. Lofton elected as new pastor. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in Feb. 1883 Brother J. B. Carlisles called for letters of dismission of Robert Billings and wife which were granted. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in April 1883 Miss Alice Waller called for a letter of dismission from our church. It was granted. Oct. 1883 New members: Joseph Moody; John Wesley Baker; and J. Purnell (?). Dec. 1883 New members: Sisters H. H. Moody and Mrs. S. E. Baker joined by letter. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day May 1884 Thomas Craft elected deacon. June 1884 Thomas Craft ordained as deacon in the Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Saturday before the 3rd Lord's Day in Nov. 1884 Letter received and read to the church from Midway Baptist Church in Florida requesting Mt. Zion Baptist Church to restore Brother David Craft to fellowship as he had been excluded from Mt. Zion Church for disorderly conduct. By motion, Brother David Craft was restored to full fellowship by this church and a letter of dismission granted to Brother David Craft. Saturday before the 2nd Sabbath of Feb. 1886 Granted letters of dismissal to Brother L. T. Baker and family. Also to sister H. H. Moody and Joe Moody. 2nd Sabbath of Feb. 1886 Granted letters of dismissal to Brother George Noland and wife. March 1886 Took up a collection for Sabbath School. Raised $1.25 to buy Sabbath School books. 3rd Sabbath April 1886 Brother Thomas Craft came forward and made full confession of his guilt; where upon the church restored him to his former position in the church. (NOTE: It was not stated what the charges were against him.) Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath of May Ordination of Brother James Noland to the deaconship of the church. Brother Hldreth preached the ordination sermon. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath July 1886 Meeting conducted by Thomas Craft. Thomas Peach excluded from the church. Granted a letter of dismission to Sister Viola Allen. 3rd Sabbath morning 1886 The Sabbath School elected Brethren James Noland, John Colvin and John Anderson Craft to represent them in convention. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath of Oct. 1884 Discussed the propriety of calling a pastor. The congregation being small this matter was laid over for Sabbath. Dismission letters to Brother R. W. Baker, Mary Stone and Willie Stone. 3rd Sabbath of Oct. 1886 Decided to elect a new pastor. Brother Lofton was unanimously elected. Made a new church rule: Each male member shall on missing two meetings in succession render an excuse for their absenses and failing to do so a Committee shall be appointed to see him and request him to come to church. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath of Feb. 1887 Appointed a Committee of Brethern Thomas Craft, John Colvin and John Sherrod to see Brother Locke and Speed and ask them to come back to church. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath of April 1887 Committee appointed to try to settle the trouble between M. L. Gaskin and T. V. Locke outside of the church. Committee consisted of Brethren Upchurch, J. B. Carliles and John Colvin. The following Sabbath morning conference was opened by request. Heard report of committee and also Brother Locke's statement and he was restored to the full fellowship of the church. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath May 1887 New member. James Turner came forward for restoration; he made full confession of his guilt and was restored. 3rd Sabbath May 1887 Delegates named to meeting to be held with the Carrollton Church on Friday before the 2nd Sabbath Aug. 1887. J. B. Colvin and James Noland were elected. M. N. Winston and J. A. Craft substitutes. 1st Sabbath morning in Aug. Committee report Brother Gaskin would no be reconciled toward Brother Locke. A motion was made to grand Brother Gaskin's wife a letter of dismissal. Dismissal was granted. Saturday before 3rd Sabbath of Aug. 1887 Letter of dismissal to L. H. Speed. Saturday before the 3rd Sabbath Sept. Haravey Cole granted letter of dismission. 3rd Sabbath Oct. 1887 Miss Nannie Sherrod named housekeeper. Saturday before 3rd Sunday May 1888 Committee elected to distribute envelopes for collection they were: Brother John Craft, Sisters Mary Cother, Sarah Carlisle, Ida Sherrod and Cornilia Locke. The Envelope Committee reported $2.30 collected. The Lord's supper was observed. Saturday before 3rd Sunday June 1888 Jennie Upchurch moved letter from Forest Church. Saturday before 3rd Sunday Sept. 1888 Sister S. C. Welch joined by letter. Sister Corah Cother joined by experience and baptism. Saturday before 3rd Sunday Oct. 1888 Sister Gennette Childers joined. May 16, 1891 James Noland requested the grant of his letter of admission from the church giving his reason as a difficulty between himself and Brother Thomas Locke. The church clerk notes that Mr. Noland's conduct was disorderly as well as his course pursued unscriptural. Chair rules the appeal out of order. Moderator requested Brother Noland to appear at next conference to rectify his disorderly conduct. Motion was seconded and church appointed T. Craft, J. B. Colvin and John Craft to handle this disagreement. This was last entry made in record book of Mt. Zion Baptist Church. The church closed its doors in 1898.
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