 Page numbers are a result of this transcription and are not true to the manuscript. All surnames have been BOLDLY CAPITALIZED for easy reference. Given names for slaves have been placed in [bold print with brackets]. Dismissals from Oak Grove to other churches and/or towns have been italicized in bold print.
Pickens County, Alabama
May 20, 1837
According to previous appointment, the Rev. Thomas MORROW, a member of Tombecbee Presbytery, proceeded to organize a Presbyterian Church near Mayrehoofs Store in the County aforesaid, when the following persons were on certificate received as members, viz:
1. John Turnipseed
2. Elizabeth Turnipseed
3. Mary A. Turnipseed
4. Martha Turnipseed
5. Abraham Turnipseed
6. Nancy Turnipseed
7. Archibald Hood
8. Mary A. Hood
9. John Summerville
10. Sarah Summerville
11. Jane M. Summerville
12. William H Summerville
13. John Hughs, Sen
14. Sarah Hughs, Sen
15. Margaret Summerville
16. Samuel W. Hood
17. Eliza J. Hood
18. William Owens
19. Elizabeth M. Owens
20. Robert Cunningham
21. Mary Cunningham
22. Jane N. Summerville
23. Martha D. Summerville
24. Andrew H. Summerville
25. Michael C. Williams
26. Eliza I. Williams
27. William Kelsey
28. James Duncan
29. Maragret S. Duncan
30. Rebecca Going
31. [Queen Ann] a coloured woman
32. [Hannah] a coloured woman
The following persons, viz; John HUGHS, John TURNIPSEED, John SUMMERVILLE, Archibald HOOD, and A. TURNIPSEED, having been ordained to the Office of Ruling Elder in the Churches from which they came were nominated and received as Ruling Elders in this Church.
Resolved, that this Church be call Oakgrove.
May 21, 1837 The Session met, and was constituted with prayer. The following persons were, on certificate, received as members of this Church, viz:
33. Robert Bell
34. Martha Bell
35. E. J. Bell
36. David Hood
37. John Rogers
38. Nancy Morrow, on examination
June the 4th, 1837 39. Margaret ROWE, was on certificate, received as a member of this Church.
Sept 30, 1837 Session met and was opened with prayer. The following persons were, on certificate, received as member of this Church, viz:
40. James Weir
41. William Brown
42. Elizabeth Brown,
43. Mary A. Holder
44. Nancy Gillespie
45. D. McBurney
46. M. McBurney
47. Alex. Thompson
48. Dorothy Thompson
49. Jane Hughs
50. Susan Howorth, on examination
Oct 1, 1837 The session met and was constituted with prayer. Received
51. Marth A. Going on certificate, and
52. [Mariah] a coloured woman on examination
Resolved, that A. HOOD be appointed to represent this church as a Ruling Elder, in Presbytery at Starkville and Synod at Columbus, Miss. Concluded with prayer.
June 3, 1838 The Session met, and was opened with the prayer. Received on Certificate, Margaret KNOX, Jane KNOX and Rebeca WIER, as members of this church.
July 15, 1838 The session met, and was opened with prayer. Received James KNOX on Certificate as a member of this Church.
Augt 19, 1838 Notice having previously been given, the members of Oakgrove Church proceeded to the election of a Ruling Elder, whereupon James KNOX having been unanimously elected was regularly initiated into that office in this Church.
Sept 16, 1838 The session met. It was constituted with prayer. Resolved that A TURNIPSEED be appointed to attend the next meeting of the Presbytery of Tombecbee, as a ruling Elder from this church, and John HUGHS his alternate, and James KNOX to attend the next meeting of Synod, and A. HOOD his alternate.
Also, Resolved, that James KNOX be appointed Clerk of the Session of this Church.
Oakgrove Church Oct 13, 1838 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Received, on certificate, Hugh CUNNINGHAM, Mahaley CUNNINGHAM, Joseph CUNNINGHAM, Elizabeth CUNNINGHAM, James M. BECKETT, Jane GLADNEY and Joseph HUGHS, as member of this church. Session had recessed till the afternoon. Afternoon, session met; and received on examination, Sarah HUGHS, Jr, Mary E. WIER, Humphrey W. ROGERS, Sarah C. SUMMERVILLE, Martha A. SUMMERVILLE, Mary A.S. BELL, and Celia R. BELL; as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove Church October 14, 1838 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Received Mary A. GIBSON, Adaline TAGGART, Elizabeth L. McGOWAN, David GLADNEY, James C. ROGERS, Thomas L. ROBERTSON, Eli T. GOING, Margaret BOON, Helena TURNIPSEED, and John J. SUMMERVILLE, on examination; and Fergus McDOWELL on certificate, as member of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oct 21, 1838 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Received on examination Sarah INGRAM, as a member of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Nov 25, 1838 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Margaret C. BOON at her own request was dismissed to join the Bethesda Church. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove Feb 3, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Margaret C. KNOX and Jane KNOX were, on examination, received as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove March 17, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. James KNOX was appointed a delegate to attend the meeting of Presbytery at Gainsville, on the 1 Thursday in April next, and John TURNIPSEED his Alternate. J. KNOX, C.S.
Annual Report, Oakgrove, April 1839 Rev. T Morrow, S.S J. Knox, C.S.
Members Received
On Certificate 61 Dismissed 1 Missionary Fund 12.00
On Examination 23 Suspended 0 Education Fund 33.83
Total in Comm 84 Adult Baptisms 2 Commissioners Fund 13.00
Died 0 Infant Baptisms 14 Contingent Fund 0
Total Baptisms 16
Approved to page eighth with the following --- Names of members of Session present not given -- no moderator, and no signature to the minutes. Approved J. HADDEN Moderator
Oakgrove, May 18, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, Mod. J. SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD & J. KNOX. Nancy CUNNINGHAM and Jane CUNNINGHAM were received, on Certificate, and [Anthony] a coloured man belonging to A. HOOD, on examination, as members of the church. Concluded with prayer.
J. KNOX, C.S.
May 19, 1839 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present as above, [Joe] a coloured man belonging to Mr. ROGERS was on examination received as a member of this church.
J. KNOX, C.S.
May 23, 1839 On application James WIER and Rebecca, his wife, and Mary E. LONGMIRE were dismissed to join the church at Carrolton. Alexander THOMPSON and Dorothy his wife, to join the church at Starkville and David McBURNEY and his wife to join the church at Sardis.
J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove. Sept 21, 1839 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, J. SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD & J. KNOX. Sarah GILMORE & Eliza SIMMS were received on certificate as member of this church. George SUMMERVILLE, Margaret A. SUMMERVILLE, Mary A. SUMMERVILLE, John HUGHS, Jr. Martha MEEK, and Mary HUGHS, were receive on examination. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Sept 22, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members as above. Jane E. HUGHS and Eleanor McKINNEY were received on certificate, and Benjamin J. HUGHS, James GIBSON, and [Rachel] a coloured woman belonging to Mr. WATTS. [Teny] a coloured woman, belonging to Mrs. GOINGS, and [Moses] a coloured man belonging to Mr. WATTS, were received on examination as member of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Sept.23, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, John SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD, and James KNOX.
Samuel D. LINTON, D. W. HAMITER, George B. TURNIPSEED, Thomas C. PERRY, James M. McGOWEN, William CUNNINGHAM, and [Ben] a coloured man belonging to A. TURNIPSEED, [Paul PERRIN], a coloured man belonging to A.E. GOING, [Aggy] a coloured woman belonging to John SUMMERVILLE, were received on examination as members of this church. Concluded with prayer.
J. KNOX, C.S.
Sept. 24, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. HUGHS, J & A. TURNIPSEED and J. KNOX.
Cynthia C. HAMITER, Joannah ROGERS, R.E. WITHERSPOON were on examination received as members of this church, and [Hannah] a coloured woman belonging to J. HUGHS.
A.TURNIPSEED was appointed a delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery, and James KNOX, his alternate. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oct. 20, 1839 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J & A. TURNIPSEED, and J. KNOX. Nancy R. COBBLE and John were on examination received as members of this church. James KNOX was appointed a delegate to the next meeting of Synod, and John TURNIPSEED his alternate. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Jan. 4, 1840 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Member present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod. J.SUMMERVILLE, J & A. TURNIPSEED, and J. KNOX. John McMILLEN and Mary K. McMILLEN, were received on certificate, Robert T. JOHNSTON, and [Katy] a coloured woman belonging to J. SUMMERVILLE, were received on examination as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
March 1st, 1840 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J & A. TURNIPSEED, J. SUMMERVILLE and J. KNOX. [David] a coloured man belonging to J. TURNIPSEED was on examination received as a member of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove March 21, 1840 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED & J. KNOX. John SUMMERVILLE was appointed a delegate to the next [meeting] of Presbytery, and J. KNOX, his alternate. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Annual Report of Oakgrove Church April 1840 T. MORROW, S.S. J. KNOX, C.S.
Members Received:
On Certificate 6 Dismissed 7 Missionary Fund 0
On Examination 32 Suspended 0 Education Fund 0
Communicants 114 Adult Baptisms 11 Theo. Seminary 0
Infant Baptisms 10 Commissioners Fund 14
Total Baptisms 21 Contingent Fund 1
April 3, 1840 Approved to page 14. W. H. Williams, Moderator.
Oakgrove, April 4, 1840 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Rev. Jhon H. GRAY, Mod. Members present J. & A.TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD, & J. KNOX. John W. HAMITER was on examination received as a member of this church. J. KNOX, C.S.
April 19, 1840 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW Moderator, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, J. SUMMERVILLE, and J. KNOX.
Mary E. ROGERS, and [Charles] a coloured man belonging to Mr. WATTS, were on examination, received as members of the church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
July 19, 1840 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED. Miles LOVE was received on certificate as a member of this church. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Sept. 19, 1840 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, and J. KNOX. Margaret F. BONNER was on examination received as a member of the church. Concluded with prayer.
J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Oct 18, 1840 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, and J. KNOX. John S. KNOX and Rachel R. KNOX were on certificate received as members of this church. Concluded with prayer.
J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Oct. 18, 1840 Session met, members present as above. J. KNOX was a delegate to attend the sessions of synod at Kahalloc, and A. TURNIPSEED his alternate. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, March 21, 1841 Session met, & was constituted with prayer. J. KNOX was appointed a delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Annual Report, April 1841 T. MORROW, S.S. J. KNOX, C.S.
Members Received:
On Examination 4 Suspended 0 Missionary Fund 0
On Certificate 3 Died 1 Education Fund 0
Total Com 116 Adult Baptism 1 Commissioners Fund 10.50
Dismissed 4 Infant Baptisms 8 Contingent Fund 0
Total Baptisms 9
April 1841 Examined and approved to page 17. F. H. PORTER, Mod. Pro. Tem.
Oakgrove. April 18, 1841 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD, and A. KNOX. Mrs. Ann McMILLIN, Willey E. BECKETT were received on certificate as members of this church. L. W. KNOX and Jane KNOX, his wife were dismissed to join the church at Bethsalem. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oct. 3, 1841 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW, mod; John HUGHS, J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, and J. KNOX.
Salina HAGEWOOD, Mariam A. GOING, and Elizabeth OWENS were received on examination, & Lewis H. DUNN on examination as members of this church.
A. HOOD was appointed a delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery, and John SUMMERVILLE, his alternate. J. KNOX was appointed a delegate to the next meeting of Synod, and A. TURNIPSEED his alternate. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Nov 6, 1841 Session met, and was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, Mod, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, J. SUMMERVILLE, and J. KNOX. [Americus] a coloured man belonging to Mrs. WILLINGHAM, [Linda] a coloured woman belongs to Mrs. INGRAM, [Mildred and Jane] belonging to the same, & [Phebe] belonging to Mr. ELLIS, were received on examination as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Nov 21, 1841 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, A.TURNIPSEED and James KNOX. Sophronia Adaline GILMORE, Susan J. TURNIPSEED, were on examination, received as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Dec. 31. 1841 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, and J. KNOX. Walter HAGEWOOD, Jane SUMMERVILLE, Mary SUMMERVILLE, and Julet R. ROWE, were on examination received as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, January 2, 1842 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, A. TURNIPSEED and J KNOX. [Zack] a coloured man belonging to Hugh SUMMERVILLE, and [Diley] a coloured woman belonging to A. TURNIPSEED were, on examination received as members of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Report of Oakgrove Church, April 1842 T. MORROW, S.S. J. KNOX, C.S.
Members Rec on Exam 16 Dismissed 2 Foreign Missions 40
Members Rec on Cert 3 Suspended 0 Education 24
Members from Last Yr 116 Adult Baptism 4 Commissioners Fund 1250
Total Communicants 133 Infant Baptism 8 Continingent Fund 0
Total Baptisms 12
Oakgrove, April 30, 1842 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, John SUMMERVILLE, A. TURNIPSEED, and A.HOOD, elders, and Rev. T. MORROW, moderator.
[Phoby] a coloured woman belonging to Mrs. COBBLE, was received on examination, as a member of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, May 7, 1842 James M. BECKETT, Willey E. BECKETT, Adaline H. TAGGERT, Robert T. JOHNSTON, Miles LOVE, Thomas L. ROBINSON, and Lewis H. DUNN, were at their own requested dismissed, to be organized into a church at Pickensville. J. KNOX, C.S.
Agreeable to the recommendation of the Gen. Assembly, the church at Oakgrove proceeded to the election of Deacons; when upon the following persons were chosen and ordained to that office; viz. Eli T. GOING. Samuel W. HOOD, James DUNCAN, and Robert CUNNINGHAM. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove Sept. 28, 1842 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, John SUMMERVILLE, J. KNOX. and A. HOOD, Elders and Rev. T. MORROW, Moderator.
The following resolutions were presented, discussed and unanimously adopted, viz;
1. Resolved, That the Session of this church do most cordially approve of the resolution of Presbytery on the observance of the Sabbath.
2. Resolved, That as a Session we feel we have been remiss on this subject --- that we will endeavor to be more faithful ourselves, and that we will deal more strictly with those members of the church who violate the fourth Commandant.
3. Resolved, That the Session of this church have been pained with conduct of some of its members, who engage in worldly conversation in the church yard previous to divine worship on the Sabbath, and that they most respectfully request them to assemble in the house of God, and patiently and prayerfully wait till the service commence.
4. Resolved, That a Sermon be preached to this congregation, on the observance of the Sabbath, and that these resolutions be read to them from the pulpit.
J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Oct 10, 1842 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present J. TURNIPSEED, J. SUMMERVILLE, J. KNOX, and A. HOOD, elders and Rev. T. MORROW, moderator.
1. Resolved, That J. Knox be appointed as a delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery, and A. Hood his alternate.
2. Resolved, That three additional Ruling Elders be elected in this congregation, and that Saturday the 22 inst. be the day for such election.
J. KNOX, C.S.
Oct. 22, 1842
After Sermon, according to previous appointment, the members of the church proceeded to the election of Ruling Elders. James M McGOWEN and William KELSEY being duly elected, and having signified their acceptance, were ordained and set apart to that office. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Oct. 22, 1842 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, Mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. KNOX, A. HOOD. Armst D. HILLIARD, Thomas C. LINEAR, Isaac L. MILLER, John I. GILMORE, James CUNNINGHAM, William R. BELL, William M. GILMORE, Ellen D. McKINNEY, Mary J. ROWE, Sarah M. SUMMERVILLE and Mary I. CUNNINGHAM were on examination received as member of this church.
William OWENS was at his own request dismissed to join the Cumberland Presbyterian Church at Bethany. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, Jan. 1, 1843 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod; J. SUMMERVILLE, J. TURNIPSEED, J. KNOX, A. HOOD, W. KELSEY and J. M. McGOWEN. J. KNOX was appointed a delegate to the next meeting of Synod & A. HOOD his alternate. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oakgrove, March 26, 1843 Session met, and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, Mod. J. SUMMERVILLE, J. KNOX, A. TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD, W. KELSEY, J. M.McGOWEN, John TURNIPSEED was appointed to represent this church at the next meeting of Presbytery in Centreville, and W. KELSEY his alternate. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Annual Report of Oakgrove Church April 1843. T. MORROW, S.S. J. KNOX, C.S.
Members Rec on Exam 11 Dismissed 8 Domest Miss 11,50
Members Rec on Certif 0 Died 5 Foreign Miss 11,50
Total Commun 131 Adult Baptism 2 To buy Ellis 11,50
Infant Baptism 12 Com. Fund 15,00
Total Baptisms 14 Cont. Fund 1,00
May 7, 1843 Session met and was constituted with prayer. Members present, Rev. T. MORROW, Moderator, A. HOOD, J. & A. TURNIPSEED, James M. McGOWEN, W. KELSEY. [George] a coloured man belonging to A. HOOD, was on examination received as a member of this church. Concluded with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oak Grove Church, July 14, 1843 Session met, was opened with prayer. Members present Rev T. MORROW, mod; A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, J. SUMMERVILLE, W. KELSEY, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX. A charge was presented against Hugh CUNNINGHAM a member of Oak Grove Church for using profane language by a member of Session which charge was brought on common rumors. After some consultation on the subject it was agreed to send a committee of two (viz), A. TURNIPSEED and W. KELSEY to converse with said member and if possible to bring him to a sense of his sin and to repentance also to cite him to appear before the session on Saturday before the fourth Sabbath of this instant. Rolley W. WILLIAM & A. M. McGOWEN to be summoned as witnesses in behalf of the session.
The subject of disorderly on the irregular attendance of members was brought up, after considerable discussion the following preamble, and resolutions were unanimously adopted (viz),
Whereas Elders are by the Word of God and the constitution of the church, made the spiritual oversees of the flock, and it is their duty to inquire into the knowledge and Christian conduct of the members of the church, and whereas it is a lamentable fact that some of the members of the church have frequently absented themselves for many Sabbaths from the House of God and the ordinances of the Church.
Therefore Resolved 1st, That if any member of the church shall hereafter absent him or herself from the church for four regular meetings in succession, without any known cause to the session it shall be the duty of some members of members of the session to visit such members and inquire into the cause of such delinquency, and report to session, who shall deal with them as the nature of the case may require.
Resolved and that these proceeding be read from the Pulpit to the Congregation ----
Resolved, that the session shall hereafter meet regularly or the first Saturday in every other month, to attend to the cases of Disorderly members, or any other business that may come before them. Session then closed with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oak Grove, July 29, 1843 Session met, was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW, mod, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, J. M McGOWEN, Wm. KELSEY, & J. KNOX, Elders. The case of Hugh CUNNINGHAM who was charged by common rumor for using profane language on the 3rd Saturday of June last at the house of Wm. STEPP, and had been cited to appear before the session to answer to said charge, appeared and having declared his willingness to enter into the trial of said case, without the delay of ten days allowed offenders from the first citation. A. TURNIPSEED was appointed to prosecute the case, who preferred a charge against the said Hugh CUNNINGHAM for using profane language at Mr. STEPP on the 3rd Saturday of June last, said CUNNINGHAM denied the charge.
Rolley W. WILLIAMS a witness was then sworn, his testimony is as follows: on the third Saturday of June last at Mr. STEPP, I heard Hugh CUNNINGHAM use the words God damn, and damn his soul, also I will swear, signed Rolley W. WILLIAMS
A. M. McGOWEN a witness was then sworn, his testimony is as follows, I certify that Hugh CUNNINGHAM apparently in the heat of passion on a certain occasion at Mr. STEPP on the 3 Saturday of June last used the words damn to hell once, and Damn once, afterwards. Signed A. M. McGOWEN.
The session after hearing the testimony in the case, and after hearing the accused, came to the following decision first that the charge is fully sustained, and secondly that the Charged shall be suspended from the communion of the church, until he gives evidence of genuine repentance, and that the above decision be read publicly from the Pulpit. Session then closed with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oak Grove Church, Oct 2nd 1843 Session was opened with Prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW, Mod, J SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, W. KELSEY, J.M. McGOWEN, & J. KNOX, Elders. The subject of installations required by the action of our Presbytery at their last spring session, was taken and discussed after which the following resolutions were adopted:
1st. Resolved that we the Session of Oak Grove Church do cordially approve of the requisition of our Presbytery, believing that the Pastoral relation is the only one known by the constitution of our Church.
2nd. Resolved, that after mutual consultation with our stated supply (Rev. T. MORROW) that it is thought inexpedient at present to enter into that relation. But we hope in future it may be altogether expedient to do so.
Mrs. Elizabeth and Miss Elizabeth OWENS applied for a dismission from Oak Grove Church, to join Bethany a Cumberland Presbyterian Church which was granted. Mrs. Anna McMILLIAN and Eliza SIMMS applied for a dismission from Oak Grove church to join Aberdeen Church, Miss., which was granted.
Session then appointed Abram TURNIPSEED a delegate to attend the session of Presbytery at Mesopotataria on the first Thursday in October instant, & Archabald HOOD his alternate. Archabald HOOD was appointed to attend the meeting of Synod, at Montgomery on the fourth Thursday in Oct, and Abram TURNIPSEED his alternate. Session then closed with prayer. J. KNOX, C.S.
Oak Grove, Nov 4, 1843 Session met, was opened with prayer, members present Rev. T. MORROW, mod., J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD., A. TURNIPSEED, J. KNOX, Elders. William CALLEY presented a certificate from Hebron a Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of his membership in said Church, desiring to be received as a member in Oak Grove Church, which was accepted. Elizabeth M. CALLEY was received on examination.
[Rachel] a coloured woman belonging to A. HOOD, who had for some month past been under the care of session, was received on examination. Closed with prayer. James KNOX, C.S.
Annual report of Oak Grove Church ---- April 1844
Members received on Exam 3 Adult Baptisms 2 Foreign Missionary fund 0
Members received on Certif 1 Infant Baptisms 8 Domestic Missionary fund $24
Total in Communion last report 131 Total Baptisms 10 Education 0
Total now in Communion 130 Board of Publication 0
Dismissed 4 Theological fund 0
Suspended 1 Commissioners fund $ 8
Contingent fund 0
Church vacant James KNOX, Clk of Sess
Oak Grove Church, May 11th 1844 Session met, members present, Rev T. MORROW, mod, A. TURNIPSEED, J.M. McGOWEN, Wm. KELSEY, & J. KNOX, was opened with prayer. A.D. KELLARD, formerly a member of this church at his own request was dismissed to join Bever Creek Church, Kershaw District, South Carolina. Closed with prayer. James KNOX, C of Sess
Oak Grove Church, Sept 9, 1844 Session met and was opened with prayer. The following members were present, Rev. T. MORROW, mod, A. TURNIPSEED, J. KNOX, J.M. McGOWEN, J. SUMMERVILLE and A. HOOD.
The following paper was presented by the mod, and read to the session, and being found in form, was received, and is as follows:
Bridgeville, Ala, Sept 6, 1844 To the Session of Oak Grove Church,
Dear brethren, I hereby charge James KNOX a ruling Elder in said Church with unchristian conduct, in the following particulars (Viz) Item, first in stirring up a matter that had been previously settled between himself and me, by exhibiting a certain letter to Wm. KELSEY at Bridgeville on the first Saturday of June last, also at different times and places to sundry persons, and endeavoring to make the impression that I had told a falsehood, without speaking to me on the subject or letting me know any thing about the matter.
Witness a copy of a letter written by Esq. KNOX, Aug 3rd, 1844 to J.S. or T.E. WILSON, Havana, Ala, Israel HOOD, Wm. KELSEY, E. T. GOING and A. HOOD.
Item 2nd. Telling falsehood Specification 1st By saying in the congregational meeting at Oak Grove Church on the 8th of Jany 1844, that he inadvertently said something about Mr. MORROW or rather about the progress of his children at his school, but he disregarded it from the source from wherever it came, and by denying since that ever said so. Witness, Henry CONERLY, Robert BELL, W.R. BELL, Martha BELL. E.J. BELL, Margaret ROW & A. HOOD.
Specification Second: By saying in a letter written by himself to some of the session Coneone Church in Green County, Ala dated Augt 3, 1844 our Session has urged it upon me as a duty I owe to the church and to myself to have the case investigate to which the session deny having done. Witnesses a copy of said letter and the members of the Session of Oak Grove Church, Ala of which is respectfully submitted. James GIBSON
The session then agreed to meet on the 9th day of Oct. next 10 oclk A.M. at this church to investigate the foregoing charges.
The accused being clerk of session requested to be released from that office during the investigation of the foregoing charges, which was granted, and on motion, J.M. McGOWEN was appointed Clerk pro tem. Rev. T. MORROW having expressed a wish not to act as moderator in above case, on motion, Rev. F. K. PORTER was elected moderator in said case & Rev. F. BRADSHAW his alternate. Session then furnished the accused with a copy of the charges, with the names of the witnesses to each specification. On motion, J.M. McGOWEN was appointed delegate to attend the meeting of Presbytery at Burton Hill on the first Thursday in October next, & Wm. KELSEY, his alternate. Session then adjourned, closed with prayer.
James M. McGOWEN, Clk of Sess
Oak Grove, October 9, 1844 The Session met, was opened with prayer. Members present, Rev. F.H. PORTER, mod, A. TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD, Wm. KELSEY, J.M. McGOWEN & J. SUMMERVILLE, Elders. On a motion A. E. GOING was requested to act as assistant clerk during the present meeting of session. On the motion the deacons of the church were invited to sit with the session during the present trial. S.W. HOOD, & E. T. GOING, two of the deacons being present took their seats.
The session then proceeded to the business of the day [Viz] the investigation of the charges prepared by J. GIBSON against J. KNOX. The parties being called upon, declared themselves ready for the investigation. The moderator then enjoined it upon the members of session to recollect & regard their high character as judges of a court of Jesus Christ, and the solemn duty in which they were about to act.
Item 1st, in stirring up a matter that had been previously settled between himself and me, by exhibiting a certain letter to Wm. KELSEY at Bridgeville on the first Saturday in June last also at different times and places to Sunday persons, and endeavoring to make the impression that I had told a falsehood, without speaking to me on the subject or letting me know anything about the matter. Witness, a copy of a letter written by Esq. KNOX Aug 31, 1844 to J. S. or T. E. WILSON, Havana, Ala, Israel HOOD. Wm. KELSEY, E.T. GOING & A. HOOD.
The document purporting to be a copy of a letter written by J. KNOX to J.S. or T.E. WILSON was introduced as testimony, which was objected to by the accused. First, because he had not been notified that such copy would be taken by commission from the session at such time and place (as evidence against him in the case) according to the Book page 406, chap VI, sec 13 --- secondly, because there was no proof that J. KNOX wrote the letter of which said document purported to be a copy, nor was there any proof that said copy was a true copy of any letter, which objection and reasons were sustained by the session and the paper was rejected.
Wm. KELSEY a witness from the prosecution was introduced and sworn stated that J. KNOX read him a letter at the church which he understood to be from Mr. WILSON (he did not read it) he did not recollect any thing definitely about the letter, but the impression was made upon his mind that it contradicted certain reports which were in circulation against J. KNOX ---
Question by the accused: Do you know what that matter alluded to in the charge was? [Ans.]I do not.
Q 2 by the same: Do you know how, when or where it was settled? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 3 by the same: Do you know that it ever was settled? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 4 by the same: Do you know that the contents of the letter referred to, was calculated to stir up any matter whatever? [Ans.] I do not.
E.T. GOING, a witness for the prosecutor, was then introduced and sworn, who stated that J. KNOX read a letter to him purporting to be from Mr. WILSON, and that the impression made upon his mind by the reading of the letter referred to, was that J. KNOX had not been the means of stirring up, or introducing any difficulties into the Concord Church.
Q by the accused: Do you know what that matter alluded to in the charge was? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 2 by the same: Do you know how, when or where it was settled? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 3 by the same: Do you know that it was ever settled? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 4 by the same: Do you know that the showing of said letter was calculated to stir up any difficulties whatever? [Ans.] I do not.
A. HOOD, a witness for the prosecutor was then introduced and sworn, who stated that J. KNOX read him a letter purporting to be from Mr. WILSON of Concord and that he said his object for showing the letter was for rebutting testimony against the report which was in circulation, that he had broken up Concord Church.
Question by the Prosecutor: What advise did you give to J. KNOX about the letter? [Ans.] I advised him to lay it in his trunk, until some convenient time and then lay it before the session.
Q by the accused: Do you know what that matter alluded to in the charge was? [An.] I do not.
Q 2 by the same: Do you know how, when or where it was settled? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 3 by the same: Do you know that it ever was settled? [Ans.] I do not.
Q 4 by the same: Do you know that the exhibition of said letter was calculated to stir up any difficulty whatever? [Ans.] I do not.
The evidence being closed on the first item of the charge and the parties having had an opportunity to comment on the testimony, and the members of session having made their remarks. It appeared that the prosecutor failed to establish the charge. The question was then put by the moderator, is the accused guilty or not guilty. The vote was unanimous not guilty.
Item 2nd: Specification first for telling falsehood. By saying in a congregation meeting at Oak Grove Church on the 8 of Jany 1844, that he inadvertently said something about Mr. MORROW or rather about the progress of his children at his school, but he disregarded it from the source from whence it came. And by denying since that he ever said so.
Witnesses, Henry CONNERLY, Robert BELL, W.R. BELL, Martha BELL, E.J. BELL, Margaret ROW & A. HOOD.
Robert BELL a witness for the prosecutor was introduced and sworn. He was challenged by the accused, for his near relationship, being a brother-in-law to the prosecutor, and also highly prejudiced against the accused. Also the following witness were challenged as follows: W.R. BELL a Nephew, Martha BELL a sister-in-law, the wifes sister E. J. BELL a Niece, Margaret ROW a sister to the prosecutor and all of whom being highly prejudiced against the accused, which exceptions were not objected to by the prosecutor. The witness then proceeded and said, he heard the expression made use of, I disregard the source from whence it came, but knew not what allusion Mr. KNOX had, or to what he referred.
W. R. BELL, a witness for the prosecutor was then introduced and sworn. He stated that J. KNOX said in the school house, that you see how he saddled me in the presence of these people when he had no right, because I inadvertently said something about his school, but he disregarded the source from which it came. Being interrogated by the accused could not gain any explanation about the cause of the above expression, and further stated he never heard him deny using the above-related expression.
Mrs. Martha BELL, a witness for the prosecutor was introduced & sworn. Stated that J. KNOX arose to his feet in a congregational meeting, and said, you see how Mr. MORROW saddled and attack me in presence of the congregation about that which he had no right, because I had spoken inadvertently of his school, but I disregard the source from whence it came. I suppose he had allusion to B. TURNIPSEED & J. GIBSON. I never heard him deny it.
Miss. E. J. BELL a witness in behalf of the prosecutors was introduced and sworn. Who stated, These people see how Mr. MORROW saddled and attack me in presence of the congregation, because I inadvertently said something with respect to the progress of my children at his school, but I disregard the source from whence it came, I did not hear Esq. KNOX deny the charge.
Mrs. Margaret ROW a witness for the prosecutor was introduced and sworn. Who stated, These people see how Mr. MORROW saddled me in the presence of the congregation, about that he had no right, because I spoke inadvertently of the progress of my children, but I disregard the source from whence it came. I suppose he had allusion to J. GIBSON and B. TURNIPSEED.
A.TURNIPSEED was then introduced by the prosecutor as a witness, who was objected to by the accused because he had not been notified in this specification that he would be introduced in this case, according to the Book page 396 chapter 4 sec. 5.
But he was admitted by the session. The witness then being sworn was challenged by the accused for the following reasons, for having said that himself and family were prejudiced against the accused. He had said also that he blamed the accused for all the difficulties in the church, and further the accused stated that he considered him the aider and abetter of his prosecution, because he went with him to Concord Church in search of testimony against his character None of which objection or reasons were objected to by the prosecutor or witness. The accused having proposed to prove the forgoing if required.
The witness then proceeded, and stated that Mr. KNOX said in a meeting that Mr. MORROW had saddled him because he inadvertently spoke about Mr. MORROWs school, but he disregarded the source from whence it came. He used no name, I never heard him deny it.
A. HOOD, a witness in behalf of the prosecutor was introduced, who had been sworn, stated that J. KNOX denied using the language which he is charged with in this specification.
E. T. GOING a witness in behalf of the accused being sworn, stated that he attended a certain congregational meeting in the schoolhouse near Oak Grove Church on the 8 of Jany 1844, and during the meeting he heard J. KNOX say that he had spoken advisedly about Mr. MORROWS school and was then prepared to prove what he had said. He further said that there was a great deal of commotion at the time.
Q 1st by the accused Were you present during all the transactions of that meeting? [Ans.] I was.
Q 2nd by the same, Did you pay strict and particular attention? [Ans.] I did.
Q 3rd by the same, Did you hear me use the word inadvertently as charged in this specification?
[Ans.] I did not
A HOOD, a witness in behalf of the accused was then introduced, having been sworn, was interrogated.
Q 1st, By the accused, Were you present at the time and place alluded to in this specification? [Ans.] I was
Q 2nd, By the same, Did you not sit by my side during the time in which I am charged with using the language, inadvertently as charged in the second item first specification? [Ans.] I did.
Q 3rd, By the same, Did you not pay strict and particular attention to the transactions of that day?
[Ans.] I did
Q 4th, By the same, Did you hear me use the word inadvertently as charged in this specification?
[Ans.] I did not.
S. W. HOOD a witness for the accused being introduced & sworn, stated that he sat near J. KNOX during the meeting referred to in this specification and heard him state that he had spoken of Mr. MORROWS school, and was then prepared to prove what was said by him in relation to the school.
Q 1st, By the accused, Did you pay strict attention to the proceedings of that meeting? [Ans.] I did.
Q 2nd, By the same, Did you hear me use the word inadvertently as charged in this specification?
[Ans.] I did not.
Mr. A. E. GOING, a witness in behalf of the accused being introduced and sworn, states that he was present on the 8 of Jany 1844, during a congregational meeting and heard J. KNOX say that he had spoken incidentally about Mr. MORROWS school (and expected to have met Mr. MORROW here) and was prepared to prove what he had said, but deemed it unnecessary to say any thing further about it at present.
Q 1st By the accused, were you present during all the transactions of that meeting? [Ans.] I was.
Q 2nd By the same, Did you pay strict and particular attention? [Ans.] I did.
Q 3rd By the same, Did you hear me use the word inadvertently as charged in this specification? [Ans.] I did not.
J. M. McGOWEN, a witness for the accused being sworn, stated that he was present at the congregational meeting refereed to in this specification and sat by the side of J. KNOX, and paid strict and particular attention, and recollected hearing J. KNOX say he was able to prove what he had said about Mr. MORROWS school, but said he deemed it unnecessary to say anything about it as Mr. MORROW was not present.
Q 1st By the accused, Did you hear me use the word inadvertently as charged in this specification? [Ans.] I did not.
Q By the Prosecutor, How did J. KNOX introduce the subject of Mr. MORROWS School?
[Ans.] I do not recollect precisely.
The evidence being closed on the first specification of the second item in the charge, and the parties having had an opportunity to comment on the testimony, and the members having made their remarks, it appeared that the prosecutor had failed to establish the charge. The question was then put by the moderator, is the accused guilty or not guilty, the vote was unanimous Not guilty.
2nd, specification of item second, telling falsehoods by saying in a letter written by himself to some of the session of Concord Church in Green County Ala, dated 3 of Augt 1844. Our session has urged it upon me as a duty I owe to the church, and myself to have the case investigated, which the session deny having done.
Witnesses a copy of said letter and the members of the session of Oak Grove Church. This specification second of item second was set aside or not acted upon for want of testimony, no other being offered but a certain document purporting to be a copy of a letter written by himself to some of the session of Concord Church in Green Cty Ala. Dated 3rd of Augt, 1844, which was not considered legal testimony by the session, according to our Book, and as a similar document purporting to be a copy of a letter written by J. KNOX to J. S. or T. E. WILSON, had been rejected which was introduced in the first specification.
The Prosecutor then gave notice that he would take up an appeal to Presbytery. On motion the session then adjourned concluded with prayer. Jas. M. McGOWEN C. S. PT
I hereby certify that the testimony in the foregoing case was read to, and approved by each witness individually. Jas. M. McGOWEN C. S.
Oak Grove Church Oct. 21, 1844 Session met was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. MORROW mod, J. KNOX, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, J. M. McGOWEN. A request was presented by Joseph HUGHES through the moderator, for a dismission from Oak Grove to join Hebron Church in Green County, which was granted, and the clerk director to furnish said letter.
On motion Archabald HOOD was appointed a delegate to attend the next meeting of the synod of Alabama, at Gainsville on the fourth Thursday in this Inst. 1844, and J. M. McGOWEN his alternate, session then adjourned closed with prayer. J. KNOX, Clk of Sess
Oak Grove Church Feby 20 1845 Session met was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. SAYRE moderator, J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX Elders. James C. ROGERS a member of this church presented a request to be dismissed from Oak Grove to join Starkville Church Miss, which was granted. Also Margaret C. DEYDEN a member of this church presented a request to be dismissed to join Bethsalem Church Winston Cty, Miss, which was granted.
On motion resolved that by divine permission the Lords supper will be administered quarterly in our church, the first regular meeting to embrace the first Sabbath in May next and so on. Session then adjourned closed with prayer. J. KNOX, Clk of Session
Oak Grove Church March 15th 1845 Session met was opened with prayer members present J. SUMMERVILLE, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX and in the absence of a minister to moderate the session and in as much as there could not be one obtained without great inconvenience J. SUMMERVILLE was called to act as moderator On motion J. SUMMERVILLE & A. HOOD was appointed a committee to visit A. TURNIPSEED a ruling elder of our church, who has absented himself and family from the church since the fourth Sabbath in session last, and also refused to contribute to the support of the gospel at our church and if possible to convince him of his error and bring him to repentance and reformation and to report to session on 19 Inst., the result of their visit.
*[Rev. T SAYER for prudential reasons declined to be our moderator]
On motion J. M. McGOWEN & A. HOOD was appointed a committee, to wait on Wm. KELSEY a ruling Elder of our church, who has absented himself from our church except two Sabbath since the fourth Sabbath in Dec last and endeavors to show him the impropriety of his course and the evil tending of such examples. He, Mr. KELSEY has also refused to support the gospel at our church.
On motion resolved, that the session of Oak Grove church do address a letter to the Rev. T. MORROW remonstrating with him on the impropriety of the course he has been pursuing since his resignation of his charge of the church. Session then adjourned closed with prayer.
James KNOX, Clk of Sess
March 19 1845 Session met, was opened with prayer. Members present J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWAN, J. KNOX & W. KELSEY. On motion J. SUMMERVILLE took the seat as moderator as at our last meeting. Report was called for, when A. HOOD one of the committee appointed to wait on A. TURNIPSEED, reported as follows your committee waited on Mr. TURNIPSEED as appointed and endeavored to find out the reasons why he had absented himself from the church and whether he would again unite with us in the support of the ordinances of the church and attend the worship of God with the church as heretofore. We learned nothing very definite from him. He said he was dissatisfied but did not like to leave his church. We admonished him kindly advising him to unite with us as a brethren in Christ.
J. M. McGOWEN reported as follows. Your committee waited on Wm. KELSEY as directed and conversed with him on the subject of his absence from church. He acknowledged his error, but would not promise to reform, but said he was only doing as some others had done last year, and would not give any definite answer to our questions or inquiries. Only said he probably would continue in the same course he had been in for some time past, at least until he became better satisfied. Dissatisfaction was the only reason he assigned for his course of late and did not give any particular account of the subjects of that dissatisfaction.
A letter which had been directed previously by session to be addressed to Rev. T. MORROW was then read and adopted, which on motion was to be presented to him by S. W. HOOD & E. T. GOING.
The following resolution was then read and on motion was adopted and is as follows:
Resolved. In view of the very unpleasant circumstances in which we are placed as a Church in consequence of the conduct of Rev. T. MORROW & several members of the church. We will memorialize our Presbytery and ask their interposition in our behalf. Also that they decide what is right and expedient for us to do in the promises.
On motion J. SUMMERVILLE & J. KNOX was appointed to prepare the memorial.
J. M. McGOWEN was then appointed to attend the next meeting of Presbytery at Mt. Zion, Green County on the first Tuesday in April 1845 and J. KNOX, his alternate.
Session then closed with prayer. J. KNOX, Clk of Sess.
March 26 1845 Session met. Was opened with a prayer. Members present J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD and J. KNOX. J. SUMMERVILLE on motion took his seat as moderator, as he had done at two previous meetings of sessions. The memorial prepared for Presbytery was read and on motion was adopted authorizing our Delegate to make any necessary alteration.
A request to be presented to Presbytery asking permission to continue the ministerial services of Rev T. SAYRE was then read and on motion was adopted.
A preamble and two queries to be presented to Presbytery for their action was read and after discussion was adopted and is as follows:
Under the peculiar circumstances in which we as a church session are now placed we would respectfully submit to the Presbytery of Tuscaloosa the following queries and ask a definite answer to each.
1st. What shall this session do with members who do not worship of God in this church nor contribute to the support of the gospel in it.
2nd. Is it right for this session to give letters of dismission to such disaffected members to join other churches while they remain in the bounds of this church.
Session then adjourned. Closed with prayer. James KNOX, Clk of Sess
Members added on examination
Member on Certificate
130 Total in Communion per cost report
125 Total now in communion
4 Dismissed
Suspended
1 Died
- Adult Baptisms
4 Infant Baptisms
4 Total Baptisms
F Missionary Fund
D Missionary Fund
Education
Board of Publication
Theological Fund
Commissioners Fund
Contingent Fund
Annual Report of Oak Grove Church April 1845 Rev. Theodore SAYRE stated supply.
James KNOX, Clerk of Sess.
Oak Grove Church May the 3rd 1845 Session met was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. SAYRE mod., J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN, & J. KNOX. Mrs. Margaret HOOD was received as a member of the church on examination. J. KNOX, C of S.
Oak Grove Church, May the __ 1845 Session met, was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. SAYER mod, J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX.
Mrs. Kareet SAYRE was received as a member of this church on certificate. Closed with prayer.
J. KNOX, C. of Session
Oak Grove Church, Sept. 10 1845 Session met was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. SAYRE, mod., A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN & Jas. KNOX.
On application Mrs. Sophrona A. CULLINS who has removed out of our bounds, was dismissed and as there is no Presbyterian Church near her residence the Dismission was indefinite.
On motion the standing rule by which our next sacramental meeting would be held so as to embrace the first Sabbath in Nov. next, was suspended and our meeting will embrace the second Sab. in Nov next.
Session then proceeded to appoint delegates to attend the next stated meeting of Tuscaloosa Presbytery at Greensborough on the 17 of Oct. next at 7 ock P.M. and the annual meeting of Synod at Valley Creek on the fourth Thursday in Oct. next at 11 ock A.M. James KNOX was appointed the principal to attend said meetings and Archabald HOOD the alternate.
After a free conversation on the state of our Church in relation to the conduct of some of the Elders & other members of the Church, who have entirely or partially absented themselves from the preaching of the gospel and the administration of the ordinances of the Church for several months past, and who had once and again been visited on account of said delinquency.
Resolved that the session will make one more effort to reclaim those offending members and officers. Whereupon the following committees were appointed viz., John SUMMERVILLE, & James DUNCAN to wait upon Wm. KELSEY Elder, & James GIBSON a member. A. HOOD & E. T. GOING to visit Jas. CUNNINGHAM. Jas. M. McGOWEN & Robt. CUNNINGHAM to visit W. GILMORE & Jas. KNOX & S. W. HOOD to visit John ROW & A. TURNIPSEED Elder, and make a report to session on the 17th Inst. at one ock P.M.
Session then adjourned closed with prayer. Jas. KNOX C of Sess.
Oak Grove Sept 17 1845 Session met, was opened with prayer. Members present Rev. T. SAYRE, mod, J. SUMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX. Reports from committees were called for when they severally reported as follows, (viz.) the committees attended to the duties assigned them, and the result was that those disorderly Elders & members refused to return to the church as members or give any satisfaction in relation to their disorderly conduct. Except Joseph CUNNINGHAM who asked for forbearance as he felt a deep interest in the Church of Oak Grove. Also Wm. M. GILMORE stated to the committee that he had no bad feelings toward the present Minister Rev. T. SAYRE or the officers of Oak Grove Church, but he had a preference for Rev. MORROW and expected to continue his support to him as long as he remained in reach of his ministry altho he was sensible that his course or in pursuing the course he was, he was not doing his duty. At the same time asked for a letter of Dismission to join Pickensville Church as it was more convenient for him.
Which reports were accepted and on motion were laid on the table. The request of W. GILMORE was granted. Session then adjourned to meet on the 3rd of Oct. Closed with prayer.
J. KNOX C. of Sess
Oak Grove Church Oct. 3, 1845 Session met was opened with prayer members present Rev. T. SAYRE, mod., J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX. A petition was presented to session by James GIBSON, signed by William CUNNINGHAM & others, praying session to bring back Rev. T. MORROW to be the minister of Oak Grove the ensuing year. Which petition on motion was received & read and on motion was laid on the table to take up the unfinished business of a previous meeting and on motion A. HOOD & J. KNOX was appointed a committee to take into consideration and report on the unfinished business before session. (Viz.) The Reports of Committees.
The committee after due consideration of the following cases, Viz. A. TURNIPSEED, Elder, Wm. KELSEY, Elder, J. GIBSON, a member, A. ROW, a member, made their report which were accepted and adopted and is as follows (Viz.)
That A. TURNIPSEED is and has been guilty of unchristian & Schismatical Conduct & also of falsehood, and being thus guilty should be cited to appear before the session and answer to said charges.
That Wm. KELSEY is and has been guilty of unchristian & Schismatical Conduct & should be cited to appear before session to answer to said charge.
That J. GIBSON & J. ROW each are justly chargeable with unchristian and Schismatical Conduct and being thus guilty should be cited to appear before session to answer for the same. And that in the above cases charges be preferred upon publick notoriety or common fame.
On motion J. M. McGOWEN was appointed prosecutor in behalf of the session in the foregoing cases.
On motion The Clerk of Session was directed to prepare the citations and charges preferred against said disorderly members and to have the citations served and returned on the 15 Inst. At 10 ock A.M.
The above named petition was then on motion taken up and duly considered, and on motion resolved that it is expedient to grant the request of said petitioners.
In pursuance of a motion above the clerk proceeded to notify Abram TURNIPSEED Elder, to attend before session on the 15 instant at 10 oclk to answer to the following charges, (viz)
Charge first, unchristian & schismatical conduct. First specification for refusing to unite with the Elders Deacons and other heads of families in Nov. last, in inviting Rev. T. SAYRE to be the stated supply of Oak Grove Church; after having agreed to obtain the sense of the congregation in a private way or manner. Witnesses John McMILLEN & members of session and Deacons.
2nd Specification In refusing to support the gospel and its ordinances at Oak Grove Church the present year, and at the same time subscribing to the support of Rev. T. MORROW at Bridgeville Academy. Witnesses S. W. HOOD, E. T. GOING, J. GIBSON, Dr. HODGES & R. B. BILLUPS.
3rd Specification For absenting yourself from the preaching of the gospel and administration of the Lords supper at Oak Grove Church the present year. Witnesses S. W. HOOD, E.T. GOING & A. HOOD.
4th Specification For refusing to return to the church or give any satisfactory reasons to the session for your course of conduct in the whole matter. Witnesses members of session
Charge second for falsehood In uniting with the Elders, Deacons and others in the manner of inviting Rev. T. SAYRE in Nov. last, and when the subject was alluded to in session on the 17 of Sept. last denying it. Witnesses John McMILLIN, J. DUNCAN, S. W. HOOD & J. M. McGOWEN.
The above charged & witnesses were accordingly notified. James KNOX Clk of Session
Also William KELSEY, Elder was notified to attend on the 15 Instant to answer the following charge (viz)
Unchristian & Schismatical Conduct
1st Specification In refusing to support the gospel & its ordinances at Oak Grove Church after you had signed the invitation to the Rev. T. SAYRE and at the same time subscribing for the support of Rev. T. MORROW at Bridgeville Academy within the bounds of Oak Grove Church, and not attending church regularly. Witnesses J. DUNCAN, EL T. GOING, JOHN McMILLAN, Dr. HODGES & JAMES GIBSON.
2nd Specification In refusing to give the session any satisfaction in relation to your whole course the present year. Witnesses Members of Session.
Also John ROW a private member was notified to meet the session on the 15 instant at Oak Grove Church to answer the following charge (viz)
Unchristian & Schismatical Conduct
1st Specification For refusing to support the gospel at Oak Grove Church where you hold your membership when applied to by the deacons. Witnesses S. W. HOOD & E. T. GOING
2nd Specification For not attending Oak Grove Church and declaring that you would never return to said church wile certain officers remained in it, also in treating the committee very unkindly, using harsh and rash expressions, and a threat if you were not let alone. Witnesses E. T. GOING & J. KNOX.
On motion J. M. McGOWEN was appointed a committee to wait on William CUNNINGHAM to inquire into the reasons for his conduct in circulating a petition among the members of the church which was presented to session and calculated to create excitement & schisan, also for his unkind conversation in relation to the session.
Also A. HOOD was appointed a committee to visit T. C. PERRY, to inquire into the reasons he had for absenting himself from the church session.
Then adjourned closed with prayer. James KNOX C. S.
Oak Grove Church Oct. 15 1845 Session met was opened with prayer; members present Rev. T. SAYRE, mod. , A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN, J. KNOX and John SUMMERVILLE, Elders.
On motion the resolution to grant W. M. GILMORE a dismission to join Pickensville Church was reconsidered & rescinded. A. TURNIPSEED, Wm. KELSEY, J. GIBSON, & J. ROW, who had been cited to appear before the session today. All refused to appear, whereupon it was ordered that new or second citations should be issued in the above named cases requiring said persons to appear before the session on the 31st Instant 10 oclk A. M. Wm. CALLEY, J. DUNCAN, W. W. HOOD & E. T. GOING, witness being present were notified by the moderator and accepted the service of said citations. A commission was then appointed consisting of A. HOOD & J. SUMMERVILLE, to attend at Oak Grove Church on the 22nd instant at three oclock P.M. to take the testimony of John McMILLAN a witness in behalf of the session against A. TURNIPSEED and J. GIBSON. Session then adjourned to meet on the 31st inst. at 10 oclk A.M. Closed with prayer. J. KNOX, C. of Sess.
Oak Grove Church Oct. 31 1845 Session met and was opened with prayer, members present Rev. T. SAYRE mod, J. SUMMERVILLE, A. HOOD, J. M. McGOWEN & J. KNOX Elders
The case of Abraham TURNIPSEED a ruling Elder, who had been twice cited and refused to attend, was then taken up, and on motion J. SUMMERVILLE was appointed to manage his defense.
The moderator then reminded the members of session to recollect and regard their high character as judges of a court of Jesus Christ and the solemn duty in which they were about to act.
Session then proceeded to the investigation of the charges preferred by session against said TURNIPSEED by publick notoriety or common fame. (Viz)
Charge Unchristian & Schismatical Conduct
Specification 1, For refusing to unite with the Elders, Deacons and other head of families in Nov. last in inviting the Rev. T. SAYRE to the stated supply of Oak Grove Church after having agreed to obtain the sense of the congregation in a private manner. Witnesses Elders, Deacons, & John McMILLANs testimony taken by interrogators.
Int. first Did A. TURNIPSEED agree in Nov. last in a meeting of Elders, Deacons and others, to take the sense of the congregation in relation to inviting Rev. T. SAYRE to be the stated supply of the church in a private manner? [Ans.] A. TURNIPSEED said if the members of the congregation generally or a majority of them unite in favor of calling Rev. T. SAYRE he had no objections to Mr. SAYRE himself.
Int. 2 Did he refuse to subscribe the letter of invitation to Mr. SAYRE after so agreeing? [Ans.] He did refuse.
E. T. GOING a witness in behalf of the session was introduced and sworn.
Q by the Prosecutor Did Mr. TURNIPSEED agree to take the sense of the congregation in relation to the invitation of Rev. T. SAYRE in a private manner? [Ans.] I understood him that he did.
S. W. HOOD after being sworn stated as follows: I understood that Mr. TURNIPSEED did agree to the private invitation of Rev. T. SAYRE as the stated supply of Oak Grove Church.
Q to E. T. GOING & S. W. HOOD Did you not feel authorized from your understanding of the decision at the meeting referred to that you should take the sense of the congregation in a private manner? [Ans.]Who answered severally in the affirmative.
A. HOOD a witness for the session, after being sworn, was asked by the prosecutor the following question. Did Mr. TURNIPSEED agree to take the sense of the congregation privately? [Ans.] I did not so understand him at the time, but in conversation with him at the close of said meeting, I supposed that he had agreed.
J. KNOX after being sworn stated that Mr. TURNIPSEED stated if the majority would agree in taking the sense of the people or congregation in a private way he would unite with them, and did unite to the best of my recollection, but stated he would only agree for himself, and not for his family.
Q by the moderator to Mr. McGOWEN after being sworn. Did Mr. TURNIPSEED admit to you that he did refuse to sign the invitation to Rev. T. SAYRE? [Ans.] He did.
Inter. 2nd of J. McMILLAN Did Mr. TURNIPSEED refuse to subscribe the letter of invitation to Rev. T. SAYRE after so agreeing? [Ans.] He did refuse.
Specification 2nd In refusing to support the gospel and the ordinances at Oak Grove the present year and at the same time subscribing to ministerial support of Rev. T. MORROW at Bridgeville Academy. Witnesses S. W. HOOD, E. T. GOING, J. GIBSON, D. HODGES, R. B. BILLUPS & J. DUNCAN.
A. W. HOOD witness.
Q by the prosecutor Did Mr. TURNIPSEED refuse to subscribe to the support of the present stated supply the present year at Oak Grove? [Ans.] He did. Same question was propounded to E. T. GOING who answered as the above witness, He did.
J. DUNCAN a witness was then introduced and sworn.
Q by prosecutor did Mr. TURNIPSEED admit to you that he did subscribe to the support of Rev. T. MORROW at Bridgeville the present year? [Ans.] He did
J. SUMMERVILLE stated that the same admission was made to him by Mr. TURNIPSEED.
2ND Specification For absenting yourself from the preaching of the gospel & administration of the Lords supper at Oak Grove the present year Witness S. W. HOOD, E. T. GOING & A. HOOD.
Question to W. W. HOOD, E. T. GOING & A. HOOD Has Mr. TURNIPSEED attended the preaching of the gospel and administration of the Lords Supper at Oak Grove the present year as administrator by Rev. T. SAYRE. [Ans.] He has not, was the answer of each.
4th specification In refusing to return to the Church or give any satisfactory reasons to the session for your course of conduct in relation to the whole matter. Witnesses, Members of session
A.HOOD, J. SUMMERVILLE & J. KNOX witnesses, stated unitedly that Mr. TURNIPSEED did refuse to give any satisfaction to us as a session or make any effort to do so on the last, 17 Sept.
Q by the Prosecutor to A. HOOD Was not Mr. TURNIPSEED invited to propose some plan on which the church might unite? [Ans.] Yes.
Q What was his reply? [Ans.] There is no use in it.
Charge 2 Falsehood:
In uniting with the elders, Deacons and others in the manner of inviting Rev. T. SAYRE in Nov, last, and when the subject was alluded to in session on the 17 of Sept last denying it. Witnesses J. M. McMILLEN, S. W. HOOD and J. McGOWEN.
Witnesses J. M. McGOWEN, & S. W. HOOD.
Q to both by the Moderator did Mr. TURNIPSEED agree in Nov. last to take the sense of the congregation in the invitation of the rev. T. SAYRE in a private manner? [Ans.] By each, He did.
Q by the same Did he deny it on the 17 of Sept last? McGOWEN & HOOD stated that he did deny it.
The testimony being closed and the prosecutor and defense having had an opportunity to comment on the testimony and the members of session having made their remarks. The question was propounded by the moderator. Guilty or not guilty? Answers unanimously, guilty on each charge.
On motion resolved that the accused be, and he is hereby excluded from the communion of the church for his coutumay[sic] until he repents.
Second, that he be suspended from the communion of the church and the exercise of his office as ruling elder for unchristian and Schismatical conduct and for falsehood, until the prior evidence of genuine repentance & reformation and that this decision be read out from the pulpit publickly by the moderator.
All the above named witnesses were duly sworn before giving their testimony and the foregoing.
Minutes have been reviewed and approved by session this 25 day of Dec 1845.
Theodore SAYRE, Moderator
James KNOX, Clk. of Session
The case of William KELSEY a ruling elder was then taken up on a charge of unchristian and schismatical conduct. On the second citation.
Specification 1st For refusing to support the gospel & its ordinances at Oak Grove Church after you had signed the invitation to the Rev. T. SAYRE and at the same time subscribing for the ministerial support of Rev. T. MORROW at Bridgeville Academy within the bounds of Oak Grove Church and not attending said church. Witnesses J. DUNCAN, E. T. GOING, J. M. McGOWEN, J. BELL, Dr. HODGES & J. GIBSON.
James DUNCAN a witness was introduced.
Q by the prosecutor Did you present the subscription for the support of the gospel the present year at Oak Grove to Wm. KELSEY? [Ans.] E. T. GOING and myself did present said papers and he refused to sign it. E. T. GOING gave the same answer to the foregoing question. Mr. KELSEY admitted that he did subscribe for the support of Rev. T. MORROW at Bridgeville Academy the present year.
The invitation of Rev. T. SAYRE was then introduced and is as follows:
Nov. 11, 1844
Oak Grove Church
We whose names are undersigned do hereby cordially unite with the Elders & Deacons of the church in inviting the Rev. T. SAYRE to be the stated supply of our church for the ensuing year provided the Rev. R. B. CAMPBELL does not except our invitation.
To which invitation William KELSEYs name was subscribed which he admitted.
Q to J. DUNCAN by Prosecutor Has Mr. KELSEY attended church regularly the present year? [Ans.] He has not.
Q by the prosecutor to E. T. GOING Do you think or do you know that Mr. KELSEY has attended one third of the time at Oak Grove Church the present year? [Ans.] I have attended pretty regularly the present year and I do not believe Mr. KELSEY has attended one third of the time.
2nd Specification
In refusing to give the session any satisfaction in relation to your whole course the present year. Witnesses Members of session
A.HOOD a witness having been sworn.
Q by Prosecutor Has Mr. KELSEY ever given you any satisfaction in relation to his whole course of conduct in connection with the church present year? [Ans.] He has not.
Q by the Accused Did I not attempt to give satisfaction to the session when called upon? [Ans.] You gave as reason; dissatisfaction with the course of the session, but did not uncover the cause of said dissatisfaction.
J. SUMMERVILLE, a witness having been sworn, stated that the accused did not give the session any satisfaction in relation to his course of conduct the present year in the church matter.
J. KNOX, a witness after being sworn, stated that the accused has never at any time or place given to him any satisfaction in relation to his dissatisfaction with the session, but appeared stubborn in the matter in the whole.
Q to J. KNOX by the Prosecutor Was not the accused kindly urged and solicited to come out fully & freely before the session and disclose the whole matter of his dissatisfaction. [Ans.] He was by more than one of the members of session.
The testimony being closed and the prosecutor & accused have in had an opportunity to comment on the testimony and the members of session having made their remarks. The question was profounded by the moderator. Is the accused guilty or not guilty? The vote was unanimous guilty.
And on the motion resolved that the accused be, and he is hereby suspended from the communion of the church and the exercise of his office as ruling Elder for his unchristian and schismatical conduct, until he gives evidence of genuine repentance & reformation and that this decision be read out publickly from the pulpit by the moderator.
All the forenamed witnesses in the case of Wm. KELSEY were duly sworn before giving testimony and the foregoing.
Minutes were reviewed and approved by session this 25 day of Dec 1845.
Theodore SAYRE, Moderator
James KNOX, Clerk of Session
The case of John ROW, a private member, was then taken up on charges of unchristian and schismatical conduct. Mr. J. SUMMERVILLE was appointed to manage his defense, as he had been twice cited and refused to attend.
Specification 1st for refusing to support the gospel at Oak Grove Church (where you hold your membership) when applied to by the deacons. Witnesses S. W. HOOD & E. T. GOING.
E. T. GOING, after being sworn, was asked by the Prosecutor Did you apply to John ROW to subscribe for the support of the gospel at Oak Grove the present year. [Ans.] S. W. HOOD and myself did and he refused to subscribe. S. W. HOOD [testified] and collaborated the testimony of E. T. HOOD.
2ND Specification For not attending Oak Grove Church the present year and declaring that you never would return to said church while certain officers remained in to. Also in treating the committee very unkindly by using harsh and rash expressions and a threat if you were not let alone. Witnesses E. T. GOING & J. KNOX.
E. T. GOING, after being sworn, stated that the accused has not attended the preaching of the work by Rev. T. SAYRE or the regular prayer meetings the present year, to his knowledge.
Q by the Prosecutor Have you attended Oak Grove regularly the present year? [Ans.] I have with very few exceptions.
J. KNOX, a witness, who had been sworn, stated that the accused has not according to his recollections attended the preaching of the word by the present stated supply this year nor has he attended the prayer meetings at all to his knowledge.
Q to E. T. GOING Did Mr. ROW declare he never would return to Oak Grove Church while certain officers remained in it? [Ans.] He did.
Q by the same Were you not acting as a member of a committee from the session to Mr. ROW? [Ans.] I was.
Q to J. KNOX Did not Mr. ROW declare that he never would return to Oak Grove Church while certain officers remained in it? [Ans.] He did.
Q by the same Were you not acting as a member of a committee sent by the session to Mr. ROW at that time? [Ans.] I was.
Q by the same to E. T. GOING Did not Mr. ROW treat the committee unkindly and use rash and harsh expressions in an angry tone? [Ans.] He did.
Q by the same Did not Mr. ROW abuse the committee? [Ans.] He did.
Q by the same Did he make any threat? [Ans.] He did. Said if they did not let him alone he would make them let him alone.
J. KNOX, a witness,
Q by the Prosecutor Were you not acting as a member of a committee sent by the session at the time referred to? [Ans.] I was.
Q by the same Did the accused treat the committee unkindly? [Ans.] He did.
Q Did he abuse them? [Ans.] He did.
Q Did he make any threat? [Ans.] He stated that if they did not let him alone he would make some of them let him alone.
The testimony being closed and the parties having had an opportunity to comment on the testimony and the members having made their remarks, the question was then propounded by the moderator, guilty or not guilty? Vote unanimous guilty.
On motion resolved that the accused is adjudged guilty of the above charges on the testimony here recorded and that he be and he is hereby excluded from the communion of the church for his contumacy until he repents and secondly that he be suspended from the communion of the church until he gives satisfactory evidence of repentance and reformation and this decision be read out publickly.
THE END OF BOOK I
Included in the Baptism, Marriage & Death Records were these notes:
OAKGROVE CHURCH April 1843 Session, Rev. T. MORROW, Minister
Elders: James KNOX, John SUMMERVILLE, John TURNIPSEED, A. HOOD, A. TURNIPSEED, William KELSEY and James M. McGOWEN
Deacons: Robert CUNNINGHAM, Samuel W. HOOD, James DUNCAN, E. T. GOING.
Names of the Members beginning with the number 8.
8. Mary A. Turnipseed, now Summerville
9. Martha Turnipseed, now Bnner Dis.
10. Nancy Turnipseed Dismissed
11. Nancy Gillespie Removed
12. Mary A. Hood
13. Sarah Summerville
14. Jane M. Going Dis.
15. W. H. Summerville
16. Sarah Mitchel Dis.
17. James Duncan
18. M. S. Duncan
19. Margaret Summerville
20. Samuel W. Hood
21. Eliza J. Hood
22. Elizabeth Owens Dis.
23. Elizabeth M. Owens Dis.
24. Robert Cunningham
25. Mary Cunningham
26. Michal C. Williams, R Dis.
27. Eliza J. Williams R Dis.
28. Jane Gladney R. Dis.
29. Jane N. Summerville
30. Martha D. Lewis
31. Andrew H. Summerville
32. Rebecca Going R Dis.
33. Robert Bell Dead
34. Martha Bell R Dis.
35. Eliza J. Bell R, Dis.
36. Nancy Morrow Dis.
37. Margaret Rowe Dis
38. David Hood
39. James Weir Dis.
40. Mary A. Holder
41. Susan Howorth Removed
42. Jane Hughs Removed
43. Martha Going R Dis.
44. Margaret Knox
45. Sarah Gilmore Dis.
46. Rebecca Wier Dis.
47. Hugh Cunningham suspended
48. Mahalia Cunningham Joined Cumberland.
49. Joseph Cunningham Dis.
50. Elizabeth Cunningham Dis.
51. Joseph Hughs Re, Dis.
52. Fergus McDowell left
53. Sarah Hughs Dis
54. Sarah E. Summerville
55. Martha A. Summerville
56. Mary A. S. Bell R Dis.
57. Celia R. Bell R & Dis
58. Mary A. Gibson Dis.
59. James Gibson Suspended
60. Elizabeth L. McGowen
61. David Gladney left Dismissed
62. James C. Rogers Re & Dis.
63. Eli T. Going Re & Dismissed
64. Eleanor Turnipseed
65. Jane Knox
66. Margaret C. Knox R & Dis
67. Eliza Simms Re & Dis
68. Jane E. Hughs
69. Eleanor McKinney
70. George Summerville
71. Margaret A. Conerley
72. Mary A. Summerville
73. Martha Meeks
74. Mary Manning Dead
75. B. J. Hughs
76. Samuel L. Linton Left
77. D. W. Hamiter Dis.
78. Thomas C. Perry Dis.
79. James M. McGowen
80. William Cunningham Dis.
81. Cynthia C. Hamiter Dis.
82. Nancy R. Cobble Dead
83. John Rowe suspended
84. John McMillin Re & Dis.
85. Mary K. McMillin R Dis
86. John S. Knox
87. Racheal R. Knox
88. John W. Hamiter Re Dis.
89. Salina Hagewood Dis.
90. Mariam A. Going Dis.
91. Susan J. Turnipseed Dis.
92. Sophronia A. Gilmore R & Dis.
93. Walter Hagewood Removed
94. Mary Summerville
95. Jane Summerville
96. Julett R. Rowe Dis.
97. Arstead D. Hillian Re & Dis.
98. J. L. Miller
99. J. C. Linear Re & Dis.
100. J. J. Gilmore Dead
101. William M. Gilmore Dis.
102. James Cunningham Joined Cumberland as _____.
103. W. R. Bell R & Dis.
104. Ellen D. McKinney
105. Mary J. Rowe Dis.
106. Sarah M. Summerville
107. Mary J. Cunningham Joined Cumberland.
108. Nancy Cunningham Dis.
109. Jane Cunningham Dis.
110. Mrs. Ann McMillin Re & Dis.
111. William Calley Dis.
112. Elizabeth M. Calley Dis.
113. Mrs. Margaret Hood Dead
114. Mrs. Hariet Sayer
115. Israel Hood
116. Mrs. Hamulah C. Miller
117. Elen J. Hood
Coloured Members
1. Queen Ann
2. Hannah
3. Mariah
4. Anthony
5. Joe Removed
6. Moses
7. Rachel
8. Tene Removed
9. Ben Dis.
10. Paul Perrin Removed
11. Aggy
12. Hannah
13. Katy
14. David
15. Charles
16. Diley Dis.
17. Phoby
18. Zack
19. Americas Dead
20. Linda
21. Phebe
22. Milly
23. Jane
24. George
25. Rachel
Notes in addition to the Records for Baptisms, Marriages & Deaths are as follows:
Oak Grove Church March 1847
According to previous appointment the congregation met Rev. C. A. STILLMAN being present by invitation went into the election of a pastor, the Rev. James SOMERVILLE was unanimously chosen on half of his time.
May 20, 1847
. The installation of Rev. J. SOMERVILLE took place in the Church of Oak Grove. Present, Rev. J. L. KIRKPATRICK, Rev. Wm. FLINN James Knox, Clk of Sess.
Oak Grove Church Oct. 6, 1849
. The congregation met agreeable to previous appointment, Rev. James SOMERVILLE who had been invited attended and preached, text Matt, XXV. & 29. After which the congregation proceeded to the election of a pastor. Rev. A. P. SILLMAN was unanimously chosen for one half of his time if it could be obtained. Salary $325.00 one third if the ____ could not be had at $250.00 one fourth if no more could be obtained at $200. The congregation was then dismissed.
James Knox, Clk of Sess.
Oak Grove Church Sept 25th, 1854
. The congregation met according to previous appointment, it being inconvenient to have a minister present, the congregation proceeded to the election of a pastor. Rev. F. BRADSHAW was unanimously chosen pastor half of his time for which said church & congregation agreed to pay three hundred & fifty dollars in ½ yearly payments. James Knox, Clk. of Sess.
Installation of Rev. F. BRADSHAW 1 of Nov. 54, Rev. J. P. McMULLIN, Rev. M. ______, T. MCREA.
Oak Grove Church Oct 2, 1860
. The congregation met, agreeable to previous appointment. REV. J. SOMERVILLE, who had been invited, attended when the congregation went into an election for a pastor. The Rev. A. M. WATSON was unanimously elected for three fourths of the time. Salary nine hundred dollars. James Knox, Clk of Sess.
Oak Grove Church Jan 19, 1861
. The installation of Rev. A. M. WATSON took place at Oak Grove on the 19 Jan 1861, Rev. J. P. McMULLIN, Rev. C. A. STILLMAN and Rev. D. D. SANDERSON present. Dedication of the church 21. Installation sermon by Rev. C. A. STILLMAN text [illegible]. Dedication Rev. D. D. SANDERSON text Ezra VI 16 James Knox, Clk of Sess.
Oak Grove Church April 19/80
. According to previous appointment the congregation of Oak Grove Church. (Wm.? SUMMERVILLE, Jr., moderator) met at the church and elected Rev. James SOMERVILLE pastor for one half his time.
J. K. Spence (Clerk)
Found in the files for the Oak Grove Church in Montreat, NC:
A report titled 100 Years of Presbyterianism in South Pickens Author unknown and written c. 1936/37.
.In the summer of 1836, the Rev. Thomas MORROW, a licentiate of old Tombeckbee Presbytery (which comprised what is now East Mississippi Presbytery in the Synod of Miss. and adjoining portions of Ala.) came to Pickens County, Ala. And commenced preaching in a small school house near Mayerhoofs Store, afterwards Franconia.
Scotch-Irish Presbyterians from South Carolina (most of them neighbors and relatives from Kershaw, Union and Chester Districts) having settled in Pickens County met with Mr. Morrow on May 20, 1837 to organize a church. There were 32 charter members (30 whites and two slaves) and at least 20 (two of them ruling elders) came from old Beaver Creek Church near Camden, SC
..
Soon after its organization, Mr. MORROW and the church were transferred to Tuscaloosa Presbytery, Synod of Alabama.
A bench of five elders was elected, all of them having held this office in the churches from whence they came. Their names were: John HUGHES, John SUMMERVILLE, Archibald HOOD, John and Abraham TURNIPSEED.
Every preaching service brought additional members by letter and by examination. In 1838 James KNOX was elected an elder and became the first clerk of the session which office he held until Dec. 1861. Wm. KELSEY and James McGOWAN were the next elders elected. In 1842 the first Deacons were chosen
Mr. MORROW remained with the congregation as Stated Supply until 1844. During this time there were about 100 members added to the church roll on examination.
In those days ruling elders really ruled, and not even a member of that august body was exempt from discipline. Offences, which seem trivial to us were considered grievous, and the offender was visited and told of his sin. If he did not render a satisfactory excuse, he had to appear before the session for a trial. Absence from church for several preaching services brought many members before the session for trial. There were witnesses for and against the offender and often these affairs stirred up hard feelings and dissension among the members. Such was the case in old Oak Grove. An accusation was brought against an elder; his trial made a breach inevitable, and in 1844 Mr. Morrow withdrew from the church together with part of the members. Tuscaloosa Presbytery gave him permission to establish a church six miles from Oak Grove. Tailing to comply with Presbyterys ruling, he and his sympathizers joined the New School order of Presbyterians and erected what was known as Hopewell New School Presbyterian Church, only a quarter of a mile from the old church. When the New School reunited with the Mother church, Hopewell was dissolved and some of the members came back to Oak Grove.
Rev. Theodore SAYRE served the Church as Stated Supply for a year after Mr. MORROWS withdrawal.
Then came Rev. James SOMERVILLE, son of ruling elder John SOMERVILLE. He was Stated Supply from Dec. 1845 to March 1847 and pastor from that date to March 1849. The records show the church vacant from then until Rev. Fields BRADSHAW came in March 1851. He served as pastor until he was called to join the Church Triunphant [sic] June 12, 1859. During his pastorate, Wm. H. SOMERVILLE e, B. J. HUGHES, C. S. HARKINS and Wm. H. SUMMERVILLE, Jr. were elected elders.
The church was again vacant until March 1860. During this period a new and larger building was being erected, necessitated by the increased membership
Rev. Am M. WATSON n who had been Stated Supply since March 1860, was installed pastor Jan. 19, 1861, with Rev. C. a. STILLMAN of Tuscaloosa preaching, and on Jan. 20th the new church building was dedicated, with Rev. D. D. SANDERSON of Eutaw preaching
.
Mr. James KNOX because of failing health resigned as clerk of the session Dec. 1861, and Benj. J. HUGHES was elected to that office.
Mr. WATSON was pastor until spring of 1867. Rev. W. B. BINGHAM whose wife was a daughter of one of the first elders Abraham TURNIPSEEN filled the pulpit during the summer and fall of that year.
In Jan. 1868 Rev. James SOMERVILLE was again called as Stated Supply for one half of his time. Mr. SOMERVILLE had his home in the neighborhood and his salary was $300.00. He was Stated Supply until 1880 and pastor from April 1880 until failing health made him resign April 1883. John K. SPENCE, Dr. H. D. BOUTWELL, Wm. B. SOMERVILLE, Dr. H. C. MOOREHEAD and John W. SOMERVILLE were elected elders during this pastorate. Mr. HUGHES resigned as clerk of the session and J. K. SPENCE took his place July 1874.
In report to Presbytery April 1861, first mention was made of Sunday School although there had evidently been such an organization for a number of years. In 1862 Session records determination to hold Sunday School every Sunday. (It had only been held on the preaching days.)
..
FACTS AND TESTIMONY concerning the difficulties in OAK GROVE CHURCH, PICKENS COUNTY, ALA. With An Introduction, Notes, References, and A Brief Review By an observer. Tuskaloosa: Printed by M. D. J. Slade 1847. [This is an obvious rebuttal to the events that took place during the trial of the Rev. Morrow.]
.No man has a greater veneration for the Presbyterian church than the editor of this work, and believing that she never can prosper with such corruption in her bosom, he feels that it is a duty he owes to that church to publish these things, that she many have an opportunity of correcting them. That the offenders may be reclaimed the oppressed relieved the Presbytery redeemed and disenthralled, and the cause of Presbyterianism and true religion advanced, is the sincere desire of the
EDITOR.
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