"History of Shoal Creek Association" by Largen, published 1908
NEW SALEM - This is a small country church, situated some eight or ten miles nearly due west from Neosho, Mo. It seems never to have been very prosperous. At times the work would revive for a season and the prospects look bright, but soon discouragement would come and work would lag. The church has as members some earnest workers, and has had the service of some of our strong pastors, and it seems the work should be in better condition. They have maintained once-a-month preaching most of the time, and have a Sunday school in the community with an average attendance of twenty-five. Their present pastor, G. W. Hays. A. F. Porter is the clerk, and has been for a number of years. The influence of the church is badly needed in this community, and it should be a true light to all within her bounds. She was organized October, 1868, by Elder Isom James, who became the first pastor. James Bell, W. J. Bennett, J. R. Flemming, Leonard Bowers, M. C. Harris, C. M. Young, W. T. Brock, all have served as pastors. A. T. Porter, J. S. Martin and Augustus Wilbert have written the records of the church. They have a meeting house of their own, a frame building 24x36 feet, which was erected in 1870 and will seat about 200 people. The present valuation of the house is not very much, possibly about $200.

pp 152-153, ELDER G. W. Hays

G.W. Hays is but little known outside of his immediate community, yet he is a very earnest worker, living in the midst of the weakest of our churches. Being poorly paid as a preacher, he is necessarily compelled to do manual labor to support his family. He has sacrificed much for the cause's sake, and what he had done will not all be known till the Day of Reward in which every man shall be rewarded according to his works. He was born in Marion county, Ill., Jan 11, 1858. When he grew up he joined the Campbellites, but afterwards he realized that he was not converted, and Jan. 20, 1879, he professed faith in Christ, and in 1887 he united with the Saratoga Baptist church in McDonald county, Mo. He was baptized by Elder John West, and ordained to the ministry, Aug. 11, 1895, by the Union Chapel church, in the Creek Nation of Indian Territory. The ordaining council consisted of Elders A. S. Church and A. Leake. He served some churches in the Indian Territory, White Nation and big Cabin, and in Missouri, Coy, Tiff city, Saratoga and Swars Prairie. He has kept no record of the professions witnessed or the number baptized. He married Miss Mary A. Pollen, Dec. 28, 1887. Brother Hays served as missionary of Shoal Creek Association for eight months.
Submitted by: Patty McWilliams
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