Rountree Chronicles 182¢-1540 —_——— ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 1827-1840 DOCUMENTARY PRIMER OF A TAR HEEL FAITH BY CHARLES CROSSFIELD WARE PUBLISHED BY THE NORTH CAROLINA CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY CONVENTION Box 1164, WILSON, N. C. OWEN G. DUNN Co., PRINTERS NEW BERN, N. C. 1947 DEDICATED TO THE JESSE ROUNTREE ASSOCIATION GENERAL WILLIAM CLARK, Pastor, 1832-33 031 Bi” aries eee ft te Pras Pee fe ates) ee ty a3 tab on ce” bovtrrer tin sbsithdica? Gwe arate wre ae 2 4 “" tt. sate es fy ott ly what That ia ae os Pie x . 4 ee , bt bl te atl Wy ght 2 tere 7 ue - ” 2 by tome: ft POA Le t thjac Sf: teresa AO fered » gba te ten Pvt? “ Lastfee eRe MP ALD gh ot oe Le? % Ke. we Keaegire? Cd o a ve Q Bweeten ma fix phe efrt A? i Meret ay arts Fi * ¢ Wa : AF: yor Met of one nar Pg , tewtrk “a sepecat 4 ¥ # Peis: te Mb hes ee dse! psa lcd! EP Ntet s s we + HA = ee tae Vw Pltorem “ ee Rr 22 6 Z. wr 7 Meat od ieee? a tn Biol’ earaeeeet. | feerwrr~ Ji: Keahenl Sroaernt a a aaa od fez Diane t® i OOM Bote k | Leimenhent . pa At are Pleat Got le taker ase yo x * ae ae Way See Page 18. CHRONOLOGY ROUNTREE CHURCH 1827—April, Organization of Church, with 29 members, and signing of Covenant. 1828—May, Adopted fourth Sunday in each month as their “preaching day” which throughout their his- tory has been maintained. August 23. Seven members went out to found a branch of Rountree named Little Sister. 1829—December 26. First sermon there by General William Clark. 1830—September 30. Joined the Neuse Baptist Associ- ation. ; 1831—April 12, Death of Jesse Rountree. April 23. Clerk’s entry: “Aged Br. Rountree who has gone home.” 1832—January 21. General William Clark called as pastor. October 5—Clark’s Grindle Creek resolution adopted, thus aligning Rountree with the Reform- ers, (Disciples of Christ.) 1833—October 21. Clark, Rountree’s pastor, excom- muncated by Neuse Association. 1834—February 22. Sermon by Thomas Campbell, father of Alexander Campbell. October 20. Rountree Church excluded by Neuse Association. 1838—Meetings at Rountree “thinly attended.” 1839—May 25 Little Sister church received back into lo- cal fellowship at Rountree. July 28—“Communed at the house of the Widdow Rountree,” (Mrs. Jesse Rountree) 1840—February 22. Decided to observe Communion “more freckquent.” 1850—October 17-20. Entertained Annual Bethel Con- ference and Union Meeting of Disciples of Christ. 1865—October 5-8. Entertained Annual Conference of Disciples of Christ in North Carolina. 6 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 1883—October 28. Dedicated new “Meeting House’, John Tomline Walsh preaching the sermon. 1885—October 22-25. Entertained annual session, North Carolina Christian Missionary Convention. 1941—April 18. Fire destroyed the “Meeting House” of 1883. 1942—April 26. New Church plant dedicated, Howard CONTENTS Stevens Hilley preaching the sermon. 1943—October 24. Jesse Rountree Association organ- ized. Chapter 1. The Dawn 1947—April 27. Rountree memorial plaque dedicated, Chapter 2. Rountree Church Records, Clarence Victor Cannon, presiding. The plaque 1827-1840 Pages 18-44 was designed by Miss Jesse Rountree Moye. : Chapter 3. Neuse Register Pages 45-46 Foreword Chapter 4. Missionary Treasure Pages 47-49 Chapter 5. Letters of Thomas Campbell Pages 50-55 Chapter 6. Founder’s Four Generations __. Pages 56-62 Chapter 7. Rountree Pastors —.............Page 63 ILLUSTRATIONS General William Clark _--------- The Covenant The Campbell Record -___----------.--. Rountree Church and Pastor FOREWORD Clarence Victor Cannon is president of the Jesse Roun- tree Association. In his home at Ayden, N. C., on Feb- ruary 2, 1947, he led me to the discovery of the manu- script records of the Rountree church clerk, Allen Blount, dated 1827 to 1840. These had been passed along to Mr. Cannon in a small tin box, from his parents, Mr. and Mrs. Robert C. Cannon, and from his grandparents, the Caleb Cannons. The document is a priceless historical treas- ure. It gives insight into the congregational administra- tion at the beginning of what evidently is the oldest church now functioning among North Carolina Disciples of Christ. I mean by “oldest’’, that she was the first in North Carolina to start and maintain without break the primal evolutionary trend to the Disciples. These cler- ical minutes, with other key documents, make valid that point. They substantiate the above characterization of Rountree. As printed, this is a true, unexpurgated version of the Rountree minutes; that is, as true as our human frailties permit. I am indebted to Mrs. Ware, and magnifying glass, for the deciphering of the faded, antique chirogra- phy. Her skill growing out of her experience, as well as her intuition, was used word by word on the original. The result is of special value for accuracy and thorough- ness. Moreover, I am especially indebted to the Wake Forest College Library, and particularly to Mrs. E. T. Critten- den of the staff there, for use of their precious file of Neuse Association Minutes dated 1794 to 1842. This file was of prime value to this study. It is of great rarity, and was unknown to me prior to 1933. This little book is merely a documentary story of primi- tive Tar Heel Disciples, particularly as their life unfolded at Rountree. Certainly for comprehensive reading about North Carolina Disciples, one must turn to other books. And their many-sided story in perfect fullness has “never yet been told.” For instance, I have yet to find two gor- geously rare pamphlets; the Little Sister pamphlet of 10 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 1832 jointly issued by Canfield, Dunn, and Congleton, and the General Clark pamphlet of 1833. Maybe I shall never see them. Very well. It is good for me to reach even when Icannot grasp. Albeit, one cannot make the press wait until the last pin-point of light breaks upon any given subject. If he does there will be no printed line. It is our fortune to have a great brotherhood. Like a mansion it is filled with treasure, new and old. From this saga of old Rountree may the indulgent reader find some access of joy and light. CHARLES CROSSFIELD WARE. Wilson, N. C., May 14, 1947. CHAPTER 1 THE DAWN Rountree is definitely the mother church of North Caro- lina Disciples of Christ. It may appear that Tar Heel Disciples arose simultaneously at several sources. How- ever, the emerging faith appeared first in its concreteness at this Pitt county church, four miles west of the present Ayden. There it was stabilized and crystallized; this pioneer church remaining as the sole survivor of the ear- liest crusading group after a hundred and twenty years of unbroken activity. When Rountree began in April 1827, their Covenant specified no denominational com- mitment; albeit it was implicitly Baptist. Four months after organization they seriously considered uniting with the Neuse Association which enrolled most of their near- est Baptist neighbors. Not until September 25th, 1830, more than three years after organization did they official- ly join the Neuse, according to the Rountree records. Allen Blount, Rountree clerk, throughout his records, said “Lords Day’—never the ‘Sabbath’. The only Rountree pastor he calls “beloved” is General William Clark (1832-’33), who, associated with John Patrick Dunn and Abraham Congleton, decisively turned this congre- gation to the Christian Church, (Disciples of Christ), which was then originating spontaneously on a wide front in America. Naming a few instances: under Chester Bullard in Virginia; John Smith and the Creaths in Ken- tucky; Walter Scott in Ohio; Benjamin Franklin Hall in Alabama and Arkansas; and John Wright, native Tar Heel, in southern Indiana. Earlier leaders of the “Chris- tians’”’ were Barton Stone, Abner Jones, and James O’Kelly. It is contended by not a few that Alexander Campbell was the head and front of it all. It is, however, historic- ally accurate to say that without the spontaneous promo- tion of the men named above and a host of others reaching like original conclusions, the Campbell effort would have failed. Campbell was indeed a glamorous person, an 12 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES indefatigible leader. Thus he was a shining mark for many hostile critics. So the Disciples were profanely called “Campbellites”, or, more profanely, “Campbellite Baptists.” Thomas Meredith, through his Baptist jour- nal at Edenton, first gave general currency to the name Campbellites” in North Carolina. In October, 1833, he led in expelling Clark, the “Campbellite”’ pastor at Roun- tree, from the Neuse Association. At the next Associa- tion meeting, October, 1834, his influence was again felt im expelling Rountree church itself from that Associa- tion. As the Neuse clerk reported it: “The churches at Grindall Creek, Rountrees, and Little Sister having united with a convention of another order, we therefore agreed to withdraw from those churches.” Here are the first steps of Disciple history in North Carolina. Some Rountree members went out in August, 1828, to found a branch of Rountree, named Little Sister. It was in Lenoir county, about seven miles north of Kins- ton, known to-day as the Airy Grove community. John Patrick Dunn, his brother, Walter, and Arthur Tull were the leaders at Little Sister. These and William Clark soon found that the reform principles of the Disciples had so spread as to necessitate some formal, systematic fel- lowship for maintenance and growth. Thus the first of all such meetings was called at Little Sister in February, eran take in an association of kindred minds later anes hom ed the Union Meeting of Disciples of Christ. At ; st, there were enlisted only the five churches: Roun- aan: Little Sister, and Grindle Creek from the Neuse, and “a i i and Tranters Creek from the Kehukee Associ- anesa ing this action Old Ford and Tranters Creek were “ rom the Kehukee in 1833, and the first three ere put out of the Neuse the following year. ane ee of 1832, Clark had turned against Cal- Aa ona: of the Kehukee faith and had come to a raha Moiese holding it throughout the remainder of nag Hitt, a ie article in the Baptist Creed affirming that Chiat is the only rule of faith and practice for the ristian, should be interpreted simply and with dynamic ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 13 sincerity, to be put into all-out practice. Accordingly he flamed with this in his pulpit at Grindle Creek, his home church. It stood on the western fringe of the vil- lage of Pactolus. Being a true and beloved shepherd, his flock immediately followed. Clark was soon to write of the “proscription and persecution” heaped upon him by conservative religionists in their repercussion to this epic reform. He saw formulated creeds as divisive, in- adequate, temporizing, unnecessary. Passion for Chris- tian Union had flowered in his soul. He yearned for the coming of the ecumenical church. As the next obvious step, Clark carried his reformatory resolution, thus auspiciously approved by his home church, to such sister churches as were amenable to his approach. It came to Rountree, August 25, 1832. The church went into deliberate consultation. This was an issue to be wisely met, and peacefully, if such could be their fortune. It was opposed by Noah Tyson. He was intransigent. He lived at Red Banks, but was a Roun- tree member, preaching there often. He withstood Clark and Dunn and Congleton, threatening to go from Roun- tree if this “Campbellism’” was put over on him. He dallied, but finally carried out his threat in June 1833. He saw then that Rountree was unshakenly identified with the Reformers. Rountree adopted the proposed re- form principles on October 5, 1832. Technically and officially from that date it should be listed with the new ecumenical movement known as the Disciples of Christ. Tyson had been chagrinned at the origin of the Disciples’ Union Meeting at Little Sister in February, 1831. In the following June he had so embarrassed Abraham Congle- ton by this opposition, as to induce Congleton to resign his Rountree pastorate. However, his stated ministry was soon resumed, at the insistence of the local church. This was inevitable, as Rountree had given generous support to the Little Sister Conference, sending there the largest delegation toward insuring its initial success. In the fall of 1832 came the annual meeting of the Neuse, at Southwest church in Lenoir county, a few miles 14 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES south from Kinston, across the river. Clark attended and preached from Rom. 1:16. There the issue with the Disciples was controverted. It was a critical time for the Association. The Calvinistic doctrine of election to which conservative leaders clung was a bone of conten- tion. Clark’s group was revolting at the hidebound pre- destinarian system. And Little Sister was the heart of the revolt. She was a problem for conventional rigidity. The Meredith group hoping to resolve the intensifying threat, for a season, deferred the issue for a year. Yet for sake of consistency, as they conceived it, they threw down the gauntlet to Disciples, adopting a redrafted creed of fifteen articles. The ninth article was “gall and wormwood” to the Little Sister group. It began: “That the doctrine of election is contained in the Scriptures and that it is our duty to believe it upon the authority of Him who has revealed it.” As interpreted, this was the Cal- vinism of the “salvation by grace alone,” “special pro- vision” Baptists. Clark had forsaken this doctrine in the Kehukee, and had openly repudiated it. He, and Dunn, and Congleton had joined, heart and soul, with the “free salvation” principles of the “general provision” Baptists. The Neuse leaders at Southwest seeking reconciliation had “labored” with Little Sister. Presuming that all was well, the Neuse minutes of 1832 stated that Little Sister had “acceded” to this redrafted creed, as published. The three delegates from Little Sister, Dunn, Congleton, and Orlando Canfield, categorically denied this in a pamphlet jointly issued by them. This foreordained their exclusion at the next Neuse Meeting. In due course Rountree’s pastor, Clark, along with Dunn and Congleton, were branded as heretics at the Fort Barnwell meeting of the Neuse, October 20, 1833. Thus their Neuse fellowship was at a determined end. The decree was autocratic, spirited, and final, allowing for no representation of the minority group. A high light was tie. heresy—hunting sermon of Meredith from Mt. 12 :30 —“He that is not with me is against me; and he that gath- ereth not with me, scattereth”. And the thesis of their ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 15 circular letter, was “the final pereseverance of the saints”. Moreover, at old Hancocks, ten miles south of Green- ville, in the Neuse meeting of 1834, the axe fell on the three anti-Calvinist churches. Rountree, Grindle Creek, and Little Sister by the familiar decree went off the roll. Henceforth they were to go their lonely, persecuted way. This loneliness and persecution is revealed between the lines in the original Rountree church records as published herewith. Rountree’s naive. clerk must have never dreamed that the twentieth century would look at the printing of his “short and simple” annals. Even so, pardoxically, he is urbane. Not a line of resentment or vindictiveness is expressed for all the storm-tossed years. Nevertheless, a painstaking reader, sympathetic and in- formed, sees at once the poignancy of the pioneers’ “straight and narrow way”. Groping for light, their deep convictions had come to them. Rountree was ahead of her day. For this she must pay the price—“The blood of martyrs is the seed of the church.” One reflects that but for this sacrifice and struggle against heavy odds, their cause must have perished—just for the want of in- spiration which comes only with heroic bearing of the cross. Times depressed. Rountree’s candle burned very low. Indeed it was all but snuffed out in 1838, as the little old yellowed manuscript plainly shows. Little Sister fared worse. In May, 1839, she gave up and came back to original ground at Rountree. There the fellowship re- mained until January 21, 1843. Then from this ‘“seed- bed of the Reformation”, the Little Sister growth was transplanted to Kinston. There the roots struck very deeply into the soil. Like the “mustard” of Luke 13:19, it became a great tree. Verily the Kinston Disciples, building one of the skyline churches of their world fellow- ship, trace their Nineteenth Century genesis to this primal Rountree on the Little Contentnea. And there is the story of the Bethel Conference. North Carolina was typically American as she climaxed the Disciple pioneer development. Throughout the States 16 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES where the movement was securely established there was spontaneous union of like-minded groups. These were first fruits of their plea for Christian Union. The Bethel Conference was an old and relatively large group in eastern North Carolina. It was the cumulative func- tion of those who believed in “general provision,” and resisted absorption by the Calvanistic, or Regular Baptists, who had imported their strongest available leaders to preempt the field into which the “general” preachers had been the first to enter. The Philadelphia creed triumphed mightily in North Carolina, but the Bethel Conference was one significant escaping segment, which gravitated to union with Disciples on May 2, 1845 at Hookerton. The area name retained, 1845-1853, for this union, was “The Bethel Conference and Union Meet- ing of Disciples of Christ.” A mass movement toward Disciples openly began in the Bethel Conference in 1841. But this was nine years later than the creed-crushing cru- sade of the Rountree group. Now since several of these Bethel Conference Churches were older than Rountree, how can it be said that Roun- tree has historical primacy? It is a fact that Wheat Swamp can trace her life back through great shadows to 1752. Her tributary Free Will Baptist connection is very long. In the same bracket, Concord, in Pamlico county started in 1802. Among the Kehukee Baptists, Tranters Creek began in 1804, and Old Ford, 1828. With- in the Neuse, Mill Creek church, Johnston county, was on the charter roll in 1794, with delegates Nathaniel Thorn- ton and William Farmer. Surely this is a very old church. But she left the Neuse in 1806, for the Raleigh Association, and by the 1840’s she was in the Bethel Con- ference. Once again, where is Rountree’s primacy? The answer is that in none of the other churches named was the con- crete trend toward Disciples agitated as early as 1832. Grindle Creek is unknown to Disciples after Clark’s re- moval to Jackson, Mississippi in 1835, and Little Sister was early received back into the bosom of Rountree. ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 17 Other churches, however, were in time to receive favor- ably the movement which gathered strength with the years. Rountree distinctly took a consistent course from the incipiency. Bethel Conference churches had their own established fellowship and suffered no persecution as of record. The opposition seems to have spent its main strength against the aggressive Rountree pioneers who spear-headed the Christian Union movement. Beyond doubt these very pioneers had cumulative decisive influ- ence in the Bethel Conference. There they reaped a marvelous harvest among a homogeneous people who for the most part, were docile and amiable, and marked by open minds and pure hearts. When the union with Bethel Conference was effected in 1845, the Disciples could bring immediately into it, only three churches: Rountree, Chinquapin Chapel, and Kinston, with a combined membership of 131, while the Bethel group aggregated 1728 members in 27 churches. But soon thereafter the Disciples contributed to the union: Oak Grove, Greene County, (1846); Old Ford, (1846) ; Oak Grove, Pitt county, (1848) ; Tranters Creek, (1851) ; and Tyson’s (1851). These last five churches brought gain of 363 members, which added to the original 131, made approximately 500 members, or a fifth of the united church in this area, as of 1851. Rountree gave the most successful evangelist in John Patrick Dunn. Leading an early revival at Oak Grove, Greene County, Dunn report- ed 90 baptisms, and at Tysons Meeting House, 123 bap- tisms. . The day-star had arisen for the Disciples in Carolina. Blessed by increasing light they could go forward unto the perfect day. CHAPTER 2 ROUNTREE CHURCH RECORDS, 1827-1840 THE COVENANT The Church Govenant Annodominey 1827 For as much as Almighty God by his grace has been pleased to call us out of darkness into his marvelous light and having been regularly baptized upon profession of our faith in Christ Jesus and have given up ourselves to the Lord and to one another in a gospel church way to be governed and guided by a proper discipline agreeable to the word of God we do therefore in the name of the Lord Jesus and by his assistance Covenant and agree to keep up the discipline of the church we are members of in the most brotherly affection toward each other which we en- deavor punctualy to observe the following Rules, First brotherly love to pray for each other, watch over one another and if need be in the most tender and affectionate manner to reprove one another that is if we do discover anything amiss in a brother to go and tell him his fault according to the 18th of St. Mathew’s Gospel and not to be whispering and backbiting. We also agree with God’s assistance to pray in our Families; attend our Church meetings, observe the Lord’s day to keep it Holy and not absent ourselves from the Communion of the Lord’s sup- per without a lawful excuse to be Ready to Contribute to the defraying of the Church’s expenses and for the Sup- ee rs the Ministery and not irregularly to desert to dis- oo = setae without a regular dismission. These things ae apie and agree to observe and to Keep Sacred ato a of the Lord and by the assistance of the Holy a ‘wi men Signed by the Mutual Consent of the mbers of the Church in Pitt County by the name of Rountrees Meetin . ghouse, April Diieccteee. se, near Little Cotentnea Creek. 1827 2 stp emg before the 3rd Lord’s day in June 1827. Ser- y Brother Moye followed by Brother Congleton. ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 19 Conference convened Chose Brother Moye Moderator a door opened for the Reseption of members also Brethren from Sister Churches invited to take seats with us. Mo- tion made and seconded that the Church Covenant and Rules of disciplin be read. Motion made and seconded that the list be Cald a letter presented and read from the Oak Grove church Delegats Brethren Irwin Moye and Benjamin Briley, also a letter was Cald for and Recvd. from the Redbank Church Delagats John Clary and Izan- iah Page. Motion made and seconded to send delagates to Correspond with Oak Grove Church by letter. Brethren Allen Blount and Noah Tison and C. J. Rountree to Oak Grove Brother Blount to wright the letter. Brethren Noah Tison and Jesse Rountree to Redbanks. C. J. Rountree to write the letter. Motion that a Decon be ap- pointed. Motion that Brother Blount be appointed a Deacon a unanimous vote motion that Brother J. Roun- tree be at liberty as treasurer to dispose of the church fund as he thinks proper agreed to unanimously. Com- munion tomorrow preaching at 11:00 o’clock. Confer- ence adjorned by prayer. Friday June 22, 1827 Brother T. Mason preached from St. Mathew 5th Chapter and 4th verse. Blessed are they that mourn for they Shall be comforted. After sermon a door opened for expearence 3 came forward and was Recvd. Tuesday July 3rd Brother W. P. Biddle By appointment preached to,us from the following words: Come unto me all ye that labour and are heavy laden and I will give you rest. ; Satturday before the 8rd Lord’s day in July 1827. Sermon by Brother Moor. Continued by Brother Con- gleton after preaching Cald Conference Chose Brother Congleton Moderator. Conference opened by prayer. Brethren from Sister Churches invited to set with us a door opened for expearence one Recvd. by letter and one Recvd. by expearence. Motion that we Correspond with Swift Creek Church agreed to. Brethren John Vindson and John Ringgold appointed as delligates to attend the 20 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES early meeting at Swift Creek Brother C. J. Rountree to wright the letter. motion that we send delligates to the union meeting agreed to. Brethren Jesse Rountree Noah tison and Allen Blount. Brother Jesse Rountree to wright the letter. Baptism at 10:00 o’clock in the creek Sunday morning baptised four. motion that conference dis. agred to prayer by Brother Moor. Satterday before the 3rd Lord’s in August 1827. Ser- mon by Brother Congleton after preaching Cald confer- ence prayer by Brother Tison Chose Brother Congleton Moderator invited Brethren from Sister Churches to set with us in conference. A door opened for expearance agreed that we petition by letter to become a member of the association and that then Brother Clark write the pe- tition letter, Brethren C. J. Rountree, Noah Tison and Jesse Rountree as delligates to the association and case of failure Brother Blount. We agreed to send $2 as a fund to the Asociation, agreed that the letter to the asoci- ation shall be prepared by the next Conference and in- spected by the church agreed that Brethren Jesse Roun- tree Noah Tison and C. J. Rountree be appointed delli- gates to the union meeting and Brother Allen Blount wright the letter to the same. Agreed that our annual meeting be in March Conference closed by prais. Quarterly meeting Satterday before the 3rd Lord’s day in September 1827. Sermon by Brother Congleton, after sermon Cald conference Chose Brother Congleton Moder- ator. Opened conference by prais, invited Brethren from Sister Churches to sit with us, opened a door for ex- pearance, one came forward. Was Recvd, and one Recvd by letter Agreed that we correspond with the church at Greenville Baptism at 10:00 o’clock tomorrow. We are favored with corresponding letters from the Churches at Swift Creek Redbanks and Oak Grove which ware all thankfully Revd. Adjorned conference by praise. Tuesday after the 3rd Lord’s day in October 1827 Elder William J. Newborn attended an appointment at the Dwelling House of Jesse Rountree farm after preaching Cald conference opened a door for expearance one came ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 21 forward and was Recvd and Baptized the same day on confession. Saturday before the 3rd Lord’s day in November 1827. Sermon by Brother Warren continued by Elder Mason. After Sermon Cald Conference Chose Brother Mason Moderator, invited Brethren from Sister Churches to set with us opened a door for expearence. two came forward and was Recvd. one Recvd. by letter. Conference ad- jorned. Quarterly meeting Satterday before the 3rd Lord’s daj in December 1827 the services of the day introduced by Bro. Whitly continued by Br. Moye. After preaching conference convened Chose Brother Congleton Moderator. Invited Brethren from Sister Churches to take seats with us, opened a door for expearance none came forward. Motion made and seconded that corresponding letters be Cald for Recvd. from Swiftcreek a corresponding letter with our Bro. Caleb Smith also from Oak Grove and Bro. Geter Carr with a corresponding letter also from Red Banks our Brethren Elder Congleton and Nora Tison. Motion that we appoint delligates to the union meeting appointed Jesse Rountree Walter Dunn and Allen Blount and Allen Blount the clerk wright the letter. Prethren J. Ringgold and J. Vindson to Swiftcreek. Brethren J. Rountree and N. Tison to Red Banks. C. J. Rountree and A. Blount to Oak Grove. Dismissed by prais. 1828 Satturday before the third Lords day in January 1828 did not meet on account of Rain, met on Lords day. Serv- ices of the day opened by Elder Congleton continued by Brother Warren after sermon Brother Warren handed in a letter for admition into our church which was Recvd. Satturday before the third Lords day in February, 1828 Sermon by Brother Warren after preaching Cald Confer- ence chose Br. Warren moderator, a door opened and In- vitation given for the Reception of member none came forward except a letter handed in and Recvd adjorned conference Elder Mason followed Br. Warren on Sunday in the Services of the day. 22 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES Annual Meeting commenced Friday before the third Lords day in March 1828 Sermon by Coulord Br. Taborn continued by Br. Warren after sermon Conference con- vened chose Br. Congleton moderator opened the same by prais and prayer invited Brethren from Sister Churches to Seats with us, opened a door for expearense correspond- ing letters cald for Recvd one from Red Banks church conference dismissed by prayer by Br. Warren. met on Satturday, Worship commenced by Br. Congle- ton, continued by Br. Taborn after sermon conference convened chose Br. Congleton Moderator Br. Mason open- ed the Same by prayer and prais Invitation given to visiting Brethren to seats with us, a door opened for ex- pearence one came forward gave in a letter and was Recvd two Recvd by Baptism. Corresponding letters cald for, one handed in from Swiftcreak and Recvd. Brethren James L. Warren and C. J. Rountree to R. Banks Brethren Noah Tison and Jesse Rountree James L. War- ren to Swiftcreek Bretheen Jesse Rountree and John Ringgold to Greenville Brethren Joseph McGerman and John Vindson to oak Grove, Brother Jesse Rountree write a letter of correspondence to the same Elder Thomas D. Mason Cald to the pastorald Charge of the church ac- cepted the call conference adjourned by prayer. Saturday before the third Lords day in April 1828. Rained in so much but few people met, Elder Congleton with a few zealous friends to the Christian cause met notwith Standing the Rainy weather Elder Congleton de- livered a strong sermon held no conference met a consid- erable congregation on Sunday to Whom Brother Con- gleton delivered a very interesting sermon. Satturday before the third Sunday in May, 1828 met according to appointment Worship opened by Brother Warren continued by Br. Mason. after preaching Con- ference convened Chose Br. Newbin our moderator opened the same by prayer according to custom invited Visiting Brethren to seats with us opened a door for expearence two came forward and was Received motion that we ap- point a committee to go to the church at Great Swamp to ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 23 change the day of our stated meeting. Seconed and a committee appointed to attend the Same appointed Breth- ren Noah Tison, Jesse Rountree and Charles J. Rountree, motion by Br. James L. Warren for a letter of dismission granted Conference dismissed by prayer by Br. Lothe, To meet at the water at 9 o’clock in the morning. Quarterly meeting Satturday before the fourth Lords Day in June, 1828 no preaching Cald Conference chose Br. Tison our Moderator opened conference by prais and prayer invited visiting Brethren to seats with us opened a door for the Reception of members motion that we call for corresponding letters was handed in from Oak Grove from Swift Creek from Red Banks from Greenville We appointed Brethren George W. Wallace Charles J. Roun- tree to visit Oak Grove on Satturday before the 1st Lords day in Sept. 1828. Appointed Brethren John Vindson John Ringold to visit Swift Creek at the Annual meeting friday before the first Lords day in August 1828 appointed Jesse Rountree and James Ringgold to visit Red Banks at the annual meeting friday before the 2nd Lords day in Sept. 1828. appointed Brethren Noah Tison Jesse Rountree to visit Greenville Satturday before the 1st Lords day in Sept. 1828. Sub- scription presented to Rais a fund for the support of the Church and ministry. Conference closed by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in July 1828 Sermon by Br. Congleton after sermon Conference con- ven. Elder Congleton chosen moderator opend the Same by prais. Brethren from Sister Churches invited to seats with us, a door opened for the reception of members, Con- ference agreed to have the list cald every meeting, confer- ence closed by prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in August 1828. Sermon by Br. Mason after preaching conference con- vened chose Br. Mason Moderator, invited visiting Breth- ren from Sister churches to seats with us, a door was then opened for the Reception of new members one came for- ward and was Recevd. Resolved that if any member is absent from church meeting a Significant dot shall be 24 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES anexed to the name of the absentee who shall give the Reason for being absent at the next conference, if the same person is absent two meetings in succession a Broth- er or Brethren shall be sent by the next Conference after- ward to inquire into the cause Resolved that this Resolu- tion be added as one Rule to the Church decorum. Breth- ren G. Washington Wallace Walter Dunn and Arthur Tull be appointed delligates to the union meeting to be held at Southwest M. H. commencing Friday before the fifth Lords day in August, 1828. Dismissed by letter the fol- lowing Brethren for the purpose of constituting a church at Little Sister M. H. Lenoir County (to wit) Walter Dunn and Cynthia his wife Arthur Tull and Nancy his wife Charles Tull Polly Fortner and Luiza Wiggins (dismiss- ed) Quarterly meeting commencing on Satturday before the fourth Lords day in Sept. 1828. no preaching today. Conference convened, chose Brother Tison moderator in- vited Brethren from Sister Churches to sit with us in con- ference. open a door for expearence corresponding let- ters cald for Recevd one from Swift Creek by Brother Nathan Pettit Recvd one from Redbanks borne by Brother George McGowns and Silas Tison. We appoint Brethren Paul McGerman and G. W. Wallace to visit Redbanks, Recvd no letter from oak Grove nor greenville. We delli- gate our Brethren James Ringgold and John Vindson to visit Greenville. We appoint Brethren John Ringgold and C. J. Rountree to Oakgrove. The conference agree to correspond with the church at Little Sister when they settle thare meetings. The Conference agree to take the Voice of the whole church who shall be deligated to the Association balleted in Brethren Noah Tison C. J. Roun- tree in case of failure Brother Wallace. We agree to send to the Association fund $2.50. Sister Nicy English peti- tioned through Brother Tison for a dismission which was granted adjurned by prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in Oct. 1828. met in Conference no preaching chose Br. Tison modera- tor opened conference by prais and prayer a door opened ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 25 for expearence none came forward adjorned by prayer and prais. Br. James L. Warren applid on Sunday for sertificate to Remove some difficulties which he said had arisen about him from Report which the Church granted him. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1828 preaching by Br. Brickhouse after sermon confer- ence convened. Chose Br. Brickhouse our moderator. Visiting Brethren Requested to take seats with us. a door opened for the Reception of members—none came forward. We agree to Delligate our Brethren Jesse Rountree John Vindson and Joel McGerman to the union meeting to be held at Handcocks M. H. commencing on friday before the fifth Sunday in November 1828. Con- ference adjorned by prayer. 1829 Quarterly meeting Satturday before the fourth Lords day in January 1829. Sermon by Br. Mason after preaching Conference convened Br. Mason took his seat as moderator invited Visiting Brethren to seats with us a door opened for expearence. corresponding letters cald for one handed in from the church at Little Sister also one from Red Banks borne by Br. Silas Tison from Little Sister Br. Arthur Tull Brethren Wallace and Mc- German appointed delligates to Visit Little Sister with a letter of correspondence at thare Quarterly meeting in March. Brethren Jesse Rountree and James Ringgold Delligated to bare a letter corespondence to Redbanks in March. Brethren Vindson and McGerman to bare a letter of correspondence to Swiftcreek in February. mo- tion by the Treasurer for direction respecting our minis- ter. the Treasurer directed to pay out according to his own Judgment. Motion by Sister Rogers for a letter of dismission which was granted. Brother Wallace has ob- tained leave of the Church to exercise his gifts as a preacher any where within the bounds of our Church also with or under the care of Brethren Biddle Mason Congleton Warren and Griffin or any one of them. Con- ference adjornd by prais and prayer. 26 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES Saturday before the fourth Lords Day in February 1829 preaching by Brother Wallace after sermon exerta- tion and prayer by Br. Congleton. Conference convened chose Br. Congleton moderator a door opened for Ex- pearence none came forward motion that we agree to set apart a half hour every Sabbath morning commencing at or about seven for prayer and supplication to almighty God that he will revive his work in our families Churches neighborhoods and State agreed to lay over to the next conference. adjourned. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in March 1829 Quarterly meeting according to appointment Brother Mason preached from 1st Corinthians 1st Chapt 1 and 2 verses after preaching Conference convened, chose Brother Mason moderator opened the same by prayer, the clerk being absent Br. W. Wallace acted in his room and stead a door opened for expearence none came for- ward. Recvd a corresponding letter from Little Sister borne by Brethren Dunn and Tull no other corresponding letter Recvd. Appointed Brethren Rountree and G. W. Wallace to visit Little Sister with a letter at thare June Quarterly meeting. appointed Brethren N. Tison J. Rountree to visit Redbanks with a letter at thare Quarter- ly meeting in June appointed Brethren Jas. and John Ringgold and John Vindson to visit Greenville at thare Quarterly meeting in June appointed Brethren J. Vind- son N. Tison to visit Handcocks with a letter at thare Quarterly meeting in May Brethren J. Rountree G. W. Wallace to the union meeting fifth Lords day Instant. Resolved that this church agree to set apart a half hour every Sabbath morning for the purpose of Solom pray to almighty God for an out poring of his Spirit in our neigh- borhood to the awakening and making alive of many precious souls that are now in native darkness. Brother Mason agreed to comply with our request so far as to serve us in a pastoral capacity for this the second year com- mencing at this meeting. Resolved that we endeavor to ascertain how many families there are in the bounds of our church destitute of the Bible and that we endeavor to furnish them. ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 27 Saturday before the fourth Lords day in April 1829 no preaching today Conference convened chose Br. Nobles Moderator opened conference by prais and prayer a door opened for expearence none came forward. Conference agreed to hold our Quarterly meetings in January April July and October in futer Adjorned. Prais and prayer by Br. Tison Saturday before the fourth Lords day in May 1829 no preaching today, met in Conference according to custom opened the same by Prais and Prayer, opened a door for the reception of members. none came forward Delligated Brethren James Ringgold and Jesse Rountree to attend the union meeting. We agree to hold our annual meeting in future on the fourth Sunday in July in each year. Ad- jorned by prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in June 1829 met according to appointment. Br. Wallace preached to us after preaching Conference convened chose Br. Wallace moderator opened the Same by Prayer—motion made by Br. Wallace for written license to go out and Preach the Gospell; agreed to grant him the same. adjorned by Prais and Prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in July 1829 Preaching by Br. Stokes, after Sermon Conference con- vened Chose Br. Tison moderator opened the same by prais and prayer. Visiting Brethren invited to seats with us. a door opened for expearence Recvd one by letter. Coresponding letters cald for one handed in from Red- banks and one from Little Sister no letter from Swift- creek but Brethren John Cannon and George Cox Pettit attended. no letter from Greenville Excuse handed by Br. Stokes and Revd. appointed Brethren Jesse Roun- tree and John Ringgold to bare a letter of correspondence to Swiftcreek at their annual meeting in August. Breth- ren James Ringgold and Gideon Fulford to Redbanks in Sept. thare annual meeting Brethren Jesse and C. J. Roun- tree to Little Sister in Sept. at thare annual meeting Brethren Noah Tison and John Vindson to Greenvill: in Sept at thare annual meeting. Adjorned by Prais and Prayer. 28 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES Saturday before the fourth Lords day in August 1829. Sermon by Br. Mason after preaching Conference con- vend. Br. Mason took his seat as moderator opened the same by prayer opened a door for the Ecception of mem- bers: Sister Elitha Harrison cald for and ob. a letter of dismission to join some other Church motion Mr. Atkinson who was Recvd by this Church and not Baptised be re- quested to attend our next Conference and those also that are agrieved with him, Br. Jesse Rountree appointed to site Mr. Atkinson to attend. Delligated Brethren Jesse Rountree Noah Tison and John Ringgold to attend the union meeting at Greeneville Friday before the fifth Lords day of this Inst. adjornd by prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in Sept. 1829 no preaching today Cald Conference chose Br. Nobles moderator open the same by prais and prayer: A door opened for the Reception of members. none came for- ward the case of Mr. Atkinson laid over until the next Conference adjorned by prais and prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1829. Preaching by Brethren John Atkinson and Thomas Duprey after preaching conference convened chose Brother Duprey our moderator open the same by prais a door opened for expearence none came forward Visiting Brethren invited to seats with us—Dellegated Brethren Jesse Rountree and John Ringgold and Joel McGerman to the union meeting—Galloways—friday be- fore the fifth Lords day of this Instant adjorned by Prais and Prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in December 1829 Preaching by Br. William Clark after Sermon Con- ference convened as usual Chose Br. Clark moderator Prais and Prayer by Br. Tison a door opened for the Re- ception of members none came forward Br. Clark preach- ed from Mt. 5th Chapt 16 Verse let your light so Shine be- fore men that others may se your good works and gloryfy your father which is in heaven. Conference adjorned by Prais. ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 1830 Saturday before the fourth Lords day in January 1830 Sermon by Br. John Daniel after Preaching Conference convened as usual chose Br. Daniel moderator opened the same by prais and prayer. invited visiting Brethren to seats with us opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward corresponding letters cald for Recvd one from Redbanks by Br. Nobles and Silas Tison one from Little Sister by Br. Tull one from Handcocks by Brn John Cannon and Daniel Wilson. no letter from Green- ville Br. Hardee attended as dellegate Brethren John Ringgold and John Vindson to Handcocks. Brethren Noah Tison and Charles J. Rountrees to Little Sister. Brethren Jesse Rountree and Gideon Fulford to Red- banks. Brethren Jesse Rountree and James Ringgold to Greenville Delligated our Brethren Jesse Rountree Joel McGerman and John Ringgold union meeting ad- jornd by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in February 1830 Sermon by Br. John Daniel after preaching Con- ference convened as usual Chose Br. Washington Wallace moderator opened the Same by Prayer invited Visiting Brethren to Seats with us opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward. Br. Wallace moved for and obtained a letter of dismission adjorned Conference by prayer and prais. Quarterly meeting Saturday before the fourth Lords day in April 1830 Sermon by Br. Mason after preaching conference convened as usual opened the same by Prais and prayer chose Br. Mason moderator corresponding let- ters cald for one handed in from Little Sister dellegats from Greenville and Redbanks but no letter from either no letter or dellegate from Swiftcreek Dellegated Breth- ren John Vindson C. J. Rountree to Little Sister in June Brethren J. Rountree Noah Tison to Greenville in June Brethren John Ringgold and Noah Tison to Swiftcreek in May Brethren Fulford and John Ringgold to Redbanks in June. Gave Br. Mason a call to serve us as pastor this year which makes the 3rd year up to the Quarterly meet- ing in April 1831 adjornd by Prayer Br. Mason prayed. 30 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES Satturday before the fourth Lords day in May 1830. Sermon by Br. John Daniel after preaching conference convened as usual Br. Daniel took his seat as moderator ; opened the same by Prais. Visiting Brethren invited to Seats with us. a door opened for the Reception of mem- bers, none came forward. Delligated Brethren John Vindson and C. J. Rountree to the union meeting. ad- jorned by Prais. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in June 1830 no preacher today Conference convened as usual chose Br. Tison moderator opened conference by praise and prayer, a door opened for Expearence, none came forward confer- ence adjorned by prais and prayer. Annual Meeting Satturday before the fourth Lords day in July 1830 Service opened by Br. Congleton. After preaching Conference convened as usual Br. Mason took his Seat as our moderator opened the same by prais and prayer Visiting brethren invited to seats with us: a door opened for Expearence corresponding letters called for one handed in from Redbank born by Silas Tison one Do from Little Sister born by Br. Tilghman one Do. from Swiftcreek born by Joseph W. Worthington, no letter from Greenville excuse Rendered by Br. Mason for the failior and Recvd. Delligated Brethren Joel McGerman and John Ringgold to Red Bank to thare annual meeting in September. Brethren Noah Tison and Gideon Fulford to Swiftereek annual meeting August, Brethren Joel Mc- German and Charles J. Rountree to Little Sister Septem- ber Brethren Noah Tison and John Vindson to Greenville September. Adjorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in August, 1830, no preaching today Conference convend as usual chose Br. Tison moderator who opened the same by prais and pray- er, invited Visiting Brethren to seats with us opened a door for ecception of new members none came forward. Delligated Brethren Noah Tison and Gideon Fulford to the union meeting at Southwest, Brother John Vindson Charged with having been in a fight or an affray, which charge he does not deny. but pleads self defense in bar ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 31 to the charge postponed to the next conference adjorned by Prais and prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in September 1830 no preaching today met in conference as usual chose Br. Noah Tison moderator opened the same by Prais and prayer opened a door for the Ecception of members none came forward. the case of Bro. John Vindson that was postponed to this meeting was taken up and debated he was honorably acquitted and restored to fellowship. We have agreed to join the Neuse association, and have ap- pointed our Brethren Noah Tison and Charles J. Rountree as dellegates and in Case of failior Jesse Rountree we agree to send $2.00 to the association fund, Conference adjorned by Prais and prayer. Quarterly meeting Satturday before the fourth Lords day in October 1830 Sermon by Br. Mason after preach- ing Conference convened as usual Br. Mason took his seat as our moderator opened conference by praise invited Visiting brethering to Seats with us opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward. Correspond- ing letters cald for Recvd one from Greenville Br. J. Evans, also one from Redbanks by Br. Danl Sutton, also one from Handcocks by Brethren Cannon and Worthing- ton. Delligated our Brethren Noah Tison and Gideon Fulford to visit the church at Greenville in Dec. Brethren Noah Tison and Charles J. Rountree to Redbanks in De- cem. Brethren Gideon Fulford and Jesse Rountree to Handcock’s in*November Brethren Charles J. Rountree and John Vindson to Little Sister in Decem. Delligated Brethren Noah Tison and Charles J. Rountree to the union meeting at Sandybottom fifth Lords day in October 1830 ajorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1830 Sermon by Br. James Dennis after preaching Con- ference convened chose Br. Congleton moderator invited Visiting Brethren to Seats with us opened a door for Ex- pearence Proceded to read the Church Covenant Ruels of Decorum and List, according to the request of Br. John Ringgold and his Wife Lutecia Ringgold we do agree to 32 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES exclude them from our body as members. Br. John Vind- son charged with drunkeness and riot Excluded from fel- lowship. Adjorned Br. Tilghman prayed. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in December 1830 Sermon by Br. Congleton after preaching conference convened as usual chose Br. Congleton moderator Br. Congleton cald to preach to us till March next accepted the call. Adjorned by prais. 1831 Satturday before the fourth Lords day in January, 1831 in Quarterly meeting. Preaching by Br. Congleton. after preaching Conference convened as usual Br. Con- gleton took his Seat as moderator prayer being offered opened a door for the Reception of members Visiting Brethren invited to seats with us. Corresponding letters Cald for one Recvd from Redbank by Br. Silas Tison one also from Handcocks Dellegated Br. C. J. Rountree to Handcocks in February Br. Noah Tison to Redbanks in March Br. C. J. Rountree to Little Sister in March Delle- gated Brethren Noah Tison and Gideon Fulford to the union meeting at Little Sister this present month. ad- jorned by prayer. Saturday before the fourth Lords day in February, 1831 Preaching by Br. Congleton After sermon a door opened for the Reception of members. None came for- ward adjourned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in March 1831. Sermon by Br. Congleton after preaching Conference convened as usual Br. Congleton took his seat as moder- ator a door opened for Expearence none come forward Cald Br. Congleton for one year or until Br. Mason shall return Accepted the Call adjorned by prayer. Quarterly meeting Saturday before the fourth Lords day in April 1831 Sermon by Br. Congleton from Duter- onamy 32nd Chapt 29 vs O that they were wise that they would consider there latter end. Conference convened as usual chose Br. Congleton moderator a door opened for the Recption of members corresponding letters cald for Recvd ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 33 one from Swiftcreek by the hand of Br. Worthington no letter from Little Sister on Excuse Rendered by thare dellegates no letter from Redbank Br. Sutton attended as delligate and gave in an excuse. Delligated Brethren Mc- German and Tison to Swiftcreek in May Chose the Br. Clerk to act as treasurer in future in the Room and Stead of aged Br. Rountree who has gone home. adjorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in May 1831. Sermon by Br. Congleton after preaching conference con- vened as usual. Visiting Brethren inVited to Seats with us, a door opened for Expearence none came forward Dellegated Brethren Gideon Fulford and Noah Tison to the union meeting at Handcocks the fifth Lords day of this Instant and that they prepaire a letter for the Same ad- jorned by prayer. On Lords day after preaching a door was opened one came forward gave in his expearence was Recvd, to be baptised Satturday the 4th of June which was done after preaching. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in June, 1831. Sermon by Br. Congleton after preaching Conference con- vened motion by Br. Congleton to renew our correspond- ence with the Church at Little Sister which was Rejected by Br. Tison, in consequence of which Br. Congleton Re- fused to attend as our Pastor any longer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in July 1831. Commenced our annual meeting, Sermon by Br. Congleton after preaching conference convened as usual chose Br. Congleton our moderator Brethren from Sister Churches invited to Seats with us, a door opened for the Reception of members, corresponding letters Cald for. one handed in from the church at Handcocks by the hand of Br. Can- non one also from Redbank by the hand of Br. Nobles. Brethren Rountree and McGerman to Visit Swiftcreek in August also Brethren Tison and fulford to Visit the church at Redbank at thare annual meeting in September Brethren Fulford and Tison to the union at this place on the fifth Lords in this instant adjorned by prayer. 34 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES Satturday before the fourth Lords day in August 1831 no preaching today Very few assembled on account of Rain. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in September 1831. Sermon by Br. Congleton after preaching Con- ference convened as usual chose Br. Congleton moderator opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward. Delligated Brethren Tison and Fulford to the association to be held at Warrens Meeting House Cartrite County Satturday before the third Lords day in Oct. 1831 we send to the association fund $1.50 adjorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in october 1831 no preaching or regular Conference today, it is our time in course for quarterly meeting but having no Preacher we can have no Communion We delligate Brethren Noah Tison and gideon Fulford to the union meeting at Green- ville the fifth Lords day of this present month. Delli- gated Brethren Fulford and Rountree to handcocks at thare quarterly meeting in November Brethren Tison and Rountree to Visit Redbank at thare Quarterly Meeting in December, adjorned. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1831 no preaching today a few names of us met together Sang and prayed, and then parted. December meeting did not attend either Satturday or Sunday. 1832 Satturday before the fourth Lords day in January 1832 Preaching by Br. Congleton Worship introduced by Br. canfield no conference at this meeting on Lords day morn- ing a proposition was made to give Elder William Clark a call to the pastoral care of our church which proposition Was unanimously agreed to Elder Congleton preached to- day from the 17th Verse of the last chapter of the Revila- tion no meeting in February on account of Rain Satturday before the fourth Lords day in march 1832 preaching by Brethren Ross and Clark worship opened by Br. Ross continued by Br. Clark. ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 35 Satturday before the fourth Lord’s day in April 1832 Sermon by Br. Clark after preaching conference convened as usual chose Br. Clark our moderator opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward. delligated Brethren Elder Wm Clark and Gideon Fulford to the union meeting at the Little Sister M. H. Lenoir County on Satturday before the fifth Lords day in this Instant, Con- ference adjourned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in May, 1832 Sermon by Br. Clark. after preaching conference con- vened as usual Br. Clark took his seat as moderator opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward conference adjorned by Singing. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in June 1832 Sermon by Br. Clark concluded by Br. Congleton no Reg- ular conference to day but a door opened for Expearence none came forward to day Lords day services introduced by Br. Congleton concluded by Br. Clark the congregation was Very Solomn and attentive. After preaching a door opened for Expearence a black Br. came forward and after examination was Received to be Baptised next meet- ing. Friday before the fourth Lords Day in July 1882. Yearly meeting commenced Services introduced by Br. Congleton followed by Br. Dunn no Conference business done to day. Satturday preaching today by Br. Congle- ton and Br. Clark after preaching Conference convened as usual Chose Br. Congleton our moderator opened the same by prais and prayer: Invited Visiting Brethren to Seats with us a door opened for the Reception of members none came forward. Sunday morning met at the water to Baptise the black Brother that was Recvd at last meeting a door opened at the water Side another black Brother came forward was Recvd and Baptised. the congrega- tion to day was solomn and attentive. met again on mon- day morning a Solomn congregation Recvd one to day to baptism this we think was the best meeting we ever had at our house. 36 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES Elder Congleton met us on Satturday before the third Sunday in August to baptise the Sister we Recvd at our yearly meeting her husband came forward and was buried with her by baptism into Christs death and we do hope both arose in newness of life to walk together in all the commandments of the Lord blameless Satturday before the fourth Lords day in August 1832 Preaching today by Brethren Dunn and Congleton after preaching Conference convened chose Br. Congleton mod- erator open conference by praise opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward invited Visit- ing Brethren to Seats with us. Received a Resolution from the Church at Grindal Creek for our consideration which Resolution was agreed to be Referred to next meet- ing. adjorned Satturday before the fourth Lords day in September 1832 Preaching to day by Br. Dunn no conference to day for want of the Clerk who did not attend on account of bad health and unfavorable weather. met on friday the 5th of October to dispose of the letter which came to us from the Church at Grindill Creak after considerable debate it was agreed to Send the letter back with an answer of which letter and answer the Clerk Re- tain a precise copy in consequence as we believe of an honest difference of opinion Brother Noah Tison asked for a letter of dismission for him Self and wife to which thare was no objection though it was not granted at that time. Met again Satturday the 13th Oct and delligated Breth- ren Isaac Baldree and Charles J. Rountree to the associa- tion and with them one Dollar and fifty Cents to the fund. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in Oct. 1832 Preaching to day by Brethren Congleton and Dunn after Preaching Conference convened as usual Br. Congleton took his seat as moderator, opened a door for the Recep- tion of members none came forward adjorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1832 Preaching by Brethren Bynum and Clark after Preaching conference convened as usual Br. Clark acted ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 37 as moderator opened a door for the Reception of members one came forward with a letter upon which he was Recvd. Br. Tison deferred taking his dismission for the present adjorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in December 1832 Preaching today by Br. Clark after Sermon Confer- ence convened as usual Br. Clark acted as moderator a door opened for the Reception of members none came for- ward dellegated Brethren Gideon Fulford and Isaac Bald- ree to the union meeting at Handcocks adjorned by pray- er. 1833 Satturday before the fourth Lords day in January 1833 Preaching today by Elder R. M. Whitman after Preaching conference convened as usual opened the same by prayer chose Br. Whitman our moderator opened a door for Ex- pearence none came forward conference agreed to call Br. Clark to officiate as our pastor for another year ad- jorned by prais. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in February 1833 Sermon today by Elder Clark after Preaching Con- ference convened as usual Br. Clark took his seat as mod- erator opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward Elder Clark agreed to attend as pastor another year adjorned by praise Satturday before the fourth Lords day in March 1833 no preaching to day Br. Nobles prayed and acted as mod- erator we delligated Brethren Fulford and Rountree to Sit in the union meeting the fifth Lords day of this instant adjorned by praise Quarterly meeting Satturday before the fourth Lords day in April 1833 Sermon by Elder Clark after Preaching Conference convened as usual Br. Clark Sat as moderator the Conference agreed to present Elder Congleton with $10.00 Sister Cannon Cald for her name to be taken from the list and afterward insisted to have a letter which was granted. adjorned by prayer. 38 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES At May meeting the Clerk nor Pastor did not attend consequently no conference was held Brother Tison Cald on the Clerk for the letter he asked the Church for in Oct last on the 1st and the Clerk fild it out and Sent it to him on the 2nd of June 1833 June meeting the Clerk did not attend no conference jo meeting although our beloved pastor attended both ays. ; Annual meeting commenced friday before the fourth Lords day in July 1833 no preacher nor Conference to day Elder Clark attended on Satturday and Preached from Isaaih 55th Chap 2 Vs after Preaching conference con- vened as usual Br. Nobles acted as moderator a door open- ed for the Reception of members none came forward In- vited Visiting Brethren to Seats with us agreed to com- mune on Sunday adjorned by prayer Satturday before the fourth Lords day in August 1833 Sermon by Br. Dunn in consequence of the Clerks absence there was no Conference. Br. Dunn attended also on Sunday and preached to a considerable aseembly. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in September 1833 Sermon by Br. Clark after preaching Conference convened as usual opened the Same by prayer, Br. Clark acted as moderator a door opened for the Reception of members none came forward we appointed Brethren Wiley Nobles Isaac Baldree and Charles J. Rountree as dellegates to the Association and with them one Dollar and fifty cents to the fund. Adjorned by prais No meeting in October Satturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1833 a few names met but no preaching prayer by the Clerk a few Remarks from Christs Sermon to Nichodemus adjorning prayer by Br. Loftin. 1834 Saturday before the fourth Lord’s in February, 1834. Sermon today by Elder Campbell an aged man after preaching conference convened. Chose Br. Dunn our moderator. Sister Blount requested a letter of dismis- ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 39 sion in consequence of a difference of opinion which was granted. Bro. John P. Dunn excepted of our petition he is now considered as our pastor for the present year; dis- missed by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in March 1834 two sermons today by Brethren Clark and Dunn after Preach- ing Conference convened as usual Br. Dunn moderator the Church in conference agree to commune tomorrow Breth- ren Nobles Baldree and Rountree delligated to attend a meeting at Little Sister on Friday before the fifth Lords day in March 1834 this Church agree to license Br. Wiley Nobles to exercise his gifts as a preacher. Saturday preceding the fourth Lords day in April 1834 Sermon by Elder Congleton after preaching conference convened as usual Br. Dunn acted as moderator opened a door for the Reception of members none came forward adjorned by prais. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in May 1834 Preaching today by Brethren Dunn and Congleton no Con- ference business more than give an invitation to those who might wish to unite with us none came forward. adjorned Satturday before the fourth Lords day in June, 1834 Preaching by Br. Nobles after preaching Conference con- vened as usual prayer by Dunn Br. Nobles appointed to write a letter to the Union meeting at Smithwicks Creek in martin County the fifth lords day in June 1834 Confer- ence agreed that our annual meeting Should commence on Satturday preceding the fourth Lords day in July and hold till monday petitioned for the next union. Adjorned Satturday before the fourth Lords day of July 1834 our annual meeting commenced Sermon today by Br. Nobles after preaching Conference convened as usual Br. Nobles acted as moderator opened the same by prayer a door opened for the Reception of members. none came forward. adjorned by prais. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in August 1834 a few names of us met together prayed and exorted Sin- ners Sang the praises of our God and dismissed the union meeting will be at this place commencing Satturday be- fore the fifth lords day of this Instant. 40 ROUNTREE CHRONICLES the union meeting convened Satturday before the fifth Lords day in August, 1834 the delligates from the differ- ent Churches attended though the weather was unfavor- able. We Recvd one to Baptism. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in September 1834 no Conference to day in consequence of bad weather Baptised on Lords day morning, the Brother that was Recvd at the union meeting Br. Congleton preached today. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in October 1834 no preaching to day Conference convened as usual Chose Br. Fulford moderator Read the Church Covenant and Rules of decorum and Cald the list opened a door for the Reception of members recvd one who has been a member of another Church and applide for a letter and it was de- nied the Clerk moved for a letter of dismission for Sister Tyer which was granted Sister Civil Crawford discon- tinued on our list for having Joined her Self to another Church. Adjorned by prayer. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in November 1834 Preaching today by Br. Nobles Conference convened as usual appointed Brethren Nobles and Baldree to at- tend the union meeting at unity in Boford County on the 5th Lords day of this Instant Granted Br. McGerman on application a letter of dismission adjorned by prais Satturday before the fourth Lords day in December 1834 Preaching today by a Strange traveling minister by the name of Johnson no Conference and but few hearers Satturday before the fourth Lords day in February 1835 no preaching to day Elder Congleton preached on Sunday the Church Renewed her call to Elder J. P. Dunn to officiate as pastor another year which he excepted. Br. Isaac Baldree being desirous to Remove to the South called for a letter of Recommendation from us for himself and his wife which was granted Satturday before the fourth Lords day in March 1835 no preaching to day conference convened as usual, we ROUNTREE CHRONICLES 41 delligate Brethren Wiley Nobles and Luther Fulford to the union meeting to convene at Tranters Creak meeting house on Satturday before the fifth Lords day of this In- stant. Satturday before the fourth Lords day in April 1835 an exhortation by brother Nobles to a few persons no Con- ference today Satturday before the fourth Lords day in may 1835 no preaching to day nor Conference 1835 June meeting no Conference July meeting no Conference preaching on Sunday and Communion August meeting no business done. Preaching on Sun- day September meeting Preaching on Satturday at Sister Johnsons on a funeral occation at the meeting house on Sunday by Br. Congleton October meeting no preacher on Satturday Br. Dunn attended on Sunday and preached no other business November meeting the minister attended a funeral at Mr. Shadrick Jacksons on Sunday at the meeting House Preaching by Brethren Nobles and Dunn agreed to send a letter to the unionmeeting at Tranters Creak commenc- ing Satturday before the 5th Lords day of November 1835 December meeting 1835 no Conference Preaching on Sunday by Br. Dunn. 1836 January meeting 1836 no meeting in consequence of the inclemency of the weather. on the 5th Lords day of January the union meeting was to have been held at our meetinghouse but the weather was so cold there was not a deligate from a Single Church and Sunday was so Rainy we did not go to the meeting house thare was one corre- sponding letter from the Church at Oak Grove or Clem- mons meetinghouse Requesting the favour of the next union which was granted Satturday before the fourth Lords day in February 1836 Br. Nobles attended but no meeting on Sunday in