Below is the OCR text representation for this newspapers page.

TUB! GEORGIA BAPTIST. Celebration of their memorial year From the Macon Telegraph A Messenger. In October of the year 1784 five Bap tist churches of Georgia united and formed themselves into an association which they designated “The Georgia association.” This event took place at Kiokee church which was built where the town of Appling, the county site of Columbia county, now stands and in October next will occur the cen tennial of the constitution of that asso ciation. As the Baptist association formed in Georgia, the actual mother of several others and, in a qualified sense, the mother of all, THE GEORGIA ASSOCIATION is, in a sense, the most honorable and distinguished of all our associations. A history of it would almost be a his tory of the denomination in the state. Its actual influence for good in mould ing the destinies, enhancing the useful ness, directing the energies and uniting the strength and potency of the denom ination far transcends that of any other denomination in the state. For years it was virtually the denomination; and, through the sanctified moral and intel lectual powers of a succession of grand leaders, and through the sound piety, staunch conservatism and generous liberality of its ever abiding host of devout, earnest minded and laborious church members, it has, from its origin to the present time, maintained its lofty potential position among the Baptists of Georgia. To day it stands the model association of the Georgia Baptists. Closely linked with all the great enterprises of our denomination it commands respect on account of the hallowed memories connected with it; and it is in respect of this association that the Baptists of Georgia call this a “memorial year,” and will, next Octo ber, unite in celebrating its hundredth birthday. Kiokee church, where it was formed was constituted in the spring of 1772, and was the first Baptist church organ ized in Georgia. The next year there were two churches: in 1774; three; in 1777, four; in 1780, seven, in 1782, eight in 1784, nine. In 1788 there were thir ty three churches and about 2,250 members, and in 1794 there were fifty three churches, and about 3,650 mem bers. In that year, churches were dis. missed which formed the Heplizibah Association in 1795; and in 1708 other churches were dismissed which formed the Sarepta Association, so that there were three Baptist associations in the state, with a membership of about 8,000 the entire population of the state being 162,000. It was in that year a resolu tion was adopted by the Georgia Asso ciation which led to THE FIRST GENERAL CONFERENCE of the Georgia Baptists, in |May, 1881 to secure unity of action in evangelical enterprises. This conference was followed by others in 1801, all of which are desig nated “the Powelton Conference,At the meeting in 1803 a GENERAL, COMMITTEE of twelve was appointed to act for the denomination, and to constitute “a bond of union; center of intelligence and advisory council of the state. Its continuance was to i. be preserved by annual meetings of delegates; three f/om each association in the state. The objects to be accomplished by this gen eral committee; First the encourage ment of itinerant preaching; second, a mission among the Indians in the west ern part ef the state, and third, the in crease of union among all real Chris tians. But this committee received but scant support from the denomina tion, and died a natural death, or rath er expired from neglect and indiffer ence about 1811 or 1412. Its only achievement was the establishment of a Baptist academy, at Mt Enon, not very far southwest of Augusta, which after an existence of a few years, ex pired about 1812. For the next ten years the Baptists of Georgia were without a general meeting to concen trate and unite their resources, strength and labors. in 1810;the Georgia association dis missed twenty of its churches to form still another association, the feurth, which was called the|Ocmulgee.A fifth association had been formed at Savan nah, in 1802, called the Savannah River Association, so that, in the year 1813, there were five associations, composed of 164 churches, with a membership of 15,755. Although there was no general bond of union for denominational work, among the Georgia Baptists, during the second decade of the century, there was a steady growth, a general spirit of itinernation and a strong fellow ship feeling.But a providential train of circumstances soon aroused a spirit that demanded co-operation. Luther Rice returned from India to tell of his own and Adoniram Judsons conversion to Baptist views; and, traversing the land from one end to the other he aroused the Baptists everywhere to a high pitcli of MISSIONARY ENTHUSIASM. He visited the Savannah River asso ciation in 1813. and soon after the Sa vannah Society for Foreign Missions sent out a Macedonian call, the clarion tones, to the Baptist of Georgia. The noble old Geergia was the first to res pond, by the organization of a mission ary society at Powelton in May, 1815. In rapid succession the Ocmulgee, the Sarepta, Heplizibah and the Ebenezer followed suit, In 1821 a “plan for In dian reform” was accepted, and several associations, including the Georgia, united in supporting an Indian mission in Alabama, which existed until the removal of the Indians to the west in 1839. In 1830 at the instance of Dr. Adiel Sherwsod, a resolution was adopted by the Sarepta Association, which led co the formation of a general association at Powelton, in 1822, Six years after wards, in 1828, the name was changed to. BAPTIST CONVENTION OF THE STATE OF GEORGIA, The aims of the convention were chiefly to promote union and coopera tion, to form and encourage plans for promoting experimental and practical religion, and to educate young men for the ministry; and by no means, in any manner, to govern the churches, There were efforts made however, to promote uniformity of sentiment and discipline, but this was soon discovered to be not only impracticable but impossible. Jesse Mercer of the Georgia association was the first President of the general association, and for nineteen years in succession was elected president of [the body. In 1824 there were 10 Baptist associa tions in Georgia, 264 churches and ov er 18,000 members. Previous to that time the state was at a low ebb; but afterwards a much better state of feel ing began to prevail. The represented state, however, did not extend farther west than the Ocmulgee, and none (or very few)of our churches lay to the westward of Macon, as the country w'as not yet opened up to civilization. In 1827 a glorious revival, which began at Eatonton, spread all over the state and lasted for two or three years, at least 20,000 uniting with the denomination as the result. To the credit of the Georgia Asso ciation, it should be said that for years she w r as the only association connected with the convention, and almost single handed she maintained its existence and held the denomination together in co-operative agency. ORIGIN OF MERCER UNIVERSITY. When the convention met at Eaton ton in 1829, it was announced that Dea can Josiali Peniield, of Savannah, had bequeathed the convention §2,500 for educational purposes. This gift led to the establishment of Mercer Institute at Penfield, in 1833, as a manual labor school, The growth of the denomina tion in Georgia during these years may be ascertained by the following figures Year. Associations. Churches. Members 1824. 10 264 18,108 1829 16 356 28,268 1831 17 506 37,490 1835 21 583 41,816 But the state of religion in the Bap tist churches between 1830 and 1836 was deplorable, owing to dissensions and divisions between the missionary and the anti-missionary Batists. Mer cer Institute existed six years; b then a collegiate charter was applied for ami obtained from the Legislature and the institution rose to the dignity of a uni versity. That was in 1839. A theological de partment was established and Dr. Adiel Sherwood became its first professor. Excellent agents were put in the field and a respectful endowment was soon raised; but by far the largest proportion came from the Georgia Association. Jesse Mercer, after whom the univer sity is named, was the most liberal giv er, his donations, in all, amounting to about §70,000. Mr. Mercer bought THE CHRISTIAN INDEX, paper, moved it from Philadelphia to Georgia in 1833, and in 1840 moved it from Washington to Penfield, Ga., a:id presented it to the convention. In ttat year there were 50,000 Baptists in the state; eight associations were consti tuents of the convention, and Mercer Uni verity opened with 132 students in the collegiate and academic depart ments. A much better state of affairs began te exist among the churches, for the denomination now had three bonds of union—first, a state convention; sec ond, a flourishing college, and third, a* useful religious paper. In consequence it increased in numbers, in efficiency and in pious co-operation. There were in the state 55,000 Baptists in 1842; 58- 388 in 1846; 71,879 in 1850; 86,700 in 1855 and 99,149 in 1860. With the conven tion, its university and the Index as bonds of union, the Baptists of Geor gia have grown up into one vast broth erhood mighty in numbers and in the main harmonious. Its total number in the state now, including both whites and blacks, is 250,000 in round numbers, but about 85,000 only, in thirty-nine as sociations, are constituents of the con vention, of the 122,000 white Baptists iu the state. From first to last that grand old Georgia Association has been thoroughly identified with all the pro gressive movements of the Georgia Bap tists, being virtually their standard ’ bearer aud leader in every good word and work, and now, as its approaching annual meeting at Washington, Ga., iu October, 1884, one hundred years from the date of its formation, it has conclu ded to hold SPECIAL MEMORIAL SERVICES)/ in houor of that occasion, and has invi ted other Baptist associations of the state to participate by messengers ap pointed. In view of these facts, and as “a common thanksgiving toJAlmigh ty God for his blessings vouchsafed through all these years,” an editorial of Rev. M. B. Wharton, D, D., in the Christian Index, of Atlanta, on the 31st of May last, suggested that “we make 1884 a memorial year for the further endowment and equipment of Jtliat in stitution, which originated with the spirit that formed and fostered the Georgia Association. ” For fifty years this institution of learning—six years Mercer Institute and forty-four years Mercer Univer sity—has been educating and sending forth men who have adorned the pul pit, the bench, the bar the halls of Congress and the gubernatorial chair of our state. The present occupant of our Executive Mansion is a graduat e of Mercer, and his aged father was, for half a dozen years, a faithful and la borious teacher in the institute, half a century ago. . This endowment of Mercer Univer sity was, by the exigencies of our late calamitous war, considerably dimiuis li ed and it was thought a removal from Penfield would prove beneficial; and when the generosity and public spirit of Macon invited the institution to a home within her city limits, the invit ation was accepted, and Mercer Un iversity stands among us to day. the pride of Georgia Baptists. And when the proposition was made to avail our selves of this memorial year and, by a combined general movement, increase the endowment of the university, by a grand centennial gift of SIOO,OOO, the great Baptist heart of Georgia was thrilled witii a most enthusiastic ac quiescence. The proposition was most cordially adopted, fifty thousand dollars have already been pledged, and it is confidently hoped that the round one hundred thousand dollars will bo raised. For its share in this good work the no ble old Georgia, as ever leading in the van, has under taken to raise ten thousand dollars. S. Boykin. February 1884. Soldiers Ho! 100 it READ! If Send lor our new circulars containing matter ol utmost Importance to all ex soldiers or tlielr heirs. Pensions, Bounties Patent, Land Claims. Horse claims, and all others against the Govern ment promptly and falthlully attended. Address with stamp W; H. Wills & Cos,. Box 4SB Washington. D, C. NEW ST ORE! NEW STOCK! The undersigned has opened at John T. Cham bers old stand a handsome new stock ot grocer ies both family and fancy, cigars, tobaccos, &o. First Fliss Mansi I have also In connection a first class restau rant at which meals are served at all hours, and customers can get whatever they desire at the most reasonable figures. Our Mr. R. P. Cook wiU always be on hand and ready to wait on all promptly. Call and see me when you come to Barn.svllle. Respectfully, T. G. MIDDLEBKOOKS. It Boot-Keeping SiplM A valuable book for those who wish to lear Rook-keeplng at home, or who are about to en ter a Business college; showing Day-Book, Cash Book, Journal, Ledger, etc., beside other matters necessary in business. Keccommended by book keepers, teaches and merchants. Gotton up In a manner to be easily understood by any one, vrice 5u cents, postage paid. Address. H. C. BAILEY. Mavlt Saratoga. N. Y. lustra painting AND EMBEOIDEEING (Copyright and Registered by K H Br„gdon ISS2) An outfit of colors for this exquisite new ait. Includes SO bottles of colors. 2 bottles of medium for mixing and full Instruction for use, at a cost ot s.l 00. The colors may be used on any object or fab ric, and are brilliant, durable and unlike either oil or water co.ors. Elegant, original designs, perforated with strong band paper, lor embroi dery and painting, circular sent for 2c stamp. R. H. BRAGDON, Artist, Studio, 23 Union Square, New York City. THE Map Fitirfi Conn, TEMPLE & SHIPP, Proprietors. Chattanooga, ... Tennessee. MANUFACTURERS OF Walnut, Ash and Poplar # FURNITURE ! Walnut Chamber Suits, Imitation Walnut Chamber Suits, Walnut Bureaus and Washstands, Imitation Walnut Bureaus, Washstands, Walnut and Imitation Walnut Bedsteads, Walnut, Ash and Poplar Extension Tables, Center Tables ana Stands, Kitchen Safes and Tables, Etc,, Etc, Send for Price Lists and Photograph c fcep2o-6m ° S , GEORGE IV. SCOTT & CO., -A.TIj.A_:£'TT.A. 3 GEORGIA, MANUFACTURERS OF GOSSYPIUM PHOSPHO! THE Great Cotton and Corn Fertilizer A special manure for southern lands and crops, ana fcnow regardeOs “° f plaUt to ° d be9t form - U haa SWoa the of years, THE SAFEST AND BEST FERTILIZERS IN USE It is one of the HIGHEST GRADE FERTILIZERS sold in GEORGIA. (See the Agricultural Department Reports.) WE INYITE TESTS ALONGSIDE THE BEST FERTILIZERS IN USE We offer it low for cash or on time lor c urrency or cotton. Merchants. Grances Aerlcnltii ral clubs and Neighborhood associations and eslrlng to purchase In large quantities will doNvi-U to correspond with us before buying their Fertilizers We are the original and only Manufacturers bmnfed sach. lla ' S ** rou ®* l * luto several imitations. MANUFACTURED BY W SOTT&CO., Janlo-3m ATLANTA GA., J.E.REDDING, Athts old stand on Zebnlon stret. lealer in Groceries, HardTare,Crockery,TiDTare,¥ood and Willovrare Kindly thanks his old fronds and customers for past favors,and solicits a continuance of their patronage.and as many new ones as are Inclined to give or divide their business with him Pledge ing as low prices as the town affords. I have secured the services of Mr Geo Huguley who Is well known in this section for his buelness Integrity,who will be pleased to meet and servehls friends and the public generally. Through their respective seasons X will keep a full line of Fresh Fish,Oysters,Chickens,Eggs And Fruits Generally. Agent for the “Syracuse Chilled Plows” and attachment, the best plow on the Continent um " a ■““* *■ Betts Street Furniture Company. 224. 226. 228. Betts Street, Cincinnati, Ohio. WHOLESALE MAIUMIS OF FIIITK MEDIUM BED ROOM SETS. Especially adapted to the Southern Trade. Childrens Bedsteads, Chil drens Patent cribs a speciality. sep27 ly*’) *""' ■ T BROWN. FILLMORE BROWN EDGERTON HOUSE OPPOSITE PASSENGER DEPt IT, MACON, GEORGIA. E. E. Brown * Son, Proprietors. KATM *B.OO PEKDAT.