SESSIONAL RECORDS OF

HEBRON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MANTUA, GREENE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Records from:

Presbyterian USA Historical Society

Montreat, North Carolina

Session Minutes 1867-1905

Hebron Presbyterian Church

Mantua, Greene County, Alabama

Transcribed by

Jim Taylor

Houston, Texas

ladasca@aol.com

Published

November, 2002

 

Foreword

 

In its lifetime, estimated from about 1828 to 1905, Hebron Presbyterian Church was a busy worship and community center for Mantua. Greene County, AL, but both the Church and the adjoining cemetery have met a sad and unfortunate fate. The Church dissolved and the building has disappeared. The road to its old location is now an eroded red clay path. The cemetery has suffered from neglect, but much more from deliberate destruction. Today, only a fraction of the graves remain marked; what pieces remain of the other markers is hidden in long grass. My father, Cecil Adrian Taylor [b 17 Jan 1916/d 15 Sep 1989 and the son of Walter Eugene Taylor, Sr. and Vicie Elizabeth Wilson] grew up in the Mantua area. Before he died, we visited the site where the church used to be. I already knew that some of my ancestors were members of Hebron and are buried in the cemetery; I am now sure that many more are buried there.

I was cautioned by both Mr. Bill Bynum, the Assistant Director for Reference/Technical Services at the Presbyterian USA Historical Society in Montreat, NC, and Ms. Joyce Parris, who did the copying, that the minutes were incomplete. That is obvious, since the church began about 1828, and the first minutes are from 1867. Still, a lot of names are contained within these records that helped me and may assist others in locating their ancestors during this time frame. I believe it is important that records such as these not be allowed to languish in repositories or be lost to history and those of us who use them.

As usual with records from this era, the Hebron minutes were difficult to transcribe. The original was not great; the copies were less clear. There were several authors during the years from 1867-1905. Each wrote by hand in fancy script. Each took minutes in their own style. Spelling was random. Punctuation was rare. And on occasion, there were either blank spaces or words that just could not be deciphered. I have attempted to rise above all of this:

1. Punctuation has been added. Paragraphs have created, combined or the format has been modified. Capitalization of words has been changed. All of these changes were done to make it easier to read. They in no way affect the meaning of the sentences or of the authors. Special notes from this transcriber appear within brackets []. Blank spaces are identified as [blank]; illegible word or words are shown as [illegible]; words that have been crossed out are shown as cross-outs.

2. I have moved the minutes of two Congregational Meetings so that they appear in the text in chronological order. They are so noted.

3. A thorough attempt has been made to consistently and fully identify the people named throughout the records.

 

SESSIONAL RECORDS OF THE HEBRON PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

MANTUA, GREENE COUNTY, AL

Session of Hebron Church met Sunday, March 10th 1867. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy [1], Elders John T. Bouchillon [2], James G. Harris [3], James W. Miller [4], [and his father] William Miller. Sunday School organization [is] to commence on 4th Sunday, March 1867. It being made known to Session that James W. Miller would probably not be present at the future meetings of Session, it was agreed that William Miller act as Clerk of the Session.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

1. Other sources list the first pastor of Hebron Presbyterian Church as Reverend Robert W. B. Kennedy. In this record, it is most definitely written as W. L. Kennedy.

2. John T. Bouchillon, b 17 May 1799 Bordeaux, Abbeville, SC/d 16 Dec 1880 Lott, Falls, TX. Married Elizabeth Doolittle, daughter of Samuel Doolittle and Mary/Polly Williams. Son of James Joseph Bouchillon and Susannah Guillebeau.

3. James G. Harris, b 1825 Pickens, SC. Son of William W. and Elizabeth Harris.

4. James W. Miller, b 1837/d 1876. Son of William Miller and Malinda Hindman.

 

Session met at Hebron, Sunday, July 17th 1867. Present: Brothers John T. Bouchillon, James W. Miller, William Miller. It not being commanded to have any minister, Brother James W. Miller was elected Moderator Pro Tem. Letters of dismission were granted from this Church to Sisters Clarissa M. White and [blank] Lamb to join Bethel Church, MS. They were in good and regular standing when they left us in 1862, and we hope they are so still, and we recommend them to the Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Session met at Hebron Church on Sunday, August 25th 1867. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; and Brothers John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion a letter of dismission to Jane Jordan to join any Church, wherein the providence of God her lot may cast, was granted. She was in good and regular standing in this Church.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Session met at Hebron Church Sunday, September 21st 1867. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Brothers John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, James W. Miller, William Miller. On motion, James G. Harris was appointed a delegate to Presbytery, William Miller his alternate, to meet at Oxford, Sumpter County, AL, on Thursday, 3rd October. Brothers James W. Miller, a delegate to Synod, and James G. Harris, his alternate, to meet in Mobile, AL on the [blank] day of November, 1867.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Reverend W. L. Kennedy baptized on this 21st September 1867 a child of James R. Rhodes named Andrew Bartholamew Rhodes [5] and a child of James W. Miller named James Weston Miller.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Session met at Hebron Church, November 10th 1867. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, William Miller, James G. Harris. On motion a letter of dismission was granted to Mrs. Sarah Birchett [6] to join any Church in whose bounds in the providence of God her lot may be cast. The Session only states that she had been a member in good and regular standing, but that lately she had absented herself from the Communion and services of the Church unnecessarily.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 10th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, William Miller, James G. Harris. On motion a letter of dismission from Hebron to Mrs. Mary Ann White to join Cotton Gin Church, Texas or any other Church was granted. The Session states that she is in good and regular standing in the Church here and they recommend her to the Elders of Cotton Gin Church [7], TX,, or whereever in the providence of God her lot may be cast.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 10th 1867. The Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion, letters of dismission were granted from this Church to William G. Westmoreland and [his wife] Mary A. Westmoreland [8] to join Pleasant Ridge Church, AL. The Session can only say they were members in regular standing in this Church when they moved from our bounds ten years ago. Since then, this Church knows but little of their condition, but presumes the Church at Pleasant Ridge, where they reside, are at least as able as this Church what their spiritual condition, but hope their conduct has been that of Christians.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

5. James R. Rhodes, b 11 May 1830 NC/d 29 Mar 1902. Married Nancy Morrow, b 28 Jan 1828/d 14 Sep 1871, daughter of Samuel Morrow and Margaret Morrow. Andrew Bartholamew was their first child, b 30 Nov 1853/d 4 Apr 1870. After Nancy’s death, James married Elmira Jane Gammill, daughter of ? and Elizabeth Morgan.

6. Mrs. Sarah Birchett, nee Sarah A. White, b abt 1825. Sarah married William Henry Birchett on 20 Sep 1845.

7. Cotton Church is in Cotton Gin Church, Freestone County, TX. Freestone County is located about 2/3 of the way between Houston and Dallas on Interstate 45. Fairfield is the county seat. The city of Cotton Gin is SSW of the Interstate near Teague. In 1997, it was shown with a population of 28. In 1851 George William and Julius Williams, both sons of Anthony Storey and Margaret Means moved from Greene County to Cotton Gin, where he settled. Their parents and some siblings followed in later years.

8. William G. Westmoreland, b abt 1819, married Mary Ann Harris, b abt 1819, on 30 Dec 1843.

 

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Ruling Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion letters of dismission were granted to Mrs. Jane White and [her son] Joseph A. White from Hebron Church to join the Church at Bethany, MS. We cordially commend to the Minister, Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion letters of dismission from Hebron Church to join Cotton Gin Church, TX were granted to Anthony Storey, [his wife] Margaret Storey [9], [their daughters] Elizabeth Elvira Morrow [10], Isabella Storey, and Sallie E. Bouchillon [11] and [their son-in-law] Benjamin Franklin Bouchillon. All in good and regular standing and we cordially commend them to the Minister, Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

9. Anthony Storey, b 30 Mar 1792 SC/d 18 Mar 1869, was the son of George Storey and Margaret Mayes. In the War of 1812, he was a Private in Daniel Felder's Company. Anthony married on Margaret Means on 7 Jan 1819. Margaret, b 4 Aug 1798/d 26 Aug 1884, was the daughter of James C. Means (b 1758/d 1807) and Margaret Mayes (b 1762/d 1835). Anthony and Margaret were second cousins. They moved to Greene, AL in 1823. He filed for the land on which the Hebron Presbyterian Church was built, and was a charter member and later an elder there. Thomas H. Storey wrote that Anthony was "a great hand to running the Hebron Presbyterian Church." Anthony and Margaret moved to Falls County, TX in 1867, leaving their son Joseph Bruce to look after their property in Greene County. He moved to TX later, and his mother Margaret lived with him after Anthony's death. Both Anthony and Margaret are buried at Carolina Cemetery, Falls County, TX.

10. Mrs. Elizabeth Elvira Morrow, nee Elizabeth Elvira Storey, b 5 Aug 1818/d 17 Aug 1848 Lott, Falls, TX. Daughter of Anthony Storey and Margaret Means. Wife of David J. Morrow.

11. Benjamin Franklin Bouchillon, b 19 Dec 1845/d 19 Mar 1890 Lott, Fall, TX. Son of John T. Bouchillon and Elizabeth Doolittle. On 17 Oct 1867, he married Sarah Ellenor {Sallie} Storey, b 8 Mar 1842/d 8 Mar 19223, was the daughter of Anthony Storey and Margaret Means.

 

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion letters dismissing from Hebron Church to join any Church where in the providence of God their lots may be cast were granted to Mary A. Johnston and Elizabeth Johnston. They are in good and regular standing and we cordially commend them to the Minister, Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris and William Miller. On motion letters to dismiss N. Pleasant Harris, [his wife] Mrs. Margaret H. Harris and [their son] William S. Harris [12] from Hebron Church were granted to join Pleasant Ridge. These parties were all in good and regular standing when they removed from our ministry 9 or 10 years ago. Since then Pleasant Ridge Church where they have since resided knows more of them than we do. We hope they have deported themselves well and commend to the Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion, an informal application for letters to dismiss Robert E. Johnston, [his wife] Matilda A. Johnston, and [their son] Warren Johnston [13] from Hebron Church to join any Church where in the providence of God their lots may be cast was rejected. The applications were not made by the parties and all the parties have been absent for over one year.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

12. N. Pleasant Harris, b abt 1785 Va, and his wife Margaret H. ?, b abt 1796 SC with their son William S., b abt 1816 SC.

13. Robert E. Johnston, b abt 1830 SC, the son of John C. and Juliett Johnston. Wife Matilda A. ?, b abt 1831 AL, and son Warren, b aft 1850.

 

[In the margin by this entry is written] Duplicate

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders present: John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion a letter dismissing Mrs. Elizabeth Elvira Morrow from Hebron Church to join Cotton Gin Church, TX or any other Church where in the providence of God her lot may be cast was granted. We cordially commend her to the Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

[In the margin by this entry is written] Duplicate

Hebron Church, November 24th 1867. Session met. Present: Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. On motion, Brother Anthony Storey was dismissed to join the Church at Cotton Gin, TX. Brother Storey has long been a Ruling Elder in our Church and discharged his duties as a Christian in all departments of life. We part from him with regrets and that in his removal our Church has lost a pillar, but we trust he is not lost to [illegible] and we cordially commend him to the Minister, Elders and Brethren whereever in the providence of God his lot may be cast. His name is included in a letter of this date, but we feel that he deserves a notice. Respectfully,

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Session of Hebron Church met February 29th 1868. Present: Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris, William Miller. Having no Moderator as we could not get a minister to preside, Brother John T. Bouchillon was nominated Moderator Pro Tem. On motion, a letter dismissing Brother James W. Miller and his wife Elisa Hindman Miller from Hebron Church to join the First Presbyterian Church of Mobile was granted. Brother James W. Miller has for several years been a Ruling Elder in our Church and has devoted himself to its interests with piety, zeal, and energy and we cordially commend him and his wife to the Minister, Elders and Brethren whereever in the providence of God their lots may be cast.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Session of Hebron Church met July 19th 1868. Present: Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton [14], Moderator; Elders John T. Bouchillon, James G. Harris. A letter was granted to Matilda A. Johnston dismissing her from Hebron Church to join any Church whereever in God's providence her lot may be cast. She was in good and regular standing when she left our bounds 2 years ago and we have great reason to hope and believe she so remains and we commend her to the Elders of the Church.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

November 1868. Collection for Sustentation fund $3.05 paid over to Reverend D. D. Sanderson [15].

February 1869. Collection for Educational purposes $5.35 paid over to Reverend D. D. Sanderson.

Hebron Church, March 28th 1869. The Session met. Present: Reverend James M. McLean [16], Moderator; Elders William Miller and James G. Harris. On motion, ordered that letters of dismission from Hebron Church be granted to John T. Bouchillon and Elizabeth Bouchillon to join any Church whereever in the providence of God their lot may be cast and we cordially commend them to the Ministers, Elders and Brethren. Brother Bouchillon has been an exemplary member and Elder in this Church and we can but feel that our loss will be his and their gain.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

14. Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton, b 26 Nov 1835/d 27 Oct 1922. Married on 28 Jul 1864 to Elizabeth Jennie Gordon, b 12 Nov 1841. He was the son of William Josephus Hutton and Elizabeth Ann Caloway; they married 20 Mar 1826. Cornelius was received upon examination into the Ebenezer Church, Greene County, on 9 Oct 1853. During the Civil War, Cornelius served as Chaplain of Company B, 36th AL Volunteers. His memories of his experiences in a prisoner-of-war camp were published in a 1911 issue of Confederate Veteran magazine. [http://homepages.rootsweb.com/~oldfedrd/hutton.html.] Cornelius accepted a call to pastor a church in Temple, TX, in 1886. At the time he wrote the Confederate Veteran article, Cornelius was living in the Dallas area. Cornelius’ brother, Reverend C. Milton Hutton, is mentioned later in these minutes.

15. Reverend D. D. Sanderson, d 16 May 1891, was the pastor of the Eutaw Presbyterian Church.

16. Reverend James M. McLean served as Pastor of Ebenezer Church from 1889 through 1902. He resigned about 9 Mar 1902, when he accepted a call to pastor in Tyler, TX.

 

Session met Hebron Church, March 28th 1869. Present: Reverend [illegible] Love, Moderator; Elders William Miller, James G. Harris. On motion, resolved that Lucinda Gray Bouchillon [17] be granted a letter dismissing her from Hebron Church to join any Church where in the providence of God her lot may be cast. She was in good and regular standing in our Church and we cordially commend her to the Ministers, the Elders and Brethren.

William Miller, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, July 25 1869. The Session met and was opened with Prayer. Present: Mr. James M. McLean, Moderator; and James G. Harris, Elder. The following persons made application for letters of dismission and after due deliberation, letters of dismission were granted to Mrs. Permelia Kennedy to join the Presbyterian Church at Tuscaloosa and Mr. John Turner and his wife, Mrs. Martha Turner [18], to join Bethany Church, Chickasaw, MS and certificates of good standing granted to Miss Lucinda C. Love and Miss Virginia McShan and Mrs. Eleanor Lamb. Closed with Prayer. By order of Session,

James G. Harris, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 26th 1869. Session met and opened with prayer. Members present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; James G. Harris, Elder. The following persons were received into the Church: Miss E. A. Bouchillon by Certificate from the Pleasant Hill Church (Cumberland Presbyterian) and the following persons on examination: Those marked was baptized:

x John S. McCracken

x Virgil Snoddy [19]

Walter S. Lavender

x William G. McCracken

x Louis A. Lavender

Andrew Bartholamew Rhodes [20]

x Samuel Pierce Upchurch []

L. [blank] A. Bouchillon [21]

x Mary Ann Snoddy [22]

x Mary F. Morrow

x Andrew Bartholamew Morrow [23]

Robert S. Lavender [24]

x Francis B. Farr

x Cora A. Mize [25]

x Cornelia Snoddy [26]

x Lucy A. Kelly [27]

x Ellen A. Kelly

x John T. Mize

x Upronos Aurelius Harris [28]

x William L. Williamson

George Washington Storey [29]

x Fidelia Augusta Burnett [30]

x Jane [blank] Burnett

Forwarded November 7th 1869. Also the following was granted certificates of membership viz: Mrs. Margaret Love [31] and her children, viz: Amanda, Elizabeth, June, Margaret, Mary, John R. Love. Session closed with prayer. By order of Session,

James G. Harris, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

17. Lucinda Gray Bouchillon, b 7 Jan 1839, daughter of John T. Bouchillon and Elizabeth Doolittle.

18. John Turner, b abt 1832/d bef 1881. On 15 Apr 1869, he married Martha Elizabeth Bouchillon, b 14 Sep 1836/d 5 Feb 1922; daughter of John T. Bouchillon and Elizabeth Doolittle. In 16 Jan 1881, Martha married Edward Payson Lea in Lott, Falls, TX.

19. Virgil Snoddy, b 18 Sep 1852; son of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Ann Morrow.

20. Andrew Bartholamew Rhodes, son of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow.

21. Samuel Pierce Upchurch, son of Hudson and Sarah Upchurch.

22. Mary Ann Snoddy, b 28 Aug 1854, daughter of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Jane Morrow; later married Curtis Irvin Eatman.

23. Andrew Bartholamew Morrow, b 5 Jul 1825/d 22 Dec 1841. Son of David J. Morrow and Margaret Storey.

24. Robert S. Lavender, b 1823/d 1849; son of Hugh Levi Lavender and Jane Hooper.

25. Cora A. Mize, b abt 1850, daughter of James and Dorinda Mize.

26. Cornelia Snoddy, b 27 Aug 1856; daughter of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Ann Morrow.

27. Lucy A. Kelley, b 22 Jul 1844/d 16 Nov 1926; daughter of Hinton R. and Nancy A. Kelley.

28. Upronos Aurelius Harris, b abt 1843, son of Hugh Means Harris, Sr. and Dorcas Means. Upronos "emigrated" to Texas about 1872, but came back to Alabama in Oct 1872.

29. George Washington Storey, b 20 May 1832/d 22 May 1909; son of Dr. John Storey and Jane Cunningham. Company C, 11th AL, CSA.

30. Fidelia Augusta Burnett later married J. G. Bonds.

31. Mrs. Margaret Love, b abt 1812 SC, wife of John Love, b abt 1808 GA/d Aug 1850.

 

Hebron Church, Union, AL, November 28th 1869. Session met and opened with Prayer. Members present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator, and Elder James G. Harris. On motion letters of dismission was granted to William Miller and his wife Malinda Hindman Miller to join the First Presbyterian Church of Mobile, AL as members in good and regular standing. By order of Session,

James G. Harris, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, March 13th 1870. Session met and opened with Prayer. Members present Reverend W. L. Kennedy, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and James G. Harris. Elder William G. McCracken was nominated and unanimously elected to attend our next meeting of the Presbytery at Eutaw on the 31st inst. and Louis A. Lavender as his alternate. Session closed with Prayer.

James G. Harris, Clerk of Sessions

Examined and approved with the following exceptions. The book is not paged. The minutes are badly written, and no Session either opened or closed with prayer till Brother McLean's name appears in the book as moderator in 1868. There is no account given when any other moderator began to moderate or ceased to do so. William Miller's name stands there as Clerk of Sessions. Many dismissions are granted to members some ten years ago, some more of less, recommended to Ministers, Elders, Brethren, wherever God may cast their lot. They dismissed one hoping that their loss would be his gain, as if he were dead.

Eutaw, AL, April 1st, 1870

W. B. Bingham, Moderator

Hebron Church, April 24th 1870. Session met and opened with Prayer. Members present Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken, Lewis A. Lavender, and James G. Harris. A report from our delegate to our last Presbytery (William G. McCracken) was heard and adopted. Session closed with Prayer. There being no regular clerk, it was agreed that James G. Harris act as clerk.

James G. Harris, Clerk of Sessions Pro Tem

Hebron Church, July 24th 1870. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. Mrs. Nancy Jane Bouchillon presented a certificate of dismission from the Baptist Church at Mt. Zion, Pickens County, AL, which, after being read, it was moved and adopted that said applicant be received into full communion with this Church. Session closed with Prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 28th 1870. Session met and opened with Prayer. Present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris and Louis A. Lavender. Louis A. Lavender was nominated and elected to attend a "Pro Re Nata" meeting of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery, at Ebenezer Church on the 6th of September next. James G. Harris alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, September 24th 1870. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Rev James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. The following reports to the Tuscaloosa Presbytery, on the state of religion were read and adopted.

Narrative on the State of Religion: The Session of Hebron Church report to the Tuscaloosa Presbytery on the State of Religion in her bounds; that as compared with the last year or two we have been greatly blessed. Soon after the last fall meeting of your body we had a season of refreshing which greatly revived our hopes. Twenty three (23) were then added to the Church on profession of faith in Christ: by far the greater portion of who have run well their race. During the past year our stated supply has preached to us twice a month. The congregations have been, on the whole, attentive and serious. Our people are more hopeful and take a more lively interest in the Master's cause. We have a Sabbath School which we are endeavoring to build up. There is not, however, the interest manifested in the School that we would like to see. The freedmen do not place themselves under our influence. They have houses and arbors of their own, where they assemble to hear their own preachers. Our congregation contributes to each of the benevolent enterprises of the Assembly. All of which is respectfully submitted.

Elder William G. McCracken was nominated and elected delegate to the next meeting of Tuscaloosa Presbytery, at Oak Grove Church, Pickens County, Elder James G. Harris, alternate. The report of Elder Louis A. Lavender, delegate to the Pro Re Nata meeting of the Tuscaloosa Presbytery, met at Ebenezer Church on the 6th inst. was called for, which was presented and received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, September 25th 1870. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. The following person, Miss M. Alice McCracken, presented herself before the Session, and on examination was received into full Communion with the Church. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 9th 1870. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris and William G. McCracken. James G. Harris was nominated and elected delegate to Synod at Marion, and Louis A. Lavender alternate. Session closed with prayer.

William G. McCracken, Clerk of Sessions Pro Tem

Hebron Church, November 13th 1870. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Louis A. Lavender was appointed to attend the Pro Re Nata meeting of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery at Pleasant Ridge, and William G. McCracken alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 27th 1871. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. On motion, the following named members were granted, at their own request, letters of dismission, they being in good and regular standing, to wit: Mrs. Nancy Hughes [32] and son Chesney W. and daughter Rebecca to join the Church at Eliton, AL, also A. B. Mayes to join Bethsalem Church, Boligee, AL. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, February 18th 1872. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris and William G. McCracken. On motion the following named members were, at their own request, granted letters of dismission, they being in good and regular standing, to wit: Mrs. Jane L. Eatman to join the [blank] Church in Arkansas, Mrs. Martha Campbell to join [blank] Church in Texas, and Mrs. Paulina Davis to join the First Presbyterian Church of Mobile. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was duly elected delegate to the Tuscaloosa Presbytery, in April at [blank] Church in Carrollton, Pickens County, AL and William G. McCracken alternate. Session closed with prayer.

William G. McCracken, Clerk of Session Pro Tem

Hebron Church, October 13th 1872. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Elder James G. Harris, Moderator; Elder William G. McCracken, Louis A. Lavender, and Reverend Milton C. Hutton [33], advisory member. Louis A. Lavender was nominated and elected a delegate to the Tuskaloosa Presbytery which meets at Greensboro, AL on the 17th instant. The following narrative was read and on motion adopted:

Narrative of the State of Religion: in Hebron Church for the last twelve months presented to the Presbytery during its sessions at Greensboro, AL, October 17th 1872. We have had no regular preaching until within the last two months; during these two months we have enjoyed the ministrations of Reverend Milton C. Hutton twice a month. The attention and attendance of the members has been very good. We have had no Communion service during the last twelve months.

Prayer Meeting: We have recently begun to have a prayer meeting twice a month with encouraging prospects.

Sabbath School and Bible Class: We are endeavoring to establish a Sabbath School but the number of pupils is as yet quite small. An interesting Bible Class has just been organized with 19 members, conducted twice a month by Reverend Hutton.

Contributions: We are sorry to report that we have taken up none, but will make an effort to do so soon. The religious feelings of our members have been on the decline until within the last two months owing to the want of the ministrations of the Word. Although we have some things to encourage us, we have others over which to mourn, but we are thankful to the Great Head of the Church for the many blessings we have received at his hands. All of which is Respectfully Submitted by Order of the Session.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

32. Nancy Hughes, nee Nancy Hamlin, b abt 1811 NC, was the wife of James J. Hughes, b abt 1812 SC.

33. Reverend Milton C. Hutton. Not much is know of Milton. His wife, Mattie, d Apr 1881 in Corinth, MS. Son of William Josephus Hutton and Elizabeth Ann Caloway, and brother of Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton. Milton served as Pastor of Ebenezer Church from 1875 to 1877, when he accepted a call to TX. Knowing that Cornelius moved to Temple, TX, in 1886, it is assumed that may be where Milton was living then.

 

Hebron Church, October 27th 1872. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Elder Louis A. Lavender, Moderator; Elder James G. Harris, William G. McCracken, and Milton C. Hutton, Advisory Member. Louis A. Lavender being called on, rendered the following excuse for failing to attend the meeting of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery, to wit: health just at the time would not admit of it -- received. William G. McCracken was called on also to render an excuse for failing to attend as alternate who gave as follows: Mr. Lavender failed to let him know in time to arrange for going, that he could not go -- received. On motion, Mrs. Mary Love [34] was granted letter of dismission from the Church, at her own request, to join the Long Creek Church in MS. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnote:

34. Mary Love, b abt 1807 SC, was the wife of Alonzo A. F. Love.

 

Hebron Church, December 8th 1872. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend D. D. Sanderson, Moderator; James G. Harris, Louis A. Lavender and William G. McCracken, Elders. Mrs. Louis A. Lavender presented a certificate of dismission from the Beulah Baptist Church of Greene County, AL, which, after being read, it was moved and adopted that said applicant be received into full communion with this Church. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 27th 1873. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Elder Louis A. Lavender, Moderator; James G. Harris and William G. McCracken Elders; Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Advisory Member. Louis A. Lavender was nominated and elected delegate to the Tuskaloosa Presbytery at Birmingham, AL, on the first proxima and William G. McCracken alternate. On motion, the following Sessional Report To The Presbytery was adopted, to wit:

Annual Report of the Hebron Church Session to the Tuskaloosa Presbytery from April, 1872 to April, 1873.

Statistical Report: Communicants added on examination – none; communicants added on certificate – One; Adult baptisms – none; Infant baptisms – Two; Children in Sabbath School and Bible Class – 19.

Contributions: Sustentation - $5.70; Foreign Mission - None; Education - $8.50; Publications - $3.45; Presbyterial, Congregational - $185.00.

On motion, the following narrative was adopted, to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church begs leave to report to Presbytery, that we have had regular preaching, twice a month, since the last meeting of Presbytery. The attendance upon divine service has not been as good as we would desire; but the severity of the winter, in a great measure, accounts for it. We had a series of meetings the last of November and had the pleasure of enjoying the outpouring of the Holy Spirit; five (5) made a profession of their faith in Christ. We have an interesting Bible Class of nineteen (19) members conducted twice a month by Reverend Milton C. Hutton. We have contributed to the cause of benevolence fourteen and 70/100 ($14.70) dollars. We are gratified to report that the religious feelings of our members have very much improved since the last meeting of Presbytery. We feel grateful for the many blessings and privileges we have enjoyed at the hands of the Great Head of the Church. All of which is Respectfully Submitted By Order of Session.

Session Closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Approved in Presbytery, May 3rd 1873, with following exceptions: The book has not been submitted for 2 years. Certain persons dismissed without stating Church to which dismissed, contrary to standing rule 1a of Presbytery. No statistical report for 2 years.

James W. Phillips, Moderator

Hebron Church, May 11th A. D. 1873. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Elder James G. Harris, Moderator; Louis A. Lavender and William G. McCracken, Elders, Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Advisory Elder. William G. McCracken, delegate to the late meeting of the Tuskaloosa Presbytery at Birmingham, AL, was called upon for his report which was succinctly stated and on motion received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church September 28th 1873. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Elder James G. Harris, Moderator; William G. McCracken Elder, Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Advisory Member. James G. Harris was nominated and elected delegate to Tuskaloosa Presbytery which meets at Haddon Church, Sumpter County, AL on the 9th October next, and William G. McCracken alternate. Louis A. Lavender was nominated and elected delegate to Synod and James G. Harris alternate. Session closed with prayer.

William G. McCracken, Clerk of Sessions Pro Tem

Hebron Church January 25th 1874. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Cornelius Marion Hutton, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Miss Elizabeth Campbell after giving a very interesting, and altogether satisfactory account of her religious experience was, on motion, received into full communion with the Church. William G. McCracken, delegate to the late meeting of the Presbytery made his report, which, on motion, was received. Louis A. Lavender, delegate to the late Synod, rendered his excuse for non-attendance, which, on motion, was received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 26th 1874. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton, Moderator; Elders James G. Harris, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. Louis A. Lavender was nominated and elected delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery at Gainsville, AL, 30th inst. James G. Harris elected alternate. The following narrative was read and on motion adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church begs leave to report that we have had regular preaching twice a month since last meeting of Presbytery. The attendance upon divine service has been variable in consequence of inclement weather; but, on the whole, has been better than was previously reported-- We have an interesting Bible Class of 12 members-- We have contributed to the various benevolences recommended by Presbytery-- We are extremely grateful for the manifold blessings and privileges we have enjoyed at the hands of the Great Head of the Church. Respectfully Submitted

The following Statistical report was read and on motion adopted:

Statistical Report: Communicants added on examination - 1; Communicants added on certificate - 0: Total Communicants - 48; Adult Baptism - 0; Infant Baptism - 2; Bible Class – 12.

Contributions: Sustentation - $7.40; Feeble Ministers, Invalid’s Fund, Disabled Ministers, Women and Children - $6.45; Education - $10.75; Publication - $4.45; Pastors Salary actually paid - $212.00; Miscellaneous - $0; Congregational - $4.00.

Session closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 30th 1874. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders, James G. Harris, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Miss Elizabeth Ann Rhodes [35]  was, on profession of faith, received into full communion in the Church-- Mrs. Elmira Jane Rhodes [36] was, on Certificate, received into full Communion with the Church. Session closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

35. Elizabeth Ann Rhodes, b 22 Nov 1857/d 13 Oct 1883 Richland, Louisiana. Daughter of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow; Reared by step-mother Elmira Jane Gammill. Married 10 Feb 1876 to Thomas Belton Taylor, b abt 1854/d abt 1884 Richland, Louisiana, son of William Morris Taylor and Mary Emmeline Gammill—sister of Elmira Jane. Elizabeth’s sister Sarah Ellen married Thomas Belton’s brother Luther Patton Taylor.

36. Elmira Jane Gammill, b 16 Sep 1839 AL/d 18 Mar 1891, second wife of James R. Rhodes; daughter of ? Gammill and Elizabeth Morgan.

Hebron Church, October 10th 1874. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The following persons were, on Examination, received into full communion with the Church, viz: Mrs. Harriett Anne Storey [37] , Miss Annie Wood, Miss Martha Isabella Snoddy, and Miss Martha Elizabeth Bouchillon. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was chosen delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery at Bethesda Church 29th instant, and William G. McCracken, alternate-- Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 17th 1874. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; James G. Harris and Louis A. Lavender, Elders and Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton, Advisory -- The following persons were, on Examination, received into full communion with the Church, viz: Luther Patton Taylor, [and his brother] William Henry Taylor [38], [their cousin] William Rufus Massey [39], V. Marcum Vassetti [40], (blank), William Albert Gordon. Miss Cherokee Snoddy [41], Miss Sarah Ellen Rhodes [42], Miss Mary Ophelia Kelley, Miss Lucinda Brown and Mrs. Mary Emmeline Taylor  [43] received on certificate. Session Closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

37. Harriett Anne Storey, nee Harriett Anne Morrow. Wife of Dr. John H. Storey, b 29 Sep 1799 Abbeville, SC/d 30 Aug 1862, the son of James Storey and Elizabeth Cunningham.

38. Luther Patton Taylor, b 10 Feb 1858/d 31 Jan 1930 Jasper, Walker, AL, and William Henry Taylor, b abt 1855, were the sons of William Morris Taylor and Mary Emmeline Gammill. Nothing else is known of William. Luther married Sarah Ellen Rhodes, daughter of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow.

39. William Rufus Massey, b abt 1860, the son of William T. Massey and Rebecca A. E. Gammill. Rebecca was the sister of Mary Emmeline and Elmira Jane Gammill.

40. V. Marcum Vassetti, married in 1876 to Nancy Elizabeth Jennings, b 1856, the daughter of William Jennings and Regina Cockrell.

41. Cherokee Snoddy, b 27 Aug 1856, the daughter of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Jane Morrow.

42. Sarah Ellen Rhodes, b 7 Jul 1860/d Sep 1919 Carbon Hill, Walker, AL. Daughter of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow. First married on 16 Jan 1878 to Upronos Aurelius Harris, son of Hugh Means Harris, Sr. and Dorcas Means. On 4 Jan 1881 married Luther Patton Taylor, son of William Morris Taylor and Mary Emmeline Gammill.

43. Mary Emmeline Taylor, nee Mary Emmeline Gammill, b abt 1834/d 1884 Richland, Louisiana. Daughter of ? Gammill and Elizabeth Morgan. Married William Morris Taylor, b abt 1831/d abt 1881, son of Archelaus Taylor and Lucretia Morris. Archelaus and Lucretia were active in the Forest Baptist Church near Benevola, Pickens, Alabama, and are buried there across the parking lot from the cemetery.

 

Hebron Church, October 18th 1874. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; James G. Harris, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender, Elders -- The following narrative of the State of religion was read and, on motion, adopted to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church would respectfully report to the Presbytery that we have enjoyed many blessing, such as revives our hopes, and for which we are extremely thankful. We have had regular preaching, twice a month, by our beloved pastor, since the last meeting of the Presbytery. The congregation has been, on the whole, serious and attentive. Our people are hopeful and take a lively interest in the Master’s cause, as most forcibly evinced by a series of interesting exercises which we are now preparing to close with Communion service; during these exercises 14 precious souls were added to our Church. We would direct the special attention of the Presbytery to the quiet, calm and dispassionate manner which attended the opening of these exercises: On assembling the first day of these exercises we found precious souls knocking at the door of our Church for admission. This spirit was manifested throughout the services, thus evincing evidence of previous awakenings only to have the evidences of that awakening brightened during the progress these of interesting services. Our pastor was assisted by Reverend D. D. Sanderson 2 days and by Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton the first and last days of the meeting. We have an interesting Bible Class conducted twice a month, by our pastor, which we are endeavoring to build up to the maximum standard. Our congregation contributes to the various benevolent enterprises of the Assembly. Respectfully Submitted By Order of the Session.

Session closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, January 11th 1875. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Brother Cicero T. Hughes [44] was, under rules of discipline, granted, at his own request, letter of dismission, to join the Birmingham Church -- Brother Louis A. Lavender, delegate to last meeting of Presbytery, made report of his attendance at Presbytery, which was, on motion, received -- Brother James A. Fulton [45], delegate from Joint Sessions of Bethesda and Hebron Churches, to Synod of Alabama made report of his attendance, which on motion, was received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 25th 1875. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Mr. James Huffman [46] presented a Certificate from Bethesda Church and, on motion, was received into full communion. Mrs. L. Harris presented certificate from Ebenezer Church and, on motion, was received into full communion.

Narrative of The State of Religion: Hebron Church would report to Presbytery that they have had regular preaching, twice a month, during the last ecclesiastical year. During the fall we had special tokens of God’s presence and converting power among us. Our Pastor, assisted principally by Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton, and one day by Reverend D. D. Sanderson, held a series of meetings embracing two Sabbaths, which resulting in good, we trust, to the entire Church. The meeting began auspiciously by the reception of three persons, and subsequently eleven others were received into the full communion of the Church. Since that time we have received four (4) others into the Church. Owing to providential circumstances many of our members are prevented from attending Church, but we hope this will soon be remedied. Owing to our people being as much scattered we have not had weekly prayer meetings. We hope to have a Sabbath School in operation very soon. Hitherto the way seemed not to be open. The Bible Class continues with the same interest; reciting on days of preaching. Our collections have been small, owing in part to the stringency of the times. But we have had all the objects of benevolence recommended by the General Assembly, presented, and contributions made to them. We have to report that family worship is sadly neglected in quite a majority of our families. It pains our hearts to be called to report the death of one of our beloved Elders, Mr. James G. Harris. He departed this life in the full triumphs of faith April 4th. We can testify to his fidelity to the cause of the Master, and in his death we have sustained a great loss. By order of Sessions.

Statistical Report to Presbytery from April 30, 1874 to April 30, 1875: Number of Elders - 2; Number of Deacons - 2; Commicants added by Examination - 12; Communicants added by Certificate - 6; Total Communicants - 40; Adult Baptisms - 6; Infant Baptisms - 1; Baptisms of Non-Communicants - 10; Bible Class – 11.

Contributions: Sustentation - $2.00; Evangelism Fund - $2.70; Invalid Fund - $1.75; Foreign Missions - $3.60; Education - $2.70; Publications - $2.40; Presbyterial - $18.05; Pastor’s Salary Actually Paid - $193.00; Congregational - $0; Miscellaneous - $0

Mr. and Mrs. James D. Miller presented a certificate from Government Street Church and, on motion received into full communion. William G. McCracken was elected delegate to next meeting of Presbytery and Louis A. Lavender his alternate. Capt. S. T. Munselle made report through Moderator of his having attended the Pro Re Nata meeting of Presbytery, at Ebenezer, as delegate from the joint Sessions of Bethesda and Hebron Churches, which was received. Session Closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Records approved this far with the exception that the Book has not been sent up to Presbytery since May 1873.

Thomas Ward White, Moderator

Tuskaloosa, April 30, 1875

Footnotes:

44. Cicero T. Hughes, b abt 1844, son of James J. Hughes and Nancy Hamlin.

45. Dr. James A. Fulton, b abt 1820 TN.

46. James Huffman, b abt 1809 SC.

Hebron Church, October 10th 1875. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Miss Sarah Kelley [47], after Examination, was received into full communion. On motion, the following Narrative of the State of Religion was read and adopted, to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron would report that we have enjoyed the happy privilege of regular preaching twice a month since last meeting of the Pres. The attention and attendance upon divine worship has been good during regular preaching days; but we are pained to report that many of our members absent themselves from all special services on week days, leaving the attendance upon these special occasions to a precious few. We enjoy the blessed privilege of regular communion service. We have to report that family worship is neglected for a majority of our members. Our Church, from some cause, we trust not disinterested members, fails to observe the monthly concert of prayer. We have had the various objects of benevolence recommended by the General Assembly presented, and contributions made. And though the amounts contributed may have fallen below what they were in former years, one would not have it viewed in the light of a decline in the grace of giving, but stringent times and financial pressure has seriously embarrassed the worldly conditions of many of us. We have organized a Sabbath School of (30) thirty or more members, but owing to providential circumstances have made but little progress yet, but intend addressing ourselves more strenuously to its success and up-building after meeting of Presbytery. Our Bible Class still continues with the same interest, though the Sabbath School drew largely from it for its supply of teachers. Since last meeting of Presbytery, our members assembled in due form and elected 3 additional Ruling Elders, two of whom declined acceptance. The other, Mr. Hinton R. Kelley [48], has signified his willingness to accept and will be immediately ordained and installed to take part of the work with us. We are extremely thankful to the Great Head of the Church for his many blessings during the Ecclesiastic year.

Session Closed with Prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

47. Sarah Kelley, b 9 Jan 1853/d 15 Feb 1932. Daughter of Hinton R. and Nancy A. Kelley.

48. Hinton R. Kelley, b 1 Nov 1811 NC/d 3 Apr 1897.

 

Hebron Church, February 13th 1876. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders Hinton R. Kelly, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. On motion, a committee consisting of Mr. Hinton R. Kelly and Louis A. Lavender was appointed to confer with Mr. James A. Miller, a member of the Church relative to his inebriate character with the view of obtaining some tokens of penitence and promise of reformation as a primary step under the rule of our discipline touching such cases. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Session

Hebron Church, April 22nd 1876. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelly, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The minutes were read and approved. The principal and alternate delegates to the last meeting of Presbytery was called on for excuses for non-attending, which, after being stated, was, on motion, sustained. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected alternate to Mr. Cephus R. Walker (principal delegate) of Ebenezer Church, to the next meeting of Presbytery to meet at Eutaw. On motion, a committee consisting of William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender was appointed to confer with Mr. U. U. Harris relative to his moral character. On motion, the Elders of the Church was appointed a committee to inquire into the cause of Mr. D. S. Lavender’s, John S. McCracken’s, William A. Morrow’s, and J. L. B. Strickland’s absence from the Church. The committee in the matter of Mr. Miller, made report, that they find him quite penitent and promised reformation. On motion, the report was sustained. On motion, the following Sessional Report was adopted:

Statistical Report: Communicants added on Examination - 1; Communicants added on Certificate – 2; Total Communicants - 40; Adult Baptisms - 1; Infant Baptism - 10; Children in Sabbath School and Bible Class - 39; Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons – 2.

Contributions: Sustentation - $1.95; Evangelism - $2.30; Foreign Missions - $6.30; Education - $5.90; Publications - $1.25; Invalid, Disabled ministers, widows and children - $2.40; Pastor’s Salary actually paid - $333.50; Congregational - $2.00; Miscellaneous - $6.10

On motion, the following report on Sabbath School was adopted:

Number on Rolls: Teachers - 5; Scholars – 34;

Average attendance: Teachers - 4; Scholars - 22

Increase: Teachers – 0, Scholars – 0

Decrease: Teachers - 0; Scholars - 0

Number admitted to Lord’s Table: Teachers - 0; Scholars - 1

Amount contributed to our School: $0

Amount contributed for Benevolent Purposes: $0

The following narrative was read and adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church would report that we have enjoyed the ministration of gospel regularly twice a month, during the ecclesiastical year, by our beloved

Pastor. The majority of our members and congregation are serious and attending. Some have absented themselves from Church privileges, the causes of which has been generally inquired into, and we are encouraged to hope for a more general and punctual attendance in the future. We have succeeded in building up quite an interesting Sabbath School in connection with the Bible Class with Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Superintendent. Though the average attendance is small, this seems not to detract from the interest manifested by Superintendent, teachers, or pupils; there are, however, several young men and among them Church members too, who seem to manifest little or no interest; however, we trust they may soon see their error and be induced to contribute a portion of their time, and influence to the interest of the school. We have had presented the various benevolent objects recommended by the General Assembly, and contributions made to them. During the ecclesiastical year our members assembled in due form and elected one other Ruling Elder Hinton R. Kelley who has been ordained and installed. We have added on Examinations during the year, one. Although we have some things to encourage us, we have others over which to mourn. We are thankful to the Great Head of the Church for the many blessings received.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Approved in Presbytery at Eutaw, AL, on May, 1876, and approved to page 49 with the following exception, viz, the records of previous meetings were not read and approved by Session.

T. S. Winn, Moderator

May 9th 1876

Hebron Church, September 15th 1876. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The minutes were read and approved. The following persons presented themselves, and, on Examination, were received in full communion with the Church: Mrs. Martha H. Harris, Mrs. Bettie Bouchillon, Miss Alice Bouchillon, Miss Candace H. Woodell [49], Miss Ladosca Clementine Taylor [50], Miss Mollie Stanley, and Mr. Sedan Samuel Eatman [51]. The report from the delegate representing the Church in the last meeting of Presbytery was, on motion, received. The following narrative was read, on motion, adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion: We have had regular preaching during the last twelve months; during the first six months we enjoyed the ministrations of Reverend Milton C. Hutton twice a month. By an arrangement with Cedar Grove Church, the last six months we had preaching but once a month. The attendance on divine worship, with few exceptions, has been good. The Sabbath School continued in a flourishing condition until the change made by the arrangement with Cedar Grove Church, since which time the interest in the school has declined. We are sorry to report that we have failed to conduct regular prayer meeting. We have contributed to all the benevolent enterprises recommended by the Assembly except the Evangelistic and Invalid Fund. It pains our hearts to be called to report the death of two of our members. We have elected and ordained an additional deacon, Dr. Virgil Snoddy [51]. We have just closed a series of interesting and delightful meetings, in which the Reverend D. D. Sanderson rendered very efficient service; Christians were very much refreshed and seven persons were added on Examination. We are thankful to the Great Head of the Church for many blessings. By order of Sessions and Church.

The proposition to request Presbytery to arrange our Pastoral Care to its original basis was unanimously received. The committee which was appointed to enquire of certain members the cause of absence from divine worship made report, which was received and committee discharged. On motion, further action, relative to absentees, deferred. William G. McCracken elected delegate to meeting of Synod and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

49. Candace H. Woodell, b 19 Jun 1841/d 1 Jun 1915. Believed to be the daughter of John and Elizabeth Woodell. 1850AL census records indicate Candace was born in 1838 rather than 1841.

50. Ladosca Clementine Taylor, b abt 1860/d bef 1926. Daughter of William Morris Taylor and Mary Emmeline Gammill.

51. [47 48 49 50 51] Sedan Samuel Eatman, b 10 Jul 1847/d 27 Sep 1908. Married Cornelia Snoddy, daughter of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Jane Morrow.

[the following record of the Congregational Meeting has been moved to its chronological place in these records]

Congregational Meeting, Hebron Church, September 14th A. D. 1876

Pursuant of previous notice, the Hebron Congregation met and opened with prayer. Reverend D. D. Sanderson, Moderator. Our beloved Pastor’s letter of resignation having been placed in the hands of the Moderator and read to the Congregation, the following action was had thereas;

Whereas, our beloved Pastor, who for some years has faithfully and satisfactorily served us has tendered his resignation to Hebron Church, therefore, be it resolved, that under the surroundings circumstances, we decline to accept said resignation.

The congregation, after formally expressing their desire to elect an additional Deacon, proceeded to ballot which resulted in the election of Dr. Virgil Snoddy.

And the meeting closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 21st 1877. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Absent: William G. McCracken. The minutes were read and approved. The delegate representing the Church in Presbytery presented report and on motion received. The delegate representing the Church in the last meeting of Synod presented report and on motion received. The Clerk of Session was authorized to forward to Presbytery the following report to wit:

The Session of Hebron Church would report that action was taken in relation to the non-representation of the Church in Presbytery held at Gadsden, AL in September 1875.

On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery, and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. On motion, the following statistical report was approved to wit:

Statistical Report: Communicants added on Examination - 7; Communicants added on Certificate - None; Total Communicants - 59; Adult Baptisms - 3; Infant Baptisms - 1; Children in Sabbath and Bible Class - 25; Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons – 2.

Contributions: Sustentatation - $0; Evangelical - $0; Foreign Missions - $2.75; Education - $3.35; Publications - $0; Invalid’s fund, Disabled ministers, widows and children - $2.10; Pastor’s salary actually paid - $323.00; Congregational - $0; Miscellaneous - $22.00.

The following Sessional Report on Sabbath School was approved to wit:

Number of Teachers: 4; Number of Scholars: [no number shown].

Average attendance: Teachers - 4; Scholars – 25

Increase: None; Decrease: None

The following narrative was read and approved to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church would report to Presbytery that we have had regular preaching, by our Pastor during the first half of the ecclesiastical year, once a month; and the latter half, twice a month. During the fall we had special tokens of God’s presence and converting power among us. Our pastor assisted by Reverend D. D. Sanderson held a series of meeting which resulted in good to the entire Church. Christians were refreshed and seven persons were added on Examination. Owing to the distance of our people from the Church we have not had weekly prayer meetings. Owing to the severity of the winter our Sabbath School was suspended three month; but has recently reorganized with encouraging prospects. Our collections, we are sorry to report, have been small, owing, in great part, to the embarrassed condition of our worldly affairs; but have had all the objects of benevolence presented except Sustentation and Evangelical fund, and contributions made to them. During the ecclesiastical year we have elected and ordained two additional Deacons, Mr. Virgil Snoddy and Mr. Francis B. Farr. It pains our hearts to be called to report the death of one of our beloved Deacons, Mr. Lemuel B. Peebles. We can testify to his devotion to the Master’s cause; and in his death the Church has sustained a great loss. Notwithstanding the appointments of crosses and trials, over which we mourn, we are thankful to the Good Shepherd for many blessings. By order of Session.

On motion, the Clerk of Session was authorized to forward to Presbytery the following report to wit:

The Session would report to Presbytery that all the objects of benevolence have been presented except Sustentation and Evangelical fund. The reason for not presenting these is inclement Sabbaths, causing small congregations since the time our people came in possession of money enabling them to contribute.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Examined and approved in Presbytery

Livingston, May 4th 1877

James Watson, Moderator

Hebron Church, September 9th 1877. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders, William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender. The reading of the minutes postponed. Louis A. Lavender, delegate to the last meeting of Presbytery, rendered excuse for his own attendance, and, on motion excuse sustained. Report from the delegate representing the Church in the Pro Re Nata meeting of Presbytery at Eutaw, AL, was received. The following narrative was read and, on motion, adopted to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church would like to report to Presbytery that we have enjoyed the ministrations of the work, by our Pastor Milton C. Hutton during the last twelve month, regularly twice a month. The attendance on divine worship has been, with a few exceptions, all that could be desired; the congregation has been, on the whole, serious and attentive. Our people are hopeful and evince a lively interest in the Master’s cause. We have had regular quarterly Communion service during the year. The interest in our Sabbath School, during the past year, has not abated; there is not, however, that interest manifested in the school that we would like to see. We have elected and ordained an additional Deacon during the year, Mr. Francis B. Farr. We are pained to report the sad death of one of our beloved Deacons, Mr. Lemuel B. Peebles. Our congregation contributes to each of the benevolent enterprises of the Assembly. We thank the Great Head of the Church for many blessings.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 27th 1878. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender. The minutes were read and approved. The excuses of principal and alternate delegates to Presbytery for non-attendance were presented and sustained. The following Narrative was adapted to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church would respectfully report to the Presbytery that we have had the bread of life regularly dispensed to us twice a month by our Pastor, Reverend Milton C. Hutton, during the last twelve months. The attendance upon divine worship, with the exception of a few members, has been encouraging, and the attention earnest and serious. The Sacraments have been regularly and duly attended to. Owing to the failure of a sufficient number of our members to cultivate the gifts of prayer, we have no regular prayer meeting. The month concert of prayers is also unobserved. All the benevolent schemes of the Church have been presented, and contributions made to them. Our Sabbath School continued in a prosperous condition till the opening of the past winter months, when it was temporarily suspended, but we have recently reorganized under promises of prosperity. Have had no accession to the Church during the last twelve month, though God, in mercy, has presented us many evidences of his presence, for which we return our united thanks and praise, trusting that our hearts may be abundantly refreshed by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit during the ensuing year. We are pained to report that death has invaded our Church during the year and transported to their sainted rest beyond the river, Mrs. Richard C. Bonds [52] and Mrs. James Cunningham Storey [53]. We regret to report our inability to oppose the dissolution of the Pastoral relations of Reverend Milton C. Hutton, who, guided by the intimations of providence calling him from this to another field of more extended usefulness, has tendered his resignation, which, having been accepted by us, we would unite with him in asking Presbytery to dissolve his Pastoral relations with us. Respectfully submitted by order of Session

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons - 2; Communicants added on Examination - 0; Communicants added on Certificate - 0; Total Communicants - 40; Adult Baptisms - 0; Infant Baptisms - 5; Baptisms of Non Communicants - [illegible]; Children in Sabbath School and Bible Class – 20.

Collections: Sustentation - $2.25; Evangelical - $3.60; Invalids Fund, Disabled ministers, widows, and children - $4.50; Foreign Missions - $4.50; Education - $5.90; Publications - $1.40; Presbyterial - $15.40; Pastor’s salary actually paid - $423.00; Congregational - $3.50; Miscellaneous - $35.00.

The following report on Sabbath School adopted to wit:

Number of Teachers: 3; Number of Scholars: 20

Average attendance: Teachers - 3; Scholars - 15

Session closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Examined and approved to page 61.

Birmingham, May 4th 1878

Henry R. Hammond

Footnotes:

52. Mrs. Richard C. Bonds, nee Ophelia Ann Morrow, b 1 Dec 1852/d 7 Sep 1871. aughter of William P. Morrow and Elizabeth Barnett. Richard, the son of Anthony T. Bonds and Diana Missouri Lavender, married Ophelia on 29 Apr 1869.

53. Mrs. James Cunningham Storey, nee Ann Morrow. James, b 25 Dec 1827/d 14 Jan 1900, was the son of Dr. John Storey and Jane Cunningham.

 

Hebron Church, May 12, 1878. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend Milton C. Hutton, being present, was invited to moderate. Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The minutes were read and approved. The delegate representing the Church at the last meeting of the Presbytery made report and it was received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, September 15th 1878. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Elder Louis A. Lavender, acting Moderator; and Elder William G. McCracken. The minutes were read and approved. William G. McCracken was elected delegate to Presbytery which meets at Oak Grove Church the 19th inst. and Louis A. Lavender alternate. The following Narrative of the State of Religion was adopted to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: The Session of Hebron Church would report to Tuskaloosa Presbytery that we have had regular preaching a month, during the ecclesiastical year, by Reverend Milton C. Hutton, until the 4th Sabbath in May last, when he preached to us his farewell sermon. Since which time, we have enjoyed most excellent preaching regularly twice a month by Mr. John McMullin. The Sacraments have been duly attended to in our Church during the year. We enjoyed a most interesting Communion service the 4th Sabbath in August, administered by Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton. We are pained to report that we have no regular prayer meeting. Our Sabbath School was reorganized in the spring, and continues in an interesting and flourishing condition. We have had no accessions during the year. We are quite apprehensive that our Church is in a languishing condition, though the attendance upon divine Service is good and the attendance serious and thoughtful. Notwithstanding we have many indications of the Master’s presence to encourage us. We have others over which to mourn, but we are thankful to the Great Head of the Church for His many blessings.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 1878. Session met and opened with prayer. Ruling Elder Louis A. Lavender, acting Moderator, and William G. McCracken. William G. McCracken, delegate to Presbytery at Oak Grove Church, made report of his attendance which was received. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Synod at Livingston, AL, and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. Session closed with prayer.

William G. McCracken, Clerk of Sessions Pro Tem

Hebron Church, April 26th 1879. Session met and opened with prayer. Ruling Elder Louis A. Lavender, acting Moderator; and William G. McCracken. Louis A. Lavender, principal, and Hinton R. Kelley, alternate Delegate, submitted their excuses for non-attendance upon the meeting of the Synod at Livingston, AL, , which were received. On motion Hinton R. Kelley was elected delegate to Presbytery at Tuskaloosa and Louis A. Lavender alternate. The following Narrative of the State of Religion was read and adopted to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: The Session of Hebron Church reports to the Tuskaloosa Presbytery the state of religion in her bounds; that as compared with the first five years, there is not as much of that lively interest manifesting itself in the midst of our people. A spiritual decay seems to have taken hold of our people immediately after the dissolution of the pastoral relations of our beloved Pastor Milton C. Hutton. During the ecclesiastical year, we have enjoyed the happy privilege of only one Communion service, which was conducted by Reverend Cornelius Marion Hutton. During the first six (6) months immediately following the sitting of your body in April 1878, we had preaching regularly twice a month; since, we have enjoyed regular preaching by Reverend Isaac Paul Osborne [54]. Though our congregations have been small, yet they have been quite attentive to Mr. Isaac Paul Osborne’s instructing sermons. Our Sabbath School dissolved on the approach of winter and remained in that condition. Our congregation has failed to contribute to all of the benevolent enterprises of the Assembly. Why? In the first place, they have not been presented; but the controlling cause is the embarrassed condition of our people. When the true condition of our Church is understood by your body, and when it is duly considered that we have contributed during the year, one hundred and sixty ($160.00) dollars for the necessary repairs to our Church building, we know you will not be so uncharitable as not to throw around our short-comings the mantle of charity. No accessions have been made to our Church during the year. Brethren, pray for us, and may God in his wisdom and mercy, guide and direct us out of our present languishing condition. Respectfully submitted by order of Session.

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons - 2; Communicants added on Examination - 0; Communicants added on Certificate – 0; Total Communicants - 40; Adult Baptisms - 0; Infant Baptisms - 0; Baptisms of Non-Communicants - 17; Children in Sabbath School – 0.

Contributions: Sustentation - $0; Evangelism - $0; Invalids Fund, Disabled ministers, widows, and children - $0; Foreign Missions - $0; Education - $1.00; Publications - $0; Presbyterial - $5.00; Pastor’s salary actually paid - $45.00; Congregational - $16.00; Miscellaneous - $2.00.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Approved in Presbytery, May 3rd 1879

B. F. Peters, Moderator

54. Reverend Isaac Paul Osborne, b 17 Nov 1833/d 6 Jul 1918. 1st marriage on 7 Mar 1863 to Margaret Benford Cheek, b 22 Jul 1844/d 25 Jul 1878. 2nd marriage on 10 Jan 1881 to Sabrina Gore, b 31 Mar 1843/d 21 Nov 1896. 3rd marriage on 15 Sep 1897 to Amanda Reynolds, d Mar 1893.

 

Hebron Church, September 21st 1879. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Isaac Paul Osborne, Moderator; William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. The minutes were read and approved. Excuses being called for, our delegates, Mr. Louis A. Lavender and Mr. Hinton R. Kelly, Principal and alternate, gave satisfactory reasons for non-attendance upon last meeting of Presbytery. Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Presbytery and William G. McCracken alternate. The following narrative was read and adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion: The Session of Hebron Church would like to report to Presbytery that we have had regular preaching once a month by our stated supply, Reverend Isaac Paul Osborne, during the year. Though the attendance upon divine Service has been good, and the congregation attentive and serious, yet we are sorry to report that we have had no special tokens of God’s presence and converting power in our midst during the past twelve months. The monthly concert of prayer is not observed in our Church. It also pains us to report that we have neither prayer meeting, Sabbath School, nor Bible Class. The absence of all these important affairs of the Church, we know, militates against a growth in grace and development in Christian character, yet their failure in our Church, owing to the scattered condition of our congregation, seems to be unavoidable. In conclusion, while we deplore our languishing condition, we feel thankful the Great Head of the Church for His many blessings. Respectfully Submitted by Order of Session.

Under Rule XIV of Standing Rules of Presbytery, Brother William A. Morrow was granted, at his request, a certificate of standing. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 14th 1879. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Isaac Paul Osborne, Moderator; Ruling Elders, William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender. Reading the minutes postponed. Louis A. Lavender was elected to Synod and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. Louis A. Lavender made report of his attendance upon the recent meeting of Tuskaloosa Presbytery which was received. The following persons presented themselves and on Examination were received into full communion to wit: Mr. John H. Morrow, Mr. Reginald Snoddy, and Miss Rena Harris. Session closed with Prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 8th 1879. Session meet and opened with prayer. Present: I. P. Osborne, Moderator; William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. Mr. William Rufus Massey, under Rule 14 of Standing Rules of Presbytery, was granted a Certificate of Standing at his request. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, September 25th 1880. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elder, Acting Moderator; and William G. McCracken. The minutes were read and approved. Louis A. Lavender, delegate to spring term of Presbytery gave satisfactory reasons for non-attendance of the same. Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Presbytery at York, AL, and William G. McCracken alternate. The following narrative was read and adopted to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church respectfully reports that we have been without the preached Word since December last. Shortly after the meeting of your body last October, Reverend A. A. Morse, kindly yielding to our request conducted a series of interesting and highly instructive meetings in which the Church was refreshed and 3 additions to the Church were had. One of our members, Mr. William Rufus Massey has joined the New Hope Presbytery of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church as a candidate for the ministry. He left us with reluctance, but propositions were made to him to clothe and educate free of all expense, and, under the influence of relatives, he accepted. We are pleased to report that we have a very interesting Sabbath School at the Church and two others, Union school and school houses in the neighborhood of the Church numbering in the aggregate 87 on the rolls. We are pained to report that a majority of our congregations feel that while they are without the preached Word, they are not concerned in the benevolent enterprises of the Church. We have no money to give to the Lord, yet always find plenty to give to pride and the follies of fashions. A series of most delightful meetings which continued 16 days, under the very doors of the Church, has just closed in which "the Lord of Harvest" visited with gracious glorious manifestations of His love. There were 23 accessions to the different Churches represented. Of this number, 11 are anxiously waiting at the door of our Church for admittance till the proper authority assembles to receive them. This meeting was closed under the most favorable tokens of the Spirit’s presence. In conclusion, while we have much over which to mourn, we have much more for which to be thankful. May the Lord revive his work and build up his people in the faith of the gospel. Respectfully submitted by order of Session.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 14th 1880. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend D. D. Sanderson, Moderator; Ruling Elders William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender. Reading of the minutes postponed. The following persons presented themselves and, on examination, were received into full communion with the Church, to wit: Miss Kizzie Mize, Miss Laura Love, Miss Lizzie Harris, Masters Eddie B. Storey, Alvie Storey, Moses Storey, Woodie Storey, and John William Rhodes [55]. Louis A. Lavender, delegate to Presbytery which met at York made report of his attendance upon the sittings of Presbytery. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnote:

55. John William Rhodes, b 3 Mar 1867/d 4 Mar 1939. Son of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow. Married on 7 Jan 1892 to Annie B. Sellers, b Feb 1872/d 1946. Daughter of James R. and Martha E. Sellers.

 

Hebron Church, April 10th 1881. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Louis A. Lavender, Elder, Actg. Moderator; William G. McCracken and Hinton R. Kelley. The minutes were read and approved. The following narrative was read and adapted, to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion: Hebron Church would respectfully submit the following report:

1. The official fidelity on the part of the Minister, Ruling Elders and Deacons, we feel constrained to say, is, in the main, commendable.

2. The attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary during the last twelve months, owing to excusable circumstances, has not been as good as it should have been.

3. We have enjoyed unmistakable tokens of special outpourings of the Holy Ghost in our Church -- eight having been added to the Church.

4. Intemperance, upon the whole does not prevail to any alarming extent. The desire for worldly amusements, visiting on the Sabbath, etc. is fearfully on the increase.

5. Family worship is grievously neglected by a majority of our families.

6. Though we have no Sabbath School at the Church, yet the children of the Church receive Catechetical instruction, either in the Schools in the form as of the Church or in their respective families.

7. We can’t say that the observance of the Sabbath is fully commensurate with the command of the Lord.

John William Rhodes, b 3 Mar 1867/d 4 Mar 1939. Son of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow. Married on 7 Jan 1892 to Annie B. Sellers, b Feb 1872/d 1946. Daughter of James R. and Martha E. Sellers.

8. We are burdened with misfortunes and poverty stricken, yet we must report that the fidelity of God’s people in worshipping the Lord with their substance is not of such a character as to be fully commendable.

9. Our Church has been supplied during the past 4 months, by Reverend John G. Praig [56], who comes to us highly recommended.

10. Circumstances over which we have no control have directed us to let the religious instruction of the Colored People alone. By order Session.

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons - 3; Communicants added on Examination - 8; Communicants added on Certificate - 0; Total Communicants - 35; Adult Baptisms - 5; Infants Baptisms - 0; Number of Baptisms of Non-Communicants - 20; Number of Children in Sabbath School - 0.

Contributions: No. funds collected – none; Pastor Salary actually paid - $44.50.

We report no collections for "Systematic Beneficence".

On motion, William G. McCracken was elected delegate to Presbytery, and Louis A. Lavender alternate. Sessions closed with prayer

William G. McCracken, Clerk of Sessions Pro Tem

Approved to date, April 29th 1881

T. S. Winn, Moderator

Footnote:

56. Reverend Dr. John G. Praig, b 24 Jun 1837 Louisville, KY/d 5 Jun 1924 Tuscaloosa. Of Scotch parentage. Married Meada Pleasant Lewis. Awarded an honorary D. D,. degree from Centre College, Danville, KY about Jun 1893.

 

Hebron Church, August 14th 1881. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. Reading of the minutes postponed. William G. McCracken, delegate to Presbytery, made report which was received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, September 11th 1881. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Ruling Elders Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. The minutes were read and approved. The following narrative was read and adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion:

1. Our stated supply has been faithful and prompt in the discharge of all duties. The officers of the Church are prompt and faithful in their routine of duties, yet the practice of a little more zeal in many things would result beneficially to the Church.

2. The attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary is good.

3. We have no special outpourings of the Holy Ghost to report.

4. Intemperance, worldly amusements, and other forms of sin do not prevail to any alarming extent.

5. Family worship is greatly neglected.

6. It seems that our Church can’t sustain a Sabbath School, but a great number of our children receive catechetical instruction either in Sunday Schools or in their families.

7. We are pained to say, that the observance of the Sabbath is not as it should be.

8. Many of our people worship the Lord with their Substance to the full extent of their abilities.

9. The Churches within our bounds, 4 in no., are ably supplied with the ministrations of the word by Reverend John G. Praig.

10. We believe that with a little effort the Colored People would be brought back to our Church, but as this idea is repugnant to many, we prefer at present to leave them alone.

On motion Louis A. Lavender was elected to Presbytery and William G. McCracken alternate. Session closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, January 8th 1882. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Ruling Elders, Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Reading of the minutes postponed. On motion, letters of dismission were granted to Mrs. Martha Harris to Laconia, Texas, [and to] Mrs. Sarah Ellen Taylor and [her sister, Mrs.] Elizabeth Ann Taylor [57] to Rayville, Richland, Louisiana, are at their own request. Delegate to Presbytery and Synod made report which was received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnote:

57. Sarah Ellen Taylor and Elizabeth Ann Taylor. These are the daughters of James R. Rhodes and Nancy Morrow. They married brothers, Sarah to Luther Patton Taylor and Elizabeth to Thomas Belton Taylor, sons of William Morris Taylor and Mary Emmeline Gammill. Shortly after the Luther and Sarah’s marriage in 1881 and possibly, William Morris’ death, Mary, her children and their families moved to Holly Ridge, Richland, LA. Elizabeth Ann, Thomas Belton, and Mary Emmeline all died there. Some of the children remained in the area, but Luther and Sarah, along with his sister Ladosca Clementine, and Thomas Belton’s two children returned to Alabama. In 1895, they rejoined Hebron Church.

 

Hebron Church, February 12th 1882. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Ruling Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Reading of the minutes postponed. Letters of dismission were granted to Mrs. Justina Cork under Rule 14 of Standing Rules of Presbytery. Upon Examination, Mrs. J. B. Bouchillon was received in full communion with the Church. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 9th 1882. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Elders Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, Louis A. Lavender. The minutes were read and approved. The following narrative was read and adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion: The session of Hebron Church would report to Tuscaloosa Presbytery:

1. The officers of the Church have been prompt and faithful in the discharge of all duties.

2. Our members, generally, have been regular in their attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary.

3. We can report no special outpouring of the Holy Ghost in our Church.

4. There has come under our observation the practice of intemperance, worldly amusements or other forms of sin, on the part of any member, of such gravity as to demand the exercise of discipline.

5. Family worship, we fear, is grievously neglected.

6. We have no Sabbath School, yet a number of our children receive catechetical instruction in their families.

7. Whilst there are no absolute violations of the Sabbath yet, we fear, there are many things done on that day which fails to meet with Divine approbation.

8. The various benevolent enterprises of the Church have been presented and contributions made to them.

9. Reverend John G. Praig has efficiently supplied the Churches within our bounds with the ministrations of the word during the past several months.

10. We tender the Colored People no special religious instruction, but when they present themselves at our place of worship we recognize and treat them with all due Christian deference.

By order of the Session

The following report on Systematic Beneficence was adopted, to wit:

Contributions: Sustentation- $3.30; Evangelism Fund - $.75; Invalid’s fund, Disabled ministers, widows, and children - $1.70; Foreign Missions - $1.85; Education - $1.00; Publications - $1.10; Institution Gracy College for Ministers - $.70

The following report on Sabbath Schools was adopted to wit:

We have no School -- Reasons heretofore assigned.

The following report to Presbytery adopted:

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons - 2; Communicants added on Examination - 1; Communicants added on Certificate - 0; Total Communicants - 32; Adults Baptisms - 0; Infant Baptisms - 0; Number of Baptisms of Non-Communicants - 20; Number of Children in Sabbath School – 0.

Contributions: Sustentation - $3.30; Evangelism - $.75; Invalid’s fund, Disabled ministers, widows, and children - $1.70; Foreign Missions - $1.85; Education - $1.00; Publications - $1.10; Presbyterial - [blank]; Pastor’s Salary actually paid - $115.00; Congregational - $6.00; Miscellaneous - $0.

Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Presbytery and Hinton R. Kelley alternate.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, June 11th 1882. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and Hinton R. Kelley. Reading of the minutes postponed. On motion, Mrs. E. U. Moore, at her request, was granted a letter of dismission, to join the Presbyterian Church at Denton, Texas. Session closed with prayer.

William G. McCracken, Clerk of Sessions Pro Tem

Hebron Church, September 10th 1882. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Ruling Elders Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. The minutes were read and approved. On motion, Sarah Ann Taylor Mrs. Mary F. Barnet, at her own request, was, under Rule XIV, granted a Certificate of Standing. Louis A. Lavender, delegate to the last meeting of Presbytery gave satisfactory reasons for his failure to attend upon the meeting of that body at Livingston. The following narrative was read and adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion: We have had regular communion services during the last twelve months. We have enjoyed the ministrations of Reverend John G. Praig regularly once a month as stated supply. The attendance and attention have been good. We have had regular slated Communion Services during the past twelve months. Owing to the situation of our Church and the distance of the members thereof, the monthly Concert of Prayers is not observed. It seems impossible for us to establish a Sabbath School upon any permanent basis. All its benevolent enterprises of the Church have been presented and contributions made to them. Whilst the religious feeling of our members is not of such a character as to warrant us in saying that it is on the decline, yet it is not such as we would like to report. We have had no special tokens of the Spirit’s presence during the past twelve months. Although we have some things to encourage us, we have others over which to mourn, but we are thankful to the Great Head of the Church for the many blessings reserved at His hands. Respectfully Submitted by order of Session

Session closed with prayer

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 8th 1883. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. Minutes were read and approved. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Presbytery and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 12th 1883. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. Reading of the minutes postponed. On motion, J. L. B. Strickland was, at his own request, granted a letter of dismission to join the Church at Ebenezer. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Presbytery and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. The excuses of delegate and alternate for non-attendance received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, June 8, 1884. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John G. Praig, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. The minutes were read and approved. Louis A. Lavender, delegate to Presbytery made report, which was received. And then Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

 

Hebron Church, September 28, 1884. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: William G. McCracken, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders and J. K. Spence, Advisory. Minutes read and approved. On motion, the following narrative was read and adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion:

1. Hebron Church reports that Mr. J. K. Spence has labored with us since the last meeting of Presbytery doing faithful work to the edification of our people. The officers of the Church have been prompt in the discharge of their duties.

2. The majority of our people are regular in their attendance upon the Services of the Sanctuary.

3. We can report no special outpouring of the Holy Spirit.

4. We have had no additions to the Church the past twelve months.

5. Our members generally conduct themselves with Christian deportment, but here seems to be a wont of growth in grace.

6. The oft repeated assertion that the scattered condition of our people is the only excuse for the failure to labor in Sabbath School, yet we have maintained an interesting School without hindrance during the past 18 months, with an average attendance of 23 pupils.

7. Catechetical and Bible instruction receives merited attention in our Sabbath School and families.

8. Our people lack that sanctity of heart to cause them to give such attention to family worship as its importance deserves.

9. Whilst their may be no palpable violation of the Sabbath, yet there are some minor evils which hinder the observance of the day in all of its purity.

10. We are poor, and our people feel conscious [sic] that they worship the Lord with their substance to the full extent of their ability.

11. Our young people are rapidly losing fondness for worldly amusement and other forms of sin forbid by the Church.

12. Taking into consideration the character of the Negro, we must say that they refuse to avail themselves of instruction tendered by our Church.

On motion, Hinton R. Kelley was elected delegate to Presbytery and William G. McCracken alternate. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Synod and William G. McCracken alternate. And then the Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

The committee appointed to examine the Sessional Record of Hebron Church report the approval of said Record as far as written with the exception that: Record had not been sent to Presbytery since April 1st 1881, which is contrary to standing Rule of Presbytery No. 26.

H. R. Raymond, Moderator

Hebron Church, September 13th 1885. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend R. W. Millner, moderating, Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. The minutes were read and approved. The following persons were received into full communion with the Church: Mr. William H. Miller [58] on examination, Curtis Irwin Eatman [59] and Miss M. F. Snoddy on certificate. Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to Presbytery and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. Delegates to Presbytery and Synod rendered satisfactory excuses for failure to attend upon those courts of the Church. And then the Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, December 16, 1885. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend R. W. Millner, Moderator; Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. The reading of the minutes was postponed. Mrs. Bell White was dismissed from the Church and transferred to the jurisdiction of the Session of New Hope Church. Mrs. Jenny Snoddy, having been within our bounds during the 12 months last past, the Session assumed jurisdiction and she was received in full communion with this Church. Mr. Samuel Webster Bouchillon and [his wife] Ann Morrow [60]  were received on Examination in full communion with this Church. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

58. William H. Miller, b 1862/d 1922.

59. Curtis Irwin Eatman married Mary Ann Snoddy, daughter of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Jane Morrow.

60. Samuel Webster Bouchillon, b 16 May 1859/d 1 Jun 1929 Reform, Pickens, AL, was the son of MacKinney Williams Bouchillon and Juliet Ann Morrow. On 9 Jul 1885, he married Ann Morrow, daughter of Anthony Logan Morrow and Margaret M. Williamson.

 

Hebron Church, October 12th 1886. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend R. W. Millner, Moderator; William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley, and Louis A. Lavender, Ruling Elders. The minutes were read and approved. Misses Fannie and Mattie McCracken and Lela Lavender [61] were received into full communion. Delegate to last meeting of Presbytery rendered excuse for non-attendance on said meeting and report received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 27th 1887. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Louis A. Lavender, Moderator; and William G. McCracken and Hinton R. Kelley, Z. B. Graves, Advisory. Reading the minutes postponed. Misses M. E. and Lou J. Jones, I. O. and C. C. Bouchillon, Katie Johnson and Thomas Smith Lavender [62] and Miss/Mrs. Clara Gordon were received on examination, in full communion. Mrs. Katie G. Miller [63] on certificate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnotes:

61. Lela Lavender, b 9 Oct 1870/d 8 Feb 1897. Daughter of Louis A. and L. M. Lavender.

62. Thomas Smith Lavender, b abt 1808 SC, married Dora Clyde Huffman, b abt 1808 SC.

63. Katie G. Miller was the wife of William H. Miller.

 

Hebron Church, March 10th 1889. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John Woodruff, Moderator; Ruling Elders William G. McCracken, Hinton R. Kelley and Louis A. Lavender. Mr. William H. Miller and wife [Katie G. Miller] were, at their own request, dismissed to join the Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Greene County, AL. Mr. and Mrs. Alonzo F. A. Love and Mrs. Laura Love White were, at their request, dismissed to join the Presbyterian Church in Texas. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, June 23rd 1889. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John Woodruff, Moderator; Ruling Elders, Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. Minutes read and approved. Miss Clara Gordon, Mr. and Mrs. Francis B. Farr and family were, at their request dismissed to Ebenezer Church, Greene County, AL. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, September 22nd 1889. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend John Woodruff, Moderator; Ruling Elders Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. The minutes were read and approved. On motion, Louis A. Lavender was elected delegate to meeting of Presbytery at Newbern and Hinton R. Kelley alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, November 24th 1889. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Hinton R. Kelley, Elder, Actg. Moderator; Elder Louis A. Lavender. Miss M. E. Jones was, at her request, dismissed to join the Church at Tuskaloosa and R. N. Morrow granted Certificate of Standing up to the time he left our bounds. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, December 8th 1889. Session met and constituted with prayer. Present: By invitation, Reverend Mr. Chandler, Moderator; Elders Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Reading of the minutes was postponed. Mr. and Mrs. A. R. Morrow granted Certificate of Standing up to the time they left our bounds. Louis A. Lavender made report of his attendance to late meeting of Presbytery which was received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, March 29th 1891. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: By invitation Reverend James M. McLean, Moderator; Elders Hinton R. Kelley, William G. McCracken, and Louis A. Lavender. Reading of the minutes was postponed. On motion, Louis A. Lavender elected delegate to the next meeting of Presbytery and William G. McCracken alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Examined and approved as far as matters with the following exception. There has been no written account kept of the meeting of the Session for a period of 14 months and it has not been before Presbytery since 1885.

Anniston, AL April 23rd 1891

Russell Cecil, Moderator

Hebron Church, November 29th 1892. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend George F. Robertson, Moderator; Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. Reading of the minutes postponed. Misses Mattie Lavender and Ida McCracken   [64] presented themselves and upon Examination were received into full communion with the Church. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions Session

Hebron Church, October 29th 1893. Session met and constituted with prayer. Present: Reverend J. D. Archibald Brown [65], Moderator; Ruling Elders William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender. The minutes were read and approved. Louis A. Lavender elected delegate to the meeting Presbytery to convene at Stanton. William G. McCracken alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions Session

Footnotes:

64. Ida McCracken, daughter of J. S. McCracken.

65. Reverend J. D. Archibald Brown, b 1839/d 1923. Enlisted in Confederate Army in Moore County, NC at the age of 21. Reported absent/sick 3 Jul 1862 through Oct 1864. Returned to duty Nov/Dec 1864. Captured at Hatcher's Run, VA on 25 Mar 1865. Confined at Point Lookout, MD until released on 24 Jun 1985 after taking the oath of allegiance. Private Brown was a member of Company H, 26th NC Regiment. From the Washington Chronicle, 8 May 1889: On yesterday afternoon at six o’clock, a large number of ladies and gentlemen met at the [Mary Willis] library [in , Wilkes, GA] to witness the opening ceremonies. . . . by Rev. J.D.A. Brown. Minister at Sandy Springs Presbyterian Church, Hoke, NC 1913-1916. Buried in Bethesda Cemetery, Aberdeen, NC.

 

Hebron Church, July 29th 1894. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. D. Archibald Brown, Moderator; William G. McCracken and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The minutes read and approved. Mrs. Laura Spain and Mrs. C. P. Bouchillon were granted certificates of dismissal at their own request. William G. McCracken appointed delegate to Presbytery and Louis A. Lavender alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions Session

[the following record of the Congregational Meeting has been moved to its chronological place in these records]

Congregational Meeting, Hebron Church, March 10th 1895

To The Tuskaloosa Presbytery: The congregation of Hebron Church, being on sufficient grounds and well satisfied of the qualifications of Mr. John M. Munn, and having good hopes, from our past experiences of his labors, that his ministrations in the Gospel will be presentable to our spiritual interest, do earnestly request and desire, that, the serious Mr. John M. Munn be ordained Special Evangelist for the Sipsey Group of Churches, composed of Hebron, Bethesada, 1st, and Mt. Olivet; promising him, in the discharge of his duties, all proper support, encouragement and obedience in the Lord. And that he may be, in a measure be freed from worldly cares and woes we the members of this congregation, do hereby promise and oblige ourselves to pay the sum of one hundred and fifty dollars, in semi regular annual payments for half of his time, so long as his is continued in such service.

Upon a vote, the above was unanimously adopted.

Louis A. Lavender, Chairman

Hebron Church, August 30th 1895. Session met and constituted with prayer. Present: R. J. D. Dear, Moderator; Ruling Elders William G. McCracken, Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender. Reading the minutes postponed. Mr. and Mrs. Luther Patton Taylor and [his sister] Miss Ladosca Clementine Taylor were received from the M. E. Church, South. M. E. Lavender, Miss Annie McCracken and Walter Eugene Taylor, Sr. [66] presented themselves and were received on Examination into full communion. Mrs. Henry Jones was dismissed to the Presbyterian Church at Pleasant Ridge. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

66. Walter Eugene Taylor, b 2 Sep 1877/d21 Jul 1940. Son of Thomas Belton Taylor and Elizabeth Ann Rhodes. After his parents died in LA, Walter was raised by his grandfather James R. Rhodes and his 2nd wife Elmira Jane Gammill, who was Walter’s great-aunt. Luther Patton Taylor was Walter’s uncle, and Luther’s wife Sarah Ellen Rhodes, and Ladosca Clementine Taylor were his aunts.

 

Hebron Church, April 12th 1896. Session met and constituted with prayer. Present: William G. McCracken, Ruling Elder, acting Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The minutes were read and approved. The following narrative adopted:

Narrative on the State of Religion:

1. Our Stated Supply has preached to us regularly twice a month. Our officers are faithful in the discharge of all duties.

2. Our people are regular and prompt in their attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary.

3. We have many indications of the Holy Spirit’s presence to encourage us.

4. Our people are cheerful and entertain bright hope of the future. Six (6) additions.

5. Christian deportment and growth in grace of our members as such as to encourage a favorable report.

6. Fidelity of our members to labor in the Sabbath School is not as encouraging as we should like to report.

7. Family worship seriously neglected.

8. Whilst the observance of the Sabbath among Church members compares favorably with others, yet is not in strict accord with Divine Communion.

9. Our members worship the Lord with their substance as liberally as their abilities justify.

10. Intemperance is unknown, but we fear some of our young members are a little off on worldly amusements.

11. So far as the instruction in the Negro is concerned, he has placed himself beyond our reach.

12. We are putting forth some efforts to reach the spiritually destitute.

13. He is due Salary of Minister $415.00. We beg to state here that the Sipsey group of Churches, since the fall meeting of the Presbytery, has succeeded in erecting a very comfortable manse near the center of the group.

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 5; Number of Deacons - 1; Communicants added by Examination - 3; Communicants added by Certificate - 3; Total Communicants - 35; Adult Baptisms - 2; Infant Baptisms - 0; Baptisms of Non-Communicants - 4; Officers and Teachers in Sabbath School - 4; Scholars in Sabbath School - 18.

Contributions: Foreign Missions - $1.00; Local Home Missions - $7.20; Education - $5.00; Pastor Salary actually paid - $135.00; Congregational - $2.75; Miscellaneous - $42.50.

Louis A. Lavender, delegate to Presbytery made report and rec. Samuel Webster Bouchillon elected delegate to Presbytery, Louis A. Lavender, alternate. Adjourned with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Approved in Open Presbytery at Pleasant Ridge this 16th day April 1896 with following exception:

1. Not present in Presbytery since April, 1891.

2. No meeting of Session in 1892 or 1893.

3. No receipt of Reports on Narrative of State of Religion or Statistical Report for years 1892 - 95.

R. B. Morrow, Moderator

Hebron Church, April 11th 1897. Session met and opened with prayer.

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 5; Number of Deacons - 1; Communicants added on Certificate - none; Communicants added by Certificate - none; Total Communicants - 35; Adult Baptisms - 2; Infant Baptisms - 5; Baptisms of non-Communicants – 4.

Contributions: Funds Collected - $5.00; Pastor’s Salary actually paid - $100.00; Congregational - $3.00.

Louis A. Lavender elected Delegate to Presbytery; Curtis Irwin Eatman, alternate. Closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 26th 1897. Session met with prayer. A Certificate of dismissal was granted, at her own request, to Mrs. O. Meaders to join the Presbyterian Church at Clinton, Greene County, AL. Closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 6th 1898. Met with prayer. Statistical Report adopted and forwarded to Presbytery. Louis A. Lavender elected delegate to Presbytery and Curtis Irwin Eatman alternate. Excuses of delegate elected to Presbytery received and excused. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, March 24th 1901. Session met an opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. R. Trett, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Certificate of dismissal granted Mrs. J. A. Bouchillon to the Presbyterian Church at Reform, Pickens, AL. Louis A. Lavender elected delegate to Presbytery and Samuel Webster Bouchillon alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 28th 1901. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. R. Trett, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. At the request of Stated Clerk a Statistical Report was forwarded to said Clerk of the Presbytery. Expenses of Louis A. Lavender, principal, and Samuel Webster Bouchillon, alternate delegates to Presbytery were rendered and received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 10th 1903. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman and Louis A. Lavender, Elders, Professor Somerville [67] and William A. Morrow, Advisory Members. Louis A. Lavender appointed Committee on Correspondence with Committee on Sustentations. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 15th 1903. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Dr. D. Clay Lilly [68], Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Mr. Clay Snoddy [69]  and wife, Orman Morrow, H. H. Lavender, Miss Alma Lavender, Samuel Irwin Eatman, Ovid Raymond Eatman [70], Miss Minnie Eatman, Misses Lovie Gertrude and Ida Mae Taylor [71], and Miss Minnie Spencer appeared before the session and on Examination were received into full communion with the Church. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

67. Professor Somerville. This may be George W. Summerville, b abt 1817 SC. On 10 Jan 1846, he married Mary E. Baskin, b 5 Feb 1820/d 5 Oct 1846. 2nd marriage to Ann Hinton, b abt 1819 GA.

68. Reverend D. Clay Lilly served as Pastor at Ebenezer Church during 1902.

69. Clay Snoddy, b 13 Feb 1863. Son of Dr. Samuel Snoddy and Elizabeth Jane Morrow.

70. Ovid Raymond Eatman, b 31 Dec 1880. Son of Curtis Irwin Eatman and Mary Ann Snoddy.

71. Lovie Gertrude and Ida Mae Taylor. Daughters of Luther Patton Taylor and Sarah Ellen Rhodes. Gertrude, b 28 Jan 1889/d 27 Aug 1959 Oklahoma City, OK, married Robert Jackson West, b 24 Nov 1866/d 5 Jan 1959 Oklahoma City, OK. They lived for many years in Carbon Hill, Walker, AL. Ida Mae, b Apr 1892, married Joe Ernest Winters, b abt 1884. They lived in Reform, Pickens, AL.

 

Hebron Church, September 30th 1903. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Louis A. Lavender elected delegate to Presbytery and Samuel Webster Bouchillon alternate. Curtis Irwin Eatman elected delegate to Synod and Louis A. Lavender alternate. The following narrative was read and adopted, to wit:

Narrative on the State of Religion:

1. Our members are regular in their attendance upon the services of the Sanctuary.

2. Family worship is not generally observed.3. Our children receive training in the home and Sabbath School.

4. We know of no overt acts in violation of the Sabbath.

5. Our people contribute to the worship of the Lord as liberally, generally, as their means seems to justify.

6. We have not fully met our obligations to our Minister -- will arrange for full payment soon.

7. We enjoyed a series of meetings conducted by Dr. D. C. Lilly which demonstrated many evidences of spiritual life and growth, resulting in twelve (12) additions to the Church.

8. Worldly conformity does not prevail among our members.

9. We exercise some effort in evangelistic work outside our own congregation.

Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, October 11th 1903. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. A call was made for the election of two (2) Deacons, and announcement made from the pulpit that the Second Sabbath in November be appointed for said election if the way be found clear. Delegates to past meeting of Presbytery rendered excuses for non-attendance which were received. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, February 14th 1904. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. After discussing the question of replacing "The Lapsley [72]" on the Congo River, it was decided upon to devote our March collection to said cause. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Footnote:

72. The Lapsley was a boat used by Presbyterian missionaries Samuel Norvell Lapsley [b 1866 AL/d 26 Mar 1892 Congo] and William H. Sheppard. It is believed that Rev. James K. Lapsley was related to Samuel. [The story of how William and Samuel went became missionaries and their work in the Congo is related in many books and magazines.]

 

Hebron Church, March 13th 1904. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Curtis Irwin Eatman elected delegate to Presbytery and Louis A. Lavender alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 10th 1904. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Report on Systematic Beneficience was presented and adopted, to wit:

Systematic Beneficience: Foreign Missions - $6.15; General Assembly Home Missions - $2.00; Local Home Missions - $8.72; Collected Excess over Monthly Report - $2.50; Total $22.37.

Report Statistical Presentation - to wit:

Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons - 2; Communicants added by Examination - 10; Communicants added by Certificate - 2; Total Communicants - 24; Adult Baptisms - 9; Infant Baptisms - 0; Baptisms of non-Communicants - 0;

Contributions: Pastor’s Salary actually Paid - $75.00; Congregational - $13.85; Miscellaneous - $40.00.

Narrative of Session:

1. Prompt

2. Not general

3. Good

4. They do

5. Yes

6. Yes

7. Yes -- 12 additions

9. Not to any alarming extent

10. No organized work

The minutes were read and approved. Session closed with prayer,

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Approved with following exception:

1. Record not before Presbytery since 1091.

2. No record of members received on profession August 15th 1903 having been baptized.

Greensboro, AL

Jonathan Seor, Moderator; Tuscaloosa Presbytery

Hebron Church, May 22nd 1904. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Louis A. Lavender, Samuel Webster Bouchillon; Louis A. Lavender, Moderator. Mr. John S. McCracken and daughters, Misses Ida and Annie McCracken were granted certificates of dismission to join the Central Presbyterian Church, Birmingham, AL. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, August 15th 1904. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. A committee consisting of the officers of the Church was appointed to solicit contributions for the necessary repairs for the Church building. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions Session

Hebron Church, September 11th 1904. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. Curtis Irwin Eatman was elected delegate to Presbytery which convenes at Aliceville, AL, October 5, 1904, and Samuel Webster Bouchillon, alternate. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

Hebron Church, April 9th 1905. Session met and opened with prayer. Present: Reverend J. A. Berry, Moderator; Curtis Irwin Eatman, Samuel Webster Bouchillon, and Louis A. Lavender, Elders. The minutes were read and approved. The following Statistical Report was adopted, to wit:Statistical Report: Number of Elders - 3; Number of Deacons - 2; Communicants added by Examination - 0; Communicants added by Certificate - [illegible]; Baptisms of non-Communicants - 2

Contributions: Foreign Missions - $4.40; General Assembly Home Missions - $2.75; Local Home Missions - $5.00; Collected in Excess - $1.25; Min. - $2.75; Education - $4.08; Publications] - $9.02 Miscellaneous - [illegible]; Presbytery - $4.00; Pastor’s Salary actually paid - $75.25

Narrative of the Session:

1. Attendance upon the services good

2. Family worship not general observed

3. Observance of the Lord’s Day good

4. Have no Sabbath School

5. We respond to all calls

6. Paid in full

7. No special evidences of Spiritual growth

8. To no great extent

9. No

Samuel Webster Bouchillon elected delegate to Presbytery which meets at Livingston, AL, the 11th instant and Curtis Irwin Eatman, alternate. The minutes were read and approved. Session closed with prayer.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Sessions

At an informal meeting of the Session of Hebron Church, Dr. I. R. Eatman was at his request granted a Certificate of dismissal to the First Presbyterian Church of Gadsden, AL, on the 22nd of April 1910. By order of Session.

Louis A. Lavender, Clerk of Session

per Curtis Irwin Eatman

Deaths

Andrew Bartholamew Rhodes [b 30 Nov 1853/d 4 Apr 1870]

Mrs. Eleanor Lavender [b abt 1794 SC]

Miss Mary Florence Morrow, April, 1874

Mrs. Martha Jane Wood, 1874

James G. Harris [b 1825 SC]

James W. Miller [b 1837/d 1876]

Mrs. James G. Harris

Mrs. Richard C. Bonds [nee Ophelia Ann Morrow]

Mrs. James Cunningham Storey [nee Ann Morrow]

Lemuel B. Peebles