In December, 1856, the church met in a business session to decide on the most scriptural plan for the organization of a church. After much discussion it adopted the rules of the Southern Convention governing a church and the following is a quote from the record of this meeting: |
The church in compliance with above plan of organization proceeded to elect a committee to wait on disorderly members. The following were chosen: R. L. Tickle, Thomas Palmer, William H. Swaim, Phillip Wayneck. For Treasurer—William Love. James A. Underwood and Eli Iseley were collectors and A. B. Tickle Secretary and Sexton.
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A motion recorded January, 1896, reads: |
. . . These early members were very sincere in their loyalty to the church, and adhered very closely to their beliefs. During the next fifty years the records show that many times some member was brought before the church for various offenses. In some cases the records show that someone was expelled from the church for some offense such as stealing, intoxication, intemperance, public drunkenness, bastardy, and many others. |
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In April, 1898, a motion was adopted by the church. |
. . . whereas dancing is a sin, therefore be it resolved that any member of this church engaging in any form of dancing shall be considered guilty of disorderly conduct and dealt with accordingly.
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. . . whereas the Bible forbids reveling and jesting, and whereas this church has been dedicated to God as a place for Divine worship, therefore it is resolved that no entertainment or amusements shall be held here.
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Everyone is always interested in finances. The members were assessed a yearly fee for the support of the church. The males were to pay one dollar ($1); the females pay fifty cents ($.50); and children twenty-five cents ($.25). For many years and as late as 1898, records show that the sexton was paid five dollars ($5) per year and the minister was paid one hundred twenty-five dollars ($125) per year. That same year records show that a man and his wife were, at their request, granted letters of dismissal to join another church and the secretary was ordered to not furnish these persons letters of recommendation until they contributed some reasonable amount to the support of the church. |
In January, 1911, a motion was adopted: |
. . . that the collector’s roll and the amount each person has paid during the last year be read at the Sunday Service each year.
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