Bewleyville, Breckinridge co., Kentucky
United Baptist church, 1860 – 1914
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Articles of Faith of the United Baptist Church called Bewleyville, Breckenridge Co., Ky. as adopted when constituted Monday 10th of December 1860.
1st
Of the Scriptures – We believe the Holy Bible was written by men divinely inspired and is a perfect treasure of Heavenly instruct, that it has God for its author, Salvation for its end, and truth without any mixture of error for its matter; that it reveals the principles by which God will judge us; and therefore is, and shall remain to the end of the world, the true Center of Christian union, and the supreme standard by which all human conduct, creeds and opinions should be tried.
2nd
Of the true God – That there is one, and only one true and living God, whose name is Jehovah, the Maker and Supreme ruler of Heaven and Earth, inexpressibly glorious in holiness; worthy of all possible confidence and love; revealed under the personal and relative distinction of Father, Son, and Holy Gost; equal in every divine perfection and executing distinct but harmonious offices in the great work of redemption.
3rd
Of the Fall of Man – That man was created in a state of Holiness under the law of his Maker, but by voluntary confessions fell from that holy and happy state; in consequence of which all mankind are now Sinners not by Constraint but Choice; being by nature utterly void of holiness acquired by the Law of God, wholy given to the gratification of the world, of Satan, and their sinful passions, and therefore under just condemnation to eternal ruin, without deference, or excuse.
4th
Of the Way of Salvation – That the Salvation of Sinners is wholly of one through the Mediationial office of the Son of God, who took upon him our Nature, yet without Sin; honored the law by his personal obedience, and Made atonement for our sins by his death; being risen from the dead, He is now enthroned in Heaven; and uniting in his wonderful person the tenderest Sympathies with divine perfection, is every way qualified to be a suitable, a compassionate and an all sufficient Savior.
5th
Of Justification – That the great Gospel Blessings, which Christ of his fullness bestowes on Such as believe in Him, is justification; that justification consists in the pardon of Sin and the promise of eternal life, on principles of righteousness that is bestowed not in consideration of any works of righteousness we have done, but Solely through his own redemption and righteousness; that it brings us into a State of Most blessed peace and favor with God, and Secures every other blessing needful for time and Eternity.
6th
Of the Freeness of Salvation – That the blessings are Made free to all by the Gospel; that it is the immediate duty of all to accept them by a Cordial and obedient faith; and that nothing prevents the Salvation of the greatest Sinners on Earth, except his own voluntary refusal to Submit to the Lord Jesus Christ; which refusal will subject him to an agravates Condemnation.
7th
Of Grace in Regeneration – That in order to be saved, we must be regenerated or born again; that Regeneration Consists in giving a holy disposition to the Mind, and is affected in a manner above our Comprehension or Calculation by the power of the Holy Spirit, so as to secure our voluntary obedience to the Gospel and that its proper evidence is found in the holy fruit which we bring forth to the Glory of God.
8th
Of God’s Purpose of Grace – That election is the gracious purpose of God, according to which he regenerates, Sanctifies, and saves sinners; that being perfectly consist with the free agency of Man, it comprehends all the means in connection with the end; that it is a most glorious display of God’s Sovereign goodness, being infinitely wise, holy and unchangeable; that it utterly excludes boasting, and promotes humility, prayer, and praise, trust in god, and active imitation of his free mercy; that it encourages the use of means in the highest degree; that it is ascertained by its effects in all who believe the Gospel; is the foundation of Christian appurence; and that to ascertain it with regard to ourselves; demands and deserves utmost diligence.
9th
Of the Perserverance of the Saints – That such only are real believers as endure unto the end; that their perservering attachment to Christ is the grand mark which distinguishes them from superficial professers; that a Special providence watches over their welfare; and they are kept by the power of God through faith unto Salvation.
10th
Harmony of the Law and Gospel – That the Law of God is the eternal and unchangeable rule of his moral government; that it is Holy, just and good; and that the inability which the scriptures ascribe to fallen men to fulfil its precepts, arise entirely from their love of sin; to deliver them from which, and restore them through a mediator to unfeigned obedience to the holy Law, is one great end of the gospel and of the meanes of grace connected with the establishment of the visible Church.
11th
Of a Gospel Church – That a visible Church of Christ is a Congregation of Baptised believers associated by Covenant in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel; observing the ordinances of Christ; governed by his Laws; and exercising the gifts, rights and privileges invested in them by his word; that its only proper offices are Bishops, or Pastors, and deacons; whose qualifications, claims and duties are defined in the Epistle to Timothy and Titus.
12th
Of Baptism and the Lords Supper – That Christian Baptism is the immersion of a believer in water, in the name of the Father, Son and Spirit; to show forth in a Solemn and beautiful emblem, our faith in a Crucified, buried, and risen Savior. That it is a prerequisite to the privileges of a Church relation; and to the Lords Supper, in which the Members of the Church by the use of bread and wine, are to commemorate together the dying love of Christ; preceded always of solemn self examination.
13th
Of the Christian Sabbath – That the first day of the week is the Lords day or Christian Sabbath, and is to be kept sacred to religious purposes, by abstaining from all secular labor and recreation; by the devout observance of all the means of grace, both private and public; and by preparation for that Rest that remainth for the people of God.
14th
Of Civil Government – That Civil Government is of divine appointment, for the interest and good order of human society; and that Magistrates are to be prayed for, conscientiously honored, and obeyed, except in things opposed to the will of our Lord Jesus Christ, who is the only lord of the conscience, and the Prince of the Kings of the Earth.
15th
Of the Righteous and the Wicked – That there is a radical and essential difference between the Righteous and the Wicked; that such only as through Faith are justified in the name of our Lord Jesus and Sanctified by the Spirit of our God, are truly Righteous in his esteem; while all such as Continue in impenitence and unbelief are in his sight wicked, and under the curse; and this distinction holds among men both in and after death.
16th
Of the World to Come – That the end of the world is approaching; that at the Last day Christ will descend from Heaven, and raise the dead from the grave to final retribution; That a solemn separation will then take place; that the wicked will be adjudged to endless punishment; and the Righteous to endless joy; and that this judgement will fix forever the final State of men in Heaven or Hell, on principles of righteousness.
Church Covenant
Having been, as we trust, brought by divine grace to embrace the Lord Jesus Christ and to give up ourselves wholly to Him; we do now solemnly and joyfully covenent with each other, to walk together in Him with brotherly love, to His glory as our common Lord. We so, therefore, in His strength engage, that we will exercise a mutual care as members one of another, to promote the growth of the whole body in Christian knowledge, holiness and comfort, to the end that we may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. That to promote and secure this object, we will uphold the public worship of God, and the ordinances of his house; and hold constant communion with each therein; that we will cheerfully contribute of our property for the support of the poor and for the maintanance of a faithful ministry of the Gospel among us. That we will not omit closet and family religion at home; nor allow ourselves in the too common neglect of the great duty of religiously training up our children and those under our care, with a view to the service of Christ and the enjoyment of Heaven. That we will walk circumspectly in the world; That we may win their souls; remembering that God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power and of love, and of a sound mind; that we are the light of the world and the salt of the Earth, and that a City set on a hill cannot be hid. That we will frequently exhort and if occasion shall require, admonish one another, according to Matthew 18th, in the spirit of Meekness; considering ourselves, lest we also be tempted, and that, as in Baptism we have been buried with Christ and raised again, so there is on us a special obligation thenceforth to walk in newness of life. And may the God of peace, who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make us perfect in every good work to do His will; working in us that which is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen
Appended by A. S. English
Rules of Decorum of the Church of Jesus Christ Called Bewleyville Breckenridge County Kentucky do agree that the following Rules shall be their discipline to wit.
1st
The Church do agree to meet once a Month at Eleven Oclock and go into business being opened by Prayer.
2nd
Invite visiting Brethren to sit with us in council; Read the Rules of Decorum; then attend to unfinished business. Next to greviancies; then to what-ever the Church may think best.
3rd
Any member speaking relative to business claiming the attention of the Church shall first arise from his seat and address the Moderater, but shall not speak more than three times to the same subject without leave from the Church.
4th
Any member has the privilege to call for the vote of the Church when they think the subject has been sufficiently debated.
5th
Any motion with a second shall be heard except withdrawn by the parties; but a motion not seconded shall fall.
6th
It shall be the privilege of any member to have an opportunity offered for the reception of members.
7th
It may be the privilege of the Church to Site any member when they neglected their seats more than two meetings.
8th
Any member being agrieved shall trie for a reconciliation agreeable to the 18th chapter of Matthew before it shall be taken up by the Church; never-the-less for public offences public dealings.
9th
Any member shall have the privilege to call to order when they think proper.
10th
Two members rising to speak the last one up shall take his seat til the first has spoken.
11th
No member in debate shall strike at the feelings of another; such conduct shall be considered unchristian like and demand the reproof of the Moderater.
12th
The Church agrees to Commune quarterly Viz; January, April, July and October, and settle with their Deacons at the ensuing meeting.
13th
Resolved that all Matters that Come before us shall be determined by a Majority.
14th
It shall be the privilege of any four members Meeting on Church Meeting day to go into business and what they do shall be Conclusive.
The Sabbath to govern our day of Meeting
Resolution
Agreed that the Articles of Faith Church Covenant or Rules of Decorum, May be altered or amended by a Majority vote after one Months notice of same shall have been given in writing of the alteration proposed to be made.
On Monday the 10th of December 1860 By Request some United Baptist brethren met at Bewleyville Breckenridge Co Ky; To take into consideration the propriety of organising a Church at the above named place. Elders Geo. H. Hicks of Salem Association residing in Hardin Co Ky and Wm Head of Goshen Association Resident of Breckenridge Co and Member of Walnut Grove Church also from Hill Grove Church Brethren Sam. B. Williams D. Smith T. Roberts E. A. Shacklett A. Shacklett W. Kendal D. J. Saunders J. D. Richardson and J Shacklett. They proceeded to organise by appointing Eld. Wm Head Moderater & D Smith Cleark. 1st on Motion of Brethren & Sisters desiring to go into the Constitution were requested to hand in their Letters when Brethren A. S. English, George P. Park, David Buckhanan, and Wm Hughes,
and Sisters Jane Park, Lucy McCans, Martha J. Hughes, Catherine Hall, Lucretia Buchanan, Jemima Bramlett, Letitia Anderson, presented their Letters.
They presented their Articles of Faith and Church Covenant which was read and considered orthodox.
After the usual Formula on Motion the Committee pronounced them a regular Constituted United Baptist Church of Jesus Christ Called Bewleyville Prayers by Elder G. H. Hicks the right hand of Fellowship extended by the Ministry of Brethren.
Sermon by Elder G. H. Hicks appropriate to the occasion. Twas agreed that the Clerk Send a Copy to the Western Recorder for publication.
Eld Wm Head Mo. D Smith Clerk
Names of Male Members
Addison S. English---Constituted on---Dismissed by letter
George P. Park---Constituted on---Dismissed by letter
David Buchanan---Constituted on---Dismissed by letter
William Hughes---Constituted on---Died
Daniel J. Saunders
B J Blissit---Dismissed by Letter
John K Ditto---Dismissed by letter
William N Drewery (Note: Drury is written in small letters above the name Drewery)
William Beard
William H. Williams---Dismissed by letter
Jacob Lasley---Dismissed by Letter
R. J. Stith---Dead
Archa Anderson---Dismissed by Letter
George P. Paul---relative
H. Grayham Johnson---Dismissed by Letter---relative
Slaughter cld---Dismissed by Letter
John C Taylor---By Letter
John T Hall---Granted Letter of Dismissal
J M Walker---Rec by letter from Otter Creek
Absalom Shackett---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Robert J Stith---Rec by Exp of Baptism
J W Skillman---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Nathan G Clark---Rec by Letter Dismissed by Letter
Samuel Leslie---Rec by Relative
Alexander Houas---Rec by letter from Hill Grove Dead
Benj G Taylor---Rec by Letter from Hill Grove Expelled
H C McGlasson (name lined through)---dismissed by Letter from Forks of Otter
Jarrett W Hughs---Rec Exp & Baptism
Alfred Tate---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Charles Stith---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Richard E McAtee---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Richard M Hodges---Letter from Hill Grove 1876
Sargent P Drury---Rec by Exp & Baptism
William B Hodges---Rec by letter from Hill Grove May 28, 1876
Zachary T Payne---Rec by Letter from Buck Grove May 28 1976 Dismissed by Letter
John Clark---Rec by Exp & Baptism Mar 25 1876
Michael Showmate---Rec by letter from Hill Grove Sept 23, 1876
Names of Female Members
Jane Park---Constituted on---Dismissed by Letter
Lucy McCans---Constituted on---Dead
Martha Hughes---Constituted on---Dead
Catherine Hall---Constituted on---Letter of dismissal to Garnetsville Church
Lucretia Buchanan---Constituted on---Letter of dismissal
Jemima Bramlet---Constituted on
Letitia Anderson---Constituted on
Rebecca A Spiers---Constitued on
Ann Stith---By letter
Jane Saunders---By letter---Dead
Nancy W Trisey---Dead
John Ann Trisy
Mannina Blissit---Dismissed by Letter
Elizabeth Ditto---Dead
Cary Drewrey---Dismissed by letter
Matilda A Yakey---Dismissed by Letter
Molly E Park---Dismissed by letter
Lucinda Green---Dismissed by letter
Sadie Hardin Carlton---Dismissed by letter
Minnie Sanders
Martha Bewley Woolvertin
Martha Hall---Dead
Maria Spiers
Lucy Fisher---Dismissed by Letter
Margret Blisset---Dismissed by Letter
Amelia J Buckhauore---Dismissed by Letter
Nancy E Buckhauore---Dismissed by Letter
Maria E Williams---Dismissed by Letter
Matilda Lasley---Dismissed by Letter
Manerva McCans---Rec by letter Dismissed by Letter
Annis H Stith Beasley---Joined by Letter
Nancy Paul (wife of G. P. Paul)---by relation
Eliza Bramlett---Exp & Baptism
Chathran Hughs---Expelled
Kitty Brown (lined through)
Elizabeth Taylor
Susan Hoagis---By letter Aug 24, 1872
Nancy E Smith---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Annie Shacklett---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Richd Ann Spiers---Exp & Baptism
Eugenia McGlasson---(named lined through) Rec by letter Nov 30, 1874 Dismissed by
Letter
Nancy Skillman---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Mary Hodges---Rec by Lettor of Hill Grove
Mary J Dowell---Rec by Letter of Highland Church
Mary E McGlasson---Dead---Rec by Letter from New Salem
Rebecca A Spiers---died
Ellen Adams---Rec by Exp & Baptism
Isabel Tate---Rec by Exp of Baptism
Mary E Drury---Rec by Exp of Baptism
Bill Hodges---Rec by letter from Hill Grove
Susan Triplett---Rec by letter of Otter Creek
Amailla Payne---Rec by Letter from Buck Grove May 28, 1876 Dismissed Letter
Willie Pool---Rec by Letter from Goshen Mar 28 1876
Lucy May---Rec by Esp & Baptism May 25, 1876
Sarah L Clark---Rec by Exp of Baptism May 25, 1876
Ann Anderson---Rec by Letter from Brandenburg Ch
Susan E Bandy---Rec by Letter from Otter Creek Ch
Edwina Shoemate---Rec by letter from Hill Grove Sept 23, 1876
Names of Colored Members
Malvina Belonging to Louisa Chick---By Baptism
Matilda Harris Belonging to Peyton Henderson---Letter – dismissal letter
Joshway Clater James Dory---relative – excluded
Kitty Brown---Joined Exp & Baptism
Andersin Goodwin---Dismissed by Letter
Kitty Kasey---Expelled
Louisa Ann Brown---Joined Exp & Baptism
Ann M Cook---Joined Exp of Baptism – Excluded
Rose Brown---Joined Expression of Baptism
Peggy Young---Joined Exp of Baptism
Saturday before the third Sunday in December 1860 – Church met and after Prayers by Bro Buchanan. 1st A. S. English as Moderater until the Church could regularly go into the Election of Officers. 2nd Brother David Buchanan was elected Moderater and George P. Park Clerk and A. S. English assistan whose business twill be to record the doing of the Church. 3rd By motion and second twas unanimously agreed that Elder Wm L. Morris be called to take the Pastorate Charge of the Church and Br A. S. English be a committee to inform him of same, there being no further business claiming the attention of the Church, after Prayer by Br A S English adjourned to meet Saturday before the 3rd Sunday in January. David Buchanan Mo / G P Park Clk