Delegates from these eight Churches met on the 26th of May, 1796. A champion of truth -- one of the most learned and eloquent of all those sufferers for the conscience's sake when the storm of persecution swept over the Baptist ranks in Virginia -- was David Thomas,¹ pastor of the Washington Church, who preached the introductory sermon: "Let us draw near with a true heart," &c. Heb. 10:22.

     James Turner was chosen Moderator, and Donald Holmes, Clerk.

     Washington numbered ninety members; Mayslick, one hundred and thirty; Bracken, one hundred and fifty-six; Stonelick, fifty-eight; Ohio Locust, twenty-five; Licking Locust, eleven; Richland Creek, thirteen; making five hundred and thirty-nine members in the Association, and seven ordained ministers.

     Among the first resolutions passed by the body, was the following:
"Agreed, that for the supply of destitute Churches, our ministers be enrolled, and the work divided among them."

     Soon after, a minister was appointed, and paid to devote his time to the destitute parts of the county. Thus again did these first Churches prove their missionary spirit -- unsurpassed by any denomination in similar circumstances. Two other Churches were added to the Association, and at the close of the century the Association numbered six hundred and twenty-three. Two other Associations existed in the State, Salem, and South Kentucky. To these our investigations will be directed.

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     ¹ The life of this old blind preacher is replete with interest, and shall soon appear in the pages of the Repository.

[From Samuel H. Ford, editor, The Christian Repository, September, 1856. Transcribed and formatted by Jim Duvall.]

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Chapter Eight of Ford's Baptist History
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