The Forks of Elkhorn Baptist Church was formed in 1788 as an "arm" of the South Elkhorn Church. At its constitution, William Hickman, one of the first Baptist ministers in Kentucky, became the pastor, where he remained many years. It is stated that William Hickman baptized as many persons as any other minister in the state. His style of preaching, as described by John Taylor, was "plain and solemn, and the sound of it like thunder in the distance; but when he became animated, it was like thunder at home, and operated with prodigious force on the consciences of his hearers." Under the supervision of William Hickman, the Forks of Elkhorn Church was one of the best administered churches in Kentucky, and its minutes, therefore are of great importance as illustrating how a Baptist church on the early frontier was managed. - WWS
[The grammar, spelling, and capitalization are unchanged. - Jim Duvall] 1800 - 2nd Saturday in January The Church met at Mr Browns and after Worship proceeded to busness
1st the Query from our last taken up and Debated & refer'd to our next meeting Feby [rest of date cut off when book was trimmed]
1800 - 2nd Saturday March the Church met and after Worship proceeded to business
1st the Query from our last referd
2ndly, there was a Complaint lodged against David formerly the property of N Sanders & Bro R Wooldridge is appointed to Cite him to our next meeting
3rdly agreed that the friday before the Second Saturday in May be appointed as a day of fasting and prayer & that the Whole Church be Desired to attend on Saturday to enquire into their Standing and that it be Communion the Lords day following2nd Saturday in Ap'l 1800 The Church met and after Divine worship proceeded to Business
Bro Hickman informed the Church that Several Members of this Church living on the ohio wish to Join a Constitution in that plan (Viz) at the mouth of Kenty and this Church has agreed to give them up to Said Constitution their names are Mary Lindsay Elizabeth Bledso & John the property of Jer'h Craig
The Complaint against David is referd to our next meetng & brothren Hayden & Hall is appointed to Cite him to come at that time Also bro R Wooldridge is appointed to Cite Sarah
Church Set the Lords day morning following and recd by letter Bro Thos Wooldridge & wife
The Query from our last meeting respecting giving the right hand of fellowship answer'd that it is right to give the right hand of fellowship before Baptism
2nd Saturday in June the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st a letter from the Church at Portwilliam respecting the excommunication of Robt Scandland taken up & after Debate it is Dismist
2nd the Charge against Bro Wm Ballard Brot By Bro Cash for Drinking to an excess at his request, is refer'd to our next meeting
3rdly Hannah the property of Benjamin Garnet is excluded from this Church for Whoredom
Ye Church Set the Lords Morning following and recd by recommendation Billy Belonging to Geo Madison2nd Saturday in July the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
recd by Experience Condorces Belonging to Jas Saunders
Bro Ballard appeared before the Church made acknowledgements of his fauts and the Chu,rch acquitted him. and the Church has agreed to give him a letter of Dismission Brethn Hickman Haydon and Scott is appointed as Messengers to our next association and they are also to prepare a letter against our next Church Meeting which is to be the 1st Saturday in August
Recd by recommendation Sister Frances Mastin.
also by Experience Betsy Majors -1800 1st Saturday in August the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
The letter to the Association read and approved of
recd by Experience Nancy Berryman -
open'd Church Lords Day morning & upon the request of Bro Fender & wife the Church agreed to give them letters of Dismission2nd Saturday in Sept The Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business
Bro Hickman requested leave to baptize persons in the extreme parts of the Church and Desired that they should then be considered as Members of this Church, and the Church has agreed to Consider it till our next Meeting
it is agreed that it be considered till our next Meeting whether it is a Duty, the laying on of hands on Baptized persons or not
rec'd and Baptized John Rutherford Elizabeth Samuel & Aggness Ware3rd Lords Day the Church Set & recd by letter Bro Saml Price
2nd Saturday in October the Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business
Recd by letter Sister Ruhama Thompson
at brother George Craigs request he is to have a letter of Dismission
Bro Hickmans request from our last Meeting taken up & withdrawn __________
the Query respecting the Duty of laying on of hands on newly Baptized persons referd to our next Meeting
Recd by Exper & Baptism Nancy Fitzgerald & E Poe2nd Saturday in Novr the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
Recd by recommindation Sister Olimp Trabur
The following persons rec'd by experience & Baptism Wm Wares Cate, Susanna Peek. Nancy Haydon & the Church Set the Lords day following & recd Haydon Edwards -- also Elizabeth Gibbson
The Query from our last Meeting still continued
Quere what is the proper time of the day to administer the Lords Supper
Church Set the 5th Lords Day & recd by Experience Jane Scott. Sister Anderson Elijah Anderson Two Sister Peeks The following persons recd at Different times & places by Experience and Baptism
[Do=ditto. - jrd]
1 Jno. Bartlet 31 Giles Samuel 2 Sally Bartlete 32 Wm Samuel 3 Keziah Colvert 33 Danl Peek 4 Nancy Rowlet 34 Thos. Martin 5 Danl Rowlet 35 Jno. Edwards 6 Bro. Goar's, Will 36 Bro. Peek's Thame 7 Do .. Lyddia 37 Jno Stevens 8 Alexander Andrews 38 Martha Stevens 9 _____ Andrews 39 Patsy Majors 10 Susannah Edwards 40 Bro. Hubbles -- Joan II Jno. Browns Isabel 41 Jemimah Robison 12 Jesse Cole 42 Martin Nale 13 _____ Bradly 43 Bird Hendricks 14 Jemimah Nancock 44 Benjamin Step 15 Sally Haydon 45 Susanah Price 16 Betsy Haydon 46 Patsy Gano 17 Ginny Hicklin 47 James West 18 Sarah Hall 48 Horatio Clift 19 Susannah Hencock 49 Lucy Samuel 20 Agness Ware 50 Bro. Maj'rs Robbin 21 Polly Hickman 51 Dupuys Mingo 22 Charity Rogers 52 Sister Cole 23 Elijah Rogers 53 ______ Hendrick 24 Jesse Rogers 54 ______ Nale 25 Wm Hubble 55 Nancy Samuel 26 Jno. Price 56 Seth Ramsay 27 Nancy Smythers 57 John Green 28 James Peek 58 Elijah Martin 29 Chas. Palmer 59 James Majors 30 ____ Sparks 61 Bro. J Price's Phill & Anak 62 Jno. Browns Hannah 65 Mr Asa Bells Caty 63 Bro. G Samuel's Pender 66 Conny Anderson 64 Bro. Stevens's N Woman 67 Elijah anderson2nd Saturday in Feby. the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
Colo. John Logans Ned offer'd his repentance for his bad conduct he gave Satisfaction and the Church agreed to Send to the Church at S Elkhorn for a letter of Dismission
at the request of the following Member they are Dismiss'd from this Church to Join in a Constitution Wm & Obedience Hickman Gilbert and Lucy Christian Jno. Major & Nancy Berryman
Mr. Garnets Sue Excluded for lying Tattling and ungarded conversation
Theoderick Bowler is excluded for immoral conduct & not hearing the church
The Church Set the Lords Day morning & rec'd Polly Smither by letter also a Negro Woman by repentance Sally the property of Dan'l Gano
Rec'd by letter Sister Agness Smith also Lucy Ramsy by letter
Rec'd by Do & Bm James Haydin Junn Wm Rowlet
Rec'd also Sister Pemberton & Ryland Shackle ford
Rec'd by letter Ned Belonging to Colo Logan
Rec'd down on elkhorn the following persons
Gore Wm Rowlet Bro. Gore's Lewis
2nd Saturday in March the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
at Sister Simonus's request by bro Hickman the Church has agreed to give her a letter of Dismission
Rec'd by letter Sister Price
Rec'd by recommendation Sister Elizabeth Rutherford
Rec'd by letter Bro Benjamin Edrington & Wife
Rec'd by experience Betsy Hickman
Rec'd by recommendation Bro Joseph Baker & Wife
Rec'd by experience Pompey belonging to Bro Jno. Major -
Rec'd by Experience Peter belonging to Bro Jno Price
The Church has agreed that Bro Wooldridge & Bro. Scott is at liberty to Exercise their Gift when and where they may think proper
The following persons rec'd the Lords Day Morning by letter Sister Elizabeth Ship. also Jno. Alfred Head by Repentance Bro. Major's, James by experience Susanna Major Nancy Gibson Lettuce Ewing. Lewis Stevens & Hannah belonging to Bro. Major - also - Bro. Henry Martin by letter.
Rec'd at Different times
by letter Sally Mitchel & Betsy Smythers
by repentance Theodorick Bowler
Rec'd by Experience Ramsey Bowler
Mary Pemberton Ryland Shackleford Betsy Baker Betsy Samuel, Nicholas Ware, Zachariah Pullam, Edward Roberts Dinal Rutherford & John Smythers
Rec'd at the Mouth of Elkhorn
Jas. Hayden Jr. Wm. Rowlet Isaac Goar Sally Goar, Nancy Goar Barnet Clemens & Bro Goars Lewis -
2nd Friday in April the Church met agreeable to appointment and after Divine Worship proceeded to business -
at the request of an arm of the Church at the Mouth of Elkhorn and Cedar by Bro. John Bartlet for letters of Dismission in order to Constitute a Church in that place - The Church has agreed to their request - Their Names are William Goar Polley Goar - Wm Rowlet Sister Rowlet Elijah Colvert Charity Colvert Sister Stevens Jno. Bartlet Sally Bartlett Keziah Colvert Dan'l Rowlet Nancy Rowlet Wm, Rowlet Jr. Isaac Goar Sister Goar Patsy Goar Bernard Clemens Jas. Hayden Will, Lydia & Lewis, black people belonging to Bro Goar
Query is our present mode of receiving Members right or agreeable to the principles of the Gospel
Rec'd by repentance Sister Sarah Pullam
Rec'd by Experience Susannah Knap
Rec'd by Experience William Marshal also Benjamin Hickman James O Neal2nd Saturday in April the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
Opened a Door for the reception of Members &
rec'd by Experience John Hickman, Peter Bainbridge, Cyrus Jackson, John Hickling, Betsy Hickling, James Hickling, Polly Edrington, John Ware - Susannah Hancock - Judith Bledso Polly Smythy
Rec'd by repentance Richard Ship -
Rec'd also by experience Elizabeth Gale
The Church has agreed upon request Ye the following Members be Dismiss'd for Constitution up the N Fork of Elkhorn Thos. Bradly Elijah Rogers Andw. Rogers Charity Rogers Conny Anderson & Elijah Anderson
Opened a Door for the reception of Members on Saturday evening at the Meeting house and rec'd by experience Wm Montgomery & Madrid Jackson - Lords Day Morning recd Hannah Hill Jesse Browns Judah Mr. Fitzgeralds Molly Patsy Hickman Bro Davis's Fanny By letter Wm. & Nancy Green -
Dismiss'd by letter Hannah Hill
2nd Saturday in May the Church met and Divine worship proceeded to Business
Rec'd by Experience the following persons, Polly Ware Elizabeth Marshal; Robert O Neal; John Baker; James Robison; Hannah a black woman belonging to old Sister Saml Eleoner Roberts; Jenny, belonging to Bro. Jno. Samuels Benjamin Stevens; Patsy Robison, Elizabeth Martin George Brown, Jr. -
The Query respecting our present Mode of receiving Members Lost
The Church has agreed that Meetings be Appointed either Day or night in any part or Bounds of this Church to hear experience whereever Bro Hickman may think proper -
upon request the following Members are Dismiss'd from this Church for a Constitution up Glens Creek James Ford & Wife William Green & Wife Rich'd Ship & Wife Seth Ramsey & Wife Fanny Turpin
at a Meeting prior to this the following mode for receiving Members was adopted & is now agreed to be right Viz that the person Who offers his experience & is approved of is to have the right hand of fellowship & to be told that when Baptized he Shall have a right to all the privileges of the Church
Saturday Evening the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business & rec'd by Experience Robert Hickling; John Brown Jr a Black woman belonging to Bro. Wm. Brown Named Sarah Saml, Gravat, James a Black man belonging to Geo, Madison; James Ware Jr.; Benjamin Garnet; Frances Bartlet,
Church Set the Lords Day Morning following & Rec'd by Experience Polly Brownat Meeting at Sister Bowlers the 12th Day of May the following person were rec'd by experience Viz Patsy Bowler Iverson Ware & James ware
at a Meeting held Wm. Ware's the Church Set & rec'd by experience Patsy Samuel
at a Meeting at Bro. Hickmans the Church set & rec'd by Experience Sandersat a Meeting at Bro. Giles Samuels the Church Set & recd by Exp'ce Wm Brown Jr. Ja. Ware, Polly Brown Sally Brown Ross Rebekah Ware & Ben belonging to Wm. Ware Geo Browns Nick . . . .
at a Meeting at Baker Ewing's 2nd Tuesday in June the Church Set & recd by Experience Benj'n Martin
2nd Saturday in June the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
Open'd a Door for hear experience & rec'd Colo. Logans N Woman Chainy, Milly Sparks Joseph Edrington Patsy Crutcher by expe'ce
by repentance Sanders belonging to Sister Wooldrige
at the req't of Bro. O Dare he is Dissmd also Bro. Garnet & Wife Dismiss'd.
The following persons recd on Saturday evening of Lords day Morning -- Morgan Bryant Elizabeth Edrington Sister Anderson Betsy Palmer. Sister Sam'ls Jack Geo Madisons Sarah Head rec'd by repentance Charles & Gilly2nd Saturday in July the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business. . . . . .
1st a Charge was brought by Bro. William Brown against Sarah his Negro Woman for theft and lying it was proved to the satisfaction of the Church and no Satisfaction rec'd she is excluded -
Opened a Door for to hear Experience and recd Polly Reed Ambrose Jeffreys - also Sister Sam'ls Jenny
at Bro. Stouts request he and his wife is to have a letter Dismission - also Bro. Edmond Poe at his request is to have a letter of Dismission
Query; whether the Office of Elders is completely fill'd in this Church agreeable to scripturesat a Meeting at Mr. Smeathers on thursday night the following persons were recd by experience
Dorothy Stepp Joseph Hough & Bro. Wood Davis's Negro Woman Hannah . . .
A Charge was brought against Bro Ross by Bro. Haydon, from Information of Drinking to an excess Breo. Edw'ds & Hubble to Cite him to Next Meeting
Brethren Hickman Haydon and Scott is appointed Messengers to the Association & prepare our letter against Next Meeting1st Saturday in August the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
Opened a Door for the reception of Members & recd by Experience Reuben Ware Nancy Ware. . . .
The Query from our last is refer'd to our next Meeting
Bro. Ross came forward confess'd his faute & the Church agreed to bear with him
Query, is it right for the Members of this Church to commune with any other Church not of the Same faith and order The above Query Withdrawn -The Church letter was read and approved of 2nd Saturday in Sep'r the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
Charges brought against Bro. Shackleford for various reports circulating respecting his Immoral conduct Gaming etc & Breth'n J Price & Haydon is appointed to Cite him to Meeting to Morrow morning
A Charge Brought against Sister Wooldriges Sanders for putting away his wife & taking another Was taken up after conversing upon the Matter it was agreed to refer it to our next Meeting
at Bro Dan'l Browns request he is to have a letter of Dismission
A request from M Connels run Church respecting helps is attended to & Brethren Jas. Haydon Edrington, Finny & Hicklin is appointed
Brethren Wooldrige & Scott is appointed to attend the Conference at Howards Creek to Effect a Union with the Seperate Brethren -
The Query respecting Elder still refer'd to our Next Meeting
Thos. Hickman came forward confess'd his fault & was restored
rec'd by Experience Bennet Pemberton -
at a Meeting at Bro. Hickmans rec'd Polly Hickman also Dan'l Brown
Church Set the Lords day Morning & Bre'n Price & Haydon reported that they talked with Bro. Shackleford & Desired him to come to Meeting he refused & the church excluded himThe Church set on Wednesday 23rd of Sep'r & rec'd by experience Mordecai Bashar & Jno. Roberts
2nd Saturday in October the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
lst. The Query respecting Elders refer'd to our next meeting
2ndly - upon Motion of Bro. Hickman The Church agree'd to consider the gift of Bro. Scott & Bro. Wooldridge whether they were fit for ordination & the Church excepting one Member agree'd in the affirmative
3rdly The Church also took into consideration Bro. Edwards's Gift, and it is the advise of this Church that he make use of a Gift of Exhortation till further advise from them
4thly Sister Woolrige's Saunders was brought again before the church for leaving of the wife that he had when he Join'd the Church & taking Rachel from another man and living in Adultery with her & the church was Divided The Church set Lord's Day Morning and Excluded Saunders2nd Saturday in Nov'r the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business -
Bro. Clift came forward, and confes'd his faute respecting his Drinking to an excess and the church agreed to bear with him -- another Difficulty between he and a Member in the other church was represented to this church & Breth'n Edm'd Ware Carter Blanton & John Edrington together with three Brethren in the other church is appointed to attend enquire into the matter and try to Settle it
The Query respecting Elders is refer'd to our next Meeting
The Matter respecting the Ordination of Bro Wooldlige & Bro. Scott is refer'd to our next Meeting -2nd Saturday in Dec'r the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business -
Open'd a Door for the reception of members and rec'd by experience Betsy Brown -
at the request of Bro Benjamin Stepp he and his wife is granted a letter of Dismission
Bro. Dan'l Brown has returned his letter and Membership -agreeable to appointed the Church met the on friday the 25th day of Dec'r 1801 and after Divine Worship proceeded to Business -
The Query respecting Elders that has been refer'd for different Meetings back after Debate is withdrawn ---
a Charge was brought against Bro J Prices Peter for Drinking to an excess and fighting he came forward but did not Satisfy the church and the matter was laid over to our Jan'y Meeting Query: have we any scripture authority for citing a publick transgressor before the church whether he repents or not2nd Saturday in January 1802 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
a Charge was brought against Bro. Sam'l Gravat for pilfering a pair of Gloves and for falsities when charged with it and the church has appointed Bre'n Nich's Ware, Robert Hicklin, and Geo Brown, to cite him to meet the church to Morrow MorningThe church set lords day morning & Bre'n N. Ware -- Rob't Hicklin & Geo. Brown Reported that they talked with Bro Gravit & desired him to meet the church in the Morning he refused & the church Excluded him
the above Query is refer'd to our next meeting after some Debate
the matter of charge brought against Bro. J Prices Peter is refer'd to our next meeting2d Saturday in February the Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to Business
a 2d Charge is brought against Bro J Price Peter For Drinking to Excess he came forward & was Excommunicated
the query Respecting publick transgresson was taken up & refered
the matter respecting the ordaination of Bro. Wooldrige & Brother Scott was taken up & the Church are of Opinion that Brother Wooldridge & Brother Scott Be ordaind ministers of the gospel ---
JOHN PRICE
The Church set Lords day Morning and received by repentance Jno. Browns Cate, Also receiv'd by Experience Jno. Bacon's Bob
2nd Saturday in March 1802 the Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st Bro. Horatio Clife was brought before the Church and charged with deceiving & defrauding Bro. Martin in the swaping of Horses. and Excluded for the same
2ndly The Query respecting publick dealing taken up and refer'd to our next meeting
3rd At the request of Bro. Jno. Roberts he and his Wife Elisabeth is to have a letter of dismission
THOS. SETTLE
The Church set Lords day morning
At Bro. Jno. Scotts request he & his Wife is to have a letter of Dismission
T. S.
2nd Saturday in April 1802 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business ---
At the request of Sister Rachel Appelgate to have a letter of dismission
At the request of Bro. John Rediford and wife and Sister Dinner to have a letter of Dismission ---
the Query respecting publick dealing taken up and refered to our next meetingLords day Morning the Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business -- Received by letter a black Man belonging to Mary Allen by the Name of William Also receiv'd by Experience Lewis Palmer
2nd Saturday in May 1802 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st. A Charge was brought by Bro. Tho. Wooldridge against Sarah a black free Woman for theft & lying. it was proved to the Satisfaction of the Church, and no Satisfaction received, She is Excluded for the same
2nd. A Charge was brought against Robert a black man belonging to Bro. Jno. Majors for being equally Guilty in the theft with his Wife Sarah and was Excluded for the same.
3rd. A Charge was brought against Bro. Thomas Hickman for fighting, the Church has appointed Breth'n Carter Blanton & Jno. Bohanan to cite him to appear before the Church next monthly meeting
4th A Charge was brought against Clary a black Woman of Bro. Edm'd Ware's for being too Intimate & Sleeping with Joe a Man of Cap't Taylors and is refered till next Monthly Meeting and that Bro. Edrington & Bro. Theodrick Boulware are requested to go & see a Woman of Cap't Taylor named Jany respecting the Matter and make report the next Meeting
5th The Query respecting publick dealing refer'd to our next meeting
6th Opened a door for the reception of members & recev'd by Experience Sarah a black Woman of Sister Samuels. Also Nicholas Coster
The Church Set Lords day morning & receiv'd by Experience Betsy Nolin
2nd. Saturday in June 1802 the Church met and after divine Worship proceeded to business
1st. Bro. Thos. Hickman came forward & made acknowledgment to the church for his faults & after a friendly Admonition the church agreed to bear with him
2nd Bro. Edrington & Bro. T Bowlware came forward & made report of the information they rec'd from Janey & after the church heard the report they excluded Clary from them ---
3rd The Query respecting Dealing that has been refer'd heretofore was Drop'd by consent and the following Query adopted, Viz,
Query; is it right to take the 18th chapter of Mathew for our rule in dealing with all offenders --- & after a considerable time spent in Debate it rec'd the following Answer
Viz Ans'w that not only the 18th of Mathew but all Scripture where it treats of Dealing with offenders is to be our rule
4th opened a Door for the reception of Members & rec'd by letter Vachel Lindsay and wife -- also rec'd by experience Isabella SparksThe Church set the Lords day Morning and rec'd by Experience Edmond belonging to Nath'l Sanders Jun'n and Peggy Campbel
2nd Saturday in July 1802 The Church met and after divine worship proceeded to business.
1st. receiv'd Bro. Harry Bartlett to fellowship again.
2nd. Brethren, William Hickman Jas. Hayden & Hayden Edwards is appointed as messengers to our next Association, Also to prepare our Asn. Letter
3rd Received by letter Samuel Adair ---The Church set the Lords day Morning and rec'd by Experience Milley a negroe Woman belonging to Bro Sam'l Price
1st. Saturday in August 1802 The Church met and after divine worship proceeded to business.
1st. Brn. Haden Edwards John Price William Samuel Giles Samuel Samuel Price directed to frame a rule upon the Scriptures for the guidance of the church in dealing with members committing offences against God, & one another & if approved of By the Church to be recorded as a standing rule
2 Rec'd Bro. William Rowlet sen'r William Rowlet Jun'r & Sister Nancy Rowlet By letter
3d. Bro'r John Majors Robin and his wife Sarah restored to fellowship
4th. Rec'd by experience George Garrett
5th. Sister Bershaba Dun dismissed by Letter
6th. Brother Giles Samuel appointed to cite Brother Andrews to mett this Church at her next church meeting to answer complaints.
7th Some difficulty arising in the mind of some of the Brethren respecting the Ordination of Brother Thomas Wooldridge It is agreed to be p,osponed and taken under consideration at our next church meeting
8th The Church Letter was read and approved of ---
Wm. HICKMAN Moderator
1802 2nd Saturday in September The Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business.
1st. At the request of Bro. Hickman for Polley Reed -- now Allen she is to have a letter of Dismission
2nd. At the request of Bro. James Davis he and his Wife Frances and his Negroe Woman Fanny is to have a letter of Dismission
3rd. At the request of Bro. Hickman for James a black Member belonging to Mr. Faulconer, he is to have a letter of Dismission.
4th. Bro. Andrews & Bro. Marshal was brought before the Church for their misconduct to each other. Bro. Marshal was acquited. Bro. Andrews withdrew from the Church.
5th. The matter respecting the Ordination of Bro. Wooldridge is refer'd to our next Church Meeting.2nd Saturday in October 1802 The Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st. The Order directing five Brethren to frame a rule upon the Scriptures for the guidance of the Church in dealing with Members committing Offences against God and one another taken up, debated upon and Ordered to be Erased out.
2nd. The Ordination of Bro. Thomas Wooldridge which has been refer'd time after time, taken up and debated the Church was divided
3rd. At the request of Bro. Stout he and his Wife is to have a letter of Dismission.2d Satturday in November 1802 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1t. Brother Ross Came forward & acknowledged & repubated his own miss Conduct in drinking too free & fiteing. The Church agreed to bear with him.
2nd. Query Whether is it right to Exclude by a majority or Unanimity?
3rd. At the request of Bro. Hickman, Bro. Joseph Baker and his Wife and Daughter is to have a letter of Dismission -- Also Bro. Bird Hendrick his Wife and James his Slave is to have a letter of Dismission
4th. Receiv'd by letter Jemima Rowlet.2nd. Saturday in December 1802 The Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st. Sister Betsy Hicklin withdrew from the Church in a disorderly way and is no more of us.
2nd Bro. John Brown Jun'r withdrew from the Church in a disorderly way and is no more of us.
3rd. Received by letter Larkin Bohanon.
4th. The Query respecting the Excluding by a Majority or Unanimity taken up & the Church agreed to Exclude by a Majority of two thirds.
5th. Bro. Haden Edwards proposed to the Church that the present Moderator appoint a Moderator to act at our next Meeting The Church agreed to it.
6th. Bro. James Haydon appointed to act as Moderator at our next Church Meeting, in case of failure Bro. Haden Edwards1803 2nd. Saturday in january The Church Met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business.
1st. A Charge was brought against Bro. Isaac Miles for saying that Bro. John Bohanan did cover the truth with lies of Hypocrisy, and he was Excluded for the same.
2nd A Charge was brought against Bro. John Hickman for Warranting one of the Brethren, and other Misconduct and he was Excluded.
3rd. At the request of Bro. Jas. Hayden his Daughter Sally Forbush is to have a letter of Dismission. Als Bro. E. Jeter, Sister Elizabeth Martin & Sister Sally Sanders, Also Bro. Jas. Peak & his Wife and Elijah Martin
4th The Church appointed the following Bre'n Dan'l Peak William Hubbell, Abraham Gregory, John Edrington and William Hall as a Committee to try & settle some grievances Subsisting between Sister Stephens & Sister Hicklin
5th. Bro. Dan'l Peak is appointed Moderator for our next Meeting2nd. Saturday in February 1803 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business ---
1st. The Committee appointed at our last Meeting to try & Settle some differences between Sister Stephens & Sister Hicklin was call'd on to make report. but some of the Committee being absent it is referred to our next Meeting & then to make report
2nd. The Church appointed the following Brethren James Haydon Bennet Pemberton, John Edrington, Daniel Peak & Edmund Ware to Inspect & revise some rules drawn up by Brother Hickman for the guidance of Church
3rd. Brother Abraham Gregory appointed Moderator for our next Meeting in case of failure Bro. Carter Blanton2nd. Saturday in March 1803 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business ---
1st. A Charge was brought against Bro. Ned & his Wife, black Members belonging to Col. Logan, Bro. Samuel Price is appointed to Cite them to our next Church Meeting ---
2nd The Brethren appointed at our last Meeting to regulate some rules drawn up by Bro. Hickman for the guidance of this Church, laid before the Church some rules with their amendments, and after a considerable debate the Church Order'd that they shou'd be recorded
3rd. Sister Hicklin & Sister Stephens profess'd to the Church their reconciliation to each other ---
4th. At the request of Bro. William Brown he & his Wife Elisabeth & his three Daughters, Polly, Betsy & Sally is to have letters of Dismission
5th Bro. William Hall is appointed Moderator for our next Church Meeting ----
ABRAHAM GREGORY Moderator
Church Rules 1st. Church Meetings to open and close by Singing and Praying
2nd. That the Moderator is to Invite Members of Sister Churches to Seats with us and give their advice in any matter that comes before the Church but not to Vote on the decision of the Question
3rd. The first business to come Orderly is the Moderator Inquire if their be any matter of Complaint that has been treated agreeable to the Gospel.
4th. The admission of Members into the Church and Members into office shall be by Unanimity, and the Exclusion of Members & all other Questions shall be determined by a Majority
5th. But one person to speak at the same time and to address him or herself to the Moderator Standing
6th. All Motions made and seconded shall be attended to by the Church
7th. No person to be Interrupted while Speaking to the point
8th. No Member is allowed to Speak to the subject in hand more than twice, without leave of the Church
9th. The Moderator to have the same privilege of Speaking as any other Member provided he calls on some other person to fill his Seat
10th At the close of the Meeting the Clerk be directed to read the business of the day and the Moderator sign his name or direct the Clerk so to do1st The Church set the lords day Morning and Excluded Vina for the Sin of Adultery
2. Bro. Ned & his Wife came before the Church and Acknowledged their fault, the Church agreed to bear with them2nd Saturday in April 1803 The Church Met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st Opened a Door for the reception of Members, and receiv'd by letter, Sister Elizabeth Hiter
2nd At the request of Bro. Haydon his Daughter Jemima Hancock is granted a letter of Dismission
3rd At the request of Bro. Hickman Sister Susannah Knap is granted a letter of Dismission
4th. The form in which letters of recommendation is to be given to Members removing &c, was ordered to be wrote as follows vizThe Baptist Church of Christ at the forks of Elkhorn Holding Believers Baptism by Immersion only, Justification through the Obedience and righteousness of Jesus Christ's Effectual calling, final Perseverance of the Saints in Grace &c. Whereas our beloved have requested a letter of Dismission These are to Certify that in good standing amongst us, and when join'd any Baptist Church in Union with us, is Dismiss'd from our care, by order of the Church &c.
Bro. Carter Blanton is appointed to Act as Moderator at our next meeting in case of failure Bro. Thos. Wooldrige
WILLIAM HICKMAN Moderator
2nd. Saturday in May 1803 The Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business ---
1st A Motion was brought in and Debated on the new system of Principles call'd Herrisy & at length the following Question was taken, is the Son of God Equal & Eternal with the Father It was Answer'd by a great Majority in favour of the Son being equal with the Father, then the Minority was call'd upon to give their reason for Voting as they did, Several of them Answer'd they were not moved from their old faith
2nd. Bro. Hickman Chosen to Act as Moderator untill the Church thinks proper to appoint some other
3rd. Dismissed by letter Bro. James West Also Bro. Benjamin Garnet and Polly his Wife
4th. Receiv'd by letter Elizabeth Martin. By Experience Joe a black Man belonging to Geo. Carlisls -- Also John Eidson
WILLIAM HICKMAN Moderator
2nd. Saturday in June 1803 The Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st. At the request of Bro. John Edwards he is granted a letter of Dismission
2 Saturday in July 1803 The Church Met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business ---
Tobie Excluded for a Dultery the property of Bro'r FergerSon Bro. William Hickman and Bro. James Headen appinted as me ssiners to the next ASocation and to prepare the Church letter against the next Church meeting
WM HICKMAN
1st Saturday in August 1803 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business
1st Bro. William Hall requested of the Church that helps be call'd for to try and settle some grievances in the Church, the Church agreed that application should be made to McConnels Run Church North fork Church & the Church at Coxes Mill for two Members from each Church & to meet on Friday the day before our next Church Meeting at this Meeting house
2ndly. Bro. William Hickman & Bro. James Haydon produc'd each one a letter which was read before the Church, and the Church thought proper to appoint Bro. Baker Ewing & Bro. Haden Edwards to take both letters & form a third one which is to be read before the Church tomorrow morning
WILLIAM HICKMAN Moderator
At a Meeting held on Friday the 9th of September 1803 Whereas this Church did at our last Church Meeting order her request to be Issued to three of our Sister Churches McConnels Run Church, Northfork Church and Mount pleasant Church, praying them to send two Members from each Church in order to assist us in trying to relieve Bro. William Hall's grievances with Majority of this Church, and agreeable to this Churches request these Brethren came forward and took seats with us, Bro. William Hall laid before the Bre'n sent to our assistance his complaint against the Majority of this Church which was for continueing William Brown in Society after finding him guilty of falsehood without any recantation agreeable to the Word of God, -- and after a discussion of the business the Committee withdrew to form their conclusion, which at their return we find was in the following manner, -- We the Subscribers being call'd on as help to the Baptist Church of Jesus Christ at the forks of Elkhorn are of Opinion that Bro. William Hall has a Just cause of Complaint against the Majority of said Church for continueing Brown in fellowship without a sufficient Acknowledgement as in the case abovementioned, Given under our hands the 9th day of Sep't. 1803
On a Question who can bear with Rodes Smith Bro. William Brown, answer'd we Jacob Martin do agree to bear with him Jesse Vawter
Question being put who can Daniel James Accede to the Advice of the Benjamin Head helps, Answer'd in the afirmative John H. Ficklin
2nd. Saturday in September 1803 The Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business
A Charge was brought against Bro. John Hicklin by Bro. Wm. Onion for saying that he wou'd aggrivate John Brown Jun'r more than he ever had done & if said Brown did lay the weight of his hand on him, that he wou'd stick a knife in him, and for saying that some of the Brethren had advised him so to do & for not teeling who those Bre'n Were -- The Church Excluded him for the Same Query, will this Church bare with a Member who Justifies in Error, Answer by the Church no,
Then the matter respecting Bro. William Brown's Justifying himself in error was taken up and after a considerable discussion on the business it was put to Vote whether Bro. Wm. Brown had heard the Church or not the Church thought he had not and pronounc'd him Excluded
At Bro. Wm. Marshal's request his Wife is granted a letter of Dismission
At Bro. Larkin Behannon's request he is granted a letter of Dismission
WILLIAM HICKMAN Moderator
2nd Saturday in October 1803 the Church met & after Divine Worship proceeded to business
Bro. Sam'l Price Motion'd that Bro. Jno. Gano be appointed to form rules for the Examination of the Church, The Church agreed to the Motion -- Bro. Jas. Haydon Motion'd that our former rules of Acting by Majority be dispenc'd of at the admission of the above rules -- After some arguments the motion was withdrawn.
A Charge brought against Bro. Annable for Quarreling, Fighting and Swearing, The Church was of Opinion he did not hear them and pronounc'd him Excluded
A motion made & seconded whether there shou'd be any thing raised by Subscription for the Support of Bro. Hickman or not answer'd there shou'd
Order'd that the Clerk draw a Subscription for the support of Brother William Hickman & bring it to our next Church Meeting
A complaint brough by Bro. Jas. Magors against himself for calling Bro. Rennex a liar, & fighting him the Church thought he gave Sufficient Satisfaction to them for his conduct
At the request of the following Brethren & Sisters they are granted letters of Dismission William Hall & Sarah his Wife Theodrick Boulware & Patsy Boulware his Sister & Esther Boulware J ames Haydon & Elizabeth his Wife, Zacheriah Pullum & Caty his Wife.
CARTER BLANTON Moderator
2nd. Saturday in November 1803 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business ---
1st. The Church requested that the rules formed by Bro. John Gano for the Examination of the Church be read which was done -- The Church agreed that the following Bre'n James Haydon, Baker Ewing & Jessey Vawter be appointed as a Committee to Inspect and revise those rules against our next Church Meeting
At the request of Bro. John Eidson he is granted a letter of Dismission
WILLIAM HICKMAN Moderator
2nd Saturday in December 1803 the Church met and after Divine Worship proceeded to business.
Brother Edmond Ware laid in a complaint against Brother Jack, Slave of Sister Samuel's it was considered by the Church that he heard them and suffered to continue his Membership
On motion by Bro. William Hickman & seconded -- Brother Carter Blanton was appointed to see Bro. Ross and Cite him to the Church to account for his conduct in drinking too much ardent Spirits.
It being motioned and seconded that a Question be put to this Church, whether they consider themselves a Church of the Elkhorn Association agreeable to the Confession of Faith as Established by that Association agreed to and as demonstration of our profession have agreed to record the following Articles Viz,
1st We believe the scriptures of the old and new Testament to be the Infallible word of God, and the only rule of faith and practice
2ndly We believe in one self Existing God, and that there is three persons in the divine Essence or nature phraised in the Bible, by, God the Father, God the Son, & God the holy Spirit, and yet these three are but one God, not admitting of a Priority or Seniority, in the Godhead or Essence
3rdly We believe in the doctrine of the fall of man, the depravity of human nature, the Inability of the Creature, to recover it's self to life
4thly. We believe in the doctrine of Sovereign Grace, Justification by the righteousness of Christ alone, final preseverance of the Saints, resurrection of the dead and a General Judgment
5thly We believe the Joys of the righteous and punishment of the Wicked will be Eternal
6thly, We believe Baptism and the Lords Supper are ordinance of Jesus Christ and that Believers are the Subjects of these Ordinances and the true mode of Baptism is by ImmersionIt is also agreed by the Church that any Member or Members not agreeing with the Confession as now Established may upon Application have letters of Dismission
WILLIAM HICKMAN Moderator [From W. W. Sweet, Religion on the American Frontier: The Baptists, 1931. pp. 273-303. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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