History of the Churches of Boone's Creek Baptist Association of Kentucky, By S. J. Conkwright, 1923

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History of the Churches of Boone's Creek
Baptist Association of Kentucky
By S. J. Conkwright, 1923

KIDDVILLE CHURCH — 1870
      Kiddville Church is located at Kiddville, Clark County, Kentucky, which is at the northeast corner of one of the most historic spots in all Kentucky, namely, Indian Old Fields. Miss Bessie Taul Conkwright prepared and read before the Clark County Historical Society, in 1922, an interesting paper, which we quote in part, as follows:
"Indian Old Fields was the only bona fide Indian settlement within what is now Kentucky, the commercial center and capital of the "Kentakee" known to Indians and traders, and it was this village, Eskippakithiki, and its surrounding fertile and level land which gave our state its name. Many controversies have arisen as to the origin of the name Kentucky, but the weight of the evidence seems to prove that it came from 'Kentakee,' the Iroquoia word for meadow land. The site of Indian Fields is in a valley of peculiar formation in the eastern part of Clark County. Pioneers believed the site was an old lake bed; it consists of about 3,600 acres of level land. Lulbegrud and Upper Howard's Creeks drain the valley, which at one time was covered by a forest. The capital of the Indian settlement was the town of Eskippakithiki and at one time it was a town of considerable size. All roads led to Eskippakithiki; one came south from Shanoah, the Shawnee town opposite the mouth of the Scioto, and went on to Georgia; another went to Big Bone Lick, forking there to Louisville and Shanoah; one led to Big Sandy and Ohio. This commercial capital was the meeting place of the Northern and Southern Indians, and the rendezvous of traders and purchasers.

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Remains of the old fort still exist in the Goff mound and circle, situated on a high bluff overlooking Upper Howard's Creek, near the Iron Works pike. The circle is the remains of the old palisades surrounding the town. They enclosed an oblong square about 200 yards by 180. Sharpened palisades, charred, have been plowed up repeatedly in this vicinity, showing that the town was burned by hostile bands of Shawnese when they deserted it. From the time of its final abandonment, Eskippakithiki was visited occasionally by wandering bands of Shawnese and traders. John Finley, a trader and peddler, was captured by the

K1DDVILLE CHURCH
Indians in 1752 at Lower Blue Licks and taken to their old town at Indian Old Fields and held captive for several months. Boone and Stewart, while hunting near Indian Fields in 1769, were captured by the Indians. Sometime later, Thomas Goff, with Daniel Boone and others, visited Indian Fields, coming from Boonesborough. The Goffs sometime afterwards became owners of much of the land at Indian Fields, part of which is still in possession of the Goff descendants.
Of the Shawnese who lived at Eskippakithiki was the Chief Black Hoof, the only Shawnese of that band who ever became famous. He claimed to have been born there and followed the band in all its wanderings. He was the predecessor of

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Tecumseh, and notes of his life, taken by an Indian land agent, have been preserved. There is an interesting story of how he saved the life of a Kentucky soldier, Alvin Beall, at the Battle of the River Raisin, when the Clark County soldier was about to be made run the gauntlet after he had been taken prisoner by the Shawnese. It is said that Black Hoof, hearing that the captive was from Indian Fields, stepped up and claimed the white man as his son and thus saved him. The grateful Beall invited the chief to visit him after the war.
In 1815, claiming to be one hundred years old, Black Hoof came walking from the North of Ohio to Indian Fields. He identified its landmarks and related its history, spending some weeks visiting his old hunting ground and telling ths story of his life to interested listeners. If he gave his age correctly, Eskippakithiki was settled before 1724.

CATAHECASSA, or BLACK HOOF.
(Shawnese chief, from picture owned by
the Polytechnic Society of Kentucky).

(A color picture of Black Hoof.)

Among the early settlers about Indian Fields were the Goff, Combs, Hisle, Wadkins, Landrum, Humstead and Calmes families. The descendants of the Goffs and Hisles still own some of the lands of the Indian Old Fields. General Marquis Calmes, a Revolutionary hero, made a patent at Indian Fields for three thousand acres, including Oil Springs. While making a survey of his patent he met an Indian in the woods, both were frightened and fled in opposite directions. It is said that this was the last Indian seen at Indian Old Fields.
The first house built by white men at Indian Old Fields was a block house, ereoted at Jennings' Spring on the farm recently owned by A. B. Hampton. The names of those who built it are now unknown, but tradition says that they were soon captured and beheaded by the Indians.
In 1775, Marquis Calmes raised a crop of corn on the site of the old Indian town."
     Ninety-five years after Calmes had raised his first crop of corn, in June 1870, a band of Baptists gathered within sight of the old town and constituted Kidd-ville Baptist Church, with thirty-five members. Dr. L. B. Woolfolk delivered the charge to the church. All ths records of this church prior to 1906 are either misplaced or lost, so that we were compelled to prepare this sketch from the minutes of Boone's Creek Association and the few records that have been preserved. We have been able to discover the names of only three of the thirty-five constituent members, these being Dr. J. T. Wilkerson, C. C. Eastin and C. Maston. All three of them were faithful members and ready at all times to do whatever they Muld toward the advancement of the church. Dr. Wilkerson was the senior deacon of the church.
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      Elder W. Arvin was chosen the first pastor, in June, 1870, and served for eight months. He was succeeded by Rev. T. I. Wills, in April, 1871, who served until the following November, when he contracted his last illness. (See Ephesus Church). Rev. J. C. Wray accepted the pastorate in June, 1872, but served for only a short period. Rev. J. Pike Powers became their under-shepherd in June,

DR. J. T. WILKERSON
Born October ____, 182S; Died October 19, 1890.
A deacon and one of the constituent members of Kiddville Church.
1873, and served with wonderful zeal for a continuous period of eight years. At the time Brother Powers became their pastor, they had no house of worship. He surveyed the surroundings and immediately brought to hear his executive and financial abilities, the outcome of which was a comfortable house of worship, completed in 1876, and dedicated to the service ot the living God free from incumbrance.
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Brother Powers was succeeded in th.3 pastorate by Rev. J. Dallas Simmons, in July, 1881. He labored with unabated zeal, In season and out of season, until May, 1883, when he resigned. Rev. J. R. Barbee became their pastor in June, 1884, and served them for one year. Rev. J. Dallas Simmons again accepted the pastorate in August, 1885, this time serving for two years. The first statistical tables of Boone's Creek Association appear in the year 1876, from which we find that P. Hensley was church clerk. We know that Rev. Richard French accepted the pastorate in 1894, and gave six years of loving, faithful service to this people (See Ephesus Church). He was again called to the pastorate in 1908, and served two years.
      The following obituary notice of one of the constituent members of this church, Brother C. C. Eastin, which was written by his pastor, Rev. George Varden, appears in the minutes of Boone's Creek Association for the year 1893:
"Christopher Columbus Eastin was called home on March 21, 1893, in the sixty-fifth year of his age. He was one of the constituent members of Kiddville Church, and after the death of Dr. Wilkerson became its senior deacon. Naturally sensitive, timid and unobtrusive, he was not born to be a leader; but mightily did he strive to overcome these natural traits in order that he might use the office of a deacon and obtain boldness in the faith of Jesus Christ. His ear was ever inclined to duty's call, and promptly and joyfully he obeyed her voice. To the church he was at times recklessly liberal. More than once have I said to him, 'Brother Eastin, you ought not to give so much.' Never had a pastor a more helpful deacon than C. C. Eastin. Long will his sweet fragrance of simple piety and uniform consecration linger in the atmosphere of 'the little church at Kiddville.'"
      From the few records of this church that have been preserved, which begin with January, 1906, we learn that Brother O. P. Bush was pastor at that time, and C. W. Boone was church clerk, and they had a membership of fifty-eight. In March, 1906, L. M. Hardy was chosen clerk, C. W. Boone having resigned. Brethren T. E. Eastin and W. Z. Eubank were ordained deacons. In April, 1906 the church voted that after that date no member of the church shall manufacture, sell or use excessively intoxicants and a violation of this ordinance shall subject the offender to expulsion from the church. In November 1906 the church agreed to revise the church book. In July, 1907, a series of meetings were held and five were received by experience and baptism.
      Cecil Daniel was chosen clerk in 1910, and is at present acting in that capacity. In May. 1912, Clifton Daniel was ordained deacon. Rev. O. J. Stiggers was supply from November, 1912 until November, 1913, at which time he accepted the pastorate and served the church until January, 1915, when Rev. E M. Foster was called and he remained with them until June, 1917. In the following August, Rev. E. V. May became their leader, remaining until July, 1919. He was succeeded by Rev. H. B. Duncan, in September, 1919, after which time there are no further records until May, 1921, when Rev. Duncan resigned the care of the church.
      C. W. Boone was a great grandson of Squire Boone, the first Baptist preacher ever on Kentucky soil. C. W. Boone united by experience with Providence Church (at the Old Stone Meeting House on Lower Howard's Creek), in 1861, and was ordained
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a deacon by that church in 1862. In the year 1869, he was one of a committee to solicit subscriptions for the erection of a new church building for Providence Church. Soon after the new building was erected Brother Boone moved to Kiddville, and for the remainder of his life he was deeply interested in the welfare of the church at that place. He was superintendent of the Sunday School at this church for many years. Early in life he became possessed with an

C. W. BOONE,
Born June 21, 1833, Died August 22, 1921.
intense desire to obtain an education, and eagerly seized all opportunities that presented themselves to add to his store of knowledge. His success as an educator has never been surpassed by any man in Clark County, he having taught for fifty years in that county. In his long experience in public life he always impressed his pupils that the fear and love of God was the beginning of wisdom and knowledge.
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      Rev. F. B. Pierson became pastor of Kiddville Church in June, 1921, and served them until January, 1923. (See Ephesus Church). The church has at present a membership of one hundred and fourteen, with a Sunday School enrollment of eighty-two, with Brother Stanley Clay as superintendent.
      The quota of Kiddville Church in the Seventy-five Million Campaign was $3,800.00.
      In May, 1923, the church extended a call to Rev. Linville Jones, and he is their present pastor, and also has the care of Ephesus Church. The Kiddville Church has entertained five annual sessions of Boone's Creek Association, in the following years: 1871, 1880, 1894, 1904, 1916.
      During the fifty-three years existence as a church, Kiddville Church has been served, according to the records of Boone's Creek Association, by eighteen pastors and eleven clerks.
      Pastors. — (Year indicates beginning of pastorate) W. B. Arvin, 1870; T. I. Wills, 1871; J. C. Wray, 1872; J. Pike Powers, 1873; J. Dallas Simmons, 1881 and 1885; J. R. Barbee, 1884; J. C. Holmes, 1888; George Vardon, 1892; Richard French, 1894 and 1908; O. P. Bush, 1905; J. F. Johnson, 1907; Clarence Walker, 1911; O. J. Stiggers, 1913; E. W. Foster, 1914; E. V. "May, 1917; H. B. Duncan, 1919; F. B. Pierson, 1921; Linville Jones, their present pastor, 1923.
      Clerks. — (Year Indicates beginning of service) There is no record of any clerks previous to F. Hensley, 1876; James Hensley, 1878; C. W. Boone, 1883; Miss Ivanora Wilkerson, 1887; T. E. Eastin, 1891; J. P. Lowry, 1893; W. Z. Eubank, 1896; William Boone, 1899; C. W. Boone, (second term) 1900; L. M. Hardy, 1906; Cecil Daniel, 1910, the present clerk.

CORINTH CHURCH — 1871.
      Corinth Church is located in Clark County, Kentucky, twelve miles southeast of Winchester, on the waters of Upper Howard's Creek. The records of the first thirty-three years of this church were lost when the residence of the clerk, Brother Benjamin C. Fox, was destroyed by fire in 1904. Therefore, the first part of this sketch has been compiled from the annual minutes of the Boone's Creek Association and information furnished by Brother Benjamin C. Fox, who was the first clerk of this congregation, and is now the only surviving constituent member. He served this church faithfully as clerk for thirty-eight years, during two different periods, and is at present the chairman of the Executive Board of Boone's Creek Association.
      We find that the first preaching at this place was a series of meetings held in October, 1871, by that old veteran of the Cross, Elder Smith V. Potts, assisted by Elder E. H. Brookshire, the results of which were ten by experience and baptism, who, together with five others, signed a church covenant, agreeing to constitute a church on the truths of the Gospel as laid down in the Old and New Testament. By request, a council was called in December, 1871, and after singing and prayer, they entered into the organization by selecting Brother John N. Conkwright moderator and Brother Frank S. Allan clerk of the meeting. The charge to
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the church was delivered by Elder N. B. Johnson, prayer by Elder Smith V. Potts, Brothers J. H. Lawrence and Allen N, Bush were chosen and ordained deacons. Benjamin C. Fox was elected clerk, and Jesse Powell and James A. Fox trustees, who purchased an interest in a two story building owned by the Masonic Lodge, which building is still owned jointly by the church and the Masonic Lodge, the church using the lower room and the Lodge the upper room,
      Elder Smith V. Potts served them as pastor for six years, laboring faithfully for the upbuilding of the church and the implanting in this vicinity of the doctrines believed and taught by the United Baptists. He was succeeded by Elder Shelby Todd, who served them for two years. In June, 1880, Elder Ambrose D. Rash accepted the call of the church, and served with great earnestness and zeal for three years, at the end of which time Elder Smith V. Potts again accepted the pastorate and remained with them for one year. In July, 1885, Elder John I. Wills became their under-shepherd, remaining about five years, when Elder J. A. Lee accepted a call, sometime in 1891, serving them for one year. In 1892, Elder Z. W. Pigg became their pastor and served them with fidelity until 1896, when Elder Richard French began his labors with them, and was their pastor for two years. Elder E. L. Atwood accepted a call in 1900, remaining about one year. Elder Pleasant J. Conkwright became their under-shspherd in 1902, leaving them sometime in 1903, when Elder R. L. Brandenburg accepted the care of the church in 1904, and we find him pastor in January, 1905, and Benjamin C. Fox clerk, at which time the church records begin.
      At this time they had a church membership of one hundred and seventy-eight, and a Sunday School of thirty-five. In January, 1905, the church appointed the deacons to see a brother for committing the sin of having a dance at his home. In December, 1905, Elder R. L. Brandenburg resigned as pastor and the church was without regular preaching for one year, when in January, 1906, Elder Z. W. Pigg was again chosen as pastor, serving them for one year, when Elder J. F. Johnson became pastor, in January, 1907, also serving for about one year. In May, 1907, Brother Bluford Fox offered his resignation as deacon, which was accepted. In June, 1908, a call was extended to Elder C. D. Stevens, but he declined to accept. In April, 1909, the deacons and the clerk were ordered to revise the church roll. In December, 1908, Elder James T. Turpin accepted a call as their under-shepherd, and served them with zeal and fidelity for six ysars. In November, 1909, the church passed resolutions of sympathy and love for their pastor upon the loss of his daughter, Miss Gladys Turpin, who was a member of Corinth Church.
      In June, 1911, the church voted to hold a series of meetings in the following August, and to request Elder Petree to assist their pastor. In November, 1914, the church appointed the deacons and the clerk to draft a church covenant, to be read at the next meeting, as the old covenant had been destroyed when the clerk, Brother Benjamin C. Fox, lost his dwelling by fire on September 30, 1914. This was the second time within ten years that Brother Fox suffered the loss of his dwelling by fire. In December, 1914, the church went into the call of a pastor, but the vote not being unanimous, the moderator declared the election void and the meeting adjourned.
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      Elder W. S. Taylor accepted the pastorate in July, 1916, serving them until December, 1917. In May, 1918, a committee was appointed to secure a preacher to assist the pastor in a series of meetings to be held during the following August. The records do not show just when Elder Nelson Crull was called to the pastorate, but we find him serving in that capacity in August, 1918, and he remained with them until January, 1920. In July, 1919, the church agreed to adopt what is known as the budget system, and voted to raise $300.00 for the budget. In Dctcber, 1920, Brothers J. D. Reeves and Bluford T. Fox offered their resignations as deacons, and the following month Brothers William Crow and W. M. Henderson were ordained as deacons. In December, 1920, Elder S. A. Taylor accepted the care

B. C. FOX
The only living constituent member of Corinth Church.
of the church and remained as pastor until March, 1923. In April, 1922, Brother Price Watts was ordained as deacon. This is the last entry in the church record book at the time of examination in April, 1923.
      In addition to Brother Benjamin C. Fox, who servsd the church as clerk for such a long period, the following have also been clerks of this congregation: Jonas R. Bush, Hiram Reeves, B. C. Kimbell, Wilbert Berryman and the present clerk, Mrs. Carrie Rupard, who has been serving them faithfully since October, 1921.
The quota of Corinth Church for the Seventy-five Million Campaign was $2.400.00.
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     Corinth Church was received into the Boone's Creek Association in 1872, and has entertained five annual sessions of that body in the following years: 1879, 1889, 1899, 1908, and 1920, Among those most prominent in the early history of this church were the Fox, Bush and Turtle families. At present, 1923, her membership is one hundred and forty, with an average attendance in the Sunday School of forty.

MACEDONIA CHURCH — 1872
     Macedonia Church is located near Levee, Montgomery County, Kentucky. This church has not reported either by letter or messengers to Boone's Creek Association but once in the last twenty years, and that was in the year 1909, when Rev. J. T. Turpin, under the directions of the Association was a supply pastor, at which time she reported a membership of 71, and L. B. Hefiin was church clerk. We could find no church records, but in the minutes of Boone's Creek Association for 1893 there is a brief history of this church, given by W. E. Heflin, who was a member of the congregation at that time and it is as follows:
     "Macedonia Church was organized August, 1872, with twenty-one members. Wm. T. Tyree led the organization, and was assisted by representatives from Salem and Providence churches. On motion Bro. James Edwards, from Estill County was elected moderator, and John Baker secretary. The brethren from sister churches formed themselves by request as to council to assist in the organization of the church at Macedonia. On motion the articles of faith were read and adopted, and the church covenant was presented and read by Bro. Elias Brookshire. On Motion the rules of decorum from the church were read and adopted. Then the council from the sister churches recognized this body as a regular organized church, after which Rev. S. V. Potts preached a sermon. Then there was nothing more done until on February, 1873; the church met at Olive Chapel to transact business. On motion S. V. Potts was elected moderator, and Elihu Eversole was elected permanent clerk. On motion the church went into a call for a pastor, which resulted in Rev. Wm. T. Tyree as pastor for the year 1873. Elijah Steward and James White were chosen deacons. Tyree preached one year; then the church called Rev. S. V. Potts, who served the church as pastor eighteen months, then resigned. On motion the church called Rev. ____ Hicks as pastor. He served but a short time, and then the church called Rev. Shelby Todd, who served as pastor eighteen months and resigned. The church then called Rev. B. N. Ensor, who served as pastor six months. We were then without a pastor until August, 1882, when B. S. Burgher took charge of the church and reorganized; and James Clark, G. P. Douglass, Elihu Eversole, Garrett Phillips and R. C. Riddell were appointed as a committee to raise money to build a house of worship. James Clark, G. P. Douglass and R. C. Riddell were also considered as their finance committee. The money (or part thereof) was raised; the house was built on a lot donated by Harvey Phillips, at the cost of $66. In December, 1883, we began a series of meetings. B. S. Burgher was assisted by T. L. Lawson which resulted in six additions to the church. On the flfth Sunday in May, 1884, Rev. J. M. Wells, from Mt. Sterling, preached the dedicatory sermon.
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In September, following, the church was received into the Boone's Creek Association, which met at Ephesus. In June, 1884, the church went into a call, which resulted in the call of Rev. T. L. Lawson. In July the pastor commenced a series of meetings, assisted by J. I. Wills, which resulted in nineteen additions to the church. Rev. Lawson served the church but a short time, then resigned. Then on motion the church went into a call, which resulted in the call of J. I. Wills, who served the church as pastor until November, 1885. In August, 1885, we commenced a series of meetings; the pastor was assisted by Rev. N. Todd, which resulted in six additions to the church. In 1887 the church called Rev. B. S. Burgher, who served the church two years. In August, 1887, we commenced a series of meetings; the pastor was assisted by Rev. C. M. Riley, which resulted in twenty-two additions to the church. In 1889, the church called Rev. P. Hammons as pastor. We commenced a series of meetings in October; the pastor was assisted a part of the time by Rev. S. V. Potts, which resulted in a good meeting, but no additions to the church. Rev. Perry Hammons served as pastor two years, and then resigned. Then, in 1892, the church called Rev. B. S. Burgher as pastor, who served the church two months, and then resigned the care of the church. Then Z. W. Pigg preached for us for three months. In July, 1892, Rev. Z. W. Pigg and H. L. Watts held a series of meetings, which resulted in six additions to the church. In August, 1892, the church called Rev. H. L. Watts as pastor, who still has charge of the church. We have, not had a protracted meeting since Watts has been our pastor, but have had two additions to the church. Our present membership is 71."
      From the minutes of the Boone's Creek Association we find that Rev. B. S. Burgher was pastor in 1894-95, Rev. George Shepherd in 1896-97, and T. J. Douglas was church clerk for several years about this time. Rev. J. T. Turpin was pastor in 1901 and Rev. W. L. Shearer in 1902. It is understood that this church, has had no regular pastor for years and affiliates with no association.

NINE CHURCHES — 1872-75
     "It is understood that the constitution of the following nine churches was largely due to Elder S. V. Potts, who was at that time doing missionary work in Boone's Creek Association. With one exception,all of them were in the poorer sections of Powell and Montgomery Counties, of Kentucky. We merely give the names and dates of constitution. Zion, 1872; Slate Valley, 1873; Snow Creek, 1874; New Salem, 1874; Friendship, 1874; Mt. Zion, 1874, North Fork or Red River, 1875; Spruce, 1875; Laurel Springs, of Menefee County, 1875.
      These churches all united with Boone's Creek Association in the year of their constitution. Two of them never reported to the association again, some reported for two or three years, and none of them after 1879. Judging from the records of the Association, it seems to have been enthusiam with lack of judgment, as is sometimes the case, which led to the constitution of these churches.
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JEFFERSONVILLE CHURCH — 1876
     Jeffersonville Church was located in Montgomery County, Kentucky. Rev. S. V. Potts was instrumental in gathering this church in the year 1876. The church united with Boone's Creek Association in the same year that it was constituted, reporting a membership of ninety-five. Rev. A. D. Rash was pastor from 188O until 1883, and was succeeded by Rev. R. B. Ensor, and he was succeeded by Rev. J. I. Wills, who served during 1885-6, and then Elder R. N. Ensor again served them as pastor from 1887 until 1889. The church reported the last time to Boone's Creek Association in 1889. It is understood that this church has long since ceased to exist.

POWELL'S VALLEY CHURCH — 1882
     Powell's Valley Church is located near Clay City, in Powell County, Kentucky, The records of this church having been either misplaced or lost, it was necessary to prepare this sketch from personal knowledge of the history of the church and information obtained from the minutes of Boone's Creek Association. Powell's Valley Church united with Boone's Creek Association at the ftrst annual session after the church was constituted, which was in November, 1882. Nine members entered into the organization of the church, namely, James A. Fox and his wife, Mrs. Eva Fox; Judge Curtis Maston and his wife, Mrs. Nancy Maston; Benjamin Burgher and his wife, Mrs. Elizabeth Burgher, Miss Mollie B. Burgher and Rev. Shelby Todd.
     Rev. J. J. Edwards was instrumental in the organization of this church, and he was their first pastor. When the church called him, it was for a life-time pastorate. Rev. Edwards and the church were strongly opposed to frequent changes in the pastorate, claiming that they had seen the evil of so doing in other churches. He served them with zeal and faithfulness for eight years, when be became too feeble to attend the duties of the pastorate.
     The congregation built a house of worship, without seeking financial aid from any other church, and when the house was dedicated on May 30, 1886, there was no debt against it, and therefore there was no collection on the day of dedication. Rev. J. Dallas Simmons preached the dedicatory sermon, from Ezekiel 8:15. James A. Fox was the first clerk, serving them faithfully for eight years.
     During the forty-one years of her existence, Powell's Valley Church has been served by ten pastors. Rev. J. T. Turpin served them longer in the pastorate than any who administered unto her in that capacity. His first pastorate was for a period of thirteen years, and the second for a period of three years. Judging from the number of members received into the church by experience and baptism, as reported in their church letters to the annual sessions of Boone's Creek Association, Powell's Valley Church was more prosperous under the ministry of Brother J. T. Turpin than under any other pastor during their history. These records show that he began his labors first with the church in 1899, when the membership was ninety-two, and by the year 1807 the membership had grown to one hundred and eighty six. In the year 1908, Rev. Turpin held a series of meetings
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which resulted in the addition of fifty-three by experience and baptism, and again in the following year a series of meetings increased the membership by thirty-five. After some revision in the church roll, the membership was two hundred and forty, the largest in the history of the church.
     From the same records we learn that there were only four years, during the entire forty-one, that the church reported as not having a pastor. According to the minutes of the Association, the following is a list of the pastors who have served this church: (Year indicates beginning of pastorate). J. J. Edwards, 1882; Perry Hammond, 1889; Z. W. Pigg, 1892; H. L. Watts, 1893; Z. W. Pigg (second

REV. J. J. EDWARDS,
Born 1824; died about 1898.
pastorate), 1894; J. G. Parson, 1897; Thomas Hornsby, 1898; J. T. Turpin, 1899; J. I. Wills, 1913; P. N. Taylor, 1915; J. T. Turpin, (second pastorate), 1916; J. W. Richardson, 1921; P. N. Taylor (second pastorate), 1923.
     Clerks. — This church has been served by thirteen clerks, as follows: (Year indicates beginning of service) J. A. Fox, 1883; James Potts, 1891; J. B. Kimball, 1892; William Baker, 1893; Miss Sallie Maston, 1896; T. L. Patton, 1899; Lewis Maston, 1900 (two terms); P. C. Button, 1901; Reuben Tipton, 1902; John Sewall, 1906; W. R. Burgher, 1908 (two terms); W. E. Barnes, 1909; S. A. Barnes, 1910; J. A. Sewall, their present clerk, 1912.
     It is with regret that we note the diminishing strength of Powell's Valley Church, which only a few years ago was a large and influential church in that
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community, having a membership of two hundred and forty, while at the present time it has only fifteen members.
     Powell's Valley Church entertained three annual sessions of Boone's Creek Association, in the years 1891, 1901, and 1912.
     The quota of this church in the Seventy-five Million Campaign was §1,000.00.
     In speaking of Rev. J J. Edwards, Dr. Spencer (History of Kentucky Baptists) has the following to say about his remarkable success as a minister for Christ:
     "He was born in Virginia, in 1824, and moved to Clay County, Kentucky, and later to Estill County, Kentucky. His habit was to preach three or four days in each week, and labor the remainder of the time on a farm. His wonderful success in winning souls to Christ began to attract attention beyond the mountainous region in which his labors were principally performed." In 1862, the Irvine Association, assisted by the State Board of Kentucky Baptists, employed him as a missionary in that section. The annual report of the General Association for 1864 has this to say of J. J. Edwards: "This faithful and laborious servant of Christ has a record of success during the last fifteen years that very few ministers of the Gospel can equal, having preached 3,270 sermons and made 1,000 exhortations, and received into the church 2,032 persons." In speaking of Brother Edwards in 1878, the General Association says: "He has traveled more miles (mostly on foot and horseback), preached more sermons, and baptized a greater number than any other missionary of the General Association of Kentucky. In 1880, his memoranda showed that he had baptized 5,673 persons, and gathered about thirty-five churches.

ALLANSVILLE CHURCH — 1887
     Allansville Church is situated in Clark County, Kentucky, on Upper Howard's Creek, at the little village of Allansville, named in honor of Judge Frank S. Allan, who for several years was moderator of Boone's Creek Associatioin. It was in this beautiful valley that one of the first settlements was made in Kentucky, for while Boone and others were building the fort at Boonesborough, a bold frontiersman by the name of Joseph Combs, in May, 1775, erected a cabin and raised a crop of corn. When the commissioners sent out by Virginia to settle land claims held their court at St. Asaphs, or Logan's Fort, on October 20, 1779, Joseph Combs was granted a preemption of one thousand acres, as shown by the following entry in the certificate book or records of the proceedings of this court:
     "Joseph Combs this day claimed a right to a preemption One Thousand Acres of Land lying on Comb's since called Howard's Creek about eight M above Boonesborough on both sides of the Creek and about three or four M from the .Mouth of it by improving the said land by building a Cabbin on the premises in the month of May 1775 Satisfactory proof being made to the Court they are of Opinion that the said Combs has a right to a preemption of One Thousand Acres including the said improvement and that a Certificate issue for the same."
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     One hundred and twelve years later, on November 7, 1887, there assembled at a spot not far from where the frontiersman had built his cabin, a number of Baptists for the purpose of constituting a Baptist church. Most of these were members of the Allan, Ecton, Haggard, Wills and Gravett families. There were a number of brethren present from the following churches: First Church of Winchester, Mt. Olive, Ephesus, Union City, Corinth and Salem. By request, these brethren formed themselves into a council and assisted in the organization of the

ALLANSVILLE CHURCH

church. Brother R. R. Perry was chosen moderator and James Allan clerk of the meeting. On motion, articles of faith were read and adopted. The church covenant was also read by Rev. J. Pike Powers, as well as rules of decorum, consisting of thirteen articles, and adopted by the twenty members who went into the organization. A motion being made and carried, the council from the sister churches recognized this body as a regularly organized church. Rev. J. Pike Powers preached an excellent sermon to a large congregation.
     In December, 1887, the church met in ths school house, and, after devotional services, on motion T. S. Allan was chosen moderator of this meeting, and T. I.
[p. 160]
Wills permanent clerk of the church. At this meeting a unanimous call was extended to Elder John I. Wills to become their pastor. Woody Ecton and Daniel Rupard were appointed deacons. A committee was appointed to solicit funds to build a house of worship, consisting of J. L. Allan, James Haggard and T. I. Wills. The heirs of Judge Frank S. Allan donated a lot on which to build the house, and the money was soon raised and the house erected. In August, 1888, messengers were appointed to go to Boone's Creek Association and request admission into that body. The minutes of the Association show that this church was received into fellowship in 1888, and has affiliated ever since both by letter and messengers.

WILLIAM GRAVETT
Born February 5, 1846; died January 18, 1916.
One of the constituent members of Allansville Church.
     A series of meetings was held by the pastor, assisted by Rev. E. H. Brookshire, in July, 1888, which resulted in fifteen additions to the membership of the church. At the close of this meeting, the church was dedicated to the Lord, Dr. William Stewart preaching the dedicatory sermon. In July, 1889, another series of meetings was held, the pastor being assisted by Rev. R. R. Noel, and there were thirty-two additions. In December, 1889, Brother T. I. Wills tendered his resignation as clerk, and W. M. Todd was elected clerk. In July, 1890, another series of meetings was held, Elder R. R. Noel again assisting the pastor, when forty were added to the church.
[p. 161]
     In March, 1891, the church extended Brother Wills a unanimous call for another year, but he would not accept the call unless the church would change the day of meeting, which they declined to do. The church then gave a unanimous call to Rev. Richard French, which he accepted. In regard to Brother Wills the records read as follows: Brother Wills made a good and faithful pastor for three years, and did a great deal of good for the Master in this community."
     The minutes of Boone's Creek Association for the year 1920, have the following remarks to the memory of Brother Wills: "For many years he was a faithful missionary in this Association, and was a regular attendant at the annual sessions, and always brought helpful and hopeful reports from his work * * * and was an earnest and faithful preacher of the Gospel."
     Rev. Richard French entered the field in April, 1891, and remained their pastor until March, 1894. (See Ephesus Church.) In January, 1894, W. M. Todd resigned as clerck, and J. W. Tuttle was chosen to fill the vacancy. In April, 1894, Elder Z. W. Pigg accepted the pastorate and served them with zeal and devotion until 1896. In July, 1895, the church records in their minutes the death of Brother James L. Allan, with appropriate resolutions showing the high esteem in which he was held by the church.
     In January, 1897, the church called as pastor a young man, Brother T. C. Ecton, although he had never been ordained. Allansville Church requested his ordination by the church of which he was a member. Brother Ecton accepted the call and served them for five years, with that zeal and love that has always been characteristic of him in all his pastorates. The writer heard Brother Ecton for the first time at the Association in 1901, when his text was "Enoch walked with God," and from the remarkable success that this good man has achieved in the ministry, it is evident that he, too, has walked with God. It was with great reluctance that Allansville Church accepted his resignation as pastor in February, 1902.
     At the meeting in February, 1897, Allan Ecton was chosen clerk, J. W. Tuttle having resigned. In August, 1897, a series of meetings was held, and sixteen added to the church. In March, 1900, the church passed strong resolutions in regard to church discipline and the enforcement of same, calling upon each member to aid in carrying them out. On May 12, 1901, at the request of Providence Church, Estill County, the Allansville Church voted for the ordination of one of her members, Brother Walker Shearer, to the preaching of the Gospel. In February, 1902, W. C. Todd again became clerk, Allen Ecton having resigned.
     On March 18, 1902, resolutions were adopted and ordered inserted in the records, in regard to the love and esteem in which Brother J. W. Tuttle was held by the congregation, he having been called to his heavenly home. In March, 1902, Rev. J. I. Wills again became their under-shepherd, and served them until January, 1904. In September, 1903, the pastor, assisted by Rev. Woolfolk, held a successful series of meeting, which resulted in much good and thirty-two additions to the church. In December, 1903, the church voted not to grant any more letters of dismissal to members unless in good fellowship and not in debt to the church.
[p. 162]
     Rev. W. L. Shearer accepted the pastorate in March, 1904, and served about one year. J. E. Brandenburg was chosen clerk in December, 1904. In April, 1905, Rev. Richard French again accepted the call to become their pastor, and remained with them until October, 1907. On April 21, 1906, the church book was revised and a membership of two hundred and thirty reported. In March, 1908, Rev. Elmer Lucas was called and accepted, serving them until January, 1910. Rev. J. T. Turpin became their under-shepherd in January, 1910, and served them seven years. In August, 1915, Brother Turpin held a series of meetings, when fifteen were added to the church.

REV. I. W. MANLY.

     After Brother Turpin's resignation in January, 1917, the church was without a pastor until July, of the same year, when Rev. Elmo Royalty accepted the care of the church, but he remained only a few months. It was in July, 1917, that J. E. Brandenburg resigned as clerk, after thirteen years of faithful service in that capacity. P. S. Parker succeeded Brother Brandenburg, and is at the present time their punctual and efficient clerk.
     Rev. Geo. N. Smith became their pastor in the spring of 1918, and preached for them until the spring of 1921. Rev. J. W. Roberts accepted the call soon after this, but the records do not give the date, and he remained their pastor for about one year. Their present pastor, Rev. I. W. Manly, accepted the care of the church in November, 1922, and the pastor and people seem to be devoted to each
[p. 163]
History of Churches >n Boone's Creek Association.
[p. 163]
other. The church has at present a membership of two hundred, with seventy-two of that number on the tithing list. The Sunday School enrollment is one hundred and sixty-eight.
      This church has entertained three annual sessions of Boone's Creek Association, in the years 1890, 1900, 1910.
      In February, 1923, a committee was appointed to consult with the members to determine whether they wanted to repair the old church house and build Sunday School rooms, or build a new house down on the pike, or whether they wished to do either. The church seems to be moving along nicely under their new pastor, Rev. I. W. Manly.
      The quota for Allansville Church in the Seventy-five Million Campaign was $2,400.00.
      Pastors. — During the thirty-six years existence as a church, Allansville has been served by eleven pastors, as follows: (Year indicates beginning of pastorate) J. I. Wills (served two periods as pastor), 1887, 1902; Richard French (two periods as pastor), 1891, 1905; Z. W. Pigg, 1894; Thomas C. Ecton, 1897; W. L. Shearer, 1904; Elmer Lucas, 1908; J. T. Turpia, 1910; Elmo Royalty, 1917; George N. Smith, 1918; J. W. Roberts, 1921; I. W. Manly (present pastor), 1922.
      Clerks. — This congregation has been served by six clerks, as follows: (Year indicates beginning of service) T. I. Wills, 1887; W. M. Todd (two terms), 1889, 1902; John W. Tuttle, 1894; Allan Ecton, 1897; Joe E. Brandenburg, 1904; P. S. Parker (present clerk), 1917.
      Deacons. — (Year indicates ordination) Woody Ecton, 1887; Daniel Rupard, 1887; A. Turpin, 1892; Joe Brandenburg, 1895; George Treacy, 1908; Samuel Brandenburg, 1908; James Gravett, 1908; Theodore Thompson, 1911; Tillman Shearer, 1911; Hugh Hignite, 1911; J. C. Gravett, 1922; Arthur Brookshire, 1922; H. J. Hampton, 1922; Arthur Gravett, 1922.

FILSON CHURCH — 1899.
     Filson Church was located at Bowen, Estill County, Kentucky, and was constituted in 1899, and in the same year was received into Boone's Creek Association, at which time the church reported a membership of ten, with Rev. S. E. Whipley as pastor and H. T. Garrett church clerk. The messengers to the Association were H. G. Garrett, Mrs. Sarah Garrett and James Ingles. The life of this church was of short duration, as they reported to the Association for the last time in 1903, and soon after that dissolved.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF IRVINE—1900.
     Before the present First Baptist Church of Irvine was constituted in 1900, there was a Baptist church there as early as 1859. From the old records of Irvine Association we find that Irvine Church was one of the seven churches that met with Drowning Greek Church, Madison County, Kentucky, on the third Saturday in October, 1859, and constituted Irvine Association, which became a large association. At this meeting Irvine Church reported a membership of seventeen,
[p. 164]
and their messengers were Rev. Smith V. Potts and Boles Harris. In the year 1860, the Irvine Church, though few in number, entertained the annual meeting of Irvine Association. When the Irvine Association was constituted, the form of the constitution of the Boone's Creek Association was adopted as their constitution, as well as the rules of decorum, with the exception of one word in the ninth article of the Boone's Creek Association. There are no records of this old church at Irvine, but we presume she never became a very flourishing church, and finally ceased to exist.

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH of IRVINE
     The First Baptist Church, of Irvine, which is ths county seat of Estill County, Kentucky, was constituted in the spring of 1900. We find that there were no records of any kind kept by this congregation during the first ten years of their existence. At the request of the present pastor, Brother W. G. Potts, one of the deacons, Brother F. R. Davidson, who was one of the constituent members of the church, prepared a short account of the early history of this congregation, on May 15, 1921, which has been recorded in the church book, and in part is as follows:
      "I have been a member of the Baptist church for forty-four years. I moved to Irvine in December, 1899, and could not find a Baptist at that time in the town. In the spring of 1900, Brother Thompson came to Irvine and began a meeting at my house; he preached for one week, when Brother S. E. Whipley, State Evangelist came and preached for the balance of the two weeks meeting. At the close of the meeting Brother Whipley organized the church with only
[p. 165]
ten members, six of these being members of my own family, namely, F. R. Davidson, Mrs. F. R. Davidson, Mrs. Bettie Davidson Miller, Misses Minnie aud Alice Davidson, James Davidson, Mr. and Mrs. Maoiow, Elisha Reed and E. F. Edwards. We placed our little flock in the hands of our Savior, and Boone's Creek Association and the Baptist State Board of Kentucky were our friends and helped us pay for our preaching for twenty-one years, and also assisted us in building our church house. Brother Thompson preached for us for several months; then Brother Brandenburg; then J. W. Parsons for a few months; then Brother George W. Shepherd for one year and several others that I cannot recall at present. In 1907, we called Brother J. G. Parsons and he remained our pastor, preaching half time, until 1911. After Brother Parsons resigned we called Brother H. R. McLendon, who accepted and remained for one year.
     "I find one sad mistake in our church book, which I regret very much, and that is that there were no records kept from 1900 until 1911, with the exception of two entries, one in 1905, signed by J. W. Parsons, moderator, the other signed by me as clerk pro tern. Part of this is easily explained, but the remainder is neglect and a mystery. In the beginning we had only ten members, two of whom lived in the country and this made it very hard for us to get a quorum to transact business, in fact, we were so small we had no business to attend to, which state of affairs existed for a long time.
     "We were organized in the spring of 1900, in the Methodist Church house. Before we got a house of our own to worship in, we used the court house, the Christian Church and the school house. Our church building was completed in 1914. Soon after our church was organized, a brother Methodist said to me that we could not maintain a Baptist church in Irvine, and when I asked why, he replied that the Methodists held the key to the church at this place. This key looks very much like our past record today, either lost, stolen or had none, and the door is wide open today.
     "I can truthfully say that this little church had a very rough road to travel up to 1911, and it is nothing that we have done, but it was our great Creator, in whom we trusted, that has brought her through and caused her to shine as brightly as the morning star, from 1911 on down to the present time, during which time she has gotten brighter and brighter and today she is shining as brightly as the noon-day sun. Love has always existed between her members, and we have never had a trial of any of our members, having learned that trials cause hatred and back-biting, hence we have a better way of dealing with violations. All the constituent members of this church are still living, as far as I know, with the exception of one, and are still members of this church, according to our records."
     The church records begin with the June meeting, 1911, at which time Brother J. Amerson held a meeting of several days duration, and received a number of additions to the church. In July, 1911, Elder J. G. Parsons was again chosen pastor and served until February, 1912, when Elder H. R. McLendon accepted the care of the church, remaining nearly one year. In September, 1912, Mrs. M. F. Wilson was elected clerk, and she has served faithfully and with efficiency until the present time. At a called meeting on July 1, 1913, Rev. W. A. M. Woods was
[p. 166]
chosen pastor. Brother Woods was not only a gifted preacher, but also an indefatigable worker and splendid organizer, and he had been there only about thirty days, when a committee was appointed to solicit funds for a church building. They went to work in earnest, Brother Woods visiting the various other churches in the Boone's Creek Association, and the necessary money was soon raised. The building was completed and dedicated before Brother Woods resigned in November, 1914.
     In November, 1913, the church voted to request the Executive Board of the Boone's Creek Association and the Baptist State Board to assist them in having full time preaching, which request was granted by these boards.
     Sometime in the spring of 1915, Rev. E. C. Nail became their under-shepherd. He served with zeal and devotion for five years. Pastor and people loved each other and worked together, so that the church prospered under his pastorate and it was with reluctance that they accepted his resignation in May, 1920. In October, 1917, the pastor, assisted by Dr. R. L. Motley, held a series of meetings, but the records fail to state how many additions resulted from this meeting. The following December, Brothers P. R. Davidson, H. G. Priest and H. S. Hills were ordained deacons. In October, 1919, the church in conference, agreed by the help of God to try and raise their apportionment of the Seventy-five Million Campaign, which was 55,700.00. In March, 1920, Mrs. J. W. Walker was elected church treasurer. In September, 1920, the church extended a unanimous call to Rev. W. G. Potts, which he accepted, and he is at present their tender and loving under-shepherd, leading them in paths of usefulness and revealing to them the joy of service.
     In November, 1920, W. E. Baker was elected treasurer of the Seventy-five Million Campaign Fund, and Calvin Black treasurer of the home expense fund. At this meeting three deacons were also elected, namely, Charles Quiggins, W. C. Robins, and Sherman Land. In February, 1921, J. W. Waters was elected deacon, having previously been ordained in another Baptist church. On July 7, 1921, the church voted to revise their church roll. On August 31, 1921, the nineteen members of West Irvine (Calvary) Church, who were baptized into the fellowship of this church, were dismissed by letter. In November, 1922, the church notes the death of a beloved deacon, E. G. Land, and it was ordered that resolutions be prepared and .entered in the minutes. The church voted that all the officers and teachers of the Sunday School shall be orthodox concerning the eighteen articles of faith, as published in Church Manual, and also that all officers and teachers shall abstain from dancing and playing cards. It was further recommended by the board of deacons that in the event of the superintendent of the Sunday School finding any teachers irregular or undesirable that h,e bring the matter before the board of deacons for recommendations or disposition. In December, 1922, the budget for the church expenditures for the year 1925, amounting to $2,005.00, was presented to the church and accepted.
     Upon application for membership, the First Baptist Church of Irvine was received into Boone's Creek Association in 1900, and entertained the annual session of said association in 1911, although not having a house of worship, yet a membership of eighty-one. The Association realizing the needs of the field for
[p. 167]
Baptist doctrine, and the inability of tha congregation itself to erect a house of worship, or even have regular preaching, determined at this session, while convened with the Irvine congregation, as will be seen from the report of District Missions in the minutes of that year, that through their Executive Board they would formulate plans for an earnest and faithful prosecution of the Master's cause in this field. As a result of these plans, more preaching of the word of God, as believed by Baptists, was given to Irvine and that community, and in three years the Baptists had erected a nice church house, dedicated it in 1914, and then in 1921, erected another in West Irvine, of which we will speak under the head of Calvary Church.

REV. W. G. POTTS.
     Since the dedication of the First Church in 1914, the congregation has made great progress, and now has a nice parsonage adjoining the church. Under the leadership of her zealous and God-fearing pastor. Brother W. G. Potts, who has ths hearty co-operation and support of the congregation, the church is forging right ahead in the Master's work. Under his pastorate the church, in January, 1922, became self-supporting, after being a mission point for twenty-one years. It will be noticed from the budget for church expenses for 1923, that she is now the third church in the Association in home church expenses; the fourth in church membership, after revising her church roll a short time ago, having a present membership of two hundred and seventeen; she is third in Sunday School enrollment, and has an enthusiastic W. M. S. and a splendid B. Y. P. U.
[p. 168]
     From a little pamphlet sent out by the pastor in January, 1923, we learn that in many respects the First Baptist Church of Irvine is the leading church in Estill County, having, as far as he knows, the largest membership and the largest Sunday School enrollment, the latter being two hundred and sixty-one. The offerings for the advancement of the Kingdom of God have averaged $4,376.75 yearly for the past two years. The future outlook for this church is brighter than it has ever been at any time during her history. They have recently organized a cradle roll department in the Sunday School, with seventy-three members, which makes their Sunday School enrollment three hundred and thirty-four.

BOONEVILLE CHURCH—1907.
     Booneville Baptist Church was located at Booneville, Owsley County, Kentucky. Rev. J. G. Parson was instrumental in the organization of this church in 1907, and he was their first pastor. In the same y.ear she was received into Boone's Creek Association, reporting at that time with a membership of fourteen. The church reported each year to Boone's Creek Association until the year 1912, at which time Rev. J. I. Wills was their pastor. This was the last report received from this church, and it is understood that it soon dissolved.

HEIDELBURG CHURCH—1907.
     Heidelburg Baptist Church is located at Haidelburg, Owsley County, Kentucky, and was constituted in 1907, being received into Boone's Creek Association the same year, at which time they reported a membership of ten, with Rev. J. G. Parson as pastor and N. Quillen church clerk. This church never prospered, although she has had some assistance from the Association at different times. The church has not reported to the Association, either by letter or messengers, for five years. We understand that there are only four or five Baptists at Heidelburg at the present time and they have had no regular preaching for some time.

Central Baptist Church, Winchester
[From History of the Churches of Boone's Creek Baptist Association of Kentucky, By S. J. Conkwright, 1923, pp. 145-168.

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