In writing this history, we must go a little back of the organization of the church, and note some of the circumstances leading up to the building of a house of worship. Prior to 1875 there was no regular preaching by the Baptists in Curryville. Occasionally, however, a Baptist preacher passing through would stop and preach, there being a few Baptists in and around the town. In the spring of 1875, a few of the brethren counseled together and determined to make an effort to have preaching once a month in the school building,
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there being no other house suitable for public worship. In that conference it was suggested by Deacon Luke Lewis, that we correspond with Elder S. A. Beauchamp with the object of securing his services for awhile. He was, therefore, written to and invited to come and preach a few sermons for us, which resulted in a visit by Elder S. A. Beauchamp, at which time he preached several times and greatly endeared himself to the brethren. At this time arrangements were made by which he agreed to preach once a month, for which service he was to receive $200 per year. In June, 1875, he began his regular monthly services, and began the agitation of the subject of building a house of worship. No one denomination being strong, a union church house was built during the summer and fall of 1875, one-half owned by the C. P. church, one-fourth by the Missionary Baptists and one-fourth by the anti-missionary Baptists.The third Saturday in November, 1875, a presbytery was called. The Presbytery consisted of Elders S. A. Beauchamp, of Huntsville, Mo., H. M. King, Fayette, J. T. Williams, of Louisiana, A. P. Rodgers and E. Jennings, of Bowling Green. Bro. J. T. Williams, was chosen moderator and T. J. Ayres, clerk, when the following eighteen names were enrolled, going into the organization: Benj. King, Luke Lewis, Rachel King, Wm. K. Biggs, Martha Biggs. Emma Biggs, Anna Biggs. James W. Riggs. Lucretia Riggs, M. J. Tra- bue, Wm. Brandon, Ann Brandon. Jas. E. McPike, H. P. Lewis, Lou Lewis, Geo. W. Wylie, T. J. Ayres, Mollie E. Ayres. A committee appointed for that purpose reported a church covenant, and articles of faith which were adopted. The organization being completed, T. J. Ayres was elected church clerk, Luke Lewis and Benj. King were elected Deacons, each of whom had been ordained and served in that office. Elder S. A. Beauchamp, by a unanimous vote, was called as Pastor; call accepted. Then the Baptist church at Curryville was organized with eighteen constituent members, seven of whom have since gone to their reward,
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leaving their work to follow them. This leaves eleven that went into the organization living, five who still hold their membership with us. Immediately following the organization of the church, a series of meetings were held, conducted by Rev. H. M. King. In these meetings God graciously blessed his message to the people. The little church was greatly revived, and thirteen were added to her number, five by letter and relation and eight by experience and baptism. On the very threshhold of its existence, God gave His approval by graciously blessing the newly organized church in their meetings. Bro. H. M. King greatly endeared himself to the church and community.In May, Bro. Beauchamp offered his resignation as Pastor, as he was thinking of moving to the State of Texas. In July, 1876, Bro. W. J. Patrick, by request, preached for the church, at which time he was called as a supply until Bro. S. A. Beauchamp should be heard from, which call was accepted. In August, 1876, the church clerk, having been instructed at a previous meeting, had prepared a synopsis of the Articles of Faith, adopted by the church, and a letter to the Salt River Association. In September, following, the church was admitted into the Association. In November, 1876, a series of meetings were conducted by Rev. W. J. Patrick, who was still serving the church as supply. In this meeting the church was greatly blessed and three added to the church by experience and baptism. The Pastor, Bro. S. A. Beauchamp, having moved to Texas, at its meeting in December, 1876, the church, by unanimous vote, called Bro. W. J. Patrick, as Pastor of the church. The call was accepted. Bro. Patrick served the church faithfully, in the work of the Master for ten years. His resignation was accepted in December, 1886, with the deepest regrets of the church. At same meeting Dr. H. P. Lewis was elected church treasurer. In January, 1877. the committee on contributions recommended that the church give aid regularly to denominational interests as follows : Christian education, District Missions, State
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Missions and Foreign Missions, which was adopted, and has ever been adhered to.But to make the work more efficient, in December, 1879, the church resolved to have a special committee of two to solicit aid for these various denominational interests. Since the adoption of that report, in 1877, no year has passed so far as we can ascertain, without a contribution from the church to each of the named denominational interests.
Arrangements were made for a protracted meeting January, 1878. One of the writers of this history remembers well the more than usual interest taken by several of the members in preparing for this series of meetings. In these meetings was secured as ministerial help Brother L. M. Berry, of Salisbury, Mo. Precious, indeed, to the hearts of God's People were these meetings. The church was greatly revived and permitted to rejoice at seeing sinners awakened and converted. In these meetings there were added to the church ten by letter and relation and twenty-two by experience and baptism. A remarkable incident on this occasion was the baptism of four brothers on the same day, sons of Deacon Benj. King, deceased. How exceedingly rich in goodness and mercy is our Heavenly Father.
In February, 1879, the Pastor, assisted by Bro. J. Hickman, held a series of meetings. In these meetings the church was 'edified and strengthened by the faithful preaching of the word of God. Sinners were awakened and converted. Three united with the- church by experience and baptism. Same year the church was invaded by death, when Elijah Harper, an aged man who had been a member but a short time was called to his reward. The meeting in December, 1879, was protracted in which the Pastor was assisted by Bro. J. D. Biggs, of Louisiana, Mo. The church was again revived. The gospel was preached with power, accompanied by the Holy Spirit. Sinners were converted and the church received into her membership three by letter and
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eleven by experience and baptism. Brother Biggs greatly endeared himself to the church by his faithful work in these meetings. The baptizing on this occasion took place on the 24th day of December, a very cold day. Twelve had offered themselves for membership by experience and baptism. But one of the number fearing sickness, declined to be baptized and the next morning the only sick one of the twelve was the one unbaptized ; surely not from immersion. At the January meeting in 1880, J. S. Ayres was elected as an additional Deacon, and at the February meeting following he was ordained to that office. Ordination sermon by Bro. Jas. Reid; charge to candidate and church by Bro. J. D. Biggs; prayer by Bro. J. D. Robinett. In December, 1880, J. W. Hawkins was elected church treasurer. In 1881, Bro. J. C. Maple, of Mexico, assisted a few days in a meeting, but taking sick the meeting closed with but little interest manifested. In 1882, Bro. L. M. Berry again assisted in a series of meetings. The church was blessed with a revival and four were added to the membership by experience and baptism.In March, 1882, a committee consisting of P. H. Routen, J. C. Biggs and H. P. Lewis was appointed for the purpose of buying another one-fourth interest in the church building. Said committee was continued from time to time, until in December, following, when the one-fourth owned by the anti-Missionarv Baptists was purchased. The two Deacons, Benj. King and Luke Lewis, having grown very infirm, at their request, the church at the September meeting in 1882. elected and ordained two additional deacons, P. H. Routen and J. C. Biggs. Ordination sermon by Bro. A. M. Johnson; praver by Bro. W. J. Patrick: charge hv Bro. J. B. English.
On January 4. 1883, Deacon Beni. King, one of the constituent members of the church was removed by death, and at the February meeting the following resolutions of respect to him wore adopted by the church: "Deacon King was a man of more than ordinary intelligence
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and attainments. He was a practical surveyor in North Carolina, from whence he came to Missouri. He was tendered positions of honor and trust during the Civil War in the Confederate army. He was unswerving and retiring in disposition yet strong in his convictions of right and firm in purpose." February 21, 1883, William Brandon, another of the constituent members was called to his reward. At the- March meeting, following, the church adopted resolutions of respect to him. By energy and economy, Wm. Brandon had accumulated a good estate. Of these means he contributed at one time $500 to the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, then located at Charleston, South Carolina. Ed. Biggs was elected clerk.The meeting in January, 1884, was continued, Bro. P. R. Ridgely, of Palmyra, assisted. Eleven were added to our number, two by letter and nine by experience and baptism. The meeting closed with interest unabated. In March, following, two by letter and two by experience and baptism united with the church. In April, one by letter and one by experience and baptism. At this meeting the church granted to J. N. B. Helper the privilege of speaking and teaching in public. On April 24. 1884, Deacon Luke Lewis, one of the constituent members, was called to his reward.
At a call meeting of the church in April, 1884, J. N. B. Helper was ordained to the gospel ministry. Ordination sermon by Bro. J. Reid. Charge by Bro. S. G. Givens. In a series of meetings held by the church in January, 1885. Bro. Bland Beauchamp did most of the preaching. God blessed his preached word to the upbuilding of the church. Five were added to the church.
The second Saturday and Sunday in October. 1885, the church held a reunion, it being the tenth anniversary of the organization of the church. This reunion was followed hv a series of meetings in which the Pastor was assisted by our first Pastor, S. A. Beauchamp. The church was greatly revived, and three were added to the church, at the November meeting, the result of
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that meeting. At the February meeting, 1886, Bro. B. R. Patrick was granted the privilege of speaking and teaching in public. At the November meeting, 1886, Pastor W. J. Patrick tendered his resignation as Pastor of the church, to take effect in December, which was accepted. Thus closed ten years of a faithful and fruitful pastorate. Brother Reid held a short series of meetings with the church in February, 1887, with one addition to the church. In 1887, Bro. M. L. Bibb was elected Pastor; call accepted.In August, 1887, the Salt River Baptist Association met with the church. In January, 1887, the Pastor M. L. Bibb, held a series of meetings. The church was revived spiritually. Much good was accomplished during this meeting. Fourteen were added to the church - four by letter and ten by baptism. On the 27th day of February, 1889, Bro. C. M. Williams was unanimously called as Pastor and the call was accepted. Special meetings were conducted by the Pastor, assisted by Bro. A. M. Vardeman, in December, 1890. The church was awakened to her duty and six were added to the church - four by letter, two by experience and baptism. In December, 1891, a series of meetings was conducted by Bro. C. W. Dicken. The Lord blessed him and our Pastor in their work. Two united with the church by letter and five by experience and baptism. At the same meeting the church called Bro. J. S. Dingle, of Palmyra, as Pastor, which call was accepted. Death, on December 26, 1902, called Sister Rachel King, wife of Deacon Benj. King, deceased, to her reward, and her works do follow her. During a series of meetings conducted by Pastor, assisted by Bro. L. M. Berry, in October, 1893, five were added to the church. Deacon P. H. Routen, one of our beloved deacons, was called to his reward by death, and at the following meeting resolutions of respect to him were adopted, as follows: "Resolved, that in the death of Bro. P. H. Routen, whose piety was deep and practical, whose service as
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a Deacon, in fidelity and benevolence was eminently satisfactory, we suffer great loss." Deacon Routen was a man of firm convictions; his wise counsel in church affairs are hushed forever on earth. At the request of the Deacons, J. S. Ay res and J. C. Biggs, the church at its meeting in March, 1894, elected H. P. Lewis and J. W. Riggs as two additional Deacons for the church. On the 5th Sunday in April, 1894, the ordination sermon was preached by Bro. W. J. Patrick. Prayer by Bro. J. S. Dingle. Charge by Bro. C. M. Williams. In December, 1894, the Pastor, assisted by Bro. O. L. Bronson, conducted a series of meetings which strengthened the church and twelve were added, one by letter and eleven by experience and baptism.At the August meeting in 1895, Bro. J. D. Hacker was called to the pastorate of the church. He served only three months. In October, 1895, the chuch celebrated her twentieth anniversary. The day was one of a spiritual feast to those that love the Lord. In December, 1895, Bro. Bland Beauchamp was called as Pastor of the church.
On May 27, 1896, a destructive tornado swept over our town and community, destroying much property and the cause of one death. Our church, the "union church," was damaged so badly that the services could not be conducted in it. A building and finance committee were appointed, consisting of brethren J. W. Hawkins, H. P. Lewis, J. S. Ayres, J. C. Biggs and T. M. King. Said committee labored earnestly and persistently to the end. All praise and honor was given to Him, who said, "I will not leave you comfortless, I will come to you." He came and manifested Himself in sanctioning the work that was done in his name. The church was dedicated the second Sunday in December, 1896. The dedicatory sermon was preached by Bro. Bower R. Patrick, free from debt at a cost of $1,926.59. Bro. Bower was converted and united with the church by experience and Baptism. January 12, 1882; was licensed to speak and preach in public February, 1886. Immediately following the
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dedication a series of meetings were conducted by the Pastor, assisted by J. L. Downing. The church was greatly revived and much good was done. Fourteen were added to the church during this meeting; six by letter and eight by experience and baptism. A Baptist Sunday School was organized with J. W. Hawkins, superintendent; T. M. King, assistant superintendent; H. E. Lewis, secretary. It may be well to say here that Bro. J. W. Hawkins has served as superintendent all the time even under the times of discouragements; he has ever been faithful and conducted an evergreen Sunday School.In February and March, 1898, a series of meetings were conducted by the Pastor, assisted by Bro. N. R. Pittman, seven were added to the church. The church was greatly strengthened and Bro. Pittman endeared himself to the church and community. Bro. J. L. Downing was called as Pastor; call accepted. He served the church as Pastor only three months, when he was called to go to Brazil, in April, 1899. Bro. C. A. Mitchell was called to the pastorate of the church; the call was accepted. In October, 1900, a series of meetings were conducted, the Pastor, Bro. Mitchell, delivering the message of the dying Savior to the people. The church was edified and he was blessed in his efforts by seeing so many confess Jesus as their Savior. Ten were added to the church - two by letter and eight by experience and baptism.
In February, 1902, a series of meetings were conducted by the Pastor assisted by Bro. S. M. Brown, which resulted in seven being added to the church. In October, 1902. the Pastor again conducted a series of meetings. The church was spiritually revived and much good was accomplished. Seven were added to the church. Bro. W. K. Biggs, who went into the organization of the church and who was a regular attendant at all church work and took an active interest in the work until broken down in health, died June 26, 1903. His faith failed not. In October, 1903, at a series of meetings conducted by the Pastor, assisted by
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Rev. T. C. Carleton, fourteen were added to the church membership - one by letter and thirteen by experience and baptism.In April, 1904, the church called Bro. R. R. Maiden as Pastor; call accepted for an indefinite time. The fifth Sunday in July, 1904, Bro. C. A. Mitchell was again unanimously called for an indefinite time.
(Dr. M. E. Broaddus has just closed a two years' pastorate with Curryville Church. - Author.)
========= [From Wiley Jones Patrick, editor, History of the Churches of the Salt River Baptist Association, Missouri, Missouri, 1909, pp. 286-295. From Google Books On-line. Scanned and formatted by Jim Duvall.]
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