Yalobusha Baptist Association Minutes
1837
The 1837 Associational Meeting was with Shiloh church on October 8-10.
Antioch, Shiloh, Loosascoona and Lebanon churches of Yalobusha County and Salem of Carroll County, constituted the
Association at this time. Salem had no delegate in this meeting. There were twelve delegates from the other four churches.
Little business seems to have been transacted at this session. Most of the time was given to praying, preaching and
singing. The following resolution sums up the purpose of those present: "Resolved, that this Association observe Friday,
the 5th of January next in fasting and prayer to Almighty God, that he would send more laborers into this part of his
vineyard, and for a revival of religion among these churches, and that the Association advise the churches of her body to
meet at their respective meeting houses and spend the day in Divine Service, and that we also advise the churches of this
Association to hold monthly prayer meetings; That we appoint union meetings as follows, at Salem in Carroll County, Friday
before the 2nd Lord's Day in June next, at Loosascoona Valley Friday before the 4th Lord's Day in May next."
A circular letter was drawn up by the Association and distributed to the various churches. The letter was based on
the scripture, "Ye are the light of the world", and is as follows: "Yes, portions of our own section of the country,
with the world at large, imperiously call on preachers and Christians to let their light shine, that God may be glorified
in the conversion of sinners. Yes, and so much the more, while our own houses swarm with unconverted children and servants.
Brethren, let your light shine in your families, in your neighborhoods, and in all the circles of society where it may be
your lot to associate. Forget not to let your light shine to your brethren and especially to your ministers. Forget not
to visit, pray with and encourage them in the great arduous work of the ministry."
The minutes show a membership of 141. There were two resident ministers, Elder Francis Baker and John Robbins.
|
