The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 10

Hackett make an apology to the church in her behalf, for forgiveness. She was restored to full fellowship. A protracted meeting was then set for the fourth Sunday in August.

July 28th, 1867--At this conference some wayward members were pardoned and some were excluded from the church.

September 1867--During the planned protracted meeting in August, by Pastor J. A. Hackett and assisted by the former and beloved Pastor Walne - which lasted twelve days - Sixteen members were received into the church - Thirteen by experience, and three by letter.

September 21st, 1868--Application was made by a male for a license to preach. This matter was under advisment for several months. He was asked to preach for an evening service. The conclusion was drawn, that because of his inability to read, it was deemed unwise to ordain him; he was encouraged to continue preaching as he had done heretofore.

January 26th 1868--As a follow-up on the applicant who wished to be licensed to preach, but could not read, a resolution was made, "Resolved that the church deems it inexpedient to liscense any applicant to preach who cannot read - is said applicant is incapable of teaching the word of God correctly."

June 27th, 1868--W. F. Heard resigned as clerk, and the church elected W. F. Watlington as his successor. Also, the church "received with pain" the resignation of Brother Hackett. W. F. Watlington was requested to call on Brother A. A. Lomax and report back to the church in two weeks.

July 26th, 1868--W. F. Watlington reported that Brother Lomax agreed to serve in the capacity of pastor beginning in August.

August 22nd, 1868--A freed woman's conduct was discussed, and it was decided that she should be dismissed from the church.

February 27th, 1869--Remarks were made by the brethern as to the non-attendance and neglect of church duties by some members. The names of one sister and brother "were ordered to be struck from the church book." The clerk was asked to write to one and "inquire why he does not attend or report his condition to the church." A charge was also brought against a brother for profane language and swearing. The clerk was requested to write to the brother and "cite her to trial."

After this September recording in 1869 there is nothing written in the minute? book to say what was going on at Bethel Baptist Church in Yazoo County, Mississippi until August 5th, 1874.

It may be assumed, that hard times were upon the land, and that our forefathers were struggling under reconstruction and a new way of life. It is a certainty that they must have cried out to the Lord for a respits from their troubles and burdens, but to their credit these staunch souls chose not to fill the book with whinings.

August 5, 1874--The pastor at this time was G. A. Grammer, and the clerk, A. G. Pepper. Two joined the church - one by letter, and one by experience three were dismissed by letter. A committee was appointed to "wait on" a brother, and two sisters were admonished for dancing. Three delegates were