The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 12

drunkeness, disorderly and unchristian conduct, during the past winter. Another sister had a charge against her for dancing. Her answer was that she "wished to remain in the church and that she would endeavor to live consistant with her profession." The sister was restored to full fellowship with the church.

November 1878--The church called Brother Matt Lyon as pastor for another year at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars - down fifty from the previous year. He accepted the call.

A notation made in the minutes reports - "Meetings, were held Jan'y, Feb'y, M'ch, April, May, June, and July 1879 but no business of importance was transacted."

August 1879--The case of the disorderly brother from May 1878 continues to be unresolved. He was asked to appear before the church to settle the problem.

September 1879--Delegates were elected to the associational meeting, and the wayward brother was present and made his peace satisfactorly with the church. The charges against him were dismissed.

December 1879--The fourth Sabbath - Brother Matt Lyon resigned the pastoral care of the church.

January 1880--The clerk was ordered to correspond with certain brethern in regard to securing a preacher. A student from Mississippi College, by the name, J. G. Chastain, was invited to preach for the congregation in March.

March 1880--The clerk, H. C. Watlington, wrote that a call to preach was extended to Brother J. G. Chastain, and he accepted, at a salary of one hundred and twenty-five dollars for the remainder of the year. One sister made restitution with the church for dancing. An invitation was extended to Brother A. A. Lomax of Hazelhurst to assist Brother Chastain in a protracted meeting to be held in August.