The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 2

After the formation it was agreed that the church still retain the name of Blackjack, and in November 1844 Brother Pitman was chosen as Pastor.

March 1845 the Church received into fellowship one "to baptism," and one ?? letter, others had preceded these--so this young church grew--ministering, also, to the blacks in the congregation. Application was made for a "to ?r" for a black brother.

"Blackjack Church in conference on Saturday before the first Sabbath in September 1845 on motion the church agrees to represent herself to the Union Association."

D. C. Henderson was appointed as delegate to that associational meeting, which was held at Society Ridge in Hinds County. Serving also was James C. Bull.

During this same conference a Brother Haton was allowed the privilege of the Church building for "one Sabbath a month until they make further arrangements." This was common to let the building be borrowed for good causes.

"Elder" George E. Baggerly was asked to supply as pastor for the remaining part of the year.

The minutes often began with the statement, "After the devine service," ?r "The Baptist Church of Christ at Blackjack" was the way the church was described.

July 1846, Blackjack as the name of the Church was again in question. Some of the Brethern and sisters expressing a desire for its alteration. and the name Bethel, was unanimously adopted.

September 1846 associational letters were received from Concord and Ogden Churches. Five dollars was agreed upon to send to the Association for minutes. Also, very interestingly, there was reference made "to the form of the Church book of the Old Church at Benton." More research on this is planned.

October 10th 1846 the minutes read--"After devine service by Brother Baggerly the Bpatist Church of Christ at Bethel met in conference." Blackjack being deleted from the Church's name. At this same meeting a male member was excluded from fellowship with the church.

November 1846 another mention was made of Benton Church, "The Bethel Church agrees to extend a conference to Benton on the 5th Sunday in November. Whereas Brethern J. C. McCormack, J. D. McCormack and Sisters Amanda McCormack and Sisters Amanda McCormack, Elmira McCormack and Brothers J. G. White were appointed to attend."

Dec. 1846--Brother G. G. Baggerly agrees to serve Bethel Church for the next year. Letters of dismission were granted to William Bull and his wife, Mary Ann, Also, to George, a Black, belonging to Ambrose Bull.

February 1847--Brother Baggerly was permitted to dispense with preaching on one Sabbath so that he might attend a constitution of a Baptist Church at Benton. Yet another church at Benton. More research called for.

June 1847--James Suliven joined under watch care of the church. In April Edmond Persell was received by letter. During this June conference it was decided to hold a protracted meeting commencing on Friday before the second Sabbath in August. Also decided, to give a member permission to attend this meeting.