The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 20

This list of names was truly representative of the people. It ranges from the slave to those who were wealthy and cultured. The actions and words of the members, as expressed in the early records, show a high degree of commonsense as well as culture. And earnestness and piety characterized it all.

With those who loved and nurtured the infant church it was a case of "By their fruits ye shall know them." Duncan Henderson's name became a by-word fo Book resolutions extolling his virtues. He was characterized as a great citizen and churchman, a loving husband and father, and a kind master. my earlier years it was common to hear the expression "As honest as Duncan Henderson." Duncan Henderson's son, Dr. Christopher Rankin Henderson, was a great servant of God, a pillar of this church from early manhood until his death at 93 So, it was with Campbell Bull. He lived to great age, honored by all. His? descendants to this day are faithful to their churches. A descendant of the McCormack's is today a well known preacher. The zeal and love of God which prompted the Yarboroughs to come about 15 miles for membership in ? new church came down to a grandson, Doctor W. P. Yarborough, who was one ? our great baptist preachers.

In 1851 my father, William F. Watlington, moved to the community and immediately placed his letter at Blackjack. He was a deacon a man of great piety. Until his death, over forty years later, only severest sickness ever held him away from any religious duty. Our house was called The home of the preachers, and young preachers were accustomed to bring their troubles to him. None ever left him without encouragement. He had only two sons, W. T?iam J. and Henry C., but both were clerks and deacons of Blackjack. Later, Henry moved to Hattiesburg and taught a large Bible Class at Main Street Baptist Church for a quarter of a century.

The list could be extended through the years, using many names, but enough has been said to show that a man's good works do follow him.

In 1856 Campbell Bull, W. F. Watlington, J. C. Meek, Dr. Pearson, and Burson A. King, were appointed a committee to build a new church. Funds were raised and a frame building was erected, this time also on the West side of the road. The site of the new church was at the front of the lot, at the top? of the hill. The old log building, which had served sometimes as a community school, as well as church, was now permitted to fall into disuse and decay.

A Small portion of the new church was set aside for the Blacks, among whom there were many members. The average run of slaves were not among them. For the most part, the group was composed of coachmen, mammys, and houseservants. They often got happy and shouted, and often they got "churched" for misconduct. When I was a child people laughed a great deal over the "experiences" th?e colored members gave at experience meetings. Sometimes the audience roc?d with laughter and the preacher would have to make the experiencer sit down. The group was dismissed in 1866.