The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 22

Dr. A. J. Hackett was another of our great old preachers. He left us to edit baptist papers. He was editor of the Baptist Record for many years. Also, I remember well Dr. Chastain, the grand old missionary to Mexico, who still lives. I remember him for the most part as a sweet guest in our home on many occasions.

Dr. J. B. Lawrence came to us while still a student, and was our pastor for several years. At the time, he gave every promise of becoming the ??at man that he is today. As General Secretary of the Home Board his voice and actions carry more weight than those of any other baptist. It is comforting to reflect that Blackjack helped him along the way.

In mentioning a few of the old preachers I have not meant to be partial. There were many choice spirits among them, and perhaps some as much appreciates by the Heavenly Father as any I have mentioned. Likewise, in mentioning the names of some of the old members. There have been legions of them faithful until? death.

In 1922 Dr. W. W. Hamilton held our meeting. He was a noted evangelist and teacher, and vast crowds of people came to hear him. Blackjack was revi?d and many were converted. The old church building proved wholly inadequate, and a movement for a new building was immediately launched. Finance Committee: J. J. McGraw, W. D. Henderson, J. F. Wilson, W. R. Vaughan, Will Ledbetter, Peter Stubblefield, and A. N. Nichols. Building Committee: E. L. Pepper, R. L. Fisher, J. J. McGraw, Garnet Dixon, and D. L. Edson. Within about two years some ten-thousand dollars had been raised and construction was begun on our present large brick building. It was dedicated July 29 1928. Dr. Hamilton, at that time President of the Baptist Bible Institute. W. N. Hamilton, our pastor, who was happy to see his big plans come to completion. In new and commodious quarters the church soon entered organization work of various sorts, and a new church life may be said to have begun.

Sundry tems which may be of interest:

Duncan Henderson, first deacon, Sept. 1845
George J. Wilson, first clerk, Nov. 1843
First bible and hymn-book bought in 1847. This one hymn-book, the pastor repeated two lines ahead for the congregation to sing.
First money collected for the spread of the gospel, 1852.
First delegates to an association: Duncan Henderson and Campbell Bull Place--Society Ridge, Hinds Co.
R. L. Fisher served 22 years as clerk. Twice as long as any other clerk the first hundred years.