The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 4

August 1848--"A protracted meeting commensed the 11th and continued til the 21st of August 1848. During which time eight were baptised. Those being, Brothers James Meek, George Etherage, Matthew McNeal, William McNeal, and James Denman. Sisters, Sarah Stubblefield, Rebeckor L. Etherage, and Rebecker J. Etherage. There was also at this time a black woman, belonging to J. C. Bull, who had been received some time before by the church for baptism. "Brother J. C. Bull was ordained Deacon on Friday the 19th by Bros. Clinton and Baggerly. We had the assistance of Bro. Clinton from Monday till Friday."

October 1848--"The Saturday before the second Lords Day." William Houson and D. C. Henderson were appointed associational delegates to Concord Church. Bro. Henderson was asked to write a letter and send five dollars to the association for thirty copies of the minutes and for other purposes. The conference read and adopted the prepared letter, gave it to the association.

November 1848--The church was again about the business of making arrangements to find a Pastor for the next year. D. C. Henderson and William Elam were selected as the committee to see a Brother Gage. In other business, a letter of dismission was granted to Sister Susan Gargal.

December 1848--On Saturday before the second Sunday, Brother S. G. Caldwell was the preacher. When the doors of the church were opened for the reception of members, Martin Fugate and Sister Fugate joined under the watch care of the church. The committee to seek a new pastor read a latter that had been received from Brother Baggerly stating that the church would do well to call Brother Caldwell so the members voted unanimously for this position, after Brother Caldwell left the room. He was then given time for an answer. Letters of dismission were given to Rebecca and Addeline Kughn. This was the final conference of the year.

February 1849--D. C. Henderson reported that Brother Caldwell could not accept the call of the church for the present year. It was then moved to make another call - this to Brother D. L. Dupree, whereupon, he told the church that he was licenced to preach but not ordained. The church appointed D. C. Henderson and J. C. Bull to confer with Concord - that being the church where Bro. Dupree held membership - and request his ordaination. William Houson was added to the committee to help take care of the matter.

April 1849--The conference met on Friday and on Saturday morning "The church and Prebyter" met for the ordination of Brother Dupree. The message was brought by Brother Caldwell, examination and charge by Brother Owen. On Sunday morning at ten a prayer meeting was held. The church received by letter Charles V. Bennett.

May 1849--A committee was appointed to "wait on" a brother. A term used quite often, seemingly with the intent to serve or help a brother or sister who was having problems that effected his standing in the church. It was also used as a term of support, and to get a job done.

July 1849--The committee appointed to "wait on" the brother reported that said brother "acknowledged his negligence in attending the church and his Christian duty, and manifests a wish to continue in full fellowship with his Christian brothers." A committee was then selected to notify the brother to appear before the church in August or September. The charges against him were for non attendance and profane language.