The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 7

November 1st 1857--A petition was presented to the church by Brothers Gill and Miller in behalf of "the members composing an arm of the Bethel Church," seeking letters of dismission from Bethel, "for the purpose of organizing an independent church on the east side of Cyprus Creek." The petition was granted.

November 29th - Saturday - 1857--The church met in conference, after a sermon by Brother Logan and visiting brethren welcomed. The church proceeded to elect a pastor for the next year and Brother H. W. Portwood was called. On motion, and second. It was ordered that "the members composing the arm of Bethel Church on Cyprus Creek proceed to organize themselves into an independant church" Letters of the church were again asked of the church for Brothers Gill and Miller.

January 1859--The first Saturday of the month was set to constitute the new church. The clerk James Heek was "instructed to invite the Presbetry of ministry for that purpose. It was also ordered that the church elect deacons on the same day with a view to ordination, and the Friday before was appointed as a day of fasting and prayer."

April 1859--There seems to have been some lost pages through this time period. A Brother Lee held services for the church through June.

June 30th 1860--Brother J. G. Walne accepted the call to preach. The church agreed to change their meeting time from the first Sabbath, and the Saturday before, to the fourth Sabbath, and the Saturday before, each month. A protracted meeting was set for the 25th of August.

August 26, 1860--During the protracted meeting, which lasted ten days five were received by letter - one by experience and one by restoration. The Preachers were Brothers Walne and Hooker.

September 22, 1860--Delegates were appointed to attend the association tat was to meet in Jackson on October the twelfth. Those delegates were J. C. Bull, C. R. Henderson, and James Meek - Alternates being John Z. Bell and William Watlington. A letter was prepared and adopted to be sent with the delegates.

July 1861--Brother Walne reported to the conference that he had procured help for the protracted meeting in August. The church resolved to celebrate the Lords Supper "on the morrow" when Brother Portwood had promised to be present and officiate. Brother Walne would be filling an appointment at Benton.

August 24, 1861--At the twelve day protracted meeting, nine joined the ch by experience and five by letter.

October 24, 1861--Brother Walne was called to serve as pastor for the next year. He asked that he be given a month to decide. The request was granted, and after the delay Brother Walne agreed to again be the pastor for the upcoming year.

September 19, 1862--"According to previous appointment the church to commences a protracted meeting. Bro. Walne being present, prayer and ? was held by Bro. Walne." The usual protracted meeting lasted ten days, beginning on Friday and continuing through the following Sunday. This pro tem, W. S. Heard, gives more insight. Prayer meeting being held at o'clock with preaching at eleven and two o'clock. Brother Portwood was visiting preacher, who on Sunday morning, took his text from I Peter, 4