The Story of Black Jack Bethel Church : Page 9

June 24, 1865--After many years of being called Bethel, the name Black Jack was easily called to mind.

August 26, 1865--A protracted meeting was agreed upon, and to last nine days. It was decided that "refreshments" be brought and to have morning and evening services. This is not to assume night services - as evening could mean any time after the noon meal until dark - as southerners we know this - so afternoon service is more like it. During this conference William Starling and Elizabeth Starling were granted letters of dismission, and three were received by experience. "A colored woman presented herself for membership. A committee was appointed to wait upon her which reported unfavorably. She was then informed that she could not be received into the church at this time."

September 24, 1865--Brother J. A. Hackett was called to preach for th next year.

July 1866--"After divine service by our pastor, Bro. Hackett, the church met in conference." A committee was appointed to visit disorderly members, V. F. Watlington, S. T. Sproles, C. R. Henderson, and D. A. Stubblefield were chosen. They were to report at the next conference. A protracted meeting was to be held, beginning on the Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in September.

August 23, 1866--The committee to visit disorderly members reported they had accomplished all that was required of them. Four sisters apologized, to the church, and asked forgiveness. Their petition was granted. Names of the ladies are being withheld to protect their decendants, which may include everyone in today church.

September 22, 1866--A disorderly brother made acknowledgement and asked forgiveness through a committee member. He was granted forgiveness and all fellowship with the church. This committee was to serve for two more months. The reading of the Rules of Decorum and Articles of Faith was deferred until the October meeting. Delegates to the association were selected. A letter was prepared containing money for the associational minutes, and a request that the next annual meeting be held at Bethel. The delegates were S. T. Sproles, J. C. Bull, and W. F. Watlington. Alternates were W. F. Heard, D. A. Stubblefield, W. H. Capshaw, J. Z. Bell.

March 23, 1867--For some time Brother J. A. Hackett has been pastor and W. F. Heard has served as clerk. After a short sermon on this Saturday, the church met in conference and it was requested that the clerk write a letter of inquiry to one of the disorderly sisters who had not responded.

April 27, 1867--During J. A. Hackett's tenure, as pastor, the "Committee on disorderly conduct" seemed to have worked overtime. On this conference day it was reported that four members from one family - brough up on charge desired that their connection with Bethel be severed. They were there by excluded. Yet, there were two members, on the same day, who asked forgiveness and were restored to full fellowship with the church. As modern day members of Bethel - Black Jack, this perhaps seems harsh. But, who are we to say that for the time. that was the prudent and proper way. and that the result did not make for a close knit spiritual church family. Also, the minutes contained t? interesting statement. "After remarks explanatory of the Southern Baptist Convention Bro. Hackett by motion was requested to represent this church that Body." "When after singing the first doxology, the conference adjourned order."

June 22nd, 1867--Another sister, accusation not stared, requested Brother