Contributed by Jeffrey A. Reed
Vineland Baptist Church was organized on September 12, 1912 with 29 charter members. The building was finished and dedicated on October 5, 1913.
-The SE quarter of the NE quarter of section 8 and the SW quarter of the NW quarter of section 9 T-12, R-4E was purchased by William Joseph Smyly from T. A. Leonard for $1500.00 on Sept. 16, 1913 and donated to the trustees of the Vineland Baptist Church.
-Begin on the north line of section 10, twelve chains and forty links east of the NW corner of said section. From there south two chains and twelve links to the Clifton & Choctaw Corner Road (Co. Rd. 55) thence east along said road two chains and ninety-five links to the line between J. E. Smyly and J. A. Carson thence north eighty links to the north line of said section, thence west two chains and sixty links to the place of the beginning. Being part of the NW quarter of the NW quarter of section 10, T-12, R-4E. Sold by Joseph Elias Smyly to the trustees of Vineland Baptist Church for $1.00 on October 24, 1913.
-All the land belonging to us (J. A. Carson) that lies north of the Clifton & Choctaw Corner Road in the NW quarter of the NW quarter of section 10, T-12, R-4E. Sold by J. A. Carson and wife to the trustees of Vineland Baptist Church for $1.00 on September 12, 1913.
-Begin on the south line of section 3 twelve chains and forty links east of the SW corner, thence north thirty-five yards to a stake, thence east one hundred and eighteen yards to a stake near a ditch, thence south fifty-five degrees east to the section line, thence west to the point of the beginning. Being part of the SW quarter of the SW quarter of section 3, T-12, R-4E. Sold by M.A., Edward, and wife S.B. Strickland for $1.00 to the trustees of Vineland Baptist Church.
Article from the Democrat-Reporter dated
March 13, 1913
THE VINELAND BAPTIST CHURCH
A Memorial to the late Reverend Thomas W.
Smyly
It was Brother Smyly's earnest desire to establish a baptist church at Vineland. To this end he prayed and labored, even selecting the spot where he thought a chapel should be erected. No sooner had his body been laid away than friends began to talk of his cherished plans. Announcement was made and the Vineland Baptist Church was organized with 29 members on September 12, 1912. A building committee was appointed, the site selected by Brother Smyly was secured, liberal pledges and cash contributions have been received, especially from the citizens of Vineland. The framing has been sawed and is now on the ground and within a week the foundation will be laid and work begun. Besides the main auditorium there will be a commodius vestibule, classrooms, a a concrete baptistry. Just above the baptistry will be placed a marble slab with the inscription " In memory of Rev. Thomas W. Smyly, a faithful minister of Jesus Christ."
It was suggested at the association September 20, 1912 that the proposed chapel be considered a chapel to Brother Smyly, and a committee was appointed to cooperate with the Vineland brethren in securing from friends of the cause and Brother Smyly personally, gifts for the erection of this chapel.
Contributions may be sent to William J. Smyly (father of the young man), treasurer, Vineland, Alabama. The names of all contributors will be recorded in the church book and read on the day of dedication. About $500.00 will be needed to dedicate free of debt. Any friends who desire to have part in this memorial enterprise will kindly send contributions without delay.
L. E. Smith, Chairman Memorial Committee, Pine Hill, Alabama.
Article from the Democrat-Reported dated
October 16, 1913
REV. L. E. SMITH DEAD
Was Prominent Baptist Minister. Served
as Associational Missionary last year in Bethel Association.
Several weeks ago Mr. Smith had the misfortune to stick a nail into his foot and at the Association meeting at Octagon he was suffering greatly, having to go about on crutches. On Sunday, the 5th inst., he conducted the dedication exercises of the new baptist church at Vineland and he was then badly crippled from the effects of the wound. From this time he gradually grew worse until tetanus began to develop, which was the direct cause of his death last Saturday night.
A few years ago Mr. Smith moved his family to this section of Alabama from Ohio and took charge of the church at Pine Hill as pastor. Later he resigned that church and assumed charge of the movement to erect a new church at Vineland, a memorial to the lamented Rev. Thomas W. Smyly, and at the same time contracted with the Executive Committee of the Bethel Association as Associational Missionary for half time, which commission he held to the time of the meeting of the Association at Octagon on Friday before the 4th Sunday in last month.
Mr. Smith was greatly aided in his work by his talented and accomplished wife. He was a fluent speaker, a deep reasoner, and an energetic and enthusiastic worker, and will be greatly missed in the fields of his labor, both as a citizen of the county and a minister of the gospel.
The following list comprises those who joined the church after it’s organization thru 1941. A list of charter members is in existence, but is not available for transcription at this time.
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11/13/2000 Copyright © by C.A. Wood. All rights reserved.