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MINUTES OF THE WEST FORK CHURCH

          Transcribed by Kasia S. Johnson 2005(kasialido@aol.com)

 

THE COVENANT

 

We do now, as in the presence of the great Eternal Omnipotent(?)God who knows the Secrets of all Hearts and in the presence of Angels and men acknowledge ourselves to be under the most Solemn Covenant with the lord, to be for him and no other and we do now renew our Covenant with him. 

1st We take the one only living and true God to be our God as God in three persons, The Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

2nd We take the Holy Scripture, Old and New Testament to be the Revealed Mind and will of God and promise through the help of the holy Spirit, to make them the rule of our life, acknowledging ourselves by Nature Children of wrath and our hope of mercy with God is only through the righteousness of Jesus Christ apprehended by faith.

3rd We now Call Heaven and earth to witness that without the least reserve we do give up ourselves soul and body and all that we have and are to this one God through Jesus Christ to be entirely at his disposal, both ourselves, our homes and Estates as ye shall see most for his own Glory and we will do faithfully the help of Gods Spirit whatever our conscience (influenced by the spirit of God) Directs us to be Duty tho it is contrary to Nature Both as to Duties to God and Man and do also by the assistance of Divine Grace unitedly give up ourselves to one another in Covenant promising by the help of the grace of God, to act towards one another as Brethren in Christ watching over one another in the love of God, and ? to watch against all Jesting lightness and foolish talking which is not convenient, and every thing that Does not Become the Followers of the Holy lamb of God and to seek the God of each other , and of the Church Universal and for the Glory of God, to hold Communion together in the Worship of God, and in the ordinances and Dicipline(sic) of this Church of God according to Christs visible Kingdom So far as the providence of God admits of the same and submitting ourselves to the Dicipline of this Church as part of Christs mystical Body.  According as we shall be guided by the word and Spirit of God and the help of Divine Grace.  Watching for the Day when the Lord Jesus Christ will take to himselfe his great power and Reign from Sea to Sea and from the rivers to the ends of the Earth.

And this Covenant we make with the free and full consent of our Souls believing that through such free and boundless grace it is owned of God and Ratified in Heaven before the throne of God and lamb. Amen. Even so Came Lord Jesus. Amen and Amen.

 

RECORDS OF WEST FORK CHURCH, 1816-1819

The Church met and convened together on the third Saturday in March, after the Devine Worship then Proceeded to Business.

1st JAMES THOMPSON SEN. Excommunicated, for Drunkeness and withdrdawing himself from us.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

The Church assembled together on the third Saturday in April after the Devine Worship then Proceeded to Business.

1st A letter of dismission that was obtained from this Church by BROTHER ? JONES is Returned and Received.

2nd Brethren JESSEE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN STIGLEMAN chosen delegates to the next Association.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

 

The Church met together on the third Saturday in May. After Devine Worship they convened in order for Business.

1st Received from Reed Island Church, Brethren in way of help to wit – ISAAC COTTON, JAMES BULLARD, FREDERICH QUSENBURY, and MOSES QUSENBERY, upon a Controversy(that in the past had been settled) between BROTHER LEONARD DICKERSON, and BROTHER MASTIN STEGALL (whose membership was in their Church) is now taken up again and settled to the satisfaction of the Church and the Brethren that acted in behalf of Reed Island Church and partys approbated it.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in June after Devine Worship then convened together in order for business.

1st A difficulty arose with BROTHER LEONARD DICKERSON (relative to the matter before settled) and Considered necessary to refer to our next meeting.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

The Church Assembled on the third Saturday in July; Worship legally open by Prayer, and then Proceeded to business.

1st The Refferences Called, and taken up, and Considered Expedient to Reffer it again for further Examination.

2nd On Sunday Convened again, and Received NANCY RUNDLES as one among us.

3rd Received JENNY, a woman of color by experience, then? Her baptism. Detained upon Request of BROTHER DICKERSON for some private Conversation with her.

                                                J. S. Clerk

The Church Assembled on the third Saturday in August; after Devine Worship, convened together in order for Business.

1st BROTHER REUBIN HODGINS, from Reed Island Church Received by letter.

2nd SISTER ELIZABETH SLAUGHTER, from Jacks Creek Received by letter.

3rd Representatives Chosen to the association, to wit – JESSE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN STIGLEMAN.

4th The Refference Relative to the matter between BR. DICKERSON, and SISTER FANNY STEAGALL, taken up and Settled as to their own part.

5th A Letter of Dismission granted to BROTHER JONATHAN JONES.

                                                J. S. Clerk

The Church met on the third Saturday in September, after Prayer, then convened, and proceeded to Business.

1st Resolved that we tolerate members to meet at Burks-fork meeting house in order to Receive members by Experience, or letter.

2nd Brethren appointed, to wit – JAMES KEITH, MARTIN WEDDLE, and JOHN STIGLEMAN, to Converse with SISTER FANNY STEAGALL, concerning some Particular things, that she burdened many of the church with in Consequence of the matter between her and BROTHER DICKERSON. 

3rd Letters of Dismission granted to BR. JAMES THOMPSON and SISTER NANCY THOMPSON.

                                                J. S. Clerk

The Church met on the third Saturday in October, Meeting legally opened by Prayer, then Convened in order for Business.

1st The Brethren Reported, that were appointed to visit SISTER FANNY STEAGALL, they gained no Satisfaction, She withdraws herself, and is Excluded.

2nd Letter of Dismission granted to BR. REUBIN HODSON.

                                                J. S. CLK

The Church met on the third Saturday in November, after Devine Worship Collected in order from Business.

1st The Matter Relative to SISTER JENNY was Called for, and BROTHER DICKERSON  Reported he gained Satisfaction, as touching the matter of his Request, and other obstacle being in the way is now Settled.  She is Received in full Fellowship and admitted to baptism. Agreeable to order.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

                             END OF 1816

1817

The Church met on the third Saturday in February 1817 Meeting Legally opened by prayer, then Convened in order for Business.

                                                J. S. CLK

The Church met on the third Saturday in April; Meeting legally opened by Devine Worship, then Collected in order for Business.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

________________________________________________________________________The Church met on the third Saturday in May; Meeting legally opened by Prayer, and then Convened in order for business.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

The Church met on the third Saturday in June, Meeting Legally opened by Devine Worship, then Convened in order for business.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

The Church met on the third Saturday in July; Meeting legally opened by Devine Worship, then convened in order for business.

1st BRETHREN JESSE JONES, HENRY JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN STIGLEMAN appointed to attend at Reed Island, at their August meeting, in way of help. In a Matter of distress, by Request Received of BROTHER ISAAC COTTON.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

The Church met on the third Saturday in August; Meeting legally opened by Devine Worship, then convened in order for business.

1st BRETHREN JESSE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, AND JOHN STIGLEMAN chosen delegates to the next association.

                                                John Stigleman, Clerk

The Church met on the third Saturday in September; Meeting Legally by Devine Worship, then Convened in order for business.

1st The Brethren appointed to attend the Request of Reed Island Reported and were discharged.

                                                          J. S. C.

The Church met on the third Saturday in October: Meeting legally opened by Devine Worship, then collected in order for business.

1st SISTER ELIZABETH ARTHUR from Cascade Church Received by Letter.

2nd The Delegates to the Association Reported and were Discharged.

                                                          J. S. C.

The Church met on the third Saturday in November: Meeting legally opened by Devine Worship, then Convened in order for business. J. S. C.

________________________________________________________________________

                                                         

END OF 1817

________________________________________________________________________

1818

The Church met on the third Saturday in January; 1818.  Meeting legally opened by Prayer; then Collected in order for business.

1st Request, from Bethel Church for help in a matter of distress for which purposes were appointed BRETHREN JESSE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN STIGLEMAN.                                                    

                                                          John Stigleman Clerk

_______________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in February; Meeting legally opened by divine Worship, then convened in order for business. 

1st The Brethren appointed to attend the Request of Bethel Church Reported they were prevented by Disagreeable weather and were excused.

                                                          J. S. C. 

_______________________________________________________________________                                                                  

The Church met on the third Saturday in April; Meeting legally opened by Divine Prayer; then convened in order for business.

1st A matter of Difficulty brought in by BROTHER LEONARD DICKERSON  concerning SISTER JENNY for saying and unsaying which is referred, and Brethren: NATHANIEL THOMPSON, JAMES KEITH, and JOHN STIGLEMAN were appointed to visit her and examine further in the matter and Report our next meeting.

2nd BROTHER GEORGE HILTON came forward and gave himself as a transgressor in a controversy between him and BROTHER MARTIN WEDDLE and BRETHREN LEONARD DICKERSON, and NATHANIEL THOMPSON were appointed to labour with BR. WEDDLE, and cite him to our next meeting.

3rd BRETHREN JESSE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN STIGLEMAN

were chosen Delegates to the next Association.

                                                          John Stigleman, Clerk                                       

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in June: Meeting legally opened by Divine Worship, then Collected in order for business:

1st The Refference Relative to THE BRETHREN GEORGE HILTON, and MARTIN

WEEDLE called, their acknowledgements proved satisfactory to the Church and each were restored. 

3rd Letter of Dismission granted to SISTER SARRAH WADE.

                                                                   John Stigleman Clerk

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in July: Meeting legally opened by Divine Worship then convened in order for business.

1st Received JOHN WEDDLE as one among us by Experience

2nd SISTER JENNYS reference called, and considered, necessary to refer it again.

3rd Delegates chosen to the Association to wit- JESSE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN STIGLEMAN.

                                                                   John Stigleman Clerk

 

The Church met on the third Saturday of September Meeting legally opened by Prayer then convened together in order for business.

1st The Refference called new matters brought in that the church was not possession of and Brethren, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, JAMES KEITH, and JOHN STIGLEMAN with LEONARD DICKERSON were appointed to labour with her again and report.

                                                                   J. S. C.

________________________________________________________________________The church met on the third Saturday in November after Devine Worship. Convened in order for Business.

1st The Refference Relative to SISTER JENNY taken up and is Excluded for being Desirous and ? Refusing to hear the Church in aforesaid transgression.

                                                                   John Stigleman CLK

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in December, Meeting legally opened by Prayer then Proceeded to Business.

_______________________________________________________________________

                                      END OF 1818

ญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญญ

                                      1819

The Church met on the third Saturday in January 1819 after Devine Worship Convened in order for business.

1st A matter brought in by BR. MARTIN WEDDLE Relative to Slanderous Report against SISTER MARY THOMPSON by SISTER HANNAH THOMPSON she confesses her transgression but is reffered for a Reconciliation between parties.

2nd BROTHER JOHN WEDDLE came forward with an acknowledgement upon his conduct in Intoxication, and then abusing his family; he admonished and was forgiven.

                                                                   J. S. C.

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on third Saturday in February after Devine Worship convened in order for business.

1st The Refferring Called, SISTER HANNAH THOMPSON being absent and Resolved to Reffer it again and send a committee of Brethren, JESSE JONES, JAMES KEITH,

 

MARTIN WEDDLE, AND JOHN STIGLEMAN to labour with the Sisters and obtain a union if possible, and report our next meeting.

2nd BROTHER LEONARD DICKERSON, burdened the Church Publicly in a Discourse at this place, which he Refferred for further Examination and satisfaction to be Rendered.

                                                          J. S. CLK

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in March, The Church Assembled, Meeting legally opened by Devine Worship then Convened in order for business.

1.  Received BROTHER JOHN LESTRE, AND SISTER MARY LESTER by letter from Meadow-Creek Church.

2.  The Refferrence Relative to the SISTER THOMPSON was ?Called and acted upon and her acknowledgement proved Satisfactory to the Church.

3.  The Refferrence Respecting BROTHER DICKERSON Called but Refferred again.

                                                          J. S. CLK

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in April after Devine Worship collected in order for business.

1st The Reconciliation between the SISTER THOMPSONS called, but not obtained and is Referred again.

2nd The Refferrence of BROTHER DICKERSONS called and the Requested to give Satisfaction in above transgressions he Renders none but remains Obstinate and is excluded from us.

2nd Brethren JESSE JONES, NATHANIEL THOMPSON, and JOHN LESTER Chosen Delegates to the Association.

                                                          John Stigleman, Clk

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in May, meeting legally by Devine Worship then convened in order for Business.

1st The Reconciliation called and but one of the party being present it remains a Refference again.

2nd MAJOR DICKERSON came forward and withdrew herselfe for the Church, and after some altercation. She is excluded from among us.

                                                          John Stigleman, Clerk

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in July 1819 Meeting opened by prayer then proceded to business.

1st  PETER SLUSHER ? and his WIFE ? received by Baptism

2nd MARY? THOMPSON excluded for disorder and withdrawing from the church  then dismissed in order.

 

The Church met on the third Saturday in August 1819 Meeting Opened by prayer then proceded to business.

1st Brethren NATHANIEL THOMPSON and JOHN LESTER chosen ? the association.

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The Church met on the third Saturday in September 1819 Meeting opened by Prayer and proceeded to business. 

1st NANCY HILTON and PATSY SALMONS Received by Baptism. Then dismissed in order.

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in October 1819 Meeting Opened by prayer then to proceed to business.

1st NANCY BURNETT, DELILAH WEDDLE and POLLY DICKERSON received by Baptism. Then dismissed in order

________________________________________________________________________

 

The Church met on the third Saturday in November 1819 Dismissed in order Then collected on Sunday morning ELIZABETH HELTON , BETSY DICKERSON received by experience in order for baptism.

________________________________________________________________________

The Church met on the third Saturday in December 1819 Meeting opened by prayer then proceeded to business.

1st JONATHAN SALMONS and DELILAH STEGALL received by Baptism.  Then dismissed in order.

 

END OF 1819

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