Silver Creek Baptist Church 2
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Location: Pike County, Mississippi
Surnames/tags: Estess Brumfield Fortenberry
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| Silver Creek Baptist Church, School and Lodge |
V. BENJAMIN A. CRAWFORD’S MINISTRY. 1859-1870.
Continuation of Silver Creek Baptist Church 1814-1914
1864 These were the darkest days of the great war. The creasing general demoralization put all the churches to the test in matters of discipline. There was some drunkenness and much revelry (and some lawlessness) prevailing. The efficient clerk, a bright young man was swept out of the church by the general current of revelry. But pastor and church held their ground and exercised New Testament discipline as they understood it, and thus the church stood as a Light-house in those dark and trying times.— Frank M. Quin was elected clerk February and held the office for eight years until Feb. 1872. Seven ministers, W. J. Fortinberry, B. F. Crawford, B. L. Lea, H. Z, Jenkins, Peter Turner, ____Cook, and Dr. J. R. Graves (10 Apr 1820-), were invited to the Annual Meetings in August. There is no record of the meetings except some routine business on conference day. But it is remembered that J. R. Graves was present on Sunday and preached his great “War Sermon” from Matt. 22:21. Owing to the fact that this section of the country was then between the lines of the Confederate and Federal armies, many men who were supposed to belong to the army, and some who had really been in the array, were on different excuses at home or about home, many of them honestly feeling that their families and homes needed their personal care and protection more than their country. Dr. Graves' great sermon was a powerful appeal to these men to rally to the army. But it failed of effect. It was too late. From the Vice President of the Confederacy down to the humblest citizen there was a growing feeling that the cause was lost. But the church stood on the Rock and maintained her fellowship and her discipline as best she could. Delegates t0 the association: B. A. Crawford. J. B. Lewis, F. M. Quin, Wyatte Smith, Sixty-five dollars (Confederate money) sent to the association and sixty copies of minutes requested.
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1865 The great war closed in the spring and left the people in much confusion and much poorer than they had ever been before. But the work of the Lord went on and gradually the whole country revived..—Committee was appointed to revise the church roll: Wyatte Smith, John Ellzey, S. O. Magee, James Morris, D. W. Forrest, B. A. Crawford.—Committee to inquire about the charter: John G. Legget, John Simmons and F. M. Quin reported the charter had lapsed. Committee appointed to secure a new charter. Daniel M. Pounds and Frank M. Quin. The August meetings continued five days with two accessions. The people were not in the humor for revival. Business was reviving. The price of cotton was very high, and people were busy repairing their fortunes as best they could.
1866—The committee to secure see charter submitted their report. Trustees were elected: J. G. Leggett, S. O. Magee, John Ellzey, Wyatte Smith. J. R. Simmons, G. W. Simmons, D. M. Pounds. By-laws were adopted. The August meetings continued live days with four accessions. Ministers assisting the pastor: B. W. Bullock, W. J. Fortinberry. Slowly but steadily and mightily the country was reviving, and the churches were beginning to feel the benefit.
1867 There is no record of the August meetings.—Other minutes very brief A committee: John Magee, [[ J. G. Leggett, and B. F. Ellzey were appointed to make repairs on the church building. Delegates to the association: B. A. Crawford, S. O. Magee, F. M. Quin. This was a year of great reverses. The price of cotton went down, down to near the old level, and then the “armyworm” came and swept most of it from the fields. The "Yellow Fever" prevailed in New Orleans and spread through the country.
1868 A communication from Bro. Jesse Crawford to the church was read by the clerk.” So the minute reads. Nothing new is said.—There is no account of continued meetings in August.— A member was arraigned for taking the benefit of the bankrupt law. Delegates to the association: B. A. Crawford, John Simmons. E. M. Schilling, F. M. Quin.
1869 A member was suspended for taking benefit of the bankrupt law.—No record of revival meetings in August. The organization of a new association was proposed and a committee was appointed to canvass the matter with other churches. Delegates to the association: B. A. Crawford, John Simmons, E. M.Schilling. On_____This year Rev. Jesse Crawford after confinement to his bed for ten years, ceased suffering in the flesh and went to his rest in Paradise. The event was notorious, but singularly no notice of it is in the minutes.
1870 The '‘Annual Meetings" in August resulted in seventeen accessions to the church. The church after membership in the Pearl River Baptist Association for fifty years, 1820-1870, withdrew from that body, and with other churches formed the Bogue Chitto Baptist Association. J. G. Leggett, B. A. Crawford, and John Simmons were delegates to the Pearl River Association with a petition for withdrawal and were also appointed to the new association, which met with this church. B. A. Crawford voluntarily retired from the pastorate, and W. J. Fortinberry was appointed to succeed him. The Bogue Chitto Baptist Association was constituted here and held its first session with this church, October 22-24, 1870. (Sentence missing) The officers elected by the association were Charles Felder Crawford, Moderator; Berkley S. Turnipseed (1846- 1890), Clerk; Jas. A. Jenkins (1819-1896), Treasurer.
VI. WILLIS J. FORTINBERRY’S MINISTRY.1871-1872
1871 The August revival meetings continued four days with two accessions by baptism. Esco M. Schilling was granted a license as a minister of the gospel, September 30. Committee appointed to raise benefit fund for an aged brother. H. Munderloh. Delegates to the association: B. A. Crawford, E. M. Schilling, John G. Leggett.
1872 F. M. Quin resigned the clerkship after eight years of service, and John G. Leggett was elected. John Simmons was elected treasurer, The revival meetings in August continued several days and resulted in sixty-five accessions by baptism. This year marks the beginning of great revival results from the years of previous patience and faithfulness. B. A. Crawford assisted the pastor. Among those baptized were: Rev. J. Novell Fortinberry, Lewis C. Rimes, Mrs. Rimes, James Brock. J. H. Crawford and many others are well known in church work.— Isaiah Allmond was granted a license as a minister of the gospel; and Esco M. Schilling was recognized as an ordained minister in October: presbytery; B. A. Crawford and W. J. Fortinberry. Pastor Fortinberry retired and B. A. Crawford was elected for the next year. Delegates to the association: John Simmons, E. M. Schilling, J. G. Leggett.
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| Willis J. Fortinberry |
Willis J. Fortinberry was born November 28, 1829, the son of William and Violette Fortinberry who came from South Carolina to Mississippi in 1819. He was baptized in 1849. Under the ministry of Calvin Magee, into the fellowship of the New Zion Church of which he remained a member all his life. He married Miss Louisa Blackwell October 13, 1853. Five sons and two daughters were born to them. He was licensed to the ministry August 17, 1863; recognized as an ordained minister August 17th,1861- presbytery: B. A. Crawford, J. E. Pounds. J. C. Seals. I. N. Pigott. He was called to the pastorate of his church soon after his ordination and continued in this relation until his decease, more than forty years. He had been pastor of the State Line Church thirty-three years; had served the Mt. Hermon Church, constituted under his ministry in 1863, nineteen years; and the Bogue Chitto Church, in Washington Parish, La., eighteen years, he was moderator of the Magee's Creek Association twenty-two years and at the time of his demise moderator of the State line Association
He passed away October 1, 1905, aged 75 years, 10 months, three days. He had baptized about two thousand souls according to his own record. He was a man of limited education and culture, but a good man, and he knew the cardinal doctrines of salvation well and he preached them in simplicity and with power!
VII. BENJAMIN A. CRAWFORD’S MINISTRY 1873-1874 (2nd Time)
1873 The August meeting continued five days with seventeen accessions. Letters of Dismission were granted to twenty members for the purpose of joining in the constitution of the Bala Chitto Church. David C. Walker and B. Frank Ellsey were made deacons.
1874 The church building again underwent repairs.-There is no record of the August meetings.— B. A. Crawford and C. F. Crawford both declined calls to pastorate for the next year, and Esco M. Schilling was unanimously elected to the work. This closes the work of B. A. Crawford as pastor in this church, though-was a visitor afterward.
It has not been possible to get exact data pertaining to the life of B. A. Crawford. And this is surprising to all who know of his prominence and length of time he preached in all this section. But it has been impossible to get any record from family Bibles, associational minutes, or from individual sources of the dates of the important events in his life. The tombstone which marks his grave in the graveyard at old Bogue Chitto church in Pike County has this inscription; “Benj. A. Crawford. Died May 3. 1899, aged about 72 years.” “Ordained about 1858.’’ He was a mighty man in the pulpit. It is said the venerable father, Jesse Crawford, thought Benjamin the better preacher of his two preacher sons, but Felder the better Bible scholar.
VIII. ESCO M. SCHILLING'S MINISTRY. 1875-1876
1875 G. H. Turnage was recognized as deacon.-No record of the August meetings. Church much occupied with disciplinary matters. O. L. Johnston a visiting minister preached in October.- Letters of Dismission granted Jeremiah Smith and wife, Valentine Brock and wife and others to join in the constitution of the Bogue Chitto Baptist Church, Washington Parish, LA
1876 The church was harmonious and prosperous.—In the-August meetings, the pastor had the assistance of Walter E. Tynes through seven days with eight accessions to the membership.—At the close of the year Pastor Schilling retired and was succeeded", by W. E. Tynes.
Rev. Esco Martin Schilling was born in Washington Parish, La, July 18, 1842, Baptized by W, X Fortinberry at Mt. Hermon Church, La. October 1842. Licensed by the Silver Creek Church September, 30; 1871, and recognized as an ordained minister of the gospel October 1872. He organized the Bala Chitto-Church, (Pike County), Oct, l2, 1873, and was a pastor in all, thirteen years. He organized Bluff Springs. Church; October 27, 1895, and was twice pastor, in all fifteen years. He served Mt. Hermon Church in Washington Parish. La, five times; in all twenty years besides other churches, among them Silver Creek, (Pike Co.,) and Bogue Chitto, (Washington-Parish.) It is said, he had married approximately 2,000 couples, conducted as many funerals and baptized about the same number. He married Miss Elizabeth Ellzey in Pike County, April 13, 1864, and has had fourteen children, seven living. After her death, he married Mrs. W. A. Easley; April 1-2,1908.
IX. WALTER E. TYNES 1877-1887
1877 Routine business and matters of discipline occupy the minutes most of the year.-Pastor had. no ministers to assist him in the August meetings which continued, four days with three accessions. Delegates to the association: J. G. Leggett, B. F. Ellzey, D. C. Walker, J. H. Crawford, and D. W. Forrest (1811–1880).
1878 The work went on regularly without incident worthy of special mention. The pastor was requested to prepare a history of the church from the minutes and other sources, but after considering the matter he postponed it indefinitely. Louis Schofield preached for pastor In June. Delegates were elected to the Mississippi Baptist State Convention which met in Summit Thursday before third Sabbath in July; J. G. Leggett and J. H. Crawford August meetings continued six days, but there is no record of results. This was the ‘"Yellow fever" year, and the whole country was excited and distracted over the prevalence of the disease in McComb, Osyka, and many other places on the railroad.—Delegates to the association: D C. Walker. B. F. Ellzey, J. G. Leggett.
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| Rev. Waiter Edward Tynes |
Rev. Waiter Edward Tynes was horn in Marion County, Mississippi July 13, 1848, Son of Tyra Jennings Tynes, and Jane Alford Tynes. After living on the Pearl River until he was about six years old, his parents moved to a farm about ten miles east of the newly located town of Osyka, Miss., and he grew up in what is now known as the Mount Hermon Church neighborhood. He taught school in Washington Parish when quite young; was baptized October 1866; acquired an academic education in the Bancroft School in Osyka; studied law; and after admission to the bar practiced for two or three years; located in Osyka he led in the organization of a Baptist church there; married Miss Frances May Tate January 11 1871; was licensed to the ministry September 24.1871; recognized as an ordained minister and pastor of the church March 8, 1872, and remained as pastor through two years.
He was next in East Louisiana, where he supplied, for a time the church at Jackson, and led in the organization' of the Plains Church, (since moved to Slaughter), and the church in Baton Rouge, and as evangelist held some successful revivals in that section. He was afterward pastor at Summit, Miss., and at Canton, Miss. While pastor at Canton his wife was called to her rest and reward, and he soon afterward gave up his pastorate and spent two years in theological related studies. He was then called to Texas, where he married Miss Marie E. Nelson at Chappell Hill, and has been exclusively in the ministry most of the time as pastor in Texas, but often in Louisiana and Mississippi in revival meetings and Bible Study Institutes. In 1899 he conducted with the assistance of others ten theological institutes, three weeks in the Louisiana Baptist College, then located at Mt. Lebanon, elected by the college to an honorary degree. He is the father of six daughters and one son.
X J. R. FARISH'S MINISTRY 1879
There is no record left of the years 1879 to 1885 inclusive. The minutes of all these years appear to have been torn from the minute book. But it is remembered that in 1879 Pastor Farish was assisted in the August meetings by J. B. Gambrell (1841-1921) and W. E. Tynes, resulting in a large number of accessions by baptism. Among whom were remembered: Dr. W. F. Simmons, J. A. Walker, Joe Brumfield and Dr. A. S. Smith. Pastor Farish served the church most acceptably through the years 1879-1880. and 1881, while living in Magnolia and then gave up his pastorate here and moved to Brookhaven, where he was the pastor for five years The church made good progress during this time, and it is regretted we have no record of the work.
J. R. Farish was born in Caroline County, Virginia, April 8, 1835, the son of George Buckner Farish (1787-1845) and Mrs. Clementina Dillard Farish (1794 - 1877). He was reared on the farm; attended the country schools; was converted early in life; began teaching and going to college, attending successively at Wake Forrest, N. C., Columbian, D. C., and Georgetown, Ky. He settled in Kosciusko, Miss., as principal of the male school in 1859, and continued there until he joined the Confederate army in 1861. He served as chaplain of the 13th Mississippi Regiment for a short time, when on account of chronic illness he was discharged from the army and returned to Kosciusko, where he was licensed to preach by the church there in 1864. He married Miss Josephine Cook February 28, 1865. He was recognized as an ordained minister by the Long Creek Baptist Church, (now Sallis), in 1869. He continued teaching as well as preaching continuously through much of his subsequent life. In 1871 be moved to Hazlehurst and led in the organization of the Baptist Church there, and was the pastor for half time,—preaching also to near-by country churches; moved to Gallman in 1873-4, and led in the organization of the church there. He afterward moved to Magnolia, where he continued preaching and teaching for several years,—supplying also at McComb City, Tangipahoa, (La.) Byram and Silver Creek. Next, he was in Brookhaven as pastor for five years about 1881-86. He resigned here to take charge of a mission field with headquarters at Coffeeville, Miss. After a successful ministry of several years, he moved to Meridian where he was the pastor for a time of the South Side Church and the Highland Church and finally did general missionary work until he was suddenly called to his rest March 14, 1913, aged 77 years, 11 months, 14 days. His wife, a noble Christian woman, survives him. They had no children, and she has deeded her home to the Baptists of Mississippi and receives an annuity for her support during her lifetime. He was a strong minister of the gospel, a great missionary builder of churches, an eloquent preacher, and a powerful temperance lecturer, a warm friend, and a devoted brother. He sowed liberally—giving his whole life to the cause. His wife shared with him in all their sacrifices.
XI MILTON S. SHIRK’S MINISTRY 1882?-1886?
There is no record left of the years 1882 to 1885 inconclusive. The minutes having been torn from the book.
The Bogue Chitto Baptist Association met with the church in 1882. Delegates from this church: J. H. Crawford, John Holmes, J. G. Leggett, D. C. Walker. J. G. Leggett was made moderator; B. S. Turnipseed, clerk; D. C Walker, treasurer. T. J. Walne was present representing State Mission Board. M. C. Cole was a messenger from New Orleans, La., and R. E. Melvin was a visitor. R. E. Melvin preached on Sunday morning and T. J. Walne made an appeal for State Missions and received $73.65.
1885. —At the close of the year a new minute book, the fifth in order, was presented by J. G. Leggett. J. H. Crawford was treasurer.
1886 The church was organizing and developing a system of finance to meet its obligations. Committee on finance: D. C. Walker, J. H. Crawford, | J. M. Tate, Miss Mollie Ellsey and Miss Ella Thornhill. The committee appointed to assist Mount Hermon Church to settle a difference between two members reported and was discharged. The annual meetings, August 21-26, continued six days with twenty-three accessions. Delegates to the Baptist State Convention: David M. Walker. Delegates to the association: J. G. Leggett, J. H. Crawford, Wm. Pope, Jas. Tate, D. C. Walker, G. R. Carter.
1887 The annual meetings, August 24-28, continued five days with nine accessions to the membership. W. W. Leggett was made treasurer. Delegates to the association: J. H. Crawford, L. C. Rimes, J. G. Leggett, John Holmes, D. C. Walker, Pat Kennelly (1852-1906).
1888 The annual meetings, August 25-30, continued six days with fourteen accessions to the membership. L. C. Rimes was made treasurer. John Holmes and ten others withdrew to join in the constitution of a church at Holmesville, Miss. Delegates to, the association: J. G. Leggett, D. C. Walker, Wm. Pope, W. W, Leggett, Jas. Tate, J. H. Crawford.
1889 The church covenant was renewed by personal pledges early in the year. Sunday School was started in May. J. H. Crawford and J. M. Tate were appointed a committee to purchase an organ for the church. The annual meetings, August 24-Sept. 1, continued nine days with forty-three accessions to the membership. Delegates to the association: J. H. Crawford, J. M. Tate, J.H. Leggett.
1890 The annual meeting’s, August 22-26, continued five days, with seven accessions to the membership.—W. F. Yarborough assisted the pastor in the meetings. Benton Smith was granted a license to preach. Delegates to the association: J. G. Leggett. J. H_ Crawford, J. M. Tate, Jessee W. Simmons, H. M. Lee, Wlm. Rimes, D. C. Walker. D. C. Walker, wife and two children were granted letters of dismission to join the church at Holmesville.
1891 J. O. Green was recognized as an ordained minister, and L. C. Rimes was made deacon; presbytery: Pastor Shirk, [[Allmand-14 | Isaiah Allmond]], S. S. Young, and E. M. Schilling Letters of dismission granted to Nelson Smith, Willis Stallings and wife, Drawdy Smith and wife, Denay Smith and wife, and Sisters Harvey Simmons, Betsy Dillon, and Hester Dillon, to join in the constitution of a church at Centerville. The church adopted the plan of assessing the members according to their ability (subject to their approbation) to pay the pastor's salary and other current expenses. This met with some opposition at first, but the opposition soon ceased, and the church has had since that time but little trouble with its finances.—The annual meetings, August 22-27, continued for six days with thirty-one accessions to the membership. An effort to secure Pastor Shirk’s services for two Sundays a month with pastoral work failed, and he retired from the pastorate. W. F. Yarborough was elected to succeed him John G. Leggett resigned the clerkship after nineteen years of continuous service. Adolphus S. Smith was elected clerk to succeed him. Delegates to the association: J. G. Leggett, J. M. Tate, J. H. Crawford, J. W. Simmons, A. S. Smith, J. J. Lee (1860–1928), L. C. Rimes.
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| Milton S. Shirk |
Milton S. Shirk was born in Butler County, Ohio, November 27, 1818, the son of Rev. and Mrs. Joseph Shirk. He was converted at the age of seventeen; educated at Hamilton, New York; taught school in Tennessee and Mississippi. He was licensed to the ministry in Yalobusha County. Miss., in 1845: ordained by request of his church at a session of the Mississippi Baptist Convention at Columbus in 1846, He was in charge of the Pearl River Institute at Monticello, Miss., for a time, and established the Amite Female Seminary at Liberty, Miss., in 1853, which was in a flourishing condition at the beginning of the Confederate war in 1861; but the buildings were burned down during the war, and the school was never re-established. In 1868, he was pulpit supply for Coliseum Place Baptist Church in New Orleans. Later he was head of a new school at Shreveport, La., for a while. He settled finally 'in Osyka, Miss., as a teacher, but later gave up school work altogether and devoted himself to the ministry of the Word. He was three times married. He was a man of education, culture, and dignity; timid and retiring to a fault but of strong convictions and intense feeling. His sermons were well written and read with good effect. He passed away at his home in Osyka, Miss.
XII. W. F. YARBOROUGH’S MINISTRY 1892-1893
1892 The pastor was giving two Sundays monthly to the church. Time changed to the first and third Sundays to accommodate the church at Magnolia to which pastor was pledged for half his time. the deacons were instructed to arrange an assessment for expenses. the annual meetings were arranged to include the fifth Sunday in July. They continued eight days, July 30, August 6, with six accessions to the membership. A. A. Lomax (died 1906) assisted the pastor. W. W. Leggett was made a delegate to the Baptist State Convention. Delegates to the association: J. H. Crawford, J. M. Tate, A. S. Smith, L. C. Rimes, J. W. Simmons, J. G. Leggett. A baptistery was built and a stove placed in the house for warming. Both appear to have been innovations. Baptistery proved a failure; was never used.
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| Rev. W.F. Yarbrough, D.D. |
1893 J. G. Leggett was made a delegate to the Baptist State Convention to meet in Summit in July.—The annual meetings, July 29, August 4, continued seven days with thirteen accessions to the membership. J. J. Green assisted the pastor.—In September Pastor W. F. Yarborough resigned in order to attend Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and the church was without a pastor remainder of the year. A. S. Smith retired from clerkship and J. H. Crawford was chosen to succeed him. In December Isaiah Allmond was elected pastor for the ensuing year, and the church returned to her old meeting time—fourth Sunday in the month. The biographical data in reference to Bro. Yarborough (Rev. W.F. Yarbrough, D.D.) has not been obtained. He is a successful pastor in a neighboring state— Alabama.
XlII ISAIAH ALLMOND’S MINISTRY 1894-1898
1894 Pastor Allmond began his ministry with J. H, Crawford clerk, and L. C. Rimes treasurer.—There is the first mention of a Sunday School report to the church. J. H. Crawford was superintendent (sentence missing) Cora Rimes, librarian. Teachers in Sunday School: J. M. Tate, L. C. Rimes, Kits Dais; Tate, Miss Mattie Boyd, Miss Carrie Simmons. It appears also there was a Sunday-School Convention- organized within the Bogue Chitto Association which was held with this church fifth Sunday and day preceding in July. The church observed the annual national Thanksgiving special collection $5.70. The annual meetings in August: continued six days with nine additions to the memberships Rev. R. L. Stewart assisted pastor. J. H. Crawford retired from the clerkship and J. H. Rimes was elected to the office.
1895.—Early in the year a resolution was adopted against certain plays as being only a “form of dancing.” Later a committee was appointed to investigate the circulation of a petition for the sale of whiskey, and on the report of the committee fellowship was withdrawn from members who had signed the petition.—The annual meetings August 3-9 continued six days with twelve accessions to church membership. Rev. J. M. Cook assisted the pastor.—The church resolved on quarterly collections for missions—G.W. Simmons (?) was elected clerk and Joe W. Brumfield treasurer.—Delegates to the association: J. H. Crawford, J. M. Tate, J. J. Lee, J. H. Rimes, B. B. Smith, J. G. Leggett; alternates: F. M. Boyd, L. C. Rimes, R. I. Simmons and Henry S. Brumfield.
1896.—Early in the year fourteen member made confession for Indulgence in a play called “Twistifications,” a form of dancing. A committee was appointed in reference to re-seating the church, viz: J. M. Tate, J. W. Simmons. Miss Ella Crawford, Miss Belle Sandifer (m. Jesse C Rimes), and Miss Dulcie Leggett. A committee was also appointed to look after the association which met with the church on September 25, of this year: J. M. Tate, F. M. Boyd, H. S. Brumfield, J. H.Rimes, and J. C. Simmons.—Delegates to the association: F. M. Boyd, J. T. Burkhalter, R. L. Simmons (1847–1939), J. M. Tate, J. H. Crawford, G. W. Simmons (?). The Bogue Chitto Baptist Association, Twenty-Seventh annual session, met with the church this year,1896. Isaiah Allmond was made moderator, J. H. Crawford clerk, and S. C. Walker treasurer.
1897.—The church resolved on repairing the house of worship, and committees were appointed for the purpose.— R. L. Simmons was recognized as deacon of this church on his previous ordination in the New Zion church.—The annual meetings, July 31, August W. F. Yarborough assisted the pastor.— J. H. Crawford superintendent of the Sunday School proposed to the Church that if the church that if the church would cover and weatherboard the church building the Sunday school would at its own expense, paint the building and furnish with new seats. The proposition was accepted, and the work was successful. The building was painted and furnished with new seats at a cost of $193.00.—Delegates to the association: J. H. Crawford, F. M Boyd, R. L. Simmons, J. W. Simmons, J. H. Rimes, J. A. Walker, G. W. Simmons.
1898.—The church building seems to have occupied the attention of the church. A building committee had been appointed. A brother was given permission to cut timber off the church land to be sawed into lumber for the church. The Sunday School was authorized to sell the old seats in the church and invest the money received therefor in new seats for the church. Here ends the ministry of Pastor Allmond with this church. The exact data for a biographical note in reference to Brother Allmond has not been furnished. It is known that he was licensed to preach when a comparatively young man, and that he began his ministry under more than the usual disadvantages, and that by faithful continuance and well doing he has worked his way to the front ranks in the confidence, esteem and fellowship of all the churches,—having served acceptably many of the best churches, and served also as moderator of this association.
XIV. J. H. LANE’S MINISTRY 1899-1901
The minutes for these three years are missing—.torn from the book. We are unable to recover from any reliable source the transactions of the church during this period. That the church enjoyed peace, grew in grace and made progress commensurate with the times, is well known. Bro. Lane in a letter to the author modestly says: “What little I did at Silver Creek, I cannot now recall anything worthwhile. People were kind to me, and they paid every cent of my salary. I feel honored by having been in the line of those worthy pastors of that historic body of saints. — G. W. Simmons appears as clerk, and Joe W. Brumfield as treasurer.
1902- minutes are missing-torn from the book
1903.—The church appointed delegates to a Worker’s Conference at Osyka. L. A. Welch appears as church clerk. The annual meetings held this year, July 20-30. Continued six days with twelve accessions to the membership. Bro. H. N. Hatch assisting’ pastor. E. C. Thornhill and S. A. Simmons were made deacons. S. W. Simmons was elected clerk for the next ensuing year, and Joe W. Brumfield was continued as treasurer.
XVI J. H. LANE’S MINISTRY (2nd Time) 1903
1904.—Early in the year there was a special meeting of the church at the house of a suspended member, an invalid, to hear his confession, in order to his restoration to fellowship.—The Silver Springs Lodge, A. F. St A. M. was granted permission to build and maintain a lodge on the land of the church.—Rev. E. W. McLendon and wife were received as members,—Delegates to the association: J. H. Crawford, S. A. Simmons. J. W. Simmons, G. W. Simmons, S. W. Simmons, E. C. Thornhill. L. A. Welch, F. R. Brumfield.—The annual meetings, August 7-12, continued six days With seventeen, accessions to the membership. J. R. Farish a former pastor (1879-1881) assisting Pastor Lane, officers were' all re-elected for the next year, but Pastor Lane decided he could not serve. T. C. Schilling was accordingly elected unanimously to the pastorate.
Joel H. Lane was born October 9. 1860, in Rankin County. Miss. (died 19 Nov 1936) He was educated in Mississippi College and in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He was licensed to the ministry by the church at Clinton, Miss, in 1882; ordained at Salem church, Simpson County, January 30, 1883. He taught school in that county and preached at the Strong River and Hephzibah churches one year. While in the Seminary at Louisville, Ky., he was pastor one year at Jeffersonville, Ind. On returning to Mississippi he was pastor at Osyka and at Amite City, La. He then moved to East Fork Church in Amite County, where he was pastor of that church for eleven years, and serving different terms at Mars Hill, Liberty, Hebron, Gillsburg, Mt. Vernon, and Tangipahoa churches, building a home and leading in establishing and maintaining the East Fork High school for a number of years During his pastorates in Amite County he baptized nearly six hundred souls in the Amite River. In ? he moved to Magnolia and lived in active ministry four years*. He moved to McComb City where he has been since in charge of the South McComb Baptist Church a large, growing and influential body.
XVII. THEODORE CLEON SCHILLING'S MINISTRY. 19O5-07
1905 The church was exercising discipline against some members for non-payment of obligations.—There is no record of the annual meetings. J. R. Simmons was elected clerk and John A. Walker elected treasurer.—At the close of the year J. H. Crawford, wife and daughter were dismissed by letter. Delegates to the association: J. A. Walker. G. W. Simmons, R. L Simmons, D. A. Gulledge. J. R. Simmons, Will Thornhill. J. H. Crawford.
1906 Early in the year J. G. Leggett Jr. was elected clerk.
The annual meetings, (August), resulted in nine accessions to the membership of the church. Rev. Cooper assisting the pastor.
This was the year of the great gulf storm which swept down so much of the pine timber in all this section. The fallen timber on the church land was sold to T. C. Simmons. —Delegates to the association: S. A. Simmons, G. W. Simmons, R. L. Simmons, E. C. Thornhill, J. J. Brumfield, J. G. Leggett Jr., T. C. Simmons
1907. —G. O. Simmons was elected clerk in January; John A. Walker was continued as treasurer.—Pastor Schilling was granted leave of absence on January 6. to attend the funeral of W. A. Gill at Magnolia, Miss.—In April C. E. Smith late missionary in Africa was present and preached for the pastor, and received an offering for Foreign and Home missions amounting to $23.05.— The annual meetings, August 3-8. Continued six days with seven additions to the membership. W. F. Yarborough assisting the pastor.—The church resolved to hold memorial services in reference to J. G. Leggett Sr., deceased.—Delegates to the association: R. L. Simmons. W. A. Hall, E. C. Thornhill, S. A. Simmons. A. J. Raiborn. G. W. Simmons, J. C. Simmons.—T. C. Schilling retired from the pastorate and S. W. Sibley was elected to succeed him.
Theodore Cleon Schilling was born near what is now called Murdock on the Kentwood & Eastern Railroad, in Washington Parish, La., January 23, 1853; baptized at Mt. Hermon Church October 1869; licensed to the ministry September 27, 1873, by the Osyka Baptist Church; Ordained at Mt. Hermon Baptist Church October 8, 1876. He was educated mainly in the common schools of the country, but afterward attended Shirk's Academy in Osyka, Miss., and Mississippi College. He married Miss Annie D. James ( two sentences missing) For twenty years he was related to the Gillsburg Collegiate Institute in Amite County as the pastor of the church there, and Secretary of Board of Trustees of the Institute, and was active in support of the school. In December 1903, he moved to Magnolia, Miss., from which place he continued serving the country churches until the time of his call home to his reward. He lived and labored as a minister one-third of a century within a few miles of where he was born. He baptized approximately one thousand souls on their profession of conversion. Through and through this section he traveled many thousand miles, preached several thousand sermons, and there were few indeed in all this territory who had not heard the gospel from this consecrated servant of God. During the last years of his life, he compiled and published the Centennial history of the old Mississippi Baptist Association, and much valuable biographical data.
XVIII S. W. SIBLEY’S MINISTRY (2nd Time) 1908-1913
1908.—Pastor Sibley began his second term with G. O. Simmons as the clerk and J. A. Walker as treasurer.— Matters of discipline required the attention of the church.---The annual meetings, August 1-5, continued five days and four accessions to the membership. Rev. May assisting pastor.—Delegates to the association: S. A, Simmons, E. C. Thornhill, R. V Simmons, J. W, Estess, T. C. Simmons, J. A. Walker, G. W. Simmons, W. E. Simmons. '•
1909.—O.L. Simmons was elected clerk and J. A. Walker continued as treasurer.—In February a committee was appointed to canvass membership in reference to the improvement of church property, viz: S. A. Simmons, J. A. Walker, Ed. Brumfield, W. R. Simmons, E. C- Thornhill, Anderson Estess, D. A. Gulledge. This committee later on making its report was instructed to have the work done by the time of the annual meetings.—In March a committee was appointed to confer with Smyrna, Bala Chitto, and Silver Springs churches in reference to uniting on a pastor
.—Contributions to Foreign Missions, $20.00; to Home Missions, 523.00
The annual meetings, July 31-August 5, continued six days with ten accessions to the membership. Pastor did the preaching.— Delegates to the association: J. W. Estess, Albert Terrell, J. E. Brumfield, J. A. Walker, R. L. Simmons Sr., W. H. McDaniel. [Boyd-2524 | F. M. Boyd]] and E. E. Boyd.
1910. —O. L,. Simmons was continued as clerk; J. E. Brumfield was made treasurer, and J. W. Estess was made sexton.—The meeting continued six days with R. L. Bunyard assisted the pastor.—The church resolved on having a roll call of the membership.—Delegates to the _ E. C. Thornhill, S. A. Simmons, R. L. Simmons, Sr., J. W. Estess, W. H. McDaniel, J. E. Brumfield, and W. W Thornhill.
1911. —0. L. Simmons resigned the clerkship and D. A. Gulledge was elected to the office.—The annual meetings. August 5-9, continued fire days with four accessions to the membership
— Delegates to the association: E. C. Thornhill, [[ S. A. Simmons, J. W. Estess, John A. Walker, O. L. Simmons.
1912. — Last year’s officer’s continued.— J. W. Estess, O. L. Simmons, Willie McDaniel, and Andrew Barcley were elected deacons and ordained by the pastor and two deacons.—The church resolved to invite the association to meet with this church in 1914,—the centennial anniversary of the church.
1913..— Last year's officers re-elected.—Committee appointed to estimate a cost of repairs on the church building, reported same at $250.00, and then ordered the work done. This sum was later raised to $311.15. The church voted to sell the pine timber on her land to pay for same.—-The annual meetings, August 2-7, continued six days with thirteen accessions to the membership. J. S. Deaton assisted the pastor.—A committee was appointed to consider the cost of a covering for the floor of the pulpit and rostrum: Mrs. Lillie Simmons, Mrs. Carrie Simmons, and Miss Mollie Ellsey (1860–1939).— Delegates to the association at Holmesville: J. W. Estess, R. L. Simmons, Sr., J. A. Walker, A. J. Raiborn, J. J. Hall, E. C. Thornhill, J. E. Brumfield, R. L. Simmons, Jr., Geo. Estess.—S. W, Sibley retired from the pastorate at the close of the year in bad health. Among his last ministerial services was taking a special contribution, Nov. 2, for a blind Baptist minister. J. B. Quin succeeded him.
S. W. Sibley was born July 15, 1848, in Yazoo County Mississippi. Was converted at the age of fourteen years. Joined the Confederate army and became a wicked backslider; was reclaimed at the age of eighteen and entered the ministry; was teaching school and preaching while attending school until his graduation from college in 1878. His first pastorate was at Corinth, Miss. Afterward, he served the churches at Okalona, Vernon, Hazlehurst, and at Summit 1889 to 1896; at McComb, he was known as a good man, and everywhere he served churches he did good work. He was called to his Heavenly reward soon after closing his ministry with this church. (Samuel Warren Sibley, 1848–1914) 33
XIX. J. B. QUIN’S MINISTRY. 1914
The ministry of J. B. Quin fitly closes the century of the old church. The church had decided to celebrate her centennial anniversary in an appropriate way. The Bogue Chitto Baptist Association according to previous arrangement met with the church September 22-24, and the last day was given over largely to the church for her celebration. The program had been arranged by the pastor and church. The former pastors, six were still living on earth, viz: E. M. Schilling, Walter E. Tynes, J. R. Farish, W. F. Yarborough. Isaiah Allmond and J. H. Lane were invited to be present and participate in the program. Three of them could not be present; Bros. Farish, Schilling, and Yarborough. Three were present, and with the present pastor and church with a large congregation participated in the simple, but impressive program. The Centennial sermon was delivered by Walter E. Tynes, (who had come from his pastorate in Texas for the purpose), from the text: Psalm 126-3. The greater part of the sermon was a cursory recital of the history of the church, which is embraced in these pages.
James B. Quin is a member of a large family connection who has been associated more or less with the Baptist churches of this county for nearly or quite a hundred years, He was born July 8, 1874, near Marlin, Texas, where his parents were temporarily living at that time. His parents were Mr. and Mrs. John H. Quin of Pike County, Miss. His grandfather, Hon. Jas. B. Quin, patron father of the Summit Baptist church.—Bro. Quin united with the Friendship Baptist Church Pike county, July 1883.—Licensed to preach September 1895.—Recognized as an ordained minister of the gospel July 1906.—Educated in the public schools of Pike County and in Mississippi College.—He was married to Miss Myra C. Dodds of Copiah County, Miss., January 12, 1904. He has had a successful ministry in several pastorates and is in the midst of a growing work now.
Silver Creek’s first Sunday observance was established in 1858. Silver Creek has been the mother of four other churches, Bala Chitto, Centerville, Mt. Herman, and Symrna. They were organized when the population of the county increased. In the early days, preachers were paid in a haphazard way. They worked during the week and preached on Sunday. It was not until 1886 that the finances of Silver Creek church were placed on a systematic basis. This was done under the direction of Pastor Shirk.
The End
News Paper Clippings Circa 1914
FOR 75 YEARS the congregation sang the hymns without the assistance of a musical instrument, and then in 1889, an organ was installed. Recreated much dissension in the church. Some of the older members declared it “was an instrument of the devil and refused to continue their attendance. But the' younger element was in the majority by this time, and the organ remained.
These are just a few of the many interesting incidents and a review of the history of one of the oldest churches In the area is pertinent.
The history was recalled when the centennial of the church was observed in connection with the Bogue Chitto 1 Baptist Association meeting. The celebration had been programmed for Thursday, but because of inclement j weather, it was postponed until the following day when a crowd, which possibly doubled the capacity of the church was present. After a prayer and a song service, Rev. J.H. Lang read a letter from Harrison Brumfield of Tylertown, an aged citizen who told of the conversion in Silver Creek Church, more than 70 years ago and recalled a number of interesting incidents in connection with the early history of the church.
REV. WALTER TYNES, a former pastor but now at Cleveland, Tex., I delivered the historical address,1 complete with facts and figures connected with the long life of the Silver Creek Baptist Church organization. Among those interesting things furnished by the speaker was a complete list of the church’s pastors from the date of its organization to the present, with the length of the pastorate of each except the last four.
The church was organized in March 1814, the exact date being unknown, and the first pastor was Nathan Graves who served for the following eight consecutive years. He was succeeded by John P. Martin, three years, and then came the great Jesse Crawford, who for 20 years led the congregation.
Ben Crawford was next, serving 10 years; then came Willis Fortenberry, 2 years; E. M. Schillings, 2 years; W.F. Yarborough, 3 years; I.C. Schilling, 3 years; comparatively recent pastors of the church whose pastoral terms were not given have been I. Allmand, J.H. Love, S.W. Sibley, and at that time, the present pastor was J.B. Quin.
…has 44 acres of land. The four acres was bought for what was called a "big spring" to furnish water. It had a four-foot curb and was a beautiful flowing good cool water. During the year ___ after much discussion, a slave was admitted to membership and thereafter, until the Negroes began to build churches of their own, the church roll carried the names of many of them.
The doctrine of foot washing as practiced by the Primitive Baptists came up for animated discussion in the Silver Creek congregation in 1829. Finally, at a church conference, the question was put to a vote of the membership, and the records show that a majority voted to continue the practice. How long/ the custom was maintained is not known.
During Rev. Jesse Crawford’s time, 1818-37, the support of the foreign missions was urged on the people. Rev. Crawford was notable among the Baptist preachers for his belief in foreign missions, and his advocacy of sending the gospel to the heathen was far in advance at this time.
HOW STRICT WERE the church regulations in those days is indicated by a conference record of 1843 showing the appointed committee to investigate the business affairs of a member who had taken advantage of the bankrupt law. Later this brother made satisfactory with his debts, settled with his creditors and was restored to good fellowship.
During the pastorate of one of the Crawfords, the first time in the church history a preacher was invited to assist in a revival meeting. Afterward, it was not uncommon to have six or seven preachers to attend these meetings and all sit in the pulpit.
Obviously, the church had trouble with rowdies in the early days, young fellows who remained on the outside to laugh and talk. The records show that in 1854 the church appointed special officers to preserve order on the grounds.
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