Long Branch Baptist

Situated near the south line of South Fork township, on the Mexico road, was constituted an organization early in 1844, when John B. Rudasill, James Botts and wife, Margaret; Mrs. Lucy Dowell; James W. Cauthorn and Betsy, his wife; Edward Goodnight and wife, Polly; Harrison Goodnight, and Nancy Charlton comprised the membership. Among those who have ministered to them are William Jesse, Norman Parks, James F. Smith, H. H. Tilford, Dudley V. Inlow, S. A. Beauchamp, H. M. King, M. M. Powers, N. S. Johnston, G. T. Colvin and W. B. Craig. In 1857 their frame house of worship was constructed at a cost of $800, and in 1873 it underwent extensive improvements at an additional expenditure of nearly $1,000. It now has a membership of 150. P. H. Rudasill is superintendent of a Sabbath-school of 40 scholars. An interesting meeting is held by some of the members on Sunday, in a school-house in this vicinity. Salem Baptist Church. This church has been organized since May, 1857, Revs. H. Thomas and A. Goodridge being instrumental in its formation. The original members were 17 in number, among them were Lewis Phillips and wife, Thomas P. Moore and wife, Simeon Heddens and wife, Benjamin Phillips and wife, Samuel Willis and wife, David Phillips, Dick Thomas, John and William Burner and Mrs. Nancy Bundrent. In 1857 the first house for worship was built and in the fall of 1881 the second, one was completed, the latter a frame, costing in the neighborhood of $1700, the dedicatory services being held the second Sabbath in January, 1882, by Rev. Berry. Revs. H. Thomas, Abram Goodridge, Milford Powers, Wiley Patrick, Henry King, William B. Craig, William Chambliss and John T. Williams have at different periods supplied the pulpit of this church. The membership is now about 90. The Sabbath-school has an enrollment of about 35 pupils. Lewis Thomas is the superintendent. The location of this congregation is in the northern part of Jackson township, on section 22.

Additional notes: The present church structure was built in 1883 and is of frame.

Dwindling of the membership list and the moving away of several former members brought the decision at the meeting of the members to disband and sell the property. This meeting was held in March 1968. The sale was held March 30, 1968.

The members in 1968 were Jess Lipp; Mr. and Mrs. Carl Wolfe; Mrs. Clayton, Berry; Callie White; Anna Mae Utterback; Mr. and Mrs. John Steuben; Bill Vaughn; Mabel Kendrick; Mr. and Mrs. Howard Schremp and Ray Sidney Halley.