Home to Main Page

Chapter 17:  Ecclesiastical History

First Baptist Church of Paris. -On the 7th day of May, 1831, at the house of Eli Bozarth, four miles south of Paris, the organization of this church (then called Bethlehem) was effected through the efforts of Revs. Archibald Patterson and Edward Turner. The constituent members were John Suney, Mary Suney, Paul Herreford, Sarah Herreford, John H. Curry, Matilda Curry, Benjamin Suney, Mary Suney, Isaac Coppage, Edward Turner, Lucretia Turner, Nancy Donaldson, Mary Smith, C. C. Acuff, Peter N. Mahan, Jane C. Mahan, John Hocker, Fanny Pool, and a colored man named Peter. At a subsequent meeting, in April, 1832, the name was again changed, this time to Middle Fork, afterwards receiving the present title. The first pastor of the church was Edward Turner, followed successively by Anderson Woods, 1836; Norman Parks, 1841; W. Keach, 1844; Jacob Bower, 1847; Bartlett Anderson, 1849; Henson Thomas, 1851; W. Mitchell, 1858; S. A. Beauchamp, 1860; G. W. Robey, 1866; George C. Brown, 1867; H. M. King, 1869; James S. Green, 1873; G. T. Colvin, 1874; W. W. Kone, 1875; William E. Chambliss, 1877; William Green, 1880, and J. T. Williams, 1881. The first church building was built of brick in 1833, it being succeeded by a frame house in 1859. In 1858 a Sabbath-school was started and has had six superintendents since then: W. B. Craig, R. D. Woods, Charles Dawson, T. B. Gannaway, Jere. B. P. Smith and J. T. Williams. It now numbers 100 scholars. The church has a membership of 150. 

North Fork 0. S. Baptist Church.- The location of this church is in section 13, Jefferson township, east of Stoutsville. Its formation occurred about 1832 or 1833, the first house being a log structure, built near 1835. Those who comprised the original members were Hiram Thompson and wife; Jonas Reavis and wife; Jane Donaldson, John Ingle and wife; William J. Henderson and wife; Zach. Herndon and wife; Charles Crutcher, Mary Dooley, Lucy Hardwick, John B. Yowell and wife; Joel Finks and wife; William Turner and wife; Richard Turner and wife; Hert Yager and wife; James Bush and wife; George Williamson and wife; Edward Ragsdale, Mrs. Ragsdale and a relative, also Miss Ragsdale; Polly Martin, Samuel Vanscoike and wife; William Crutcher, Hiram Dooley and wife; Jane Ridgeway, William Allen and wife; Mrs. Edwards, Sophia Gatson, Dulcena Shearer, Calvin Shearer, William Wilkerson, Levina and Peggy Wilkerson. William J. Henderson is the only surviving member of this church of 40 years ago. There are now 38 members. Christopher Gentry, Archibald Patterson, Charles Turner and William Priest have been their pastors, the latter for a period of over 30 years. Their present church edifice, a frame, was erected about 1851, costing nearly $800. 

Mount Prairie Missionary Baptist Church -- On section 13 of Jefferson township, was constituted as a church April 15, 1837,  the original members being William Conrad and wife; Sarah Scobee, Elmira Lee, Emily Hasket, Sarah Morton, James Dixon, Catherine Utterback, Matthew Walton, Henry L. and Hannah Houston, Lucy White and Celia Ann Conrad. Their present church edifice, a frame structure, was built in the summer of 1859, and is valued at about :$300. William Hurley Henderson, Woods C. Gentry, N. P. Acraft, H. Thomas, Dudley Enlow, F. Smith and W. B. Craig have served as pastors of the congregation, which now numbers nearly 60 members. 

Crooked Creek Baptist Church. -As might be inferred from its name, this church is situated on Crooked creek, ini township 56, range 10. It is one of the oldest congregations in the county, having been constituted as a church on the first Saturday in March, 1840, with Isaac Bates, Jane Bates, William Cook, Dorcas Cook, Margaret Maupin, Margaret Goe, David Lusk, Jane Lusk, Jacob Troup, Catherine Troup and Jessie White as the original persons of a membership which now numbers 96. Various changes and of a diversified nature have accompanied this little band through its long continued usefulness here, but at present it is prosperous, and has every reason to be encouraged. They have had three church buildings - the first a log, built in 1844; the second a frame, in 1858, costing $1,400 or $1,500; and the third a frame, erected during the present year at a cost of $1,800, and which was dedicated on the first Sunday in July, 1884, by Rev. W. Pope Yeaman. The names of the pastors who have had charge here, with the length of the service of each, is as follows: Elders B. Stephens, two years; Norman Parks, four years; Christie Gentry, two years; H. H. Tilford, two years; Hlenson Thomas, two years; H. H. Tilford, three years; S. A. Beauchamp, one year; Milford Powers, one year; G. C. Brown, two years; J. F.  Smith, five years; W. E. Chambliss, two years; W. B. Craig, eight years, and now the incumbent of the position. The Sabbath-school of 40 scholars, superintended by William Fuqua, is in a flourishing condition. 

Long Branch Baptist Church- 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 aframe, 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.

Mt. Airy Baptist Church Was organized in February, 1868, with William Elders, Mary Elders, N. W. Dawson, E. H. Dawson, John W. Bell and Melvina Bell as the constituent members. In 1873 a frame building, in which services are held, was erected at a cost  of about $1,000. W.B. Craig, W.T. Elliott, Rev. George C. Brown, M. Powers, and W. B. Craig a second time, have served as pastors. There are now about 60 communicants in the church, which is located on section 3 of Union township (township 54, range 11).

Huntsville Baptist Church. -About the year 1869, Abram Utterback and wife, Gustavus Bannister, Joseph Smeltzer and perhaps others, met and formed an organization at Hand School-house through the efforts largely of Rev. Milford Powers. Since then Revs. W. B. Craig, George C. Brown, W. B. Craig (a second time) and G. D. Tolle (who was the last one) have been the ministers in charge. There is no pastor of the church at present. Services are held once a month. The number of present membership is about 50. In the summer of 1873 a frame house in which services are held was completed and is valued at nearly $1,000. 

Lebanon Baptist Church -Is located near Victor, in South Fork township. Its formation was consummated in 1879, the organizing members being A. C. Goodridge, Sarah Simpson, Joseph M. Simpson, Nancy Gillespie, Milford Powers, Harriet'Powers and Laura, James, Louella, Richard, Anna and Mary C. Powers. The present membership is 21. Milford Powers has been the only pastor of the church since its organization. The frame church building was erected by the Christian and Baptist denominlations in 1879 and is valued at $1,200. It is an interesting fact to note that no debt hangs heavily over this enterprising body of believers. Miss Alice Clark is superintendent of a Sabbath-school of 25 scholars.

Paris M. E. Church South. This church was one of those who, in 1844, upon the division of the denomination, went into the Southern association, and it has since remained under the jurisdiction of the M. E. Church South. It was organized in 1832, the first members being Thomas S. Miller and wife, Thomas Noonan and wife, Wesley Hill, Joel Maupin, Jefferson T. Marr and wife, Richerson S. Marr, William Stevens and wife, John S. Fowkes and wife, John T. Nesbit and wife, Walker Wright and wife, Mrs. Virginia Bryan, Joseph Wast, Henry Marr and wife, Harrison Sparks and wife. Two buildings for worship have been erected -the first, a frame, in 1846, at a cost of $1,000, and the second, a brick structure, in 1881, this being valued at $3,000. Connected with it is a good parsonage, frame, worth $800. Seventy members constitute the present congregation. Those who have served as pastors are James Jameson, Jacob Lanius, Benjamin R. Johnson, J. Gray, Hugh L. Dodds, George Grove, Berry H. Spencer, Arthur Sears, John F. Young and Jesse Sutton. A Sabbath-school of 35 scholars is superintended by J. M. McMurry.

Spencer Chapel, M. E. Church South.--This organization was effected in 1832, Thomas Maupin and wife, William Maupin and  wife, and others, being the first members. It is located in Clay township, in the north-western part of the county. Two houses of worship have been built, both frame, the first in 1846, at a cost of $600, and the second in 1871, the value of the latter being $2,000.

Mount Zion M. E. Church oouth. -- Eight miles south-west of Paris this church is found, it having been organized in 1833. Our efforts to secure additional data proved unsuccessful in this instance. 

Austin M. E. Church South. - At Austin station, in Jackson township, was formed in 1833, the members of the organization being Henry Marr and wife, Samuel West and wife, John Rucker and wife, Anthony Rucker, William M. Sharp and wife, John S. Sherman and wife, Susan Austin, David Ashby and wife, Henry Ashby and wife and Stephen Hess and wife. There are now 50 members in the church. Preaching services are held in a school-house, there being no regular house of worship. Ministers who hold services here are the same as the pastors of the Paris church. 

Granville M. E. Church South.--Was first organized in about 1840, some three miles south of Granville, but in 1871 removed to that place, which is 10 miles north-west of Paris. Among the original members may be mentioned L. G. Maupin and wife, James Tyson, wife and mother, John Evans and wife, Mrs. James Dawson, Nancy Barton, William A. Sparks and wife, Walker Wright and wife and Mrs. Orr. About 80 persons constitute the membership at this time. Their frame church-building, 32x40, put up in 1871 at a cost of $1,700, was dedicated by J. W. Cunningham of St. Louis. Revs. Jordan and Benj. Davis were the first ministers in'charge, and since their removal to the present location, Revs. William Bell, James Smith, H. P. Bond, J. W. Jackson, B. F. Spencer, J. F. Monroe, J. W. Jordan, S. L. Woodie, W. E. Docery and W. T. Ellington have served as pastors.

Monroe Chapel M. E. Church South.- Owing to the destruction by fire of the early records of this church, we are unable to give the date of its organization, though it was between 1840 and 1850, probably 1845. The names of the first members could not be obtained. Some of the pastors of the congregation have been: William Bell, Lilburn Rush, Walter Toole, William Warren, W. W. Wainwright, J. W. Jordan, A. P. Linn, Revs. Hedgepeth, Root, Blackwell, William M. Wood and Rev. Shackleford. The original church was built about 1845, and the present one in 1877. It cost about $1,500, is a frame, and is 34 x 50 feet in dimension. There is a membership here of some 200. The Sabbath-school of 106 pupils, is superintended by John C. Rhodes.

Greenwood M. E. Church South. Organized in 1854, is in Washington township, 10 miles north of Paris. The building in which services are held was built in 1866. It is a conveniently arranged structure, neat in appearance, and cost $1,800. It is a frame house. The ministers who served the church have been the same as the incumbents of the Paris pulpit, until the Greenwood church edifice was constructed.

Mt. Zion M. E. Church South.- W. H. Violet and wife, Philip Schrader and wife, Harry Patterson and wife, M. F. Mason and wife, D. Miller and wife, and William Miller and mother were among the original members of this church, which was organized in 1858. There are now about 60 persons connected with its membership. The pastors of the congregation have been: Revs. William Fenton, John Taylor, Loving, Root, William Sutton, Collett, J. McErvin, James James, William Shackleford and Walter Tool. The same year of its formation a building for worship was erected at a cost of $800. There are 40 scholars in the Sabbath - school, superintended by Jacob Schrader. The location of this church in the center of section 8, in Jackson township.

M. E. Church South.--Located at Madison, in Marion township, is found this little band, now numbering 56 members. It was organized in 1868 by Rev. John R. Taylor, and on the records appear the following names as original members: Thomas Brownfield and wife, Nathaniel Brownfield and wife, Robert E. Thomas and wife, Rachel Thomas, Mary Thomas, Josiah Thomas, Solon Burnsworth and wife, Elmer Burnsworth, Caroline Harley, Jacob Lenhart, John W. Lenhart and wife, George H. Lenhart, Charles Lenhart, Nancy A. Pool, Annie E. Dawson, Edward Dawson, James A. Dawson, May Frazee, Ella F. Wood, Anna Adkisson and Millie Crim. About $1,500 were raised for a frame house of worship which was completed in 1872. Rev. Walter Toole is the present pastor of the congregation. His predecessors were Revs. William Wood, Baldwin, William Sutton, R. G. Loving, H. 1 See church of same page, W. James, Joseph Row, John S. Rooker, William M. Sarter, William M. Sutton and W. G. Shackleford. [Contributed.]

Monroe City M. E. Church South. - This church began its work in Monroe City in the year 1866, under the ministry of the Rev. Charles Babcock. Services were held in the Seminary building. The church was organized by Rev. John R. Taylor in 1870, with 10 members; Benjamin H. H. Tucker, class leader; John Shearman and Prof. J. Milton McMurry, stewards. The ministers who have officiated at her altar from time to time, by conference appointment, are Jesse Faubion, John S. Todd, Lilburn Rush, B. M. Spencer, H. W. James, A. P. Linn, and the present incumbent, L. F. Linn. The class has had a steady and healthy growth from its beginning to the present time, and now has a membership of about 200. Six to eight sermons are preached each month to overflowing congregations. The church building is a neat, plain brick structure, centrally located, having a seating capacity for about 300. The foundation was laid in 1877, and was completed and free from debt, August 1, 1878, upon which day it was dedicated by Rev. J. H. Pritchett, of the Missouri Conference. The first board of trustees were Lovel Rouse (a great and good man who is with the blessed), H. H. See, J. B. Randol, Benjamin H. D. Tucker, S. R. Boulware, James H. Grady and John Shearman. The Sunday-school was organized in the spring of 1878, with J. B. Randol, superintendent; Dr. Adolphus Noland, secretary, and Mrs. Mary Carrol, treasurer, with a grand total attendance of 30, from which it rapidly increased till the grand total enrolled is now nearly 150. At the present time it is under the efficient manager, R. V. Sullivan, superintendent. The history of the M. E. Church South at this place would indeed be incomplete if special personal mention was not made of some individuals to whose fervency, zeal and self-sacrificing of personal interests, the society largely owes its grand success and bright prospects for a glorious future, conspicuously among whom were Lovel Rouse, deceased, and J. B. Randol, now of Colorado. These were the standard-bearers, but close to them stood J. H. and R. V. Sullivan, John Shearman, W. R. P. Jackson, H. H. See, deceased, and others. There were ladies, too, who stood the heat and burdens of the day. There were Mrs. Ann Boulware, deceased, Mrs. J. H. Sullivan, Mrs. Mary Carrol, Mrs. Dr. A. Noland and others. Harmony has been a prevailing principle from the foundation of the society. A weak effort was made by several  who absorbed the heretical ideas of a traveling band called Holiness Band, to inculcate their ideas as Methodist doctrine, but the spirit of God prevailed with the membership, and the misguided few either denounced their error or sought other fields in which to scatter their nefarious doctrine.

Woodlawn Forest Grove M. E. Church South. -Located township, at Forest Grove, about 16 miles north-west from Paris, was organized in 1879. Our endeavors to secure the names of the first members and the pastors proved futile. The present membership is 30. A frame church building, costing $1,000, was built in 1880.

Deer Creek M. E. Church South.--Located near Deer Creek, in Washington township, was constituted as the above in 1879, the constituent members being Samuel Bowling, Nancy J. Bowling, Mollie Bowling, Robert Bowling, J. H. Jette, Lue Lasley, Z. M. Lasley, Lue Ide, Elzada Ide, Levi Ide, James E Ragsdale, Mary E. Ragsdale, John Bohrer, Susan Bohrer, Benjamin E. Washburn, Sarah P. Washburn, William C. Washburn, Joseph H. Washburn, William Nesbit, Catherine Nesbit, J. H. Dooley, Mary E. Dooley, Walter Ransdall, Ann Ransdall, Lee Ransdall and Porter H. Manuel. Their frame house of worship was built at a cost of $1,000, in 1878. The present membership is 60; the pastor being Rev. William M. Featherston.

Madison Christian Church. - Five persons composed the original membership of this church upon its organization in 1838. October 24, 1841, Elders Henry Thomas and Martin Vivion succeeded in effecting a reorganization, when the constituent members were Martin Grove and wife, Isaac and Elizabeth Baker, Thomas Farthing, James P. Grove, Peter Johnson, John Grove, Moses Baker, Sarah Vivion, Samuel Akins, Ursula Waller, Mary A. Waller, Matilda Noel, Sarah Harris, Joseph Cunningham, Mary Cunningham, Mary Hayden, Susan Grove, Martin Vivion, Susan Vivion, Robert Harris, Armstrong Dawson, Elizabeth Johnson, E. M. Yager, Sally Waller, John W. Dawson and Sarah Dawson. The membership is now 143. The first pastor, Elder Martin Vivion, was succeeded by Henry Thomas, followed in succession by John McCune, James Perry, Alfred Wilson, Martin Wilmot, G. A. Perkins, J. C. Davis and H. F. Davis. The present incumbent is William M. Featherston. In 1873 a frame house, in which services are held, was built for $1,500. 

Union Christian Church.-This congregation now worships in a frame building on section 26, township 54, range 11 (Jackson township), which was erected in 1872, costing $2,400. Their first house of worship was constructed in 1845, immediately following the organization of the church, when E. Maddox and wife, William Fuhrman and Wife, Con. Brown and wife, John Fuhrman, wife and family, Jesse Maddox and wife, Charles Burton and wife, Gabriel Wood and wife and Wilson Maddox and wife, composed the list of organizing members. It now boasts a membership of 135. D. P. Henderson, Henry Thomas, Alfred Wilson and Rev. Mason have ministered to the spiritual necessities of this band of believers.

Christian Church of Santa Fe. -About 1855 a house of worship, now occupied by this body, was completed at a cost of nearly $2,500. Its organization was effected June 17, 1838, when Daniel M. Swain, Enoch Fruit, Samuel Gilbert, Jane Camplin, William Donaldson, Berry Tally, Margaret Fruit, Sally Tally, Eleanor B. Davis, B. F. Davis, Jacob Cox, Cassandra Cox and Lovel Crigler were those comprising the first members. This number has been increased by additions until it has reached 170. Elders Henry Thomas, Alfred Wilson, Errett, David Davis, John A. Brooks, W. G. Sniber and W. G. Barker have filled this pulpit at different times. James B. Davis is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, having an average attendance of 50. W. M. Houston is clerk of the church. 

Granville Christian Church. -This church which now numbers a membership of 202, had the following named persons as the original members upon its organization in November, 1858: Penelope Shropshire, Sarah Evans, Maria Hollingsworth, Nancy Hayden, Eliza Wood, Sarah Jackson, Margaret A. Morrison, Eliza Jackson, Phebe Jackson, Margaret Whitesides, Mary Wilson, Catherine Howell, Sarah Shropshire, Berzilla Forsythe, Sarah Barnes, John W. Wood, Eliza Jane Wood, Nancy S. Wood, John Wood, America Shropshire, Walter Shropshire, Martha Goodwin, Phebe Thompson, Arabella Goodwin, Richard Thompson, Eli Jackson, Tirey Ford, J. H. Goodnight, John E. Howell, Thomas D. Whitesides, Milton Forsythe, James F. Wood, John Hickey, Jesse S. Dry, J. S. Mitchell, James S. Mason, George W. Clay, Benjamin Hollingsworth, John C. Kipper, George Porter, Ella Kipper, Laura Kipper, Mary A. Smith, Emily Smith, Minna Catlett, Mary B. Goodwin, Malinda Morrison and Mary Twirnan. Those who have served as the pastors of the congregation are A. Wilson, J. D. Wilmot, William M. Featherston, Revs. Colston, Donan, Rice, Hatch, Hy. Thomas, J. C. Davis, Ridgeway, G. A. Hoffman and Rev. Hughley. On December 11, 1858, their first frame church building was completed, and in 1880 the present frame house of worship was erected at a cost of $1,900. The superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which has an attendance of 100, is Mr. J. S. Austin.

Pleasant Grove Christian Church. This church is situated on section 3, township 54, range 9, five miles east and one mile north of Paris. Its formation occurred in December, 1862, Elders S. H. Smith, C. W. Chowning, J. N. Reaves and J. J. Crigler, Milas Johnson, W. F. Adams, H. C. Greening, Alexander Smith, William Y. Smith, Joseph Smith, S. O. Adams, A. H. Adams, Sue Elliott, Annie E. Long, Mattie A. Long, Nancy Adams, Lucy J. Reaves, Allie E. Crigler, Sallie A. Greening, Rebecca Johnson, Delia Searcy, Mary Adams, Eliza Norman, Patsy Smith, Elizabeth Reavis, Mary Johnson, Isabel Chowning, Mary A. Scobee, Sallie Adams, Hannah Livingstone Jane A. Adams, R. Underwood and Andy Underwood comprising the organizing members. Of these 18 are dead, and 15 survive. In 1868 a frame house of worship was built for $1,400. The pastors of the congregation (which now numbers 108) have been E. J. Lampton, Alfred Wilson, Bob Wallace, Henry F. Davis, G. W. Surber, Philip Bruten, A. J. Myhr, R. M. Giddens, J. N. Wright and Jacob Hughley. Several successful revival seasons have been held by E. J. Lampton, W. M. Featherston, Alfred Wilson, A. H. Rice, William Martin, J. C. Reynolds, H. F. Davis, G. W. Surber, R. M. Giddens, J. N. Wright, A. B. Wade and J. J. Errett. Mrs. E. M. Howell is superintendent of a Sabbath-school numbering about 70 scholars.

Christian Church.- Located at Monroe City, was organized on the 4th Sabbath in February, 1869, by Eld. J. N. Wright, the following named persons constituting the original members: John T. Raggland, Jonathan Fudge, David Payne, J. O. Wood, B. F. Noble, Mary A. Pond, Emma J. Bush, William Bowles, Mary Bowles, R. A. Palmer, Mary Dawson, E. P. Hayden and Sarah Boulware. Four of these are still living and members of the congregation. In 1870 a frame house of worship was built, costing $2,000. Since that time Revs. J. N. Wright, A. H. Rice, W. M. Featherston, E. B. Challenner, H. F. Davis and W. G. Surber, who is the present pastor, having nearly completed his fifth year, have been the ministers in charge. The church has a membership of 100, while the Sabbath-school presided over by H. Cory, as superintendent, numbers 50 scholars. 

Oak Ridge Christian Church- Three and a half miles south of Paris, was constituted a legal organization in August, 1871, when William H. Johnson, William T. Bryan, Benjamin VMallory, John West and wife, Sarah; James H. Waller, Martha J. Waller, Belle Waller, Alonzo Waller, Robert Evans, Emaline Evans, James Dye, Mary Dye, Founteroy Dye, Elias Dye, Eliza Woods, W. H. McElroy, Ellen McElroy, John Bryan, John Foreman and Walter Grove placed their names on the church roll as constituent members. Daniel Booth was their first pastor, followed by Henry F. Davis, and James A. Grove is the present incumbent. The number of the membership at this time is 96. In 1874 a frame church building was completed at an expenditure of $700. It is now paid for. Mr. William Johnson painted the building, gratis, thereby contributing not a little to the outward appearance and beauty of it.

Jackson Chapel (Christian Church) -- Is located six miles northeast of Paris, and is a frame building of the value of $1,250.00, erected in the summer and fall of 1875, and dedicated in March, 1876. This congregation was organized April 30, 1876, the original members being Jacob Kennedy, Anna R. Kennedy, W. P. Wallace, Belle Reed, W. P. Reed, Charlie Burke, John L. Burke, Eliza Burke, Jeff. Bridgford, M. E. Bridgford, Church Bridgford, Nelia Bridgford, Ambrose Crutcher, Mary Crutcher, C. W. Reed, Louie Reed, J. J. Wright, Sarah Wright, C. Bowman, Sarah Bowman, E. S. Brooks, E. J. Wallace,Virginia Ragland, Mary Brown, Hester Evans, Rena Tillett, A. E. Wallace, Jennie Maulpin, Cels Buresia B ess, W. S. Brown, Mrs. Ella Brown, R. T. Smith and Mrs. R. T. Smith. Seventy-seven persons constitute the present membership. The various pastors of the church have been Elders W. G. Surber, Jacob Hughley, E. B. Challone and R. M. Giddens. The Sabbath-school of 125 members has for its superintendent, Jennie N. Burgess.

Antioch Christian Church -Which is on section 29, of Jackson township, upon the county line, was organized September 16, 1876, by Elder William Mason with the following as the first members: Granville Snell and wife, George Creason and wife, B. F. Creason and wife, J. D. Gant and wife, E. W. Rogers and wife, David Lee, W. H. Snell, E. P. Snell and wife, Volney Paris and wife, Henry Paris, John W. Lee and wife, G. R. Paris, Elijah Threlkeld and wife, Walter Snell and wife, William Fisher and wife, Edna Bookman, Alma Bookman, Nannie Camplin, Elijah Camplin, Elizabeth Adams, Augusta Moore, W. L. Petty, Elizabeth Yount, Charles Threlkeld, Mary Carr and Martha Swinney. The present membership numbers about 153. Rev. WTilliam Mason and Rev. H. F. Davis, who is the present pastor, have filled the pulpit of the church. Their house of worship, built in 1880, is valued at $1,400.00. Thomas Hess is superintendent and Miss Jennie Leet secretary of a Sabbath-school numbering 60 scholars.

Fairview Christian Church. -In 1879, an organization now known as the above church, was constituted through the efforts of Elder Hoffman, with Mrs. S. A. Quarles, Mrs. Sarah Jordan, John Shelton and wife, Michael Clark, Mrs. Hettie Armstrong, Mrs. Dr. Johnson, Mrs. Carrico, Charles Crump and wife, Mrs. S. J. White, G. Hunt and wife, William Williams and wife and Geo. W. Bonsell and wife, as the original members, which number has been increased by the addition of nearly 100 persons. The frame church building, situated on section 18, township 54, range 8 (Jefferson township), is 32 x 48 feet in dimensions and cost $1,000.00 in 1878. Connected with the church is a Sabbath-school of 40 members, presided over by Miss Alice Clark, and also a Ladies' Christian Aid Society, with a membership of 20. Revs. Hoffman, I. F. Myrh, Phil. Benton and R. N. Giddens have been the pastors in charge.

Pleasant Hill Presbyterian Church. -- In November, 1825, this church, now located six miles east of Paris, on the Louisiana road, was organized by Rev. Thomas Durfee, a missionary, with James McGee, John McKarney, Margaret McKarney, Elizabeth McKarney, Mary B. McKarney, Rosy Ann McKarney (all these of one family), Mary Anil McGee and Marietta, a colored woman, as the constituent members. Mrs. Rosy Ann (McKarney( Smith is the only one of the above now living. John McKarney and James McGee were the ruling elders. The membership now numbers 54. The present church edifice was constructed in 1857; it is a frame and cost $1,200.00. The first pastor, Rev. Alfred Wright, was succeeded by George C. Wood, Thomas Eustace, A. C. McConnell, J. B. Poage, J. P. Finley, H. P. S. Willis, William Wiley, W. H. Hicks, J. V. Barks, T. B. Lunsford, N. Armstrong (from Canada), L. P. Bowers and C. W. Humphreys, the present supply. Connected with the church is a flourishing Sabbath-school, containing 30 pupils, the superintendent being C. F. Richmond. 

South Fork Presbyterian Church - In South Fork township, near the fork of Salt river, on the road from Florida to Mexico, was constituted an organization by Dr. Samuel C. McConnell, October 22, 1853. The names appearing on the records as original members are John Kerr, Hester Kerr, Elizabeth Anderson, Isabel M. Hanna, Robert B. Kerr, Susan I. Botts, William H. Kerr, Sarelda M. Kerr, J. C. Heizer, Mary Heizer, James Smiley, Elizabeth A. Smiley, S. I. Bates, Daniel H. Kerr, Nancy V. Heizer, Joseph Heizer, Nancy Heizer, Mary I. Kerr, John W. Heizer, James Hanna, John Hanna, Esther I. Hanna, William Hanna, Amelia Hanna, R. M. Hanna, Joseph Hanna, David Hanna, Eliza Hanna, Susan C. Hanna, James E. Crawford, Mitchel Meteer, Mary B. Meteer and Ellen Finks. The membership now numbers 130. From 1853 to 1858 Rev. George Van Erman filled this pulpit, and he was succeeded by J. M. Travis, from May, 1859, to the present. Their frame church edifice was built in 1857. A Sabbath-school of 50 pupils has for its superintendent George W. Crawford. A large proportion of the members of this church who organized Florida and Bethel churches, were taken from South Fork. Over 400 persons have been enrolled as communicants of the church.

New Hope Presbyterian Church--Now has a membership of 75, the pastor being Rev. John M. Travis. The frame church building, erected in 1858 at an expenditure of $1,000, is located one and a half miles south-west of Strother (in South Fork township). The organization was effected December 19, 1857, John Forsyth, Isabel Formyth, William S. Forsyth, William M. Vaughn, Ann E. Vaughn, James M. Vaughn, Sarah J. Vaughn, Enoch Hunt, Harriet N. Hunt, Jane Alverson, Moses Hall, Mary E. Hall, Mary J. Guthrie, John N. Price, David Woolridge, Prudence Woolridge, Clifton E. Wills and Lewis A. Hunt being the original members. George H. Hersman is superintendent of the Sabbath-school of 25 scholars.

St. Stephen Church--At Elizabethtown (in Indian Creek township), is one of the pioneer churches of the county, having been formed February 12, 1833. The organizing members consisted of Thomas Yates, Benedict Carrico, John Dixon, Joshua B. Carrico, Homer P. H. McLeod, T. Hagan, J. A. Cummings, J. J. Quinlan, J. Dougherty, P. Morrissey and others whose names we could not obtain. The church now has in its membership 200 families. Their house of worship cost $7,000 and was built in 1876, of brick. Those who have ministered to the spiritual necessities of this body have been Peter P. Lefaver, G. H. Ortlangenberg, Thomas Cussick, Dennis Kennedy, E. Berry, Thomas Ledwith, Edward Hammel, J. J. Hogan and others. 

Hickory Grove Church -In Marion township, has had eight pastors since its organization on the 4th Saturday in August, 1843. Benjamin Terrell, from 1843 to 1858; James Porter, from March, 1858, to October, 1859; James Burton, from October, 1859, to October, 1860; Bartlett Anderson, from October, 1860, to 1863; W. L. T. Evans, from 1863, to February, 1879; J. G. Swetnam, from February, 1879, to December of the same year; M. F. Williams, from December, 1879, to December, 1881, and J. D. Smith, from March following to the present. The church edifice was completed in 1846. It is a frame structure and cost $800. Among the original members were John and Emily Briscoe, Hugh Miller, Mary Miller, John Walkup, Lucinda Walkup, Gabriel Alexander, Lucinda J. Alexander, Nathaniel S. Bullock, Rebecca Bullock, H. Haley, Rhoda Haley, E. Haley, S. S. Embree, Elender Embree, James Williamson, O. C. Smith, Hannah Brown, John W. Ash, Naomi Ash, J. Y. Miller, AnnE. Miller; Rhoda Turner, Mary King, D. Bates, Edmond Ash, Elizabeth Evans, Diana Williamson and Charles W. Embree. The membership is now 175. Mr. J. W. E. Cosby is superintendent of the Sabbath-school, which numbers 50 scholars. The church is located in a small village, the post-office of which is Ash.

Salt River Holiness Association. There is a Holiness Association in the county known by the above name. It is located on section 18 of Jefferson township. We were unable to learn anything else concerning it, save that it was organized during the summer of 1882.