The following information was gleaned from the records at the Seminary Library in Fort Worth, Texas. This is NOT a complete record of the Shiloh Baptist Association, as I was mainly concentrating on the churches in and around Burns City, Tx. This association covered Cooke, Grayson, Denton, Montague and parts of other counties. Much information is available at this library as they have records back to the 1930’s when Baptists first arrived in Texas and started to keep records. - Editor

SHILOH BAPTIST INSTITUTE

Whitesboro, Texas, Augst 25, 1876

To the Shiloh Baptist Association:

In compliance with the Constitution and By-laws of the “Shiloh Baptist Institute at Whitesboro,” I submit my annual report to the Association for the year just past.

Pursuant to the resolution of the Association held at Denton Creek Church, on the first day of October, 1875, the Trustees appointed, met at Whitesboro on the nineteenth day of November following, and organized by electing W.H. Trolinger President, George W. Diamond Secretary, and B.F. Christian Treasurer.

After adopting the Constitution and by-laws of the Board of Trustees, in accordance with part 3 of the Constitution, the trustees proceeded to classify, by lot, the terms of membership, as follows:

Members Drawing the term of three years - W.H. Trolinger, Voltaire Skinner, E.B. Hardie, J.B. Blount, B.F. Christian, J.R. Masters, O.A. Cogburn and P.F. Hurd.

Members drawing the term of two years - E.H. Kinslow, Edward Saunders, W.A. Mason, A.B. White, T.J. Young, S.W. Tibbetts, Hervy Wood, and W.C. Vaughn.

Members drawing the term of one year - H.R. Hughey, R.P. McKemie, Samuel Pike, I.R. Chestnut, T.C. Roberts, J.L. Elder, Lem. Morris and George W. Diamond, whose term of ______ _____ expires, devolving upon the Association the duty of appointing _________ _______ the term of three years.

A charter for the Institute was drawn and adopted, and, in compliance with the State laws governing corporations, the same was filed in the office of the Secretary of State, at Austin, which was approved by the department, and a copy, under the seal of the State, returned, and is now on file with the records of the Board. This charter, running for the period of twenty years, is deemed liberal in its character, and adequate to secure and protect the interests and promote the advancement of the Institution.

The Board of Trustees, at their first meeting, selected the ground for the erection of the building, in an eligible position in the Northwest portion of the town of Whitesboro, upon condition that the purchase of the same should not become a charge upon the regular subscription fund. The citizens, then, by voluntary subscription, raised the required sum to purchase the ground selected, and in due time the owner executed his warranty deed of conveyance to the same which is now held, in fee, by the Board, and their successors in office.

1876 List of Preachers and Post Offices

Whitesboro - H.R. Hughey, Eli Witt, J.A. Viars, W.R. Elder

Pilot Point - R.T. Gardner, J.R. Masters, E.B. Hardie, Isaac Reed, R.L. Baker, W.C. West, George Boland,

Callisburg - Hervey Wood, L.E. Harrison

Gainesville - W.A. Mason, James Reed, R.H. Love

Mtn. Springs - W. Burch

Denton - J.W. Cearly, A. Fitzgerald, W.H. Hines, J.O. Payton, W.A. Wilson

Dexter - J.B. Pruitt, F.J. Oliver, A.B. Good

Marysville - J.F. Cook

Forestburg - Wm. Cunningham

Burlington - O.J.R. Colthorp

St. Jo - ___ Phillips, R. Davis

Decatur - D. Watson, John Ferguson, Wm. Thompson, S.M. Foster, J.E. Parson

Sherman - John L. Elder

1882 List of Preachers and Post Offices

Whitesboro - E. Witt, William Ashcraft, E.B. Hardie, C.H. Hobbs, Tol Miller

Pottsboro - H.R. Hughey

Basin Springs - A.J. Tripp

Pilot Point - R.T. Gardner, W.S. Maddox

Mountain Springs - A.L. Jones, W.C. West, J. Bowling, W.H. Davis

Rosston - R.H. Love, J.W. Gerrard

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Valley View - W.A. Mason

Denton - W.A. Mason, R.C. DeLoach, A.J. Donaldson

Dexter - M.J. Hale, J.B. Pruitt, D.B. Brown, J.T. Agee, E. Cold, V. Smith, W.E. Bibb, J. Melor

Marysville - W.L. Grisham

Gordonville - J.P. Dewitt

Macomb - J.P. Bryant

Bloomfield - E.A. Vincent

Custer City - J.T. Lilly

Gainesville - J.E. Milburn, A. Fitzgerald, A.S. Greer, J. Reed, S.A. Beauchamp, D.M. Haggard

Collinsville - J.C. McGhee

Bulcher - Wm. Cunningham

1885 List

Whitesboro - Eli Witt, Wm. Ashcraft, E.B. Hardie, G.W. Gray, J.P. Bryant

Basin Springs - A.B. Ingram, Nick. Cothran

Pilot Point - R.T. Gardner

Burns City - W.C. West

Mtn. Springs - J. Bowling

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison, Eld, Butler

Denton - J.T. Jenkins, S.A. Beauchamp, D. James, E.S. James, W.A. Wilson, A.J. Harris, W.T. Fisher

Dexter - J.B. Pruitt, E. Cole, A.J. Trip, W.C. Bibb

Bloomfield - E.A. Vincent

Gainesville - J. Reed, A.S. Greer, D.M. Haggard, Hervey Wood, J.E. Eoff

Collinsville - J.C. McGee

Oklahoma - M.J. Haile

Lewisville - H. Kerr

Mossville - W.T. Gressham

Pottsboro - J.M. Harris

Aubrey - J.S. Wells, C.A. Deloach

1886 List

Whitesboro - Wm. Ashcraft, S.A. Bryant, E.B. Hardie, A.B. Ingram, Eli Witt

Mtn. Springs - J. Bowling, E.A. Vincent

Callisburg - N. Butler, L.E. Harrison,

Denton - S.A. Beauchamp, W.T. Fisher, J.T. Jenkins, W.A. Wilson

Dexter - W.C. Bibb, J.B. Pruitt, J.C.F. Kyger, A.J. Trip

Basin Springs - Nick Cothran

Aubrey - C.A. Deloach, J.S. Wells, S.E. James

Gainesville - A.S. Greer, D.M. Haggad, T.J. McCandless, J. Reid, Hervey Wood

Mossville - W.T. Gressham

Pilot Point - R.T. Gardner, A.J. Harris

Southmayd - G.W. Gray

Oklahoma - M.J. Haile

Pottsboro - J.M. Harris

Ethel - H.R. Hughey

Lewisville - H. Kerr

Cedar Mills - J.C. Mangis

Burns City - W.C. West

1887 List

Whitesboro - W.V. Eskew

Bloomfield - G. Bowling

Gainesville - D.M. Haggard, Jas. Reid, A.S. Greer, A.J. Harris

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Oklahoma - M.J. Haile

Burns City - Eli Witt, W.C. West

Dexter - W.E. Bibbs, J.B. Pruitt

Mossville - W.T. Gressham

Mtn. Springs - E.A. Vincent

1890 - list

Gainesville - S.J. Anderson, J.M. Clemons, J.H. Fisher, A.J. Rippy

Dexter - W.E. Bibb, H.P. Dawsey

Whitesboro - W.V. Eskew, J.R. Turner

Mossville - W.T. Gresham, T.H. Slover

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison, W.S. Warthen

Mtn. Springs - J.C. Howe, Eli Witt

Marysville - G.W. Holloway

Burns City - John D. Powers, W.C. West

Bloomfield - E.A. Vincent

1891 list

Gainesville - S.J. Anderson, J.M. Clemons, John H. Fisher, Wm. Rice

Bloomfield - Geo. Bowling

Dexter - W.E. Bibb, H.P. Dawsey, J.M. Woolam

Pilot Point - J.C. Clure

Whitesboro - W.V. Eskew

Mossville - W.T. Gresham

Collinsville - J.C. Hudson

Marysville - Jesse Holman, G.W. Holloway, J.O. Payton

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison, W.S. Warthan

Mtn. Springs - J.C. Howe, Eli Witt

Era - W.A. Mansfield, A.W. Richardson, T.S. Slover

Burns City - John D. Powers, W.C. West

Valley View - A.J. Rippey

1892 list

Bloomfield - Geo. Boling, Jno. Cude

Dexter - W.E. Bibb, H.P. Dawsey

Pilot Point - J.C. Clure

Gainesville - J.M. Clemens, W.A. Mansfield, Wm. Rice, T.H. Slover

Callisburg - J.Y. Campbell, L.E. Harrison, W.S. Warthen

Whitesboro - W.V. Eskew

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mossville - W.T. Gresham

Marysville - R.J. Holman, R.S. Hill

Mtn. Springs - C.J. Howe, Eli Witt

Early - G.W. Holoway

Burns City - Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West

Valley View - A.J. Rippy

Collinsville - W.M. Witt

1893 list

Indian Territory - J.J. Allen

Bloomfield - Geo. Boling, B.F. Sizemore

Dexter - W.E. Bibb, H.P. Dawsey

Pilot Point - J.C. Clure

Gainesville - J.M. Clemens, A.J. Harris, T.H. Slover

County Line - W.V. Eskew

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mossville - W.T. Gressham

Mtn. Springs - J.C. Howe, Eli Witt

Marysville - R.J. Holman, R.S. Hill

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison, W.S. Warthen

Hardy - W.B. Long

Burns City - Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West

Rosston - Wm. Rice

Valley View - A.J. Rippy

Custer City - W.M. Witt

1894 list

Marysville - R.S. Hill

Gainesville - A.J. Harris

Burns City - J.D. Powers, W.C. West, J.M. Phillips

Rosston - Wm. Rice

Era - A.W. Richardson

Bloomfield - B.F. Sizemore

Leo - W.G. Sommers

Mtn. Springs - Eli Witt

Custer City - W.M. Witt

1895 list

During the last associational year, four men have been ordained to the ministry, by the churches of this association, viz: J. Cude, Hemming Grove Church, M. Kelley, Mt. Comfort Church, J.J. Walker, Bethlehem Church, E.M. Lewis, Bear Head Church.

Pilot Point - J.A. Bryant, J.C. Cloer, F.R. Flowers

Dexter - W.E. Bibb

Bloomfield - J.C. Crawley, Matt Kelly

Gainesville - J.M. Clemons, W.S. Splawn

County Line - W.V. Eskew

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mossville - W.T. Grissom

Mtn. Springs - C.J. Howe, B.F. Sizemore

Marysville - R.S. Hill

Burns - Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West

Custer City - Wm. Rice, J.W. Nunn

Leo - W.G. Somers

Coesfield - J.J. Walker

1896 list

Gainesville - J.A. Bryant, W.S. Splawn

Dexter - W.E. Bibb

Hemming - Jno. Cude

Pilot Point - J.C. Cloer

Woodbine - J.M. Clemens

County Line - W.V. Eskew

Tioga - J.R. Flowers

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mossville - W.T. Gressham

Mtn. Springs - J.C. Howe, B.F. Sizemore

Marysville - R.J. Holman

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Valley View - J.B. King

Bloomfield - Mat Kelly

Custer City - W.N. Rice, J.W. Nunn

Burns - Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West

Leo - G.W. Somers

Coesfield - J.J. Walker

1897 list

Collinsville - E.W. Autrey

Gainesville - J.A. Bryant, Thos. Hines, W.S. Splawn, F.M. Woods

Dexter - W.E. Bibb, E.A. Wesson

Hemming - Jno. Cude

Pilot Point - J.C. Cloer

Woodbine - J.M. Clemens

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mossville - W.T. Gressham

Mtn. Springs - C.J. Howe, B.F. Sizemore

Marysville - R.J. Holman

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Valley View - S.R. King

Bloomfield - Mat Kelley

Custer City - J.W. Nunn

Burns - Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West, J.M. Phillips

Rosston, W.N. Rice

Leo - G.W. Somers

Coesfield - J.J. Walker

1899 list

Collinsville - E.W. Autrey

Gainesville - Oscar E. Bryan, Thos. Hines, Jno. Mayall, G.R. Nailer, W.S. Splawn, F.M. Wood

Burns - J.W. Bell, Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West

Hemming - Jno. Cude, Silas Thomas

Woodbine - J.M. Clemens, J.J. Walker

Greenwood - J.M. Cason

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mtn. Springs - J.C. Howe, Hiram Hodges, B.F. Sizemore

Marysville - R.J. Holman

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Valley View - S.R. King

Bloomfield - Mat Kelly

Custer City - J.W. Nunn

Vilott - Wm. H. Rice

Licentiates - W.J. Downing, Gainesville; Geo. Orrange, Collinsville; I. Selby, Collinsville.

1900 list

Collinsville - E.W. Autrey

Burns - J.W. Bell, Jno. D. Powers, W.C. West

Hemming Grove - John Cude, Silas Thomas

Alvord - J.M. Cason

Woodbine - J.M. Clemens, J.J. Walker

Gainesville - W.J. Downing, Thos. Hines, J. Mayall, G.R. Nailer, W.S. Splawn

Hood - C.W. Hampton

Marysville - R.J. Holman

Mtn. Springs - Hiram Hodge, Mat Kelly

Whitesboro - Dave Hart

Freemound - R.S. Hill

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Valley View - S.R. King

Custer City - Jno. W. Nunn

Era - A.W. Richardson, R.R. Gaines

Licentiates - J.W. Agee, Era; Oscar E. Bryan, Gainesville; E.A. Bateman, Bloomfield; A.F. Hudson, Leo; W.L. Vandiver, Hemming.

1901 list

Collinsville - E.W. Autrey

Woodbine - J.M. Clements, J.J. Walker

Alvord - J.H. Cason

Era, R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Mtn. Springs - C.J. Howe

Hood - C.W. Hampton

Marysville - R.J. Holman

Callisburg - L.E. Harrison

Gainesville - A.B. Ingram, W.C. Rogers

Valley View - L.R. King

Custer City - J.W. Nunn

Burns - Jno. D. Powers

Hemming - Silas Thomas

Licentiates - E.E. Bateman, Bloomfield; J.C. Daniels, Burns; W.L. Tubbs, Burns; A.F. Hudson, Leo; W.B. Nowell, Burns.

1902 List

Collinsville - E.W. Autrey

Woodbine - J.M. Clemens

Gainesville - W.W. Chancellor, A.B. Ingram, J.W. Nunn

Era - R.R. Gaines, A.W. Richardson

Whitesboro - L.E. Harrison

Hood - C.W. Hampton

Marysville - R.J. Holman

Mtn. Springs - C.J. Howe

Valley View - S.R. King

Bloomfield - W.B. Nowell

Burns - John D. Powers, W.L. Tubbs, J.J. Walker, W.C. West

Hemming - Silas Thomas

1868 7^th annual session of the Shiloh Baptist Association held at Pilot Point on 2^nd and 3^rd of October 1868, sermon by S.D.H. Steed.

Letters From:

Whitesboro - W.H. Trolinge, A.B. White, Hewy Wood, S.D.H. Steed

Pilot Point - J.R. Masters, J.C. Hunton, A. Belew, Thos. Young

Union - W.C. West, J.W. Johnson, T.J. Tenison

Pleasant Home - V.J. Hutton, N. Miller, M. Hedgcoke, J.O. Taber

Indian Creek - W. Pearce, Isaac Shelby, S. Turner

Mount Gilead - R.G. Kendrick

Friendship - J. Thornton, N.L. Meaders

Union Denton - W.W. Mitchell, J.M. Barnhill

Mount Hope - J. Hooper

Sister Grove Association - Elders Asa Davis, W.C. West, Hewy Wood

Oct 1869 session to be held at Whitesboro

Owing to Indian depredations on the frontier, our Association was very small this year, but the churches which were represented, appear to be somewhat stirred to duty, by which we are encouraged to the hope of better times.

1876 - 15^th session held at Bethlehem Church, Grayson Co. Tx.

Messenger from New Hope - T.P. Lee, W.F. Melton

REPORT ON DESTITUTION

Your committee ask leave to report. Our Association embraces the counties of Clay, Montague, Cooke, and parts of Grayson, Collin, Wise, Denton and Jack, and from the information we have, Clay county has not an organized Baptist church or minister of our order, and Montague has but two ministers, and few churches. We certainly can realize that portion of the field as “white unto the harvest,” and ready for the gospel of Christ. And in other portions of our territory many settlements are forming and towns growing up, without any one to break unto the people the bread of life. We , your committee, would say, “go over and possess the land.” God’s truth is to fill the whole earth, and the church is responsible for the work. Respectfully submitted, W.A. Mason, Chairman

1880 - 19^th annual session of Shiloh Baptist Association held at Bethlehem Church, Grayson Co. Tx.

Treasurer’s Report of the Home Mission Board

At New Hope, 5^th Sabbath in February, 1880.

Rec’d from John Young $8.00

Rec’d from Thos. Young $12.85

Rec’d from E.B. Hardie $4.00

Public Collection $2.80

From W.A. Mansfield $2.00

From M.A. Stamper $1.00

1881 - 20^th session held at Collinsville Church, Grayson Co. Tx.

1882 - 21^st session held at Gainesville Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were J.H. Page, H.J. Coleman.

1883 - 22^nd session held at Mt. Zion # 1 four miles NE of Dexter in Grayson Co.

Messengers for New Hope were V.S. Maddox.

1884 - 23^rd session held at Shiloh # 2, six miles north of Pilot Point in Grayson Co.

Messengers for New Hope # 1 were W.C. West, R.C.A. Thomson, J.H.L. Owens. (NOTE! New Hope # 2 was down by Aubry, Tx. New Hope # 3 was in Indian Territory.)

1885 - 24^th session held at Era Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope # 1 were J.H.L. Owens, J.M. Little, R.R. Gambill. J.H.L. Owens was also appointed to co-operate with the Executive Board.

1886 - 25^th session held at Whitesboro Church, Grayson Co. Tx.

Messenger for New Hope # 1 J.R. Burch.

1887 - 26^th session held at Mt. Comfort (Post office Burns City) Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were J.M. Little, J.H.L. Owen, R.C.A. Thomason.

After Devotional exercises, led by John D. Powers, J.M. Harris and E.A. Vincent, impressive remarks by E.B. Hardie, and prayer by R.T. Gardner, the Association adjourned to meet at 8 p.m.

The Committee on Divine Services announced A.J. Harris to preach at Burns City, Sunday, at 8 p.m.

The following named churches were then granted letters of dismission, the same being within the bounds of Grayson County Association: Whitesboro, Collinville, Behlehem, Center, Mineral, Mill Springs, Mountain Springs, Pleasant Home, Pottsboro, Shiloh, Tioga.

1888 - 27^th session held at Mount Gilead Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messenger for New Hope was J.H. L. Owens.

(First mention we find of J.D. Powers preaching.)

1889 - 28^th session held at Gainesville Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

The messengers composing the Shiloh Baptist Association, met with the Church at Gainesville, Cooke County, Texas, August 23, A.D. 1889, at 10:25 a.m., at the M.E. Church South, the Baptist place of worship being under repairs.

Messenger for New Hope was Eli Witt.

On motion by J.J. Glenn, the Clerk was ordered to purchase a record book. (NOTE! Where is this book?)

The report on Associational Missions submitted, discussed lengthily, and pending the adoption the committee on Divine Services announced preaching as follows:

Aug 24 - M.E. Church S. at 8 p.m. S.L. Morris

Aug 25 - M.E. Church S. at 11 a.m. T.J. Harrott

Aug 25 - M.E. Church S. at 8 p.m. H. Beauchamp

Aug 25 - Cumberland church, 11 a.m. E.A. Puthuff

Aug 25 - Cumberland church, 8 p.m. A.D. Brooks

Aug 25 - Presbyterian church, 11 a.m. A.C. Burroughs

Aug 25 - Presbyterian church, 8 p.m. W.M. Gough

Aug 25 - M.E. Church N. 11 a.m. J.H. Fisher

Aug 25 - M.E. Church N. 8 p.m. J.C. Ward

Aug 25 - Christian Church 8 p.m. J.C.F. Kyger

Aug 25 - Broadway M.E. 11 a.m. W.A. Mansfield

Aug 25 - Broadway M.E. 8 p.m. Lewis Holland

Aug 25 - Whitesboro, 11 a.m. J.C.F. Kyger

(NOTE! It appears there may have been a lot of people in town for the session and church was held at different locations due to the crowd.)

Eli Witt from New Hope elected to the Executive Board.

RESOLVED, That we extend to our Methodist brethren our hearty thanks for the use of their house of worship in which to hold this session of our body, and also to the other denominations of Gainesville for the use of their houses on the Lord’s Day, and also to the Gainesville church for their hospitality in entertaining this body.

1890 - 29^th session held at Dixon Creek Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope, John D. Powers, W.C. West

(Section 2 of article 4 of the constitution to read: “Each church shall be entitled to three messengers and one for every additional fifty (members) or fractional part thereof.”)

1891 - 30^th session held at Custer City Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were J.R. Burch, J.M. Little, S.J. Umsted.

Being called for, Bro. Jno. D. Powers, the appointee, preached the introductory sermon - text Gen. 1:3 - following in prayer by Bro Fisher.

RESOLVED, That we appoint a committee of three brethren who shall take the matter of a Baptist college under advisement. In accordance with the foregoing, the moderator appointed Brethren S.J. Anderson, A.W. Richardson and Jno. D. Powers, committee.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE ON ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONS

Your committee would call attention to the fact that there is great destitution in this county, up and down Red River, and in the western part of the county.

We find a great demand for sound doctrine in some of our churches. Some of them even object to Baptist doctrine, which we believe to be founded upon the Bible, being preached.

Therefore we recommend that a strong man be placed in the field for all his time, who shall be outspoken in doctrine and also preach to the many sinners in this association who are perishing for the bread of life. Jno. D. Powers, Chairman.

The Treasurer’s Report shows $149.70 paid to Bro. Powers. It was recommended to the board that if possible, they employ Bro J.D. Powers as missionary for the ensuing year.

J.M. Little from New Hope on Executive Board.

New Hope paid $2.50 to minute fund this year.

1892 - 31^st session held at Mount Lebanon Church, Woodbine, Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were W.T. Sellers, P.E. Powers, A. Loving, J.R. Burch

Jno. D. Powers on the Executive Board. Also J.R. Burch from New Hope.

The pastor’s salary was $70.00, $5.00 given to Orphans Home, $2.00 to minute fund.

New Hope is listed in the Sunday School Statistics but not Superintendent is shown.

1893 - 32^nd session held at Era Church, Era, Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were J.J. Allen, W.T. Sellers, A. Loving. (This may be # 3 in I.T.)

It was reported that the Mt. Gilead and Liberty Hill Churches had consolidated at the Hibit school house, and named the Church, Hibit.

John D. Powers of Burns City elected to the Executive Board.

REPORT ON MINISTERIAL EDUCATION

It only takes casual observation to see the rapid movements of every denomination in the line of education.

The Baptists because of persecutions of every description, and poverty, have been unable to cope with our religious neighbors. But we record our heartfelt gratitude to God for his mercy and since religious liberty has been granted us we have made rapid progress all along the way. As late as 1830 we had only six institutions of learning. Today we have 153. This is marvelous and we should not only express our gratitude to God, but congratulate our brotherhood that we have escaped at last the slandered charge that we oppose education. We exhort our brethren to faithfulness in an honest pursuit of an education using all lawful means.

We call attention to Waco University as in every way worthy of our support, and especially do we call attention to the theological department under the direction of the peerless B.H. Carrol, D.D. Also we advise every brother who can, to take at least one year in our theological seminary at Louisville, Ky.

John D. Powers, Chairman.

1894 - 33^rd session held at Vilotte Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messenger for New Hope is J.M. Little.

Pleasant Grove was reported as having been dissolved.

R.R. Gaines was missionary this year.

REPORT ON ASSOCIATIONAL MISSIONS

Your committee on associational missions beg leave to report: We find that our missionary, R.R. Gaines, has done a good and efficient work, and that God has not only blessed his labors, but they will tell on our denominational life in the future. We therefore recommend that our association continue him in the field, and that our churches stand by the county work with main and might. A.J. Harris, Chairman.

REPORT ON SUNDAY SCHOOLS

We suggest also that our schools use the Sunday school literature of the Southern Baptist Convention.

1895 - 34^th session held at Marysville Church, Marysville, Tx.

Messenger for New Hope is A. Loving.

J.D. Powers of Burns on the Mission Board.

1896 - 35^th session held at Fellowship Church, Woodbine, Tx.

Messengers from New Hope were W.C. West, John M. Phillips.

Due J.D. Powers for seven months missionary labor $350.00 Paid J.D. Powers cash $28.35. Collected in field by J.D. Powers $24.00. Balance due J.D. Powers $285.65.

1897 - 36^th session held at Hibit Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were J.M. Little, W.S. Tubbs.

REPORT ON STATE MISSIONS

The Home Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention has paid annually thousands of dollars to the Mission work of this State. But we must be sagacious, active and untiring in doing this work ourselves. We do urge that this body keep close in line with this work. We unhesitatingly believe that it is our duty to God and Texas to go forward, standing in unbroken line with our State Mission Board.

1898 - 37^th session held at Freemound Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

1899 - 38^th session held at First Baptist Church, Gainesville, Tx.

Messengers of New Hope were J.W. Bell, W.C. West, J.E. Pate, Pink Jetton, A. Loving.

REPORT ON STATE MISSIONS

Our State Convention, a body which meets annually, composed of messengers from the churches, Associations and Missionary Societies of our state, has the immediate charge of our State Missions. It has from its organization been the rule of he State Convention to act through an Executive Board composed of brethren who enjoy the confidence of the brethren. This board is now composed of thirty-eight members, all of whom are elected by he convention.

1900 - 39^th session held at Felker Baptist Church, Hood, Tx.

1901 - 40^th session held at Reed Baptist Church, Myra, Tx.

Messenger for New Hope was W.L. Tubbs

1902 - 41^st session held at New Hope Baptist Church, Burns City, Tx.

Messengers for New Hope, W.L. Tubbs, W.B. Nowell, W.R. Lemons, J.S. Floyd

Note - The telling influence of the Spirit was in the close of this meeting. J.S. Floyd, Clerk.

LADIES AID SOCIETY OF MISSIONS

MINUTES OF LADIES MEETING

The Associational Union met in Woodmen Hall, at Burns, Friday, August 22, 1902, at 10:00 a.m.

Members from Burns City include: Mrs. Sallie Jacobs, Mattie Bate, M.F. West, Mrs. M.C. Chastain, Miss Jessie Chastain, Miss Ruth Bell, Miss Crider, Mrs. Bell, Miss Ida Cannon.

1903 - 42^nd session held at Valley View Baptist Church, Valley View, Tx.

Messenger for New Hope was Isham Mikeal and W.B. Nowell.

Article from “The Baptist Standard” dated June 11, 1903

The 5^th Sunday meeting of Shiloh Association was a very precious meeting. The discussions of the various subjects were entertaining and helpful. We met with the Burns City Saints. They are a noble flock, led by that princely leader, R.R. Gaines. The entertainment was all one’s heart could wish. Ministerial brehren in attendance were: A.B. Ingram, W.P. Grow, R.R. Gaines, W.L. Tubbs, W.B. Nowell, Si. Thomas, and C.W. Hampton, Deacon W.F. Miller, of Woodbine, was with us and added much to the meeting. Prof. W.B. Clifton, of Gainesville, was also with us and aided us in the discussions. Prof. Bridges, of Burns City, made an excellent presiding officer. Sunday’s service closed with a collection for the Buckner Orphans Home. The next meeting will be with the Grand Avenue Church, Gainesville - C.W. Hampton, Hood, Texas.

1904 - 43^rd session held at Grand Avenue Baptist Church, Gainesville, Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were J.C. Dawson, W.B. Nowell, A. Loving, Oscar Loving, Leona Loving. (NOTE! First mention of a woman messenger from New Hope!!)

1905 - 44^th session held at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Woodbine, Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were W.B. Nowell, Lee McLendon, A. Loving, Sam Briggs.

1906 - 45^th session held at Fish Creek Springs Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were A. Loving, W.B. Nowell, Jerry Cason, Oscar Loving, Jesse Dawson, Carl Jacobs, Miss Minnie Carpenter.

1907 - 46^th session held at Era Baptist Church, Era, Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were W.B. Nowell, A. Loving, H.M. Lemmons, E.C. Lewis, A.G. Dawson, Sisters Ivy Nowell, Mattie Little, Radie Lemons, Della Hughes.

OUR TENT

It is more than four years old. We thought last year that it would not last to another association, but God has saved it from storm and it appears to be in as good condition as one year ago.

CYCLONE TROUBLES

Three of our churches have had affliction from cyclones. Two of these, Flat Creek and Hemming, losing their houses outright. Fish Creek sustained damage to her house, not entire loss. We are happy here to note that our brethren are putting good houses on these lots again and our Lord’s work will go on.

1908 - 47^th session held at Vilott Baptist Church, Cooke Co. Tx.

Messengers for New Hope were A. Loving, Sisters Minnie Carpenter, Savilla Mitchell and Ida Mitchell.

Shiloh Obituries

1876 - Elder Isham R. Chesnutt was born and raised in McMinn County, East Tennessee, made a profession of religion and joined the Baptist Church at Zion Hill, about the year 1847, was educated at Mossy Creek College, Jefferson County, was ordained to the work of the Gospel Ministry about the year 1859, came to Texas as a delegate to the Southern Baptist Convention, at Jefferson, in May, 1874, and died suddenly in Cooke County, Texas July 29^th, 1876, in his 48^th year.

Elder Chesnutt had devoted his time and talents almost exclusively to the preaching of the Gospel, and he had conducted many glorious revivals in East Tennessee and in Texas. For nearly two years Elder Chesnutt had been riding as Missionary of Shiloh Baptist Association, and he was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Shiloh Baptist Institute, at Whitesboro. One of the members of our committee has known Elder Chesnutt all his life, and can truly testify that an humble, pious, devoted and good man has fallen at his post. May we all imitate his noble example.

Elder J.C. Hunton, on the morning of the 28^th of March, was found dead in Buck creek, five miles from Pilot Point. On the 6^th of March he left his home, in Pilot Point, to be absent for some time, and as his friends did not expect the creek to be swimming, they did not feel uneasy about his three weeks’ absence. Fortunately, his body, his Bible, his money, and some valuable papers, were recovered safely, after so long a time.

Dr. Hunton was a Virginian by birth, and exceeded seventy years in age. In the prime of life he moved to Kentucky, married, professed religion, became a Baptist, and, after remaining there for some time, he came to Texas, more than twenty years ago.

He was a man of extra endowments, fine literary attainments, and honorably bore the title of A.M., M.D. From his early youth until he was more than forty years of age, his habits of life were exceedingly wild, but after his profession, he was often heard to say, in alluding to his early life, “nothing but the grace of God could have ever turned me.” Eld. Hunton was firm believer in the doctrine of election and predestination. These views he taught fully, ever showing that man is saved by grace, and not by works.

1885 - John Mealer and T.J. Donaldson. Bro Donaldson was ordained in 1875 by the Alton Church in Denton Co. He died about the first of December 1884. Aged about 37 years.

1886 - Elders J.E. Eoff and J.P. Bryant and Deacon A.B. White. Bro Eoff died November 1, 1885, age 30 years, a minister for 8 years. Bro. Bryant died May 6, 1886, a minister for 43 years. Bro White died December 16, 1885, a Baptist for 40 years.

1888 - Elder Jas. Reed departed this life March 16, 1888, aged 68 years.

1890 - Elder J.P. Pruitt has departed this life, which departure took place January 14, 1890. Brother Pruitt was licensed to preach in October, 1846; was ordained to the full work of the ministry in October 1852, in Van Zandt county, Texas. Brother Pruitt was an unassuming, practical Christian, well-grounded in the faith. While we mourn the loss of his association, we realize that out loss is his eternal gain.

1892 - We are thankful to God that, notwithstanding the epidemic which was fatal to so many of our fellow creatures last winter, many having fallen since our last meeting, we discover no breaks in our ministerial ranks. We are thankful to our kind and merciful Father that all are spared yet to testify for Christ. W.F. Miller, Chairman.

1895 - We find that God has removed from our midst Bro. J.J. Allen, minister, of New Hope.

1898 - We find two deaths of our ministers during the year to wit: Bro. J.A. Bryant of Gainesville and Rev. W.T. Gresham of Mossville.

Obituaries from “The Baptist Standard” dated June 18, 1903

Brother J.M. Little was born in Gidionsville, Marshall Co., Tenn., Jan. 7, 1845; was married, Oct. 30, 1866 to Jane Edwards. In 1872 he was saved from sin and joined the church. He moved January, 1881, to Texas and united with New Hope Church at Burns. In 1889 he was ordained a deacon, in which he was useful. He was called to his home on high Jan. 16, 1903. He was a true man of God, noble as a father, husband, church member and citizen. He loved the church and the gospel of Jesus; and we witnessed ‘twas to him a joy to send the message of the cross to the lost. Truly his family, church and community have lost a noble member. We extend deepest sympathy to his lonely, heart-broken wife and children and commend them to our compassionate Redeemer. Adopted in conference, May 16, 1903. - R.R. Gaines, moderator.