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Ancestry

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file No.

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(Over)

HISTORY OF BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

50 YEARS ---1929-1979 by Millard F. Hall, Historian

Turkey Cove Baptist Church was organized in 1885 in an old log schoolhouse as a result of a revival. The Charter members included Bill Buchanan, Perrell Hollifield, W.A. Bid­ dix, Cordelia Biddix, Mona Hollifield, Bud Buchanan, and Nancy Buchanan. The present .meJ;JW'ership numbers 310. ~ev. Jesse Sorrels was the first pastor. His father died when he was but 10 years old, and he had little formal education. In 1862 he joined the army and served until the end of the War Between the States. He married in 1868 and moved to Haywood County and join­ ed the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where he became a deacon in 1871. In 1881 he became Sunday School Missionary of the Tennessee River Association. He served two years in this field, then moved back to Rutherford County. In 1886, when God took his young son, he responded to a long suppressed call of God to the ministry. In his first series of meetings, at the Holly Springs School House, lasting 15 days, 42 made a profession of faith and 17 of these joined the Mountain Creek Baptist Church. He was ordained in November, 1886. Mr. Sorrels served as pastor of several churches, but most of his time was spent as missionary in the Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell County. Several churches were organized because of this man's ministry, among which are Clinchfield and Woodlawn Churches. Upon his death his nephew, Rev. Alonzo Sorrels was called to take his place.

in Greenville, mer Mildred as, age 8. He Cove Baptist 972 returned Teacher and He returned -time pastor.

Turkey Cove Baptist Church's pastors are:

Charlie Parker James Hicks Charlie Parker Jim Street W.F. McMahan Charlie Parker Donald Wilson Clifton Cooper Harold Johnson Clifton Cooper Millard F. Hall Charlie Parker

Jesse C. Sorrels A.P. Sorrels J.R. Waycaster J.R. Boone ].R. Waycaster W.F. McMahan A.P. Sorrels J.R. Boone Stephen Shuford J.R. Boone A.Y. Buchanan James Smith

1885-1900 1900-1904 1904-1909 1910-1911 1911-1913 1913-1915 1915 1915-1916 1916-1919 1920-1924 1925-1926 1926-1928

1928-1935 1938-1939 1940-1941 1941 1941-1946 1946-1950 1950-1954 1954-1958 1959-1960 1961-1965 1966-1968

1969-Present

Turkey Cove's Church Clerks included: W.W. Gouge, A.H. Lowery, Pink Hollifield, Charlie Hollifield, M.P. Lowery, A.H. Lowery, James Lowery, W.S. Hollifield, B.J. Hollifield, Lester Hollifield, Mamie Hollifield, Mary Hollifield, Lennie McKinney, Mamie Hollifield, and Lennie McKinney. The first building, consisting of only one small room, was erected in 1887 where the

present church now stands. In 1926 the old building was enlarged and remodeled, and in 1949 a new building was started. Service was held in the new church May 15, 1950. The outside was remodeled in 1957. This church had joined the Green River Association in 1889, and was a charter member

¢~the Blue Ridge Association. (' The present pastor of the church, Charles C. Parker, has pastored this church from time to time since 1928. He was born in McDowell County in 1898, and was one of ten children. He was reared in a Christian home of Methodist parents, he was converted at age fifteen. He soon felt the call to preach and was licensed. After studying his Bible and preparing himself for the preaching of the gospel, he felt led to join a Baptist church, and became a member of North Cove, here he was ordained a Baptist minister in 1926. In July of 1916 Mr. Parker married the former Bessie· Huffman and God blessed this couple with eight children. Their fifty years of ministry has found them· serving in 3 states in the following churches: Altapass, Beaver Creek, Gouges Creek, Mount Carmel, North Cove, Peppers Creek, Turkey Cove, Black Mountain, Chestnut Grove, Halltown, Cherry Springs, Second Baptist of Kings Mountain, Garden Creek, Bills Creek, Montford Cove, Gashes Creek of Asheville, Ebenezer Welcome of Landrum, S.C., Hazel Creek of Mt. Airy,

47

HISTORY OF BLUE RIDGE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

50 YEARS ---1929-1979 by Millard F. Hall, Historian

There has been one church building and the present membership is 73. Three preachers have been sent out by the church-Ricky Clayton, Doug Willis, Charles Thomp­ son.

The following have served as Church Clerks: J.P. Padgett, Henry Johnston, Mattie Mcfalls, Mrs. W.H. Simmons, Regina Elliott, James Presnell, Mrs. James Presnell, & Ron­ nie Gentry.

Rev. Johnny D. Johnson, the present pastor, was born January 19, 1947 in Greenville, South Carolina to Harold and Virginia Johnson. He is married fa the former Mildred Bartlett. They have two sons-Johnny Michael, age 11; and William Douglas, age 8. He was called to the ministry in March, 1970 and licensed by the Turkey Cove Baptist Church. He was called as pastor to Sunnyvale in May 1970 and in January 1972 rm:urned to Turkey Cove and served as Church Training Director, Sunday School Teacher and Church bus driver. He worked closely with the young people of this church. He returned to Sunnyvale as Interim pastor November 19, 1978, then was elected as full-time pastor.

TURKEY COVE BAPTIST CHURCH

TURKEY COVE First Building

JESSE C. SORRELS First Pastor ·

TURKEY COVE BAPTIST CHURCH

REV. C.C. PARKER Pastor

46

-

of a reviv dix, Corde roembers v Rev. Jes and he ha the WarB ed the Pl

·became S years int young son of meetin faith and Novembe was spe churches and Woo take his

Jesse C. A.P. Sor J.R. Way J.R. Boo J.R. Way W.F.Mc A.P. Sor J.R. Boo Stephen J.R. Boo A.Y.Bu James S

Turk Charlie Hollifie Holli fie

The presen 1949 a outside

This ¢--the

( The time t childr age fif prepa beca of 191 eight follo Peppe Secon Creek

re are about called every more men to are called to ations of the d's kingdom! for Chaplams life, many of day. All the en up by us. ram as well.

kers in every son you hear ing :.--: that." e, in the face ring this past, Training Un­ iJ ing the cry-

ing program, It is only in

ual participa­ n and Church up _to 9 years, rnons, and :3

d any church g Union! At ally as many. ecause W6'! are rid women to-

the organiza­ onJy 6 of us. to om sister

ory and inter­ out to others. ai!Lng Unions ere were six

Th!..s is de­ rch members

, "And Jesus me in heaven izing them in host: Teach­ ded you: and,

·efore cast off t." (Romans s from know- Union is the

HILL

GREEN RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION ~ t

IIlSTORY Bev, Jesse C. Sorrels

The Rev. Jesse C. Sorrels was born in Rutherford County, N. C., -September 5, 1843. He was the son of Charles and Mrs. Emily Sorrels. He came from a large family, the seventh of ten children. His father died when he was ten years old. His ducational advantages were meager, limit­ ed to the common schools of his day. He joined the Mountain Creek Bap­ tist Church by experience in 1857. In 1862 he volunteered as a soldier and served his country till the close of the war. December 16, 1866 he was married to Miss Emily Lewis. To this union eight children were born, Walter and George still survive.

Two years after his marriage he moved to Haywood county and joined the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he was ordained Deacon in 1871. In 1881 he moved to Charleston, Swain County, -and became Sunday School Missionary of the Tennessee River Association. He served two years in this field and then moved back to Rutherford County.

Early in life he had impressions to preach the Gospel, but fought them for sixteen years. He wandered from place to place trying to drown out these impressions. Finally he had to yield. July 31, 1886 death claimed his favorite son. This caused him to meditate upon his disobed­ ience and respond to the call of God. He went to church on Saturday of the next meeting and was licensed to preach. He preached his first ser­ mon th next day and a week later began a series of meetings at the Holly Springs school house, lasting fifteen days, and forty-two professed faith in Christ. Seventeen of these joined the Mountain Creek Baptist Church. November 1886 he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry. Decmber of the same year he entered the school under Prof. 0. F. Thompson of Forest City and remained there five months.

He served as pastor the churches of Bethel, Bill's Creek, Harmony Giove and Montford Cove, but most oi his time he served as Missionary in the Biue Ridge Mountains of McDowell County. For about twelve years he gave his time, energy, and -heart to this work. He baptized many con­ verts and established churches in destitute places. He told the writer that many times he preached in Jog school houses with one foot on a pine slab for a floor and the other on the ground. He also went from house to house teaching the Bible and telling the good. new~,.?f salvation.

In 1891 the Green River Association convened with the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. During this session of the. Association it was proposed by the Rev. C. B. Justice that the Association contribute money to buy a horse for Rev. J. C. Sorrels ,·.·ho was doing missionary work in McDowell County, and a collection was taken amounting to $26.00 and $60.50 was raised by subscript.on, making a total of $86.50. Brother Sorrels tried to thank the people to. their liberality, but failed. He was too thankful to talk. Brother Sorrels rode this horse to Bethel so manv times that the horse would not pass that church till Brother Sorrels dis­ mounted and hitched the horse to a certain free and after a few minutes he could remount and go on his way.

In 1900 Rev. Jesse C. Sorrels passed to his reward. Rev: A. P. Sor­ rels was called to take up the work so nobly started by his uncle. Rev. A. P. Sorrels labored faithfully on this field for a number of years. The churches of Clinchfield, Woodlawn and others are some of the fruits of his labor.

Rev. Jesse C. Sorrels was an humble, earnest, and consecrated soldier of the cross and was endowed with a winning personality. His supreme de,;_re was to glorify God and lead a lost world to Christ. Eternity alone

<

18 GREEN RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION ~

will reveal the good he accom pl ished for the cause of Christ.

J.M. BROWN

REPORT OF COMMITI'EE OX RESOLUTIOI\"S

Resolved: That we, the delegates, pastors, and visitors to the Green . River Association h er-eby express our heartfelt thanks and sincere grati­ tude to both the Chimney Rock and Mt. Vernon Churches for the fine hos­ pitality and Christian good fellowship shown us in our meetings with them during this, our 103rd annual session.

Resolved: That this Association goes on record as pledging itself to make every possible effort and sacrifice necessary to hasten the victorious conclusion of our struggle for univei sal freedom and advancement of Christ's Kingdom upon earth.

Resolved: That we, the members of this body assembled, do express our deep appreciation to the program committee, the .partrcipants on the program, and all the officers of our Association for the fine work accom­ plished during the past year and this session.

Committee: L. P. BARNETTE, Chairman CHAS. GRIFFITH E. H. FREEMAN

TREASURER'S REPORT

Receipts For Minutes and Clerk $121.27 For Cooperative Progr-am ------------------------- 66.54 For Orphanage------------------------------------ 27.68 For Associational Missions ------------------------- 23.58

Total ---------------------------------------$239.07 Disbursements

To Printing Minutes -------------------------------$ 60.00 To Clerk _: _ To Cooperative Program --------------------------­ To Orphanage------------------------------------­ To Printing Programs ---------------------------­ To W. M. U. Superintendent ----------------------­ To S.S. Superintendent-------~-----------~-------­ To B. T. U. Superintendent ------------------------

30.00 66.54. 27.68 4.00 7.86 7.86 7.86

Total --------------------------------------$211.80 Balance $27.27.

GUILFORD NANNEY, Treasurer We, the Fina.nee Committee report we have in hand $144..47 for

Minutes and Clerk services and programs and we recommend $70.00 for printing Minutes and $35.00,Clerk service.

Committee, - GUILFORD NAN NEY

F.M.NANNEY J.B. FLYNN M. J. ROSS

J\IE~'S BROTHERHOOD

Mt. Vernon church has an active brotherhood. W. H. Hudson, Ruth­ erfordton, Rt. 2 is director. There a.re 20 men working in the church with 40 men regular in church attendance and gifts. There a.re 14 men en­ rolled in the Brotherhood. They held six meeting last year.

GREmN RIVER

BILL'S CREEK-Mrs. J\ ' Mrs. Sallie Flynn.

CAMP CREEK-J\lr. Zula

CA..XE CREEK-Mr. W. J\ Jackson and Mrs. A

CHIJ\IXEY ROCK-1\trs.

HICKORY GROYE-J\1r. l\fartin.

MID\VAY-J\lr.

MT. VERNON-Mr. C.

J\lORGA..V CHAPEL-M .

MOU.l\"TAIN CREEK-~!

OAK SPRINGS-J\Iisi> I

PLEASA..'\"T HILL-='11'

PLEASA ... ~T GRO\'E n ROIR\JJ HILir-~tr . .JL''

SILVER CREEK-''1r ledge.

SPThJJALE, Fffi.,':'T­ gett, J\lr. Ral;•h erts, Mr. ~- D

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L. B. PT; 1C'I:, t C .t ~!. :I .Tl.:'-TlCL omnn tee.

,

REV. J. C. SORRELS

It is with sadness your committee reports the death of the much loved and

lamented Rev. J. C. Sorrels, which occurred at his home on the 26th day of

Sept., 1900. For about twelve years he gave his time, energy and heart to

mission work in Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell county, during which time he

built several new houses and established as many churches in destitute places, besides

preaching at various places where there were no churches, and baptized more people

during his ministry than any minister in the Association. He was an humble, earnest,

and thoroughly cons~crated soldier of the cross, who, ever with a smile, and sweet

christian spirit, went about doing good, having no desire otherwise than to glorify

God and save sinners, and eternity alone will reveal the good he has done. He died

a triumphant and happy death. He will ever live in the minds and hearts of our

people. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord*** that they may rest from

their labors; and their works do follow them".

B. B. PRICE, A. 1. GRAYSON, E. BUCHANAN, M. I. ROBERTS, Wm BIRD, G. R. MILTON, Committee

GREEN RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION MINUTES, 1900, p. 16.

JESSE CEBERN SORRELS

SORRELS, Jesse Cebern, Garden City, N. C.--Born, Rutherford Co., N. C.;

Stud. H. Sch. Forest City, N. C.; Lie. Aug. 19, Ord. Nov. 17, 1886, Mt.

Creek Ch., N. C.; My.; Organized the Following Chs: Halltown, Harmony Grove,

Oak Grove, Walnut Grove, Turkey Cove, Clear Creek.

BAPTIST MINISTERIAL DIRECTORY, p. 684

Geo. W. Lasher, ed.

62 GREE,V RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCL4.TI01V.

head )t the church.'' In the meantime the church peti­ tioned Bill's Church, Concord, and Big Sprin.,; churches for a committee, who haviag met with the church at }.fountain Creek in Seoternber. deciderJ that Thomuson should be silenced. :::\ot s::i.tisfied with the decision or' the church and committee, Brother Thompson renewed his petition at the next meeting in October, and obtained ''lib­ erty to preach in the bounds of the neighboring churches." The brother wou ld preach. - Elder J esse C. Sorrels was born in RmherciJ;:-d countv.

)J. C .. ·Sept. 5, 1843. He was the se•;enth O[- ten cl1fl­ dreu born to Charles and Emily Sorrels. His ,·arher died when he was ten years old. Had no advantages to obtain an educ:1tion except those of the commou schools. Joinec'. }fountain Creel;;: church by experience . August d57. Vol­ ur.teered as a soid ier . .\.oril 1862. and sen·ed his countrv faithiully until the dose of the war. He was ·n.arri:::cl t~ ~Iiss :.'L F. Lewis, of his. native county, Dec. r oth, t86b: removed to Ha' wood cou.n tv t"\VO vears later and G.ttached hirnselt to Ple;s<:mt Hiil church, -vhere he was ord.:inerl a ceacon in 1d7 t , In I 88 r he removed from Hay,.v-00cl to Ch~,ries~on. Swain couuty. Her..: he :.lCC:"::ptec~ the position ten-Iered him hv the Sunda\ School .iud Bible Boa:-(l or the Western Baptist Com·ention, as Sund:'..\ Schoo • .\Iis­ sionarv of the Tennessee River .\s;:;oci. tio'n. .\..:"ter two vears" - service in this field he again"" returued. to his native county. The great trouble of his life was his disregard of his early call to the ministry. \Vitl.:. the lletennination that he \vonld not let his imoressious be known to his friends, he started out with his tamiiY, he knew not \\"here, ;ind 'or sixteen he was a wanderer. and :mtil he became almost an outcast upon the face of the e:.irth. Some time aiter his return to Rutherford. Jul;.· 3rst, rSS6, Goel took from his embraces his favorite bo\-. This ;,vas the second buy B::-o. Surrels had buried, and l:e looked upon the atter ~l~ an especial judgment for his own obstina..:y and tlisobe­ (lieace. He came t0 the church on .=atunla:; of the ne.xt m-.::eti.ng in August. and was licen:::t:Cl to preach. He preac'.1e1.l his first se:mon on the next cla~·, :mtt a \Vee";;: iate;,­ COHltnencecl a meeting at Hollv Sprii:~s :;chool house. last­ ing ti.freen days, and resulting in forty-two profes ·ions of reli'.!;ion. SeYenteen nf these joined the church at :.ironr·.­ tcL:U Cree'..;:. Bro. Sorrels has always rec;;ardecl ti.is :11et':t­ :n r as c.u. especial rnanifestation of Goel':" \·isible se::il ~o his m~1istry. Ordained _ -ove:uber. r886. In December of this vear he entered school under P;of. 0. F. Tl1-0mpson. at Forest Cit\. He rem.ainefl here rive month:. It is a

·, -

\l '

- -

--- d1:.::~lt peti- .::~ ·.:.:-che.s

• :_:..;.rca at ... ~~~-:1.;:n ?SJil .. _: :r 0f the -e:::.::·.\·e<l his

· i:.a'.ned "lib­ :_ chard1es.' ·

... ~·)i·i county, . di :t:::-i chil­ ; . .; :°:'.th er died

~ -: re:.; to obtain ..... .., ; Joined

< .. :uot=:; . . _•::.:t r:357. Vol­ .:'i his country v.is -aarried to :·.:. =~t. •. r866;

_ - .ru, ~,t'::'.ched : vas •m.::1!ned a . tu '.--!::t:··.vo0d to . · - -.:ri. the position

~:1lc 3oa:-rl of .:)Lb_,}~)~ :·Ji.::i­

.s.rter two ::ec'. to his na ti ve :.-; his disregard of

detenniuation known to his

: :~n ;,y ~10L where, 11n:i: lie became

urth. Some time tSS6. God took

.s was the secoud :>1.[ ·1pun the latter := u.cv aud disobe­ u- la·,: of the ne.xt to preach. He

·, ::m•t'a week later school house, last­

-two professions of cl urch at Mou n- '2,':t .ded this med­ , visib e seal to his

In December of 1). F. Thomp:.;on, c months. rt is a

GREE_V RIVER' BAPTiST ASSOC!_lTION. 63

matter of some pride to Mountain Creek that she contri­ buted $50 toward defraying his· school expenses. He has been laboring since, by appointment of the Sta(e }Iission Board. as missionary in the' bon:i<ls of i::-ie Greea River Association .

3--:( ~ "li(!U-;: , l .!..:....Lull~U

OF . ..\LL THE ?_'_STOR'-l . 1' l PF.R1'II~TER )Io1~GAX. the first pa;:;t~r !H- t:ie '\l Ji!Utaiu CreeK Church,

was born in 'Virginia, .-\ugust 29, 1755, "mm whe'H'e he migrated to this country when comparatively a voung man. :rnd before the Re,·olutionary war. He was married in this country to .\Iis:> (~racie Jones. by whom be had ten children, all of whom were mar:-ied :md liYir:'{ :it bis de:i.th. He first settled within abom one mile of what is now known as Pine,· Knob Church. Rutherford county, );. C. He removed !ater to Sugar Htll. now }IcDowell county, where he spent the rerr:,1inder .f c:is !ife. H:,; eldest son. Stephen Morgan: bec.:une a prr> ~hnt .. :i~ Dapt:~· ,ninister. J.n1l i;vas .\Io<lerntor of the French B;uatl . ..\.s-;on::u:un •1r r::cc= ::::an t'.\ent·: .·ears. 1Ior~an e1!"fy hec·arr1e a. m!ni.::;r.er. ~n· L ··.~·a:; _ ,. G.1...:· -E :r)litics. 1)ti one occ:i.sion just after le:is-in~ one or his appointme!lt:o. ;1is ·-vife accornpany­ !ng hirn, ile was accosted by 1 rnoumecl ~'Jtl:l<l nr Torie,;, who halted him 'ln(l inquired where he had been a;:i<i \\h:.:t he '1acl bc:en doing. He replierl that he had 'ieen to churc'.: ac:•.i ,hat ~ce hatl been :.ry:ng to preach. -\fter some consult::;.tion the '.•:i ter f :he ''!lud to!'! :Jorgan '1e heEe·vell he wa:::. J. :..:-o• :d r.:Jan tnrl then ·~~-1Ynl L ~.:or .:r~ . .r}lest ~1:.:n. ;but,'· •"'ont~nnetl the r:aptain ··~here i:; your .... 0~t~""=- f _u.::-1 ·-; ,,.. To th:;; ~ ..... nr;s:;.:1 Tna.tie G.O reply. Jame::; \Va.:; rl.!tun1in::; :--1::: '!1.~1rcn tl~o- but ::;eeic'.{ :he Tories. he had jumper! a.side a_nd con~c::i!c:d hm1sel t •mder some: .:mrel. where he was listr:ning to ail that wa..-; _,<ii<l. \forg:u~ W'l:> a man of !;'reat piety, ann of unusual force as a speaker :n ~1is r!ay. He was at different periods the p_astor of Bi!l 's Creek. Bethel md many rither churches. be­ side :::llountam Creek. He is frequeutiv mentioned as a rlelegate to Charleston anrl the Tyger River cbsoc,iat:on~ pnor ta r.'loo. when he helped to organize the Broarl Ri.;·er .bo1.><2iation. He was a •lele~ate ro the Broad Ri""~-er again in c8o r. and ,.,:-,..:aci1efI tlle i1-:.:ro<luctcry '">erncn before the hotly in r8o2. He prepared ·'.1e circular :tter for the body, .iml was elected :'i1oderator for 1003. \'.',_, a~ain ;,fo<le:-:i.tor r-:04. In i8o6 he wrote the circular letter, preacuerl t'.le mtrodJctory ~ermon, an1l was elected :::IIorlerator. .-\gain he was :,fc,krator :n r'io9. These fac:s fully irnlicate the pos;tion he occupie11 · mon,;:: his n-.ahorers in the min­ istry in his da:. He was especially ir:t~re<e<l in tile material a.s well as the spiritual development of his c<1u'n~·-. He ·"!I 'o,·etl the si~ht of thr:ft)· stock and growing crop~~ t n ')fie ncc::is:oi1.~ ,.,,·bile pastor ·it :\Iountain Creek, he spent the night \':11:1 Tllos. Ed .. ,·,tn\~. for m;mv vears clerk and deacon. of this church. He ,,·;il~eri 1lurin" the eveuini;. with Erl,,,vards over his fields, \-ie".~·lng his c:-or.:~. ~~n1l t~1 ~e.!un1in'"J" to the house the \\·ay lell through :t piece of ;_.,Qocll<'.·m which. w'ien they had e:itered into some distance, Jio_rg'ln proposed tr; too fi)r i::rayer. H.;re he fell upon his knees. an.d m the absenc.: of :m inrpisiti•·e and g-1insayin;{ ·worid, poured out his soul's thanksg1vml;' ':O God ;or the abundant pro5- pect of "bread for the_ ea terr anrl seed ror the sower," and invokerl Heayen s richest ble5smgs upon his "fJ!itary listener. Edwards, long .since gone to his reward. said tha~ the earnestness.-~- his prayer and the peculiar circumstances under which [1e_ was piaced. had a womierfnl effect nnon him, and that he shed tea~s -reelv. In nersonal appc:arance he was 'a fine specimen of physical manhoorl-erect~ active. 0f medium heiaht, a little inclinefl to corpulency. wei'2;hing --i::iout r75 pounds, hav­ ing:"' penetrating cleep hlue eyes, an•1 •virhal 'l man 11f wonrlc:rfnl enrlnr-

·.

J{j GREEN RIVER BAPTIST ASSOC!A TJGN. /f 00 complete our house .. The first term of our school opened Oct. 30th, 1899 and closed May 25th, rnoo. Enrollment 12:!, and was a success, meeting the expectation of its friends. The second term opened Sept. 24, with bright prospects. We have a Young Ladies' Home with fourteen rooms which will be completed within one week,

Believing that our greatest success can be achieved through the Green River Association, and feeling that the time has come tor us to tender it to the Green River Association, we do hereby tender said school building with about two acres of land to said Association together with the right of way to the spring, to be ow wed and con­ trolled by the Association, so long as it keeps and maintains a school. Whenever the Association fails to provide a school then said build­ ing and land shall revert to the Round Hill Baptist church,

By order of the church. JP :-l".-L~~EY~. 1 . AP ~A);~E'i, : Dele~aks. DJ fft:~T, )

Resolved, That B. B. Price, T. B. Justice and W. }I. Whiteside be appointed a committee to report to this body to-morrow morning the names of one brother from each church comprising this Associa­ tion to be appointed a Board of Trustees of the Baptist Academy at Round Hill, and also recommend such other rules and regulations as they may deem necessary for the government of the same.

C. B. JL"STICE

A re~olution of thanks to Round Hill church for said school was adopted.

Resolved, That we tender our hearbfelt thanks to the church at Round Hill for this magnifficent gift. W. l\I. WHITE:::iIDE.

FouRTH DAY, OcT. 7. Called to order by the Moderator. B. B. Price read report on deceased m i n ist er s. Also

a paper concerning the death of Rev. J. C. Sorrels. REPOR'I OF UOi\IiYIITTEE ON DECEASED MI~ISTERS. It is with sadness your committee reports the death of the much

loved and lamented Rev. J. C. Sorrels, which occurred at his home on the ~6th day of Sept., 1900. For about twelve years he gave ti Is time, energy and heart to misaion work in Blue Ridge Mountains of McDowell county, during which time he built several new houses and established us many churches in destitute places, besides preaching at various places where there were no churehes, and baptized more people during his ministry than any minister in the Associatiou. He was an humble, earnest, and tborouqhly consecrated soldier of the cross, who, ever with a smile, and sweet christian spirit, went about doing good, having no desire otherwise than to glorify God and save sinners, and eternity alone will reveal the good he has done. He died n triumphant and happy death. He will ever live in the minds and hearts or our people. "Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord * * • that they may rest from their lcbors , and their works do follow them.'' B B PRfCE, )

A L GR.\. Y:)O~. I E BU CHA.\ AN, , .YI I ROBER'l'S, ( Committee. Wu BrRD, I G R ~ULTO)[, J

Interesting talks of five minutes length were m u de by the brethren in memorv of th.: beloved brother.

GREEN RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIAT!OX 1qoo 23 exist. Each society is urged to organize at least one new o ae.

The Orphanage at Thomasville was then discussed and the dele­ gates promised to use their utmost efforts to induce the Sunday Schools cf their respective churches, to take monthly collecticns for that ins ti tu tion. The Unicn then adjourned to meet at Cherry Springs in is» L. :liRs . .J .• .\.. GR.\.~-so~, Secretary.

:lfRs. B. B. PRICE, President.

)l"_.\..:}!E::l OF SOCIETIES, THEIR OFFICERS A~D POSTOFFICES" Presidents. Secretaries. PoR~ 0 ffices ·

Bei::1el-).i~ss 2-.Iary Grayson, )Iis::; Callie Goforth, Nealsvilte- Dysan-:iv[llt;--}l::; .. \I .J Walke-, :urs JR Denton, Dysa rrsville, }[::ciDn-}fr,.; J Y l\I0npn. }Ir~ :,r J Dellinger, Marion. :.I-Jnr'ctni·~ Cove-:•lr:> :II .Iusr i -e, }Irs Sallie Hampton, Otter Creek, 3I•)c1 ca in Creek -}fr3 .JD Wh .tesi.ie. }li•s :'\lartie Kt:eler, Gilky. }E Vc:uon-Jli.'s .s n nu Wilson, :'lfiss ::'\lattie Walker, Ruoherfordton, Round Hill-:iirs D .J Hnnt, Miss Oela Flack, union i\lills, Rubherford tou-c-Xlrs :'If L Justice, Mrs J A Grayson, Rn therfordton , Pleasant H11l-:'llrs .l\l .J Griswold, }Iis:> Dora Hill, Rutherfordton.

OBITUARY OF REY. J. C. SORRELS.

. ;.. r 2 ~ zi .,, ,,

x :ti

Q ;::;

The u1H.ler::-;i,zncU were reqat:=->re1l hy thP mo-ternror of thi.::i A...~~ociatinn to write a''"''° sketch or cne life oE Rav .. f. C. SOR KELS anrI report it to the present -esston •

.JE :'SEC. !"ORR.ELS w:i.o !Jorn in Rutherford count>. :-.-orth ('arolina, Set>tember .)th. t~ .. n . .Ac the ag-e o[ ahont li ~-ea~ lie nnite<.l with che B:.tpth·t <·bur~h 1t- \lonn­ tu.in Creek. He :--1::r·:\;.1l in th~ .->0th Sl)rr.:h Cn.roltn:t Ri"''.!"lment 1111rin_:; the war. ~n1>n alter rile t.:lo-;e of tJw ,v,i.r in t><t.i.i. tie mnrrittl a 1L.111!.!'hi::rr of dPa<.:vn J. T. Lewis 1>C :\lonntai.n Creek i'l1urC'h. His wife -incl :-;1x r·bildr1~n .... uryf\·e him. He wa..; onlain1 .. d a miui-..r,er nf tllP Ct>:-.pril. :\°r>"t~t'-llliJer l~tl!. 1.'..JtJ. For ma:-iy yP;tr.:, iJI.! was in ~1e en1pioy o( the .\'nrrll C:1r1.•l!n:t RLPt~ ... t .=c.itc .1{i ...... iun !.)f':):l,f(i in \\- .... :-itern -:\(Jfth Car0lina.

He die1l Scpr. ~1;r.11. '111110. Tbe:--e :i.re men.: stati.-.tit..:..;. b1Lt invol...-~·l in them ;J.re the life ·lnd lah~.lr~ n.ncl tri­

umphant death of nuP. e;t' thP be:-.t ot meu. The wn;:.ten IJinc:raphy of meu may he -..vitl.:out mf'ani..11g- an1l orten r:he 11l>icuary had betttr be hurit::•l in the grave wicll the dea'.l. f-n[es~ a l!!aO lP;tVe:'.' a. ht--rit;l!.!e of .~ootl deed3 n.nd ri~hG living, iJ..Il :.Lttempt to 'vr~i:e J. hL;tory of hi:-> life W'>Uld be :..L~ bard a.3 to prea.d1 his funeral.

Our l>roth·~r . ..;urrdl~ Iiv~tl a life t"u!l 1;f <·haritv and ::nn-;hine. Satur~ilv he w:i~ .a lovin!? and i1~\~·11Jle man. Ii yoit a~k how \'l'L.., hiS {'hri;;'.ianity ,~vider11~ed '.' ~\Ve ''ronhl .sayi hy the lite h.-, Hved. '\ e barr!lv kuow w·har. doctrrne he tulbt:>ri:d to. beyond the funilarnenral 1to1•:-rine of Chrbt'.~ atOnement, hut we <lo know th1.t hi::; life bore the fruit-; of t~e Spirtt. The g-o .. pcl thar. he pre._t.('ht"•l wa .... 4 ~piri_t of i1unnni .. y a.nil not a. coid·form:-i.I ~"· .... te1n ot'. ll11c·tri11e. He wa:s dcar he~l1lt:-1L Unt h1:0: ehiet" attr..tc·tion was a. \Y:1rm heart. - He f-'Htl:'reil the mini,gtry tl.Ce !n :ife, imc he bail no:; been idle before In~ call. Ht wa. .... ;.:lw;..ty.;; an acti\·e 1:hri:-~L .. ui. awl from thP time he prt:1'~hed his tir:st .::er­ lllPll hts life "\Va:> ~p.;e-n up ti) •·pr..-a<'.lUn;! rhe ~n.,pt:l to th~ poor." Urn. 501Teb was a llHHle5t man. He iuvl na ~Lspir:uiou~ b11t to do ;!'>ort. ln his O\Vn <JUiet antl ntodest wa.y ht: b.J..1l.:.!l't-:;1.t inrtuPn<;~ HV~r ruetL [f h~ p•lr:-nad•~tl a rna.n to 1tu1t evil h~Lbits it "\ova .... inn. way rn 111:.~kc him frel that rlH:rc \i;·:t:-; n11 dt"'::::ire to !.!'lorv o;·Pr w1nnin'..!' L .::wuJ, Uw: jt!::-t to win c.L :-,onl r"f)r thf~ :u:i~ttr·. [n ~ll our a.cquainta11ce \~·1th him we never i-.:nr:w i1in.1 to _wonrnl ~i1_~ ~·eEnt:o;;,nf a11_t1titt:r .. l[i~ \\a,.-> not the::;.pir~tt1~ prP.i.ch o~clno'!1, but ~n otl..:r tae !on .. ot r .. od .. L:i manlk--tt:-~l 111 C:.dvan:. ln J.11 ln~ life a~ he.1Lvt<.l 1t, au•l i:i ail l~ts tPn.<:hin'..!'..; the ~ractl- ot t bari.ty wn~ ~th~ r·ontro!Hn~ inrtu1·ncP th.:.t.t prn11q.H1_'1l il1,..; lJ•)art. rhe W•Hk t.har: •,1,·;).-t :L,.;:-<i~ t;1[ 1lim \.V<lS tO flf't'at_'h the ~O~f>el in m•.1u:.t:i.rn ... )t' ;11;-. n:.i.ti·.-,A ~t:i.te an·l t.> liu,ld 1·:111n:h~~. :ind no tni:-<o .... :ona.r7 en-:r met ,,·it!1· .::r• .. ;:.ter ."'llCt:t·:--..... f{f; w~.-i p..-cnlhrl_v .!iftHl rn p.-r ... u..:de nwn. I(p never 'fU<lr­ fPltP.tl hut wPnt ~het·rful!y ahllllt hi.i wqrk .i:ul tan•.!"ht th.! !1Pople tn:u the wa.y or wi~­ flo111 \~ .. .J.S a w:~y of ph~a .... :1ntr.e:--.~ .tntl pt--:.i.~~L. Ht hall unwa\·1..~ri11~ f1:th tn (i-od·~ 11r1)m­ i:::e:--, Lnd in his ,,wn l)t'l":-<•)tJ:tl inren·-.,"'" in tlit· ·tt1)fll:'1U'""nt. a.nil it is a matter of no ~nl·pri:::t-"" '"h:it lli-. :, .. ~t worH-- \\t--l'P, •·I ~hall ~onn be 1n Hea·.·en." ":o one .vlw knew orrit!'wr Surri:b •;p .. r h ul tlw "'li:.:hte .... t d1>11ht ,,f iJL.;; ..;.int·,...rirv. With :tll hi~ 'l.rdnr of lovn a11t.l 5er·/i1·e, l~f! lud ·le1·:d1"1l cip:nicn .... an1l a.- .... ~r!:ed th1·m ·wbtn uPr·C:-:iJ.ry, l.Jut never in an otien:--H"C mJ.un~r.

Ile rlietl in the \'i_gc1r ot manh1•o<l a.ntl in r,he very 1irirue of h1:1 u~efulnc .. ~. \Vhy h~ was c:.dh-'d :tt th1."l t1111e we 1.::J.nnot tr.JI nnw, Out wt~ ~hall k.w1w l:erf"aft~r. lt i~ enou~h for 11.3 tn :i:nu\\·· rh~~ a pure life r,f ce:l~el.•:-;, .;en ice ba::; eiulcd :in1l that a .. :;uod 1n:trl Ju.:; bep1: 1·aJl1;d t rnm hi;-, wqrk: to hii; rcwu.rrL

G. B. PR'C8, l C tn 11'tte~ }I. H. .n·::iT[('E, J o 1 •• c,

00

,-i'53 00

23 oi5

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11 00 .') 00

:!-3 }' mading

•·::r:i.·.,tl v l(. ry rJbje(;t " 1nce:·1-,~ to jrJ1 :1 th., :ioni> now

•

there are about ng called every d more men to n are called to nations of the God·s kingdom: d for Chaplains of life, many of e day. All the aken up by us. ··og1·am as well. ·r.•J kers in every reason you hear c..ining in that." we. in the face

During this past ny Trnining Un­ gnoi ing the cry-

aching program, g. It is only in vidual part icipa­ tian and Church n up to 9 years, s unions, and ::i

· had any church ning Uruon: At qually as many, . because we are and women to-

is the organiza­ re only 6 of us. into ow sister

Glory and inter­ es out to others. Tra.riirig' Unions there were six

ate. This is de­ church members

ad. "And .Iesus to me in heaven ptizing them in Ghost: Teach­

.:1.nded you: and,

herefore cast off ight." I Romans mes from know­ _ing Union is the

GREEl.N RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION I !/ f .J 17 HISTORY

Rev. Jesse C. Sorrels

The Rev. Jesse C. Sorrels was born in Rutherford County, N. C., -September 5, 1843. He was the son of Charles and Mrs. Emily Sorrels. He came from a large family, the seventh of ten children. His father died when he was ten years old. His ducational advantages were meager, limit­ ed to the common schools of his day. He joined the Mountain Creek Bap­ tist Church by experience in 1857. In 1862 he volunteered as a soldier and served his country till the close of the war. December 16, 1866 he was married to Miss Emily Lewis. To this union eight children were born, Walt.e r and George still survive.

Two years aft.er his marriage he moved to Haywood county and joined the Pleasant Hill Baptist Church where he was ordained Deacon in 1871. In 1881 he moved to Charleston, Swain County, and became Sunday School Missionary of the Tennessee River Association. He served two years in this field and then moved back to Rutherford County.

Early in life he had impressions to preach the Gospel, but fought them for sixteen years. He wandered from place to place trying to drown out these impressions. F'inally he had to yield. July 31, 1886 death claimed his favorite son. This caused him to meditate upon his disobed­ ience and 1 esj.ond to the call of God. He went to church on Saturday of the next meeting and was licensed to preach. He preached his first ser­ mon th next day and a week later began a series of meetings at the Holly Springs school house, lasting fifteen days, and forty-two professed faith in Christ. Seventeen of these joined the Mountain Creek Baptist Church. November 1886 he was ordained to the Gospel Ministry. Decmber of the same year he entered the school under Prof. 0. F. Thompson of Forest City and remained there five months.

He served as pastor the churches of Bethel, Bill's Creek, Harmony G1 on: and Montford Cove, but most oi his time he served as Missionary in the B.ue Ricg e Mountains of McDowell County. For about twelve years he gave his time. erier gy, and heart to this work. He baptized many con­ verts and established churches in destitute places. He told ~he writer that many times he preached in log school houses with one foot on a pine slab for a floor and the other on the ground. He also went from house to house teaching the Bible and telling the good news of salvation.

In 1891 the Green River Association convened with the First Baptist Church of Rutherfordton. During this session of the Association it was proposed by the Rev. C. B. Justice that the Association contribute money to buy a horse ;01· Rev. J. C. Su,iels ·.:ho was dong missionary work Jn MrDovell County, and a collection was taken amounting to $26.00 arid ~G0.50 was raised by subscript. on, making a total of $86.50. Brother Sorrels tried to thank the people fo, their liberality, but failed. He was too thanl:ful to talk. Brother Sorrels rode this horse to Bethel so manv t.imes that the horse would not pass that church till Brother Sorrels dis­ mounted and hitched the horse to a certain tree and aiter a few minutes he could remount and go on his way.

In 1900 Rev. Jesse C. Sorrels passed to his reward. Rev. A. P. Sor­ rels was called to take up the wo:k so nobly started by his uncle. Rev. A. P. Sorrels labored faithfully on this field for a number of years. The churches of Clinchfield, Woodlawn and others are some of the fruits of his labor.

Rev. Jesse C. Sorr els was an humble, earnest, and consecrated soldier of the cross and was endowed with a winning personality. His supreme desire was to glorify God and lead a Jost world to Christ. Eternity alone

•

18 GREEN RIVER BAPTIST ASSOCIATION

will reveal the good he accomplished for the cause of Christ.

J.M. BROWN

REPORT OF COMJ\IJ'.ITEE ON RESOLUTIOJ'\S

Resolved: That we, the delega.tes, pastors, and vislt.ors to the Green River Association hereby express our heartfelt thanks and sincere grati­ tude to both the Chimney Rock and Mt. Vernon Churches for the fine hos­ pitality and Christian good fellowship shown us in our meetings with them during this, our 103rd annual session.

Resolved: That this Association goes on record as pledging itself to make every possible effort and sacrifice necessary to hasten the victorious conclusion Of our struggle for universal freedom and advancement of Christ's Kingdom upon earth.

Resolved: That we, the members of this body assembled, do express our deep appreciation to the pi ogr-am committee, the participants on the program, and all the officers of our Association for the fine work a ccorn­ plished during the past year and this session.

Committee: L. P. BARNETTE. Chairman CHAS. GRIFFITH E. H. FREEMAN

TREAS'CRER'S REPORT

Receipts Fm Minutes and Clerk $121.27 For Cooperative Pi ogr-am ------------------------- 66.54 For Orphanage ------------------------------------ 27 .68 For Associational Missions ------------------------- 23.58

Total $239.07 Disbursements

To Printing Minutes -------------------------------- To Clerk----------------------------------------- To Cooperative Program --------------------------­ To Orphanage------------------------------------­ To Printing Programs ---------------------------­ To W. M. U. Supe1intendent ----------------------­ To S. S. Superintendent ---------------------------­ To B. T. U. Superintendent ------------------------

60.00 30.00 66.54 27.68 4.00 7.86 7.86 7.86

Total $211.80 Balance $27.27.

GUILFORD NAC'\1\"EY, Treasurer We, the Finance Committee report we have in hand S144A I for

Minutes and Clerk services and programs and we recommend $70.00 for printing Minutes and $35.00 Clerk service.

Committee, GUILFORD NANNEY F. M. NA::-...1\"EY J.B. FLYNN M. J_ ROSS

MEX'S BROTHERHOOD

Mt. Vernon church has an active brotherhood. W. H. Hudson, Ruth­ erfordton, Rt. 2 is director. There are 20 men working in the church with 40 men regular in church attendance and gifts. There are 14 men en- rolled in the Brotherhood. They held six meeting last year. •

Rev, James H. King the present pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church was born in Henderson County, North Carolina, July 24, 1932. He moved to South Carolina in 1936. He attended Greenville County Schools, Bible School at Dan Greer Bible Institute of Washington Ave., Greenville, S.C. First church pastored was Oneal Baptist Church, Greer, S.C. He came to Blue Ridge Association in 1975. He is married to the former Mabel Hart. They have five children: Cynthia Kay and James Timothy of the home and three daughters married-Mrs. Vickie Mahaffey, Mrs. Beverly Morrow and Mrs. Pamela Suber. They have three grandchildren.

The following have served as church clerks at Bethlehem:

ined the Blue nt members. cond a wood 6. Rev. Cecil y the church.

1910-1913 1914-1915 W.B. Parker

Jesse Brown Lonnie Parker /Alpha Reel Eugene May W.A. Parker G.C. Tabor Mrs. Michael Reed F. Eugene May David P. Bishop Jack Cody Reid Lackey Edith Melton

1945 1946 1947-1948 1949-1953 1953 1954-1959 1959-1961 1961-1962 1962-1965 1965-1971 1971-1975 1975

Mrs. John Reel 'Edith Melton Mrs. Ruby Hurt Edith Melton Mrs. Jewell Day Mrs. Guy Hensley Mrs. Irma Jackson Mrs. Guy Hensley Beulah Jackson Hilda Randall Virginia Conley Betty Metcalf

CHAPEL lllLL BAPTIST CHURCH

CHAPEL Hll.L BAPTIST CHURCH Rev. Howard Pullum, Pastor

(picture not available] REV. J.C. SORRELS

First Pastor

The Chapel Hill Baptist Church was organized on March 20, 1898 in the Chapel Hill School House. They joined the Green River Association in September, 1898 and was a Charter Member of the Blue Ridge Association. The first building was built in 1906 and the present building was completed by April 20, 1948. A new educational and fellowship building was dedicated September 10, 1978.

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