The Macedonia Baptist Association

Introduction

The Macedonia Baptist Association was organized in 1910 with two churches, Macedonia, in Smyth County, Virginia and Zion Hill on Helton Creek in Ashe County, North Carolina. Both churches had been members of the Mountain Union Baptist Association prior to this time. In 1909 The Mountain Union Baptist Association admonished its churches not to practice “open communion.” A vote ensued, and all of the delegates from Macedonia votes against the resolution as did those from Zion Hill. As a result, both of these churches divided, with a minority mainting church organizations remaining in the Mountain Union Baptist Association. In both cases, the majority, however, left the Mountain Union and established a new association in 1910. This brief record is their short history. The association never met after the 1916 session.

In addition to the stated reasons for separation, there are hints at other differences between the Macedonia Baptist Association and the Mountain Union Baptist Association. There seems to be a prevailing tendancy to the notion of soul sleeping, rather than immediate translation to the presence of God upon death. Also there seems to be a move toward perfectionism.

Zion Hill, Union and Pleasant Home later were all associated together in the Christian Unity Baptist Association, which espoused the perfectionist way of thinking.

One of the first acts of the new Association at their first meeting was to adopt the Constitution, Articles of Faith, and Rules of Decorum of the Mountain Union Baptist Association, as presented in the 1880 minutes “with the word Christian added in the last section of the Constitution.” These documents are presented below:

CONSTITUTION

1. This Association shall be known by the name of the Macedonia Baptist Association, and shall be composed of members chosen by the different churches in our union and duly sent to represent in the Association; who on producing letters from their respective churches, certifying their appointment, shall be entitled to the seats. Each church shall be entitled to three delegates. In their letters is to be expressed their number in full fellowship, baptized, received by letter, by application and good recommendation, dismissed by letter, excluded, and dead since last Association.
2. The number thus chosen and convened shall have no power to Lord it over God’s heritage, nor shall they have an ecclesiastical power over the churches, nor shall they infringe any internal right over any church in her union.
3. The Association when convened shall be governed by a regular decorum.
4. The Association shall have a Moderator and Secretary, who shall be chosen annually by a majority of the votes of the members present, a majority of the churches being represented.
5. New churches or any regular Baptist Church of Jesus Christ of our Faith and Order in good standing, either dismissed by letter from Sister Association, or by application and good recommendation, by sending up letter and delegates shall be admitted into the union.
6. Every church in the union shall be entitled to representation in the Association.
7. Every motion made and seconded shall come under the consideration of the Association, except it be withdrawn by the member who made it.
8. The Association shall endeavor to furnish the churches with the minutes of its proceedings, the best method of accomplishing this purpose shall be at the discretion of the future Association.
9. We think it necessary to have an association fund to defray the expense of the Association, and it is the duty of each church in the union to contribute such sums as they think proper to the Association, and those monies shall be deposited in the hands of the Treasurer who will be accountable to the Association for the same, and the Association shall appropriate the money thus contributed to any purpose they may think proper.
10. There shall be an Association book wherein the proceedings of the Association shall be recorded by a Secretary appointed by the Association, who shall receive a reasonable compensation for his services.
11. The minutes of the Association shall be read and corrected, if necessary, and signed by the Moderator and Clerk before the Association adjourns.
12. Amendments to this form of Government may be made at any time, by a majority of the Association, when they may deem it expedient, by giving the churches twelve months’ notice.
13. The Association shall act as an advisory council and shall endeavor to preserve a general union of the churches, and also to preserve a chain of communion among the churches and give advice in matters of difficulty.
14. The Association shall inquire into the cause if any church fails to represent at any time in the Association.
15. The Association shall have power to withdraw from any church in her union that shall violate the rules of this Constitution or deviate from the orthodox principles of the Gospel.
16. The Association may correspond with Sister Association and invite any brother in the ministry in good standing or that can bring a good recommendation of his standing who may be of our faith and order to a seat in the Association, who may be present at the time of its sitting.
17. The Association shall have power to adjourn to any future time or place it may think proper.
18. The benevolent Christian institutions of the day shall be no bar nor test of fellowship, but all shall be free to sustain or not sustain the same as they may choose.

RULES OF DECORUM

1. This Association shall be opened and closed by prayer.
2. Only one person shall speak at the same time, who shall rise from his seat and address the Moderator when he is about to make his speech.
3. The person thus speaking shall not be interrupted in his speech by any except the Moderator, until he is done speaking.
4. He shall strictly adhere to his subject, and in no wise reflect on the person who speaks before, by making remarks on his slips, failings, or imperfections, but shall fairly state the matter as clearly as he can, so as to convey his light or idea.
5. No person shall abruptly break off or absent himself from the Association, without liberty obtained from the body, for his absence.
6. No person shall speak more than three times on one subject, without liberty obtained from the Association.
7. No member of the Association shall have liberty of laughing during the sitting of the same, nor whispering in time of public speech.
8. No member of the Association shall address another by any other appellation than that of Brother.
9. The Moderator shall not interrupt any member, nor prohibit him from speaking until he gives his light on the subject, except he violates the Rules of Decorum.
10. The names of the several members of the Association shall be enrolled by the Secretary and called over as often as the Association requires.
11. The Moderator shall be entitled to the same privilege of speech as any other member, provided the chair be filled, but he shall not vote unless the Association be equally divided then he may give the casting vote.
12. My members who shall willfully and knowingly break any of these rules shall be reproved by the Association, as shall be deemed proper.

ARTICLES OF FAITH

1. We believe in only one true and living God, Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, and these three are One.
2. We believe that the scriptures of the Old and New Testament are the Word of God, and the only rule of Faith and Practice.
3. We believe in the doctrine of Election by Grace.
4. We believe in the doctrine of Original Sin, and in man’s impotency to recover himself from the fallen state he is in by nature, by his own free will and ability.
5. We believe that sinners are called, converted, regenerated and sanctified by the Holy Spirit, and that all who are thus regenerated and are born again by the spirit of God, shall never finally fall away.
6. We believe that sinners are justified in the sight of God, only by the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
7. We believe that Baptism and the Lord’s Supper are ordinances of Jesus Christ, and that true believers are the only subjects of these. ordinances, and we believe the only true mode of Baptism is by immersion.
8. We believe in the Resurrection of the dead and in a general judgment and that the joys of the righteous and the punishment of the wicked will be eternal.
9. We believe that no minister has a right to administer the ordinance of the Gospel, except such as the regularly called, and come under the imposition of hands by the presbytery.

Brief Sketches of Associational Meetings

1910

The first session of the Macedonia Baptist Association convened with Macedonia Baptist Church on September 2 and 3, 1910. Rev. Francis Lee (F. L.) Sturgill preached the introductory sermon; followed by Rev. Roby Kilby. Both were members of the Zion Hill Church. After this an intermission was taken for 30 minutes.

After the intermission, Rev. W. B. Wyatt called the Macedonia and Zion Hill churches “being in gospel order and their delegates present and organized into an association under the foregoing name, by electing F. L. Sturgill Moderator and R. L. Hash, Clerk.

The second item of business was to “adopt the Constitution, Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum of the Mountain Union Baptist Minutes of 1880 with the word Christian added in the last section of the Constitution.”

Visitors were invited, but none are listed in the minutes. Committees were appointed, specifically:

Committee on Arrangements – Rev. W. B. Wyatt, John H. Gambill, E. D. Denny with the Moderator and Clerk
On Finance – Rev. Roby Kilby, Bro. R. A. Anderson
Sabbath School – R. L. Hash
Intemperance – Rev. W. B. Wyatt
On Ministry – Bro. R. A. Anderson with Macedonia Delegates

The remainder of the session was involved in hearing the various reports and various sermons.

The 1911 session was appointed to be held at Zion Hill Church on Friday before the 2nd Sunday in September 1911, and Rev. W. B. Wyatt was appointed to preach the introductory sermon.

The brief report on sabbath schools reads:

The temperance report was equally brief:

It is interesting to note that the ministers in the Macedonia Baptist Association used the title Reverend rather than Elder as the Mountain Union Baptist Association had. Also there is no mention of the cause of the separation from the Mountain Union Baptist Association in the minutes.

1911

The 1911 session was held at Zion Hill Church in Ashe County, North Carolina on September 8, 9 and 10, 1911. Rev. W. B. Wyatt preached the introductory sermon. Rev. F. L. Sturgill was again elected moderator, but R. L. Hash was unable to be at this meeting, so Rev. W. B. Wyatt was chosen clerk. These two men held these respective offices for the duration of the Macedonia Baptist Association’s existence.

Union Church on Horse Creek in Ashe County applied for membership and was received.

Visitors included, Rev. William Porter from the Mountain Union, N. A. Kell from the Holston Baptist Association, Robert Thompson from Mount Zion Church; Z. O. Eldreth and E. Z. Sexton from Pleasant Home church; and Rev. A. J. Hart from the New River Baptist Association.

Committees were appointed as follows

On Order of Business – Revs. Eli Graham, J. D. Sexton, Bros. E. Z. Bauguess, A. P. McClure with the Moderator and Clerk
On Finance – Bro. D. H. Caudill, and E. M. Spencer
On Sunday School – Rev. Roby Kilby, N. A. Kell associated with him.
On Intemperance – Rev. J. D. Sexton, Rev. Wm. Porter associated with him.
On Ministry – Bros. E. Z. Bauguess, A. P. McClure, B. Sturgill, E. M. Spencer
On Obituaries – Revs. Eli Graham, A. P. McClure

At the Saturday session, two Methodist ministers Rev. Hiram Weaver of the Lansing Circuit and Rev. S. W. Brown of the Helton Circuit were seated in the association. This was a radical departure for baptists of the day.

The remainder of the business involved reading of the various, brief reports, and preaching. The next session was appointed to be held at Union church.

Two obituaries were submitted for inclusion in the minutes:

Josa Hash, daughter of Robt. L. And Dorcas Hash, was born, Nov. 3, 1890, died March 11. 1908, aged 17 yeas 4 months and 8 days. She professed faith in Christ at about the age of 15 years, joined the Macedonia Baptist church and was baptized by Rev. W. B. Wyatt. Josa lived a consistent christian life. May we live such a life in this world as to meet our pious friend in Heaven. – W. B. Wyatt

Mary Bauguess, wife of Richard Bauguess, was born Jan. 20, 1823, departed this life Jan. 19, 1910, aged 86 years 11 months and 29 days. She professed a hope in Christ about 65 years ago and joined Union church in Alleghany county. Some years after this she joined the church at Union in Ashe county and lived a devoted christian life and a consistent member of the churhc until it pleased God in his goodness and mercy to call her away from a world of trials and troubles, we trust to a world of peace and everlasting enjoyment in the presence of our blessed Lord and his holy angels, there to sing God’s praises while the ceasless ages roll on. Sister Bauguess was the mother of nine children, of whom one is dead and eight are living. She leaves an aged companion, eight children and a host of relatives and friends to mourn their loss, but we believe our loss is her eternal gain. Weep not husband and children, but meet companion and mother in the realms of endless day. – Eli Graham

1912

The second annual session was held at Union Church on Horse Creek in Ashe County. Rev. F. L. Sturgill preached the introductory sermon, and he was followed by Rev. W. B. Wyatt “with an exhortation.”

Pleasant Home Church in Ashe County left the Mountain Union Baptist Association by this time, presented itself for membership in the Macedonia Baptist Association at this session. It was received.

Visitors included Rev. W. J. Banks and Wright Kirk from the New River Baptist Association; Marion Sturgill, F. L. Dolinger, E. M. Spencer, Phillip Powers, and Rev. W. C. Carter members of Zion Hill Church; Bro. Robert Thompson from Mount Zion Church; Bros. James Mahaffey, R. Bauguess, and D. H. Caudill from Union Church and W. Z. Blankenbecker from Macedonia church.

The usual committees were appointed from the various delegates, and the Friday session closed with preaching by the visitors from the New River Baptist Association.

On the Saturday session the various reports were read as usual.

The issue of open versus closed communion finally officially came up, and Rev. W. B. Wyatt was assigned the task of preparing a document entitled “The Law of the Supper.”

The next session was appointed to go to Macedonia Church 5 miles south of Chilhowie in Smyth County, Virginia. Rev. J. D. Sexton was appointed to preach the introductory sermon.

On obituary was presented in the 1912 minutes:

Roby Price was born August the 26, 1870 died October 14, 1909. He was married to Laura Welch August 17, 1890, Unto them were born 9 children, two of which died in infancy, 7 still living at his death. He professed a hope in Christ at Union church. Was received into the church and baptized by the writer. He lived a consistent christian till death. May the blessings of Christ rest with the family. Written by request – W. B. Wyatt.

1913

The 3rd annual session met with Macedonia church and J. D. Sexton preached the introductory sermon as was arranged. The usual business of appointment of committees and various sermons was conducted as usual. Visitors were invited to seat with the association, specifically, Bros. W. C. Blevins of the Lebanon Baptist Association; F. M. Sturgill, Phillip Powers from Zion Hill Church; N. A. Kell, J. L. Haga, J. W. Haga, W. Z. Blackinbeckler, Eli Miller and C. M. Hash of the Macedonia church; Cicero Pennington of the Lebanon Association; David Miller of the Pleasant Home church and Ambrose Anderson of the Holston Conference of the Methodist Church.

At the Saturday session, the Association changed the first clause of the constitution to entitle each church to five delegates instead of three.

Two obituaries were printed in the minutes of this session:

Sister Mary Miller was born March 15, 1863, deceased Jan. 6, 1911, aged 57 years 9 months 21 days. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined the church at Mount Zion and lived a devoted Christian life the remainder of her life. Sister May leaves five sisters, two brothers, an aged father to mourn their loss, but we trust their loss is her eternal gain. E. G.

Sister Lucinda Miller was born June 26, 1879 deceased Dec. 24, 1912 age 33 years 4 months and 28 days. She professed a hope in Christ at an early age and joined Macedonia church soon after it was organized and remained till death. She left relatives and a host of friends to mourn their loss, but we hope our loss is her eternal again.

1914

The Fourth Annual Session of the Macedonia Baptist Association was held at the Pleasant Home Baptist Church near Lansing in Ashe County, North Carolina on September 4, 5, and 6, 1914. Rev. Eli Graham from Union church preached the introductory sermon.

Antioch Church, located 3 miles south of Sturgill’s, on Piney Creek, a newly organized church with 34 members was admitted to the Macedonia association at this session. The remainder of Friday’s session was the usual appointment of committees and preaching services.

Visitors invited to seats included: Revs. J. C. Childers, H. A. Blankenship, W. C. Carter, Brothers T. M. Anderson, Reuben Sexton, J. A. Powers, Ambrose Anderson, Jr., Z. O. Eldreth, Calvin Sexton, A. Gilly, A. P. Ham, W. Mahaffey, and James Welch.

The temperance report, prepared by Rev. Eli Graham, W. B. Wyatt, and David Miller, was stronger than it had been in earlier years:

Obituary

Archie B. Son of W. Z. And Ennice Blankenbeckler was born Oct. 17th, 1891; departed this life Feb. 23, 1914, age 22 years 4 months and 6 days. Archie was a model young man; he had been with the Hassenger Lumber people for about seven years, and was loved and respected by them.

He was taken with typhoid, sent to the hospital at Abingdon only lived 14 days. He was brought to his home were a short funeral service was held by Revs. W. B. Wyatt and John A. McClure.

He was a member of the Odd Fellows and was buried with honor by the Laurel River and Loves Mills members. His body was interred in the McClure Cemetery.

He professed faith in Christ at a revival meeting at the Macedonia Baptist Church at the age of 18 years. Joined the church and was baptized by W. B. Wyatt. He was a faithful member in his church and lived a true devoted christian. He leaves with us the bright evidence of pure christian character.

By his being taken away the church has lost a faithful member, the father and mother a dutiful son, the brothers and sisters a loving brother, and his friends a true friend. Asleep in Jesus blessed sleep.

By request – W. B. Wyatt.

1915

The 1915 session was held with Antioch Church in Ashe County, North Carolina on September 3, 4, and 5, 1915. Rev. W. C. Carter delivered the introductory sermon.

The usual committees and appointments were made, and visitors recognized:

C. J. Carter, N. A. Kell, J.C. Gambill, G. G. Shepherd, Robert Thompson, Ambrose Anderson, Z. O. Eldreth, Rueben Sexton, C. C. Parsons, A. P. Ham, A. Gilly, Elihu Ham, and Alex. Campbell.

On Saturday, the intemperance committee, and the Macedonia Association “Resolved that this association go down on record as endorsing the National W. C. T. U. In favor of nation wide prohibition.” Nation W. C. T. U. was the National Women’s Christian Temperance Union.

The next session of the association was appointed to be held at Zion Hill Church and Avery Powers was selected to deliver the introductory sermon.

Although not stated, it is apparent from the statistical table the newly organized Antioch church had divided in the previous year, with 13 members being excommunicated, and 20 remaining.

Obituaries were printed

Oscar B. Jones, son of Brother J. A. And sister Lottie Jones was born July 24, 1912 departed this life March 8, 1914, aged 1 year 7 months and 14 days. Little Oscar leaves a loving father and mother to mourn their loss but our loss is his eternal gain. Christ says “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Thou art gone our precious darling, never more canst thou return; thou shall sleep a peaceful slumber till the resurrection morning. Eli Graham.

Lee A. Miller was born Oct. 13, 1853 departed this life Nov. 25, 1907, aged 54 years 1 month and 12 days. He was married to Polly Greer Feb. 3, 1878. He joined the Southern Methodist church at Sabbath Home shortly after his marriage and lived a devoted Christian life. He was a preacher of righteousness in his every day life. His text was Do right. He leaves a wife, six children to the needs of charity. All such persons are promised a glorious reward and a crown of righteousness. We believe he is enjoying the sweet rest promised to the finally faithful.

Little Charlie son of John and Cordelia Wyatt was near 2 years old when he passed away. He was a dear sweet little boy. He was buried in the McClure cemetery. Jesus said: “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven.” May heaven’s blessings rest on the family and friends. By W. B. Wyatt.

1916

The 1916 session of the Macedonia Baptist Association met with Zion Hill Church on Helton, in Ashe County. Avery Powers preached the introductory sermon per arrangements of 1915.

Visitors recognized were U. A. Kell, John Wyatt, E. Z. Bauguess, Rev. C. L. Stikes, James Thompson, W. A. Mahaffa, E. M. Spencer, and Rev. W. C. Carter.

The remainder of the session was unremarkable with the usual sermons and reports.

The 1917 session was appointed to be held at Union Church on Friday before the first Sunday in September 1917, and Rev. J. D. Sexton was appointed to preach the introductory sermon. This session was never held, but the reasons for it are unclear. The Macedonia Baptist Association had come to an end.

Obituaries for 1916

Emanuel Barr was borned January 11, 1849 and died June 10, 1911, age 62 years 5 months and one day. He leaves an aged mother, four brothers, six sisters, eight children, and many grandchildren and friends to mourn his departure. He was married to Rebecca Eldreth December 14, 1869. To this union were borned nine children, four boys and five girls, eight of them living. One child and the mother had preceded him to their Eternal Home. Emanual was a good neighbor and always ready to help his friends and welcome them to his home. He professed a hope in Christ February 1911 at a good meeting held at Mill Creek by Rev. Fruit and Rev. W. B. Wyatt. Brother Emanuel was confined to his bed for about four months and bore his sickness with much patience. He often prayed to God and rejoiced in a Saviours love. He left this Earthly home on Friday morning about 3 o’clock and went to his eternal home where we hope he joined his dear companion and child and friends that had gone on before. Brother Emanuel’s favorite song was “O Think Of A Home Over There.” He often called for this song to be sun and played on the organ. We hope he is now enjoying that home and that we may all meet in that home where there is no sorrow and sickness and sad parting never come. Written by a friend — W. B. Wyatt.

Bro. Wesley Barr was born Dec. 15, 1873, departed this life March 25, 1916, age 42 years 3 months and 10 days. He leaves a loving companion 4 children, 3 girls and 1 boy, 2 brothers 5 sisters 1 grandchild and many friends to mourn his departure. He was married to Ida Chappel Nov. 2, 1893 and lived happily until death came and his soul took its flight to the realms of the bliss. Bro. Wesley professed a hope in Christ in his early life, and lived a devoted christian until death. He and his family moved to the State of Illinois about three years ago before he died and lived satisfied until his sickness. Seeing his race was almost run and death approaching he wanted to come back home to die, but knowing he was too weak to make the trip, called his companion to his bed side and asked her to bring his body home and place it beside his father and mother in the family cemetery. Wesley was a good neighbor and a true christian he loved his family and requested them to prepare and come to live where there will be no more sad parting. – T. A. Lewis

Elmar Sexton, son of Bro. Ez. And Mary J. Sexton was born May 7, 1912, deceased June 18, 1913, age 1 year 1 month 11 days. Elmar was a sweet loving little child. Jesus said; “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven.” – Eli Grayham

James David Miller, son of Arthur and Laura Miller was born May 22, 1915 and departed this life August 29, 1916, age 1 year 3 months and 7 days. James leaves a father and mother and one little brother and a host of friends to mourn their loss, but our loss is his eternal gain. Christ says “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven.” – David Miller

Bro. Elijah Thompson, was born Dec. 18, 1855 departed this life Aug. 14, 1915, age 59 years 7 Mo. 26 days. Bro. Thompson was married to Maldina Testament, April 17, 1879 and unto this union were born five children, of whom three are living and two are dead. Bro. Thompson professed a hope in Christ several years previous to his death and joined the church at Union and lived a consistent menber of the same untill the Lord called him away from a world of troubles and afflictions we trust to a world of peace and endless joys prepared for all the faithful. Bro. Thompson leaves a bright testimony that he has gone to a better world. Weep not companion, weep not children, but live such lives in this world that when God calls for you, you will be ready to enter into the joys of that remain to the people of God where you will meet companion and father where congregations never break up and sabbath has no end. – Eli Graham.

Jennie May Grayham infant daughter of Bro. John and sister Vina Grayham was born March the 17th 1915, departed his life July the 10th 1916, making her stay on earth 1 year 3 months and 23 days. She was a dear sweet child. Jesus said “Suffer the little children to come unto me and forbid them not for such is the kingdom of heaven.” Though friends stand round me and weep I have gained a victory that is complete.