Statistical Table of the Primitive Baptist Association — 1868-1969

The Primitive Baptist Association of Wilkes County was established in 1868 in Wilkes County, North Carolina at Roaring River Church. This association was formed as part of the “Union” Baptist movement, of members of Primitive Baptist Churches who had supported the Union in the Civil War. Many of these individuals had joined a secret organization known as the Union League, or the Heroes of America. These organizations were known as “red-stringers” based on the red ribbons their members wore to identify themselves. The Primitive Baptist Church prohibited membership in any organization which was not open for all to see, and as a result in the 1867-1868 period that those individuals were excommunicated. These excommunicated members formed their own organizations and churches. The Mountain Union Association was formed for the churches west of the Blue Ridge in 1867. The Primitive Association was formed for the churches east of the Blue Ridge in 1868.

These associations took, almost verbatim, the articles of faith, constitutions and rules of decorum of the Primitive Baptist Associations from which they split. The major difference was the addition of washing feet as an ordinance of the church. As time progressed, Missionary Baptists made attempts to unite with these “Union” Baptist Churches. These efforts failed, however, the churches became a cross-bred between the Primitive and Missionary churches in theology. They term themselves Regular Baptists. They should not be confused with “Old Regular Baptists” as there are doctrinal and practical differences there as well.

The Primitive Association of Regular Baptists dismissed its Surry County, North Carolina churches in 1904. These congregations formed the Mitchell’s River Regular Baptist Association.