Monroe Mission: Chickasaw Nation

Monroe Mission Church Records


 

This transcription and picture comes from the works of E. T. Winston's "Father" Stuart and the Monroe Mission- Pontotoc, Mississippi, January, 1927. Transcribed by Eleanor L. Wyatt


Before the
Monroe Mission

Record of Monroe Church Session

( North Alabama Presbytery)

In January, 1821, Mr. Stuart reached the place that had been chosen for a station, and began his preparation to enter upon his work.  He was the only missionary, though his wife, who for many years shared his joy and sorrows and was indeed a companion and help-meet to him, assisted in all his labors.  Besides, two men accompanied him from South Carolina-a mechanic named Vernon and a farmer named Pickens, with their familes.

On the 7th of June, 1823, a church was organized, consisting of the following members, viz:  Hamilton V. Turner, James Wilson, Nancy Turner, Mary Ann Wilson, Ethalinda Wilson, Prudense Wilson.  The Rev. Thomas C. Stuart, Supt. of the Mission was nominated.

After the services of the day, a session consisting of the Rev. Messrs. Blair and Wilson, assisted by Father Dickson, convened in the prayer hall.

(During the time of Rev. Thomas C. Stuart's advent among the Chickasaw, the country was divided into three districts, constituting in the main territory they had always occupied.  These districts were TISHOMINGO, SEALY AND MCGILVERY.)

1823

June 7 ---A black woman named Dinah , belonging to Mr James Gunn, applied to be received into the newly organized church.  After a careful examination the session felt satisfied with her Christian experience, and accordingly admitted her to the privileges of the household of faith.

Rindah , a black woman belonging to Mr Turner, was debarred from church privileges for improper conduct.

August 3 ---Dinah , having previously expressed a desire to have her children baptized, and having given us satisfactory evidence of her knowledge of this holy ordinance, presented her three children, Chloe , William and Lucy , and dedicated them to God in baptism.

August 6 ---Margaret Ethalinda, daughter of Rev. H. Wilson and Ethalinda Wilson was baptized

1824

May 15 --- Abraham, a black man belonging to an Indian, and husband to the woman received at our last communion, applied   for church privileges.  His examination was satisfactory, and he was accordingly admitted.  Rindah , who was suspended from the church at our last, made application to be restored.  On professing sorrow for her offense, and promising amendment, was reinstated.

May 16 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to Abraham .

November 9---Mr. James Holmes, a member of the Presbyterian Church in Carlyle, Pennsylvania, was added to our number.

December 4th ---Mr. Barnard McLaughlin, Mrs. Tennessee Bynum, a native, and Esther , a black woman belonging to Mrs.  Colbert, having given satisfactory evidence of a work of grace upon their hearts, were admitted as members of the church.  Esther was baptized

December 19 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to Bro. H. Wilson's infant daughter, Rachel Clementine , Mr. Bynum's two children, Turner and Elizabeth; Rhindah 's son Moses , and Esther 's daughter Patsy .

December 26 --- Dinah's infant daughter Patsy , was baptized

1825

April 1 ---Observed as a day of fasting and prayer.  After public worship the members of the church present convened in the church capacity for the election of an elder.  Mr James Holmes was unanimously elected

April 2 ---Mr Holmes was set apart by prayer to the office of ruling elder in this church.  Session met and was constituted by prayer.  Amy a black woman belonging to the estate of James Gunn, deceased, applied and was received.  Adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 2nd day of July next.  Concluded with prayer.

July 2 ---Session met according to adjournment.  Constituted by prayer.  Chloe , a black woman belonging to an Indian, applied for privileges in the church.  Her examination being sustained, she was admitted.  Mr. James Wilson from the Presbyterian Church in Lexington, Ky., having produced a letter of dismission in good standing from said church, was received as a member. Adjourned to meet sine die.  Concluded with prayer.

July 3 --- Chloe was baptized

December 24 ---Session met and opened with prayer.  Three black persons, John , Daniel and Rebecca were added to the communion of the church on examination.  Adjournment until the 4th of March, 1826.  Concluded with prayer. (Mary Jane Stuart was baptized by Mr. Blair.)

December 25 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to the three black people received on yesterday; also to Mr. McLaughlin's daughter Susan.

1826

February 26 ---Isabella Graham, daughter of Rev. H. Wilson and Ethalinda Wilson, was baptized.

March 4 ---Session convened according to appointment.  Opened with prayer. Affy , a black woman, expressed a desire to be admitted to the communion of the church.  Indulging the hope that she has experienced a saving change of heart, the session received her into the number of the professed disciples of Christ.  Adjourned to meet on Saturday the 6th of May.  Concluded with prayer.

May 6 ---Session met and was constituted by prayer.  Three black persons, Agnes , Mary and Bob , having given satisfactory evidence of a work of grace upon their hears, were admitted to church privileges.  Adjourned 'till tomorrow morning, 9 o'clock. Closed with prayer.

May 7 ---The session met and being opened with prayer, Miss Molly Colbert, a native, came forward and offered herself as a candidate for admission into the church.  Her examination being sustained, she was accordingly received.  Adjourned to meet on the 30th of September next.  Concluded with prayer.

May 21 --- Affy's child Rallin , was baptized.

September 30 ---Church session met according to adjournment.  Constituted by prayer.  Two black women, Sarah and Indah , were admitted on examination.  Adjourned to meet on the 6th day of January, 1827.  Concluded with prayer.

1827

January 6 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Miss Emeline H. Richmond, having produced a certificate from the session of the First Presbyterian Church in Newark, N. J. as to her being a member in good standing, was received into full fellowship and communion in this church and is entitled to all its privileges.  (The following words, until the mark*, are crossed out with pencil mark) : Resolved, that notice of the same be publicly given immediately after public worship in the evening*.  Adjourned until 31st of March.  Concluded with prayer.

February 25 --- Mary's child, George Russel was baptized.

March 31 ---Session met according to appointment and was opened with prayer.  Juno , Laney and Jack , applied for admission to communion of the church.  The session proceeded to examine them as to experimental acquaintance with religion, and being satisfied with their account of themselves, received them as members.  Adjourned to meet on the 23rd of June.  Concluded with prayer.

April 1 ---David Brainera, son of Brother and Sister Butler, and Byington , son of Dinah and Abraham , were baptized.

June 3 -- Elay , Laney's daughter was baptized.

June 23 ---Session having met and being opened with prayer.  Mr. Thomas F Cheadle applied for admission to the church.  His evidence of piety being satisfactory, he was received.  Adjournment until this day week.  Concluded with prayer.

June 30 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Nancy , a black woman, applied and was received.  Adjourned until tomorrow morning , 6o'clock. (Interlined) Mr. Cheadle was Baptized.  Concluded with prayer.

July 1 ---Session convened, and after being constituted as usual, proceded to examine several persons, who were not received.  It again adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 6th of October, next. Concluded with prayer

August 26 --- Sarah , a black woman, removed by death

September 29 ---The Lord having visited our church the past summer with a time of refreshing; having, as we hope, savingly renewed a number within our bounds, it was thought expedient to have a meeting of the church session before the time to which it stood adjourned.  Session therefore having met and implored the presence and blessing of God, proceeded to examine the following persons who applied for admission, viz:  William Colbert, a native, and Primus , Ned , Billy , Jinney and Sally , black people.  These having given us evidence of a work of grace in their hearts, were received as members in our church.  Concluded with prayer.

October 6 ---Session met according to the last adjournment.  Constituted with prayer.  Mrs. Sarah A Holmes was received by certificate from session of the Second Presbyterian Church of Newark, N.J.  Mrs Cheadle, a native woman and four black people: Billy , Isham , Sally and Medlong , were admitted on examination to the privileges of the church.  Adjourned to meet tomorrow morning at 10 o'clock.  Concluded with prayer.  Harriet Elizabeth Stuart and Emma Holmes were baptized.

October 7 ---Met according to appointment and was opened with prayer.  No one having offered for examination, it was resolved to convene the newly admitted member that we may read to them the form of convenant to be used hereafter on the admission of persons of this church.  Adjourned to meet on the second Saturday in December, next.  Concluded with prayer.  Mrs. Betsy Cheadle, Meadlong , Jinny , William Colbert, Primus and Ned were baptized.

October 10 ---Mr. Cheadle, a member of our church, having been guilty of a heinous sin, a meeting of the session was called to examine into the circumstances of the offense. According to citation, he appeared, made full confession of his crime of his fall, with deep contrition of his soul, and that he has obtained forgiveness from God, we feel it our duty and our privilege to recognized him as a disciple of Christ, and therefore ought not to be excluded from the privileges of the church.  Concluded with prayer.

November 11 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to Mr. and Mrs. Cheadle's five children, John Randolph, Mary Ann, Betsy, Thomas Josiah.  Also Jinney's three children, Fanny , Sunnun , Sally . Esther' s infant son Battels , and Sally 's daughter Teneesa .

December 8 ---Session met according to appointment and was open with prayer.  Prince , a black man applied for admission to the church.  His examination being satisfactory, he was received.  Adjourned to meet on this day week..  Concluded with prayer

December 15 ---Session having met and opened with prayer, the following persons applied, viz:  Mila , Minney , Bekky , Snookey and Nelly .  The session was satisfied with their account of the work of grace upon their hearts and therefore admitted them to the communion of the church.  Adjourned until the 22nd at 2 o'clock.  Concluded with prayer.

December 22 --- Leah and Sophia admitted.

December 25 --- Billy 's son Randolph was baptized.

December 29 ---Session again met and was constituted with prayer.  Mr. John Gattis offered himself as a candidate admission to the church.  Having had frequent conversation with him, and being well satisfied with his Christian character, the session cordially receive him.  Mrs. Colbert, a native also applied for admission.  There being no good interpreter present, it was resolved to keep the session open and meet Mrs. Colbert at the house of Mrs. John Bynum on next Monday morning with a suitable interpreter.

December 31 ---According to previous arrangement the session had an interview with Mrs. Colbert, and having obtained satisfactory evidence of the work of grace upon her heart, received her into the bosom of the church.  Adjourned 'till Saturday, 5th of January, 1828. Concluded with prayer.

1828

Jan 5 ---Session convened. Constituted by prayer.  Peggy , a black woman, was admitted to the church privileges.  Adjourned until the Saturday before the second Sabbath in March. Concluded with prayer.

January 6 --- The ordinance of baptism was administered to the following newly admitted members, viz: Prince , Sooky , Bekky , Miney , Nelly , Leah , Sophia and Mrs. Colbert.

  January 20 --- Mr. Pearson's daughter, Mary Agnes, and Isam and Leah's children, George and Elvira , were baptized.

March 8 ---Sision met according to adjournment and being opened in the usual way, received Mr Samuel C Pearson by certificate from the Presbyterian Church, Tuscumbia, Alabama. Adjourned, ect.

(Martyn) March 22 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Mrs. Sarah Love applied for admission to the communion of the church.  Her examination being substained, she was received. Adjourned etc.

March 29 ---Session met, etc. Stephen , a black man, applied and was received. Adjourned 'till this day week.  Concluded etc.

April 5th ---Sesion met according to adjournment.  Constituted by prayer. Mrs. Pearson, Catherine, an Indian woman, Joseph , Mobile , Dinah , and Caroline were admitted on examination to the communion of the church.  Adjourned to meet on the second Saturday in June next.  Concluded with prayer.

April 6 ---Mrs. Pearson, Catherine , Stephen , Mobile and Caroline were baptized. 

April 27 --- Catherine's daughter, Nancy ; Dinah's two children, Valentine and Lelah ; Jinney's child, Loraney , and Caroline's children, Delilah , Linah , Gabriel and Hetty were baptized.

Saturday June 14 ---Session met according to adjournment.  Constituted, etc.Messrs. James B. Allen and Daniel Carr, white men; James Colbert and Benjamin Love, natives and Manuel a black man were admitted to the privileges of the church on examination.  Adjourned to meet on the 28th inst. Concluded with prayer.

June 28 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.   Silpha , a black woman, was admitted.  Adjourned 'till this day next week.  Concluded with prayer.

July 5 ---Session having met and being opened with prayer, Fanny and Esther were received into the communion of the church.  Adjourned until the second Saturday in September, next.  Concluded with prayer.

July 6 ---James B. Allen, Benjamin Love, Manuel , Fanny and Esther were baptized.

August 3 ---Henry Martyn, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Pearson; Polly , daughter of Jack and Affy ; Moses , son of Silpha , and Fanny's children, Charles , Winchester , Lelah , Nancy and James were baptized.

August 9 ---A report having been in circulation that Mila a member of our church, has been guilty of conduct highly unbecoming the Christian character and calculated to injure the cause of Christ in this place, it was resolved to call a meeting of the session and cite the offender to attend.  Session met accordingly, and after being constituted by prayer, the charge of adultery was exhibited, founded on "common fame"  To this charge she confessed guilty and could pled nothing in extenuation of her offense.  She acknowledge that by her conduct she had dishonored God, wounded the cause of Christ and brought a reproach upon herself and the whole church; expressed contrition for her sin and a hope that she had obtained forgiveness.  After mature deliberation and seeking direction from God in prayer, it was thought expedient for the love of religion and the good of the cause, that she be suspended from the communion of the church until she give evidence by her deportment that she is truly penitent and that, since her offense has become public, she is publicly suspended in the presece of the congregation.  Concluded with prayer.

August 10 ---Mila was suspended according to the decision of the session  on yesterday.

Martyn: August 23 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Mr. Henry Love, a native, Mr. Christopher Moore, and Miss Polly Allen, whites, applied for admission to the church.  Their examinations being satisfactory, they were received.  Concluded , ect.

August 24 ---The persons admitted yesterday were baptized, also the following children, viz; Elizabeth Mitchell, infant daughter of Rev. W.C. Blair; Sally and Dorfhy (sic), children of Christopher Moore, Amanda, John, Elvira, Overton, Charlotte, Frances, children of Henry and Sally Love.

September. 14 --- The ordinance of baptism was administered to Daniel's infant daughter Emelina , and Mimy's infant, Kitty .

September 15 ---There being no one present for examination the session did not convene according to appointment.  It was resolved not to meet again until the first Satrday in October.

October 4 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Four black persons, Manuel , Reuben , Jennet and Chrissy , were admitted to the communion of the church.  Adjourned to meet at Martyn on the Saturday before the fourth Sabbath in November.

November 22 , Martyn, C.N.(Chickasaw Nation) Session met according to adjournment and was opened with prayer.  Mr. James Boyd applied for admission to the church.  Having given satisfactory evidence of a work of grace upon his heart, he was received.  Adjourned to meet at Monroe the Saturday before the second Sabbath in December.  Concluded with prayer.

November 23 --- James Colbert's two children, Benjamin and James Holmes were baptized

  December 13 ---Monroe  Sesion having met according to appointment, and being opened with prayer, conversed with several persons who were not received.  Adjourned until this day week.  Concluded, etc.

December 20 ---Session again met and was opened with prayer.  No one having been admitted, it was resolved to keep the session open until tomorrow (21st)

Dec. 21 --- Sandy , a black man, was admitted on examination to the privileges of the church.  Adjourned to meet on Saturday, the 3rd of January 1829.  Concluded

1829

January 3 ---Sesion met and was opened with prayer.  Mila , who was debarred from the privileges at our last communion, applied to be restored.  Having given a satisfactory evidence of sincerity of her repentance, and having obtained a good report of her, session restored her to the communion of the church.  Adjourned sine die.  Concluded with prayer.  Mary's infant child and Chrissy's two children, Stephen and Mercury, were baptized.

 January 4 ---Sandy was baptized

June ---Peggy died

July 4 ---Session met for the examination of candidates and the following persons having given evidence of their change, were admitted to the privileges of the church: Lotty Love, Nancy Boyd, James Fooye, William H. Barr; Chickasaws; Elsey , Rachel and Tom , people of color.

July 5 ---The persons admitted yesterday were baptized and also the following children:  Elizabeth Jane Boyd, daughter of James and Nancy, Narcisso, daughter of Benjamin and Lotty Love, Sarah Rebecca, daughter of James and Sarah A. Holmes, and James ' child Keciah

July 9 --- Mila was this day dismissed to unite with the church at Elliott, in Choctaw Nation.  While in connection with this church, a few years afterwards, Mila died, giving good evidence of piety, and as we hope has gone to a better world T. C. Stuart

Monroe; October 2 ---The church session met and was constituted by prayer by Rev. Cyrus Byington.  Mrs. Mary Gunn and Mrs. McLaughlin were examined with reference to church privileges, and approved.

October 3 ---The session met according to adjournment and examined and approved Lewis and Cassander , people of color.

October 4 ---Mrs McLaughlin and Cassander , having assented to the requisite questions, were baptized by Rev. Cyrus Byington, and together with Mrs. Gunn and Lewis , for the first time received the Lord's Supper.      Joseph B. Adams

October 4 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to two children of Wm. Colbert, Joseph and Tennessee, also to James Stuart, infant son of Thomas and Elizabeth Cheadle.

1830

April 3 ---Rev. Cyrus Byington conversed with the following persons with reference to their admission to the church, viz; Edmond Pickens, Sally Fraser, Nuseka Colbert, Disey Colbert, Betsey (Creek woman) and Amy and Syke, colored people.  These persons appearing well, were on the Sabbath baptized and received into the church.  W.H. Barr's infant daughter, Belinda, was baptized.  At the monthly concert for prayer the Monday evening following, the sum of 14.68 3/4 was contributed for the spread of the gospel.

June 5 --- The following were received into the church,viz: James Perry, Tuppeha, Ishtimayi, Tushkaiahokti, Pohaiki, Mrs. Mary Colbert, Mrs. Charlotte James, Molly (Creek woman) and Frances , colored woman. The following children were baptized: Nuseka Colbert's two sons, Thomas Stuart and George Washington, Betsy's (sic) son Alexander , Tuppeha's daughter Venus, Mrs. James' son Walton, Sally Fraser's two children, Benjamin and Elsey, Molly' s children, Caroline and Benjamin, Fraser's daughter Susan, Mobile and Laney' s daughter Louisa , Silpa 's daughter Rebecca .

August 1 ---Polley Hogan, native, and Lydia and Lizzie , colored people, were examined and received into the church. The following children were baptized: Brother and Sister Blair's infant daughter Katherine, Daniel and Cassander' s son, Isaac , Abram and Dinah 's son Israel , Joseph 's son John Inman , Crissa' s daughter Rose , Molly's daughter Delpha.

August 8 --- Mrs. J. Perry's two sons, Levi and Oliver, were baptized.

October 1---William Colbert's wife, Kunnoeyi, and Mercury , an old black man, were admitted to the church. The following children were baptized: Dicy Colbert's son Slone, Prince and Lydia 's children; Almina , Robert and Tony , Betsy 's girls, Liley and Luicinda .                                AARON GLEASON, Clerk.

December 20 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  It having become notorious that the following persons viz:  Sam Pearson and wife  Reuben and Sookey , black people, members of the church, are living in open rebellion against God; having acknowledge the charge, but manifested no sorrow for their sins; and having set up no defense, therefore resolve that they be solemnly excommunicated from the privileges of the church.  Also Lewis , who is charged with habitual lying, and convicted thereof by sufficient testimony, be suspended from communion of the church until he gives evidence of repentance.  Concluded with prayer.              THOMAS C STUART Mod..

1831

January 2 ---The above named persons were publicly dealt with according to the decidion of the session at its last meeting. Lillah , a black woman, was admitted and baptized.

Martyn, April 30 --- Baptized Thomas C. Stuart, son of Nancy and James Boyd; Luke, son of Christopher and Katherine Moore, and David, son of Henry and Sarah Love. Session met and was opened with prayer. Mrs. Tiney Pickens a native woman, presented herself for examination with a view to unite herself with the church.   Concluded with prayer.

May 1 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to Mrs. Pickens, also (her husband being present) to her children, Rachel, Mary and David.   Thomas C. Stuart Mod.

September 10 ---Session met and was opened with prayer, Silpha , a colored woman, applied and was received.

September 11 --- Silpha was baptized, also the following children, viz: Johnson, son of Edmond and Liney Pickens, William son of Nuseka and Mary Colbert, Phillip , son of Chrissy , and Martha , Esther' s daughter. Session adjourned sine die.

In October 1831, the church at Monroe came under the care of the Presbytery of Tombeckbee by the union of its pastor with that Presbytery.

1832

Monroe January 7 ---The session convened and was constituted by prayer.  Mr Thomas F Cheadle, a member of this church, having been guilty of the crime of intemperance, was suspended from its privileges until he shall give evidence of a sincere repentance.  Concluded with prayer 

January 14 ---The following children were baptized, viz: George Clendenen, son of Mrs. Lillah Moore; Emeline H. Richmond, daughter of Christopher and Catherine Moore.

January 15 ---George Duffield, infant son of James and Sarah A. Homes, was baptized

 

March 10 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Mr. Cheadle, who was suspended from church privileges at our last communion, applied and was restored.  Prince , a black man, was also restored. Titus , an African, offered himself as a candidate for admission to the church.  The session being satisfied with his examination, he was admitted.  Lewis , who has been for some time under suspension, and giving no evidence of repentance, but continuing in sin, was excommunicated from this church.  It having become notorious that Caroline , a member of this church, is living in adultery, she was suspended from its privileges. Tuppeha, giving himself up to intemperance, was cited to appear before the session.  He having not appeared, session proceeded to suspend him.   Primus , who has been living in adultery (having taken a woman who was put away by her husband) was cited to appear before the session.  Appeared accordingly, confessed his sin, confessed deep sorrow, and promised amendment.  After deliberation, it was thought advisable to suspend him until we shall have sufficient evidence of his sincerity.  Mr. A. C. I. Wetherall and wife, Martha, presented a certificate of dismission in good standing from Palmyra Church in Alabama, and requested to be received into the church.  Received accordingly.  Concluded with prayer.

April 29 --- Martha Jane, infant daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wetherall, was baptized.

June 30 ---The session not being present, the Moderator examined Mr. William Spencer and wife, Margaret, who applied for admission to sealing  ordinances. Their examination being satisfactory, they were received.  Tuppeha, a native, and Primus, a black man, who were suspended at our last meeting were restored.

 

July 1 --- Mr. Spencer was baptized. Agnes, infant daughter of Benjamin and Lotty Love.

 

July 8 ---The following children were baptized, viz: Mary Jane, Samuel Alexander, Margaret Coffee and Martha Gideon, children of Mr. and Mrs. Spencer; Samuel, infant son of William Colbert and wife, Kunnoeyi; Bankston , son of Moblie and Laney ; Lissis Jane , daughter of Silpha , and Hooper , son Sam and Leah .

September 20 ---Caroline , who was suspended on a former occasion, was removed by death.

1833

January 5 ---Session convened and was opened with prayer.  Ishthimayi, a native member of our church, having for a long time absented herself from the means of grace, and giving sad evidence that she is yet in a state of sin and heathenish darkness, was excommunicated.  Frances , a black woman, also excommunicated for the sin of fornication.   The following persons having been guilty of scandalous offenses against God and this church, were suspended from its privileges, viz:  Thomas F Cheadle, Benjamin Love, William H. Barr, Nancy Colbert and Syke .  Concluded with prayer.

April 7 --- Jim and Juda were baptized

June 9 --- Eliza Jane, daughter of Nuseka and Mary Colbert, and Charles , son of Daniel and Kissander , were baptized

July 7 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Mrs. Lizzie Perry (a native woman) applied for admission to the privileges of the church.  Her examination being satisfactory, she was received and baptized.  Concluded with prayer.

July 14 ---The ordinance of baptism was administered to John David, son of James and Nancy Boyd.

August 4 --- J uda' s children, Violet , Phili , Philetus and Eunice were baptized.

October 6 ---A session not being present, the Moderator examined and admitted to the privileges of the church the wife of Tuppeha, a native woman.  She was baptized by the name of Mary.  Syke was restored to the church.

October 7 ---A black child named Jinney , the daughter of Joseph and _? ___, was baptized.  Approved 21st of March, 1834

1834

April 5 ---Mr Benjamin Godfrey and wife, Lucrecia, and son James Alfred, were received as member of this church by certificate from the church at Mayhew.  Two elders having been elected and ordained, in the evening session met and was opened with prayer.  The following persons, having been under suspension from the privileges of the church for a length of time and giving evidence of repentance, but continuing impenitant, were solemnly excommunicated, viz: Molly Gunn, Nancy Colbert, Sally Fraser, James B. Allen, Benjamin Love and Saiyo. Harry , an old black man, applied for admission his examination being satisfactory, he was received and baptized.  Edom , a black man belonging to Mr. Wetherall, who was formerly a member of the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina, applied to become a member of the church.  It being known that he was in good standing, and the session having conversed with him on experimental religion, he was received.  Concluded with prayer.

(July 6) ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  George, a native man, was examined on experimental religion.  His evidence of a change appearing good, he was admitted to the privileges of the church.  Maj. John L. Allen was also admitted on examination.  Concluded with prayer.

September 7 ---Session convened and was constituted by prayer.  Mr. William Colbert, a member, and elder of this church, having been cited to appear before session to answer the charge of intemperance, appeared accordingly, and having confessed his sin, expressed deep contrition for the same, and promised amendment, the session resolved that it is a duty to forgive him after requiring him to make a public confession before the congregation, and promising to abstain in future.  Concluded with prayer.

Examined and approved by  Presbytery at Unity Church, March 7 1837

1837

The number of members reported to the General Assembly as being in good standing on the first of April, 1837, is forty-one.

September 16 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  The following persons were adjudged to excommunication... Mrs. Betsy Cheadle, Tuppeha, George and Sarah, natives and Molly , a colored woman.

 A resolution was passed that the following members, who are about to remove west of the Mississippi, receive letters of dismission and recommendation, viz: James Perry and wife Elizabeth, Tennessee Bynum, Daniel and his wife Kissander , Harry and his wife Sally , Bob and Amy , Abram and his wife Dinah , Agnes , Manuel , Juda , Apphia , Billy , Mimey Colbert, Titus , Sally , Fanny and Silpha .   Concluded with prayer.

October 10 ---Session met and was opened with prayer.  Jack , a black member of the church,  who has been for some time under suspension from its privileges, applied to be restored.  The session being satisfied with his profesions of sorrow and promises of admendment, restored him accordingly.  Being about to emigrate west of the Mississippi, her received a letter of dismission and recommendation, also the following members, viz: Samuel Cunningham and wife, John Cunningham, and William Cunningham.   Concluded with Prayer.

March 24, 1838, Approved H. Reid, Mod.

 

End of Records Transcribed as written including spelling errors

A Little Mission History

The earliest Indian missions in the United States were founded by the French and Spanish among the Pecos, Wachita and Tigum tribes in 1542.

The First Protestant mission was established in the United States a century later, in 1642, by Eliot and Mayhew, under the auspices of the Congregational and Presbyterian Churchs unitedly in Massachusetts.  As early as 1653 the Catholic Church, after much discouragement and great slaughter of its missionaries by hostile Indians, had established twenty missions in the coast country of Georgia and Florida, with an estimated Indian population of 26,000.

Following the occupation of the Carolinas by the English colony in 1663, there began a conflict with the Spanish occupants in reference to territorial bounds or possessions, and as a result of English aggression the entire area embracing the missions were overrun and completely devastated.

By the year 1699 the French, who made a settlement at Bloxi and later at Mobile, New Orleans, and along the Mississippi River, began missionary work among the contiguous tribes, viz: the Choctaws, Natchez and Tunicas in Mississippi, and the Humas, Tensaws and Caddos in Louisiana.   As a result of the Natchez war of 1792, the French garrison was massacred, including the priest.  The Louisiana Mission in like manner proved a failure and was abandoned.

The Moravians, beginning in  1735, conducted a short-lived mission to the Creeks near Savannah, Georgia.

The Spanish located several missions stations in Texas about 1790, which for a time appeared promising, numbering at one time a Christian population of 15000.  But this work was finally abandoned, and the Indians returned to their former tribal worship.

The Presbyterian Church in 1804 established a mission to the Cherokee Nation in East Tennessee, but it was suspended for lack of financial aid.

In 1817 the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions established a station, called Brainerd, in the same nation near Chattanooga, Tennessee.

In 1818 the same organization commenced work at Eliot, on the Yellowstone River, among the Mississippi Choctaws, and in 1820 it founded another station called Mayhew, fifteen miles west of Plymouth, on the Tombigbee River.

Rev. Thomas C. Stuart came to the Chickasaw Nation in 1821 and the records above are of the Mission he founded--The Monroe Mission.


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Copyright� June 5, 2000 Eleanor L. Denson-Wyatt. All Rights Reserved