Old_Time_Religion.html
ld Time Religion 1~100
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
1 ANTIOCH
June 15,1878--At Antioch the other day, Lewis Lowe sat on a table and preached a practical sermon of more than an hour�s length. It was the first time we ever saw anyone sit down and preach, but affliction has rendered it necessary for Mr. Lowe to adopt this position.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
2 MARTHA'S CHAPEL
March 25,1908--A large congregation attended the missionary rally at Martha's Chapel Tuesday. The sermon was by Reverend R.J. Craig; Miss Mora Minor read a missionary paper; and Mrs. Paul Neblett read an excellent paper "Why Should We Do Missionary Work?".
Committees had been appointed for Salem, Antioch, Louise, and Martha's Chapel to collect funds for the various departments of work this quarter.
Martha's Chapel $44.80; Louise $7.30; Antioch $62.03; Salem $101.50; for a total of $215.63. The pastor Reverend J.L. Chenault said this was the best report ever given.
From: Clarksville Weekly Tobacco Leaf
3 MARTHA�S CHAPEL
July 10,1888--The meeting conducted by Reverend J.G. Rice and others at the Martha�s Chapel on the southside of the river during the past week was pleasant and profitable. 14 have professed religion. The meeting is still going on. There were 15 seekers on Sunday night.
From: Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf
4 SALEM
August 13,1889--A fine meeting is in progress at Salem Church on the south side. Pastor Rice is being assisted by Reverend W.G. Hensley. Under the zealous efforts of these faithful servants of God, the interest has increased each day since the meeting began. Sunday night there were 30 inquirers at the anxious seat. Eight others professed conversion to date there have been about thirty conversions. The meeting will likely continue another week.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
5 ORGAINS CROSSROADS
August 5,1929--An estimated total of 1800 people attended the two services Sunday at the Methodist Camp Meeting at Orgains CrossRoads, eight miles out of Clarksville on state highway 48. The attendance at the morning service was 800 and that at the evening meeting was 1000. In the large congregation were representatives from numerous nearby communities and counties among them a group from Louisville, Kentucky
Two splendid sermons were given by the evangelist the Rev. Harry H. Waller of Orlando, Florida and the professions of faith are rapidly increasing, the Reverend W.T.S. Cook, pastor of the four churches sponsoring the meeting, announced this morning. It was estimated during the first week 2000 different people were in the tent.
The music is one of the pleasing and entertaining features of the meeting. The evangelist gives himself freely to that feature, being a splendid song leader and pianist. There is a large chorus choir and, in addition to the piano, two violins and a saxophone are used. A male quartet from the Mt. Zion Circuit also gives a portion of the program at each service.
The union Sunday school services of the four sponsoring churches Sunday morning had a large attendance. It was presided over by Lauren Edmondson.
The service will continue at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. each day this week--the meeting closing next Sunday night August 11th.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
6 TARSUS
October 4,1873--Reverend J.B. West, D.D., organized the church at Tarsus near Dr. Marable�s last Sunday with 20 members.
November 1,1872--Tarsus Grange #149 met on October 25 and after reading the minutes of the last meeting proceeded to elect the following officers:
Dr. J.H. Marable---Worthy Master
W.H. Fessey---Secretary
U.D. Tomlinson---Overseer
S.W. Martin---Lecturer
W.J. Powers---Steward
T.M. Reynolds---Assistant Steward
P.H. Dillon---Chaplin
R.H. McFall---Treasurer
E. Harned---Gate Keeper
Mrs. S.W. Martin---Ceres
Mrs. H. Myers---Pomona
Mrs. R.H. McFall---Flora
Mrs. M.C. Powers---Stewardess
A standing committee on crops and stock consisting of T.M. Reynolds, R.H. McFall, and P.H. Dillon, whose duty it is to report monthly to the Grange the state of crops, etc. was next appointed.
A committee to draft by-laws for the govt. of this Grange; Messrs. William H. Fessey, U.D. Tomlinson, and W.C. Jackson.
Night overtaking us before the harvest was all garnered; the Grange adjourned to meet the called meeting Saturday November 8th and 10:00 a.m.
We now number 27 brothers and 10 sisters.
W.H. Fessey, Secretary
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
7 PALMYRA
September 27,1929--Forty consecutive years of faithful service as teacher of the Bible Class of the Palmyra Methodist Sunday School was terminated Sunday by the resignation of Sam O. Fessey, who said his age of 80 years and failing health would prevent his keeping up the work.
At the morning session of the class Sunday morning the 45 members presented Mr. Fessey with a handsome bathrobe and pair of slippers as tokens of their esteem and love for him. At that time, Mr. Fessey invited the class members to meet him at the church at 4:00 p.m.
At that meeting the ladies of the church presented a handsome birthday cake bearing eighty candles. Mr. Fessey offered his resignation, and presented the class with a concrete tablet with all the names of the 45 members inscribed on it. There was also a realistic carved wood Bible mounted on the tablet. All of the work was done by Mr. Fessey�s hands.
Mrs. L.L. Allen will succeed him as teacher of the class.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
8 SOUTHSIDE
February 20,1930--The Brotherhood Quartet of Southside will broadcast over radio station WFIW at Hopkinsville next Saturday night it was announced today. It includes Lester Bull, Boyd Bull, Grady Hagewood and Estelle Hagewood.
From: Daily Leaf-Chronicle
9 ANTIOCH
July 23, 1923--The Junior Missionary Society of Antioch Church met Saturday in a beautiful grove by a large spring near the home of Dr. R. L. Norris for an all-day meeting. The program for the morning was presided over by Mildred Channell. The roll call by Miss Lucille Hiter showed 32 juniors and Cradle roll members present. Mrs. Lena Norris and Miss Pearl Lyle gave the lesson stories.
"The Honorable Japanese Fan" was given by the following boys and girls:
Henry Wyatt
Lucian Abernathy
Pearl Lyle
Elizabeth Hiter
Clatie Davidson
Emma Monroe
Beatrice Davis
The devotional was conducted by Mrs. S. J. Lyle. A delightful lunch was served by the mothers. It being little Richard Dowlen's birthday, he brought his birthday cake with six candles. In the afternoon, the children enjoyed ice cream, wading in the branch, and games directed by Mrs. Bailey Lyle, Mrs. Martha Allen, and Miss Lattie May Lyle. Juniors visiting from Palmyra were Misses Alice and Elizabeth Allen. About 75 enjoyed a most delightful day.
From: Daily Leaf-Chronicle
10 SHILOH
March 20, 1900--The Baptist Church at Shiloh completed their new home the 18th of this month for the first time. The house is not finished but we hope it will be now in a short time. The Owen & Moore Drug Co. has kindly donated the wallpaper, and Phillips, Buttorff & Co. of Nashville, the lamps. Reverend C. A. Barnes felt yesterday that it was quite a compliment to him to be able to stand within a few yards of the place where Elder Reuben Ross stood about sixty years ago and preached to the people. The new house is on the same lot, but not on the same spot the old house stood. It was a day of rejoicing with pastor and this church, with their neighbors sharing the first service with them. Report says that the Sunbeam Society of the Sunday school at the Clarksville Baptist Church will donate a pulpit Bible to the Shiloh Baptist Church. The stand for it is made and in place, and the church will look forward to its coming with pleasure.
From: Clarksville Star
11 PALMYRA
November 19,1927--An audience of more than 100 enjoyed the wonderful sermon of Gipsy Smith broadcasted from Ryman Auditorium Sunday night at 7:15 over WSM, Nashville, Tn, through the efforts of Arthur L. Yarbrough, this place, who made it possible by installing an Atwater Kent radio in the Methodist Church. In this way everybody in the community was given the opportunity to hear the evangelist and much gratitude was extended to Mr. Yarbrough.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
12 ANTIOCH
July 15,1933--Thirty-two children are enrolled at the vacation bible school at Antioch Methodist Church which opened Monday.
Mrs. L.R. Wyatt is in charge of the primary department and Mrs. Vernon Ussery and Miss Anna Bell Lyle are assisting. Mrs. Bailey Lyle is supervisor of the juniors with Miss Dorothy Sue Swift and Miss Gertrude Timmons assisting.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
13 PROHIBITION
July 23, 1887--Reverend D.A. Brigham of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church will speak on prohibition at the following times and places:
Locust Grove, District 18, Aug. 9
Beech Grove, District 18, Aug. 10
Shiloh, District 20, Aug. 11
Center Church, District 20, Aug. 12
The speaking will be at night at each place.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
14 ANTIOCH
August 28, 1908--The revival meeting at Antioch this week grew in interest each night. The preaching of Rev. Bruce Lyle, a native of this section, has the confidence of all and they take a deep interest in his preaching. Preaching was done day and night.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
15 STRING TOWN
November 9,1908--A protracted meeting was begun Sunday at Pleasant View Baptist Church, four miles south of Clarksville. The pastor, Reverend E.F. Adams, preached Sunday, but will be assisted during the week by Mr. Clevenger of Hopkinsville.
From: Clarksville Weekly Tobacco Leaf
16 HACKBERRY
January 9,1890--A new Baptist Church, to be named as Center Point, was organized last Sunday. It is situated on the site of Cook�s Mill, below Vernon Furnace, on Budd�s Creek. The pastor, Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes, was assisted in the work by Reverend N.O. Lovelace and a council of brethren from Gum Spring Church. These were J.M. Johnson, D.R. Clark, C.C. Pool, W.M. Carver. The new church will be supplied by Mr. Barnes every first Sunday and by Mr. Lovelace every fourth Sunday.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
17 PLEASANT VIEW
June 6,1906--For some time past the Baptist congregation at Pleasant View Church in District 13, have had no pastor and interest in the work been allowed to lapse sadly. The members of the Clarksville Baptist Church in this emergency have decided to lend their aid in building up the work at that place. Workers will go out regularly and help in the Sunday School and Reverend. Bailey Lovelace will preach at stated times. This will doubtless be a very thing to both congregations.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
18 PALMYRA
May 4,1916--The Sunday School convention held at Palmyra last Sunday was attended by a large crowd. The program was good with each one doing his or her part well. Especially were the singing and talks given by the S.U.P. boys enjoyed and Dr. Lee Norris proved himself a fine president.
Miss Hilda Nolen, who has been teaching at Hickory Point is at home, her school having closed.
Mr. Clay Lewis of Cumberland City was here Sunday in his car.
Mr. Claud Jackson has accepted a position clerking for Mr. Will Minor at Sailor's Rest.
Knoxen Nolen, after a year's course in the pharmacy department of Vanderbilt University, has resumed his position at the Dickson-Sadler Drug Co. Mr. Nolen graduated with high honors passing the State Board examination successfully. Will Minor, Hilda Nolen, Knoxen Nolen, Lee Norris, Clay Lewis.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
19 ANTIOCH
July 10 1880--Reverend J.W. Cullom, pastor, will hold protracted meetings at the following times and places:
Lone Oak--2nd Sunday in July
New Style--4th Sunday in July
Oak Grove--1st Sunday in August
Collinsville--2nd Sunday in August
Antioch--3rd Sunday in August
Mount Zion--4th Sunday in August
Chapel Hill--5th Sunday in August
Martha's Chapel--1st Sunday in September
Salem--3rd Sunday in September
July 31,1880--An excellent meeting is being conducted by J.W. Cullom and
Reverend J.E. Beard at New Style (Smith's meeting-house) near Esquire Blackford's. The whole community is interested and eight or ten conversions the first three days of the meeting.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
20 COLLINSVILLE
August 14,1880--Many people on the south side will rejoice over some facts, which we now state.
Collinsville is blessed with the best church edifice that I have seen south of the river, but at its completion a debt of $500 rested on it and has hung like a pall over our church enterprise. The board of trustees was called together last Saturday and we found that in one way and another we had reduced the debt in three years to $270. A resolution was adopted instructing the pastor to appeal to the congregation on Sunday.
We felt uncertain of the result, for everyone felt that he had paid about all he could. When the time came, the house was packed, and after a good sermon by Reverend J.E. Beard, the pastor stated he wished to close the service in a few minutes by singing a few lines from the doxology. The appeal was then made, and in thirty minutes, every cent was raised. We all felt glad. We sang the doxology, and after a pause, we sang it again. Old Hundred was a good tune, and so was Sessions, and so we used them both. Friends shook hands with tearful eyes, and congratulations all around were in order.
The congregation then partook of a bountiful basket dinner, after which Reverend Lewis Lowe preached and the pastor at night. The meeting is continued with good prospects. There is a general religious interest all through the circuit and there have been over forty conversions in the last two or three weeks. We never served a more generous people.
A Happy Pastor.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
21 SAILOR�S REST
July 3,1880--We have a flourishing Sunday school, also a subscription school taught by Miss Nannie Parmeuter, an accomplished young lady and very popular with the little people over whom she presides.
From: The Weekly Chronicle
22 ANTIOCH
January 29,1876--The old Antioch mill horse is going "round and round" and has visited over 300 church members at their houses during the last six weeks. Lewis Lowe jocosely tells him that he is the hardest-headed circuit rider that he has encountered but I mistake greatly if any other kind of head is worth a cent on the shoulders of such a personage. He would have the movements of a blind dog in a meathouse if he were to attempt to follow the dictation of every dogmatist. The Antioch people, however, throw no such obstacle in the way of their pastor. Jerry Cullom will "shout for joy" when he succeeds the present incumbent.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
23 CUNNINGHAM
July 16-17, 1919--Miss Izetta Smith and Alex Batson of Soule Chapel, Garland Dickson and Burrell Gannaway of Southside attended Sunday School at the Hall Sunday.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
24 SAILOR�S REST MILLS
July 3,1880--Although so far from everywhere, we are not neglected by the rest of the world, as we had a visit at our Sunday school last Sunday from Mr. Eddy Thomason, Mr. Sam Fessey and other young gentlemen from the north side, escorting Miss Willie Martin, Miss Carrie Fessey and others.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
25 SALEM
August 8,1914--Miss Maggie Neblett gave a picnic to her Sunday School Class on Friday afternoon at Edmondson Ferry. They were met at the car line by a hay wagon and were joined by Mr. and Mrs. J.L. Edmondson and children, Mrs. Harry Searl, Miss Ruby and Miss Sarah Edmondson. At the ferry, the families of Mr. Robert and Mr. R.H. Edmondson, A.H. Abernathy, Lucian Wyatt, and Horace Ritter joined the crowd.
Mr. R. H. Edmondson carried the crowd up the river on the ferryboat. Moonlight on the water made it a very delightful occasion. They were chaperoned by W.B. Dunlop and wife, Mrs. Sue Neblett and Dr. Howard Edmondson and wife.
From: The Daily Leaf Chronicle
26 MCALLISTER�S CROSS-ROADS
August 24,1918--Reverend Carrel is holding a revival at Mt. Herman Baptist church. Miss Iny Batson is spending the week with her grandparents and attending the meeting at Mt. Herman. Miss Nellie, Jesse, and Edwin Justice, Miss Mary Smith, and Miss Proctor, from Rock Springs, came in a hay wagon Wednesday night. Miss Nina Page, Mr. Enoch Wall, Mr. Norris Williams, Miss Nora Castleberry, Miss Adel Proctor, Mr. Albert Jones, Mrs. Virgia Castleberry, and Mr. Russell Castleberry attended the meeting at Mt. Herman last Sunday night. Mr. Otha Wall and Miss Blanche Jones went to Mt. Herman Tuesday night.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
27 PALMYRA
May 20,1908--Children�s Day services were held at Palmyra Methodist Church Sunday. A large crowd was present, including a number from Clarksville. The program was exceptional and well rendered showing a careful preparation in practice and decoration of the church. Just as dinner was spread in the yard, a hasty shower of rain came up and made it a little unpleasant for a while. In the afternoon, Robert Eleazer, of Nashville, lectured on temperance to a full house.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
28 LONE OAK
September 12,1919--An interesting program is in progress at the Lone Oak Baptist Church. The Reverend E.H. Greenwell is doing the preaching. Up to the present time, there have been 12 conversions. The meeting will continue several days longer.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
29 SHILOH
August 15,1913--A 5th Sunday meeting to be held at Shiloh Baptist Church on Saturday and Sunday, August 30 and 31st. Reverends W.H. Vaughn, F.P. Dotson, G.A. Ogle, Ryland Knight, B. McNatt, J.R. Hunt. There will be preaching Saturday and Sunday nights.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
30 SALEM
August 31,1878--The protracted meeting which began at Salem on Sunday last is still in progress. A large number of penitents at the altar and several have professed religion.
Reverend J.W. Cullom, preacher in charge
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
31 PALMYRA
November 16,1899--Reverend P.A. Sowell, Presiding Elder, preached yesterday and held Quarterly Conference at Palmyra. There were nearly 100 people at church. A large percentage of the official members were present and the appointments of the circuit under Reverend Mr. Woodard were found to be in good shape. The ladies of the church furnished an elaborate lunch and all in all a pleasant and successful day were spent.
From: Clarksville Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf
32 RIGGINS
July 19,1895--Barnes� Chapel, the new Baptist Church at Riggins, has just been completed. The Pastor, Cornelius Ava Barnes, was in the city today and made arrangements with Pastor Boone to preach the dedication sermon August 18, the 3rd Sunday. The public at large is invited to attend. Reverend J.B. Bozeman will continue the service into a protracted meeting.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
33 BAPTIST HISTORY
December 10,1896--Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes--Feeling that the time has come to awaken a deeper interest in our work on the south side of the Cumberland River, I have concluded to write a brief sketch of what the Baptists have done in this field to establish churches of our faith, and preach the gospel to the perishing. I am indebted to some of the old citizens for much that I will write, and some facts are learned from an old church book that fell into my hands a few days since. The first effort made by the Baptists, so far as I am able to learn, in this section of the country was at Shiloh, under the direction of Elder Reuben Ross. There were, I think, a few others that lent their aid, but I know not their names. Montgomery Bell gave the lot on which to build their house of worship. They were very unfortunate in losing their house by fire, and the interest went down and the congregation was broken up. This was in about 1828 or 1830. I learned from Reverend Joshua Fletcher that most of Brother Ross� preaching was done upon funeral occasions. It is said he preached more funeral sermons than any other minister lf his time. He would come to Brother Fletcher�s mother�s and take him with him for a guide over the country. Brother Fletcher was only a boy at that time.
In September 1849, Brother Ross, in connection with Brethren John Mallory Ripley, Elisha Vaughan, S.A. Holland, and Joseph Fauntleroy, a deacon of West Fork Church, organized the Macedonia Church, three miles south of Clarksville. Reverend Reuben Ross preached on the occasion from May 28, 19-20. The presbytery was thus formed, and the following persons presented themselves for the purpose of being constituted into a church: John F. Barnes, Martha A. Barnes, Ann M. Keene, John J. Cawlishaw, Alice Cawlishaw, Ann Brakley, Phoebe Brady, Virginia Clark, and Nancy Ann, a servant of Mr. T.G. Hutcherson. Reverend Elisha Vaughn was their first pastor. He was called in August 1850. Until that time, Brethen S.A. Holland, John Mallory, and T.W. Felts preached to them.
In 1860, they built a new house three miles south of the old one, near the Clarksville and Palmyra road, and changed the name to Keesee�s Chapel. The new house was dedicated on September 8,1860, Brother Duncan of the Clarksville Church preaching the sermon.
In 1867, Brother M.G. Carney organized a church in Palmyra, most, if not all the members, coming from the Blooming Grove Church. They occupied the same house with the Methodist and Cumberland Presbyterian brethren for several years and then built the Reuben Ross Church some three miles south of Palmyra, near the East Fork of Yellow Creek. Rev. George W. Bray is their pastor now.
In 1884 or 85, Brother A.D. Sears, with a few of the Clarksville members, visited the Keesee Chapel Church for the purpose of encouraging the Church to take up the work once more and secure a pastor. The Clarksville Church, upon the recommendation of Brother Sears and the brethren that went with him employed the writer and sent him to take charge of the work. He has preached to them ever since and is still their pastor. In the meantime, we have bought a good house from the Episcopalians situated on the same road between the two other houses the church has occupied. In addition to this work five other houses have been built and services are held in them.
In 1888, Brother Debus organized the Gum Spring Church near Marion on the Mineral Railroad and is still their pastor so far as I know.
There are a few churches in the neighborhood of Bear Springs and Dover, but, like all the rest, they are not strong and self-sustaining.
After a careful study of the field, I hope I will be pardoned for saying I think the Baptists have greatly neglected this side of the river. It has been largely a one-man effort at a time. 1st Brother Ross, 2nd Brother Carney, and lastly the writer. There are some others who have preached during this long time, but I am speaking of those who have built up the work. The prospect seems to brighten some of late. The Lord has raised up a young man in our midst, Reverend W.R. Fain, and soon Brother Bray will move to Shiloh, but what are these compared to the great amount of work to be done. I failed to name Brother Vaughn, who labored for a long time for this people, and left a name that will live in the memory of this people for a long time.
If the Baptist ever intend to occupy this country they will have to get off the defensive and assume the aggressive and learn something of that wonderful little word �go�.
The blind boy who lectured here last summer said what the society needed to make it go was feet, and those feet turned in the direction of our great destitution on the south side of the Cumberland River.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
34 HACKBERRY
October 11,1924--A revival will start Sunday morning, October 12, at Locust Grove Church near Palmyra. Reverend A.W. Clinard of Charlotte will conduct the services and he will be assisted by Rev. I.W. Parrish of this city. The meeting will last a week or ten days.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
35 ANTIOCH
October 13,1931--The Antioch Methodist Church will observe next Sunday October 18, as homecoming day the Reverend W.T.S. Cook, pastor of the Antioch Circuit, announced today. All members living in other sections and former members are urged to attend services at the church. It will be an all day event with services in the morning, dinner on the ground at noon and another service in the afternoon. The pastor will preach.
A similar service held last Sunday at Martha�s Chapel in the same circuit was a successful event the pastor stated this morning. There was a large attendance including many former members and those now affiliated with the church but living in other sections. A bounteous dinner was spread on the ground. The pastor preached on �The Old-Time Religion�. Payment of the pastor�s salary was completed and nearly all of the general collection was cleaned up. The pastor conducted the baptism service for one infant.
From: Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf Chronicle
36 MCALLISTERS CROSS ROADS
January 10,1896-- The church, which was so near completed in my last letter, is not a new one yet, but will be soon as preparations are being made to begin work. The last sermon was preached in the old church by Brother Lowry, and was a good one. One very important point was that he urged the Christians to vote against intoxicants and saying it was their duty to do so.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
37 CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS
August 19,1918--Sunday after a large number of persons assembled at Pleasant View Church, four miles south of this city, pursuant to a call of Mrs. Alfred Holmes, President of the Red Cross Auxiliary of District 13. After splendid vocal music, Reverend J.R. Hunt introduced Mr. Callie Tate, who delivered an impressive address, which was attentively heard. At the close of the address on behalf of the auxiliary he presented a service flag containing 18 stars to the church which was accepted by Mr. W.L. Potter, the oldest member of the church. The meeting was followed with patriotic entertainment throughout and resulted in much good.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
38 PALMYRA
December 3,1927--A crowd of between 40 and 50 gathered at the Methodist Parsonage on Friday night to express to the Reverend and Mrs. P.G. Johnson their appreciation of them in the form of a donation party. Games and music were enjoyed by all.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
39 ANTIOCH
April 13,1872--The District Meeting was held at Antioch Church on the south side of the river last Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. There was a good attendance. The meeting was presided over by Bishop McTyerire and we must say he is one of the best presiding officers we have ever seen. The introductory sermon on Friday was preached by Reverend W.A. Turner, a young man with fine promise who we predict will yet make his mark in the church.
On Friday night Reverend J.P. McFerrin delivered a very fine sermon to a large congregation.
Early Sunday morning people came pouring in from every quarter and by every conceivable mode of conveyance and long before the hour for service there were 300 to 400 people in and around the church. At 11 the Bishop commenced the sermon-the subject �The Unity of the Church-One God, One Faith, and One Baptism�.
After the close of the service, J.M. Swift, C.C. Cocke, and J.C. Broome were ordained elders.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
40 LOUISE
June 20,1924--June 15 was Childrens� Day at Louise. There were some 200 or 300 in attendance. All appeared happy and delighted in this Christian service. Mrs. Bessie Fain Harvey, teacher of the class, conducted the exercise.
From: Clarksville Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf
41 SALEM
September 4,1888--Protracted meeting commenced at Salem on the Antioch circuit Saturday. Pastor Rice conducted the services assisted so far by the Reverends Lewis and Sandy Lowe. On Sunday there was a very large attendance and there was preaching both morning and afternoon, with dinner on the ground. At the morning service the church was inadequate to seat the ladies present when the pastor delivered an earnest spiritual sermon. The dinner was just what the hospitable neighborhood always invites its guests to; abundant, excellent, and of greatest variety. There was enough for all present and some to spare, to such as wanted to fill their pockets. The sermon at night was also well-attended and spiritual feeling was manifest.
From: Clarksville Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf
42 SPIRITUAL REVIVAL
September 11,1888--Reverend D.A. Brighter assisted Reverend W.M. Cooley in a protracted meeting at Shiloh in District 20 last week. There were 19 professions during the meeting. There is a general spiritual revival throughout the 19th and 20th Districts and successful protracted meetings are being conducted at Shiloh, Tarsus, Locust Grove, and Lone Oak. At Shiloh, the Cumberland Presbyterians first conducted the meeting; the Methodists were to have met at Ebenezer near there in quarterly meeting last Sunday, but moved to Shiloh because of the gracious meeting there. A protracted meeting will begin at Palmyra the 23rd inst.
SPIRITUAL REVIVAL
October 5,1888--One of the grandest of revivals was held at Palmyra Methodist Church during last week conducted by the pastor, Reverend W. Bouldin and assisted by Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes. There were between 50 and 60 professions. Thirty joined the Methodist Church and three joined the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on last Sunday. A number will join the Baptist Church the next appointment. There was never anything like this revival in our section before.
From: Clarksville Daily Tobacco Leaf Chronicle
43 SOUTHSIDE
May 2,1894--Two dollars was handed to me at Cross Creek for the church house at Southside, and so the work moves on. A gentleman, who has been to Southside in the last few days and saw the lot on which we expect to build, said to me this morning: �You have a nice lot at Southside.� We only lack the house to make it what is should be.
Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes
This church was later named after this pioneer Baptist preacher.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
44 LOUISE
May 1,1916--The great revival has just closed at this place with ninety-two professions. Reverend Allen Miller assisted Brother J.R. Simpson.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
45 SOUTHSIDE
December 11,1912--Addressed Palmyra, Tennessee. Enclosed you will find a copy of the receipt sent me today by the officers of the Cumberland Association.
Please give it a prominent place in the paper as I want everybody to know just where the money went.
With best wishes, Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes
"Received of Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes, $250 to be applied on the purchase of the parsonage building at Southside, Tennessee. Said parsonage to be deeded and owned by the Cumberland Baptist Association and to be held in trust for said Association by the Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer of its Executive Board. J.J. Garrott, Chairman; R.B. Rossington, Treasurer; Harvey Whitfield, Secretary.
From: Semi-Weekly Tobacco Leaf Chronicle
46 HACKBERRY
August 24,1894--Interesting ordinance services were held at Center Point Baptist Church last Sunday. Reverend W.R. Fain, who has for some time been a licentiate of that denomination, was regularly ordained as a minister of the gospel. The Presbytery, was composed of Reverends, Cornelius Ava Barnes, N.O. Lovelace and Whittenbroker. The ordination sermon was delivered by Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes. Reverend Whittenbroker delivered the charge to the candidate and Reverend N.O. Lovelace delivered a beautiful and appropriate charge to the church. The benediction was pronounced by Reverend W.R. Fain.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
47 MARTHA�S CHAPEL
October 13,1931--The WTSC Union met at Martha�s Chapel Sunday evening October 11 at 7:30 with President James Minor presiding.
The meeting was opened with introductory piano music by Miss Clemmie Minor after which a song �Sweet Peace, the Gift of God�s Love� was sang. The scripture lesson, taken from the 12th and 15th chapters of Luke was given by five different members: Miss Lois and Elliott Parker, Miss Margaret and Jarvis Lyle, and Miss Zella Crane. Following a prayer by William Weakley, roll was called and each member responded with the name of some missionary. Minutes of the last meeting were read and approved after which a business session was held.
A quartet composed of Ralph Mills, Laurin Edmondson, Hershel Mtthews, and Louis Waller sang �Give of your best to the Master�. Two interesting leaflets were given; �Our Mission Field in Africa� by James Minor and �What a Congo Million Looks Like� by Billy Mills, after which the benediction was given and the meeting adjourned.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
48 HACKBERRY
September 16,1908--Revival services began at Hackberry Sunday night conducted by the pastor, Reverend Sykes, assisted by Reverend S.A. Sadler, pastor of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church of this city. Last night there was one addition to the church and two conversions. Great interest is being shown and the meeting will continue through this week.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
49 CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS
August 10,1909--For some years the people have been endeavoring to rebuild the Macedonia Church which was destroyed about six years ago. The efforts heretofore have been fruitless. A Sunday School has been maintained under great difficulties. This school is now being held in a grove belonging to Mr. George Arms.
In order to assist in the building of this church, there is to be given a big barbecue on Thursday, August 12. The barbecue will be held on Mr. Weakley's place which is better known as Myer's Grove near Black's Spring. The Honorable Michael Savage has consented to be present and to speak on the occasion. There will be ice cream, cake, soft drinks and various other diversions. Everyone is invited and an enjoyable time is expected.
Beginning at 10:00, wagons will run from the ferry at the foot of Commerce St. to the grounds and passengers will be conveyed to the barbecue for the nominal sum of ten cents per person, one-way.
August 12,1909--The picnic today at Myer's Grove under the auspices of the elders of the Presbyterian Church was attended by a large number. Reverend Charles E. Diehl and wife were present and did much to aid the local members in their work. The gathering was a success socially and financially. All seemed to enjoy the day.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
50 RYE�S CHAPEL
October 30,1945--New officers and teachers for 1946 were elected for the Rye's Chapel Methodist Church. The Reverend A.C. Parker will serve as Pastor. Dailey Dunn is Superintendent. Teachers include: Mrs. Will Sinks, Adult Class with Mrs. T.B. Batson as Assistant; Mrs. Donald McCaslin, Young People's Class with L.C. Batson as Assistant; Mrs. T.C. Batson, Junior Class with Paul Plummer as Assistant; Mrs. Paul Plummer, Beginner's Class with Mrs. Annie Mai Sinks as Assistant. Mrs. Dailey Dunn and Mrs. T.B. Batson as pianists.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
51 MCALLISTERS CROSS ROADS
February 14,1930--Sunday School at the McAllister Hall is progressing nicely. Large attendance is noted every Sunday. Reverend T.C. Lackey of Southside preaches there every 4th Sunday afternoon.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
52 TARSUS
September 27,1910--Wilson's Chapel out on Yellow Creek has been reorganized and taken into the Clarksville Presbytery with Reverend A.H. Sykes as pastor.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
53 CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS
March 4, 1901--Reverend Cornelius Ava Barnes tendered his resignation as the Pastor of Pleasant View Baptist Church in District 13. He has been pastor of the church for 16 years and this step is universally deplored by the congregation, who is greatly attached to him.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
54 CUMBERLAND HEIGHTS
October 11,1924--The revival at Pleasant View Baptist Church in which Reverend T.H. Roark has been preaching for ten days, continues with unabated interest, the meetings being held only at night. There have been up to date, fifty-two conversions with twenty-four additions to the church. Large congregations have been attending all evening services and give close attention to the preaching which is attended with splendid singing.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
55 PALMYRA
June 2,1930--The Reverend R.L. Benton, new pastor of the Palmyra Methodist Circuit, has announced a week�s series of revival services at the Palmyra Church beginning next Sunday night, June 9th. Services will be had morning and evening. The evening service will begin at 7:30, but the hours for the morning meeting has not been selected. The Reverend S.M. Ensor, formerly pastor on the Southside Circuit, but now serving the Red River Circuit near Springfield, will do the preaching.
Mr. Benton was assigned to the Palmyra Circuit pastorate three weeks ago succeeding the Reverend E.H. Lovell, who with Mrs. Lovell, left Sunday for Tunda, Belgian Congo, Africa, to serve as Missionary of the Southern Methodist Church.
This is Mr. Benton�s first pastorate, he having just completed six years of work at Emory University, Ala. He having spent two years in the university on his B. D. degree and four years obtaining his B. Ph.
The Reverend and Mrs. Benton have been generously �pounded� by their various congregations and are proving exceedingly popular. Mrs. Benton is the daughter of a Methodist minister, the Reverend C.M. Charles, now serving in this district with residence at Sango.
From: The Chronicle
56 ANTIOCH
May 20,1859--The people on the Southside of the River, are about commencing the building of a new church at Antioch. This is one of the oldest places of worship in the state, having had regular camp-meetings at this church for some forty or fifty years. We are glad to see that the spirit of improvement has at last got hold of the people in that vicinity. And just here we would suggest, that whilst they are improving, that more and better camps are needed, and they should build them at once.
Sealed proposals will be received till the 20th of June, for building a frame church at Antioch. Dimensions: 35 by 45 feet; 14 feet story. Box seats, 28 in number. Plastering and painting included. The church is to be finished entire, in workman-like style.
Address either:
W.R. Thompson
S.F. Allen
T.G. Hutchenson
Building Committee
Daley�s P.O. Ten, May 20, �59
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
57 LOUISE
April 19,1916--Reverend J.R. Simpson came home from Louise last Saturday where he is conducting a revival, assisted by the Reverend Mr. Miller. A reported 56 conversions for the week.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
58 BRIARWOOD
June 8,1872--A protracted meeting will be held at Macedonia on the Southside of the Cumberland River commencing the 13th of July under the direction of Reverends H.L. Burney, B.M. Taylor, and J.H. Reynolds.
July 27,1872--The meeting at Macedonia was closed last Wednesday evening. Under the preaching of Reverend Mr. Taylor and Penick some 28 persons professed religion and 7 or 8 mourners at the altar when the service closed. It was a very interesting and profitable meeting.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
59 DISTRICT 13
After having �attempting� to conduct a religious service in the county jail Wednesday night, Parson Robert Oldham, negro of District 13 began a prayer and song service for the other prisoners. Proper respect was being shown him until another negro prisoner learned the reason Oldham was in jail.
"You ain�t no better than we are if you stole a turkey" he shouted and the service was cancelled when Rev. Oldham�s voice was drowned out by laughter.
The Reverend Oldham was charged by Jim Bradley another negro with selling a 13-pound turkey he was keeping for Bradley and which Bradley was expecting to feast on Thanksgiving.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
60 LIVERWORTH
September 23,1931--The young people union of the Antioch charge met Sunday night at Chapel Hill and an interesting and helpful program was rendered as follows:
Everyone sang �I Am Thine O Lord� with Miss Margaret Lyle at the organ. Bible lesson by Miss Lottie Lyle from the book of Amos. Prayer by Reverend W.T.S. Cook after which a story was told by Miss Margaret Waller relating to the scripture lesson.
Readings and talks were given by Misses Lucy Edmondson, Nell Ussery, and Virginia Hinton.
Another song �Love Lifted Me� was sung after which Reverend Cook made a talk explaining more about the union and how to finance it as it has recently been organized.
It was unanimously voted that the organization be named W.T.S.C. Union in honor of the faithful pastor, Reverend W.T.S. Cook. The pastor being present thanked the group for the honor.
It was also voted that at present at least the union would meet twice each month on the 2nd and 4th Sundays in turn with the four churches, Antioch, Salem, Martha�s chapel, and Chapel Hill. Four ushers were appointed at this time for the union; John Wyatt, Willie Weakley, David Hinton, and Jake Waller who immediately waited on the congregation and a generous offering was taken. The WTSC Union will meet next Sunday at Salem. The league benediction was repeated and the union dismissed.
From: Life and Times of Elder Reuben Ross
61 LORENZO DOW
About the year 1814, the famous Lorenzo Dow made his appearance among us. He preached at Clarksville, Palmyra, and other places in our vicinity. Many went to hear the strange old man, but many more to see him of whom so many anecdotes were related. He was without a doubt partially deranged, but like many others in that unhappy condition was an exceedingly sharp observer of men and quick to detect their characters, motives, and weaknesses. Many believed he was no ordinary mortal, but could divine the thoughts of men.
In the beginning of his ministry, it was said he made a vow never to accept anything for his preaching more than just enough to enable him to continue his labors.
This singular but interesting old man was born in Connecticut in 1777. He had a conversion about the time that John Wesley died. His early religious experience bears a striking resemblance to those of the olden times. There was first an awakening, a deep repentance and sorrow for sin, troubled dreams and gloomy apprehensions; then, in many cases, some text of Scripture containing a blessed promise, heard as if distinctly spoken to a thrill of joy unspeakable, followed by a hope, bright and clear, that sins were forgiven, the Holy Spirit bearing witness with spirits that they were born of God.
After his conversion he attached himself to the Methodist connection, and it was impressed on his mind that he ought to preach the gospel.
It was usual among the Methodists of that day, when an individual expressed a desire to preach, to permit him to go around with a circuit preacher, and if he showed some aptitude for praying in public and exhortation, to give him permission to do so, and if he appeared to improve and to promise well, then to allow him to preach from a text and to become a circuit rider.
Lorenzo�s preacher, after giving him a trial, advised him to give up all ideas of preaching and go home. Another preacher, after a trial, ordered him to go home. This nearly broke his heart. But notwithstanding so many discouragements, sometimes on foot, sometimes on horseback, sometimes almost without money or clothes, he continued trying to preach.
Hoping they might now make him useful, the church tried hard to make him do steady work but in vain. He would, if put on a circuit, leave it, if he had an impression that he ought to go somewhere else, and would soon be heard from, perhaps a hundred miles away. Finding it impossible to make him submit to the discipline of the Methodist Church, they finally ceased to consider him as belonging to it or to their jurisdiction at all.
Lorenzo Dow continued to preach the Word in his own way believing he should �Go Ye Into All The World and Preach The Gospel To Every Creature�. He did go overseas. Dow�s strange life and restless wanderings ended at Georgetown in the District of Columbia in 1837 in the 57th year of his age.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
62 BAGGETT�S CHAPEL
September 27,1899--Last Sunday was Children�s at Baggett�s Chapel. There were two hundred people or more present. This was one of the best conducted Children�s Day services that I ever saw. The program was carried out nicely. The music of the occasion was very fine. Miss Mary Hodo played the organ and the choir sang. After services, dinner was spread on the ground and there was plenty for everybody. Then Reverend Daingerfield preached an excellent sermon. This day�s service speaks well for those who have been laboring in the Sunday school at Baggett�s Chapel.
J.R.
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
63 SHILOH
August 28,1901--We had quite an enjoyable day last Sunday at Shiloh Baptist Church. Two good services and baptizing in the evening. Mrs. Elrod and daughter were baptized in the East Fork of Yellow Creek, not far from the church. We can only hope that it is the beginning of better times with the church. We want to protract our meeting there early on October.
Cornelius Ava Barnes
From: Daily Leaf Chronicle
64 SHILOH
April 20,1899--Our services last Sunday at Shiloh were pleasant, the congregation good and paid marked attention to the speaker. It is hope of the little band of Baptists to build a house of worship in the near future. They have the lot and soon there will be a saw mill put up near to where they will build. This will enable them to get the rough lumber cheap and thereby lessen the expense of the building. The church is weak financially and needs the help of its brethren. Who will be kind enough to aid them?
Shiloh is a small village on the East fork of Yellow Creek, does a good business, and needs a church there. Through the kindness of Brother Woodward, the pastor, we are using the Methodist Church for a short time.
Reverend Barnes
From: Daily Tobacco Leaf Chronicle
65 SHILOH
January 9,1891--I ask a small space in your paper to report the progress on the church house being built near Riggins, Tennessee. The pillars are up, the doors, windows, shingles, and the lumber for the frame, weatherboarding, and flooring are bought and nearly all on the yard. The contract is let to Mr. Charlie Welker and the work on the house is commenced; the ladies are knitting to pay for the hardware that will be needed.
Any one wishing to help in so good a work as building houses of worship can do so by handing their contributions to F.F. Fox of the Clarksville Church or Cornelius Ava Barns.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
66 TARSUS
July 14,1905--Tarsus and Wilson�s Chapel Sunday Schools had a picnic at Tarsus on the 8th. The day was partly fair and much enjoyed by the good crowd present. Reverend Walkup of Cumberland City was the speaker and delivered splendid message.
A protracted meeting is being conducted at Tarsus this week. The pastor, Reverend J.A. Patterson, is assisted by Reverend Hensley of Nashville.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
67 MARTHA�S CHAPEL
June 19,1934--Members of the Martha�s Chapel Sunday School will give a play �Here Comes Charlie� Saturday night June 23 at 6:00 at the Salem School. The proceeds will be used for repairs for the church.
From: Clarksville Weekly Chronicle
68 MCALLISTER�S CROSSROADS
August 1,1885--Brother J.M. Stamper will commence a meeting at Valley�s Spring, in Dickson County, in a few days. He is coming in on the Baptist right sharply, in a roundabout way. He had a better meeting at Oak Grove than Sam Jones ever had according to the amount of material he had to work on. His audience was not over 125. He had 28 conversions, 20 joined the church and several were baptized. He is a very plan spoken man. He speaks what he thinks. He called some of the boys devils.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
69 GUM SPRINGS
July 25,1931--Perhaps the most successful revival in the history of the Gum Springs Baptist Church in District 20 came to a close last Sunday when twenty-nine were baptized, and with no other, took membership in the church.
Those baptized were: Cullom, Elton, Roy, Virgie, and Maggie Black; Hubert, Laura, Edd, and Peal Smith; Anna Belle, Sterling, and Coy Baggett; Wayne Lewis; Anna and Lucy Miller; Lillie and Vallie McWhorter; Emory and Odell Rye; Clarence and Maybelle Biter; Lou Conatser; Katie Sinks; Julia Mai Trotter; Welborn Yarbrough; Sterling Nicks; Lester Mackens; and Houston Black. Mrs. Clarence Biter joined by letter.
The Reverend H.G. Mastings, the pastor, conducted the service assisted by the Reverend Mose Tidwell.
Gum Springs, a small congregation a few years ago when Mr. Mastings took over the pastorate, is more than three times as large as it was when he became pastor.
From: Clarksville Leaf Chronicle
70 ORGAIN�S CROSSROADS
July 17,1931--Announcement that July 26-August 9 inclusive are the dates for the annual union tent meeting of the Antioch Methodist Circuit to be held under a tent at Orgain�s Crossroads, eight miles out of Clarksville on Highway 48, was made today by the pastor, the Reverend W.T.S. Cook.
The preaching is to be done by the Reverend Robert B. Rawls, pastor of the Church of the Nazarene in this city, and the singing will be in charge of the Reverend S.M. Ensor, Methodist minister.
Members of the circuit, will meet at the revival scene on July 23 and 24, to prepare the ground and erect the 40x76 tent. The tent is to be well equipped with seats and properly lighted. Ice water will be kept on the grounds and every other possible comfort provided for the large congregation expected to attend the meeting. Services are to be held twice daily at 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m.