Historical Newspapers of South Carolina

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HISTORY CROSS RC 4ft Prepared from Reco: Read Before En Meetin (Printed from Minates by I To take a restrospectr I must confess that I hat necessary when I consen of what our old Mother century. I have entered humblenes of spirit, aski Spirit of God that I sh thought that would bring such facts and truths th; future generation, who bringhtcr and nobler th tained to. God, in his own good that his great and matcl into the hearts and minds likely a small flock of h< hardships, to organize, j Church on these sacred 1814. The record shows that and James Teague, orgai that it has continued fror ganization following the ] constituted, and has bee praise, honor and glori: time has she been withoi the ao-oreeate, during th OO -w in the very outset I wish of Cross Roads Church Judge Belton O'Neall ar value and should be of his County. It shows that Roads Church were men v Charles Crow was receiv 1802, during a great revwere added to that Chu 1807, two gifted Brethr were called to the work dained on August 20th, "Judge O'Neall also sp which was constituted ii the three persons record* Church, two were not or reconcile these variances services at Mill Creek a: there, but no regular ors j814, when this organize and Teague. There has ers of the meek and low loved the Master and ms his vineyard that men ar ing knowledge, through By tradition only we k rude log building sometl country school houses b; sixties, and worshipers in each month promptly, vided, that if a member i enquired after promptly; * * * _ _ was required to give a r Conferences were on Sa business, unless rains pr< tended to on Sunday, or it was taken up. There rective discipline all dur: the Church which was first half century of th ter and his servants wor records, that there were were slaves during that The same rules applied pears, required a lot of < pastors and officers and and kind and brotherly Church fellowship. This love toward bretl were born of the Spirit ; We find no record fr been lost, but it is very church as pastor, for w and was a young.and ze J:.mes Teague died eai berry/' the leading mem David Boazman, Abr Wells, Sr., and William The Church was also find met in: Fairfield, Newberry Districts. Regular services \ver< elected and sent up to th and Abner Wells. That year, in 1822, d House in Spartanburg D in Fairfield District, and ens District. In 1825 th 1826 David Boazman ai instructions to do as the) sociation. In 1827 George F. We and i828Abram Dyson ; The church petitioned sion in 1830. Abram Dys IADS CHURCH FOR ONE HUNDRED YEARS rd Book by Mr. J. R. Irwin and orce Association at Annual g in September. 'emission of Re?. J. N. Booth, Secretary.) re view of a century is no small task. :1 only a faint conception of the work ted to try to give you a concise view Church had been doing for the last [ the work with uncovered head and ,ng the direction and guidance of the tall not put on record any word or r about strife or heartaches; but only at will tend to elevate and bring the may read or ponder over them, to loughts and deeds than the past attime and for his own good purpose iless name might be glorified, put it of three of his faithful followers, and irdv oioneers whom he had rained in J A is a body of baptized believers ino a grounds, on the 223rd of September, Richard Shackle ford, Charles Crow, nized and constituted this Church and n that time to the present to be an orpurpose for which it was ordained and n at all times opened for service to fy God. Only for small periods of it a shepherd or pastor, amounting in e century to about three years. Now ; to call your attention to the mention . in the "Annals of Newberry" by ' T ' a ^ ^ 1(1 jonn i\. v^napmaii a iaajis. ui jh e steem, especially to citizens of this the founders or organizers of Cross nbers of Bush River Church and that ed and baptised the 4th of September, ival in Bush River Church, when 94 rch and then on the 8th of August, en James Tea^ue and Charles Crow of the Gospel ministrv and were or1807. teaks of Mill Creek (now Cross Road) 1 1801." This must be a mistake as 2d as constituting, or organizing, this dained till 1807. The only way I can is that probably there might have been nd a neucleus of believers assembling ? j / 1?. 1 vvor* jciniztG ^nuicxi unui c^paiiiuv: u, ition was made by Shackiefard, Crow been many good and faithful fellow ]y Jesus, both men and women, who tde sacrMces and labored faithfully in id women might be brought to a savfaith in his Holy Name. now that the first meeting house was a ling after the fashion of many of onr ack in the fifties, and even up to the assembled one Saturday and Sunday for we find that one of the rules proailed to meet with the Church, he was and, if he missed another meeting, he ? ? x__ ^~Ti-./i casun iur ucixig du^cm. j. uv, viiu^v.. iturday and rarely failed to attend to evented meeting; then it would be atpostponed until the next month, when was a good aealvof stress put on coring what I will call the first period of from 1814 to 1864 inclusive, or the e Church, the period when the masshiped together, for we find from the : more members of this Church who period than there were free people. to all. These ignorant slaves, it ap:orrective discipline, but thanks to the free members for their great patience forbearance in restoring them to . iren, though slaves, is proof that they md were followers of the Christ, om 1814 to 1820, they have probably likely that Charles Crow served the e find he was one of the organizers alous preacher. iy, as we lear1 from "Annals of New bers were like. am Dyson, James Hill, George F. Goggans. in the Bethel Association which we Spartanburg, Laurens, Greenville and ; carried on in 1821, delegates were e Bethel Association?David Boazman elegates went to New Hope Meeting istric\ and in 1823 the association met in 1824 with Chestnut Ridge, in Laure association met in Chester District? id Tames Hill went as delegates with j / ?r ^ i liiuiiym ijcm, a? tu ujvjmujj ui tut aslis. Sr., and James Hill, were delegates and George F. Wells, Sr. Bethel Association for letter of dismisor. and George F. Wells, Sr., delivered the petition for letter of dismir to join the Reedy River Associal In 1831 David Boazman, Gee Hill were delegates to Reedy R Beaverdam Church in Laurens October 18th, 1831, a union n 6th. About 55 conversions an Three Deacons: James Hill, Fi man were ordained on Thursd June, 1832. James Hill, Francis Spearrr delegates to the Reedy River A John Chappell and Abram I Sptember 1st, 1832, Drury baptissed. October 30th, 1832, meeting twelve added to Church by expe December 2nd, Church agree* twice a year?April and Septa 1833 delegates to the Reedy Creek Church, Francis Spearma May the 2nd. 1834, Brother which was seconded by James I willing to enter into necessary m House. A large majority appro teen was appointed to make a d the necessary arrangements to h The committee was: John C Dyson, Andrew Lark, James H liam Adams, Peter Moon, Willis Williams, Francis Spearman ar that A. L. Lark and Peter Mc Church.) May 2nd, 1835, the church ; tract for building a new Meetin James Hill, John Williams, Geo: Silas Hill, Graves Spearman, "\ and Abram Dyson. April 4th, 1840, Church agre committee: John H. Williams Yaughan were appointed to let August ist, 1840, Samuel Fie finished the house and was notif Laurens Court to compel him to You will note that this house time authorized for completion. What patience in contrast wit Two Deacons, Silas Hill and ed and ordained, September 3: gularly sent up to the associatio Meetings. September 2nd, 1842, Brothe liam Watkins and Thomas C. H to have Meeting House underpii rooms at the pool. In as much as several "membi ronizng a dancing school, by p it was agreed to send the assoc in accordance with the Gospel ( ber of the Church of Christ to sending or suffering their child Friday before the 3rd Sunday and James C. Vaughan were c and the association met with th Without any disparagement 1 vants of God; but as it is, whei mention the few as representati were, so i Deg to give a nsi 01 the representative members aci period: David Boazman, Abne Weiss, Abram Dyson,'Francis : Chappell, Silas Hill, James C. George Adams, Graves Spearm Hill, Franklin Rudd, William Glenn. These representative men of true and faithful to the end, t dence of their brethren, and nc have received at the end of t! ward of welcome, "Well done t enter into Eternal rest." r 1 ^ ? ?- sA 4 1 nesc UUUiy UICU ucan gwita men, both white and black, end< and counsel the weak, and \v flounder, would endeavor by e path of right and rectitude. ( they withdraw fellowship, and : stored when they made prone' that they repented their deeds. August 6tn, 1846, Brother E White were received into the Q May 1st, 1847, Brother Reu Pitts were received by letter. 1852. May 5th, 1849, William Gog< Goggans were granted lettoi i. September 29th, 1849, a proti was carried on and twenty by were added to the Church: Susan Cornelia Smith, Living den Turin, William Watts, Sai man and John White, were bapl 1 1 ' ??/% ? ron/ liV OlSIUruailCCi wuc acuitu <inv There was an overflowing of proof that the heart was full oi We can not hate our brother a Gon and Mammon. August 5th. 1850. the Churcl Ilill, (the wife of Deacon Jc authority to so act. This is th wnmnn mentioned in regard to 1 Tt was in 1851 Elmore and F. Wells, Sr., were admitted tc These two black men and Xai ision from I icthcl Association :ion. >rge F. Wells, Sr., and James iver Association vvhicn met at District, September 17th. lpptincr rontinned to November ' ? d additions to the Church. T-ik Spearman and John Boazay before the 3rd Sunday in lan and John Boazman kere .ssociation. )yson alternate. T. Yaughan joined and \va> protracted for six days and rience. rl to have Communion Service mber. River Association, Warriors n, Silas Hill and James Hill. ( l->^1 ?no/lo 1 nintion JUU.l idp'pv n uiaviv. a mvuvw j lill to know if the Church wa? easures to build a new Meeting )ved it, and corftmittee of thirraft, or plan, of the house and ave it built. happell, John Boazman, Abram ill, George F. Wells, Sr., Wilim Bailey, Thomas Rudd, John id Cason Hill (I would note K)n were not members of this ^- ? 1- J ? 4-A ippumicu it lvj vvjug House: Francis Spearman, rge Wells, Sr., George Adams, William Bailey, Jahn Chappell ed to paint the Church and a , John Chappell and Tames C. out the contract. mining, the contractor, had not ied that a bill would be filed in finish it, if he did not do so. was about five years from the :h the present day! Graves Spearman, were electrd, 1836. Delegates were re n each year, also to the Union :rs George F. Wells, Sr., Wil'ill were appointed a committee nned, and also to build dressing srs had been reported for patermitting their children to go. nation the query "Would it be )r in Gospel order for a mempatronize a dancing school, by rpn trv crn jv-" , r in September, 1843, Silas Hill irdained to preach the Gospel, is Chri^ch at that time. to any one of the faithful ser e there are many, we can only ves, to indicate what the whole those who appear to have been :ording to the record for this :r Wells, James Hill, George F. Spearman, John Boazman, John Vaughan, John H. Williams, an, William Bailey, Thomas C. Catkins, Reubin Pitts and Mark this period seem to have been <-% .i't> a 1vj,-1 tlvp fmnlint confi :ver td have lost it. May they ieir physical life the great rehou good and faithful servants, y and lovably with their fellow eavoring at all times to correct hen they would stumble and very means to ge them in the Dnly in the extreme cases did r.any, especially black, were re acknowledgment and showed liza Wells and his sister, Julia lurch. ben Pitss and his wife, Luara Reuben Pitts died November, jans and his wife, Sister Sarah "acted meeting of fourteen days experience and three by If tier ston Payne, Agnes Wells, Hol*ah Goggans, Lafayette Spearcisecl and all old fueds and famI agreed to be buried forever, love for one another, a positive t the Spirit and Love for God. nd love God: we cannot serve i formarlly made Sister Nancv imes Hill) a Deaconcss with ie only rccord we liave of any :his office. Woodson the slaves of George the fellowship of the Church, thaniel, who was the slave of f Win. B. Boyd, after emancipation k Woodman Brown, and Nathaniel ] lives of their race in the Church till August 12th, 1853, G. F. Wells, J added to the Church. October 1st, 1853, Martha Watki ience. April 1 st, 1854, the Church arran survey Church lands and get titles granted by him to the Church, and into one lot. Brother F. Adams was appointed June 2nd, 1855, received the rep the Cross Roads Church. Brothers: Mark Glenn, C. B. Geo. F. Wells, Sr., Graves Spearmai Spearman, were appointed to make by-laws were adopted at a subseque fin was made intendant; M. Glem Wells, Graves Spearman, jonn wn were made wardens, and William William A. Wells, were made polic July 31st, 1858, Brother J. R. Pre ers William B. Boyd, Z. Watkins, * . and T. Robinson, constituting the I T. D. Durham preached the ordi January 1st, 1859, the Church gi ground on Church lot. September 1st, i860, the doors c and John C. Hill and his wife, CI Broyles related their experience am ^ 1 c U WCIODer 1UU1, low, o<u<iu x i villi) White, Nancy A. Goggans. Willia man and Meredith Gibson joined b October, i860, Brothers William gans united by letter. August 2nd, 1861, Brothers Will John R. Proffitte were elected dele! ciation. August 1st. 1863, delegates were as follows; C. B. Griffin, G. F. man, William Boyd. ?+T-, 18^1 PTill p W\_UJUC1 / 111, IWJ, J. .. experience. October 8th, 1863, David Gibson ar ed by experience. April 3rd, 1864. Thomas J. Lipsc June 4th, 1864, John C. Hill and ] granted letters. December 3rd, 1864, Brother W Lucinda Boyd, were granted letter July 1st, 1865, a freeman namec erty of R. E. Campbell, came forw and was received. This is 4he first instance of a i Church after the slaves were eman< August 4th, 1866, delegates wer held at Poplar ^Spring.' Church: Wells, Sr., Col Thomas J. Lipscoi Brother G. W. L. Spearman was m? cessor of Geo. Wells, Sr. Nat IJoyd, or Nat Peterson a Boyd applied for license to preach, postponed action. September 1st, 1866. resolution preciation of long continued and George F. Wells, Sr., as Church el resigned on account of infirmities c September 5th, 1866, Mrs. Eliz; erine/VVatts were received. .April 6th, 1867, Brother B. F. 1 beth Corley were received by letter beville District. February 1st, 1868, Brother Jai funeral of Brother George F. We honor of deceased were read and ac April 5th, 1868, two deacons, ] G. W. L. Spearman, were elected, cr Mendenhall preached and they July 4th, 1868, C. B. Griffin, S rmon u:prp nrvnnintpd to revis ijpv.aiiiiaii "VJV, ? ? that chose to remain in the Church were in the time of our forefathers to be entered upon the record book A free woman, Lucy Vinson wa This seems to be the time whei black began to maintain separate ( This seems to be the intention of * ' T u mittee. Ana i suppose mtrrc nau u< attendance of the black brothers a not wish to accept the conditions la in their names on the revised rolls necessary, as before this time, th first names, and now they had ch< s nee, it had been "Elmore the sa now it was "Elmore Brown." Delegates to the association this Silas Walker, Lafayette Spearman Brother William A. Gains was 1869. January 2nd, 1869, Mrs. Charlo into the Church by .letter. It was a? the plan of systematic giving montl June 5th, 1869, the committee cc Silas Walker, G. W. L. Spearmai tions in memory of Deacons Jami man, making them jointly as the brothers had passed away within a r ages being respectively, Brother } Spearman, 76 years old. And on .William Gaines, the pastor, prea< worthy saints. October 2nd, 1869, Brother W. B for 1870. 2 , nown as: Elmore Brown, Peterson, were representathey chose to withdraw, r., and James Martin were ins was received by experged to have T. J. Dyson to from A. L. Lark, for land, to have the two pieces put to superintend the same, ort of the incorporation of Griffin, James C. Knight, i, John Williams, Lafayette by-laws for same. These nt meeting and C. B. Grif i, James P. Knight, (j. b. j liams, Lafayette Spearman, N Watkins, John Chappellv em en. jffitte was ordained, Broth-1 T. J. Pierce, B. T. Corley >esberty. nation sermon. anted privilege of a burial if the Church were opened layton Hill and Dr. Julius 1 were received. e, united by letter, Amanda m Gibson, Chesley Spear y experience. Goggans and Sister Gogiam B. Boyd, C. B. Griffin, *ates to Reedy River asso: elected to the association, Wells, Sr., Grover Spearnd Robert White' joined by i id Pinkney Davenport join- 1 nmiK was received bv letter. M his wife, Clayton Hill, were M 'm. B. Boyd and his wife, I John, formerly the V ard, related his experH ^ Vjj freeman uniting with :ipated. e elected to the association^|?||fB C. B. Griffin, Gorge F. and Silas Walker, also ide Church clerk as the sue- ^ freeman slave of Wm. ft. and the Church indefinitely J s of thanks and high ay- Miff faithful service of Brother, BH !erk. was adopted, when tee VjB ff old age. V i Watkins and Miss Cath- ?;! Corley and his wife Eliza- , M from Siloam Church in Ab- 1 * -nes Coleman preached the J :11s, Sr., and resolutions in J lopted and recorded. M brothers Silas Walker and On May 31st, 1868, Broth- V vere ordained. "I| ilas Walker and G. W. L. "j e the Church rolls and all ! on the same status as they should gfive in their names ' A s baptised. 1 the wL.te people and the Thurches. the appointment of the comeen quite a falling off in the nd sisters. Those who did id down, would fail to give . Those revised rolls were ey were recorded only by )sen other names. For inLive of Geo. F. Wells" and year were: C. B. Griffin, i, William Goggans. called to the pastorate for tte Spearman was received jreed that the Church adopt hly. >nsisting of: C. B. Griffin, i, reported suitable resolu es Hill and Graves Speartwo venerable and worthy nonth of each other. Their Jill, 83 years old, Brother September 4, 1869, Brother :hcd the funerals of these *1 1 4.^ . hAkm was cawea as pasiw t i