The Bell County Association of Baptists (Missionary) was organized in 1896. At the time of the organization of the Association there were only eleven churches, with a membership of 704 and 16 ministers. The minutes for 1938 show a total of 65 churches, with a membership of 8,500 and 109 regularly ordained ministers. In 1896 the total value of all property was $3,425.00. In 1938 the total value of all church property was $306,242.30. Of the 16 ministers in 1896 only one. Rev. William C. Hutchins, Crab Orchard, Kentucky, still lives. The other 15 have passed to their eternal reward.

        The officers for the Bell County Association of Baptists for the year 1938 are Rev. J. W. Crowley, Middlesborough, Kentucky, Moderator; Rev. Sam T. Browning, Middlesborough, Kentucky, Assistant Moderator; Rev. W. T. Robbins, Wasioto, Kentucky, Clerk; Maurice Tribell, Assistant Clerk.

I. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF MIDDLESBOROUGH

        The First Baptist Church of Middlesborough was organized in a small shack, the office of J. R. Sampson, at Middlesborough, Kentucky, September 23, 1889. At that time there were no streets, sidewalks, or permanent buildings of any kind in Middlesborough. Its streets, laid out to the extent they were in use, were marches and mud puddles. There were very few people there and none who regarded it as home.

        The church was organized by council, composed of Rev. R. C. Medaris, Rev. L. M. Sharp and Rev. L. Close. Brother Medaris acted as Moderator and brother Sharp as Secretary. It organized with the following charter members: J. F. Bosworth, W. J. Eastman, Mrs. Mary Eastman, Stella Eastman, W. G. Eastman, J. S. Chambers, J. C. Teague, J. C. Tarvin, Clinton Cribins, and J. R. Sampson.

        Articles of faith and church covenants were adopted and the church was thus organized. A church meeting was held with Brother Medaris as Moderator and J. C. Teague as Clerk; and W. J. Eastman, Clinton Cribens and J. C. Teague were elected Trustees, and J. C. Teague was elected church clerk.

        A building committee, composed of J. F. Bosworth, W. J. Eastman and J. C. Teague, was appointed; and J. R. Sampson and J. C. Teague were appointed to draft a church constitution, which was afterwards adopted.

        The Middlesborough Town and Land Company agreed to give to all church denominations a lot for buildings and was to donate all brick and stone and unused lumber needed in erecting such buildings.

        On October 26, 1889, the church entered into contract with W. J. Eastman to build the church for $920.00, he to donate $200.00 of that amount. The building, not very imposing, but ample for all purposes, was completed. Brother Medaris supplied for the church, from time to time, and held a meeting at which the church membership was materially increased.

        On October 10, 1890, Rev. William Shelton, from the Franklin treet Baptist Church of Louisville, was called and began his pastorate, in November, 1890, and continued with the church until March, 1892, when he accepted a call to Dalton. A few years later Brother Shelton, in the prime of his life, died.

        Rev. Everett Gill, a young seminary student, supplied for the church several months, from April to Novenber, 1892, when his duties at the seminary required his whole time. Later he went as a missionary to Italy and has been ever since, and is now (1924) at the head of all Italian missionary work.

        Rev. W. A. Borum, who accepted a call to the church, began his pastorate, December 4, 1892, and continued until January 13, 1897, when he

accepted a call to a church at Somerset, Kentucky.

        Rev. George W. Perryman was the next pastor of the church and began his work in November, 1898. The church and Sunday School increased under Brother Perryman's pastorate and very soon outgrew the building. They then enlarged the building and installed the first pipe organ in Middlesborough. Brother Perryman, in 1900, was called to the Baptist Church in Knoxville, Tennessee, and a few years later died.

        Rev. C. M. Reid began his pastorate of the church in 1901 and continued his labors with the church until 1910. Under his ministry the church grew, during which time the church had several successful church revivals. It was through him that the present Baraca Class was    organized, through him the church was enlarged and through him a number of Sunday School rooms were added. Brother Reid went from there to London, Kentucky, and then into missionary work in Colorado, where he is now living (1924) and working.

        In 1910 Rev. J. M. Roddy was called to the pastorate of the church, and, upon his return from a trip to the Holy Land, in January, 1911, he began his work as such. He was full of zeal and devotion and was consecrated to the service of the Master. He was untiring in his efforts to build up the church. Withal, he was a man of marked executive ability, not only in directing the activities of the church, but also in its business affairs. The church had never occupied the place or exerted the influence it could have done in the community heretofore, but under his direction, it became not only an influence for good among Baptists, but also among the people of the entire city. He took a part in every public movement for moral and social uplift of the community. To his active advocacy and efforts, more than to any other man, was due the final success achieved in voting prohibition in Middlesborough, after many failures; and then it was that the city was relieved of the curse of open

saloons.

        The church needed a better location, a modern building and a pastor's home. The pastor's home was secured, and then he began his efforts to secure an effective and modern church building. First, the most desirable lot in the city, the one now occupied by the church, was secured, and by small contributions from men, women and children, of five cents and up, the money was raised to pay for it. Thus, working for several years, the church was ready to begin to build. The services of Mr. Palmer Sharp were secured to generally superintend the building, and Mr. A. B. Miller was secured to superintend the work. The building was esigned by Brother Roddy, and he devoted a great deal of his time during the

years getting ready to build and was about the building during the construction every day. Finally it was completed. The building was the most imposing and splendid structure in all this mountain section at the time it was built, and was one of the best planned for Sunday School work, with ample departments for all of the classes. It was dedicated the thirteenth day of March, 1917. Brother Roddy preached the dedicatory sermon, and in two years it was fully paid for.

        In 1920 Brother Roddy was called to the Dederick Avenue Baptist Church,

Knoxville, Temessee, and accepted the call in October, 1921. He was then in poor

health and in a short time he suffered a nervous collapse. He suffered fearfully

for more than a year. Brother Roddy recovered and then went to Springfield as

pastor.

        The next pastor was Rev. Sam P. Martin, who accepted a call to the church November 1, 1921, and began his labors as pastor January 22, 1922. His first service began with a revival meeting, in which he was assisted by Rev. Paul Montgomery and wife as singers. He at once entered into the work of soul winning. He soon had the church crowded, and as a result of his wonderful appeal to church menbers and sinners, a very deep spiritual interest became manifest in all. Many were converted and there were added to the church membership in that meeting over 200. In 1924 the church had a membership of 950, with an attendance at Sunday School of 700. It had the largest men's class in the state, and, under

the leadership of Brother Russ Hill, the crowds were from 200 to 300 every Sunday.

        Following the pastorate of Rev. Sam P. Martin, Rev. E. F. Adams became pastor of the church September 11, 1925, and continued as pastor until August 29, 1928. During this period the church expanded its work along all lines. The large attendance at the Baraca Class was continued. The T. E. L. Class for women also had a remarkable record for attendance. The whole Sunday School received special attention. The church increased its financial progran. With the growth of the Baraca Class and the Sunday School generally a program of church building developed. The plan to build the present Sunday School plant was launched in this period, and much of the construction was carried out. This program gave the First Baptist Church a plant that ranks with the best in the state.

        Following E. F. Adams' pastorate, Rev. S. E. Tull was called as pastor, and took charge of the work December 2, 1928. His pastorate was one of the longest in the history of the church, terminating August 1, 1937. One of the chief problems of the church in this era was the debt incurred in the building program. The year 1929 will be remembered as the year of the crash in Wall Street, and the beginning of the so called "depression". The building debt at this peak was $65,000. Interest charges added to the principal required large sums of money. The church worked heroically during this period to save the building, and to carry on the regular Work of the church. During the pastorate of Rev. Tull the debt was reduced to about $36,000. One of the outstanding features of this pastorate was a number of revivals. Some of the leading pastors of the south were engaged as speakers. Their work was deeply spiritual and constructive.

        In December, 1937, Rev. Marvin Adams was called as pastor, and moved into the field March 1, 1938. During fifteen months of his pastorate the church membership has been increased by 125, making a total membership at present of 1610.

II. THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF PINEVILLE

        The First Baptist Church of Pineville was organized June 7, 1889. The following named persons were charter members: John G. Pearce, Mrs. Gertie Pearce, J. C. Clark, Mrs. J. C. Clark, Mrs. Veal, Charles M. Blanc, Mrs. Bettie Blanc, John R. Bowman, Mrs. Sallie Bowman, Joseph Bowman, William Bowman, J. S. Hargis, Mrs. Amanda Hargis, O. V. Riley, J. H. Estes, Mrs. Ida G. Estes, Miss Cynthia Austin, Annie Moyer, Catherine Partin, John H. Shy, Mrs. Minnie Shy, Mattie Shy, B. F. Allen, Hannah Allen, Paralee Miller, F. L. Blanc, C. J. Hargis, Mrs. Amanda Bingham, Mrs. Lucinda Bingham, Miss Nannie Base. There were thirty members in this organization.

        Rev. R. C. Medaris was elected Moderator. He, Rev. J. N. Bowling and Rev. J. R. Hicks were the presbytery. John Q. Pearce was elected Clerk. They met in the Pineville public school building. After the organization was completed the members met in regular church session for business. The name chosen at this meeting was "The Pineville Batpist Church." F. L. Blanc was elected Clerk to serve one year. Rev. R. C. Medaris was elected the first pastor.

        On August 11, 1889, they voted to have their business meetings on the third Saturday in each month and the envelope system for collecting was adopted. On September 5, 1891, arrangements were made to have preaching services twice a month, on the first and third Sundays. On the same date F. L. Blanc, Florence Souerbry and Carrie Newlee were appointed a comittee to canvass for funds for missions. They raised $9.45 and this was sent to the North Concord Association. Communion was to be observed quarterly.

        On October 15, 1891, arrangements were made to borrow $1500.00 from the United States Savings Loan and Building Company, of St. Paul, Minnesota, mortgaging the church building to secure same. An organ was purchased at this time. The General Association was held at Williamsburg that year and C. J. Hargis was elected a delegate from this church.

        The church at the time was calling their pastor by the year. Rev. C. M. Freeman was chosen pastor on April 1, 1892, for one year and his salary was to be $500.00. He was not elected at the end of the year on account of lack of funds to pay him.

        On August 11, 1893, Rev. W. A. Borum was selected to preach one Sunday a month. The church seemed to be without a pastor from January, 1896, to September 14, 1902, when Rev. R. M. Mays was elected for one year to preach two Sundays per month at a salary of $300 J. H. Shy, J. T. C. Noe and H. Clay Rice were elected Deacons and ordained.

        A church was organized at West Pineville in April, 1903, but seems to have gone down after a few months. After the year was up of Rev. Mays' pastorate, Rev. E. L. Andrews was elected to serve the church at a salary of $500 per year. Miscellaneous collections from October 26, 1902, to October 14, 1903, were only $47.34. On December 16, 1903, a motion to appoint a comittee to report to the church those members living in violation of the rules of the church was lost. On July 24, 1904, the Rev. Andrews resigned to accept a call to one of the churches in Covington, Kentucky.

        Rev. S. H. Tabb was elected as pastor on February 9, 1908, for full time at a salary of $1,000 per year. Rev. Tabb resigned January 1, 1910.

Rev. L. B. Arvin was called as pastor on January 16, 1910, and resigned in October, 1910. Rev. Mays was again elected pastor April, 1911, to serve the church three Sundays per month. December 4, 1913, Rev. W. C. Sale was called and served the church until April, 1915. On June 1, 1915, Rev. J. A. McCord was called and served until April 27, 1919, when he resigned. The church had no regular pastor from that time until January 1, 1920, when Rev. L. C. Kelly began his pastorate, which he still holds.

        One of the greatest revivals the church has ever had was from November 5, 1916, to December 5, conducted by Rev. J. B. DeGarmo, assisted by Frank McGarvy as singer. There were seventy-two additions. Prior to the revival the church had planned a new building on the old lot where the McCord residence now stands to cost around $15,000. However, after the success of that revival it was planned to enlarge on the plans, and five lots on the corner of Kentucky Avenue and Holly Street were purchased, from Grant Mason for $1,000 and arrangements were started for a building on the lots. The following building committee was

appointed: Judge T. J. Asher, Chairman, Dr. M. Brandenburg, Treasurer, E. N. Ingram, P. J. Galloway, and J. A. Whitaker. The finance committee was a follows: T. R. Ware, Chairman, G. M. Asher, J. M. Gibson, A. B. Gilbert, R. B. Rice, G. J. Jarvis, Dr. Edward Wilson, Mrs. White L. Moss. In September, 1917, the old church and lot was sold to Judge Asher for $1,200.

        Plans were adopted and work on the church was started. Work progressed rapidly and the church was completed in the latter part of 1918. The church was dedicated on March 23, 1919. During the latter part of 1919 the church purchased the present pastor's home from Judge Asher for $10,000, and as a part payment on this home Judge Asher took in the pastor's home on Virginia Avenue for $2,000 and he donated $1,000. On August 26, 1918, the church borrowed $10,000 from the Commonwealth Life Insurance Company and later some on the pastor's home. These

notes are the ones to be burned here this afternoon (1939). The original church building cost a little over $60,000. The low cost was made possible through Judge Asher, who helped the church buy materials at a low cost. This church was made possible through the liberality of such members as Judge T. J. Asher, R. W. Creech, Dr. and Mrs. M. Brandenburg, and many others who contributed liberally to it.

        The greatest visible work of the church, prior to 1920, was done during the pastorate of Rev. J. A. McCord, who, in less than four years, more than doubled the membership, built a new church and pastor's home, now valued at from $90,000 to $100,000. The pastor now has one of the finest homes in Pineville and the membership has one of the largest and best equipped churches in any rural community in Kentucky.

        On September 13, 1922, the following Deacons were ordained: R. W. Creech, Thomas Wilson, Dr. Edward Wilson, R. H. Shipp, J. S. Chappell, I. J. Porter, J. M. Gibson. The budget for 1923 was $12,000.

        On December 17, 1922, Howard Martin was appointed assistant pastor and educational director. He resigned on September 5, 1923, being called to other work in California.

        Under the pastorate of Rev. Kelly the church has had a phenominal growth in membership, in spirituality and in general educational Christian work. He has shown himself a good pastor, a builder, and an everlasting fighter for the right against the wrong in our community. His slogan is, "No compromise with evil." Our financial report from 1923 on shows: 1923, $25,435.28; for 1924, $20,276.57; for 1925, $12,052.95; for 1926, $14,286.17; for 1927, $11,017.53; for 1929, $13,484.21.

        The latter part of 1921 an organ was purchased for $5,500. Our quota for the seventy-five million campaign was $25,000. Over $29,000 was subscribed and the full amount was paid in. We know of no other church under the jurisdiction of the Southern Baptist Convention that did this well. Our membership has been of a transient nature, about 30 percent of those coming into the church have gone to other fields and moved their meubership, many have moved away and never called for their letters and have been placed on the non-resident list. The present membership is 904. Approxmiate membership on January 1, 1920, when Rev. L. C. Kelly began his pastorate, was around 350; September 1, 1924, 544; September 1, 1925, 680; September 1, 1932, 718; September 1, 1933, 744; September 1, 1934, 772; June 1, 1939, 904.

        During the present pastorate there have been 1317 additions to the church. Since January, 1924, there has been a loss of seventy-two by death and fifteen exclusions.

        The church has no indebtedness except a few current bills. Recently the church and the pastor's home have been covered with asbestos shingles and should last almost indefinitely.

        Since the organization of the Pineville Church in 1889 to the present time, 1939, the following ministers have served the church: Rev. R. C. Medaris, Rev. M. C. Freeman, Rev. G. D. Henderickson, Rev. W. A. Borum, Rev. Lucius Robinson, Rev. R. M. Mays, Rev. E. L. Andrews, Rev. S. H. Tabb, Rev. L. B. Arvin , Rev. W. C. Sale, Rev. J. A. McCord, Rev. H. D. Allen, and Rev. L. C. Kelly.

III. OTHER CHURCHES OF THE BELL COUNTY

ASSOCIATION OF BAPTISTS

        The Antioch-Chenoa Baptist Church was first organized at Harrison, Bell County, Kentucky, July 27, 1914. The first organization was called Tinley Chapel Baptist Church. An arm was extended by the Pineville Church, and Rev. W. C. Sale, Mrs. W. C. Sale, Rev. W. J. Adams, Rev. W. T. Robbins, acted as a committee on organization. Rev. F. M. Jones had held a revival in the old commissary and had gathered in a number of converts, sufficient to organize a new church. Rev. F.M. Jones was chosen the first pastor and Miss Ruby Lefter, Clerk. This church was later disbanded and the present church, was organized. This church owns its own house of worship, valued at $1,000 and has membership at the present time of 52. The Sunday School shows an enrollment of sixty-nine. The church is still a one-fourth time church. The pastor is Rev. H. C. Peace and the Clerk is H. L. Miracle.         

        Antioch-Ferndale Baptist Church was organized in 1915. An arm was extended by Old Cannon Creek Baptist Church. Rev. W. W. Mason, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. M. C. Miracle, Rev. J. A. Robbins, and Rev. W. A. Cowan acted as a committee on organization. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization of the church. Rev. W. W. Mason was the first pastor and Rev. J. A. Robbins was the first Clerk. The church owns no property. The present membership is ninety-nine. The Sunday School shows an enrollment of fifty-four. The present pastor is Rev. Beckham Stanley, and Walter Watson is church Clerk.

        Balkan Baptist Church, Balkan, Kentucky, was organized May 9, 1914. Rev. E. S. Rogers held a revival and gathered enough material by baptism and by letter. The following composed the charter members of the church: Rev. E. S. Rogers, Hattie Rogers, Viola Rogers, F. E. Gilbert, Fannie Gilbert, Miss Xenia Gilbert, Mr. and Mrs. Victor Creech and Mr. and Mrs. Newton Creech. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization of this church. Rev. E. S. Rogers was chosen first pastor and Charles Barton first clerk.

The church has had the following pastors:

        Rev. E. S. Rogers, 1914-1916

        Rev. G. W. Jarbo, 1916-1919

        Rev. Lewis Lyttle, 191-1921

        Rev. G. W. Jarbo, 1921-1925

        Rev. E. K. Young, 1925-1928

        Rev. N. B. Osborne, 1928-1931

        Rev. Henry Hubbard, 1931-1934

        Rev. G. T. Hundley, 1934-1936

        Rev. Bryan Harkness, 1936-1939

        The church has a splendid house of worship valued at about $3,000. The present membership is 296 with a Sunday School enrollment of 263.

        Bethlehem Baptist Church is located on Dorton's Branch and was organized in 1906. An arm was extended from Mount Hebron Baptist Church. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization of the church. Rev. M. S. Webb, John Elliott, and James Elliott and others constituted a committee on organization. The church started with a membership of 30. At the present time the membership is 86 and a Sunday School enrollment of 60. The first pastor was Rev. M. S. Webb and the first Clerk was James Elliott. The present pastor is Rev. John Voluntine and Mrs. Bessie Stokes is the Clerk. The church owns no property.

        Beech Grove Baptist Church is located near Pruden, Tennessee, in Bell County, Kentucky, and was organized in 1934, with a membership of 35. The present menbership is 36 and the Sunday School enrollment is 45. The church owns a house of worship valued at $500. The present pastor is Rev. Charles Browning and the Clerk is Nettie Daniel. J. M. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization of the church.

        Blanche-Arjay Baptist Church was organized in 1910. Rev. Hiram. Mullins, Thomas Lawson, Mrs. Hiram Mullins, Mrs. Thomas Lawson and others constituted a committee on organization. An arm was extended by Mount Hebron Baptist Church, for the purpose of organizing this new

church at Arjay. The church was organized by using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. The membership was 25, but the present membership is 180 with a Sunday School enrollment of 65. Rev. Huram Mullins was the first pastor and Rev. A. L. Hensley is the present pastor. F. C. Bradshaw is the present Clerk. The church owns its own house of worship valued at $800.

        Browneys Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1880. The church is located on the head waters of Browneys Creek. Rev. Will Fee was pastor of this church for many years. The membership of the church at last report was 73. The last pastor was Rev. George Reid and the Clerk was Mrs. Rosa Jane Wilson. The church owns no property.

        Bryson Mountain Baptist Church was organized in 1931, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. An arm was extended from Sterling Baptist Church. Rev. S. H. Marsee, Robert Garland, Rev. W. T. Robbins, and others constituted a committee on organization. The present membership is 40. Rev. H. Hatfield is the pastor and Mrs. Ben Hamlett is the Clerk. The church owns no property and has a Sunday School enrollment of 35.

        Cardinal Baptist Church was organized in 1932, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Joe Glancy, Rev. G. T. Bundley and others constituted a committee on organization. The church at present has a membership of 18 and a Sunday School enrollment of 45. Rev. George Reid is the pastor and George Wilson is the Clerk. The church owns no property.

        Clear Fork Baptist Church was organized in May, 1912. An arm was extended from old Cannon Creek Baptist Church, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. J. H. Peace, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. M. C. Miracle, Rev. J. D. Hill, acted as a committee on organization. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen the first pastor and C. G. Turner was chosen the first Clerk. The church has had only three pastors: Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. W. M. Vance, and Rev. M. C. Miracle. The membership at present is 141. The church owns no property.

        Central Grove Baptist Church is located at Frakes, Bell County, Kentucky, and was organized August 25, 1935. The church is now building a new house of worship. The present membership is 25. Rev. J. G. Browning, Rev. Sam T. Browning, Rev. Charles Browning, Rev. J. L. Vanover, Rev. J. W. Wilson, Rev. R. W. Thacker, Rev. W. T. Robbins and others constituted a committee on organization. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used. Rev. Charles Browning was chosen the first pastor and Mrs. Lawrence Partin was chosen Clerk. An arm was extended by the New Vine Church.

        Cubage Baptist Church was organized July 19, 1936. The Wasioto Baptist Church extended an arm in the organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Henry Hubbard, Rev. M. C. Miracle, Rev. W. H. Jackson, Rev. W. T. Robbins, and messengers from the Wasioto Baptist Church acted as a committee on organization. Rev. Henry Hubbard held a revival meeting and baptized 16 converts and gathered 10 others by letter and the church was constituted with 26 members. The church has no property. Rev. Henry Hubbard was chosen first pastor and Miss Sophia Wilson was chosen Clerk.

        Concord Baptist Church was organized in 1813. The organization is so remote that very little is known of its organization. The church has a new house of worship valued at $6,000. The present membership is 180 with a Sunday School enrollment of 190, Rev. G. T. Hundley is the present pastor and James Amis is the Clerk. This great church was organized at a time when there were few people in all this section, and it has had many reverses during its history; but it has been able to live 126 years and serve its community in a great way. The new building furnishes ample room for Sunday School work.

        Calloway Baptist Church was organized August 19, 1922, with an arm extended from Mill Creek Baptist Church. The church was organized at Delph School House. Rev. C. H. Elliott, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. C. E. Barnwell held a revival there and a number of new members were gathered in by baptism and by letter and the church was constituted with 20 members. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used. Rev. C. H. Elliott, Rev. C. E. Barnwell, Rev. W. T. Robbins acted as a committee on organization and the church was duly constituted. A church was constituted in this community in 1904 by Rev. J. G. Parsons and his co-workers, but lasted only a short time. The church organized

in 1922 lasted only 10 years. Many of the members moved away and the church ceased to meet regularly. In 1932 Rev. Henry Hubbard held a good revival and the church was again reorganized by Rev. Henry Hubbard, and Rev. W. T. Robbins. The church organized in 1932 lasted only a few years and suffered another relapse and ceased to meet regularly. On April 16, 1939, Rev. G. W. Robbins, Rev. W. H. Jackson, Rev. Homer Barnard, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Juanita Anderson and others constituted a new organization, and Rev. G. W. Robbins held a great revival and

thus stirred the whole community. The church now has a good membership and a Sunday School with bright prospects for the future. Rev. G. W. Robbins is the pastor of the church.

        Cross Lane Baptist Church was organized September 30, 1923, at Oaks. An arm was extended by the Wasioto Baptist Church. Rev. E. W. Miracle, Rev. W. T. Robbins, L. D. Miracle, Rev. G. S. Miracle, Rev. W. R. Miracle, and others constituted a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. A new house of worship was built at a cost of $800. Dr. E. W. Miracle was chosen the first pastor and L. D. Miracle was chosen the first Clerk. The first year the church had a membership of 30. 22 being by baptism. The church at the present time is not a member of the Association.

        Dark Ridge Baptist Church was organized November 6, 1932. An arm was extended from the East Cumberland Avenue Baptist Church, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. U. T. Lingar, Rev. B. H. Crawford, Rev. Wint Bolton, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Deacon C. G. Turner, Rev. F. F. Wilson and others constituted a committee on organization. The church started with 15 members. Rev. B. H. Crawford as the first pastor and Anna M. Lester was the first Clerk. The church at the present time has 29 members, with 10 by baptism last year. Rev. H. Ingram is the present pastor and Miss Viola Cody is the church Clerk. The church owns no property.

        East Cumberland Avenue Baptist Church was organized November 18, 1903. Rev. Willis Johnson, Bro. W. P. Long, Rev. A. L. Chadwell, with W. P. Long, Moderator pro-tem, Bro. S. England, as Clerk pro-tem, acted as a committee on organization. An arm had been extended by Hopewell Baptist Church for the purpose of organizing a Baptist church in the East End of Middlesborough. The following brothers and sisters were the charter members of the new body: James England, from New Friendship Baptist Church, Upper Cannon Creek; Minnie England,

from Hopewell Church, Claiborne County, Tennessee; Ollie Long, Hopewell Church; Paris Long, Hopewell Church; S. H. England, Margaret England, Barton England, Sibble England, all from Friendship Baptist Church, Ferndale; W. D. Sapp, by relationship; Rebecca Sapp, by relationship. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used. Rev. A. L. Chadwell was chosen the first pastor and James England was chosen the first Clerk. Rev. A. L. Chadwell selected the first name of Middlesborough View Baptist Church. Rev. A. L. Chadwell served as pastor until 1913. Other pastors serving this church: Rev. Sam Brock, Rev. James Earl, Rev. C. B. Fultz, Rev. W. M. Miley, Rev. A. L. Chadwell 1920, Rev. E. S. Walton, Rev. Wint Bolton, Rev. Andy Buchanan, Rev. U. T. Lingar. In September 1933 Rev. Wint Bolton was chosen pastor and has served continually since. Other clerks who have served the church: Samuel Brock, Paris Long, Ollie Long, William Van Beber, Henry Hayes, Burl Smith, Lee Sharp, Claud Massingill, Ella Dean, Lula Stewart, Lonnie Martin, Laura Bolton, Amanda Haley, who has served as Clerk since 1933. The church was located on Lothbury and Tenth Street. The name later being changed to Second Baptist Church. In 1938 the church purchased a lot on East Cumberland Avenue and Eleventh Street and erected a brick building at a cost of $22,000. Again the name was changed to East Cumberland Avenue Baptist Church. The pastor is now on full time salary. The present membership is around 700 and the Sunday School enrollment is around 800. The church has extended an arm for the purpose of organizing two new churches: Marsee Chapel Baptist Church May 19, 1929, and Dark Ridge Baptist Church November 6, 1932. Rev. Wint Bolton, Middlesborough, Kentucky, is the pastor, and Mrs. Amanda Haley is the Clerk.

        East Jellico, Baptist Church was organized in June, 1912, at Tinsley. An arm was extended by the Riverside Baptist Church for the purpose of organizing a church at East Jellico Mining Camp on Greasy Creek, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Grant Hubbs, Rev. John Carroll, Rev. J. W. Perry, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. J. R. Hembree acted as a committee on organization. Rev. Grant Hubbs was chosen first pastor and J. W. Gibson was chosen Clerk. At the present time the church has a membership of 115 and a Sunday School enrollment of 110. Rev. Roy Collins is the present pastor and Otto C. Hembree is the Clerk. The church owns a house of worship valued at $600.

        Edgewood Baptist Church was organized June 10, 1933. An arm was extended by the Meldrum Baptist Church and the church was constituted by Rev. Tandy Summers, Rev. W. T. Robbins, and others acting as a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Tandy Summers held a revival in the school house and gathered enough new members by baptism and letter to constitute a new church. Rev. Tandy Summers was chosen the first pastor and Mrs. Charles Hundley was chosen first Clerk. The present membership is 25. Rev. Earl Hill is the present pastor. The church owns no property.

        Fonde Baptist Church was organized in 1910. The organization was effected by Rev. C. H. Otie and Rev. J. M. Newport and others acting as a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. An arm was extended by the Pruden Chapel Baptist Church and the church was duly constituted. Rev. C. H. Otie acted as the first pastor. For many years the church met in the school house, but only recently, under the leadership of Rev. R. B. Moyers, the present pastor, the church has erected a brick house of worship at a cost of from $12,000 to $15,000. The church has a membership of 403 and a Sunday School enrollment of 323. S. H. Simpson is the Clerk and H. P. Pickle is superintendent of the Sunday School.

        Fork Ridge Baptist Church was organized April 1, 1910.  An arm was extended by the First Baptist Church of Middlesborough. Rev. C. M. Reid, Rev. J. G. Browning, Rev. W. M. Carmany, Rev. W. J. Loveday, Rev. W. T. Robbins acted as a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. J. G. Browning and Rev. S. Owsley conducted a revival and enough material was gathered to organize a new church. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen the first pastor and George Tye the first Clerk. The church at present has a membership of 63 and a Sunday School enrollment of 77. Rev. J. H. Hatfield is the present pastor and J. V. Farmer is the Church Clerk. The Church has a good house of worship furnished by the community free.

        Fuson Chapel Baptist Church was organized in 1927. This church is located on Little Clear Creek in the Fuson settlement. Rev. T. G. Golden, Rev. J. J. L. Smith, Rev. J. J. Baker and others labored in this community until enough members were gathered together to form a new church. An arm was extended by the Harmony Baptist Church for the purposes of organizing a new church in the Fuson settlement, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. T. G. Golden was chosen the first pastor, and J. T. Fuson was chosen first Clerk. The church owns a new house of worship, valued at $1,500. The present pastor is Rev. J. J. Baker and the present Clerk is E. L. Smith. The church has a membership of 74. H. H. Fuson was one of the principal contributors to this church when it was built, and was one of the prime movers in its establishment. Chester Fuson had the contract for building the church. The church was built without any debt against it, and has no debt against it today.                

             Gunl's Chapel Baptist Church is located an Stony Fork, eight miles west of Middlesborough, and was organized in 1936. Rev. Robert Pate and others constituted a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Robert Pate was the

first pastor and Miss Irene Price was the Clerk. The church has a small membership and a small Sunday School. The church owns no property.

        Hutch Baptist Church is located an Clear Fork of Yellow Creek and was organized in 1909, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. The church was first named the Piney Grove Baptist Church. Rev. J. H. Peace, Rev. N. H. Powell, Rev. W. T. Robbins acted as a committee on church organization. An arm was extended by Old Cannon Creek Baptist Church. Rev. N. H. Powell and Rev. W. T. Robbins held a revival and gathered enough members by baptism and by letter to constitute a new church. Rev. N. H. Powell was chosen first pastor and Miss Telitha Barnett was chosen first Clerk. The church was reorganized by Rev. W. M. Lephew, Rev. E. B. Robbins, Rev. H. Ingram, Rev. W. H. Jackson, Rev. W. T. Robbins acting as a committee on organization, and re-named Campbell's Chapel Baptist Church. Later the name of the church was changed to Hutch Baptist Church. The present pastor is Rev. H. Ingram and Mrs. Carrie Ingram is the Clerk. The church has a small membership and owns no property.

        Hignite Baptist Church was organized July 14, 1933. An arm was extended by the Edgewood Baptist Church for the purposes of organizing a new church at the mining camp of the Hignite Coal Company. Rev. Tandy Summers, Rev. Henry Hubbard, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Clyde Creech acted as a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Tandy Summers conducted a revival and gathered enough members by baptism and letter to constitute a new organization. Rev. Tandy Summers acted as the first pastor and Mrs. Charles Hundley as Clerk. The present pastor is Rev. England. The membership is 36 and the Sunday School has membership of 40. The church owns no property.

        Hensley Chapel Baptist Church was organized in 1915. The organization was effected by the adoption of Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. J. W. Branson, Rev. J. G. Browning, Rev. E. Underwood, and others constituted a committee on organization. Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church extended an arm for the purpose of organizing a new church near the Hensley Cemetery. The church was duly constituted with 16 members. Rev. J. W. Branson was chosen the first pastor and Mrs. Lula Hensley the first Clerk. The present membership is 170 and the Sunday School enrollment is 189. Last year (1938) the church held a great revival under the leadership of the present pastor, Rev. Alvin M. Gregory, which resulted in 31 by baptism and 13 by letter and statement. The present Clerk is Roscoe Turner. The church has in recent years erected a splendid house of worship valued at $2,500.00.

        Harmony Baptist Church was organized on Little Clear Creek, near Clear Creek Springs, in 1860. An arm was extended by the Greasy Creek Baptist Church. Rev. Eb Ingram. and others led in the oganization. Rev. Eb Ingram labored in this community some time before enough members could be brought together for a church organization. Very little is known about the beginnings of the church. J. M. C. Davis, father of Judge W.

T. Davis, was the first Clerk of the church, and he was followed by J. T. Fuson, who was Clerk for nearly 40 years. Rev. Robin G. Evans was pastor of the church for nearly 40 years. Rev. Ingram Evans and Rev. John Evans, brothers of Robin G. Evans, preached at this church. Rev. William Evans before them preached here. An arm has been extended by this church to form new church organizations at Little Clear Creek, New Friendship, Fuson Chapel, and other points. During its past history hundreds of Evanses, Smiths, Fuson, and Davises have been converted and united with this grand old church. The present pastor is Rev. M. C. Miracle and the Clerk is W. L. Richardson. The church owns an interest in the property it now occupies. The value of this interest is $500. The following preachers have acted as pastors at different times: Rev. Eb Ingram, Rev. R. G. Evans, Rev. W. W. Mason, Rev. M. S. Webb, Rev. J. J. L. Smith, Rev. J. T. Stamper, Rev. J. J. Baker, Rev. R. D. Mason, Rev. W. C. Partin, Rev. Orville Collins, Rev. M. C. Miracle, and perhaps many others.

        Ivy Grove Baptist Church was organized in 1915, on the head waters of Four Mile Creek, near the Bell-Knox line. An arm was extended from Blanche Baptist Church or Riverside Baptist Church, it is not quite clear which church. Rev. J. S. Patterson, Walter Patterson, Hiram Miller, and others acted as a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. J. S. Patterson was chosen first pastor and Walter Patterson was chosen Clerk. The church owns s small house of worship valued at $400. Rev. W. M. Garland is the present pastor and Hazel Miller is the present church Clerk. The church has a membership of 60.

        Insull Baptist Church was organized in 1925. Rev. Lewis Lyttle, Rev. E. S. Rodgers, and others labored in the community and brought about the organization of the church. Letters were granted by the First Baptist Church of Williamsburg and from other churches, granting the authority to organize a new church. Thus was the Insull Baptist Church organized, using Pendleton's Articles of faith and Church Covenant. Rev. W. H. Jackson and a committee from the Balkan Baptist Church acted as a committee to constitute the church. The first pastor was Rev. W. H. Jackson and W. H. Whittle was the first Clerk. The present pastor is Rev. J. D. Lundy and and John Strunk is the Clerk. The church is now building a new house of worship. The present membership is 199 and the Sunday School enrollment is 209.

        Jensen Baptist Church is located on Elliott's Branch on the Right Fork of Straight Creek at Jensen. It was organized in 1911. An arm was extended by Old Mount Hebron Baptist Church on the Right Fork of Straight Creek. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization. Rev. Green Hamlin, Rev. C. H. Elliott and Rev. J. T. Elliott and others constituted a committee on organization. Rev. Green Hamlin served as pastor and took charge upon the organization. This church was reorganized as Jensen Baptist Church May 29, 1932. An arm was extended by the Wasioto Baptist Church. Rev. W.T. Robbins, Rev. John Voluntine, Rev. Henry Hubbard, Rev. C. H. Elliott and others constituted a committee an organization. The church was organized by using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church covenant. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen pastor of the new organization and Rev. C. H. Elliott was chosen Clerk. The church has a membership of 37. The church has no property.

        Kettle Island Baptist Church was organized in 1920. The organization was effected by using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. C. H. Elliott, and Rev. W. T. Robbins held a      revival which resulted in the organization. Rev. Lewis Lyttle, Rev. C. H. Elliott, Rev. W. T. Robbins acted as a committee on organization. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen first pastor and Lucien Yaden the first Clerk. The first church organized at Kettle Island was effected by Rev. Isaac Horn and his co-workers about 1875, or perhaps even earlier. This church was called the Union Baptist Church. Here the Bell County Baptist Association was held in 1893. Rev. R. G. Evans was chosen Moderator and

Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen Clerk. The Kettle Island Church has a membership at the present time of 56. Frank Lasley is Clerk. The church owns a good house of worship valued at $3,400.

        Laurel Hill Baptist Church was organized September 8, 1935. An arm was extended by Varilla Baptist Church. Rev. John Voluntine conducted a revival at Laurel Hill School House and brought about the organization. Rev. John Voluntine, Rev. W. H. Jackson Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. C. M. Brooks acted as a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. C. M. Brooks was chosen pastor and Lillie Holloway was chosen Clerk. The church has a small meabership and no property.

        Little Clear Creek Baptist Church was organized in 1863, on Little Clear Creek at the upper end of the Fuson settlement. Rev. William Evans, Rev. Eb Ingram and others labored in this community and gathered the harvest for organizing of this church. An arm was extended by Harmony Baptist Church and a committee from Harmony Baptist Church, was Rev. William Evans and Rev. Eb Ingram, effected the organization. At the present time the church uses Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant in all of its deliberations. The present membership is 48. Arms have been extended to other communities for the purpose of organizing new churches: Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Rev. Jerma Maiden is the pastor at the present time and W. W. Partin is the Clerk.

        Long Ridge Baptist Church was organized in 1926 at Hulen. Rev. J. C. Warren, Rev. F. R. Kellems, G. M. Stamper and others constituted a committee on organization. Rev. Frank Masengale is the present pastor and Homer Barnard is the Clerk. The membership is 96 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 94. Rev. J. C. Warren, Rev. John Brewer, Rev. W. H. Jackson, and Rev. G. W. Robbins and others have been pastors at different times. The church owns no property.

        Low Gap Baptist Church is located on the head waters of Turkey Creek and was organized October 10, 1937. An arm was extended by the Wasioto Baptist Church, and the church was organized using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Nathaniel Gibson held a great revival in the school house and brought about the organization. Herbert Shipley had organized a Sunday School earlier in the year and the revival grew out of this Sunday School. Rev. Nathaniel Gibson, H. Shipley, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Cecil Robbins, J. H. Mason, Sil S. Fuson and others constituted a Comittee on organization. The church in one year grew to a membership of 41. Rev. Nathaniel Gibson was chosen first pastor and Sil S. Fuson was chosen first Clerk. The church owns no property.

        Moss Chapel Baptist Church was organized September 17, 1915. Rev. J. J. Baker conducted the revival and brought about the organization. The following were charter members of the church: Charity Baker, Nancy Wilson, Gracie Cox, George Hoskins, Julia Rice, J. B. Rice, Finley Rice, Lucy Rice, Eliza Phipps, Ollie Rice, Elizabeth Sizemore, Mary Phipps, Damy Hendrickson. The membership at present is 96 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 50. Rev. J. J. Baker is the pastor and F. F. Douglas is the Clerk. Tom Hendrickson is superintendent of the Sunday School. The church owns no property.

        Miller's Chapel Baptist Church was organized May 5, 1906. An arm was extended by Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization. Rev. J. G. Browning, the messengers of Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, and Rev. Miller, who had conducted the revival, and others constituted a committee on organization. Rev. Miller was the first pastor. The membership at the present time is 147 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 152. The pastor at the present time is Rev. McKinley Drummons and the Clerk is Miss Mary Turner. The Superintendent of the Sunday School is Frank Earle. The church owns a good house of worship valued at $1,200.

        Marsee Chapel Baptist Church, located on Fern Lake, was organized May 19, 1929. An arm was extended by Cumberland Avenue Baptist Church (then Second Baptist Church) for the purpose of organizing this new church. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization. The following constituted a committee on organization: Rev. Wint Bolton, Rev. E. Edmonson, Rev. J. G. Browning, Rev. M. L. Hill, Rev. W. T. Robbins and others. At the present time the church has a membership of 80 and a Sunday School enrollment of 50. Rev. C. C. Earle, and Rev. B. H. Crawford were also in the organization. Rev. Earle was chosen first pastor and C. E. Ramsey first Clerk. The present pastor is Rev. D. A. Brooks and the Clerk is Miss Minnie Marsee. The superintendent of the Sunday School is J. R. Marsee, The church owns no property.

        Meldrun Baptist Church was organized in 1923. An arm was extended by Mount Mary Baptist Church, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. L. C. Kelly, Rev. M. C. Miracle, Rev. C. E. Barnwell and others acted as a committee on organization. At the time of organization the church had a membership of 37. At the present time the church has a membership of 144 and a Sunday School enrollment of 57. Rev. B. H. Crawford is the pastor and Miss Grace Owens is the Clerk. The church has lost its house of worship, but now uses the school house as a place to meet.

        Mount Mary Baptist Church, located at Yellow Hill, was organized in 1904. An arm was extended from Town Creek Baptist Church at Arthur, Tennessee. Rev. C. H. Otie, J. C. Barnett, Mrs. Kittie Barnett and others acted as a committee on organization. Rev. C. H. Otie held the revival and brought about the organization. Rev. W. B. Kirk and Mrs. W. B. Kirk were also in the organization. At the present time the church has a membership of 214 and a Sunday School attendance of 50. The church lost its house of worship by fire and now meets in the school house. Rev. D. A. Brooks is the pastor and Lillie Redmon is the Clerk. The superintendent of the Sunday School is Thomas Wood.

        New Vine Baptist Church is located on Laurel Fork and was organized in 1906. An arm was extended by Salem Baptist Church. Rev. M. S. Webb, Rev. W. W. Mason, Rev. J. D. Mason and others constituted a committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant in the organization. The church has a small house of worship which has been erected in the last few years. The present membership is 97 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 50. Rev. Mart Miracle is the pastor and Roscoe Hamlin is the Clerk. Morgan

Miracle is superintendent of the Sunday School.

        New Friendship Baptist Church as located on upper Cannon Creek and was organized in 1881. An arm was extended by Harmoney Baptist Church and the Little Clear Creek Baptist Church. Rev. James Bussell, Rev. Ingram Evans, Rev. John Evans, Rev. R. G. Evans, and others acted as a committee on organization. Articles of Faith used by the Missionary Baptist Churches were used in the organization. Rev. James Bussell acted as the first pastor. The revival was held by the above named brethren. The present membership is 53 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 50. The present pastor is Rev. M. C. Miracle and Mrs. Olah Givens is the Clerk. The church has no property.

        New Yellow Creek Baptist Church is located at Bosworth and was organized in 1936. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization. At the time of organization this church had a membership of 21. While this is being written a revival is going on in the church and more than fifty have been added to the church by baptism. At the close of the revival the membership should be a least 80. Rev. McKinley Drummons is the pastor and Vibert Keck is the Clerk. The church owns no property.

        Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church was organized August 1, 1842. An arm was extended by Davis Creek Baptist Church in Powell's Valley, Caliborne County, Tennessee. Rev. Thomas Marsee and Rev. William Williams held a meeting in the old Yellow Creek Valley and brought about the organization of the church. Rev. Thomas Marsee and Rev. William Williams constituted a committee on organization, using the Articles of Faith used by the Davis Creek Baptist Church. These same Brethren, Rev. Thomas Marsee and Rev. William Williams, some twenty years previously, had organized the Davis Creek Baptist Church. Also, Rev. Thomas Marsee, laboring with Rev. Henry Wiser on the Left Fork of Straight Creek on Wiser Branch, organized the Bark Shed Baptist Church. This organization was effected during the year 1840, two years before

the Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church was organized. During the next 30 years Rev. Eb Ingram from Greasy Creek labored in the Bark Shed Baptist Church with Thomas Marsee and Henry Wiser. At one time Rev. Thomas Marsee lived and labored on Greasy Creek (then Knox County). It was during this period that he assisted in the organization of the Old Yellow Creek Church. The Bark Shed Baptist Church has long since disbanded, leaving the Old Yellow Creek Church as contender for the honor of being the oldest Baptist Church in the bounds of Bell County. Rev. Thomas Marsee is said to have served as the first pastor of this church. No less than 2,000 persons have first and last united with this church by baptism, and no less than 100 persons have gone out directly or indirectly as preachers from this historic church. The location of the church has been moved a number of times, but every location was on the banks of Yellow Creek, because there was much water there. The present membership owns one of the best church edifices in this section, which they have erected in the past three years under the leadership of their former pastor, Rev. Sam T. Browning. The membership has had a continuous growth until now it stands at more than 400. The Sunday School enrollment is over 300. The present pastor is Rev. John D. Lysle and the Clerk is L. B. White. Rev. J. G. Browning was at one time pastor of this church for 28 years. Let us look forward to the celebration of the 100th birthday of this grand old church. August 1, 1942. This church is the mother of many of the churches of this Association.

        Old Cannon Creek Baptist Church (formerly Ferndale Baptist Church, also called the Roost Baptist Church) organized October 1, 1891. An arm was extended by the Pleasant Grove Baptist Church (now Williams Branch Baptist Church). Rev. Noah Smith, of Calloway, conducted a revival, which resulted in 30 conversions by baptism. He, with Rev. William C. Hutchins and Rev. Preston Turner, constituted the committee on organization, using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Noah Smith was chosen first pastor and T. A. Kellems first Clerk. Later Rev. William C. Hutchins was elected pastor and the church was moved farther down Cannon Creek to where it is now located. The church during its 48 years of history has sent out a number of new preachers: Rev. W. T. Robbins, ordained February 12, 1898; Rev. J. H. Peace, ordained October 13, 1900; Rev. W. P. Golden, ordained July 11, 1914; Rev. F. R. Kellems, ordained 1912. The present pastor is Rev. Sam T. Browning and the Clerk is Fred Hendrickson. The church owns no property. The present membership is 62. Arms have been extended by this church to organize new churches, as follows: Pine Grove (now Hutch) 1909, Clear Fork Church 1912, Williams Branch Church 1910, Crane Creek 1921, Antioch-Ferndale 1915, and Dorothy 1911.

        Old Salem Baptist Church is located on Big Clear Creek about one mile above where Philip Lee lived and was organized in 1860. Rev. William Evans, Rev. Eb Ingram, and others brought about the organization of the church. An arm was extended by the Greasy Creek Baptist Church. There are two organizations known as Salem Baptist Church: (1) an Old Salem Church, (2) an Old Salem. Both date their organization as 1860. Both have done a great work during the 79 years of their history. Rev. Jerma Maiden is pastor of Old Salem (2), and Rev. Elisha Jordon is pastor of Old Salem Church (1). At the present time the two churches have about 179 members between them. Old Salem Church has a small house of worship valued at $500.

        Pine Grove Baptist Church (now Mill Creek Baptist Church) was first organized in 1914, by an arm extended by Beech Grove Baptist Church. Rev. C. H. Elliott, Rev. John Elliott, Rev. J. T. Elliott, and others constituted a committee on organization. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were adopted. This church made wonderful progress for many years, and an arm was extended to Calloway to organized a church there. However, the church has been without a pastor part of the time, and on September 25, 1938, Rev. C. H. Elliott, Rev. Enoch Hoskins, Rev. W. T. Robbins, closed a revival which brought in some new material by baptism and by letter, and the reorganization of the church was effected. Rev. C. H. Elliott and Rev. W. T. Robbins were chosen joint pastors of the new organization. The new church has increased its membership to 45 and has a Sunday School enrollment of 80. Recently 3 more were added to the membership by baptism. The church owns no property.

        Salt Trace Baptist Church was organized October 23, 1938. An arm was extended by Mill Creek Baptist Church, and the new organization adopted Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. Enoch Hoskins, Rev. Frank Saylor, Rev. W. T. Robbins, constituted a committee on organization. There were ten members to enter the church by baptism and by letter. Rev. Enoch Hoskins was chosen pastor and Rev. Frank Saylor Assistant, with E. J. Howard as Clerk. The church owns no property. The location is in a very needy community.

        Pathfork Baptist Church is located on Path Fork of Puckett Creek and was organized September 13, 1932. Rev. Henry Hubbard conducted the revival. An arm was extended by Insull Baptist Church. Rev. Henry Hubbard, Rev. Audley L. Turner, Rev. George Reid, Rev. W. T. Robbins, and messengers from the Insull Church, constituted the committee on organization. Rev. Henry Hubbard was chosen first pastor and Ida Lambert was chosen Clerk. The present pastor is Rev. W.B. McGlamery. The membership is 49 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 62.

The church owns no property.

       Riverside Baptist Church, Four Mile, was organized in 1903. An arm was extended by the Greasy Creek Baptist Church. Rev. John Carroll and Rev. G. W. Brooks and others constituted a committee on organization. A new frame building was constructed by the congregation, which has served it purposes well as the years have gone by. However, the church is now constructing an edifice of stone and brick, which will accommodate a Sunday School of 500. The church has a membership of 373 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 371. Rev. S. R. Helton is the present pastor and Mrs. Jessie C. Martin is the Clerk. The church when complete will cost about $6,000.

        Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, located at Pearl, was organized in 1915. An arm was extended by Fonde Baptist Church. Rev. C. E. Barnwell, Rev. J. M. Murray, Andy Maiden, and others constituted the committee on organization. At present the membership is 138. The present pastor is Rev. Mart Miracle and Andy Maiden is the Clerk. The church owns its own house of worship valued at $800.

        Riverview Baptist Church, located at Calvin, was organized in 1921. Rev. S. H. Marsee held a revival and brought about the organization of the church. An arm was extended by Wasioto Baptist Church to Page for the purpose of organizing the church. Rev. W. T. Robbins, with messengers from the Wasioto Baptist Church, Rev. S. C. Tyree, Rev. S. H. Marsee, constituted a committee or organization. Rev. S. H. Marsee was chosen first pastor and Mrs. Dacie Richardson first Clerk. At present the church has a membership of 31 and Sunday School enrollment of 31. Rev. W. M. Vance is the present pastor and Dexter Rowlett is Clerk. The church owns a good house of worship valued at $1,000.

        Red Oak Baptist Church was organized in 1878 and is located on the outskirts of Middlesborough, under Kennedy Peak of Log Mountain. The Articles of Faith of the Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church was used in the organization of this church. The church was reorganized in 1922 by J. W. Branson, Rev. E. Underwood and others, but the new organization only strengthened the old organization. The church has a splendid house of worship valued at $1,500. The present membership is 168 and the Sunday School enrollment is 101. Rev. W. C. Partin is the present pastor and Ed Mason is the Clerk.

        Straight Creek Baptist Church (first organized as Mount Hebron Baptist Church in 1885) was organized by an arm extended from the Beech Grove Baptist Church in 1918. Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. A. L. Chadwell, Rev. W. B. Kirk, Rev. C. H. Elliott conducted a revival which brought about the organization, or reorganization, of the church. The above named brethren constituted a committee on organization. The membership at the present time is 57 and the Sunday School enrollment is 70. Brother H. Shipley is the superintendent of the Sunday School. The church has a good house of worship for free use. The present pastor is Rev. George Harris and the Clerk is Miss Pauline Longmire.

        Sterling Baptist Church was organized in 1930. The church came to us by letter of dismission from the Cumberland Gap Baptist Association. Rev. E. Edmonson and others acted as a committee on organization and the church was duly constituted. The church owns no property. The present membership is 76, 27 being received last year by baptism. The Sunday School has an enrollment of 40. Rev. C. C. Earle is the pastor and Ben Hatfield is the Clerk. James Bramble is the superintendent of the Sunday School.

        Slusher Baptist Church is located at Slusher and was organized April 24, 1932. Rev. W. T. Robbins and S. H. Marsee conducted a revival and brought about the organization of the church. An arm was extended by the Wasioto Baptist Church. Rev. W. T. Robbins, Beatrice Patin, Rev. C. M. Brooks, Melvin Engle, and Grace Partin, constituted the committee on organization. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen the first pastor and Miss Arsee Williams was chosen the first Clerk. The last pastor the church had was Rev. George Harris. The present membership is 38.

The church owns no property. Tracy Branch Baptist Church, at Pearl was organized in 1911. An arm was extended by Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. Rev. J. W. Wilson, Rev. Andy Maiden, Rev. R. W. Thacker, and others labored in the community and brought about the organization. Rev. Charles Browning is the pastor and Floyd L. Partin is the Clerk. The church has a membership of 57 and a Sunday School enrollment of 76.

The church has a small house of worship.

        Varilla Baptist Church was organized in 1911. Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. A. D. Hill, Rev. M. C. Miracle, constituted a committee on organization. The mines at Varilla. closed and the members scattered. So a new church had to be organized. This organization was brought about by Rev. E. S. Rodgers, Rev. M. C. Miracle, Rev. W. A. Cowan, Rev. W. T. Robbins, and others. The reorganization was in 1914. There appears to have been still another organization by Rev. John Voluntine and Rev. W. H. Jackson at a later date. The church now has a membership of 37 and a Sunday School enrollmnt of 57. Rev. W. H. Jackson is the pastor and Mattie Harbin is the Clerk.

        Williams Branch Baptist Church was organized in 1910. The first organization at this point was called Pleasant Grove Baptist Church and was organized in 1880. The organization was brought about by Rev. James Ledford, Rev. Calloway Simpson, Rev. William C. Hutchins, Rev. Frederick Miracle, Rev. Elisha Dixon. This church was moved to Cannon Creek and united with Ferndale Baptist Church. But in 1910 Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. J. H. Peace, Rev. M. C. Miracle and others brought about a new organization. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen first pastor and Mrs. Nila Miracle first clerk. The church has ordained the following ministers: Rev. M. C. Miracle, Rev. W. A. Cowan, Rev. G. G. Smith, Rev. E. L. Miracle, and Rev. Bradley Browning. The present Membership is 69. The church owns no property. Rev. W. T. Robbins is the present pastor and Mrs. Voylette Hurst is Clerk.

        Wasioto Baptist Church (at first New Liberty Baptist Church) was organized April 6, 1897. Rev. John Carroll and Rev. G. W. Brooks conducted a revival and brought about the organization of the church. Rev. John Carroll, Rev. A. J. Pridemore, Rev. G. W. Brooks, and messengers from the Pineville Baptist Church, constituted a committee on organization, An arm was extended from the Pineville Baptist Church. Rev. John Carroll was chosen the first pastor and J. E. Stepp the first Clerk. The membership at the present time is 114 resident members and 160 non-resident members. The present pastor is Rev. W. T. Robbins, who has been pastor of the church for 25 years. Charles Woods is the Clerk. The church has extended its hand for the purpose of organizing the following new churches: East Pineville, Jayem, 1930; Riverview 1921, Calvin; Slusher, Slusher, Kentucky, 1932; Cubage, Cubage, Kentucky, 1936; Low Gap, head of Turkey Creek, 1937; Mount Olivet, 1931; Davisburg, Davisburg, Kentucky, 1916; Cross Lane, 1923; Middle Cumberland, 1935; and the following have been ordained to the full work of the ministry: Rev. C. M. Brooks and Rev. W. E. Fielden. The church in the near future plans a new house of worship. The church has just closed a great revival, with Rev. John Isaacs, Tulsa, Oklahoma, as leader. New members to the number of 24 were received into the church,

       Walnut Grove Baptist Church, located on the headwaters of Little Clear Creek, was organized September 23, 1934. An arm was extended by Little Clear Creek Baptist Church. The church is located at the Martin School House. Rev. W. C. Partin, Rev. C. H. Powers, conducted a revival which brought about the establishmnt of the church. Rev. W. C. Partin, Rev. C. H. Powers, Rev. M. C. Evans, Rev. W. T. Robbins, and the messengers from Little Clear Creek Baptist Church, constituted a committee on organization. Rev. W. C. Partin was chosen first pastor and J. J. Martin first Clerk. The present pastor is Rev. Mart Miracle. The membership at present is 22. The church owns no property.

        West Pineville Baptist Church was organized March 8, 1936. An arm was extended from the First Baptist Church of Pineville. The location of the church is at Wallsend Rev. H. M. Hall conducted a revival and brought about the organization of the church. Rev. L. C. Kelly, Dr. J. M. Brooks, T. R. Ware, and messengers of the Pineville Church, with Rev. C. M. Brooks and Rev. W. T. Robbins, constituted a committee on organization. Rev. N. H. Hall was elected first pastor and Mrs. Alonzo Peace first Clerk. The present pastor is Rev. G. T. Hundley. The present membership is 50 and the Sunday School has an enrollment of 134. The church owns a good house of worship valued at $1,000.

        Fox Ridge Baptist Church, Blance, was organized Septenber 2, 1922. An arm was extended by Blanche-Arjay Baptist Church. The church is located an Caney Creek of Left Fork of Straight Creek. Rev. A. L. Hensley held the revival and brought about the organization of the church. Rev. A. L. Hensley, Rev. Lewis Kitron, Rev. A. Bryant, Rev. Will Walden, Rev. John Mirick, Rev. W. T. Robbins acted as a committee on organization. Rev. W. T. Robbins was chosen first pastor and John Onkst first Clerk. Other churches were organized near the Fox Ridge Church. During the year 1840, Bark Shed Baptist Church was organized by Rev. Thomas Marsee, Rev. Henry Wiser, and Rev. Ed Ingram. This church was later disbanded and a new church was organized at the mouth of Caney Creek. This church was organized in 1880, and was named the Freedom Baptist Church. Freedom Baptist Church was disbanded about 1900. Rev. Caleb Slusher was once pastor of Freedom Church. The Freedom Church at one time had 204 members. Fox Ridge Baptist Church changed its name to Caney Fork Baptist Church about 1932. The church is now known as Caney Fork Baptist Church. The church is practically disbanded. The last pastor was Rev. W. T. Robbins and C. C. Frye was the last Clerk.

        Alva Baptist Church, Alva, Harlan County, Kentucky, was organized in 1928. The first church to be organized at the headwaters of Puckett's Creek, Alva, Kentucky, was called the Puckett's Creek Baptist Church, but in the year of 1928 Rev. F. R. Walters, Rev. Joe Grant and others held a revival at the Black Star Mines, and gathered enough material to effect a new organization. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization of this Church. Rev. Joe Grant, Rev. C. R. Brock, Rev. H. C. Clark, Rev. J. W. Dotson, have at different times acted as pastor. The present membership is 228. The church owns its own house of worship, a brick structure valued at $11,000. The Sunday School has an enrollment of 202. Rev. H. C. Clark, Alva, Kentucky, is pastor and Mrs. Evelyn Moore, Alva, Kentucky, Clerk.

        Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Four Mile, Bell County, Kentucky, was organized in 1893, by members of the original Walnut Grove Baptist Church and members from the Greasy Creek Baptist Church. Rev. J. T. Stamper held a revival in the community and baptized 11 new converts and gathered enough material by letter and the organization was effected. Rev. J. T. Stamper, Rev. Joseph E. Payne, acted as committee on organization, and the church was organized by adopting Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. The Church started off with about 40 members. The Bell County Baptist Association held its first session 1896 in this Church. The North Concord Baptist Association met with the Bell County Baptist Association with Rev. S. Golden, as Moderator. Thus the Bell County Association was organized with Rev. W. M. C. Hutchins as Moderator of the new organization; Henry C. Rice, as Clerk. This church was disbanded and most of its members went into the

Riverside Baptist Church in its organization in 1906.

III. CHURCHES IN BELL COUNTY WHICH BELONG

TO NORTH CONCORD ASSOCIATION OF BAPTISTS

        North Concord Baptist Association of Kentucky (Missionary) was organized in 1943. Present officers are: Rev. J. T. Stamper, Moderator, Barbourville, Kentucky; D. M. Walker, Assistant Moderator, Flat Lick, Kentucky; J. P. Fox, Clerk, Barbourville, Kentucky; Ed Hampton, Assistant Clerk, Barbourville, Kentucky.

        Greasy Creek Baptist Church (White Church), located on Greasy Creek, Tinsley, Bell County, Kentucky,. was organized in 1835. This Church is, therefore, the oldest church of any denomination located in the bounds of Bell County. At different times Rev. Eb Ingram, Rev. Thomas Marsee, and Rev. Henry Wiser labored in Greasy Creek and planted this church. The same men labored on Straight Creek about 1840 and organized the Bark Shed Baptist Church, located on Wiser Branch, near the mouth of Caney Fork of the left fork of Straight Creek. These same men laboring with Rev. William Williams held meetings in the Yellow Creek Valley, in what is now Middlesboro, Kentucky, from 1840 to 1842 and organized the Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church, August 1, 1842. Articles of Faith Similar to J. M. Pendleton's were used in the organization of all of these churches. It appears also from records that the same ministers did work on Little Clear Creek, near the Clear Creek Springs, and gathered sufficient material to organize a new church in 1860. This church they named Harmony.

        The Bark Shed Baptist Church was later, about 1880, disbanded and reorganized as Freedom Baptist Church. This church was organized by Rev. R. G. Evans, perhaps Rev. Caleb Slusher. Freedom Church was disbanded about 1902 and 1922 reorganized as Fox Ridge Baptist Church. The name as later changed to Caney Fork Baptist Church.

        Greasy Creek Baptist Church owns a good house of worship valued at $1,000. The present membership is 187. Rev. Dan Roe, Himyar, Kentucky, is pastor; W. S. Tinsley, Tinsley, Kentucky, Clerk.

        Centennial Baptist Church, Bell County,Kentucky, located on Greasy Creek, was organized in 1875. The committee on organization consisted of the following: Rev. W. E. Stamper (the father of Rev. J. T. Stamper of Barbourville, Ky.) Rev. Stephen Golden, Thomas Price and others. An arm must have been extended by the Greasy Creek Baptist Church. J. M. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization of this church.The records of the church show that Rev. G. W. Brooks, Rev. John Carroll, Rev. Elisha Jordan, Rev. Speed Bain, Rev. H. C. Peace, Rev. A. J. Pridemore, Rev. W. R. Brooks, and many others have labored in this good old church at different times.

The church has property valued at $1,200. The present membership is 38. Rev. H. C. Peace, Siler, Kentucky, is pastor and Mrs. Lillie Fuson, Art,

Kentucky, Clerk.

        Ebenezer Baptist Church, Ingram, Bell County, Kentucky, was organized in 1896. An arm was extended by Centennial Baptist Church, Greasy Creek Baptist Church, Rev. John Carroll, Rev. G. W. Brooks, and many others had labored in this community, and enough material was gathered to organize a new church. Rev. W. E. Stamper and Rev. Eb Ingram had also labored in this community, but the church was not organized until 1896. J. M. Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant were used in the organization.The church has a good house of worship valued at about $1,000. The present membership is 144. Rev. R. D. Mason, Ingram, Kentucky, is pastor and Homer Brooks, Ingram, Kentucky, Clerk.

        Bell Jellico Baptist Church was organized August 19, 1922. Rev. B. F. Burch held a revival in the community and gathered enough members by baptism and letter of effect a new organization, and the church was duly constituted on the banks of Greasy Creek just after the candidates were baptized. An arm was extended by the Riverside Baptist Church, and the following constituted a committee on organization: Rev. B. F. Burch, Rev. R. M. Mays, Rev. W. T. Robbins, Rev. J. R. Hembree, Rev. Isaac Gibson, Rev. Dan Roe, with others using Pendleton's Articles of Faith and Church Covenant. Rev. B. F. Burch was chosen the first pastor. The church has control of a small house of worship which it uses to meet in. The church lettered to the North Concord Association of Baptist in Knox County.

IV. HOW THE BELL COUNTY ASSOCIATION

OF BAPTISTS HAS GROWN

   DATE           MEMBERSHIP          NO. OF CHURCHES

    1896                      704                            11

    1897                      913                            13

    1898                      913                            15

    1899                   1,066                            15

    1900                   1,208                            15

    1901                   1,206                            15

    1902                   1,250                            15

    1903                      852                            14

    1904                   1,070                            14

    1905                   1,144                            16

    1906                   1,044                            17

    1907                   1,365                            17

    1908                   1,550                            17

    1909                   1,693                            18

    1910                   1,974                            24

    1911                   2,119                            30

    1912                   2,257                            33

    1913                   2,240                            29

    1914                   2,540                            32

    1915                   2,750                            35

    1916                   2,761                            39

    1917                   3,121                            40

    1918                   3,161                            35

    1919                   3,060                            35

    1920                   3,528                            39

    1921                   3,888                            40

    1922                   3,149                            45

    1923                   4,555                            36

    1924                   4,733                            40

    1925                   5,064                            34

    1926                   5,524                            38

    1927                   5,563                            38

    1928                   5,081                            41

    1929                   5,744                            42

    1930                   6,063                            46

    1931                   6,695                            48

    1932                   7,079                            51

    1933                   7,555                            59

    1934                   8,179                            63

    1935                   7,789                            65

    1936                   8,263                            65

    1937                   8,290                            64

    1938                   8,560                            65

ORDAINED MINISTERS, BELL COUNTY

BAPIST ASSOCIATION 1939

    Adams, Dr. Marvin, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Baker, J. J., Pineville, Ky.

    Barnes, C. M., Pathford, Ky.

    Bolton, Wint, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Bowman, W. M., Sterling, Tenn.

    Browning, S. T., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Browning, Charles, Chenoa, Ky.

    Brooks, C. M.. Wallsend, Ky.

    Barnwell, C. E., Dewitt, Ky.

    Collins, Roy, Evarts, Ky.

    Collins, Orville, Tinsley, Ky.

    Crawford, B. H., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Crowley, J. W., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Dixon, Gillis, Frakes, Ky.

    Dixon, John, Pearl, Ky.

    Drummonds, Mack, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Engle, Kale, Balkan, Ky.

    Edmondson, H. H. Fonde, Ky.

    Eldridge, W. W., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Eldridg, Preston, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Edwards, T. E.,Arjay, Ky.

    Earle, C. C. Middlesboro, Ky.

    Elliott, C. H. Jensen, Ky.

    Epperson, E. G., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Fuson, J. J., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Fultz, J. I., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Golden, W. P., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Gibson, W. M., Tinsley, Ky.

    Gibson, Nathaniel, Pineville, Ky.

    Grant, Joe, Liggett, Ky.

    Garland, W. M., Arjay, Ky.

    Givens, Harvey, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Givens, Oney, Harlan, Ky.

    Gregory, A. M., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Goins, Oscar, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Hatfield, J. H., Fork Ridge, Tenn.

    Harris, George, Pineville, Ky.

    Hall, J. W., Kettle Island, Ky.

    Harkness, Bryan, Kettle Island, Ky.

    Hill, M. L., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Hill, Earl H., Pineville, Ky.

    Hodge, Fayette, Middlesboro, Ky

    Hundley, G. T. Pineville, Ky

    Helton, S. R., Four Mile, Ky.

    Helton, Grant, Saylor, Ky.

    Hoskins, Enoch, Kettle Island, Ky.

    Hurst, Sherman, Pearl, Ky.

    Hubbard, Henry, Calloway, Ky.

    Hubbard, Barney, Twila, Ky.

    Ingram, Houston, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Jackson, W. H., Balkan, Ky.

    Johnson, Thomas, Pineville, Ky.

    Johnson, Willis, Harlan, Ky.

    Jones, W. I., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Jones, James, Pathfork, Ky.

    Kellems, F. R., Hulen, Ky

    Kelly, Dr. L. C., Pineville, Ky.

    Lundy, John D., Twila, Ky.

    Lamden, Jason, Clearfield, Tenn.

    Mace, N. A. , Fonde, Ky.

    Miracle, M. C. , Middlesboro, Ky.

    Miracle, E. L., Pineville, Ky., R.R.#l

    Miracle, John, Balkan, Ky.

    Miracle, Mart, Chenoa, Ky.

    Maiden, Andy, Pearl, Ky.

    Madien, Jerma, Pineville, Ky.

    Mason, Gentry, Chenoa, Ky.

    Mason, R. D., Ingram, Ky.

    Merritt, Tusco, Tinsley, Ky.

    Matlock, Edward, Clearfield, Tenn.

    Meyers, R. B. Fonde, Ky.

    McCord J. A., Pineville, Ky.

    McGlammery, W. B., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Osborne, David, Pineville, Ky.

    Peck, John, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Peace, J. H., Colmar, Ky.

    Peace, H. C., Siler, Ky.

    Partin, W. C., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Partin, Wade, Frakes, Ky.

    Partin, Lawrence, Frakes, Ky.

    Partin, Ulis, S., Pearl, Ky.

    Partin, Neville, Pearl, Ky.

    Partin, James M., Pineville, Ky.

    Pate, Robert, Middlesboro, Ky., R.R.#l

    Powers, C. H., Pineville, Ky.

    Robbins, J. A. , Glamorgan, Va.

    Robbins, W. T. , Wasioto, Ky.

    Robbins, G. W. , Hulen, Ky.

    Robbins, Wiley, Co Imar, Ky.

    Robbins, E. B., Middlesboro, Ky., R.R.#l

    Robbins, W. A., Los Angeles, Calif.

    Ramsey, James. Pineville, Ky.

    Reid, George, Alva, Ky.

    Shoupe, W. S. , Alva, Ky.

    Sampson, N. Z., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Saylor, Frank, Kettle Island, Ky.

    Seymour, M. H. , Middlesboro, Ky.

    Smith, George G., Pineville, Ky.

    Smith, E. J. , Middlesboro, Ky.

    Stanley, Beckham, Miracle, Ky.

    Stringer, A. L., Arjay, Ky.

    Shackelford, L., Middleboro, Ky.

    Thacker, R. W. Frakes, Ky.

    Teague, John, Pearl, Ky.

    Terry, General, Frakes, Ky.

    Underwood, E., Middlesboro, Ky.

    Voluntine, John, Straight Creek, Ky.

    Vance, Millard, Colmar, Ky.

    Vance, W. M., Colmar, Ky.

    Vanover , F. L. , Frakes, Ky.

    Wilson, Forester, Pearl, Ky.

    Wilson, J. W., Pearl, Ky.

    Williams, Story, Tinsely, Ky.

        The following ministers have lived and labored in Bell County during the past, and while some of them did not remain with us for a great while, we are glad to record their names among the faithful who have made the churches what they are today.

ORDAINED MINISTERS WHO HAVE LABORED

IN BELL COUNTY (Now deceased)

    Bays, Charles                 Branson, J. W.

    Browning, James G.       Gibson, William

    Bussell, James                Gibson, Wiley

    Borum, W. A.                  Givens, Alex

    Brock, Samuel                 Golden, Stephen

    Brooks, George W.        Golden, W. P.

    Brooks, William R.         Gilbert, J. T.

    Burch, William                Goodin, Eb

    Bryant, A.                        Hamlin, Vincent

    Coburn, John                  Hamlin, George

    Cowan, William A.         Harrell, Richard

    Collett, John                    Hendrickson, George D.

    Carmany, William M.     Hurley, Frank A.

    Carmack, Job                   Hill, Andrew, D.

    Carmack, Frank               Horn, Isaac

    Carroll, John                    Howard, Garret

    Carroll, Andrew              Ingram, Ebenezar

    Dickson, Elisha              Janeway, Samuel

    Evans, William               Jarbo, George w.

    Evans, Robin G.             Kirk, William B.

    Evans, Ingram                Loveday, William J.

    Evans, John                    Lyons, George W.

    Evans, James J.              Ledford, James M.

    Engle, John                     Lovell, William M.

    Garland, 0. P.                  Mirick, John

    Gibson, William H.        Miracle, Frederick

    Gibson Jack                    Miracle, L. D.

    Gibson, Isaac                 Miracle, Silas

                                              Pope, George W.

                                              Pittman, J. M.

  Miracle, Dr. E. W.       Pittman, E. S.

    Mason, James             Reid, C. M.

    Mason, J. D.             Rogers, E. S.

    Mason, William W.        Roddy, J. M.

    Mason, Wesley, L.        Smith, Noah

    Marsee, Thomas           Smith, George W.

    Marsee, S. H.            Smith, John J. L.

    Marcum, Thomas           Simpson, Callaway

    Marcum, William          Slusher, Caleb

    Mullins, Huram.          Slusher, Burdine

    Newport, J. M.           Taylor, James W.

    Otie, Charles H.         Turner, Preston

    Patterson, John          Tyree, S. C.

    Parson, J. G.            Vann, M. C.

    Partin, William H.       Van Bevers, James

    Partin, William          Webb, M. S.

    Philpot, Joel            Williams, William

    Pickard, Henry           Wilson, Robert

    Partin, Shelton          Wilson, James

    Pridemore, A. J.         Wilson, Richard

    Powell, N. H.            Wiser, Henry

EXECUTIVE BOARD, BELL COUNTY BAPTIST

ASSOCIATION 1938-1939

    Dr. Marvin Adams, Chairman, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Rev. G. T. Hundley, Vice Chairman, Pineville, Ky.

    Rev. W. T. Robbins, Secretary, Wasioto, Ky

    Prof. Maurice Tribell, Pineville, Ky.

    Rev. Sam T. Browning, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Rev. R. B. Meyers, Fonde, Ky -

    Rev. Wint Bolton, Middlesboro, Ky

    Rev. A. M. Gregory, Middlesboro, Ky

    Rev. Bryan Harkness, Balkan, Ky.

    Rev. Herbert Shipley, Four Mile, Ky.

    Rev. S. R. Helton, Four Mile, Ky.

    Dr. H. S. Hodge, Alva, Ky.

    Rev. J. D. Lundy, Twila, Ky.

    Rev. J. W. Crowley, Middlesboro, Ky.

    Dr. L. C. Kelly, Pineville, Ky.

VIII. POWELLS VALLEY ASSOCIATION

OF PRIMITIVE BAPTISTS

        The Upland Church of Primitive Baptists, organized May 10, 1910, by an arm extended by Jessee's Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Harlan County, Kentucky, for the purpose of organizing an independent body at the Upland on Pucketts Creek, Bell County, Kentucky. Elder A.B.

Simpson, as Clerk, acted as a committee on organization. Letters from Primitive Baptist Churches, in good and regular standing, with Powells Valley Association of Primitive Baptists, had been granted for the purpose of organizing this new church. The Articles of Faith and Church Covenant and Rules of Decorum are those of the Powells Valley Primitive Baptists and these were used in the organization of the church. In the organization Elder Joseph M. Saylor sat as Moderator and Elder A. B. Simpson acted as Clerk. The church was constituted on May, 1910. The

present pastor is Elder A. B. Simpson and the present clerk is Jessee Clark. The value of the meeting house is about $500, with no indebtedness. The present membership is 43.

        Pinnacle View Primitive Baptist Church was organized November 6, 1938. Articles of Faith and church Covenant and Rules of Decorum are those of the Powells Valley Primitive Association of Baptists which were used in the constitution of the new body. Letters had been previously granted by Davis Creek Primitive Baptist Church, Speedwell, Tennessee. The six charter members to compose the organization were as follows: Elder George W. Miracle, Elder J. B. Marsee, Mrs. Vanie Wilson, Mrs. Edna England, and Mrs. H. D. Redmond. The following were chosen in the presbytery as Elders and Deacons to constitute a Committee on organization: Elder Lee Hanks, of West Atlanta Primitive Baptist Church in Merietta Association of Georgia; Elder W. A. Gregory, of Tennessee Nolychucky Association in East Tennessee; Elder W. C. McMillon, of Tennessee Nolychucky Association. The following Elders of the Powells Valley Association of Primitive Baptists: Elder Levi S. Saylor, J. A. Robbins, J. P. Bowling, A. A. Miracle; Deacons: George Maddox, John Owens, Garfield Wilson, Garfield Robbins, J. C. Minton, Leonard Simms.

        Elder Lee Hanks, Atlanta, Georgia, is the Pastor. Elder J. A. Robbins, Assistant Pastor, Middlesborough, Kentucky. Mrs. H.D. Redmond, Cumberland Gap, Tennessee, is church Clerk. The new church owns a splendid house of worship, located in the East End of Middlesborough. The present membership is about 33.

        Calvin Primitive Baptist Church, organized at or near Cumberland Ford, in Knox County, Kentucky (now Bell County) in 1844. It appears that some minister of the gospel by the name of Elder Ingram had gathered together some converts by baptism and by letter, sufficient to form an independent body in the Cumberland River section, and that an arm must have been extended by some church on Greasy Creek, or Browneys Creek, or Davis Creek, in Powells Valley, to Cunberland Ford for the purpose of organizing a new church. The writer has reasonable grounds to believe that Edler Eb Ingram, working with Elder Thomas Marsee, must have gathered these Christians together at Cumberland Ford, because

Elder Marsee, working with Edler William Williams, had just organized the Old Yellow Creek Baptist Church at Middlesborough, and the Bark Shed Baptist Church

on the Left Fork of Straight Creek in the year 1840. And, besides Elder Marsee, at the time these churches were being constituted, lived a number of years on Greasy Creek, in Knox County (now Bell County). Any way, we know that the church is here to show for itself. We also know that this church was organized using Articles of Faith and Church Covenant, such as are now used by the Powells Valleys Association of Primitive Baptists. This association was organized about 1818, or some 27 years before the Calvin Church was constituted. The writer heard Elder Silas Miracle preach a sermon one Saturday in 1882 where the school house now stands at Page. Just after the sermon was over the church people all filed down to the Cumberland River and, just above the Ford, Pastor Miracle baptized Aunt Sarah Neely. This was the first baptismal service I had ever witnessed. Somehow, this solem service made a deep impression on my mind at that early period of my life. From that day forward I had a great desire to follow my Lord in this humble manner. Brother W. A. Miracle, the present Clerk of the Calvin Church, assures me that he once attended a service of this church when it was located in a school house near the home of J. C. Blanton. This must have been at least 60 years ago. Brother Miracle remembers the following members of this church at different periods of its history: Matt Pursifull and wife, Lewis Fortner and wife, George Wilson, great grandfather of W. A. Miracle, Ambrose Miracle, John Miracle and wife, father and mother of Brother W. A. Miracle, Mary Wilder, Martha Chambers, and many others. I have no record of the names of the Elders who have gone out from this great old church. How I wish some one had preserved all the records of the different churches of Bell County, so that they now could be written into a history that we would all be proud of; but records have been carelessly kept, some have been lost, and some have been destroyed by fire. Calvin Church now owns a good meeting house, located on Williams Branch. Sufficient to say, in passing, that many good men and women hold membership, and have held membership, in this church. The present membership is 102. Elder W. A. Miracle, Washburn, Tennessee, is the Pastor, and Judge W. A. Miracle, Pineville, Kentucky, is the Clerk.

        The Primitive Baptist Church at Browney's Creek. J. M. Wilder, Clerk of the above named church, on March 24, 1939, gave me the following information in regard to this church, which is one of the oldest organized churches in Bell County, so far as I know, having been a continuous organization since 1836: The record of this old church at Browney's Creek shows that it was constituted in 1836 by Thomas Weaver, Henry Wilson, and John Dickinson. James Miracle was selected as Clerk. The Articles of Faith and Rules of Decorum are what is known as the Primitive Baptist faith, that is, salvation by grace through faith and that not of ourselves; it is the gift of God. They say once in grace always in grace. The old record is dim but for the last 75 years the Moderators (preachers) are as follows: Rev. Andrew Miracle, Rev. Joe Saylor, Rev. Robert Wilson, Rev. T. W. Baker, Rev. A. J. Hopson, Rev. Richard Robbins, and Rev. E. N. Slusher. Rev. E. N. Slusher is the present Moderator and J. M. Wider is Clerk. This old church has stood the storm of persecution for more than a hundred years and today she has 109 members and meets once a month, good or bad weather. The church practices footwashing and communes regularly. Our records show that our true name is this: "The Primitive Baptist Church of Christ at Browney's Creek." On April 6, 1939, after I had written J. M. Wilder for some more

information, he gave me this: "I am not able to give you all of the names of the church members when it was organized, but Robert Wilson told me he was a charter member of the church and was chosen Clerk of the church in 1852 and served until 1892, for forty years. He then entered the ministry and preached until his death." Thomas Weaver, Henry Wilson, and John Dickinson were preachers. We call

our ruling Edler a Moderator and no man can serve as Moderator unless he has

passed under the hands of the presbytery. Names of the many Clerks of the church are (1) James Miracle, (2) William Money, (3) Robert Wilson, (4) F. P. Miracle, (5) J. P. Boatright, (6) R. D. Wilson, (7) B. H. Wilder, (8) 0. V. Wilson, (9) J. M. Wilder, present Clerk.

        The government of the church is congregational, the whole body acts for

the church. It doesn't have any boards of any kind, no Sunday Schools, no man

made institution, claiming the Bible as the only rule to go by. Brother Wilder has given a faithful account of this wonderful old church on Browney's Creek, one of the oldest churches in Bell County, and worthy of a much more extended account of its activities, which would have been written but for the lack of information.

        Cannon Creek Primitive Baptist Church, organized November, fourth Saturday, 1981. This Church was organized on Cannon Creek, Josh Bell County, Kentucky, by an arm extended by Harmony Baptist Church and Calvin Baptist Church, and was constituted as a United Baptist Church, but later by adopting Articles of Faith of the Powells Valley Primitive Association, became a duly constituted Primitive Baptist Church.

        Elder Silas Miracle, Elder Joseph Pitman, John Crawford, Cassandra Crawford, John Hendrickson, Mary Hendrickson, William Browning, Elizabeth Davis, constituted a committee on organization. This Committee met at the home of John Crawford on the fourth Saturday, November, 1871, and was duly organized. Elder Silas Miracle was chosen first Moderator, and John Hendrickson was chosen first Clerk. Brother John Crawford was chosen first deacon and Cassandra Crawford was chosen deaconess.

        Elder Silas Miracle served the church 28 years as pastor. Cannon Creek Primitive Baptist Church has granted 12 letters to constitute new Churches, as follows: Pinnacle View Church, Middlesboro, Kentucky, and Athens, Tennessee.

        Oliver Hurst has served the church 19 years as Clerk. The church owns its own house of worship valued at $1,500. The present membership is 33. Elder E. N. Slusher, Miracle, Kentucky, is Moderator and Oliver Hurst, Co1mar, Kentucky, is Clerk.

        The Powells Valley Association of Primitive Baptists, to which all, or most all, of these Primitive Baptist churches belong, is a very old

organization, having been organized in 1818. Elder J. E. Hurst, 122 Anderson Avenue, Knoxville, Tennessee, is the Moderator. John F. Miller, of

Maynardsville, Tennessee, is the Clerk.