HISTORY OF CAMP CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH
Pages 1- 190
Church Minutes (1848-1947)
These minutes were prepared from available records, most of the records from before and immediately after the War Between the States and the Reconstruction period are missing (1862-1872). There is also a gap for the period of 1942-1944.
God has blessed Camp Creek with 150 years of service to this community and for that we should all be thankful and humbly ask for His continued blessing.
Sesquicentennial Committee – 1998
History of Camp Creek Baptist Church
The people of the Camp Creek Community came together in 1845 and began praying and making plans for a regularly constituted place of worship.
After 3 years of meetings which consisted of singing, praying, and preaching the people under the leadership of the Holy Spirit constituted a church and in 1848 a constitution was established. The constitution is not legible in the church book of minutes, but a list of the rules of Decorum is, and is as follows:
1. Conference meetings shall be opened by singing and prayer, and the Pastor of the church shall be the Moderator.
2. Visiting brethren and sisters shall be invited to seats, with the privilege of speaking, but voting shall be confined to the church.
3. Reference shall be taken up in order and disposed of before any other business shall be introduced.
4. The matters of differences between members shall be taken up until Gospel steps have been taken according to Matthew the 18th chapter.
5. Any testimony may be heard against a member, but the church shall be her own judge of the same.
6. Every motion made and seconded shall be considered, unless withdrawn by the mover.
7. No one shall be interrupted while speaking unless he depart from the subject, then it shall be the privilege of the moderator to call him to order.
8. No brother shall speak more than twice on the same subject, except he is asked by the moderator.
9. A majority shall govern in all cases except those involving fellowship and receiving members shall be unanimous.
10. It shall be the duty of the members of this church especially males, to attend conference meetings, and if any miss one meeting, they shall give their reason of absence at the next and if any miss two meetings in succession, the church may send for them.
11. N0 member shall move out of the bounds of this church, without first applying for a letter of dismission. Neither shall any leave during conferences without leave of the moderator.
12. We deem it the duty of all members to take their seats at sacramental meetings, unless some matter of dealing prevent.
13. Inasmuch as liberty of conscience has always been a Baptist characteristic, and freewill offerings clearly taught in the Bible, giving or not giving shall never be a test of fellowship in this church. The Gospel shall be supported by voluntary contributions.
14. It shall be the duty of the Deacons to prepare the Lord’s Supper.
l5. It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the proceedings of each conference, and read the minutes before dismission.
16. Any person violating these rules may be reproved as the church shall direct.
l7. The rules shall be read quarterly, and may be altered or amended by the concurrence of two thirds of the members present.
18. The first offense of drunkenness shall exclude a member. At the beginning of a conference visiting brethren and sisters were asked to seats with us.
In 1849 the church held it’s first conference with Bro. Lewis Ball as moderator. During the conference Bro. Ball was elected Pastor, and John Long elected as church clerk. The church chose delegates to present a petition of admission into the Chickasaw Association. Camp Creek was then adopted as the name of the church and the rules of decorum were also adopted.
The first conference since the church was constituted was August 18, 1849. It was resolved then that the church be called Camp Creek and the rules of decorum was adopted.
In the February conference of 1850 a subscription was presented to raise a fund for Bro. Ball’s services. A fund of $37.50 was subscribed by the brethren and friends present. The deacons were then requested to take the paper and raise what they can. The first mention of a deacon by name was in June 1851, when Bro. R. Smith was ordained to serve. In 1885 two deacons were elected.
May 1851 Bro. Salmon was appointed Treasurer. March 1852 a committee was appointed to procure a bond for titles for the land on which the meetinghouse stands and to procure means to furnish the meetinghouse. June 1852 a committee was appointed to ascertain the value of certain work done on the meetinghouse. The first recorded night meeting, which was a Protracted meeting (revival), was August 1853. Number of members in 1853 was 76. Number that has joined since the church was constituted was 304. Number excluded dismissed ordered was 144. A singing clerk was chosen in November 1853. July 1854 a committee was appointed
to build a new meetinghouse at Camp Creek. The new church is to be 30 feet by 50 feet. The building committee was given until December to build the meeting place. In the minutes of December 1854 it was reported they were not able to build and was therefore discharged. The church agreed to buy lumber to line cracks and make seats to the old house. December 1855 Brother Elias Rogers accepted the call to preach to the church if they build a new meetinghouse next year. If not he expects the church will pay him for his services in dimes. February 1856 the building committee reported not able to build and the committee was discharged. A committee was appointed again in October 1859 to build a new church house, A report from the committee at the next conference was received and committee dismissed.
February 1856 it was agreed for Pleasant Ridge, Euclatubba and Mt Sion Churches to visit us at our communion next conference.
October 1857 a committee was appointed to examine the seats of the Mt. Sion meeting house. They were authorized to pay only $2 dollars for seats. In November they reported they bought the seats for $4 dollars.
February 1859 the church agreed to purchase three acres of land from Brother Easley adjoining the church lot.
November 15, 1873 Brother Knowles moved the use of the well for the use of a school to be taught at this place.
December 1873 the building committee was authorized to dispose of the old church, the proceeds to be applied to our church.
July 1876 it was agreed to pledge $10 dollars for missionary purposes to be paid at the next association. In June 1880 a motion was made to collect for Home Missions.
In 1881 a committee was appointed to take monthly collections for the church. A collection was also taken up in 1881 for the Evergreen HymnBook and lighting of the church. A motion was made and second to give the old Bible of Camp Creek Church to Birmingham.
In 1882 a committee was appointed to get water for the Union meeting and they also agreed to bring dinner to the church. They would meet to clean the churchyard and hitching places. For the meetings someone was appointed to procure (to take care) lights.
In 1885 a committee was appointed to revise the church book.
In September 1885 a committee was appointed to raise funds for the repair of the church.
In 1886 they voted to repair the graveyard fence. The church members would clean the graveyard.
In 1887 a hospitality committee was appointed. A committee of five was appointed to put the house in complete repair for pillars, ceiling, repairing roof, painting lights and stoves.
In 1888 Bro. S. M. Stokes was appointed to get funds for books (don’t know what kind.)
April of 1889 they gave $15.20 to foreign missions.
The first recorded ordination service was in July 1889 for Bro. F. M. Archey.
Permission was given in September 1889 to locate a schoolhouse on the church lot. Some of the seats of the church were loaned to the schools house.
In 1890 by motion a committee was to raise a subscription to pay the pastor for the present year.
In 1891 because of a rising note the church agreed to raise the salary to $150.00 for Bro. Turnages. A committee was appointed to revise and procure a new church book since it was imperfect. The church also agreed to buy an organ.
In 1892 the Baptist Association was invited to meet with Camp Creek. Bro. Jacob Epting reported that the church had not compiled with its promise of salary for 1891 and that it should be paid before making other contracts. The treasurer also reported it in November of 1898 that the church was behind in the Pastor’s salary.
In March 1896 a committee to purchase songbooks reported they have not done anything and was continued.
In April 1896 a committee to write a historical sketch of the church was appointed.
In May 1897 a committee was appointed to put roof on church. It was reported that they were ready to receive funds and subscriptions in June 1897.
In January 1898 the repairing committee continued. They asked for help to haul shingles from Marietta. In October 1898 the building committee reported their work completed and the committee discharged.
In July 1899 the church voted to have a semi-centennial. The deacons arranged the program.
In 1901 the matter of purchasing an addition to the graveyard was again brought before the church and it was found that a deed has been made to the same.
In 1902 a copy of the deed to the church graveyard was presented by Bro. S. W. Stokes and turned over to S. W. McGee.
In 1902 an offering was taken up for the Baptist Orphanage, also to help build a Baptist church at Guntown.
In 1904 a committee (deacons) was appointed to raise funds to repair the church and employ a sexton (rings the bell for services, takes care of church property, and digs graves.) They also appointed a committee to furnish water for drinking. A collection of $5.50 to repair church. A collection of $15.00 was taken for the orphanage.
In 1905 a collection of $50.00 was taken for foreign mission, and $5.10 taken up to pay sexton. A committee to sell oil and paint left from painting house report that oil was sold for $1.75.
In 1906 a well was bored on or near the churchyard. In 1907 it was reported done and paid for. The Ladies Aid Society presented the church nice furniture consisting of divan, chairs, and table.
In November 1907 the first Thanksgiving Service was held with Bro. Landers preaching.
July 1908 a committee was appointed to raise salary of pastor, report ain’t raised. Jesse McGee and Miss Florence Owens were authorized to buy an organ for the church. It was reported that it was bought and paid for in August 1908.
In September Arthur Wade was hired for $15.00 per year to be the sexton.
The church invited the Sunday school District Convention to meet at Camp Creek in October 1909. Officers and teachers
for Sunday school were also organized.
The Ladies Aid Society was given permission to put new windows in the church in January 1910. August 1910 -collection made up Pastor’s salary. Paid pastor $154.00 for year. Church paid singer $5.57 for help in singing. The Ladies Society asked permission to pillow the church with brick, requested was granted.
October 1912 pastors’ salary was raised to $200.00. In 1918 it was raised to $250.00 per year. In 1920 it was raised to $206.87.
March 1913 a collection was taken for Home and Foreign Missions amounting to $100.00. (Foreign Missions -$60.00 and Home Missions - $40.00) The church agreed to have lemonade stand during the association. On motion church decided to buy and put
down carpet before the association. It was decided to take collection each month for church expenses.
March 1916 a collection of $10.00 was taken for songbooks. Fifty books were ordered @ l0 cents each.
September 1934 the pastor suggested the building of a new church and the suggestion was received.
In April 1935 the new church was not quite completed, but the first service was held in the new church. Sunday school was held in new church one week prior to this time.
September 1934 the pastor suggested the building of a new church and the suggestion was received.
In April 1935 the new church was not quite completed, but the first service was held in the new church. Sunday school was held in new church one week prior to this time.
The first mention of Bible School was in November 1935. The first mention of a Sunday school Superintendent was May 1939 and J. E. McGee was elected.
In February 1945 the church voted to pay the janitor $4.00 per month instead of $2.00.
In May 1945 a committee made preparation for rebirth of a Sunday school.
In November 1945 the church voted to help sponsor the Pastor’s Radio Bible School on the Air.
In July 1947 the church voted to install screens on the church building and install fans.
Butane gas was first installed in the church October 20, 1949. Brother Overton, pastor died July 14, 1952.
The church called Brother B. A. Wilson as pastor at the September business meeting 1952. At the meeting the church also voted to build its first Pastorium at an estimated completion cost of about $8,500.00. Roy Skinner, Clerk.
February 3, 1957 the church met in business conference to discuss plans for a new Educational Building. This was to give the church more educational space and a new fellowship hall. The estimated cost was in the $10,000 range. The plan was approved by a vote of 54 for the plan with no opposition. The building was completed a few months later. L. C. Riley, Pastor.
The first Brotherhood was organized October 1958. Phil Morson, President and Clarence Wood, Vice-president.
In 1963 remodeling was done on inside of the church and new pews were installed. Brother Weaver, Pastor.
In 1964 air conditioning units were installed in windows and sanctuary. Nursery was enlarged and new Sunday School rooms added in 1965. Wayne Fredrick, Pastor.
In 1968 central heating was installed in the church.
In 1972 the church voted to build a new sanctuary, which was completed in early 1973. Brother George Thomas, Pastor.
Old pastorium was sold and moved from church property 1989. New pastorium was built and completed in November 1989. Brother Felix Hutcheson, Pastor.
During the early years at the beginning of every business meeting they would call for references and this is where they would dismiss you from the church. Some of the reasons for dismissal from the church were: abusive language, swearing and gambling; adultery, fornication, dancing, playing marbles on Sunday, playing cards, leaving county without settling up his debts, reeled on his horse and believed he was drunk, fighting, lying, for refusing to be governed by the church and declaring no fellowship with the church in word and action, stealing whiskey, leaving the church without a letter, and immoral conduct. (3) Called for new business.
Pages 1- 190
Church Minutes (1848-1947)
These minutes were prepared from available records, most of the records from before and immediately after the War Between the States and the Reconstruction period are missing (1862-1872). There is also a gap for the period of 1942-1944.
God has blessed Camp Creek with 150 years of service to this community and for that we should all be thankful and humbly ask for His continued blessing.
Sesquicentennial Committee – 1998
History of Camp Creek Baptist Church
The people of the Camp Creek Community came together in 1845 and began praying and making plans for a regularly constituted place of worship.
After 3 years of meetings which consisted of singing, praying, and preaching the people under the leadership of the Holy Spirit constituted a church and in 1848 a constitution was established. The constitution is not legible in the church book of minutes, but a list of the rules of Decorum is, and is as follows:
1. Conference meetings shall be opened by singing and prayer, and the Pastor of the church shall be the Moderator.
2. Visiting brethren and sisters shall be invited to seats, with the privilege of speaking, but voting shall be confined to the church.
3. Reference shall be taken up in order and disposed of before any other business shall be introduced.
4. The matters of differences between members shall be taken up until Gospel steps have been taken according to Matthew the 18th chapter.
5. Any testimony may be heard against a member, but the church shall be her own judge of the same.
6. Every motion made and seconded shall be considered, unless withdrawn by the mover.
7. No one shall be interrupted while speaking unless he depart from the subject, then it shall be the privilege of the moderator to call him to order.
8. No brother shall speak more than twice on the same subject, except he is asked by the moderator.
9. A majority shall govern in all cases except those involving fellowship and receiving members shall be unanimous.
10. It shall be the duty of the members of this church especially males, to attend conference meetings, and if any miss one meeting, they shall give their reason of absence at the next and if any miss two meetings in succession, the church may send for them.
11. N0 member shall move out of the bounds of this church, without first applying for a letter of dismission. Neither shall any leave during conferences without leave of the moderator.
12. We deem it the duty of all members to take their seats at sacramental meetings, unless some matter of dealing prevent.
13. Inasmuch as liberty of conscience has always been a Baptist characteristic, and freewill offerings clearly taught in the Bible, giving or not giving shall never be a test of fellowship in this church. The Gospel shall be supported by voluntary contributions.
14. It shall be the duty of the Deacons to prepare the Lord’s Supper.
l5. It shall be the duty of the clerk to record the proceedings of each conference, and read the minutes before dismission.
16. Any person violating these rules may be reproved as the church shall direct.
l7. The rules shall be read quarterly, and may be altered or amended by the concurrence of two thirds of the members present.
18. The first offense of drunkenness shall exclude a member. At the beginning of a conference visiting brethren and sisters were asked to seats with us.
In 1849 the church held it’s first conference with Bro. Lewis Ball as moderator. During the conference Bro. Ball was elected Pastor, and John Long elected as church clerk. The church chose delegates to present a petition of admission into the Chickasaw Association. Camp Creek was then adopted as the name of the church and the rules of decorum were also adopted.
The first conference since the church was constituted was August 18, 1849. It was resolved then that the church be called Camp Creek and the rules of decorum was adopted.
In the February conference of 1850 a subscription was presented to raise a fund for Bro. Ball’s services. A fund of $37.50 was subscribed by the brethren and friends present. The deacons were then requested to take the paper and raise what they can. The first mention of a deacon by name was in June 1851, when Bro. R. Smith was ordained to serve. In 1885 two deacons were elected.
May 1851 Bro. Salmon was appointed Treasurer. March 1852 a committee was appointed to procure a bond for titles for the land on which the meetinghouse stands and to procure means to furnish the meetinghouse. June 1852 a committee was appointed to ascertain the value of certain work done on the meetinghouse. The first recorded night meeting, which was a Protracted meeting (revival), was August 1853. Number of members in 1853 was 76. Number that has joined since the church was constituted was 304. Number excluded dismissed ordered was 144. A singing clerk was chosen in November 1853. July 1854 a committee was appointed
to build a new meetinghouse at Camp Creek. The new church is to be 30 feet by 50 feet. The building committee was given until December to build the meeting place. In the minutes of December 1854 it was reported they were not able to build and was therefore discharged. The church agreed to buy lumber to line cracks and make seats to the old house. December 1855 Brother Elias Rogers accepted the call to preach to the church if they build a new meetinghouse next year. If not he expects the church will pay him for his services in dimes. February 1856 the building committee reported not able to build and the committee was discharged. A committee was appointed again in October 1859 to build a new church house, A report from the committee at the next conference was received and committee dismissed.
February 1856 it was agreed for Pleasant Ridge, Euclatubba and Mt Sion Churches to visit us at our communion next conference.
October 1857 a committee was appointed to examine the seats of the Mt. Sion meeting house. They were authorized to pay only $2 dollars for seats. In November they reported they bought the seats for $4 dollars.
February 1859 the church agreed to purchase three acres of land from Brother Easley adjoining the church lot.
November 15, 1873 Brother Knowles moved the use of the well for the use of a school to be taught at this place.
December 1873 the building committee was authorized to dispose of the old church, the proceeds to be applied to our church.
July 1876 it was agreed to pledge $10 dollars for missionary purposes to be paid at the next association. In June 1880 a motion was made to collect for Home Missions.
In 1881 a committee was appointed to take monthly collections for the church. A collection was also taken up in 1881 for the Evergreen HymnBook and lighting of the church. A motion was made and second to give the old Bible of Camp Creek Church to Birmingham.
In 1882 a committee was appointed to get water for the Union meeting and they also agreed to bring dinner to the church. They would meet to clean the churchyard and hitching places. For the meetings someone was appointed to procure (to take care) lights.
In 1885 a committee was appointed to revise the church book.
In September 1885 a committee was appointed to raise funds for the repair of the church.
In 1886 they voted to repair the graveyard fence. The church members would clean the graveyard.
In 1887 a hospitality committee was appointed. A committee of five was appointed to put the house in complete repair for pillars, ceiling, repairing roof, painting lights and stoves.
In 1888 Bro. S. M. Stokes was appointed to get funds for books (don’t know what kind.)
April of 1889 they gave $15.20 to foreign missions.
The first recorded ordination service was in July 1889 for Bro. F. M. Archey.
Permission was given in September 1889 to locate a schoolhouse on the church lot. Some of the seats of the church were loaned to the schools house.
In 1890 by motion a committee was to raise a subscription to pay the pastor for the present year.
In 1891 because of a rising note the church agreed to raise the salary to $150.00 for Bro. Turnages. A committee was appointed to revise and procure a new church book since it was imperfect. The church also agreed to buy an organ.
In 1892 the Baptist Association was invited to meet with Camp Creek. Bro. Jacob Epting reported that the church had not compiled with its promise of salary for 1891 and that it should be paid before making other contracts. The treasurer also reported it in November of 1898 that the church was behind in the Pastor’s salary.
In March 1896 a committee to purchase songbooks reported they have not done anything and was continued.
In April 1896 a committee to write a historical sketch of the church was appointed.
In May 1897 a committee was appointed to put roof on church. It was reported that they were ready to receive funds and subscriptions in June 1897.
In January 1898 the repairing committee continued. They asked for help to haul shingles from Marietta. In October 1898 the building committee reported their work completed and the committee discharged.
In July 1899 the church voted to have a semi-centennial. The deacons arranged the program.
In 1901 the matter of purchasing an addition to the graveyard was again brought before the church and it was found that a deed has been made to the same.
In 1902 a copy of the deed to the church graveyard was presented by Bro. S. W. Stokes and turned over to S. W. McGee.
In 1902 an offering was taken up for the Baptist Orphanage, also to help build a Baptist church at Guntown.
In 1904 a committee (deacons) was appointed to raise funds to repair the church and employ a sexton (rings the bell for services, takes care of church property, and digs graves.) They also appointed a committee to furnish water for drinking. A collection of $5.50 to repair church. A collection of $15.00 was taken for the orphanage.
In 1905 a collection of $50.00 was taken for foreign mission, and $5.10 taken up to pay sexton. A committee to sell oil and paint left from painting house report that oil was sold for $1.75.
In 1906 a well was bored on or near the churchyard. In 1907 it was reported done and paid for. The Ladies Aid Society presented the church nice furniture consisting of divan, chairs, and table.
In November 1907 the first Thanksgiving Service was held with Bro. Landers preaching.
July 1908 a committee was appointed to raise salary of pastor, report ain’t raised. Jesse McGee and Miss Florence Owens were authorized to buy an organ for the church. It was reported that it was bought and paid for in August 1908.
In September Arthur Wade was hired for $15.00 per year to be the sexton.
The church invited the Sunday school District Convention to meet at Camp Creek in October 1909. Officers and teachers
for Sunday school were also organized.
The Ladies Aid Society was given permission to put new windows in the church in January 1910. August 1910 -collection made up Pastor’s salary. Paid pastor $154.00 for year. Church paid singer $5.57 for help in singing. The Ladies Society asked permission to pillow the church with brick, requested was granted.
October 1912 pastors’ salary was raised to $200.00. In 1918 it was raised to $250.00 per year. In 1920 it was raised to $206.87.
March 1913 a collection was taken for Home and Foreign Missions amounting to $100.00. (Foreign Missions -$60.00 and Home Missions - $40.00) The church agreed to have lemonade stand during the association. On motion church decided to buy and put
down carpet before the association. It was decided to take collection each month for church expenses.
March 1916 a collection of $10.00 was taken for songbooks. Fifty books were ordered @ l0 cents each.
September 1934 the pastor suggested the building of a new church and the suggestion was received.
In April 1935 the new church was not quite completed, but the first service was held in the new church. Sunday school was held in new church one week prior to this time.
September 1934 the pastor suggested the building of a new church and the suggestion was received.
In April 1935 the new church was not quite completed, but the first service was held in the new church. Sunday school was held in new church one week prior to this time.
The first mention of Bible School was in November 1935. The first mention of a Sunday school Superintendent was May 1939 and J. E. McGee was elected.
In February 1945 the church voted to pay the janitor $4.00 per month instead of $2.00.
In May 1945 a committee made preparation for rebirth of a Sunday school.
In November 1945 the church voted to help sponsor the Pastor’s Radio Bible School on the Air.
In July 1947 the church voted to install screens on the church building and install fans.
Butane gas was first installed in the church October 20, 1949. Brother Overton, pastor died July 14, 1952.
The church called Brother B. A. Wilson as pastor at the September business meeting 1952. At the meeting the church also voted to build its first Pastorium at an estimated completion cost of about $8,500.00. Roy Skinner, Clerk.
February 3, 1957 the church met in business conference to discuss plans for a new Educational Building. This was to give the church more educational space and a new fellowship hall. The estimated cost was in the $10,000 range. The plan was approved by a vote of 54 for the plan with no opposition. The building was completed a few months later. L. C. Riley, Pastor.
The first Brotherhood was organized October 1958. Phil Morson, President and Clarence Wood, Vice-president.
In 1963 remodeling was done on inside of the church and new pews were installed. Brother Weaver, Pastor.
In 1964 air conditioning units were installed in windows and sanctuary. Nursery was enlarged and new Sunday School rooms added in 1965. Wayne Fredrick, Pastor.
In 1968 central heating was installed in the church.
In 1972 the church voted to build a new sanctuary, which was completed in early 1973. Brother George Thomas, Pastor.
Old pastorium was sold and moved from church property 1989. New pastorium was built and completed in November 1989. Brother Felix Hutcheson, Pastor.
During the early years at the beginning of every business meeting they would call for references and this is where they would dismiss you from the church. Some of the reasons for dismissal from the church were: abusive language, swearing and gambling; adultery, fornication, dancing, playing marbles on Sunday, playing cards, leaving county without settling up his debts, reeled on his horse and believed he was drunk, fighting, lying, for refusing to be governed by the church and declaring no fellowship with the church in word and action, stealing whiskey, leaving the church without a letter, and immoral conduct. (3) Called for new business.
