Baptist Association minutes, 1882-1933. These are printed minutes of annual meetings of Primitive Baptist associations in Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Ohio, and Oklahoma. The most complete series are for the Center Creek and Ozark associations of Missouri. The minutes include the proceedings of the associations, lists of churches, officers, and representatives, the articles of faith and rules of decorum, and correspondence with other associations. Baptist associations are organizations of churches of the same faith and order, generally organized on a regional basis.
Churches maintain their independence and membership in the associations is voluntary.
Representatives of the churches assemble annually at designated churches for preaching, discussion of doctrinal matters, and exchange of correspondence with other associations. Minutes of the sessions are printed and distributed to member churches and corresponding associations. The system of beliefs was based on fundamental interpretation of the Old and New Testaments and rejection of man-made inventions in religious affairs such as foreign missions and ecclesiastical schools. Religious practices included the celebration of the Lord's Supper, baptism by immersion, and foot-washing. The Lawrence County Historical Society received this collection of minutes of Baptist associations by donation from Jewell Hendricks.