The Dawson news. (Dawson, Ga.) 1889-current, 1898-03-16

little LOG Hut to a Hand
some Edifiee.
The history of the First Baptist Church
is one of interest. The age Of this reiig
ious body and its wonderful prog
ress from little log hut to a nice temple
of worship command interest and atten-
ton. 1t is always pleasant to let the
mind turn back reflectively to the scenes
and customs of the long ago and contrast
them with the life of the present A
peculiar glamour lies upon the past. and
its rich and mellow light is heightened
by contrast with the glare and glitter of
the present; the contrast is a marked one
in almost every particular a ali
century only will suffice to make he
comparison striking.
Doubtless it would be interesting to
the congrega ion of the First Baptist
Church of Dawson could they step back
fifty years and worship with the little
band of Baptists in the old mother
church, then known as the Friendship
Baptist Church. The old building is
now standing p miles east of Dawson
near the Central railroad, and used as
barn by VIM. Jennings.
The Friendship Baptist Church met in
conference October 18th, 1849, and adopt
ed the government of the Missionary
Baptists. The first conference this
church ever held as a Missionary Baptist
Church was the first Saturday in Novem-
Der 1849. Rev. John G. Taylor was
pastor. Of the original pioneer band
there is not one living as far as we can
learn. But the vine then planted has
grown strong, extending its life, giving
boughs, and bea' ing much fruit.
June %, 1850, the name was changed
to New Providence. Rev. John 6. Taylor
was elected pastor for 1850 and 1851,
Rev. Jesse Stallngs for 1852 and 1858.
and Rev. R, A. j. Bailey 1854. These
dear old servants of the Lord have gone
home to glory, and no doubt have receiv-
ed the welcome plaudit, "well done"
The church transacted no business
from May, 1854, to January, 1855.
By resolution passed by New Provi-
dence church September 20, 1857, the
church was moved to Dawson and nam
ed the Dawson Baptist Church. Rev.
John Martin served as pastor for 1857,
1853 and 1859. This church was one Of
the original churches that organized the
Friendship Association in 1859, and had
the honor of entertaining that body in
1866, and has every Ten years since, ex-
cept the last decade, 1896. From Sep
TENDER &c, 1857, to January 1850 the
church worshipped in an academy stu
ated about or 10 feet east of the resi-
deDce of Mrs. NJ. A. Harden.
June -, 1858, a mmittee was APP
pointed to getup a subscription to build
a house of worship. A woodland lot,
10S yards square, was purchased of Mr.
M. H. Baldwin, Sr. In wears this lot
grew up in stately oaks and was the es-
pecial pride of the church The trus
tees were Jno. T. Walker, VIM. @.
Thornton, Jno. A. Bishop, Benz F.
Cook and Harrison Ethridge. Upon this
lot, where the residence of F A. Rug
giles now stands, house 40x60 feet was
erected. This building was completed
and ready for use January, 1860. The
Sunday school was organized in 1860 CT
1861, but not adopted by the church till
about 1876. J.C.F. Clark was elected
and served for twenty
yeas.
The actors who lived at that time are
for the most part in their graves, and
the greater portion of the history Of the |
event lies with them. One only of the |
present membership worshipped with |
them at that time. Many have found |
Christ and salvation in this church and |
gone before Us to the eternal home. The |
snirits OF our fathers and mothers, pas !
tors and teachers, brolh hers and sisters, !
friends and neghbors, once in the
church militant, now shout with the /
church triumphant as they cast their /
crowns at the feet of the reigning /
Christ.
This church has been bles, with the I
ministratl ms of faithful and Cody men.
In order of their services they are: Rev.
J H. Corley 6 years, Rev. t. G. langley
o wears. Rev, NJ. B. L. Binion year, DIR.