Clinch County, Georgia - Chapter 9, 1916

Methodist Church, Homerville

THIS church is about the oldest existing Methodist Church in the county, having been established here in 1875. There had been no edifice here previous to that time to worship in, and the few Methodists met occasionally at the court-house and worshipped. Also previous to this time, Robert B. Crum and his wife, of near Homerville, were in charge of a Sunday School here, although un-denominational it was nominally a Methodist school.

The first church building was located on a small piece of land granted the church by the railroad company to be used by them so long as a church was situated thereon. The land was a part of the railroad square in town. The credit for the securing of this parcel of land for the church is due mainly to the efforts of Col. J. L. Sweat, of Homerville. Among the prominent members of the church during its infancy at Homerville, were H. A. Mattox and family, Robert B. Crum and family, Col. J. L. Sweat and wife and E. J. Benton. Rev. William W. Griffin lived here for several years following the war, and preached for the Methodists occasionally. He was Ordinary of the county three years.

The town lot whereon the parsonage was located, was bought of A. S. McLendon in 1883, the price being $250. It had a good dwelling on it and was used as a parsonage until 1 9 14, when the present parsonage was completed and occupied. The old parsonage and land was sold to Mrs. W. K. Peagler and the proceeds applied to the building of the new one, which is a neat and comfortable dwelling. The land for the new church and parsonage was given by that generous benefactor and member of the church, H. J. Peag-

The present church building was built during 19 13-14, at an approximate cost of $6,500. It was during the pastorate of Rev, George H. Walker, a most progressive and wideawake pastor, that the church was contemplated, begun and completed. This was his ambition from the time he took charge of his station in December, 191 1, when he at once saw the need of a larger and better building.

Probably one of the most Interested members and generous donators In building the new church was Henry J. Peagler, one of the town's wealthiest citizens. He not only bought and gave the land to the church for its new home and parsonage, at a cost of $900, but contributed still larger sums of money towards its erection, as well as much of his time and attention. In the midst of the building of the new edifice, which he was looking after on the part of the church, Mr. Peagler was stricken on October 31st, 19 13, with a serious attack of acute indigestion and died within an hour's time. Thus the church was deprived of one of its most active and influential members. A beautiful memorial window now adorns the church In Mr. Peagler's memory. After his death, Mr. W. V. Musgrove, a prominent business man of the town, took the matter in hand and due, chiefly to his efforts, the church was soon completed.

The new church is located on the south side of the A. C. L. Railroad In the heart of town, and faces the right-of-way. It is situated on the lot formerly known as the Lyman A. SIrmans lot. Large oaks adorn the lot which made it such a desirable location for a new church, some of the oaks now standing were set out by Colonel SIrmans right after the war, when he owned the lot. The parsonage Is located to the rear of the church and faces the Railroad Square from the west.

The Sunday School of the Methodist Church at HomervIUe is probably the oldest existing school of its kind in the county. This school has been in active condition since 1876. Prior to this time there had been an undenominational school here led by Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Crum, who were Methodist members. This was before the Methodist Church was built. Following the organization of the Methodist Church at Homerville, came the reorganization of the Sunday School and the consequent turning over of the former undenominational school led by Mr. and Mrs. Crum to the church. The Sunday School was reorganized May 7th, 1876, and named the Wesley Sunday School. At this time the following officers were elected: C. Hussey, superintendent; N. W. Graddy, assistant superintendent; J. L. Sweat, secretary, and W. A. Ecord, treasurer. Fifty members were enrolled. After this, Mr. Hussey, who was a school teacher, left and Colonel Sweat was elected superintendent. But the present Sunday School nominally dates from 1863, as It was organized as above stated by Mr. Crum and his wife, although its actual church affiliations date only from 1876. The following is a list of Its superintendents to date :

During the fall of 1878 the Methodists built a large tabernacle on the Railroad Square in town, for holding revival and yearly camp-meetings in. It was a large open-air building, circular shape, with a seating capacity of about two thousand people. Annually for many years some kind of a big meeting was held in it. The yearly meeting was an event of much importance; all the people for miles around attending and the meetings lasting for several days at a time. Among the leaders and those who donated much towards the building of the tabernacle were H. A. Mattox and R. B. Reppard.

Gradually this beautiful custom dropped out of usage and at last there were no meetings held. The building began to decay from lack of repairs; so the church people finally sold it to H. J. Peagler in 1907, who tore it down and removed it.

Another beautiful custom, followed for many years, was that of holding an annual Sunday School picnic at some pleasant point near Homerville. It was never held in town nor did the picnickers have to use the train to attend. Principal among the places where it was held were the Lewis Smith place, one mile from town ; the ford of Cane Creek, and the Stewart place, about two miles from town. On account of the hospitality of Captain W. H. Gary, it was sometimes held in his grove at his home on the edge of town.

As has been above stated, Robert B. Crum and his wife were prominent members of the Methodist Church at Homerville for thirty or forty years. While Mr. Crum never held any political office, yet he was in other ways one of the town's most prominent citizens and the church's most zealous workers, and not only him but his wife as well. A handsome memorial window now adorns the new Methodist Church in Homerville in their memory. Therefore, a short sketch of this family will be appropriate:

To Mr. and Mrs. Crum belongs the honor of establishing the present Methodist Sunday School in Homerville. This was in 1863, when the town was very small and county thinly populated. At first the school which they organized was undenominational but with the formation of the Methodist Church at Homerville it became a part of that church.

father was David Crum, who was a native of North Carolina and who located in Camden County in 1807. R. B. Crum married Miss Mary Ann Hutto, November 24th, 1842, by whom he had three children. Mrs. Crum's father was itinerant of the old Georgia Conference. She died in 1849. Four years later at an old preaching place called Mulberry Grove, Mr. Crum was married to Miss Margaret Malette, a member of an old Camden County family. This was on June 5th, 1853. By his second wife, Mr. Crum had nine children, viz.: Robert Mallette Crum (died 1909) ; Vidella, who married D. W. Frobel, later Charles Gillican; Alice B. Crum, who married F. A. Exley; Margaret Eva Crum, who married H. J. Peagler (died 1902) ; Addie, who married Benj. Sirmans (died about 1892) ; Lillie L. Crum, who married Seward Smith; Rosa Minerva or Minnie Crum, who married James P. Mattox (died 1897) ' ^"d D. A. R. Crum, a prominent lawyer of Cordele, Ga. The latter is a former State senator and was prominently mentioned as a suitable person to be appointed judge of the newly created United States District Court for Georgia, in 19 13-14.

In early life, Robert B. Crum joined the Methodist Church and was a steward of the Homervllle Church for about twenty years previous to his death. As a steward he was always on hand with his assessments and for his services was given a life membership In the American Bible Society.

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Crum, with his family, removed to Clinch County and settled on the Hiram Kite place, about two miles from Homervllle, having previously visited this locality and bought the place. They lived there several years, later acquiring the hotel property formerly owned by Joel Strickland, In Homervllle. They then moved into town and ran the hotel continuously as "The Crum House" up to the death of Mrs. Crum In 1902; and after her death by her daughter, Mrs. Gillican, until 19 10.

joined the 4th Ga. Cavalry under Colonel Clinch, of Camden County, The next year, on account of his age, and in order to make safe his family and property then exposed to the enemy, he was relieved of his military obligations and removed to Clinch County. Later he joined the State militia and saw some service around Atlanta. Mr. Crum owned and controlled some eighty-odd slaves previous to the emancipation of the slaves.

Mr. Crum died very suddenly on the 12th day of November, 1893, at the dinner table. He had been previously complaining of pains in the breast and spells of weakness, but his death was not so suddenly expected. Mrs. Crum survived her husband and continued to run the hotel until her death in 1 90 1. She taught a class in the Sunday School for many years. Mr, and Mrs. Crum are buried in the Homerville cemetery.

Another one of the most prominent members of the Homerville Church was Mr, Henry J. Peagler, of whom reference has been made to before in this chapter. He was born in Berkeley County, S. C, March 15th, 1852. When a young man he came to Georgia and became a turpentine employee. At first he was employed as a woods rider in Wayne County, later coming to Clinch County, where he was employed by H. & H. Mattox. Soon after coming to Clinch County he met and married Miss Margaret Eva Crum. They were married March 17th, 1881, by the Rev. John W. Watts, pastor of the Methodist Church. To them were born five children : Wellie K., Harry M., Lee, Lottie and Robert Peagler. Two of the children are dead.

About 1887 Mr. Peagler, together with his friend, Calvitt Huxford, who came from the same county as Mr, Peagler, established a turpentine business in the northern part of the county at "Sandy Bottom." Later they opened up two other places. They continued in partnership until 1 896, when it was mutually dissolved. About this time Mr, Peagler acquired the old home property of the Crums, located near Homerville, where he built a beautiful residence in the place of the old one and removed there. He lived there until about 1910, when he moved into town.

During all this time, Mr. Peagler continued to prosper, and soon became one of the wealthiest men in the county. When the Bank of Homerville was organized in 1903, Mr. Peagler became a large stockholder and was elected its first vice-president. Later he was elected its president and served in this capacity until his death in 1913.

Mr. Peagler was an active member of the Methodist Church for about fifteen years previous to his death. He was a steward and trustee of the church for several years. He gave liberally of his means to the church and was always found in his seat at church.

His first wife died in 1902, and after her death he married Miss Annie Belle Lanier, the beautiful young daughter of Mr. R. M. Lanier and a grand-daughter of Rev. Robert F. Lanier, a pioneer Methodist of Clinch County. Four children were born to this union, viz. : Allie, Fannie, James Milton and Henri M. Peagler.

Mr. Peagler's death occurred very suddenly October 31st, 1 9 13, of acute indigestion. He was taken sick at the dinner table and died within a hour's time. His death was the occasion of much sorrow the town and county over. His demise was regretted by white and colored alike. His remains were buried in the Homerville cemetery, his pastor, Rev. Geo. H. Walker, conducting the funeral exercises.

Methodist Church, Dupont

This church was established about 1880. The present church building was dedicated October 29th, 1899, by Rev. M. C. Austin, of Brunswick. A handsome memorial window adorns the church in honor of Walter T. Lott, a generous benefactor of the church.

Among the earlier Methodists at DuPont, were Mrs. Eliza G. Herviant, Col. L. A. Sirmans and family, E. J. Benton and James T. Eason and family. At present there are very few Methodists in DuPont. Services are held once a month. The pastor of the Homerville Church is also pastor there.

The Methodist Sunday School at DuPont has at times been temporarily suspended. Due to the tireless efforts of a few it has been re-organized time and again. The following is a partial list of its superintendents since 1880:

For many years previous to his death, James T. Eason was one of the leading members of the Methodist Church at DuPont. He was born in Appling County, October 26th, 1832, and was married December 28th, 1856, to Miss Louisa Victoria Mattox, daughter of Michael Mattox, of Tattnall County. By her he had ten children, viz. : Mary, who married W. W. Sever; Sarah, who married John Campbell; Julia R., who married H. W. Sever; Moses S. Eason; Victoria (died in infancy) ; James M. (died in infancy) ; Florida, who married A. S. McLendon ; Nannie, who mar-

Mr. Eason joined the M. E. Church in 1858 in Charlton County, while his wife joined in 1857. They lived in Charlton County until 1861, when they removed back to Appling County. In 1882 he removed to Clinch County, and settled about one mile from Magnolia. He lived here until a few years prior to his death, when he removed to DuPont, where he died.

Mr. Eason was one of the prime leaders in building the Lott Memorial Methodist Church at DuPont. While living near Magnolia, he attended a Baptist Church nearby and although he was a Methodist, he was elected superintendent of its Sunday School, and soon had as good a school as could be found in the county. He worked hand in hand with Rev. George W. Newbern in the promotion of the cause. Rev. Newbern being the pastor of the little church nearby. All the while, Mr. Eason's membership was at Homerville, but later he moved it to DuPont. He was superintendent of the DuPont Sunday School a few years, and was elected a steward in 1883. His death occurred at his home in DuPont, February 26th, 1905, and he was buried in the North cemetery,

Baptist Church At Homerville

This church was organized about 1880, the principal members being W. H. Gary and wife, A. J. Caswell and wife, George W. Newbern and C. A. Smith. The land for the purpose was deeded the church by Col. Simon W. Hitch in 1882 to be used for church purposes so long as a church was located thereon. The church faces the first street east of the court-house, which runs north and south, and is on the west side of the street. It is surrounded by beautiful shade oaks.

The first Baptist Church in the vicinity of Homerville, and where the Homerville Baptists worshipped, was at the ford of Cane Creek, three miles northeast of town. This old church was established about 1852. At this time a Rev. Ryals was pastor. Later, Rev. C. Aldridge, who lived at Magnolia, was its pastor. One of the deacons of this church was John W. Hodges. He was a deacon until its removal to Homerville.

After the war, this church was abandoned, and the Baptists worshipped in the court-house at Homerville. This privilege was granted by the grand jury in 1868, and it was availed of by both denominations. In 1875 the Methodist Church was erected and thev allowed the Baptists the use of their church until they could build one.

Among the earlier Baptists at Homerville, before their church was built, might be mentioned Joel Strickland and his wife, John W. Hodges and his wife, Alfred Newbern and his wife, George W. Newbern and wife and A. B. Findley and his wife. Also there were A. J. Caswell and his wife and John C. Jones, who subsequently became prominent members of this church.

The original church building was a frame building. This building Avas used up to 191 2, when the present brick structure was completed. The present building is of white brick and cost about $2,000. It was begun in 191 1. The building committee consisted of Messrs. R. G. Dickerson, A. H. Culpepper. George M. Dame, J. S. Kirkland and D. E. Kirkland. The contract was given to S. S. Dillon, a local contractor, who also built the Methodist Church here. The pastor of the church who began the movement to build the new church was that able man of God, Rev. G. Tom West, who lived at Willacoochee, Ga. Due to his untiring efforts and under his directions the present church was built.

The present deacons of the church are Dr. A. H. Culpepper, J. S. Kirkland and George M. Dame, The Sunday School of the church was organized under the superintendency of Capt. W. H. Gary. He was superintendent for nearly twenty years previous to his death in 1901. Since that time, Dr. A. H. Culpepper, J. S. Kirkland, Prof. R. L. Lovell and George M. Dame have at different times served as superintendents. The present clerk of the church is J. S. Kirkland.

Other pastors of this church were Revs. George W. Newbern, J. T. Stanley, Bennett, Vining and Poston. Rev. A. B. Findley was ordained to the ministry here in 1867, and serv^ed as pastor.

A leading member of the church is J. S. Kirkland, named above. He is a son of the late J. C. Kirkland. He was born in 1864, and married Miss Mary Touchstone, a daughter of Mr. C. S. Touchstone, of Stockton, in 1904. He has four children. Mr. Kirkland lives on his farm near Homerville, and has served his church as a deacon, Sunday School superintendent and secretary, and as clerk.

John C. Jones, although a cripple and could not walk, was one of the most faithful members of the church. He was for many years prior to his death in 1904, clerk of the church. He also took a great interest in the Sunday School. He had been tax receiver of Clinch County for over twenty years when he died.

was a deacon of the church until his death in 1901, and also Sunday School superintendent and church clerk. He was clerk of the Homer\-ille Baptist Association for several years, and lor five years was clerk of the Smyrna Baptist Association of which the Homerville Association was formerly a part. To Capt. Gary may be attributed more than any one else the success and upbuilding of these associations. He was a county commisisoner two years, mayor of Homerville and a member of Board of Trustees of DuBignon Institute from its inception. His wife was the widow of John W. Hodges.

John W. Hodges was a leading Baptist at Homerville before the Baptist Church was established, and his death occurred before their church v/as built. As has been stated above, he was a member of the old Baptist Church at Cane Creek, and was deacon there for many years. He was born April 30, 1822, in Liberty County, and married Miss Elizabeth E. Darsey, of that county, February 12th, 1846. They had no children. They removed to Clinch County In 1852 and lived for several years four miles east of where Homerville now Is. With the coming on of the war he removed to town and joined the Confederate army. Mr. Hodges was a brother to Archibald Hodges, at one time a justice of the Inferior Court of Clinch County. He died In Homerville, December 26th, 1878, and was burled In the town cemetery.

Another early Baptist at Homerville, was Alfred B. Findley. He was born January 1 5th, 1839, and served in Co. "K" 29th Georgia, during the war. He was married August 15th, 1866, to Miss Argent Newbern, daughter of Rev. G. W. Newbern. Mr. FIndley joined the Missionary Baptist Church and was, on October 15th, 1866, ordained to the ministry. He served as deputy sheriff under Sheriffs Nelms, Courson and Johnson, and as Justice of the Peace at Homerville. Later, he removed to Coffee County and settled at Douglas, where he established a Third Party newspaper, and was appointed postmaster under Republican administration. He is now living at Douglas.

Baptist Church, Stockton

This church was originally located at Carter's Bridge, on the Allapaha River on the Clinch County side of the river. It was constituted in 1861. It was in a prosperous condition for two or three years during the war, when it almost succumbed. Rev. Caswell Howell was its first minister. Among its first members were James Henry Carroll, James Touchston, Charles Herren, John Touchston and Charles S. Touchston, and Dr. Ulysses A. Rice. To-day Mr. C. S. Touchston is the only living member of the original membership. Dr. Rice was a native of North Georgia and lived down here several years. He contributed much of labor and money towards the building of the church. When the war came on, Dr. Rice returned to his old home, the Touchstons moved their membership their membership to Macedonia Church in Echols County, which was nearer them, and other members removed their membership also. This left the church without support, and it was discontinued for a few years. Although the church building remained, no efforts were made to revive it until 1 868.

Collier, set themselves to the task and removed the church building to Stockton. Here the old church was the scene of many meetings for nearly fifty years. In 191 5 it was torn down to put up a new building in its place. When it was torn down much sound lumber was found in it which was put into the building in 1861; this same sound lumber will be used in the new building.

Rev. Thomas Powell was its first pastor after it was moved to Stockton. When this faithful servant of the church, after after laboring there a few years, turned the church over to his successors, the church's membership had materially increased and the church was on a sound footing.

Messrs. R. J. Bennett and C, S. Touchston, the latter of whom has served in this capacity for the last thirty years. Ollie Mathis is the church clerk. The church has a membership of about thirty-five.

James Touchston, an early member of this church, settled on Cow Creek in 1851, removing from where Milltown now is. The next year he built a grist and saw-mill on Cow Creek, propelled by water. Mr. Touchston joined the Baptist Church in early life, and was an active member until his death in August, 1865. At his death he was 71 years old. At the time of his death his membership was with the Macedonia Church in Echols County. Mr. Touchston's wife was Miss Rebecca Hutto, by whom he had ten children, viz.: John, William, Nancy, Jesse, James, Henry H., Isaac, Rachael, Chas. S., and Sarah Touchston. Two or his sons, Jesse and James Touchston, were killed in the war at Boonesboro, Md., in 1863.

Charles S. Touchston, a son of James Touchston, Sr., joined the Baptist Church in i860, and in 1861 became a member of the Carter's Bridge Church. He was born April 30th, 1845, where Milltown now is. When the Civil War came on, Mr. Touchston joined Co. "K" 29th Georgia Regiment, but was later transferred to Co. "H" 4th Georgia Cavalry. When the war closed he returned home and married Miss Mary E. Howell, daughter of H. H. Howell, of Echols County, December 28th, 1865. To them were born ten children.

John G. Norton was very instrumental in removing the Baptist Church from Carter's Bridge to Stockton. For several years he was clerk of the church. He was born in South Carolina, February 3d, 1838. He settled at Stockton just after the war and subsequently engaged in the mercantile business. He also ran a ginnery.

Antioch Methodist Church

This church is situated several miles south or Argyle, and was for many years in the Homerville circuit. This church was established mainly through the efforts of Rev. Irwin R. Booth, who was a local preacher many years previous to his death in 1896. Among the early leading members of the church was Is.ham Patterson, James Harper, C. W. Inman, Herschel Inman, Ivy Davis and W. H. Hinson.

As has been stated above. Rev. Irwin R. Booth was a leading member of the Methodist Church in this section for fifty years. He was born in Beaufort County, S. C, June 3d, 1812, of religious parents. He joined the Methodist Church at the early age of nine and led a consistent life until his death. He married Miss Margaret Mixon in 1832; after her death, he married Mrs. Margaret Knowles, of Ware County, Sept. 2 1st, 1868. Rev. Booth moved to Georgia about 1840 and with the exception of a short while lived in Clinch County until death in 1896.

At the time of his death. Rev. Booth had been preaching nearly fifty years, and was one of the first Methodists to settle in Clinch County. He was superintendent of the Antioch Sunday School at the time of his death. The Sunday before he died he was on hand and conducted the school, although 84 years old. His death occurred January i6th, 1896, and his remains were buried at Antioch Church. On Sunday, August 30th, 1896, the funeral services and last tribute of respect to his memory were held at Antioch. All the children, grand-children and other relatives and friends numbering several hundred, were present. The services were conducted by Revs. W. J. Stallings and C. W. Inman.

Another prominent member of Antioch Church was Ivy Davis. He was a resident of the neighborhood of the church, and was long associated with church and Sunday School affairs. He was not only a steward but a Sunday School superintendent several years, and for about five years was president of the Clinch County Sunday School Association.

Mr. Davis was born in 1845, ^^'^ was married to Miss Miranda Smith, daughter of William E. Smith, January 21st, 1868 and had several children. He died in 1913 at his home in Brunswick, Ga., where he had removed several years before.

Shiloh Methodist Church

This church was located about four miles south of Argyle, and near the home of Mr. W. J. Strickland. It was established about 1875. The pastorate was supplied by the Homerville Church. Among the early prominent members of the Church were : W. J. Strickland, Peter Williams, John Florida Smith and H. C. Smith.

Methodist Church, Argyle

This church was established in 1887, at about the time that the town of Argyle or Saussy, as it was then called, came into existence. The land for the purpose was deeded by Mrs. Virginia N. Fulton and Ida F. Saussy, heirs of Gasper J. Fulton, to the trustees of the Church September 8th, 1887, to be used by the Church so long as used for church purposes. The trustees named in the deed were : W. A. Ecord, Peter Williams, N. S. Knight, and W. S. Fender. Those trustees, however, did not live at Argyle. Among the earlier Methodists at this point, were T. P. Jordan, S. R. Kirton, T. H. Miller, B. A. Harper, and J. R. Booth.

Providence, Or Camp Branch Church

This church Is of the Primitive Baptist denomination, and although located about a mile across the line in Ware County, has always been closely associated with Clinch County, therefore the history of this church will not be amiss.

A small band of Primitive Baptists met at this point and organized themselves into a church on the third day of February, 1844. They were constituted as a church on the first Sunday in March (March 2d), 1844. The following is the covenant of the original constituted members, copied from the church minutes.

out of darkness into his marvelous light and all of us have been regularly baptized upon a profession of our faith in Christ Jesus and have given up ourselves to the Lord and to one another in a Gospel church-way to be governed and guided by a proper discipline agreeable to the Word of God, we do therefore in the name of our Lord Jesus and by His assistance, covenant and agree to keep up the discipline of the church members in a most brotherly affection toward each other while we endeavor to punctually observe the following rules, viz. : in brotherly love to pray for each other, to watch over one another and if need be in the most tender and affectionate manner to reprove one another, that is if we discover anything amiss to go and tell him his faults according to the direction given in our Lord's gospel, and not to be whispering and back-biting. We also agree with God's assistance to attend to our church meetings, observe the Lord's day and not absent ourselves from the communion of the Lord's Supper without lawful excuse, to be ready to communicate to the defraying of the church expense.

These things we do covenant and agree to observe and keep sacred in the name and by the assistance of the Holy Trinity. Signed by the mutual consent of the members whose names are underneath subscribed. March 2d, 1844.

After the organization was perfected. Rev. Isham Peacock was called as the first pastor of the church which call he accepted. Duncan Henderson was then selected as clerk, and regular meeting days were fixed for both monthly and annual meetings.

James M. Mullis Jas. C. Williams R. H. Bennett E. W. Dilbern James A. O'Steen D. B. Sheffield James A. O'Steen W. H. Tomlinson H. J. J. Markey J. C. Hewett Richard A. James

From about i9ioto 1915 the church had no regular pastor, while the minutes do not disclose anything relative to the period of 1 864-1 871 and 1 882-1 890. The following is a list of the church clerks since 1844, with the exception of 1882-1890:

Duncan Henderson, who was the first clerk, was born about 1800 and was a brother to John S., and Daniel Henderson. He married Miss Belinda Stafford, a daughter of Josiah Stafford. To them were born four children, viz. : Andrew J., Jack, David and Mary Henderson. His membership was with Providence Church until his death in 1863. He was for many years a trustee for the church property.

With the organization and spread of the Sunday School in Clinch County, came the organization of the Clinch County Sunday School Association. This is an association that has been very helpful and beneficial to the Sunday School cause in Clinch County. There are no records showing when it was organized, but we have traces of its existence as early as

1883. Annual conventions have been held every year for over twenty-five years. The following is a list of its presidents and secretaries since 1896, with the years 1883 and 1893 added, - the other years are not obtainable:

Prospect Church

This church is of the Primitive Baptist denomination, and was constituted January 22d, 1859. The first constituted members of the church were : Jacob Lightsey and Christina

Lightsey, Edmund Mathis and Labra Mathis, William Hughes, William Tomlinson and John Mathis, and Sarah Hutto. Rev. Isaac D. Hutto was for many years pastor. The present clerk of the church is James R. Morgan. This church is situated about four miles north of DuPont. The land for the church was deeded by Rowan B. Johnson in 1859.

Wayfare Or Cow Creek Church

This church was situated just across the line in Echols County, but has always been identified with the county. When it was first organized it was in Ware County, later in Clinch, then in Echols. It was constituted in 1847, ^"^ the first annual meeting was .had on Friday and Saturday before the fourth Sunday in September, 1847. The first constituted members were: John Roberts, Sr., Edmund Mathis, Unity Mathis, Harvey Mizell and Rebecca Mizell, John T. Roberts, John Mathis, James Johnson, Simon A, Blackman, Azilpha Tomlinson, Harvey Matthews, Elizabeth Register, and Rachael Howell.

First Sunday School

There has always been much discussion as to who founded the first Sunday School in Clinch County. After much research and investigation, it seems that Eaton H. Howell was the founder of the first school of this kind in the county. This ^2iS about 1856, or 1858. It was located between Homerville and Magnolia, and Mr. Howell was assisted by Geo. W. Newbern. Mr. Howell was teaching a day school there and was a young man about 25 years old. This school existed a few months, when it closed with the leaving of Mr. Howell.

About the next Sunday School to be established in the county was at Homerville in the northeast section of town. It was established by Rev. Robert F. Lanier, Dr. L. C. Mattox and H. A. Mattox, in the school house. Regular Sunday School literature was used, and the school progressed nicely

Mr. and Mrs. Robert B. Crum were the organizers of probably the next Sunday School in the county, at least in Homerville. This was in 1863. This school was continued until the organization of a Methodist Church at Homerville, about 1875, when it became a Methodist school. This school had its trials and difficulties and several times was closed for short periods, but always opened up again.