History of Unity Baptist Church
(Written in celebration of our 150th Anniversary, 1992. Transcribed by Rose Shults, Callaway County Public Library, 2009)
| Welcome | | | Pastors | | | Deacons | | | Clerks | | | Those Who Were Called | | | Interesting Events | | In the Beginning |
WELCOME
In 1842 Rev. James Suggett and a small group of believers met and organized Unity Baptist Church. In the 150 years since then, the world has undergone a lot of changes. Two World Wars have been fought. The automobile has replaced the horse and buggy. We read by electric light instead of kerosene lamps. We communicate by cellular phone and fax machine. Computers do our thinking for us. Man has flown to the moon and back. Microwave ovens can cook a meal in a matter of minutes. Church services are broadcast on television and radio.
In his wildest dreams Rev. Suggett probably never imagined any of those things happening. I wonder if he had any idea that Unity Baptist church would still be going strong after 150 years. In many ways, like the world in which we now live, Unity Baptist Church has changed. The building and the exact location are different. Generations of members have come and gone. A multitude of pastors have served the Congregation. Some of the hymns have changed.
A lot has happened in a century and a half, but Unity Baptist Church has stood the test of time. It has survived the fires of destruction, weathered the storms of nature and withstood the trials of life. Although it has changed in many ways, the Unity Baptist Church of 1992 is much the same as it was in 1842. Her name is still Unity, which means "united" or "joined together by one spirit for one purpose". We are still One body of believers, seeking fellowship in One sanctuary, serving One Lord and One Savior--Jesus Christ, and having faith in One God. I believe that is why God has blessed this church with a long history and a right heritage.
Welcome to our Sesquicentennial as we celebrate the past and prayerfully look to the future.
God Bless You,
Rev. Larry Ball
Pastor
In The Beginning. . .
The members of the Unity Baptist Church consider it an honor to be able to celebrate the 150th year of its existence. The membership of the church has not grown large during this time but has consistently served the spiritual needs of the community around its location.
Unity Church was established on February 27, 1842 near the small village of Toledo. The founders were James Suggett, Noah Flood and William Jesse. Eleven Baptists of the neighborhood were the charter members which included Mathen Davis and wife, William Cooper and wife, Churchill Gibbs and wife, Lewis Stark and wife, Samuel Thornhill and James Suggett.
James Suggett served as the pastor for two years with services being held in a log schoolhouse. William Jesse followed Suggett as pastor and served for ten years. It was during his tenure that the first frame church building was constructed in 1848 at a cost of $1,500.00. The two founders were followed in rapid succession by J. F. Smith, J. d. Gregory, Martin Bibb, W. J. Patrick and W. B Walthall.
The present building was constructed in 1878 at the cost of $2,500.00. The congregation has kept the building in good repair, adding a basement in 1952 and seven Sunday School rooms in 1968. Other improvements include vinyl siding, handicapped ramps, a covered walkway to the e basement and a steeple.
Our Pastors
James Suggett 1842-1844
William Jesse 1844-1856
J. F. Smith 1857
J. D. Gregory 1858
Martin T. Bibb 1859-1866
W. J. Patrick 1867
W. B. Walthall 1868-1874
J. M. McGuire 1878-1879
W. H. Burnham 18880--1887
S. K. Pollard 1888-1982
W. H. Burnham 1893-1897
J. T. Nevins 1898
E. J. Sanderson 1899-1903
L. T. Barger 1904-1911
Samuel Eaton 1912-1913
J. S. Allen 1914
E. J. Sanderson 1915-1920
J. W. Kettner 1921
J. C. Owen 1922
S. S. Stephenson 1923
S. L. Palmer 1924
A. R. Cole 1924-1931
K. E. Magruder 1932-1935
Merrill Hatcher 1936-1939
John Ross 1940-1941
Kenneth Parks 1942
Delbert Admire 1943-1955
Irvin K. Rice 1956
James Rice 1957-1959
Darrel Jackson 1957-1961
Don Allcorn 1962-1964
Lyle Coleman 1964-1965
Don Allcorn 1965-1966
James Marcum 1967-1969
David Edens 1970-1975
Jodie Jackson 1976-1977
Wendell Forman 1978-1979
John Foley 1980
Delano Lewis 1981-1988
Larry Ball 1989- 1993
Ron Foreman 1993-1999
Robert Hawkins Feb 2001 - January 2003
James Preston July 2003 - September 2007
Steve Thomas May 2008 - Present
Our Church Deacons
Deacons ordained after 1880:
September 1901
Joe Smith
S. S. Brooks
N. A. Womack
December 1923
Bruce Meador
Oscar Adams
December 1933
Wallace Hawkins
Lee Harris
Everett Kettle
James B Houf (voted as Deacon Transfer from Richland Baptist Church)
July 1952
Everett J. Kettle
Emmett Meador
James A. Houf
Johnnie Spillars
John Henry Raps
February 1961
Ernest Spradlin
Leland Austin
September 1973
Gene Korff
Edwin Korff
Tommy Spradlin
Bruce Williamson
January 1987
Robert Lee Harris
Dwight Austin
July 13, 1999
Lori Croy
November 27, 2005
Faith Woodson
November 1, 2009
Larry Granneman
Gene Crews
Our Church Clerks
Church clerks beginning in 1880 to the present:
D. E. Womack
T. H. Halley
James Womack
Lora Meador
Clarence Tombaugh
F. E. Adams
Everett Kettle
Rose McClure
Lavenia Kettle
Gladys Kettle
Ernest Spradlin
Helen Austin
Faith Woodson - Secretary
Alma Harris - Clerk
Those Who Were Called
The following men were licensed to preach:
Brother James Watson
Brother J. A. Doub
Brother R. E. Mayhew
Pastors who called Unity Baptist Church "home":
Rev. John Ross
Rev. Robert Korff
Brother Bruce Williamson--Lay Minister
INTERESTING EVENTS FROM OUR PAST
We do not have any minutes from the business meetings from 1842 to 1880.
THE 1880's
July 1880
On motion the following resolution was adopted; whereas there is ground belonging
to Unity Church designated for a graveyard, therefore be it resolved that
a committee be, and is hereby appointed by Unity Church consisting of three
members of said church, and that said committee shall be authorized to lay
off the ground for a graveyard, and to set apart such portion as they may
deem best to be divided into lots and sold to such persons as may wish to
buy a place for the burying of their dead; and said committee is hereby authorized
to lay off such portion of the ground as they deem best for a buring ground
free to all who may wish to bury in such ground.
June 1881
Brother Clay Sheets being reported as having been guilty of disorderly conduct,
a committee was appointed to see him and investigate the matter.
December 1881
On motion the Church went into an election for pastor, which resulted in a
unanimous election of W. H. Burnham for the year 1882.
April 1882
After the sermon the Church was called together by the moderator and the following
resolution read and adopted: Having heard with pleasure the effort made by
Brother Doub on Saturday, the 1st day of April, 1882, at Unity Church, therefore
be it resolved that we, the Baptist Church at Unity, do hereby grant him license
to exercise his gift in public and earnestly recommend him to cultivate the
talent God has given him for preaching the Gospel.
June 1883
The committee on finance made their report which was received. After investigation
is was ascertained that the Church was delinquent in our pastors salary to
the amount of sixty-odd dollars.
November 1884
Motion carried to make some arrangement for the protection of the graveyard
fence. It was decided to erect racks on the north and east sides.
June 1885
Doors of the Church opened for the reception of new members. Brother Elisha
Thomas and wife presented their letters from Fulton and were received in fellowship
with the Church.
June 1886
Motion carried to appropriate the sum of $4 left over from the previous year
toward the liquidation of the present indebtedness.
January 1887
Miscellaneous matters were take up: By their request, letters of dismissal
were granted to J. O. Watson and Fannie Smith; Robert Dudley and wife asked
the Church to erase their names from the Church book. Requests granted.
(The register in the back of the book of minutes shows that
some members were
Dismissed by letter, others were erased and the date they were erased was
noted.)
April 1888
On motion the Church decided to meet on the following Sabbath for the purpose
of organizing Sunday School.
July 1889
Thomas Bellamy asked for letter of dismissal, whereupon charges of swearing
and dancing were preferred against him and he was excluded from the Church.
(This is the first case in which the actual charges were recorded and the
person
excluded. There had been numerous cases recorded where a committee had met
with the
member being "erased".)
The 1890's
April 1890
The committee appointed to investigate charges preferred against William Martin,
made a report, charges sustained and Brother Martin excluded from the fellowship
of the Church.
January 1891
We, the Committee on Finance, beg leave to submit the following plan: The
election of the treasurer annually, whose duty it shall be to collect the
pastors salary and pay over the same promptly.
March 1892
Church convened and after the sermon by L. M. Berry, a collection of $30 was
taken up for Rising Sun Church.
April 1892
On motion the Organ Purchasing Committee was instructed to buy the $70 Kimball
organ.
July 1894
Doors of the Church opened for the reception of members, Katie Meador presented
herself by letter for membership and was unanimously received.
January 1895
On motion W. A. Brooks and S. S. Brooks and Joe Smith were appointed to assist
in the organization of Good News Church.
(Sunday, January 27, 1895, Good New Baptist Church was organized
with 17 members. Rev. Green was called as pastor.)
February 1895
Report of the committee appointed to confer with James and Thomas Durham received.
A letter of dismissal was granted to Thomas Durham. James Durham's letter
withheld for further investigation.
March 1896
The Church decided to meet at 10:00 Sunday morning for the purpose of organizing
a Sunday School.
(The custom of organizing Sunday School at the end of March was started early
In our history. Sunday School was held for 6 months, ceasing to exist during
the
Winter months. This practice was still being followed in the 1950's.)
December 1897
By order of the Church, a meeting was held on December 7th. Brother W. A.
Brooks was called to the chair. After song and prayer service, the vote was
cast for retaining of the present pastor (Brother Burnham) resulting in a
vote of 12 for and 19 against.
December 1897
On motion the Church went into an election for pastor resulting in the unanimous
election of Brother J. T. Nevins.
April 1898
On motion the Church decided to have a re-enrollment and the clerk ordered
to notify non-attendants to report to the Church within 90 days or their names
would be stricken from the list.
(In listing the delegates elected to the District Association
of Little Bonne Femme, it was
Not until 1898 when the names of feminine members appeared. In 1898 Kate Meador
and Belle Pasley were elected as alternates.)
November 1899
Church granted Dr. Craghead permission to build an office on Church grounds
provided he would put it 150 feet from the Church.
(It was not until January 1899 when T. H. Halley was elected
clerk that
The minutes were signed by the regular clerk.)
The 1900's
January 1900
Motion made and seconded to change services from first Saturday and Sunday
to second Saturday and Sunday.
(The practice had been for years to have a sermon and business
meeting
on Saturday and a sermon again on Sunday.
September 1901
An application for charity was made in the interest of Sister Austin. Brother
Joe Smith was appointed to solicit funds to aid in defraying her expenses
while undergoing medical treatment in the City of St. Louis.
January 1902
The Church employed Brother E. J. Sanderson to preach two Sundays in each
month beginning with February 1902.
(The Church went to bi-monthly services.)
August 1903
The Church went into an election of messengers to the Little Bonne Femme Association
to be assembled at Sturgeon, Missouri with the following results: S. S. Craghead,
Ora Brooks, Sally Womack and James Womack.
(This is the first appearance of a woman's name as a messenger to the Associational Meeting.)
December 1903
The committee to draft resolution to Rev. E. J. Sanderson and his pastoral
work at Unity Baptist Church was submitted, which by motion was adopted and
ordered spread on the minutes of the church record, also to be published in
the County papers.
(There followed a lengthy resolution praising Brother E. J.
Sanderson for his
successful ministry at Unity and wishing him well in his future endeavors.)
March 1904
Rev. L. T. Barger accepted an indefinite call to the pastorate of Unity church
beginning with March 1904, preaching one Saturday and one Sunday each month.
Salary of $200 for the year.
(Bi-monthly services were seemingly dropped.)
April 1905
By motion a part of the Church ground was given to R. S. Simcoe in exchange
for the same amount of land (owned by him) laying adjacent to the graveyard.
May 1905
Motion prevailed allowing the graveyard to be grazed twice a year by sheep.
December 1906
Committee to select and buy stoves for the Church reported a purchase of two
King heaters. Price $22.00.
March 1907
A committee was appointed to buy trucks for the Church.
(These were trucks (dollies) to transport caskets in the Church
during funerals. They
were reported purchased in December at the cost of $28.00. They were found
under
The Church when the Church was raised to build the basement.)
April 1908
The trustees of the Church were appointed to name a day and notify the community
to come
And aid them in erecting hitching racks for the convenience of those who attended
Church.
September 1909
A motion without explanation was offered ordering the paint committee to have
the Church painted with lead and oil at the highest bid of $41.00 and hold
the Church for the debt. The tree or four votes cast favored the motion.
The 1910's
July 1910
By order of the Church, the deacons presented a list of names, from which
messenger in the L.B.F.A. to be held at Hibernia, Callaway County, MO, were
selected as follows: Y.H. Halley & wife, James Womack & wife, Alternates:
Jack Kemp, N.A. Womack and Orin Craghead.
July 1911
A donation of $10.00 in the Building Fund of Portland Baptist Church was reported.
August 1912
By a unanimous vote of the Church, Brother R. E. Mayhew was licensed to preach.
March 1913
A report from the board meeting of March 14 show Brother Eaton was called
to the pastorate of a group of Churches--namely Ebenezer, Unity, Harmony and
Yucatan at a salary of $1,200.00.
August 1914
A committee composed of John Raps, Wink Craghead and N. Womack was appointed
to take charge of the Church funds for improvements and to supervise the laying
of concrete walks.
February 1915
Brother E. J. Sanderson accepted the Church preaching first Saturday and Sunday
at 2:30 P.M.
April 1916
The trustees of the Church were requested to have and keep the Church house
insured at a sum not less than $1,000.00.
March 1917
The offer of a fund of $260.00 to Unity Church by Judge S. P. Gilbert, the
interest therefrom to be used in payment of pastors salary was accepted by
the church according to his plans.
September 1918
Committee to purchase organ reported that the instrument delivered cost $67.49.
A collection was ordered on the Sunday following to pay for same.
July 1919
A resolution was adopted to drop from the membership rolls of the Church,
all members living near the Church who take no part in any department of Church
work. J.C. Smith and S. S. Craghead comprise the committee to notify such
of the Church's action.
September 1919
W.B. Meador was added to a committee, composed of J. C. Smith and S. S. Craghead,
whose duty it is to notify all members living near the Church who do not attend
or take any part in Church work of the Church's action.
October 1919
A committee was appointed to notify all members living near the church of
the resolutions past, dropping from the membership roll, the names of persons
living near the church who do not attend, nor take part whatsoever in Church
work. The clerk and all members present were requested to invite the church
membership to be present at the November business meeting.
November 1919
(There is no record of a November meeting.)
The 1920's 1930's & 1940's
August 1921
At the close of the meeting August 22, the Church gathered at the waters of
the Auxvasse Creek when a very clear and impressive talk on baptism was made
by the pastor. After which baptism was administered and the hand of Church
fellowship given to eleven candidates as follows: Uda Crump, Elija Crump,
Geneva Crump, Sarah Womack, Lillian Womack, Lora Meador, Katie Meador, Bernice
Baker, Mrs. Carl Baker, Ruby Sheets and Vernice Brooks.
October 1922
October 19th was the day set to fence the cemetery.
December 1923
In the afternoon of Sunday, December 16, 1923 Bruce Meador and Oscar Adams
were ordained as deacons of Unity Baptist Church.
September 1924
A committee purchased lamps for the Church at a cost of $14.00.
August 1925
Mrs. Wink Craghead was appointed incidental treasurer.
(There are no recorded minutes from August 1925 until October 1929).
(The minutes for 1930 through 1932 show only one business meeting per year.)
November 1933
Several men were voted on for deacon. The three receiving the highest votes
were to be elected. Lee Harris, Wink Craghead and Everett Kettle were elected.
October 1934
Motion was made and seconded to adopt the envelope system of paying expenses
of the Church.
(Only routine minutes are recorded for the years 1935 through
1951.)
The 1950's
July 1952
James Addison Houf, Everett J. Kettle, Emmett Meador, Johnnie Spillars, and
John Henry Raps were selected to be ordained as deacons on September 21.
May 1953
Emmett Meador reported a bid of $4,043.50 for raising the Church and constructing
a basement. The contract was awarded to Adams and Giboney of Mexico.
June 1953
Committee appointed to see about borrowing money to finish paying contractor
for basement work. The amount is to be $1,700.00.
July 1954
Motion made to let contract to paint the Church to Brothers Hallum and Wyatt
for the sum of $187.00 for labor.
November 1955
The note to the Steedman Bank for the loan made to pay basement contractors
was paid in full.
January 1956
The church discussed buying a new piano.
February 1956
Motion made to pay for the piano out of the Building and Piano Fund.
July 1957
The Church made plans to have Brother Jim Rice ordained in Jefferson City
on September 15th.
October 1958
The Church voted to sell pies and coffee at Charlie Frey's public sales.
March 1959
The Church voted to petition the General Assembly to defeat the bill legalizing
horse racing.
The 1960's
November 1960
The Church voted to elect Ernest Spradlin and Leland Austin as deacons of
the Church.
February 1961
Ernest Spradlin and Leland Austin were ordained as deacons of the Church.
December 1962
The Church voted to accept the Annuity Plan for pastors and the Church would
pay all cost.
December 1963
The Church made plans to take a Lottie Moon Offering at Christmas.
July 1964
Mrs. Leland (Helen) Austin, Mrs. Irene Kettle and Mrs. Lorene Houf were appointed
as a committee to see that one meal was provided for the young people at the
Church Camp.
May 1965
The Church voted to have Dale Chiles care for the Church cemetery.
May 1966
Mrs. Irene Kettle led a discussion about the rules and requirements for sending
boys and girls to the Church Camp.
November 1967
Mrs. E. J. Kettle moved that we send $50 to the Allcorns for the purchase
of Bibles for the Indians on the reservation. Motion carried.
June 1968
Tommy Spradlin reported for the building committee. Mr. Houf moved that the
building committee be empowered to start basement for the Sunday School addition.
Mr. Kettle moved that we heat the addition with electricity.
May 1969
The average Sunday School attendance for April was reported at 81.5.
The 1970's
September 1970
Dr. Edens read a letter from the Callaway Clothing Center in Fulton. Mr. Kettle
moved that we contribute $12.00.
August 1971
Barbara Glasford asked that a Youth Group be started. Mrs. Ed Korff and J.
T. Spradlin to be sponsors.
March 1972
Mrs. Austin was asked to write a thank you note to the Kingdom Daily News
for the subscription sent to servicemen.
September 1973
The nominating committee for deacons reported the nominees as follows: Gene
Korff, Ed Korff, Tommy Spradlin and Bruce Williamson.
September 1974
Leland Austin announced that he had increased the insurance on the Church
and its contents to $29,000.00.
January 1975
Gladys Kettle moved that we order 100 new hymnals.
September 1976
The deacons recommended that any person professing faith in Jesus Christ and
having been scripturally baptized (immersed) and desiring membership in this
Church be received as members in good standing. Motion made and seconded to
accept this recommendation and voted affirmatively.
February 1977
The Church voted for the choir to be in complete charge of the Easter Program.
June 1978
There was a discussion on renovating the cemetery and raising and re-setting
the stones which had fallen. Date to be set at the July meeting.
July 1979
Bruce Williamson moved that we call Rev. Foley as pastor.
The 1980's
December 1980
Bruce Williamson moved that we approved Brother Lewis for ordination. The
date of January 4th, 1981 at 2:30 set for the ordination services. Rev. Jones
of the Friendship Church in Audrain County to be examiner. Rev. Allen Bartlett
of First Church Fulton to bring the message.
September1981
Dwight Austin moved that we accept the Deacon Board's recommendation to sponsor
a child from the Deaf School for $10 a month. Janice Williamson to be in charge
of the program.
October 1982
J. A. Houf moved that we accept the $5,000 donation in the form of a check
for Virgil R. Goodman of Maryland Heights, Missouri dated Friday, October
1, 1982. The donation was a bequest of Homer Ficklin. The money is to remain
in a certificate of deposit with the Community Federal Savings and Loan Association.
The interest is to be used for the maintenance of the cemetery.
April 1983
Brother Lewis read a letter from Donald Kritzer asking for a donation of $1.00
per resident member for the construction of two new cabins at the Providence
Camp. The deacons recommended that we send $125.00 to them.
October 1984
Mrs. Austin moved we raise our Cooperative Program giving to 16% of the Church
collection.
June 1985
Motion made that we build a handicapped ramp to the front door. Motion carried.
November 1986
Brother Lewis announced that we had two candidates for ordination to the Office
of Deacon--Robert Lee Harris and J. Dwight Austin. The Church voted to ordain
them.
December 1987
Mr. Houf asked for a committee to be appointed to investigate a cover over
the basement entrance, sides, window and door. The money was left to the Church
in the memory of Lorene Houf.
October 1988
Delano Lewis moved that we have District Water put into the Church. Irene
Kettle asked if the Church would be interested in the Kettle Family purchasing
a steeple for the Church when the new roof is completed.
June 1989
Brother Ball said Carol Ragan wanted to donate a flag pole and her sons would
help set it. The pole is 30 feet tall. The Church accepted the gift.
July 1989
Joyce Lewis discussed a memorial fund for Brother Del Lewis
being used to purchase a portable baptistry. The church accepted the gift.
The 1990's
October 1990
In preparation for the 150th anniversary, the Church voted to have the wallpaper
in the sanctuary replaced.
October 1991
Motion made and seconded that we keep the cooperative Program giving at 20%.
Motion carried.
January 1992
A tentative date of October 2, 3, and 4 is set for the Sesquicentennial Celebration.
To Be Continued. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .