OFFICERS

MODERATOR—Eld. C. C. Middleton, 8213 Paramount, Rivera, Calif. ASST. MOD-

ERATOR—Eld. Allen Tabor, 1111 “K” St., Sanger, Calif. CLERK—Eld. Martin Canavan,

1310 Brokaw, Corcoran, Calif. ASST. CLERK—Eld. R. R. Farris, 4645 Lewis, Fresno,

Calif.

MESSENGERS

ARMONA—M. J. Duncan, Green Parker, Bro. Langford.

BAKERSFIELD—Lee Wright, Mary Wright, Henry Cloud.

CLOVIS—Burel Burnes, R. R. Farris, A. C. Drachenburg.

CORCORAN—Martin Canavan, Nora Cannon, Esther Waters.

DINUBA—C. R. Price, Sister C. R. Price, Ray Reimer.

DOMINGUEZ—C. R. Lyon, Sister C. R. Lyon, C. C. Middleton.

EASTON—Roy W. Bell, Ann Bell, Ray Woods.

FREEDOM—Austin Russell, Payne Wilkenson, Bert White.

McKINLEY—Willis Bewley, Roy Harness, Harold Hendrix.

McFARLAND—E. E. Crawford, A. L. Beene, Donald Bowen.

MT. OLIVE—W. S. Goulding, Sister Goldie Albritton, Cassie Denney.

OAKLAND—Ernest Bennett, Elizabeth Bennett, Sister D. E. Williams.

PORTERVILLE—J. C. Patterson, R. L. Standley, M. M. Pike.

RIDGECREST—J. L. Hawkins, L. E. Fite, Elmer McClatchey.

RIVERBANK—Ben Crawford, Sister Crawford, G. A. Williams.

SANGER—L. M. Branch, Allen Tabor, J. T. Reese.

WASCO—A. P. Shoemake, M. L. Corcoran, Bro. Canady.

ARTICLES OF AGREEMENT

Preamble

With faith in God, and unquestioning acceptance of the Bible as the Word of God,

and sole rule of our faith and practice, we offer to all Missionary Baptist Churches of Christ

the following Articles of Agreement.

ARTICLE I

Name

The Cooperative Association of Missionary Baptist Churches of California.

ARTICLE II

Object

The object of this Association is to encourage co-operation and Christian activity

among the churches, to promote interest in and encourage Missions on a New Testament

basis among all people, to stimulate interest in Christian literature, general benevolence,

and Christian education and to provide a medium through which the churches may co-

operate in these enterprises.

—1—

ARTICLE III

Members

Section No. 1—This association shall be composed of Missionary Baptist Churches as

defined in article number thirteen of the declaration of faith in J. M. Pendleton’s church

manual.

Section No. 2—The annual or called sessions of this Association shall be held by messen-

gers elected by the churches composing said Association.

Section No. 3—Each church co-operating in this Association is entitled to three messen-

gers who are members of the church they represent. They are to bring letters showing their

election by the Church, which letters should give a report of their past year.

Section No. 4—New Churches may be admitted upon presentation of a petitionary letter

stating their origin, faith, and practice, also stating that they have adopted these Articles of

Agreement.

Section No. 5—Any church found to be unscriptural in origin or becomes unsound in faith

or practice will be refused a seat in this Association.

ARTICLE IV

Doctrinal Status

This Association shall recognize the freedom of speech as essential to the highest

achievements in its work. It shall stand or fall on its own conformity to truth. It shall exer-

cise no ecclesiastical authority but it shall by every precaution recognize the sovereignty of

every individual church. It shall also encourage on the part of churches and Messengers the

greatest possible freedom of expression in discussing matters pertaining to its work, and in

the pre-eminence of missions and evangelism in the work of the churches.

ARTICLE V

Powers

The powers of this Association shall be limited to the execution according to

teachings of the New Testament of the will of the churches composing it; and the Associa-

tions, in annual sessions, shall elect such officers as are necessary for its deliberation and

work, and appoint such committees as are needed, and transact other business as may be

directed by the churches.

ARTICLE VI

Officers

Section No. 1—It will be the duty of the messengers annually to elect from among

their members a Moderator, Assistant Moderator, and such Clerks and other Officers as

may be needed or directed by the churches composing this Association.

—2—

Section No. 2—In all votes of this Association a majority of votes cast shall decide ques-

tions; except in cases of change or amendment in the Articles of Agreement. In such cases

a two thirds majority will be required.

ARTICLE VII

Missionaries

Section No. 1—Annually the Messengers shall recommend to the churches, from among

the church endorsed missionaries such number as they deem wise for cooperative support.

Section No. 2—The Messengers shall recommend such salaries as is compatible with the

strength of the Churches, and the needs of the Missionaries.

ARTICLE VIII

Funds

Section No. 1—All funds of this Association shall be raised by voluntary donations secured

purely upon the merits of the cause: in the interest of which appeals are made for gifts;

provided this is not to prevent the use of any income or any property that may be acquired

by donation or purchase.

Section No. 2—The Treasurer of this Association shall hold all funds received between

sessions of this Association subject to the designation of the sending Church or Churches.

ARTICLE IX

Meetings

The annual meeting of the Church Messengers shall be at such time and place as the as-

sembled Messengers may appoint.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ARMONA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. M. J. Duncan, Box 315, Armona, Calif.

Clerk—Dorothy Faye Ellis, Box 159, Armona, Calif.

BAKERSFIELD — EMMANUEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Lee Wright, 1604 Southgate, Bakersfield, Calif.

Clerk—Ruth Spain, 2832 Laurel Dr., Bakersfield, Calif.

CLOVIS — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor Eld. Burel G. Burnes, 441 S. Backer, Fresno, Calif.

Clerk—Ruth Burnes, 441 S. Backer, Fresno, Calif.

CORCORAN — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Martin Canavan, 1310 Brokaw, Corcoran, Calif.

Clerk—Eva Dow, 1304 Brokaw, Corcoran, Calif.

—3—

DINUBA — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. C. R. Price, Rt. 1, Box 372-C, Kingsburg, Calif.

Clerk—Allie Keeling. Rt. 1, Box 274, Orosi, Calif.

DOMINGUEZ — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. C. R. Lyon, 2679 Carson, Long Beach 10, Calif.

Clerk—Lillian Martin, 885 E. Willow, Long Beach 6, Calif.

EASTON — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Roy W. Bell, Herndon, Calif.

Clerk—Mary York, Rt. 12, Box 161, Fresno, Calif.

FREEDOM — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Freedom, Calif.

Pastor—Eld. Austin Russell, P. 0. Box 104, Freedom,

Calif—Clerk—Juanita Taylor, Box 72, Aptos, Calif.

FRESNO — McKINLEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Harold Hendrix, 4649 Lewis, Fresno, Calif

Clerk—Hazel Hendrix, 4649 Lewis, Fresno, Calif.

McFARLAND — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. E. E. Crawford, Box 1438, McFarland,

Calif—Clerk—Jessie Lewis, Box 411, McFarland, Calif.

OAKLAND — BROOKFIELD FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Ernest Bennett, 732 Nevada, Oakland,

Calif—Clerk—Mrs. J. W. Clary, 4642 Alvin Rd., Oakland, Calif.

PORTERVILLE — WEST PUTNAM MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. J. E. Patterson, 2887 W. Putnam, Porterville,

Calif—Clerk—Clara Price, Route 3, Box 616, Porterville, Calif.

RIDGECREST — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. J. L. Hawkins, Gen. Del., Ridgecrest, Calif.

Clerk—Pearl Fite—Address not given.

RIVERBANK — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Ben Crawford, Box 627, Riverbank, Calif.

Clerk—Zetta Jetton, Box 547, Riverbank, Calif.

—4—

SANGER—SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. L. M. Branch, 1417 “J” St., Sanger, Calif.

Clerk—Zelma Reese, 2113 5th St., Sanger, Calif.

STOCKTON — MT. OLIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. W. S. Goulding, 139 W. 9th St., Stockton, Calif.

Clerk—Goldie Albritton, 1225 E. Roosevelt, Stockton, Calif.

WASCO — CENTRAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. A. P. Shoemake, 1610 3rd St., Wasco, Calif.

Clerk—Kathryn Trammel—Address not given.

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

MONDAY, FEBRUARY 11th, — 7:30 P. M.

Eld. Martin Canavan led in singing “Work for the Night is Coming.” Prayer was

led by Bro. Ernest Bennett. Bro. Canavan made a short speech of welcome and declared the

floor open for nominations for an evening speaker; Eld. C. R. Lyons was elected to bring the

message. A song service of request numbers was held, and Bro. Canavan then introduced

Bro. Lyons, who took as his text Matt. 2:2 and chose as his subject “Where is Christ?” A

great message, which stirred each one of us to self-examination, was brought. An invitation

was given with one raising their hand that they were lost, and a host of believers raised their

hands for special prayer. Eld. M. B. Hubbard dismissed in prayer, and we adjourned to the

Sunday School building where refreshments were waiting.

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 12—9:30 A. M.

Meeting opened with song “Love Lifted Me.” Bro. Canavan was elected Modera-

tor Pro Tern. Bro. Goulding was elected Clerk Pro Tem. Reading Clerks appointed, E. E.

Crawford, C. C. Middleton. Letters were read from McFarland, Wasco, Easton, Domin-

guez, Freedom, Sanger (Shiloh), Dinuba, Riverbank, Corcoran, Bakersfield, Armona,

Ridgecrest, Clovis, and Oakland (Brookfield). Motion made and seconded to elect preacher

for 11 o’clock preaching hour at this time. Carried. Bro. E. E. Crawford was elected. Sub-

stitute reading clerk appointed, G. A. Williams. Letters were read from Fresno (McKinley),

Stockton (Mt. Olive), Porterville. Motion made and seconded that letters be accepted as

read and messengers seated. Carried. Motion and second to recess 10 minutes. Carried.

10:55 A. M.

Came together with song “I Just Steal Away and Pray” led by Sonny Williams.

Eld. E. E. Crawford was introduced to bring the message, Scripture, Psa. 48:11-13. Text

was 12, 13. “What Missionary Baptists Believe and Practice,

—5—

and Have Throughout the Ages.” As Bro. Crawford showed from the Scripŧures the estab-

lishing of the Church under Jesus’ Ministry, and traced her through the New Testament in

doctrine and practice, and on down through the pages of a bloody history to the present time

our hearts were made to rejoice. Motion and second to adjourn until 1:30 P. M. Amendment,

2:00, Carried. Dismissed with prayer by M. J. Duncan.

2:00 P. M.

Service began with song, “I Surrender All,” led by E. E. Crawford. Election of

Officers: Nominations for Moderator, C. C. Middleton, Allen Tabor. Motion and second

that one receiving highest vote be Moderator and second highest be Assistant Moderator.

Carried. Bro. C. C. Middleton elected Moderator, Bro. Allen Tabor, Assistant Moderator.

Nominations for Clerk: R. R. Farris, Ernest Bennett, Martin Canavan, and Roy Bell were

nominated. Motion and second that highest be Clerk, next highest be Assistant Clerk. Car-

ried. The voting resulted in Bro. Canavan being elected Clerk and Bro. R. R. Farris assistant

clerk. Bro. C. C. Middleton, as Moderator, made some preliminary remarks regarding the

conduct of the messengers and visitors.

Motion made and seconded that the Moderator appoint a committee on commit-

tees—amendment to the motion that the Moderator and Assistant Moderator appoint the

committee on committees, spoken to by Eld. E. E. Crawford. Amendment carried.

Eld. G. A. Williams led in singing “I Want to be a Worker.” The committee on

committees appointed by the Moderators were Elds. L. M. Branch, C. R. Lyon, and Ernest

Bennett. Motion and second that Clerk act as Treasurer, also discussed by E. E. Crawford.

Motion Carried.

Correspondence was read from Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church, Antioch

Missionary Baptist Church, Easton Missionary Baptist Church, and McKinley Missionary

Baptist Church.

Motion and second that the new association be named “California Missionary

Baptist State Association.” Discussion by E. E. Crawford and Charles Price. Substitute

Motion that the name be “The New State Associaŧion of Missionary Baptist Churches in

California.” Spoken to by W. S. Goulding, Lee Wright, A. E. Ford, Ben Crawford, and A. P.

Shoemake. Previous question called for. R. R. Farris spoke to the substitute motion— lost.

Motion and second that we proceed with chosing a name by nomination and voting upon

name. Nominations were made.

Motion and second that we give unanimous approval to the name selected carried.

Voting resulted in the selection of the name, “The Cooperative Missionary Baptist Associa-

tion of California.”

—6—

Committees named by the Chair.

Motion and second that we proceed with business—discussed by A. E. Ford. Mo-

tion Carried. Floor opened for nominations for the speaker for the evening service. Elds.

Canavan, Bennett, Tabor, Russell, Patterson and Duncan were nominated. Voting resulted

in Eld. Allen Tabor being elected.

Committee on order of business named by the moderator.

Motion and second that we have 30 minute devotional service preceding the eve-

ning service—Carried. Ernest Bennett elected to bring the devotional service.

The report on Christian Literature was read by Eld. M. J. Duncan. Motion and sec-

ond that the report be adopted, it was discussed by Bro. Duncan. Bro. Reimer, Bro. Branch,

Bro. Duncan, Bro. Drachenburg, Bro. Price, Bro. Patterson. Motion carried.

Report on Communism read by Bro. C. R. Price. Motion and second that the report

be adopted spoken to by Bro. Price, Bro. Drachenburg, Bro. Duncan, Bro. Youzva, and Bro.

Duncan. Report adopted.

Report on Conventionism read by A. P. Shoemake. Motion and second that report

be adopted. Report spoken to by Bro. Shoemake, Bro. Duncan. Motion to amend report

changing the word “Church” to “Churches” amendment spoken to by Bro. Duncan and Bro.

Shoemake. Amendment carried. Report spoken to by E. E. Crawford, Bro. Henry Cloud,

Bro. Parker, Bro. Duncan, Bro. Ernest Bennett, Bro. A. P. Shoemake, Bro. Lee Wright, Bro.

Parker, Bro. C. R. Lyon, and Bro. R. R. Farris. Previous question moved and seconded—

carried. Report adopted.

Motion made by Eld. Ben Crawford and seconded by Lee Wright that the name of

the association be changed to “The Cooperative Association of Missionary Baptist Church-

es of California.” Motion carried.

Motion and second that we adjourn until 7:30 P. M., spoken to by Bro. Shoemake,

Bro. E. E. Crawford. Amendment to adjourn until 7:00 P. M. made and seconded, spoken to

by Bro. R. R. Farris—Amendment carried. Dismissed in prayer by Bro. Taylor Reese.

7 P. M.

Meeting reconvened with singing led by G. A. Williams the songs were “He Keeps

Me Singing,” “Standing on the Promises.” Prayer by Eld. D. O. Ross, song “Where The

Soul Never Dies,” song “When I See the Blood.”

Quartet by Young People from Sanger—1.

“Hand in Hand with Jesus.”

“ On the Jericho Road.”

Trio from Riverbank Church sang “I’ll Just Steal Away and Pray.” Sanger Quartet

sang “Just a Little Talk with Jesus Makes it Right.” and “Wait Upon the Lord.” Devotional

services led by Bro. Ernest Bennett: Scriptural reading: Ps. 119: 113-120. Text: Verses 116

and 117. Bro. Bennett

—7—

brought a wonderful, soul stirring message on “Thus saith the Lord.” Congregational song:

“When We All Get to Heaven.” Prayer by Bro. E. E. Crawford. Sermon by Bro. Allen

Tabor: Subject: “Ransom.” Scriptural reading: Job 33:23-33. Prayer by Bro. Allen Tabor.

Bro. Tabor preached a real gospel message on God’s Remedy for lost Souls. An invitation

was given by Bro. Tabor, while the congregation sang, “There is a Fountain Filled with

Blood Drawn from Immanuel’s Veins.” “Just As I Am.” There was no response. Motion and

second to go into election of a speaker for 11 A. M. tomorrow. Carried. Nominations were

Bro. Jim Patterson, Bro. Travis Hubbard, Bro. Martin Canavan. Motion and second that the

nominations cease. Carried. Bro. Patterson was elected. Motion and second that minutes be

read at the opening session in the morning. Motion carried.

Announcements were made by various brethren. Motion and second that a mission

offering be taken and be divided equally between the three home missionaries. Motion car-

ried. Offering $30.00. Dismissed in prayer by Bro. M. B. Hubbard, as the congregation left

the building they gave a hand of appreciation to the speakers of the Association.

WEDNESDAY MORNING—9:30

Opening in singing led by Bro. E. E. Crawford and prayer by L. M. Branch. Min-

utes read and approved. Motion and second that we enter a special order of business to

discuss any changes in the Articles of Agreement. Motion carried. Amendment read to Ar-

ticle VII, Section 1, to read “Annually the messengers shall recommend from among the

church endorsed Missionaries such number as they deem wise, for recommendation to the

churches for co-operative support.” Spoken to by M. J. Duncan, A. P. Shoe-make, A. E.

Ford, Substitute motion “Annually the messengers shall recommend to the churches, from

among the church endorsed missionaries, such number as they deem wise for cooperative

support” spoken to by M. B. Hubbard. R. R. Farris, C. R. Lyon, substitute motion carried.

Motion and second that Section No. 1, Article No. 3 be amended to read “This associaŧion

shall be composed of Missionary Baptist Churches as defined in Article No. 13 of the dec-

laration of faith in J. M. Pendleton’s Church Manual.” Motion and second that Section 2,

Article VI be changed to read “In all votes of the Association, a majority of votes cast shall

decide questions except in cases of change or amendment in the Articles of Agreement and

the seating of new churches in such cases a two thirds majority will be required.” spoken to

by A. E. Ford, A. P. Shoemake, C. R. Lyon, E. E. Crawford, W. S. Goulding, Ernest Bennett,

Roy Bell, Jess Hawkins, M. J. Duncan, motion lost. Motion and second that Section No. 4,

of Article 3, read “New churches may be admitted upon presentation of a petitionary letter

stating their origin, faith, and practice also stating that they have adopted these Articles of

Agreement.” Motion carried. Motion and second that we dismiss for five minutes and table

this order of business until afternoon. Carried. Dismissed for 5 minutes recess. Met back

with singing led by Bro. G. A. Williams. The moderator introduced Eld. J. C. Patterson.

Bro. Taylor Reese was asked by Bro. Patterson to lead in prayer. Scripture reading Romans

10: 1-15. “The Logic of Missions” was the subject based on the 13-15 verses. Bro. Patter-

son brought a great spiritual message dismissed in prayer by Bro. Roy Bell.

—8—

STATISTICAL

MEMBERSHIP

CHURCHES

GAIN

LOSS

Armona

133

199

2,982.11

Bakersfield

150.00

Clovis

50.00

Corcoran

199

214

3,444.10

Dinuba

1,318.66

Dominguez

132

152

3,840.00

Easton

335.00

Freedom

1,304.19

McFarland

2,860.00

McKinley (Fresno)

438.43

Mt. Olive (Stockton)

661.17

Oakland

2,198.00

Porterville

144

157

930.00

Ridgecrest

Riverbank

180

134

2,619.00

Sanger

720.00

Wasco

101

2,650.00

—9—

REPORT

EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

420.23

379.20

2,631.67

309.96

67.95

266.83

7,057.95

15.00

110.00

9.97

38.34

323.31

98.32

46.00

46.66

2.76

3.61

193.98

441.33

1,351.79

64.00

2,000.00

551.19

261.30

483.10

1,108.69

9,332.83

149.25

600.00

230.78

34.89

302.16

2,244.85

235.40

246.65

557.40

145.83

62.14

264.09

5,351.51

20.00

41.50

521.27

76.77

28.00

66.18

1,088.62

121.26

1,671.00

3,097.61

1,171.26

150.93

15,140.59

724.18

508.08

92.11

885.60

21,532.75

557.78

102.19

5,063.09

166.28

26.42

112.17

151.37

6,614.75

172.90

3.11

196.00

157.26

49.78

150.89

1,644.31

856.06

110.72

663.80

178.44

130.07

1,397.07

5,964.17

120.00

2,165.29

530.91

52.00

41.08

3,839.99

140.39

2,980.16

529.16

65.53

126.18

474.53

58.72

1,052.09

707.99

5,914.73

285.57

49.92

1,576.29

237.42

71.51

214.09

245.97

3,409.77

215.13

1,899.57

261.23

149.44

484.09

5,659.46

—10—

1:30 P. M.

“Are you washed in the Blood” led by G. A. Williams. W. S. Goulding elected

clerk pro tem. Eld. Ernest Bennett moved and it was seconded that Article III have a Sec-

tion 5 to read “Any church found to be unscriptural in origin or becomes unsound in faith or

practice will be refused a seat in this association.” Motion carried. Eld. Lee Wright moved

that “The committee on committees investigate each church that holds membership in this

associaŧion that did not stipulate in their letters the date of origin.” Motion seconded. Spo-

ken to by Bros. R. R. Farris, M. J. Duncan, Lee Wright, C. R. Lyon, L. M. Branch, G. A.

Williams, Ben Crawford, amendment to the motion and seconded that “the churches that

failed to stipulate when they were organized do so.” Motion carried. Report on home mis-

sions read by Bro. R. R. Farris. Motion and second that the report be adopted. Spoken to by

R. R. Farris, Ben Crawford, M. J. Duncan, C. R. Lyon, E. E. Crawford, Lee Wright, A. E.

Ford, Allen Tabor, M. M. Pike, A. P. Shoemake, Martin Canavan, amendment and second

that two of the missionaries be chosen for cooperative support. Spoken to by Bros. Duncan

J. C. Patterson, L. M. Branch, C. R. Lyon, A. P. Shoemake, C. C. Middleton, R. R. Farris.

Motion carried and report adopted. Motion and second that a vote on the missionaries be

taken by secret ballot. Carried. The voting resulted in Bro. C. C. Middleton and Bro. Allen

Tabor being recommended for cooperative support. Motion and second that we give Bro. G.

A. Williams our moral endorsement. Carried. Motion and second that we accept the invita-

tion of Armona for the next meeting of this Association. Amendment and second that we

meet within 60 days. Discussed by M. M. Pike, Martin Canavan. Amendment and second

that we meet within 90 days. Discussed by A. E. Ford. Carried. Motion and second that we

meet with Armona May 12 at 9:30. Amendment and second that we meet May 13th at 9:30

A. M. Carried. Report on Christian education read by E. E. Crawford. Motion and second

to adopt. Spoken to by G. A. Williams, Ben Crawford. Substitute motion and second that

the report on Christian education be tabled. Spoken to by Elds. E. E. Crawford, Wright,

Lyons, A. E. Ford. Motion carried. Report on order of business read. Motion and second

to adopt. Carried. Report on Foreign missions read by Lee Wright. Motion and second to

adopt. Spoken to by Bro. Wright. Substitute motion and second that “Any other mission-

ary that is endorsed” be deleted. Spoken to by Bro. Bennett, Bro. Wright, Bro. Crawford,

carried. Report on obituaries read by Sis. Albritton. Motion and second to adopt. Carried.

Motion and second that the clerk hold the money until 90 days. Substitute motion and sec-

ond that clerk prepare manuscript and notify the churches of any deficiency. Spoken to by

A. E. Ford, M. Canavan, C. R. Lyon. Motion carried. Mission report read by W. S. Gould-

ing. Motion and second to adopt. Spoken to by Bro. W. S. Goulding, R. R. Farris, motion

carried. Motion and second that the moderator not excuse messengers until all the business

has been conducted. Substitute motion that the churches be notified that they should make

any preparation for their messengers to be absent for the duration of the association. Motion

discussed and carried. Mission report of Eld. C. C. Middleton was given orally. Motion and

second to adopt Bro. Middleton’s report. Carried. Mission

—11—

report of Eld. Allen Tabor. Motion and second to adopt report. Spoken to by Bro. Tabor,

Bro. Middleton, Bro. M. M. Pike, Bro. Shoemake, and Bro. Farris. Motion carried. Minutes

read and approved. Treasurer’s report read and approved. Motion and second that matter of

clerk hire be tabled until the next meeting of this association. Carried. Motion and second to

adjourn until May 13th, 1952 to meet in Armona. Motion carried. Standing vote of thanks

given to the Corcoran church. Dismissed in prayer by Eld. Drachen-burg.

COMMUNISM

We your committee on Communism wish to submit the following— That we the

Missionary Baptist Churches composing this association not only go on record as opposing

Communism, or anything tinted with Communism, but that we openly oppose and con-

demn all forms of Communism and Communistic leadership among religious and political

organizations.

—Eld. C. R. Price, Eld. M. M. Pike, Eld. A. L- Beene

HOME MISSIONS

We your committee on Home Missions submit the following — We earnestly and

prayerfully urge that all of our churches be dilligent to obey the Lord’s injunction in Matt.

28:18-20, also that we “be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.” Jas. 1:22.

In the letters read, we have three church sent missionaries namely: Elders C. C.

Middleton, Allen Tabor and G. A. Williams.

Hence, we believe that the number and strength of our churches is adequate to

support three Missionaries in this state: therefore we recommend that our churches endorse

and support them with their prayers and means. Prayerfully submitted.

—R. R. Farris, Ben Crawford, A. C. Drachenberg.

(Clerk’s Note): Amended to recommend two of these endorsed missionaries for cooperative

support. Eld. C. C. Middleton and Allen Tabor were recommended.

FOREIGN MISSIONS

We, your committee, submit the following—Since the great commission, as given

in the Gospels, (Mt. 28:18-20, Mk. 16:14-16, Lk. 24:46, 47, Jn. 20:21, Act. 1:8) was com-

mitted to the churches of the Lord Jesus Christ, they are bound by the command of our Lord

to preach the gospel to every creature, regardless of creed, color or nation, without distinc-

tion.

(1) Due to the fact that the field is white, ready for harvest and laborers are few, we

pray therefore the Lord of the harvest to send more laborers into the fields of labor.

—12—

(2) We recommend to the churches a whole-hearted support of our missionaries

outside continental United States with our prayers and means. We recommend Brother W.

S. Goulding together with the native workers in Panama and Costa Rica working in col-

laboration with him.

—Eld. Lee Wright, Eld. J. C. Patterson, Eld. W. S. Goulding.

CHRISTIAN LITERATURE

We your committee on Christian Literature wish to submit the following— Above

all literature we recommend the Bible. We recommend the Sunday School literature pub-

lished by the A. B. A. and other books and papers that stand for the doctrines of Missionary

Baptist churches.

—M. J. Duncan, B. G. Burnes, A. C. Russell.

CONVENTIONISM

We the committee on this subject, submit the following—It is not our desire or

purpose to fight any Baptist Church nor lay a stumbling stone in the path oi those who

seek to follow the teaching oi the New Testament but to defend unto the end the rights and

freedom of the true churches of Jesus Christ. True Baptist believe that: there has never

been erected since the days of the Apostles a stairway by which a Pope, Bishop, Board or

any other individual nor group of men can climb and domineer over God’s heritage. As the

convention minutes show they are to direct “The energies of Baptist People.” We feel this

was left to the local church and for them to submit within themselves to the leadership of

the Holy Spirit.

No church can fall into Fundamental errors: for when it does it ceases to be a New

Testament church. It is understood that convention churches are practicing receiving alien

immersion. Therefore we caution our churches to question carefully anyone who presents

themselves for membership in a New Testament church on previous Baptism.

When the Lord established the first church he did not intend for it to be bossed by

men, but from Him and His word are we to receive our orders. It was the first church that

Jesus said, “Go ye therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching

them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.”

It is by their own statement they are organized for the sole purpose of controlling

Baptist Churches. They do this by: (1) having their own schools whereby they teach and

instill principles of the convention system. (2) By their literature: they lead churches to

support the principles laid by a governing board. (3) By putting mission work under and in

the hands of a board and many times under a superintendent: “Who demands that you as a

missionary take orders from him or them which ever it might be.” (4) By coercing: by of-

fering paying positions, and so forth.

—Eld. A. P. Shoemake, Eld. Roy Harness, Eld. Henry Cloud.

—13—

OBITUARY REPORT

We are sorry to report of several deaths of our sister churches of California. But we do have

consolation. They are at rest in peace with God. Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death

of His saints. Psa. 116:15.

Easton church—Jeanne Bell, Kitty Bartlett. Riverbank church—Mamie Williams. Corco-

ran church—Sarah Jane Hughes. Porterville church—Sister Bailey, Bro. Coffee.

—Goldie Albritton, Mary Wright, Nora Cannon.

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

(Clerk’s Note): Tabled.

ORDER OF BUSINESS

1. Reading of Letters.

2. Seating of messengers.

3. Reception of New Churches.

4. Election of officers.

5. Inviting of Brethren of like faith to sit in council.

6. Appointment of committees.

7. Missionaries Reports.

8. Treasurer report.

9. Reports of committees.

10. Miscellaneous business.

11. Closing exercises and adjournment.

—Martin Canavan, Ernest Bennett, Allen Tabor.

W. S. GOULDING’S MISSIONARY REPORT

We have been home from the foreign field almost six years now, except for a two

month’s visit to the field in 1950 together with Bro. Martin Canavan. Bro. Canavan and I

reorganized the two churches on the field at that time, giving them scriptural baptism.

The need for a missionary to be on the field alongside of the native workers is get-

ting more and more imperative, as the days go by.

We have been hindered previously from returning to the field because of Mrs.

Goulding’s health, which has worked out for our own good, spiritually and doctrinally, but

now the hindrance has been removed, and Mrs. Goulding’s health is improved to the point

where she is both able and willing, and desirous of returning. So am I.

—14—

The work in Costa Rica is progressing under the blessings of the Lord. Bro. Gra-

cias went on a missionary journey to a neglected part of the country and held meetings in

several places there, making trips by boat, train, and on foot. At one place they had 16

conversions.

The work in Panama is needing our help now. Bro. Osorio is planning on return-

ing to his family in Salvador. His family needs him. A new church needs to be organized at

Puerto Armuelles. There are other problems.

We do not know how soon we can go, but we hope within two or three months at

the most.

It will depend on the churches. We do not have the money to go. It will take about

$500 to make the trip and we should have about $500 to take with us to take care of neces-

sary immediate expenses in renting a house, getting necessary furniture, groceries, etc., and

to pay the native workers until our connections are established with the churches by mail.

We are giving our financial report for 13 months—Jan. 1, 1951 to Jan. 31, 1952

(Total received for all purposes, including salary from Mt. Olive M. B. C.) (Some was des-

ignated to specific fields)

$3562.39.

Sent to Jesus Osorio

$641.00

Sent to Jesus Osorio

$641.00

Sent to Justo R. Gracias

545.07

Sent to Rafael Mendoza

100.00

Sent to Miguel Duarto

50.00

Sent to Pay mission hall rent in

Panama

276.00

Total sent by myself

1,612.07

Monthly average sent by myself ..$124.00

Other offerings were sent direct by churches to the native workers, of which I have

no figures, and therefore cannot report.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your prayerful wholehearted sup-

port in the past years.

I rejoice in our new association and trust that we shall really get missions on our

hearts. Pray for us.

—W. S. Goulding and family.

—15—

MISSION REPORT FROM SEPT. 1951 TO FEB. 1, 1952

Since I do not have the vocabulary to express the deep appreciation I feel to the

churches for their fine cooperative support of my efforts on the mission field, I just say a

simple “Thank you,” and may God bless beyond all expectation and hope every effort put

forth by the churches.

There has been very little achievement on my part, and few visible results of my

efforts in the past five months. However, I feel that some good has been accomplished and

that I am just now getting to the place where results of my work are beginning to be mani-

fest.

I came on the field in the latter part of August, 1951 and began my work with a

meeting held in a store building in the Green Acre district of Delano. The prospects looked

good for some time and there were several who were in favor of organizing a church im-

mediately, expressing a desire to come into the organization as charter members. I began

to check up on their church affiliation, Baptism, etc., and found that a number of them did

not have scriptural baptism, nor had they ever been affiliated with a scriptural N. T. church.

Consequently, the material was not such as is required to form a scriptural body, and I put

off the organization until we had taught them concerning the things that were necessary

for them to know about the conditions that must be met to form a church body. In a short

time they had all scattered to the four winds but eight or ten, and part of them had to have

baptism before they could be accepted; then harvest got into full swing and a number of

them, half of them or more, had to work such long hours it was impossible to do anything in

night service. Too, some found it necessary to work seven days a week during the rush, so

we thought it wise to discontinue our efforts there for the time being. I am making arrange-

ments to go back to that field now.

In November and December I did a great deal of visitation among the churches by

request of the people, that we might get better acquainted. It was a very enjoyable period.

A few souls were won to Christ, but I did not list them, not counting them as direct fruits of

my labors. No doubt they were fruits of the labor of faithful churches and pastors.

In December we began to scout out the Visalia and Exeter district, contacting

quite a few Baptist there; most of them holding membership in the church at Tulare. We

began services in the 7th Day Advent building there in January, with great prospects for a

fine organization, but the meeting lasted only five nights. We expected to form a church at

the close of the meeting for those folks were Baptist and knew what they wanted and why.

However, the Devil stepped in. Hints and false reports were put out that I was not what I

was supposed to be; that I had too many Convention tendencies; I had been going about

tearing up churches, etc., and the majority of our prospective members backed off, deceived

into believing they would find themselves swallowed up by the convention if they went into

a church there. However, the work goes on and we meet twice a week in Exeter.

—16—

I trust that God will give me the grace to stay on the job ‘til I have proven to those

people who have been misled just what an old fashion Landmark Missionary Baptist church

is, and how to recognize a true baptist when they meet him.

My Financial report: Sept. $196.16, plus a 5th Sun. Grocery shower by the church-

es; Oct. $256.55; Nov. $274.85; Dec. $370.55; Jan. $364.42; Total $1462.53. Monthly

average over the five month period: $292.50.

I thank God for Mission-minded churches.

Respectfully Submitted

ALLEN TABOR.

TREASURER’S REPORT

MONEY RECEIVED—

Minutes

Clerk Hire

McFarland

$10.00

Armona

10.00

Corcoran

10.00

Dominguez

10.00

Wasco

10.00

Freedom

10.00

Sanger

7.50

$7.50

Clovis

5.00

McKinley

10.00

Mt. Olive

5.00

Brookfield

5.00

2.50

Bro. M. M. Pike

20.00

Eld. A. E. Ford

22.50

Eld. A. P. Shoemake

5.00

$140.00

$10.00

MISSION OFFERING—

Received—$30.00

Paid Out

C. C. Middleton

$10.00

Allen Tabor

10.00

G. A. Williams

10.00

Total paid out

$30.00

Balance on hand for printing and mailing minutes—$140.00

—17—