OFFICERS

MODERATOR—Eld. C. C. Middleton, 11516 Oklahoma, Hollydale, California.

ASS’T. MODERATOR—Eld. Allen Tabor, 1111 K. St., Sanger, Calif.

CLERK—Eld. Martin Canavan,

1310 Brokaw, Corcoran, Calif.

ASS’T. CLERK—Eld. R. R. Farris, 4645 Lewis, Fresno, Calif.

MESSENGERS

ARMONA—Bro. Keaster, Bro. Freeman, Bro. Parker.

BAKERSFIELD—Eld. Lee Wright, Mrs. Lee Wright, Henry Cloud.

CERES—Dr. H. T. Hubbard.

CLOVIS—Eld. Bill Porter, Eld. R. R. Farris, Eld. A. C. Drachenburg.

CORCORAN—Eld. Martin Canavan, L. S. Cotton, Dorothy Canavan.

DOMINGUEZ—Eld. C. C. Middleton, Eld. C. R. Lyon, N. O. West.

EASTON—Sis. White, Sis. Pettigrew, Sis. York.

EXETER—Eld. Bob Roderick, Bro. J. H. Dillon, Sis. J. H. Dillon.

FREEDOM—Eld. Austin Russell, Lige Burns, Douglas Burns.

FRESNO (Bethlehem)—Eld. R. F. Gire, Sis. R. F. Gire, Evelyn Smith.

FRESNO (McKinley)—Eld. Harold Hendrix, Roy Harness, Mattie

Perkins. GREENFIELD—Eld. L. J. Horton, Marjorie Horton.

McFARLAND—Eld. E. E. Crawford, J. H. Hefner, M. H. Hampton.

MODESTO—Eld. M. B. Hubbard, Eld. Jona Wright.

OAKLAND—Eld. Ernest Bennett.

PORTERVILLE (A. B. A.)—Eld. Jim Patterson, A. G. Hampton, Sis. Hampton.

PORTERVILLE (West Putnam)—Eld. M. J. Duncan, Bro. Metcalf, Bro. Henson.

RIDGECREST—Eld. J. L. Hawkins, J. E. Kephart.

RIVERBANK—Eld. Ben Crawford, Anna Crawford, Eld. G. A. Williams.

SACRAMENTO—Eld. H. R. Cole, James C. Cooper.

SANGER—Eld. Monroe Patterson, Eld. L. M. Branch, Eld. Allen Tabor.

STOCKTON—Eld. W. S. Goulding.

WASCO—Eld. A. P. Shoemake, W. T. Cox, M. L- Corcoran.

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CHURCH DIRECTORY

ARMONA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Tom Hicks, Armona, Calif.

Clerk—Dorothy EUis, P. 0. Box 159, Armona, Calif

BAKERSFIELD — EMMANUEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

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

CERES — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Dr. Travis Hubbard, 1621 Morgan, Modesto, Calif.

Clerk—Nellie Lucas, Box 146, Ceres, Calif.

CLOVIS — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Bill Forter, 441 So. Backer, Fresno, Calif.

Clerk—Marie Smith, 1070 Polasky, Clovis, Calif.

CORCORAN — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

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

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—MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Roy Bell, Herndon, Calif.

Clerk—Mary York, Rt. 12, Box 738-B, Fresno, Calif.

EXETER — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Bob Roderick

Clerk—Leola Dillon, 134 So. Quince, Exeter, Calif.

FREEDOM — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

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

FRESNO — BETHLEHEM MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. R. F. Gire, 1412 Fountain Way, Fresno, Calif.

Clerk—Marie Poole

FRESNO — MCKINLEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

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

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GREENFIELD — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—L. J. Horton, 54 Stivers Way, Salinas, Calif.

Clerk—Lorene Ford, Gonzales, Calif.

McFARLAND — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

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

MODESTO — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor,—Eld. M. B. Hubbard, 1621 Morgan Rd., Modesto, Calif.

Clerk—Juanita Jenkins, Rt. 2, Box 854-B, Modesto, Calif.

OAKLAND — BROOKFIELD FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

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

PORTERVILLE — FIRST A.B.A. MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Jim Patterson, Rt. 3, Box 608, Porterville, Calif.

Clerk—Thelma Davidson, Rt. 3, Box 756, Porterville, Calif.

PORTERVILLE — WEST PUTNAM MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. M. J. Duncan, 1337 W. Putnam, Porterville, Calif.

Cleck—Roxie Northcutt, 597 Westside Dr., Porterville, Calif.

RIDGECREST ,— FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. J. L. Hawkins, Box 142, Ridgecrcst, Calif.

Clerk—Pearl Fite, Box 675, Ridgecrest, Calif.

RIVERBANK — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Gertrude Andrews, Box

1037, Riverbank, Calif.

SACRAMENTO—LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. H. R. Cole

Clerk—Mildred Cooper, Rt. 2, Box 2284, Sacramento, Calif.

SANGER — SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Monroe Patterson, 1417 So. J. St., Sanger, Calif.

Clerk—Zelma Reese, 305 Oatman Ave., Sanger. Calif.

STOCKTON — MT. OLIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—

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

WASCO — CENTRAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk.—Kathryn Trammel.

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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.

ARTICLE III

Members

Section No. 1—This association shall be composed of Missionary Baptist Church-

es 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

messengers elected by the churches composing said Association.

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

messengers who are members of the church they represent. They are to bring letters show-

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

Section No. 4—New Churches may be admitted upon presentaŧion of a petition-

ary 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 un-

sound in faith or practice will be refused a seat in this Association.

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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 preeminence 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 Moderaŧor, and such Clerks and other Officers as may

be needed or directed by the churches composing this Association.

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

questions; 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.

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ARTICLE VIII

Funds

Section No. 1—All funds of this Association shall be raised by voluntary dona-

tions 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 assembled Messengers may appoint.

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. Christian Education Report

8. Missionaries Reports.

9. Treasurer report.

10. Reports of committees.

11. Miscellaneous business.

12. Closing exercises and adjournment.

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

9:30 TUESDAY, MAY 13, 1952.

Service opened with singing of “Oh How I Love Jesus” led by Bro. N. 0. West.

Prayer led by Dr. H. Travis Hubbard. The moderator then introduced Eld. J. L. Hawkins,

pastor of Ridgecrest church. Bro. Hawkins read Jude 1-4 and chose as subject “Earnestly

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contending for the faith,” and he exhorted all present to be men and women of action for

Christ. Eld. Ernest Bennett led in prayer. The clerk was then asked to read the articles of

Agreement, and he proceeded to do so. Opening remarks were made by the moderaŧor.

Nominations were called for, for an 11:00 o’clock speaker. Voting resulted Eld. Jameson

being elected. Reading clerks Eld. G. A. Williams and Bro. Bill Porter appointed. They

proceeded in reading letters from McFarland, Freedom, Bakersfield, Mt. Olive (Stockton),

Ridgecrest, West Putnam (Portervillc), Oakland, River-bank, Dominguez, Armona, Clovis,

Corcoran, Wasco, McKinley. Motion and second that the messengers named in the letters

be seated. Motion carried. Petitionary letter read from Greenfield. Motion and second that

they be seated, carried. Petitionary letter read from First Missionary Baptist Church of

Modesto. Motion and second that they be seated, carried. Petitionary letter from

Bethlehem Church of Fresno. Motion and second that they be seated, motion carried.

Petitionary letter from North Sacramento, motion and second that the messengers be seated,

motion carried. Petitionary read from Ceres church. Motion and second that they be received.

Motion carried. Petitionary letters read from Exeter church, motion and second that

they be received and the messengers seated. Motion carried. Petitionary letter read from

First A.B.A. Church of Porterville. Motion and second that they be received and messengers

seated. Motion carried. Letter read from Sanger church, motion and second that the messengers

be seated, motion carried.

Dismissed for 10 minute recess. Met back with singing of “There is a Fountain”

led by Martin Canavan, prayer by Eld. R. F. Gire. The moderator then introduced Bro.

Charles Jameson, pastor of the church in Oroville. Eld. Jameson made opening remarks

stating that he was in harmony with our co-operative principles, he then read Ro. 1:13-17

using as a subject “Debtors.” Eld. Jameson brought a God-honoring soul-stirring message

from the Word. A standing vote of thanks was given to Bro. Jameson. Nominations for an

afternoon devotional leader taken. Motion and second that nominations cease. Motion car-

ried. Voting resulted in Bro. Porter being elected. Motion and second that we adjourn until

1:30. Motion carried. Bro. A. P. Shoemake dismissed in prayer.

1:30 P. M.

Met back with singing of “Hide you in the Blood,” led by Eld. G. A. Williams.

Prayer led by Eld. Harold Hendrix. Bro. Porter was then introduced by the moderator, Bro.

Porter then read Heb. 2:1-6. He gave some inspiring comments that called us to real heart

searching.

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Entered into election of officers. Voting resulted in Eld. C. C. Middleton being

elected moderator, Eld. Allen Tabor, assistant, Eld. Martin Canavan elected as clerk-trea-

surer, and Eld. R. R. Farris as assistant, many visitors were recognized.

Committees on Home Missions, Foreign Missions, Christian Education, and

Christian Literature were appointed by the chair.

Missionary reports were called for by the chair.

Eld. Allen Tabor gave an oral report on his mission work.

Motion and second that the report be adopted as given. Spoken to by Eld. M. J.

Duncan, Eld. Tom Hicks. Motion carried.

Eld. C. C. Middleton then read his report. Motion and second that the

report be adopted, spoken to by C. C. Middleton, Lee Wright, C. R. Lyon,

E. E. Crawford, M. J. Dunxan, Jim Patterson, Ernest Bennett, A. P. Shocmake,

Sis. Hampton, Henry Cloud. Martin Canavan, D. O. Ross, Bro. Tillman,

Sis. Gire, L. H. Horton, Tom Hicks, A. L. Patterson, W. S. Goulding. Motion carried.

Motion and second that we enter a special order of business for the selection of

missionaries or missionary for recommendation to the churches. Motion carried.

Resolution from the Oakland church read.

Motion and second that the voting be done by standing vote, motion carried.

Voting resulted in Elds. C. C. Middleton, and Allen Tabor being so recommended.

Other mission reports called for, none were given.

Nominations for an evening devotional leader called for, Tom Hicks, D. 0. Ross,

Monroe Patterson were nominated. Eld. Tom Hicks was elected.

Motion and second that the resolution from Sanger church be read. Motion car-

ried.

The resolution was read. Motion and second that the resolution as read be adopted,

spoken to by M. J.Duncan, L. M. Branch, Ernest Bennett, Ben Crawford, Allen Tabor, C. R.

Lyon, D. O. Ross, E. E. Crawford. Motion and second that this resolution be tabled until in

the morning. Motion carried. Motion and second that we adjourn until 7:30. Motion carried.

Various announcements were made. Dismissed in prayer by Bro. Keaster.

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7:30 P. M.

Service opened with singing of “My Redeemer,” led by Bob Haley, Bro. Martin

Canavan led in prayer. Song “When the Roll is Called Up Yonder.” Bro. Barnes then led

singing “Home of the Soul.” Eld. E. E. Crawford led prayer.

Bro. Middleton then introduced Eld. Tom Hicks, pastor of Prineville, Oregon

church, who took the stand and made some preliminary remarks about the Oregon work.

He then read Luke 10:1, 2 and John 4:34 and spoke on a “Wasting Harvest.” A soul-stirring

message was brought. A standing vote of appreciation was given Bro. Hicks.

The moderator then introduced Eld. A. L. Patterson as the speaker of the evening.

He read Gal. 1:4-6 as his text. A challenging message made all of us examine our hearts. A

standing vote of thanks was given to Bro. Patterson for the fine message.

Nominations for a devotional leader were Elds. Ernest Bennett, Travis Hubbard,

the voting resulted in Bro. Travis Hubbard being elected.

Motion and second to adjourn until 9:30 A. M. Motion carried. Various announce-

ments were made.

Mission offering taken $50.00. Eld. Wayne Easlon dismissed in prayer.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 9:30 A. M.

Service opened with singing of “An Old Account was Settled,” led by Eld. G. A.

Williams. Bro. W. S. Goulding led in prayer. The Moderator then introduced the devotional

leader Eld. H. Travis Hubbard. Bro. Hubbard read Heb. 5:12 through Heb. 6:3 for the basis

of his comments. Bro. Hubbard brought wonderful thoughts to our minds and hearts about

spiritual growth in both pew and pulpit.

Nominations for an 11:00 o’clock speaker were Elds. D. O. Ross, C. R. Lyon, Jim

Patterson, and Foy Moss. The voting resulted in Eld. D. O. Ross being elected.

Letters read from the Easton church. Motion and second that the messengers be

seated, motion carried.

Resolution that was tabled Tuesday night re-read and it was discussed by W. S.

Goulding, Monroe Patterson, Ernest Bennett. Motion and second that the motion be amend-

ed to read that the resolution be adopted for recommendation to the churches discussed

by W. S. Goulding, Allen Tabor, C. R. Lyon, A. P. Shoemake, Jim Patterson, amendment

unanimously carried.

-9-

Main motion as amended open for discussion, discussed by E. E. Crawford, W.

S. Goulding. Motion made and second the wording be changed in resolution to read “Be it

therefore resolved that we the messengers of the churches in this association recommend

that the churches declare themselves in sympathy and fellowship henceforth with the Amer-

ican Baptist Association, co-operating with the churches as much as possible in interstate

and foreign mission work,” discussed by Lee Wright, Ernest Bennett, W. S. Goulding, L.

M. Branch, Martin Canavan, M. J. Duncan, amendment carried. Resolution carried.

Moderator declared 10 minute recess.

Met back with singing of “It Won’t Be Very Long” led by Sis. Horton. Led in

prayer by Eld. Foy Moss.

Moderator then introduced Eld. D. O. Ross, pastor of Salinas church as the speaker

of the hour. Bro Ross made preliminary remarks concerning the associational fellowship,

he then read Gen. 21:1-20 and chose a subject “Unseen Resources.” A timely message that

honored our Lord and Master was ably presented by our dear Bro. Ross.

Motion and second that we adjourn until 1:30, motion carried. Standing votes of

thanks given to Bro. Ross and Eld. Travis Hubbard. Dismissed in prayer by Eld. A. L. Pat-

terson.

1:30 P. M.

Service opened with singing of “The Unseen Hand” led by W. S. Goulding. Bro.

Charles Jameson led in prayer.

Foreign missionary reports called for. Eld. W. S. Goulding then read his report.

Motion and second to adopt the report as read, spoken to by W. S. Goulding and R. R. Far-

ris. Motion carried.

Christian Education report read by Bro. E. E. Crawford. Motion and second to

adopt. Carried.

Christian Literature report read by Bro. M. J. Duncan. Motion and second to adopt,

discussed by M. J. Duncan. Motion carried.

Foreign Missions report read by Bro. A. P. Shoemake. Motion and second to adopt,

spoken to by A. P. Shoemake, E. E. Crawford,

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W. S. Goulding, Ben Crawford, Ernest Bennett, Tom Hicks, Martin Canavan. Report ad-

opted.

Mission offering taken for Bro. Goulding.

$35.28.

Treasurer’s report read and approved.

Motion and second that we adopt the Declaration of Faith as found in The Baptist

Way Book by Dr. Ben M. Bogard. Motion carried.

C. R. Lyon read the Home mission report. Motion and second to adopt, spoke to

by C. R. Lyon, report adopted.

Recommendation read from Riverbank and an invitation for a school read from

Sanger.

Motion and second that we adopt the recommendation of the Riverbank Church.

Discussed by Ben Crawford, Martin Canavan, R. R. Farris, Allen Tabor, M. B. Hubbard

(raised $1,100.00), E. E. Crawford, Jim Patterson, Tom Hicks, C. R. Lyon, Ben Crawford,

R. R. Farris, Sis. Perkins. Motion carried.

Motion and second that we have a Christian education report to be in the order of

business following Item 6. Motion carried.

Motion and second that the first church sending an invitation to the clerk be grant-

ed the meeting. Motion carried.

Motion and second that we have our meeting beginning the Tuesday before Easter

Sunday, discussed by Bro. Skaggs, R. R. Farris.

Substitute motion and second that we meet the Tuesday after the second Sunday

in May, discussed by C. C. Middleton, Sis. Hampŧon, Martin Canavan, Henry Cloud, R. R.

Farris. Motion lost. Original motion carried.

Motion made and second that we give two hours on the Wednesday afternoon of

our association for our young people, discussed by Sis. Evelyn Smith, Bill Porter, Jim Pat-

terson, Ernest Bennett, R. R. Farris. Motion carried.

Minutes read, motion and second the minutes be adopted. Carried.

Motion and second that we elect a man to preach to doctrinal sermon for our next

association. Motion carried. E. E. Crawford, J. C. Patterson, M. B. Hubbard, Monroe

Patterson were nominaetd. Eld. M. B. Hubbard was duly elected.

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Motion and second that we pay clerk $25.

Amendment and second that funds designated for clerk hire be paid the clerk.

Amendment carried.

Motion and second that we adjourn until Monday night before Easter Sunday.

Motion carried.

Announcements were made.

C. C. Middleton dismissed in prayed.

RESOLUTION

In-as-much as a vast majority of the Churches of this Association use Literature

published by the Sunday School Committee of the American Baptist Association, and also

endorse the Missionary Baptist Seminary of Little Rock;

And, in order to keep down confusion in our local Association in the future con-

cerning the two National Associations of Missionary Baptist Churches;

Be it therefore resolved that we the messengers of the churches in this Association

recommend that the churches declare themselves in sympathy and fellowship henceforth

with the American Baptist Association, co-operating with the churches as much as possible

in interstate and foreign mission work.

(Clerk’s note) Adopted.

REPORT ON 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 published by the A. B. A., and other books and papers that stand for the doctrines

of Missionary Baptist Churches.

—Eld. M. J. Duncan, Eld. J. C. Patterson, Eld. M. B. Hubbard

FOREIGN MISSIONS

We, your committee, submit the following. We believe the report, as found in the

minutes of our association, is a most excellent one; and also it endorses the missionaries

recommended by the churches of this association. Therefore we recommend that this report

be re-read and re-published in our minutes.

—Eld. Ernest Bennett, Eld. A. P. Shoemake, Eld. W. S. Goulding

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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.

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

outside the 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 collaboration with him.

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

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

Recognizing the urgent need of training young preachers and Christian workers,

your committee submits this report:

In this age of schools, efficiency, education, science, it is vitually imperative that

young preachers thoroughly prepare themselves for skillful service in the Lord’s vineyard.

Men in other fields of endeavor are trained, polished, qualified. Shall God’s men,

in the highest calling on earth, be contented to plod through life hampered, hobbled, un-

equipped, untrained for lack of schooling? A thousand times no!

Paul told Timothy to study. This commandment applies with equal force to all

preachers today. A God-called man must increase his Bible knowledge, or become a thread-

bare fossil.

Is there a better place to learn God’s Word than in a Bible school? It is your com-

mittee’s opinion that any preacher may qualify himself more efficiently and more rapidly in

the classroom.

Therefore, we recommend the schools in Little Rock, Ark. and Henderson, Texas,

and any school that we Association Baptists may establish in California.

—Dr. H. T. Hubbard, Eld. W. T. Porter, Eld. E. E. Crawford

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HOME MISSIONS

We, your committee on Home Missions submit the followings: (1) The harvest of

John 4 is a challenge to every church in mission endeavor. (2) the messengers of the church-

es composing the association in prayerful consideration of the field and the strength of the

church have recommended two home missionaries. Therefore, we your committee recom-

mend that this messenger body recommend to the churches that the doors of opportunity are

being opened, but the adversaries are many and if our missionaries do a construcŧive work,

they must have regular, adequate support and realizing this we plead, request, yea even beg

our churches for the sake of Christ, and his cause in seeking the lost to pray, preach, teach,

and do missions by calling attention frequently to our missionaries on the field and taking

offerings for them.

—Eld. C. R. Lyon, Eld. L. M. Branch, Eld. Ben Crawford

W. S. GOULDING’S MISSIONARY REPORT

The Mount Olive MBC having endorsed and recommended me for missionary

work in the Central America field, I have resigned my pastorate with the Mt. Olive church,

so as to be free to visit churches and make necessary arrangements for going to Central

America, such as securing passports, visas, disposing of our stuff (except what we will take

with us) and so forth. There are always so many endless things to be done in preparation for

making such a trip.

At present my wife is taking treatments three times a week at the hospital, and is

already much improved, and we expect her health to be OK by the time we can be ready to

go.

Our traveling expenses alone will be about $500.00 and we should have besides

that at least $250.00 on hand to carry us over the first month, as there always are extra ex-

penses in getting settled, and starting housekeeping in a new place.

I have the pictures (movies) that Bro. Canavan and I took on our Central American

trip in 1950, and am ready to show them in any of your churches and bring a message on

missions, anywhere within a radius of 200 miles at present, and then soon we plan to visit

churches in other states.

I have been endorsed by the A. B. A. for the Central America field, and will receive

a salary from the A. B. A. churches beginning from the date of departure from this country,

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but that leaves the native workers dependent on the churches here for their support. Three

of these have received nearly all their support hitherto from the California and Oregon

churches. Two others are worthy of support, but have had to support themselves. Lack of

sufficient offerings has made this necessary. I trust that better support can be given for the

native workers on the field from now on, since my personal support will be shared by all

the A. B. A. churches in other parts of the country.

Our financial report from May 1, 1951 to April 30, 1952 is as follows:

Total received from the churches for all purposes $3071.84.

Pastor’s salary from Mt. Olive church (Dec. 6 to April 30)

$597.45.

Total sent to workers $1484.07; divided as follows:

Osorio

$466.00

Gracias

$604.07

Mendoza

$180.00

Duarte

$ 50.00

Mission hall rent in Colon, Panama

$184.00

I have sold our old car and bought another not much better. I will probably have to

trade again so as to be able to visit churches according to schedule.

We plan to attend the association in Oregon and visit churches there and in other

states to raise the passage funds for myself and family.

A letter just received from Bro. Gracias urges that the churches provide us with a

car for the work in Central America.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you for your faithful prayers and offer-

ings. Continue much in prayer that God will thrust out more workers. Luke 10:2.

Gatefully submitted,

W. S. GOULDING and Family.

- 15-

MISSION REPORT FROM JAN. 1952 TO MAY 13, 1952

I count it a great privilege to have served the Missionary Baptist Churches of the

Cooperative Association of California for the above named period of time. The Lord has

blessed me in many ways in this great work. I am sure that each church which has had a part

in the work has also been richly blessed.

My financial support has been as follows:

Armona

$119.64

Associational Collection

10.00

Bakersfield

6.00

Corcoran

19.05

Dominguez

170.00

McFarland

14.00

Pilgrim

8.25

Porterville A. B. A

24.87

Ridgecrest

6.00

Sanger

7.26

Wasco

10.59

D. L. Steger

5.00

TOTAL

$401.48

May God richly bless each of you for the support which I have received.

I have labored with several different churches in both the central and southern

parts of the state. This work has chiefly been in interest of co-operative work among our

churches, assisting both weak and pastorless churches, and constantly striving to win the

lost to Christ.

Although I have worked some on the side to acquire a living, I have spent an aver-

age of several hours each day in the missionary work. Thanks to all.

Humbly submitted,

C. C. MIDDLETON.

- 16-

TREASURER’S REPORT

Minute fund from Corcoran meeting

$140.00

Paid Out-

Printing of Minutes

$102.47

Paper, mailing, etc

5.63

Total paid out

$108.10

Balance on hand

$31.90

Received at Armona Meeting

MINUTES

CLERK HIRE

Bakersfield

$5.00

Clovis

$5.00

Freedom

$5.00

Greenfield

$5.00

Modesto

$5.00

Mt. Olive

$5.00

Ridgecrest

$5.00

Sanger

$7.50

McKinley

$5.00

Minutes

$42.50

Corcoran fund

$31.90

Total $27.50

Total on hand

$74.00

Paid out—

C. C. Middleton

$25.00

Allen Tabor

$25.00

W. S. Goulding

$35.28

- 17-