OFFICERS

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

ASST. MODERATOR — Eld. Tom Hicks, Box 159, Armona, Calif.

CLERK-TREASURER — Eld. Martin Canavan, 1315 Patterson, Corcoran, Calif.

ASST. CLERK-TREASURER — Eld. R. R. Farris, 4649 Lewis, Fresno, Calif.

MESSENGERS

ANTIOCH—A. T. Adkins, Sis. Adkins, Bro. Hagar.

ARMONA--G. W. Parker, Tom Hicks, William Keaster.

BAKERSFIELD—Lee Wright, Sis. Wright, Sis. Cason.

CERES—Lionel Thompson, Otis Keener, Robert Skaggs.

COALINGA—By Letter.

CORCORAN—Martin Canavan, Jack Connally, L. S. Cotton.

COLLIERVILLE—Oral Halsell, Allen Murders, John Halsell.

DINUBA—J. D. Costa, Sis. Costa, Lenna Eliott.

DOMINGUEZ—C. R. Lyon, A. L. Ford, Sis. Ford.

EASTON—Roy Bell, Ann Bell, G. L. Pettigrew.

EXETER—Vernon Stanley, Bro. Dillon, Sis. Dillon.

FREEDOM—Austin Russell, W. D. Burns, Dona Burns.

FRESNO (McKinley)—George James, Sis. James, Bee McCaskill.

FRESNO (Zion)—Bro. Drachenbarg, Evelyn Smith, Sis. Rancier.

GONZALES—Lorene Ford.

KEYES—Letter only.

McFARLAND—E. E. Crawford, Don Bowen, Mentus Hampton.

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

OAKDALE—L. M. Branch, Joseph Graham, Earl Oliver.

OAKLAND—Ernest Bennett, L. H. Pairish.

PORTERVILLE (A. B. A.)—Jim Patterson, Bro. Kitrell, Homer Branson.

PORTERVILLE (West Putnam)--M. J. Duncan, J. T. Duncan, Robert Campbell

RIVERBANK—Ben Crawford, Bill Gibson, Jean Springs.

RIDGECREST—By Letter.

NO. SACRAMENTO—H. K. Cole, J. C. Cooper, Sis. Roberts.

SALINAS—D. O. Ross, Floyd Tillman, Gomer Tillman.

SAN FRANCISCO—Lindsey Riggs, Virgil Smithwick, William Davis.

SANGER—Charles Jameson, Sis. Jameson, R. R. Farris.

SOUTHGATE—C. C. Middleton, Thcma Middleton, Alice Schnitger.

STOCKTON—Jess Crawford, Martha Albritton, Cassie Denney.

SUNNYVALE—Wayne Easlon, Helen Easlon, Virgil Bevis.

WASCO—A. P. Shoemake, Hazel Shoemake, A. E. Ford.

—1—

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANTIOCH — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. A. T. Adkins, Box 366, Antioch, Calif.

Clerk—Henry Hiebert, 527 Drake St., Antioch, Calif.

ARMONA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Tom Hicks, Box 159, Armona, Calif.

Clerk—Dorothy Ellis, 104 N. White, Hanford, Calif.

BAKERSFIELD — EMMANUEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Barbara Thompson.

CERES — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Mrs. Nellie Lucas, Box 749, Ceres, Calif.

COALINGA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Arl Edwards

Clerk—Marie Rainwater, 266 Fresno St., Coalinga, Calif.

COLLIERVILLE — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. John W. Halsell, 250 N. Ham, Lodi, Calif.

Clerk—Ola Dickison, Box 292, Acampo, Calif.

CORCORAN — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Martin Canavan,

1315 Patterson, Corcoran, Calif.

Clerk—Doris Stilwell, 1204 Jepson, Corcoran, Calif.

DINUBA — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. J. D. Costa, Box 93, Dinuba, 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, 855 E. Willow, Long Beach, Calif.

EASTON — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Roy Bell, Herndon, Calif.

Clerk—Ethel Pettigrew, Rt. 12, Box 266, Fresno, Calif.

EXETER — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Vernon L. Stanley, 240 1/2 Filbert Ave., Exeter, Calif.

Clerk—Leola Dillon, 309 So. Quince, Exeter, Calif.

FREEDOM — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Austin Russell, 27 Carey Ave., Watsonville.

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

—2—

FRESNO — MCKINLEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. George James, Rt. 9, Box 46, Fresno, Calif.

Clerk—Mary McCaskill, 1822 W. Dudley, Fresno, Calif.

GONZALES — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Burel G. Burnes, 1019 Pacific Ave., Salinas, Calif.

Clerk—Lorene Ford, Box 97, Gonzales, Calif.

KEYES — NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Clifford Creel, Box 127, Keyes, Calif.

Clerk—Gladys L. Pressley, Box 454, Keycs, Calif.

McFARLAND — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Burl Beene, Rt. 1, Box 430, McFarland, Calif.

MODESTO — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Melba Wright, Box 971 Riverbank, Calif.

OAKDALE — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. L. M. Branch, 241 So. Fifth Ave., Oakdale, Calif.

Clerk—Ethel Hanna, Rt. 1, Box 699, Oakdale, Calif.

OAKLAND — BROOKFIELD 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. J. C. Patterson, 2296 E. Date St., Porterville, Calif.

Clerk,—Mrs. Thelma Davidson, Rt. 3, Box 926, Porterville, Calif.

PORTERVILLE — WEST PUTMAN MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. M. J. Duncan, 1422 Roby, Porterville, Calif.

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

RIDGECREST — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Mrs. Audna Hawkins, Box 142, Ridgecrest, Calif.

RIVERBANK — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—

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

SACRAMENTO — NO. SACRAMENTO LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. H. R. Cole, Rt. 2, Box 2284, Sacramento, Calif.

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

—3—

SALINAS — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. D. O. Ross, 1534 Second Ave., Salinas, Calif.

Clerk—Flora Cooper, 1516 Second Ave., Salinas, Calif.

SAN FRANCISCO — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. L. P. Riggs, 2894 Folsom St., San Francisco, Calif.

Clerk—Pearl Davis, 335 Mariposa, Brisbane, Calif.

SANGER — SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Charles Jameson, 1417 “J” St., Sanger, Calif.

Clerk—Amanda Smith, 1314 “I” St., Sanger, Calif.

SOUTHGATE — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. C. C Middleton, 11516 Oklahoma, Hollydale, Calif.

Clerk—Ada Richey, 8510 Eucalyptus, Downey, Calif.

STOCKTON — MT. OLIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Jess Crawford, 2408 Tiffany St., Stockton, Calif.

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

SUNNYVALE — MISSIONARY BAPTIST

Pastor—Eld. Wayne Easlon, 239 1/2 Oak St., Mountain View, Calif.

Clerk—Zella Harmon, 322 Jerome St., San Jose, Calif.

WASCO — CENTRAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST

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

Clerk—Maudean Linn, 801 Griffith, Wasco, Calif.

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.

—4—

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 presentation 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.

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 preminence 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-

tion, 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.

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 Agree-

ment. In such cases a two-thirds majority will be required.

—5—

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 dona-

tions secured purely upon the merits and 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.

—6—

BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS

MONDAY, MARCH 30, 1953 — 7:30 P. M.

A lively song service was led by Bro. Martin Canavan and several prayers were of-

fered for the success of this meeting. Bro. Lee Wright was chosen to preach and he used as

a subject “Keep that which is committed to thy trust.” Eld. G. A. Williams elected to bring

the devotional at the 9:30 service Tuesday morning.

TUESDAY 9:30 A. M.

Song service led by Eld. E. E. Crawford. Bro. Williams took the stand and read

John 20:19-29 and Luke 6:21-24 and brought some challenging thoughts to the assembled

messengers.

Bro. Travis Hubbard gave an address of welcome and Eld. Tom Hicks responded

for the congregation.

Letters were read from Wasco, Dinuba, Bakersfield, Stockton, North Sacramento,

Armona, Dominguez, Ceres, Sanger, Oakland, Corcoran, McKinley, Porterville (West Put-

nam), McFarland, Riverbank, Easton, Exeter, Freedom, and Modesto. Motion and second

to suspend the reading of letters, motion carried. Bro. Bennett and Bro. Easlon elected to

assist clerk.

Recessed for 10 minutes.

Met back as the moderator introduced Eld. M. B. Hubbard. Bro. Hubbard read

Eph. 3:21 and Matt. 28:19-20. Bro. Hubbard brought a mighty message on “Missions by the

churches of the Lord Jesus Christ.” Eld. L. M. Branch gave him the hand of appreciation for

this great message.

Eld. D. O. Ross elected to bring the devotional at 1:30. Eld. Allen Adkins dis-

missed in prayer.

1:30 P. M.—Bro. N. O. West led in singing “We’ll work till Jesus comes”, led

in prayer by Eld. Riggs. The moderator introduced Eld. D. O. Ross, pastor of the Salinas

church as the devotional leader. Bro. Ross read Acts 19:1-20 and spoke concerning “A

prevailing Gospel”. Bro. Ross challenged our hearts with a mighty message. Motion and

second that all the letters read that the messengers be seated with the exception of two that

were not members of the church from which they came. Motion carried. Letter read from

A. B. A. church of Porterville. Messengers seated. Petitionary letter from Coalinga church

read. Motion and second that they be received. Carried.

Petitionary letter from Oakdale church read. Motion and second that it be received.

Carried. Petitionary letters from San Francisco, Sunnyvale, Antioch, Southgate, read. Mo-

tions and seconds to seat messengers all carried. Petitionary letter from Zion read. Motion

and second to seat the messengers. Sub. motion and second to original motion “due to the

misunderstanding of the Zion church the church should send her statistics as to origin, etc.

to the clerk.”

—7—

Spoken to by Bro. Farris. Motion carried. Petitionary letter from Keyes read. Mo-

tion and second that they be seated. Carried. Petitionary letter read from Salinas. Motion

and second that the messengers be seated and the messengers are to insert needed facts.

Carried. Letter read from Collierville. Motion and second that the church be received. Mo-

tion carried. Motion and second that Ridgecrest statistics be included as they could not at-

tend due to Eld. Hawkins being in the hospital. Changes were made in the messenger roll.

Standing vote of appreciation given for all the new churches cooperating in the Association.

Entered the election of officers. Nomination for moderator Elds. Tom Hicks, C. C.

Middleton. Bro. C. C. Middleton elected moderator, Bro. Tom Hicks assistant moderator.

Motion and second to make it unanimous. Bro. Hicks and Bro. Middleton made a few re-

marks regarding their election. Nominations for clerk were received. Bros. Martin Canavan

and R. R. Farris were nominated. Nominations closed. Motion and second that the one re

ceiving the highest number be clerk and second to be assistant clerk. Bro. Canavan elected

clerk and Bro. Farris assistant.

Words of appreciation were expressed by these brethren. Nominations for the eve-

ning message were received and Bro. Isaac Smith elected. Motion and second that the vote

be made unanimous, motion carried. Visitors were recognized and comments made.

Recessed for 15 minutes. Met back as Bro. Jonah Wright led in singing “Away

over Yonder.” Committee appointed to take care of deciding what picŧures should be taken

when the photographers arrive. Elds. M. B. Hubbard, Ernest Bennett and Tom Hicks were

appointed. Committees were appointed by the moderator.

Missionary reports called for. Eld. Ben Crawford gave an oral report.

Motion and second that the report be adopted—carried. Eld. Burel Burnes gave an oral

report of his work. Motion and second that the report be adopted. Motion carried.

Eld. W. S. Goulding gave his mission report. Motion and second to adopt the re-

port as read. Motion carried. Eld. L. M. Branch read his mission report. Motion and second

that the report be adopted. Motion carried.

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

Spoke to by Eld. Middleton, D. O. Ross, E. E. Crawford, R. R. Farris, A. E. Ford, Ben

Crawford, A. P. Shoemake, Burel Burnes, M. J. Duncan, Ernest Bennett, L. M. Branch, A.

E. Ford, C. R. Lyon, report adopted. Motion and second that we have singing and preaching

in the evening service. Motion carried. Motion and second that we adjourn until 7:00 P. M.

Motion carried. Announcements made. Dismissed in prayer.

7:00 P. M. — Met back with singing of “I’d like to stay here longer” led by Bro. J.

D. Costa, led in prayer by Eld. C. R. Lyon. Motion and second to conduct business. Motion

carried.

Home mission report read by Eld. L. M. Branch. Motion and second that the report

be adopted. Spoken to by Ernest Bennett, L. M. Branch, Isaac Smith, Martin Canavan,

—8—

Tom Hicks, Lee Wright, H. R. Cole, E. E. Crawford, M. J. Duncan. Motion and second that

this be tabled until the first order of business in the morning. Discussed by E. E. Crawford,

Allen Adkins, Tom Hicks. Motion lost. Motion and second this order be tabled until after

the preaching service. Motion carried. Bro. Costa led in singing “I’ll live on,” led in prayer

by Eld. Floyd Tillman. The Moderator introduced Eld. Isaac Smith who brought the eve-

ning message. Bro. Smith read Joshua 6:1-5; Jer. 10:23; Ps. 37:23-34. The subject “The

word of God is our all-sufficient rule of faith and practice in every good work.” It was a

wonderful message.

The invitation song was “Only Trust Him” led by Bro. Costa, prayer by Bro.

Smith. Hand of appreciation given to Bro. Smith by Eld. E. E. Crawford on behalf of the

messenger body. Motion and second that Bro. M. B. Hubbard take a special offering for

inter-state mission work. Motion carried. Bro. Hubbard came forward and made some ex-

cellent remarks and an offering. $401.00 was taken. Nomination for an 11 o’clock speaker

resulted in the election of Eld. Allen Adkins.

Home mission report re-read by the moderator. Discussed by L. P. Riggs, D. O.

Ross, M. J. Duncan, Jess Crawford, report adopted. Bro. A. L. Patterson spoke in apprecia-

tion for the interstate offering. Motion and second that we recommend Eld. Ben Crawford

and Eld. C. C. Middleton as state missionaries. Motion and second to amend the motion that

the two missionaries be voted on separately. Discussed by M. J. Duncan, Ernest Bennett,

Tom Hicks, E. E. Crawford, L. P. Riggs, Jesse Crawford, Lee Wright, the amendment lost.

Question now the original motion, original motion carried. Recommendations from Oak-

land and Stockton churches read concerning salaries for missionaries. Motion and second

made that we adopt the recommendation to recommend the salary of our missionaries to

be $300. Spoken to by Tom Hicks, Martin Canavan, Ernest Bennett, E. E. Crawford, Jess

Crawford, amendment and second offered that we beg the churches to cooperate through

our clerk-treasurer to see that the salary be paid. Amendment carried. Original motion as

amended carried. Bro. Adkins declined the preaching of the morning sermon. Motion and

second that the next high preach the morning message. Carried. Bro. Canavan was elected

by this motion. Nominations for a devotional leader resulted in Eld. Tom Hicks being elect-

ed. Motion and second to adjourn until 9:30 A. M. Carried. Eld. J. C. Patterson dismissed

in prayer.

9:30 A. M. — Met with singing “Are you washed in the Blood?” led by Bro. G. A.

Williams, led by prayer by Eld. Charles Jameson. Eld.

Tom Hicks read Heb.

11:1-7 and spoke concerning “The faith of Noah,” and

his remarks were pointed and timely.

Minutes read by the clerk. Motion and second that the minutes be approved, car-

riexl. Treasurers report read. Motion and second that the report be adopted, carried. Mo-

tion and second that the messengers take the report that the rent on the building should be

met.

— 9—

STATISTICAL

CHURCHES

GAIN

LOSS

Antioch

112

119

3,568.00

Armona

188

147

3,337.66

Bakersfield

Ceres

2,363.76

Coalinga

Colliersville

Corcoran

222

271

3,604.74

Dinuba

1,477.46

Dominguez

152

196

3,479.82

Easton

410.00

Exeter

122.47

Freedom

1,470.30

Fresno (McKinley)

933.40

Fresno (Zion)

105.00

Gonzales

337.24

Keyes

McFarland

122

3,265.00

Modesto

2,106.89

Oakdale

1,890.38

Oakland

2,745.00

Porterville (ABA)

1,622.83

Porterville ( W Putnam)

2,120.13

Ridgecrest

2,540.00

Riverbank

2,485.00

Sacramento (North)

1,440.00

Salinas

152

177

2,308.01

San Franscisco

100.00

Sanger

1,200.00

Southgate

Stockton

1,248.26

Sunnyvale

1,690.37

Wasco

106

130

3,105.00

—10—

REPORT

EXPENDITURES

TOTAL

131.50

683.00

533.05

134.71

930.63

698.83

399.67

7,079.39

179.72

2,246.00

358.53

100.55

1,698.43

401.26

8,307.18

42.74

2,079.77

195.33

57.75

275.62

523.05

5,71055

15.00

112.79

10.00

4.00

incompl.

15.10

2,400.00

852.35

293.03

1,796.46

1,885.00

1,376.62

12,223.20

129.05

932.51

89.05

41.76

18.85

125.42

2,703.57

70.19

360.00

258.83

50.82

647.82

260.00

495.27

5,703.23

1,523.04

6.50

30.00

375.92

134.48

2,548.73

38.40

9.48

29.99

29.36

260.28

28.73

24.71

505.22

42.81

2,766.00

224.41

51.34

10.00

134.25

4,564.70

27.86

772.31

24.21

31.17

226.43

283.85

2,371.88

7.91

335.43

100.00

16.86

72.78

44.25

708.18

277.50

183.79

35.00

12.85

14.50

60.00

928.79

190.97

2,270.61

162.47

106.72

770.62

30.70

884.10

7,681.26

813.46

448.62

271.70

3,645.68

1,779.09

157.50

96.76

534.06

137.90

4,585.69

219.27

1,470.03

392.42

111.87

474.70

759.28

1,242.42

7,419.99

2,667.54

5.00

109.51

137.94

276.25

5,249.38

73.68

132.80

183.34

104.39

2,614.34

151.00

192.97

incompl.

195.69

755.28

166.70

265.85

412.92

5,554.44

8.24

899.11

82.55

62.05

329.29

3,918.68

203.78

1,107.76

41.10

140.83

175.83

305.42

4,776.35

120.00

136.00

8.35

3.75

40.00

338.10

416.20

464.00

26.65

270.30

436.01

2,878.93

2,697.02

287.47

92.41

144.97

62.93

20.62

184.43

2,921.19

201.58

102.43

89.00

1,523.40

152.37

3,759.15

993.34

151.28

348.55

4,613.17

-11-

Amendment and second that an offering be taken following the 11 o’clock message and any

lack be reported to the churches. Motion carried. Bro. Middleton asked Bro. Hicks to take

the chair. Bro. Hicks spoke concerning parlimentary rules. Eld. C. C. Middleton spoke con-

cerning the mission work. Spoken to by Bro. M. B. Hubbard, E. E. Crawford, Ernest Ben-

nett, Martin Canavan. Motion and second that we rescind the act of begging the churches to

cooperate through the clerk-treasurer to see that missionary salary be paid. Spoken to by M.

J. Duncan, C. C. Middleton, motion and second that the discussion be tabled until the first

order of business this afternoon, carried. 10 minute recess.

We came together by singing “Some happy day” being led by Bro. J. D. Cos-

ta. Bro. Hicks introduced Bro. Martin Canavan who preached at 11 A. M. Bro. Canavan

preached on the subject “What can we expect Russia to do?” Scripture reading: Ezek 38:1-

6: 15; 39:2-3. It was a wonderful and a timely message of prophecy of what is going to

come upon all nations in these lost days and before the second coming of the Lord Jesus

Christ. Bro. A. C. Drachenberg was asked by Bro. Middleton to give Bro. Canavan the hand

of appreciation. Bro. Drachenberg first thanked God in heaven for His blessings and then

shook hands with Bro. Canavan.

Offering taken for the entertaining church of $93.77, several announcements were

made, dismissed in prayer.

1:30—Met back with singing “I’m going that way” led by Bro. Costa. Prayer by

Bro. Jim Albritton. Matter that had been tabled was brought before the house discussed by

Jess Crawford, C. R. Lyon, M. J. Duncan, R. R. Farris, Jim Albritton. Previous question

moved and second. Motion lost.

Special order moved and second that, we decide where the Association is to meet.

Voting resulted in Dominguez being selected. Motion and second that the vote for Domin-

guez be made unanimous. Motion carried.

Christian education report read by Bro. Wayne Easlon. Motion and second to adopt

the report. Spoken to by Wayne Easion, E. E. Crawford, Burel Burnes, Ben Crawford, Jess

Crawford, M. B. Hubbard, reported adopted.

Foreign mission committee report read by Bro. W. S. Goulding. Motion and sec-

ond to adopt the report. Spoken to by W. S. Goulding, Jim Albritton, Sis. Goulding, report

adopted. Resolution committee report read by Eld. M. J. Duncan. Motion and second that

the report be adopted. Spoken to by M. J. Duncan, R. R. Farris, report adopted.

Report on Christian literature read by Eld. Austin Russell. Motion and second

that the report be adopted. Report adopted. Motion and second that any church wishing to

entertain the preachers and workers meeting notify the clerk. Motion carried. Motion and

second that the clerk be paid $50. Motion carried.

Word of apprecation expressed by Eld. Travis Hubbard. Standing vote of thanks

given to the entertaining churches. Motion and second for annual sermon to be preached

by Eld. Ernest Bennett. Motion carried. Motion and second minutes be adopted,

-12-

carried. Announcements made. Motion and second that we adjourn to meet next year at

Long Beach with the Dominguez church. Dismissed in prayer by Eld. Tom Hicks.

HOME MISSIONS

Realizing the need of Mission work in California, recognizing every church of this

association, and in compliance with the articles of agreement of this association, we your

committee on Home Missions submit the following:

There are three Missionaries with church endorsement, present at this meeting,

to wit: brethren C. C. Middleton, Ben Crawford and Isaac Smith. However, in view of the

Statistical report of the churches, and recommendaŧions by various churches, we feel that

two of these brethren should be recommended to the churches, and all efforts to support

them, urged by all. Though we believe that the churches can only support two Missionaries;

we leave the selection to the messengers.

—L. M. Branch, Allen Adkins, D. O. Ross, C. R. Lyon.

FOREIGN MISSIONS

We your Committee, submit the following since the great commission given in the

Gospels, Matt. 28: 18-20, Mk. 16: 14-16, Lk. 24: 46-47, Jn. 20: 21, Act. 1:8 was committed

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 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 wholehearted 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 col-

laboration with him also we recommend all the foreign missionaries endorsed and recom-

mended by the A. B. A. namely E. K. Bcgley, Edward Byrd, J. D. Polk, Alton Trawick, Mrs.

Harriet Williams, J. S. Gunn, Larry Romero, and Eugene Reagan.

Respectively Submitted.

—W. S. Goulding, J. D. Costa, A. L. Patterson, Lee Wright

RESOLUTIONS COMMITTEE

Due to the wonderful fellowship and Spirit of Cooperation enjoyed at this Asso-

ciational meeting, and in order to Maintain the same, we your Committee recommend that

we have a preachers and Christian Workers meeting at least every three months.

—M. J. Duncan, Ernest Bennett, Charles Jameson, Burel G. Burnes

—13—

CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

We, your committee on Christian Education, submit this report with a prayer in

our hearts that it may awaken us to our urgent need of a greater study of God’s word and,

especially, the importance of an educated ministry.

We believe that Christian Education is a work of the church. Every church should

be a school for educating God’s children. Matt. 28: 19, 20. We realize however, that a local

church cannot properly educate God’s ministers without cooperation from sister churches.

Since counselling together and considering the recommendations of bygone days

we, your committee, have decided not to make a recommendaŧion concerning a school in

California.

Until a system can properly be worked out among our brethren we recommend

that our young ministers and Christian workers attend the Missionary Baptist Seminary of

Little Rock, Ark. or the Texas Baptist Institute of Henderson, Texas.

Respectively submitted:

—Wayne L. Easlon, Jess L. Crawford, J. C. Patterson, H. T. Hubbard

CHRISTIAN LITERATURE

We your Committee on Christian literature, recommend to you the Bible first and

above all things to enlighten our hearts and minds to the doctrines God laid down for us to

keep. We recommend the Sunday School literature published by the A. B. A. also books and

helps in harmony and keeping with the principles of the Bible and the work of the A. B. A.

and all true Missionary Baptist Churches.

Humbly Submitted by

—Austin C. Russell, E. E. Crawford, L. P. Riggs

“MISSION REPORT” OF L. M. BRANCH

To the Messengers of the Churches of the Cooperative Association of Missionary

Baptist Churches of California, when convened at Ceres, Calif. March 31, 1953:

Greetings in Jesus name;

As Interstate Missionary for the Churches composing the American Baptist Asso-

ciation; the Churches of this Association being a part of them, who have contributed faith-

fully to my support on the field, I feel indebted to make the following report, for the year.

Going on the field in March, 1952, I first visited a number of Churches and two

Associational meetings in California. Then helped in meeting at Exeter. Then visited the

Middle Oregon Baptist Association in Prineville, Oregon. While in Oregon, I was

—14—

privileged to preach in two of those Churches, and Moderate a debate for Elder Allen Ta-

bor in Prineville. Returning to California, I attended the Bible Conference at Hume Lake,

sponsored by the Missionary Baptist Church of Corcoran, teaching two classes a day while

there. After this conference, I went to Coalinga on a Mission journey, as it seemed that a

door was opened here as a result of the Bible Conference. After searching out a meeting

place, we began a nightly meeting in the Lions Club house, with Brethren Thomas Hicks

and Martin Canavan helping in this meeting, and a daily Radio broadcast during the meet-

ing. After this meeting we continued the Mission with services Sunday and Sunday eve-

nings, and Thursday evenings, teaching on Distinctive Baptist Doctrines. To wit, “What

Baptist Believe, and why they Believe it.” After some two months at this work, and much

personal work, and after several who had discovered they had un-scriptural immersion, and

were Baptized by the Missionary Bapŧist Church of Corcoran, wc were able to organize a

Scriptural Church in Coalinga with seventeen (17) charter members. During the time of

this Mission work, I was confronted with the task of securing a building for the Barr-Harris

debate, which proved to be quite a task. After the Church was duly organized, they called

me as Missionary Pastor. I moved on the field and served in this capacity until March 25,

which was last Wednesday. While serving this Church as Missionary Pastor; indoctrinating

the Church to the best of my ability, and preaching on the radio station every Sunday morn-

ing there for about four months, 1 tried to encourage other Churches and Brethren in the

work, as opportunity availed. Though I haven’t been permitted to visit among the Churches

as much as I would like to have, I appreciate every Church, Brother and Sister, who stand

for, and strive to promote the Cause of Christ as prescribed by the New Testament.

There is a recommended salary of S300.00 per month for Interstate Missionaries. I

received this amount during the year. Of the $3,000.00 received during 1952, the Churches

of the Cooperative Association gave $1,203.87, which the report that was given at the mes-

senger meeting in Mobile will reveal. This Auditor’s report may be obtained by anyone who

wishes a copy from Brother A. L. Patterson, the Mission Treasurer.

Words cannot express my appreciation for this fine support. I thank every Church

and individual who has made this financial report possible. And I only wish that the Mission

work done, was more. However, I have tried to make this support do as much Mission work

as possible, as my ability allowed. But I readily confess my inability. It is an honor, and a

privilege, to serve the Lord’s Churches with mutual faith, and common cause. If the work

done in the past year meets the approval of the Churches served, then we only ask that the

Lord be given thanks and praise for it, through His Churches. Or, if the work is disapproved

by any, we desire your prayers that we may better serve the Lord in this capacity.

At present, I am serving as supply Pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church

of Oakdale. This Church having received much trouble from an aggressive faction, called

upon me for my services, and I have moved on the field with the Church to serve her needs

to the best of my ability. While with this Church, serving in this capacity, I trust to have

connecŧions and opportunities to try to encourage the fellowship among the Churches and

Brethren of our mutual faith. With this great Church, and the property she had worked hard

for at stake, I believed it to be the greatest Mission work to be done at present. It is my con-

viction that if I can serve to help save a work that it took years to build, the Lord is pleased

—15—

with such service. The Oakdale Church is doctrinally sound, and her need does not cast a

reflection on her in any sense. However, her need of leadership must be supplied, and much

harm she has suffered, overcome. We trust that all will pray for us at Oakdale, while we

labor to accomplish these ends.

To you messengers we say, thank you so much for your cooperation, prayers and

support, and desire that you express the same to the Churches you represent. May God

richly Bless you.

Your Missionary, L. M. Branch.

TO THE MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES OF THE

CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION

Dear Brethren:

Greetings from this great mission field in the State of California. I count it a great

privilege to make this report of eleven months mission work to such a faithful group of

churches, to pray you to continue to hold me up before the Lord in prayer. In many respects

your liberality has abounded to supply my constant needs. Your labor of love is continually

remembered as the Lord blesses you now, and will reward you at His coming.

I wish that we could all realize that this huge State is white unto harvest. There are

millions of people here who badly need to hear the Gospel of Christ. With so few churches

in the State there is no doubt but that the only way to reach the majority of them is through

missionary work.

Perhaps all are not satisfied with the methods I have used to accomplish the things

that I have done for the Master’s glory. If I felt that my duty to Him was to please all men I

would never have tackled this great work. I have worked with several individual churches,

moderated special business meetings for some of them, held revivals, with the help of

brethren I organized a church at South Gate, and I have tried to encourage and abet churches

everywhere, both by personal contacts and letters.

I have preached about one half of the time for the South Gate Church since she was

organized. Some have thought I was spending too much time with the South Gate Church.

I have felt it my duty, both before God and my brethren, to help safeguard that infant church

from the common enemy, both from without and from within. I have no regret for having

done so. Surely it would be a poor laborer, indeed, who would not care for that which he

accomplishes.

As I close this resume I entreat you to examine it carefully, along with the financial

report which has been audited and approved by the South Gate Church.

Your Missionary,

C. .C MIDDLETON.

—16—

FINANCIAL REPORT: Beginning May 1, 1952, and including March 31, 1953,

or for an eleven months period.

Total Receipts From All Sources

$4,226.76

Disbursements:

Personal Salary ($300.00 per month)

$3,300.00

Expense of Work (Chiefly travelling)

$1,200.00

Total Disbursements

$4,500.00

I paid the balance of the expense out of my personal salary.

South Gate Missionary Baptist Church,

10022 California Ave.

South Gate, California.

W. S. GOULDING MISSIONARY REPORT

The churches already know that for the past year we have been making prepara-

tions for going to the foreign field. In these preparational operations we have made two

extended trips through several states visiting churches to inform them of the work pres-

ently being carried on in the Central American field and the concurrent needs, and increase

insofar as possible the missionary zeal and vision of the churches. I am pleased to report

that at least one of these trips was very successful, namely the trip among the churches in

several of the southern states. On the other trip we encountered loose practices among the

churches which we could not compromise with, even to the extent of diplomacy, and as a

consequence some of those churches appear to have withdrawn their support.

The churches have also been informed regarding the illness of our son, which

unfortunately has caused some delay in our getting to the field of our labors, but we are

pleased to report that he has improved so rapidly that we are now ready to go, and our de-

parture from here will probably be in less than a week from today.

We have travelled about 25,000 miles in interest of the work and preached in at

least one hundred churches during this fiscal year. Wc thank God for protecting us through-

out all those miles, and for the gracious reception that was accorded us in the churches

throughout the country. We believe that we can see a marked increase in genuine interest

and concern for our foreign mission work and praise God therefore.

Total offerings received April 1, 1952 to March 31, 1953

$5,987.09

Total sent to native workers

$1,528.00

At the present time we have five native workers in Central America and others are

in training. Two churches are established and there are also several mission points where

we hope to have established churches soon.

Reports from the native workers are being received regularly and have consis-

tently been very encouraging, especially in Costa Rica, many souls have been saved and

candidates received for baptism.

—17—

Regarding the mission points, one especially appears to be very promising and we

hope to be able to give further details on all of them soon after we arrive on the field.

Pray for the native workers and support them. They are not on salary at the present

time, and depend on the churches for their support.

Thanks to all the faithful churches for your prayers and sacrificial offerings. Con-

tinue to pray earnestly for us as we go from here to our field of labor. Our address will be

Apartado 2096, San Jose, Costa Rica.

W. S. Goulding.

TREASURER’S REPORT

On hand after Armona meeting—

$74.40

Received after Armona meeting—

Dominguez

$ 5.00

Ceres

10.00

Porlerville

(A. B. A.)

7.25

Exeter

7.00

No. Sacramento

5.00

Armona

10.00

McFarland

15.00

Corcoran

5.00

Portervile (W. Putnam)

7.00

Total

$ 76.25

Balance

$150.65

Paid Out —

Printing of minutes of Armona meeting

$111.78

Letter blanks

1.75

Postage

9.87

Wrapping material for minutes, etc

2.50

$125.90

Designated on clerk hire

20.00

Total paid out

$145.90

Balance on hand

4.75

—18—

Funds Received at Ceres

Interstate Missions

Minute Fund and Clerk Hire

Dominguez

5.00

Association

401.00

Antioch

$10.00

$406.00

Armona

15.00

Entertaining Church

Ceres

10.00

Sunnyvale

$ 7.50

Collierville

5.00

Association

93.77

Corcoran

10.00

$101.27

Dominguez

15.00

Easton

5.00

Paid Out—

Exeter

2.33

Freedom

10.00

Native workers in Costa Rica

$ 30.00

Fresno (McKinley)

6.25

L. M. Branch

5.00

Fresno (Zion)

10.00

A. L. Patterson

401.00

Gonzales

5.00

W. S. Goulding

7.47

Keyes

5.00

Ceres Church

101.27

McFarland

15.00

C. C. Middleton

5.00

Modesto

5.00

Clerk

50.00

Oakdale

10.00

$600.74

Oakland

10.00

Total Received—

Porterville

(ABA)

10.57

Portervile

(West Putnam)

7.68

Minute Fund and Clerk Hire

$224.33

Riverbank

5.00

State Missions

5.00

Ridgccrest

5.00

Interstate Missions

406.00

North Sacramento

10.00

Foreign Missions

37.47

Salinas

5.00

Entertaining Church

101.27

San Francisco

5.00

Total received

$774.07

Southgate

10.00

Stockton

5.00

Paid out

600.74

Sunnyvale

7.50

Balance left

$174.33

Wasco

15.00

Held over

4.75

Total

224.33

Balance on hand for minutes

mailing etc

$179.08

State Missions

Dominguez

$5.00

Foreign Mission

Fresno

(McKinley

$7.47

Dominguez

30.00

—19—