MINUTES
of the
Fourth Meeting
THE COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
of
MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCHES
OF CALIFORNIA
Held with the
DOMINGUEZ MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Long Beach, California
April 13 and 14th, 1954
Next meeting to be held with
The First Missionary Baptist Church
East and G Streets, Oakdale, California
April 5th and 6th, 1955
OFFICERS
Moderator — C. C. Middleton, 7502 Woodley, Van Nuys, Calif.
Ass’t. Moderator — Wayne Easlon, 716 Oro St., Stockton, Calif.
Clerk — Martin Canavan,
1315 Patterson, Corcoran, Calif.
Ass’t. Clerk — Don Bowen, McFarland, Calif.
MESSENGERS
ANTIOCH—C. W. Hendrickson and Sis. C. W. Hendrickson
ARMONA—Allen Adkins, M. E. Pettigrew, and Cuny Campbell
BAKERSFIELD—Lee Wright, Mary Wright, and Rodney Parks
CERES—Vernon Stanley, Travis Hubbard, and Bessie Skaggs
COALINGA—By Letter
COLLIERVILLE—By Letter
CORCORAN—Martin Canavan, L. S. Cotton, Dorothy Canavan
DINUBA—H. R. Cole
EASTON—G. V. Richwine
EXETER—By Letter
FREEDOM—Ernest Bennett, C. B. White, and Carl Burns
FRESNO (McKinley)—G. N. James, Roy Harncs, and Bro. Hally
FRESNO (Zion)—Harold Hendrix, Mrs. Hcndrix, Evelyn Smith
GONZALES—Burel Burnes and Ruth Burnes
KEYES—Connie Wright, Betty Wright, and Jona Wright
LONG BEACH—C. R. Lyon, Una Lyon, and E. J. Alberson
MARYSVILLE—By Letter
MCFARLAND—E. E. Crawford, Don Bowen, and Sam Beene
MODESTO—Jessie Wright, Sis. Jessie Wright, and M. B. Hubbard
OAKDALE—Naomi Branch, Norma Graham, and Anna Lou Burch
OAKLAND—Lawrence Crawford, Don Nunes, and Grace Nunes
OROVILLE—G. A. Williams, Sis. Williams, and James Holt
PORTERVILLE (East Date)—Austin Russell, Esther Russell, and
Shirley Russell
PORTERVILLE (West Putnam)—Floyt Jordan, J. T. Duncan.
M. J. Duncan
RIDGECREST—Tena Wilkie, Bert Wilkie, and Jessie Hawkins
RIVERBANK—Dwight Patterson, Bill Porter, and R. G. South
SALINAS—Charles Jameson, Deroy Ross, and Sis. Jameson
SAN FRANCISCO—Lindsey Riggs, Virgil Wick
SANGER—D. O. Ross, R. R. Farns, and Sis. Ross
SOUTH GATE—J. A. Franklin, Hallie Franklin, and N. O. West
STOCKTON (Mt. Olive)—By Letter
SUNNYVALE—Wayne Easlon, C. N. Dunaway, and Sis. Easlon
WASCO—Jess L. Crawford, Una Crawford, and Sis. Crawford
VAN NUYS—C. C. Middlcton
N. SACRAMENTO—By Letter
CHURCH DIRECTORY
ANTIOCH
— FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST Delbert and Drake St.
Pastor—M. F. Downing,
2119 Alpha Way, Antioch, Calif.
Clerk—Henry Hiebert, 527 Drake St., Antioch, Calif.
ARMONA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Railroad Ave.
Pastor—Allen Adkins, P. O. Box 159, Armona, Calif.
Clerk—Dorothy Ellis, 104 N. White St., Hanford, Calif.
BAKERSFIELD — EMMANUEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 1604 Southgate Dr.
Pastor—Leo Wright,
1604 Southgate Dr., Bakersfield, Calif.
Clerk—Dena Savage, Rt. 1, Box 220, Bakersfield, Calif.
CERES — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Fastor—H. T. Hubbard,
1621 Morgan Road, Modesto, Calif.
Clerk—Nellie Lucas, Box 746, Ceres, Calif.
COALINGA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Lion’s Clubhouse, 256 Polk St.
Pastor—Arl Edwards, Coalinga, Calif.
Clerk—Marie Rainwater, 266 Fresno St., Coalinga, Calif.
COLLIERVILLE — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—None at Present
Clerk—Jean D. Halsell, 250 N. Ham St., Lodi, Calif.
CORCORAN — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Hale & Brokaw
Pastor—Martin Canavan,
1315 Patterson, Corcoran, Calif.
Clerk—Lorene King, 914 Estes, Corcoran, Calif.
DINUBA — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, So. College Ave.
Pastor—Harold Cole, Rt. 2, Box 368, Dinuba, Calif.
Clerk—Allie Keeling, Rt. 1, Box 274, Orosi, Calif.
EASTON — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—Gordon Richwine,
129 E. Fantz, Fresno, Calif.
Clerk—Ethel Pettigrew, 5682 S. Clara, Fresno, Calif.
EXETER — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Quince and Palm
Pastor—B. B. Wright, 346 South I St., Exeter, Calif.
Clerk—Leola Dillon, 309 South Quince, Exeter, Calif.
FREEDOM — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—Ernest Bennett, Aptos, Calif.
Clerk—Juanita Taylor, P. O. Box 72, Aptos, Calif.
—4 —
FRESNO — MCKINLEY MISSIONARY BAPTIST, McKinley and Katy Lane
Pastor—George N. James, 2052 Katy Lane, Fresno, Calif.
Clerk—Mary McCaskill, 1822 W. Dudley, Fresno, Calif.
FRESNO — ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 4949 Harvey
Pastor—Harold Hendrix, 4645 Lewis, Fresno, Calif.
Clerk—Mildred Williams,
318 So. Dearing, Fresno, Calif.
GONZALES — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—Burel G. Burnes, 513 Fremont, Salinas, Calif.
Clerk—Izaddia F. Sabia, Box 518, Gonzales, Calif.
KEYES — NEW HOPE MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—Connie Wright, Gen. Del., Ceres, Calif.
Clerk—Gladys Pressley, P. O. Box 545, Ceres, Calif.
LONG BEACH — DOMINGUEZ MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 2669 Carson St.
Pastor—C. R. Lyon, 2679 Carson St., Long Beach, Calif.
Clerk—Lillian Martin, 855 E. Willow St., Long Beach, Calif.
MARYSVILLE — LINDA LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Hammonton and Dunning St.
Pastor—Foy E. Moss
Clerk—Lela Moss
MCFARLAND — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—E. E. Crawford, Box
1438, McFarland, Calif.
Clerk—Burl Beene, Rt. 1, Box 430, McFarland, Calif.
MODESTO — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—None at Present
Clerk—Lois DeHart, Rt. 5, Box 3215, Modesto, Calif.
OAKDALE—FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, East & G St.
Pastor—L. M. Branch,
241 South
5th Ave., Oakdale, Calif.
Clerk—Ethel Hanna, Rt. 1, Box 669, Oakdale, Calif.
OAKLAND — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—Lawrence Crawford
Clerk—J. W. Clary
OROVILLE — MISSIONARY BAPTIST, B and Claremont St.
Pastor—G. A. Williams, Oroville, Calif.
Clerk—J. T. Robertson, Oroville, Calif.
PORTERVILLE — EAST DATE LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 2180 E. Date St.
Pastor—Austin Russell, Rt.
1, Box 213, Terra Bella, Calif.
Clerk—Thelma Davidson, 3085 Tucker St., Porterville, Calif.
—5 —
PORTERVILLE — WEST PUTNAM MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 1905 West Putnam
Pastor—Floyd Jordan, 214 N. Newcomb, Porterville, Calif.
Clerk—Roxie Northcutt,
597 Westside Dr., Porterville, Calif.
RIDGECREST — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, Ridgecrest Blvd.
Pastor—Jess Hawkins, Box 142, Ridgecrest, Calif.
Clerk—Velma Croxton, Ridgecrest, Calif.
RIVERBANK — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 6th and Sierra
Pastor—W. M. Patterson, Box 627, Riverbank, Calif.
Clerk—Zetta Jettson, Box
547, Riverbank, Calif.
SACRAMENTO — NO. SACRAMENTO LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—John Stevens
Clerk—Mildred L. Cooper, Rt. 2, Box 2284, Sacramento, Calif.
SALINAS — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—Charles Jameson, 793 Elkingtion Ave., Salinas, Calif.
Clerk—Ruth Horton,
1302 Fairhaven, Salinas, Calif.
SAN FRANCISCO — LANDMARK MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 28-94 Folsom St.
Pastor, Lindsey R, Riggs, 2894 Folsom St., San Francisco, Calif.
Clerk—Melva Vorgensen, 2310 Clay St., San Francisco, Calif.
SANGER — SHILOH MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 1421 J St.
Pastor—D. O. Ross, 1417 J St., Sanger, Calif.
Clerk—Amanda Smith, 2240 Elm St., Sanger, Calif.
SOUTH GATE — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 10022 Calif. Ave.
Pastor—J. A. Franklin, 10345 Calif, Ave., South Gate, Calif.
Clerk—Mrs. R. A. Richey, 85108 Eucalyptus St., Downey, Calf.
STOCKTON — MT. OLIVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 1752 South B St
Pastor—Wayne Easlon, 716 Oro St., Stockton, Calif.
Clerk—Gertie Martin,
1633 Adelfert, Stockton, Calif.
SUNNYVALE — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST
Pastor—None at Present
Clerk—Zella Harmon, 322 Jerome St., San Jose, Calif.
WASCO — CENTRAL MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 3rd and Poplar
Pastor—Jess L. Crawford, 1610 3rd St., Wasco, Calif.
Clerk—Minto Tiner, 1736 5th St., Wasco, Calif.
VAN NUYS — FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST, 14541 Sylvan St.
Pastor—C. C. Middleton, 7502 Woodley, Van Nuys, Calif.
Clerk—John Hulen, 3121 Kenwood, Burbank, Calif.
—6 —
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
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 Associaŧion 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
messengers whose qualifications shall be determined by 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—We recommend to all Scriptural New Testament churches, desiring to co-
operate with us for the purpose designated in Article two of these Articles of Agreement, expres
s their desire by presenting evidence of their origin, faith, and practice; and, we further
any church refusing, or failing to continue in the faith and practice designated by them, will not be
considered seated in the messenger body.
—7 —
ARTICLE IV
Doctrinal Statue
This Association shall recognize the freedom of speech as essential to the highest achieve-
ments in its work. It shall stand or fall on its own conformity to truth. It shall exercise no ecclesi
astical 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 Assocalion shall be limited to the execuŧion according to teachings of
the New Testament of the will of the churches composing it; and the Association, in annual
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 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 co-operative 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.
—8 —
ARTICLE VIII
Funds
Section No. 1—All funds of this Association shall be raised by voluntary donations
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 properly that may be acquired by dona-
tion 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.
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 reports.
10. Reports of Committees.
11. Miscellaneous business.
12. Closing exercises and adjournment.
MONDAY NIGHT, APRIL 12th — 7:30 P. M.
A large congregation met at the Dominguez Missionary Bapŧist Church for a pre-associa-
tional meeting. A lively song service was held, and Eld. Martin Canavan was elected to preach. His
subject for the evening was “Giving Account to God.” A timely message was delivered and enjoyed
enjoyed by all. The devotional speaker for the morning service was chosen, namely Bro. D. C. Campbell of
Armona. We were dismissed in prayer to meet in the morning ina rented hall in Compton.
—9 —
STATISTICAL
MEMBERSHIP
CHURCHES
GAIN
LOSS
Antioch
118
7
26
33
12
1
13
138
3,150.00
Armona
150
2
13
15
17
16
34
131
3,587.80
Bakersfield
89
43
1
19
53
1
24
1
26
126
2,910.00
Ceres
60
4
11
2
17
4
1
4
73
2,583.00
Coalinga
20
4
4
1
7
8
16
1,140.00
Collierville
13
1
1
2
2
2
13
21.05
Corcoran
271
26
23
49
13
2
1
16
304
3,753.48
Dinuba
56
7
14
23
4
7
11
68
1,657.12
Easton
35
13
9
22
3
3
57
620.66
Exeter
7
4
4
2
2
9
32.00
Freedom
67
7
8
15
8
27
35
47
924.88
Fresno (McKinley)
76
8
1
14
23
6
4
2
10
87
2,189.31
Fresno (Zion)
20
8
8
4
3
7
21
324.21
Gonzales
16
5
6
11
4
4
23
464.81
Keyes
26
17
1
10
28
2
6
8
46
718.77
Long Beach
196
24
2
29
55
27
30
1
58
193
4,050.00
Marysville
No Report
McFarland
120
8
2
25
35
21
2
23
132
3,380.00
Modesto
56
1
8
9
10
10
55
1,882.48
Oakdale
63
4
4
8
10
4
14
57
2,205.00
Oakland
64
8
2
13
23
11
11
76
2,607.50
Porterville (E. Date)
74
9
11
20
16
1
17
77
2,153.60
Porterville (W. Putnam)
102
6
5
8
19
13
23
2
38
83
2,380.36
Ridgecrest
74
37
1
12
50
4
1
5
116
2,620.00
Riverbank
68
13
5
23
41
15
1
16
95
1,845.00
Salinas
177
12
1
8
21
36
3
39
159
2,289.71
San Francisco
10
5
17
22
16
6
22
10
527.00
Sanger
28
1
1
18
20
13
4
17
31
2,040.00
South Gate
44
13
13
26
13
13
19
51
3,315.00
Stockton
36
4
7
11
3
2
6
41
1,914.27
Sunnyvale
51
4
1
24
29
17
18
1
36
44
2,477.27
Wasco
127
17
4
21
5
1
7
141
3,895.00
Van Nuys
16
1
6
7
2
23
No. Sacramento
32
2
12
14
9
2
11
35
1,330.00
—9—
REPORT
EXPENDITURES
TOTAL
114.101,224.45
525.00
659.16
981.20
115.98
35.40
863.21
8,279.24
629.353,973.11
101.16
1,694.68
123.79
91.85
330.70
10,558.39
98.071,005.39
196.05
515.22
89.56
270.20
93.21
5,196.45
30.282,700.40
122.69
307.28
22.11
60.23
1,500.00
321.90
5,735.48
840.00
7.50
488.23
19.00
10.00
153.45
2,663.18
8.08
61.70
52.07
3.00
142.90
95.232,000.00
634.79
4,735.28
929.44
284.26
560.00
1,432.20
13,590.18
1,350.59
26.81
256.82
49.10
154.67
3,975.00
83.10
439.88
102.50
120.32
58.95
1,500.11
497.87
23.27
21.00
580.66
21.00
755.00
261.97
50.00
206.60
2,057.48
23.611,074.85
185.3
69.85
41.99
302.44
3,886.82
1,233.46
48.24
95.35
48.90
135.26
2,077.39
22.04
190.38
68.36
414.57
29.35
116.51
811.02
30.50
329.39
62.23
10.70
30.13
12.59
81.76
1,348.07
169.80
805.51
205.70
73.99
1,040.00
124.64
10.00
428.00
6,887.64
690.501,112.48
338.04
366.94
52.50
133.64
157.92
654.48
6,903.50
681.96
13.00
120.00
62.35
162.47
2,927.26
102.801,392.16
175.00
338.29
19.42
64.23
70.00
330.54
4,712.44
1,636.79
258.97
575.60
138.43
1,086.29
6,401.58
102.511,130.59
237.37
198.13
125.96
364.69
4,454.97
324.21
217.11
120.00
3,385.15
342.25
157.80
99.04
134.70
3,353.79
491.46
333.26
264.40
374.93
3,309.05
329.631,782.00
43.18
646.63
146.75
275.58
4,613.48
720.00
40.52
100.00
14.70
259.00
1,661.22
38.00
288.51
161.24
257.10
13.50
21.93
131.73
296.33
3,278.34
121.00
840.00
82.02
198.71
4,573.06
30.00
657.00
95.00
17.05
45.07
164.82
2,923.44
1,246.50
102.73
463.11
88.38
76.71
300.09
4,755.09
275.63
944.54
100.00
902.00
139.64
484.24
6,737.67
204.75
45.90
31.02
59.60
351.27
69.31
1,097.04
219.28
46.15
120.17
80.74
401.66
3,285.35
—10—
BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
TUESDAY 9:30 A. M.
Meeting opened in Compton, Calif., with singing led by Bro. N. O.
Wheat, Marshall Pettigrew led in prayer. Bro. D. C, Cambell from Armona took
the stand and read I Pet. 5:1-8, and spoke on “Our Adversary”; Bro. Cambell
brought to our attention some timely warnings about our adversary the Devil.
Reading clerks were appointed by the moderator. They were Eld. Charles Jame
son, and Eld. George James; Sanger church letter was read. Moŧion and second
that only the total of the statistics be read. The Motion was carried. Letters were
read from Bakersfield, Sunnyvale, New Hope, Dinuba, McFarland, Antioch, Zion
(Fresno! Armona, Gonzales, Ridgecrest, Wasco, Dominguez, Modesto, Salinas,
San Francisco, Exeter, McKinley (Fresno), Easton, Oakland, East Date, Mt. Ol-
ive (Stockton), Southside, Riverbank, West Putnam (Porterville), Ceres, Oakdale,
Coalinga, and Corcoran. Moŧion and second that the messengers be seated. Sub-
stitute motion and second was made that all the messengers be seated except those
churches which had received excluded members until such a times as restitution
can be made. Amendment and second that Bro. Farris names such churches. This
was spoken to by R. R. Farris, Lee Wright, E. E. Crawford, Earnest Bennett, Lee
Wright, Lawrence Crawford, C, R. Lyon. Motion to table this order of business
until the first order of business after the preaching hour. Motion was carried.
Bro. West led in singing “Saviour More than Life,” Eld. Earnest Bennett
was introduced by our moderator. Bro. Bennett read from Heb. 8:1-5, and spoke
on the “Work of the Churches,” and he brought a wonderful message of exhorta-
tion and admonition which was enjoyed by the messengers and visitors. Motion
and second that we give Bro. Bennett and Bro. Cambell the hand of appreciation
and to adjourn until one o’clock at which time we will proceed with business.
Motion carried. A hand of appreciation was extended these brethren by the Con-
gregation. Dismissed in prayer by Bro. G. A. Williams.
1:30 P. M. — Song “Just over in the Gloryland” led by Bro. Connie
Wright. Eld. Charles Jameson led in prayer, The business that had been tabled was
opened for discussion. Spoken to by M. J. Duncan, Martin Canavan, Lee Wright,
R. R. Farris, E. E. Crawford, C. R. Lyon; amendment to the amendment that all
messengers be seated and we recommend to the churches that have received ex-
cluded members to rescind the acts. Spoken to by Bro. Lawrence Crawford, Bro.
—12—
Isaac Smith, Bro. E. E. Crawford, H. R. Farris. Previous question moved and seconded.
The amendment to the amendment was carried by a vote of 53 to 16. Freedom letter read
and messengers were seated. Petitionary letter from Oroville read and received. Petitionary
letter from Linda read and received. Petitionary letter from Van Nuys read and received.
Election of officers now the order of business. Nominations for moderator were
C. C. Middleton, Lawrence Crawford, Bro. C. C. Middleton was elected. Nominations for
assistant moderator were Lawrence Crawford, Wayne Easlon, Lee Wright, M. B. Hubbard.
Bro. Easlon was elected. Motion and second that Bro. Middleton and Bro. Easlon’s election
be declared unanimous. It was carried. Nominations for clerk-treasurer were opened. Mar-
tin Canavan nominated; a motion was made that nominations cease and that Bro. Canavan
be elected by acclamation. Carried. Assistant clerk nominations were opened. Don Bowen
was nominated; motion and second that Bro. Bowen be elected by acclamation with the
motion being carried. Nominations for an evening speaker were opened. D. O. Ross, G.
A Williams, J. A. Franklin, Lee Wright, Charles Jameson, Lawrence Crawford, and M. B.
Hubbard were nominated. Bro. Franklin was elected. Bro. D. O. Ross was elected to bring
a devotional.
A ten minute recess was declared.
Met back with singing, and led in prayer by Bro. L. S. Cotŧon. Committee ap-
pointments were announced by the chair. Moŧion and second that we adjourn. The motion
carried. A motion and second that we meet back at 6:30 P. M. Carried. The meeting was
dismissed by Bro. Jim Bowlan.
6:30—Service began with singing “What a gathering that will be,” led by Bro.
Viney and then prayer by Eld. Gordon Richwine. Motion and second that we proceed with
business. Motion carried. Motion that we set aside the regular order of business for the
election of the missionaries for the ensuing year. Motion carried. Bro. H. R. Cole asked
that his name be dropped from the list of church endorsed missionaries because he had just
accepted the oversight of the Dinuba church. Motion that we recommend both remaining
church endorsed missionaries namely Bro. R. R. Farris, and C. C. Middleton. Spoken to by
Bro. Ernest Bennett, Martin Canavan, D. O. Ross, M. J. Duncan, Lee Wright, the motion
was lost. Motion and second that both names be recognized as nominations and we vote for
one missionary and we recommend a salary of $300 for the one missionary thus
—13 —
recommended. Spoken to by Bro. M. B. Hubbard; Bro. C. C. Middleton was then rec
ommended by the messengers. Motion and second that we enter a special order of business
and select our next annual meeting place. Motion carried. Motion and second that we accept
Oakdale’s invitation to meet with them next year was carried.
Songs were then led by Bro. Vineyard, followed by prayer offered by Bro. Leroy
Nixon. Bro. Deroy Ross was introduced by the moderator. Bro. Ross took the stand and
read II Cor. 4;l-5 and Romans 1:1. His subject was “The Call of God” Rom. 1.16, II Tim.
2:15, II Cor. 4:3-4 and he concluded with the thought “Let’s Preach the Gospel to ALL”,
after which Bro. Vineyard led a song “I just Steal Away.” A special song was arranged
by the Southgate Church, “Is it well with Thy Soul” and another special “On the Jericho
Road” arranged by Bro. N. O. West.
8:00 P. M.—Bro. J. A. Franklin was introduced and he read Luke 18:35-43
and 10:30 taking as his subject ‘The Jericho Road.” He delivered an excellent message
enjoyed by all and he concluded with the thought “they that have been stripped on the
Jericho Road.” An invitation was given to the lost. Motion and second to dispence with
the reading of the minutes until 9:30 A. M. Motion carried. Motion and second to take
an offering for the entertaining church which was spoken to by Bro. Canavan and Bro.
Lyons. The offering was $57.81. Nominations for a devotional leader were Lee Wright,
Dwight Patterson, Billy Fritz, Floyd Jordan, M. B. Hubbard. Bro. Dwight Patterson was
elected. Motion and second that we adjourn until 9:30 in the morning. Carried. A hand of
appreciation was given to Bro. Ross and Bro. Franklin. Bro. Jess Hawkins dismissed us in
prayer.
WEDNESDAY 9:30 A. M.
The service was opened with singing “Amazing Grace” led by Bro. N. O. West.
Bro. Dwight Patterson was introduced by the moderator and he read I Peter 4:14-19. Bro.
Patterson brought some wonderful thoughts concerning preaching the gospel instead of
manuals and men’s writings. Minutes read, motion and second that they be approved. Mo-
tion carried. Motion and second made that discussion be limited to five min. per speaker.
Motion carried. Motion and second that we omit the eleven o’clock preaching service.
Discussed by Eld. Lee Wright. The motion carried. Committee reports were called for.
Report of Christian Education read by Bro. Lee Wright. Motion and second that
—14—
the report be adopted. Spoken to by Travis Hubbard, Lee Wright, R. R. Farris, M. B.
Hubbard, Dwight Patterson, C. R. Lyon, Gordon Richwine, D. O. Ross, Connie Wright,
Burrel Burnes, then the report was adopted. Missionary report read by Bro. C. C. Middle-
ton. Motion and second that the report be adopted. Spoken to by Bro. Middleton. The
motion carried. Treasurer’s report read and motion and second to adopt the report. Car-
ried. Report on Christian Literature read by Gordon Richwine. Motion and second that the
report adopted. Motion carried. Foreign mission report read by Eld. Allen Adkins. Motion
and second that we adopt this report. Spoken to by Martin Canavan. Report adopted.
Resolutions report read by George James.
Motion and second that we adopt the report. Report adopted. Home mission
report read by Eld. C. R. Lyon. Motion and second that the report be adopted. Spoken to
by C. R. Lyon. Report adopted.
Motion and second that we pay the clerk $75. The motion carried. A resolution was read.
Motion and second to adopt. Spoken to by R. R. Farris. Motion carried.
Nominations for the preacher of the annual sermon were M. B. Hubbard, C. C.
Middleton, D. O. Ross, and Austin Russell. Bro. C. C. Middleton was elected.
Motion and second to express our appreciation to Dominguez and Southgate
churches for their royal entertainment. Motion carried. Minutes read and motion and
second to adopt carried.
Hand of Appreciation was extended to Bro. Dwight Patterson. Motion and sec-
ond that we adjourn until the week before Easter when we are to meet at Oakdale. Motion
was carried. Hubert McDaniels dismissed us in prayer.
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 co-operation from
sister churches.
Since counselling together and considering the recommendaŧions of bygone days, we as
a committee have decided to recommend the Western Baptist Institute of Ceres for
continued cooperative support.
—15 —
We further recommend that each church consider conducting a daily vacation
Bible school.
Prayerfully submitted,
H. T. Hubbard, Lee Wright, R. R. Farris, M. J. Duncan
FOREIGN MISSIONS
We recommend to churches of this Association for support those Foreign Mis-
sionaries who are endorsed by the Churches of the American Baptist Association.
Realizing that these missionaries are first called of God and then sent out by their
home churches and are looking for their support from the churches, we also recommend
that we take regular offerings for them.
These can be sent to the Sec. Treasurer, A. L. Patterson, 214 E. Broad St.,
Texarkana, Ark.-Tex.
Prayerfully submitted,
Allen Adkins, Lawrence Crawford, Isaac Smith, J. L. Hawkins
RESOLUTIONS
Due to the fact that our churches have manifested their desire to co-operate in the
work of the Lord, we your committee recommend that the Messengers strive to maintain
their desire for such co-operation. Ernest Bennet, Charles Jameson, George James, Vernan
Standley
CHRISTIAN LITERATURE
Considering the present article on Christian literature to be sufficient in recom-
mendation, we your committee recommend the reprinting of article in our last session
minutes. “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
Harold Cole, E. E. Crawford, G. V. Richwine
HOME MISSION REPORT
We believe the Bible to teach the doctrine of total depravity and that all men who
die out of Christ, perish. Hence, we believe in Home Missions.
—16 —
We recommend that Baptists do more Mission work in 1954. Not only the Co-
operating churches but pastors, young preachers and laymen be encouraged to do personal
work and to be missionaries. Phil. 2:5.
C. R. Lyon, Austin Russell, G. A. Williams, D. O. Hoss
TO THE MESSENGERS OF THE CHURCHES OF THE
CALIFORNIA COOPERATIVE ASSOCIATION
Greetings from the mission field of the State of California, which is truly white
unto harvest. I sincerely believe that we need more labourers on this great field, and
should pray the Lord of the harvest to send us more. I am glad to recognize, at the very
beginning of this report, the faithfulness of the churches of this State who have made my
work possible for the entire year. You have been both faithful and liberal in your support
of State Missions.
During the past associational year that is just closing. I travelled a total of 35,148
miles in the interest of the work; organized a New Testament Church at Van Nuys, with
the assistance of brethren from several of our churches; conducted three different missions
during different periods of the year; visited some 15 to 20 different churches; preached a
total of 145 sermons, laught numerous Bible lessons; conducted one revival, four funerals,
and three weddings; and attended the Hume Lake Bible Conference.
That all things may be done decently and in order I tender the following financial
report for your consideration and approval:
ARMONA
$95.52
OAKLAND
125.95
BAKERSFIELD
13.21
RIDGECREST
144.33
CERES
63.75
SALINAS
35.54
COALINGA
65.00
SAN FRANCISCO
5.00
CORCORAN
297.87
SANGER
135.77
E. DATE ST
95.80
SOUTH GATE
1,335.49
DINUBA
75.35
SUNNYVALE
109.00
DOMINGUEZ
203.74
VAN NUYS
59.60
FREEDOM
143.91
WASCO
145.18
LINDA (Marysville)
4.00
W. PUTSAM
110.00
McFARLAND
260.60
ZION
21.48
Mckinley
229.15
C. V. YOUTH RALLY
102.26
MT. OLIVE
21.66
N. YOUTH RALLY
6.12
N. SACRAMENTO
103.64
DESIGNATED FUNDS
61.00
OAKDALE
55.25
$4,125.15
—17—
As you can see by careful study of the foregoing report I received support from
26 of the 32 churches which represented in this Association last year, which is a total of
81 percent. I also received a set of new tires for my car donated by Vic’s Service in Para-
mount, California. At the close of this resume I desire to thank all churches, Youth Rallies,
and individuals who have conŧributed to my support for the past year.
Your Missionary,
C. C. Middleton
RESOLUTION
Whereas, sections four and five of article three of the Articles of Agreement of
this Association make petitioning for fellowship in fellowship in the association mandi-
tory and,
Whereas, they impose forceful associational powers upon churches which here-
tofore have not cooperated with the churches composing this association and.
Whereas, the Scriptures teach that a New Testament Church must not be subject-
ed to any standards or qualifications of service except those designated in the Scriptures
and,
Whereas the total powers of an associational messenger body must be confined
to recommendations;
Be it therefore Resolved that sections four and five of article three of our Articles
of Agreement be combined into one, which henceforth be known as section four of article
three, and which will read as follows:
“We recommend to all Scriptural New Testament churches, desiring to cooperate
with us for the purpose designated in Article two of these Articles of Agreement, express
their desire by presenting evidence of their origin, faith and practice; and, we further
recommend that any church refusing, or failing to conŧinue in the faith and practice desig-
nated by them, will not be considered seated in the messenger body.”
C. C. Middleton
D. O. Ross
Austin C. Russell
C. R. Lyon
George N. James
Martin Canavan
Wayne L. Easlon
E. E. Crawford
J. A. Franklin
Lee Wright
—18 —
TREASURER’S REPORT
Balance after Ceres meeting
$179.08
Print minutes
162.00
Mailing
10.30
Minutes blanks
1.00
Wrapping materials, stencils, etc
3.04
Total paid out
176.32
Bal. after Ceres minutes
$2.66
