MINUTES
of the
SEVENTH MEETING
OF
The Cooperative Association
Missionary Baptist Churches
Of California
held with the
FIRST MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
McFarland, California
APRIL 16 and 17, 1957
Next Meeting to be held with
The First Missionary Baptist Church
410 Texas Street
Antioch, Calif.
April 1 and 2, 1958
MESSENGERS AND VISITORS IN SESSION
OFFICERS
Moderator
Assistant Moderator
M.F. Downing
L.M. Branch
410 Texas
44 Midway
Antioch, California
Salinas, California
2
Clerk
Martin Canavan
2703 218 PI.
Long Beach 10, California
Assistant Clerk
R. Lawrence Crawford
1174 Bartlett Ave.
Hayward, California
3
Publicity Director
A. T. Adkins
Box 159
Armona, California
State Missionary (for salary)
State Missionary
Allen Tabor
(For moral endorsement)
Gen. Del.
H.R. Cole
Eureka, California
4
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 Chris-
tian 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 me-
dium through which the churches may co-operate in these enterprises.
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 messengers elected by the churches com-
5
posing said Association.
Section No. 3—Each church co-operating in this Association is en-
titled to three messengers who are members of the church
they represent. They
;
are to bring letters showing their election by the church, which letters should
give a report of their past year.
Section No. 4—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, express their desire by presenting evidence
of their origin, faith, and practice; and, we further recommend, that any church
refusing, or failing to continue in the faith and practice designated by them, will
not be considered seated in the messenger body.
ARTICLE IV
Doctrinal Statue
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 con-
formity to truth. It shall exercise no ecclesiastical authority but it shall by ev-
ery 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 ac-
cording to teachings of the New Testament of the will of the churches compos-
ing it; and the Association, in annual sessions, shall elect such officers as are
necessary for its deliberation and work, and appoint such committees as are
needed, and transact
6
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 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 Mis-
sionaries.
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 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.
7
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. Enrollment and seating of messengers.
2. Reception of New Churches.
3. Election of officers.
4. Inviting of Brethren of like faith to sit in council.
5. Appointment of committees.
6. Treasurer reports.
7. Publicity report
8. Missionaries reports.
9. Reports of committees.
10. Miscellaneous business.
11. Closing exercises and adjournment.
8
CHURCH DIRECTORY
ANTIOCH—First Missionary, 410 Texas
Pastor—M. F. Downing, 410 Texas, Antioch
Clerk—Henry Hiebert, 527 Drake, Antioch
ARMONA—First Missionary, Railroad Ave.
Pastor—A. T. Adkins, Box 159, Armona
Clerk—Jean Ellis, 214 E. Myrtle, Hanford
BAKERSFIELD—Emmanuel, 1804 Southgate Dr.
Pastor—D. O. Ross, 1604 Southgate Dr., Bakersfield
Clerk—Barbara Spain, 1401 Ridgeview St., Bakersfield
BAKERSFIELD—New Hope
Pastor—A. D. Story, 2643 Monterey, Bakersfield
Clerk—Lorene Story, 2643 Monterey, Bakersfield
BARSTOW—Landmark Missionary, 34836 Cedar Rd.
Pastor—F. E. James, 34836 Cedar Rd., Rt. 1, Barstow
Clerk—not given
CERES—Missionary, Central Ave.
Pastor—Bedford Andrews, Rt. 1, Box 1140, Ceres
Clerk—Nellie Lucas, Box 746, Ceres
CHICO—Missionary, 1618 Spruce Ave.
Pastor—Kenneth Hooper, 945 Aspen, Chico
Clerk—Tonie Robertson, Box 395, Chico
CLOVERDALE—Landmark
Pastor—Harold Loyd, Cloverdale, Calif.
Clerk—Fred Shrum, 28725 River Rd., Cloverdale
COALINGA—First Missionary
Pastor—Gordon Hill, 176 Houston, Coalinga
Clerk—Marie Rainwater, 266 Fresno St., Coalinga
9
CORCORAN—First Missionary, Hale and Brokaw
Pastor—Bill Hoppert, 1315 Patterson, Corcoran
Clerk—Lorene King, 1810 Patterson, Corcoran
DINUBA—Missionary, So. College Ave.
Pastor- Calvin Isenhower, 141 Park Way, Dinuba
Clerk—Allie Keeling, 13724 Ave. 392, Cutler
DOMINGUEZ—First Baptist, 2679 E. Carson, Long Beach 10
Pastor—Martin Canavan, 2703 E. 218 P1., Long Beach 10
Clerk—Ethel Williams, 616 Lagoon, Wilmington
EASTON—Missionary, 121 E. Fantz
Pastor—Clifford Holley
Clerk—Myrtle Giffin, 6385 S. Clara, Fresno 6
EUREKA—Landmark
Pastor—Allen Tabor, Gen. Del., Eureka, Calif.
Clerk—Bonnie Garner, 6433 Eggert Rd., Eureka, Calif.
EXETER—First Missionary
Pastor—Paul Brown, 810 So. Garden, Visalia
Clerk—Zula Berry, 509 Channing Way, Exeter
FLORIN—Cypress Missionary
Pastor—Henry Nance, 4501 38 Ave., Sacramento
Clerk—Alma Joslin, Rt. 1 Box 437, Galt
FREEDOM—Landmark Missionary
Pastor—Ellis Murders, 64 Bradford Rd., Watsonville
Clerk—Juanita Taylor, Box 72, Aptos
FRESNO—McKinley, 2050 Katye Lane
Pastor—George James, 2050 Katye Lane, Fresno
Clerk—Irene Stevenson, 2228 N. Bryan, Fresno
FRESNO—Zion, 4677, Harvey
Pastor—E.J. Martin 4896 E. Washington, Fresno
Clerk—Marie Poole, 3531 W. Olive, Fresno
10
GARDENA—Grace Missionary, 13417 Budlong
Pastor—G. R. Sheffield, 1320 Phillips, Long Beach
Clerk—Dinzel Ferrel, 671 Penfold, Long Beach
GARDEN GROVE—Grace Missionary
Pastor—Harold Hendrix, 12792 Cliffwood, Anaheim
Clerk—J. Ruth Woods, 1304 Beverly Dr., Orange
GREENFIELD—Missionary
Pastor—Wayne Ross, Box 957, Greenfield
Clerk—Alma Calwill, 215 Second St., King City
HAYWARD—Missionary, 1174 Bartlett Ave.
Pastor—R, Lawrence Crawford, 1174 Bartlett Ave., Hayward
Clerk—Mrs. J. W. Clary, 445 46 Ave., Oakland
KEYES—New Hope
Pastor Gordon Richwine,-5554 Seventh St., Keyes, Calif.
Clerk—Minnie Dale, Modesto, Calif.
MANTECA—First Missionary
Pastor—George Walton, Box 726, Manteca
Clerk—Dorothy Sasser, Box 728, Manteca
MARTINEZ—Emmanuel Missionary
Pastor—Elmore Harty, 920 Lemon St., Martinez
Clerk—Billie Jetton, 935 Lemon St., Martinez
McFARLAND—First Missionary
Pastor—Lee Collum, 765 Third St., Box 1438, McFarland
Clerk—Mrs. Autrey L. Beene, Rt. 1, Box 1037, Delano
MIRA LOMA—First Landmark
Pastor—Alvin Quick, Box 86, Mira Loma
Clerk—Jo Anne Chastain, 9975 Palmetto, Bloomington
MODESTO—First Missionary
Pastor—Maynard Beckler
Clerk—Josephine Jenkins, 1736 Bronson, Modesto
11
NAPA—Landmark
Pastor—None at present
Clerk—Annis Graves, 610 Maine St., Vallejo, Calif.
OAKDALE—First Missionary, East and G Sts.
Pastor—Wayne Easlon, 241 S. Fifth, Oakdale
Clerk—Ethel Hanna, Rt. 3, Box 1718, Oakdale
OJAI—First Missionary, 507 N. Fulton
Pastor—J. L. Hawkins,- 507 A. N. Fulton, Ojai
Clerk—Myrtle Lipe, 314 N. Fulton, Ojai
OROVILLE—Missionary, 3250 Spencer Ave.
Pastor—Olen Johnson, 3250 Spencer, Oroville
Clerk—Mrs. Cleo Vincent, Box 206, Palermo
PARAMOUNT—Antioch Missionary, 8017 Rose Ave.
Pastor—J. A. Franklin, 13002 Ibbetson, Downey
Clerk—Reba Haney, 13034 Laureldale, Downey
PARAMOUNT—Calvary Missionary, 15706 Georgia St.
Pastor—Burel Burnes, 8404 Harrison, Paramount
Clerk—Pauline Crawford, 16422 Parkshire, Paramount
PEDLEY—Landmark Missionary
Pastor—John Stevens, 9264 64 St., Riverside
Clerk—Bertha Dozier, 8960 Jurupa Rd., Riverside
PHOENIX (Arizona)—West Riverside Missionary
Pastor—Ruben Etheridge, 702 W. Riverside,
Phoenix, Arizona
Clerk—Mrs. A. L. Tiner, 2310 West Missouri,
Phoenix, Arizona
PORTERVILLE—East Date, 2180 Date St.
Pastor—None at present
Clerk—Ruth Wilson, 422 Leggett Dr., Porterville
PORTERVILLE—West Putnam, 2917 W. Putnam
Pastor—Dwight Patterson, 2917 W. Putnam, Porterville
Clerk—Euvis Patterson, 2917 W. Patterson, Porterville
12
REDLANDS—Unity Missionary
Pastor-E. E. Crawford, Rt. 2, Box 2, 898 W. Citrus, Redlands
Clerk-Edna Taylor, 129 W. Colton, Redlands
RESEDA—Valley Missionary, 18401 Keswick
Pastor-C. C. Middleton, 18401 Keswick, Reseda
Clerk-Thelma Middleton, 18401 Keswick
RICHMOND—Unity Missionary, 17th and Virginia
Pastor-O. D. Tilley, 1719 Virginia, Richmond
Clerk-Pauline Tilley, 1719 Virginia, Richmond
RIDGECREST—First Missionary, Ridgecrest Blvd. and Norma St.
Pastor-Monroe Patterson, 436 Wilson, Ridgecrest
Clerk-Tena Wilkie, 120 A Independence, China Lake
RIVERBANK—First Missionary, 6th and Sierra
Pastor-Lee Wright, Box 627, Riverbank
Clerk-Edna South, Box 137, Riverbank
SACRAMENTO—North Landmark, 2041 Wyda Way, Sacramento 21
Pastor-L. D. Perdue, 2155 Whipoorwill Lane, Sacramento 21
Clerk-Jessie Lewis, 1825 E. El Camino, Sacramento 15
SALINAS—First Missionary, Towt and Garmer Sts.
Pastor-L. M. Branch, 44 Midway, Salinas
Clerk-Barbara Borland, 522 Green St., Salinas
SANGER—Shiloh, 1421 J St.
Pastor-A.C. Russell, 1417 J St., Sanger
Clerk-Maxine Williams, 617 Rawson, Sanger
SOUTHGATE—First Missionary, 9837 California Ave.
Pastor-H. Travis Hubbard, 3312 Eckleson, Lakewood
Clerk-Mrs. R. A. Richey, 8510 Eucalyptus, Downey
STOCKTON—Mt. Olive
Pastor-None--listed
Clerk-Georgea Denney, 2835 So. B St., Stockton
13
SUNNYVALE—Missionary
Pastor—Ernest Bennett, 359 Stowel Ave., Sunnyvale
Clerk—Zella Harmon, 322 Jerome, San Jose
VISALIA—First Landmark
Pastor—G. A. Williams
Clerk—Lereene Revious
WASCO—Central, 1610 3rd St.
Pastor—Bill Fritz, 1610 Third St., Wasco
Clerk—Bernice McCallum
WOODBRIDGE—First Missionary
Pastor—O. E. Hall, Box 156, Woodbridge
Clerk—Norma Wright, 437 W. Lockeford, Lodi
*Clerk’s Note—The Southgate Church has moved to Norwalk and meets
at Flat Bush and Bransum and is now known as the Norwalk Missionary
Baptist Church. There is a mission meeting in Southgate at the above
address with S. E. Comstock, 304 Granada, Alhambra, California as mis-
sionary.
MESSENGERS
Antioch—M. F. Downing, Mrs. A. G. Hampton, Hazel Tipton
Armona—A. T. Adkins, A. P. Oliver, Clayton Frity
Bakersfield (E)—D. O. Ross, Cula Ross, Anita Brawley
Bakersfield (N. H.)—A. D. Story, Claud Chappell, Sammy Maxwell
Barstow—F. E. James, Sis. F. E. James
Ceres—Bedford Andrews, A. J. Lucas, Nellie Lucas
Chico—Iva Calloway, Mary Calloway, Tony Calloway
Cloverdale—By letter
Coalinga—By letter
Corcoran—Dow Ewing, Bill Hoppert, Jewel Hoppert
Dinuba—Calvin Isenhower, Betty Isenhower
Dominquez—Martin Canavan, Bob Huitt, Martin Canavan, Jr.
Easton—By letter
Eureka—Allen Tabor, Sis. Quince Garner
Exeter—J. H. Dillon, Sis. J. H. Dillon, Sis. Lelia Brown
14
Florin—Henry Nance, Kathryn Nance
Freedom—Ellis Murders, Lula Edsall, Thelma Anderson
Fresno (McK)—George James, Charles Wheeler, Albert Drake
Fresno (Z)—E. J. Martin, William Smith, Evelyn Smith
Gardena—Ernest Waldroff, Pauline Waldroff
Garden Grove—Harold Hendrix, Hazel Hendrix, Jim Bowlan
Greenfield—Wayne Ross, Margaret Ross
Hayward—R. Lawrence Crawford, L. H. Pairish, Ezra Patterson
Keyes—Gordon Richwine, Evelyn Richwine, Minnie Dale
Manteca—George Walton, Sis. George Walton, Nelson Killebrew
Martinez—Mary Lucas, Carolyn Lucas, Sharon Brice
McFarland—Lee Collum, Urpal Hines, Audrey Martin
Mira Loma—By letter
Modesto—Tess Wright, Sis. Jess Wright
Napa—By letter
Oakdale—Wayne Easton, Helen Easlon, Mary Hill
Ojai—J. L. Hawkins, Russell Sockwell, Sis. Russell Sockwell
Oroville—Olen Johnson, Clea Johnson, Shirley Robertson
Paramount (A)—Reba Haney
Paramount (Calvery)—Burel Burnes, George Crawford, Pauline Crawford
Pedley—By letter
Phoenix—By letter
Porterville (E. D.)—By letter
Porterville (W. P.)—Dwight Patterson, J. D. Duncan, Robert Campbell
Reseda—C. C. Middleton, S. E. Comstock
Richmond—O. D. Tilley, Albert Owens, Dale Hamilton
Ridgecrest—Elmer McClatchey, Sis. L. E. Fite, Bert Wilkie
Riverbank—Lee Wright, Mary Wright, Freda Dunn
Sacramento—L. D. Perdue, G. S. Martin, Sis. G. S. Martin
Salinas—L. M. Branch, Naomi Branch, Frank Striplin
Sanger—A. C. Russell, Esther Russell, Oscar Loyd
Southgate—Travis Hubbard
Stockton—By letter
Sunnyvale—Ernest Bennett, Sis. Ernest Bennett
Visalia—G. A. Williams, Inez Williams, L. S. Cotton
Wasco—Bill Fritz, Kay Trammel, Ezra Boyd
Woodbridge—O. E. Hall
15
STATISTICAL
Gain
Loss
CHURCHES
Antioch
209
18
24
42
18
7
1
225
Armona
148
8
19
1
28
11
1
164
Bakersfield (C.E.)
126
28
11
1
40
10
6
150
Bakersfield (N.H.)
18
2
2
4
3
19
Barstow
12
12
4
16
28
Ceres
113
13
13
26
12
1
1
125
Chico
13
1
7
8
4
2
15
Cloverdale
7
3
3
10
Coalinga
21
3
5
8
2
6
21
Corcoran
300
19
22
41
22
1
318
Dinuba
73
1
4
5
19
1
58
Dominguez
128
20
69
89
8
209
Easton
40
3
5
8
3
45
Eureka
6
3
3
9
Exeter
26
3
3
8
21
Florin
73
24
12
36
5
6
1
97
Freedom
65
6
4
2
12
1
1
1
74
Fresno (McK)
96
9
9
3
21
15
23
79
Fresno (Z)
58
6
6
2
2
64
Gardena
27
5
5
15
18
Garden Grove
15
15
Greenfield
17
4
11
12
27
5
1
38
Hayward
119
25
29
54
19
3
151
Keyes
62
14
17
2
33
8
4
83
Manteca
57
6
10
1
17
5
4
65
Martinez
9
15
12
27
36
McFarland
139
24
19
1
44
4
3
176
Mira Loma
47
20
16
12
48
22
9
52
Modesto
39
10
13
23
3
3
56
Napa
52
10
8
1
19
25
6
26
Oakdale
67
3
6
9
8
68
Ojai
40
1
3
4
3
8
33
Oroville
59
7
7
4
3
59
Paramount (A)
24
2
6
8
7
1
24
Paramount (C)
35
1
15
16
29
1
21
Pedley
1
24
25
2
23
Phoenix
49
4
8
1
13
8
1
53
Porterville (E. D.)
65
9
6
2
17
15
10
57
Porterville (W. P.)
84
2
19
21
7
5
1
92
Redlands
53
12
18
1
31
5
1
78
Reseda
44
4
25
29
3
1
69
Richmond
42
14
14
28
2
3
65
Ridgecrest
105
16
18
34
7
3
129
Riverbank
167
46
21
6
73
22
15
3
202
Sacramento
59
20
30
50
11
6
1
91
Salinas
148
18
17
1
36
8
23
2
150
Sanger
33
1
1
2
4
7
1
29
Southgate
101
4
15
19
36
5
79
Stockton
54
1
6
1
8
5
57
Sunnyvale
43
2
8
10
5
48
Visalia
Wasco
105
25
7
32
5
2
2
128
Woodbridge
39
5
10
4
19
4
8
45
TOTALS
3531
493
699
54
1246
447
184
19
4046
16
REPORT
Expenditures
4,630.00
11.00
13,187.45
303.41
3,402.92
1261.11
104.61
22,701.50
4,285.03
103.79
552.68
221.16
2,452.23
751.91
102.02
8,459.06
3,930.00
267.52
1,031.78
128.08
707.95
554.38
38.12
6,651.08
11.83
1,808.92
10.00
101.24
48.12
1,946.99
835.00
388.42
227.54
1,450.96
3,030.00
189.32
1,201.37
301.14
1,159.70
394.34
6,275.87
1,147.00
419.32
135.00
141.20
133.38
1,975.90
400.00
600.00
56.34
1,056.37
4,443.14
350.00
2,674.00
563.04
1,360.03
975.27
90.75
10,456.26
1,796.73
15.60
463.11
391.91
249.53
113.91
3,025.79
5,055.00
100.00
3,896.44
425.00
1,134.52
779.00
520.00
11,910.49
540.00
66.61
320.00
32.58
146.60
111.50
1,217.56
60.00
27.30
150.00
222.30
425.03
645.32
70.17
161.42
1,463.99
2,340.00
99.97
2,412.30
166.00
1,743.41
1,143.49
7,910.17
1,920.00
32.66
2,757.81
160.00
612.08
412.81
5,895.36
1,721.28
17.75
65.04
68.45
497.26
310.43
2,680.22
2,440.31
328.80
1,474.72
166.00
24.18
119.59
4,453.60
200.00
7.22
4,162.50
36.00
25.72
80.41
4,504.63
84.00
350.00
15.05
449.05
570.21
30.53
1,077.05
57.76
588.60
49.92
2,373.57
3,655.00
155.18
10,340.99
1,667.50
746.05
60.00
16,624.72
2,080.00
100.22
104.24
3,000.00
1,855.00
66.29
1,010.00
60.00
472.81
394.13
3,858.23
18.52
239.00
62.00
135.80
17.16
462.48
3,000.00
1,101.87
2,632.24
439.20
167.85
930.60
213.24
9,937.22
1,013.67
78.80
529.20
242.69
1,015.36
302.36
84.03
3,168.27
1,538.24
2,000.00
11.40
105.82
48.05
3,698.51
875.60
369.34
341.33
1,586.27
1,750.00
996.96
66.69
489.00
3,615.30
1,419.04
360.00
155.78
1,937.82
2,650.00
122.54
756.90
570.26
87.93
4,182.19
60.00
2,800.00
233.00
189.00
3,184.00
498.00
604.60
71.68
183.68
80.48
1,428.44
585.00
5.76
518.87
75.07
409.49
214.41
1,803.60
635.00
1,589.17
88.78
446.24
561.20
3,317.37
1,292.24
303.68
831.94
477.66
512.38
226.86
112.80
3,762.56
2,510.00
68.10
1,563.16
208.97
394.69
455.04
5,199.96
1,851.48
602.86
155.44
425.84
3,026.62
1,976.99
4,197.60
27.50
175.40
172.00
6,529.49
2,350.00
7,225.24
235.01
1,314.14
287.84
11,392.23
2,415.00
243.60
1,545.60
191.75
850.37
297.75
5,698.77
2,930.00
99.37
262.00
1,155.61
315.01
4,506.99
3,000.00
280.95
1,570.36
236.43
1,077.12
808.90
6,783.76
3,710.00
197.57
2,669.70
301.65
678.86
767.71
179.00
8,504.49
1,781.25
20.00
36.00
82.00
25.00
197.40
2,141.65
3,835.00
2,800.42
485.33
202.23
7,312.98
599.57
10.00
575.91
173.38
140.38
71.17
50.00
1,620.43
2,600.50
12.20
5,002.66
164.85
387.80
8,168.01
3,000.00
38.60
1,500.00
285.57
356.51
220.00
17.60
5,418.28
1,020.00
13.50
465.27
85.45
151.00
127.81
1,863.03
96,363.58
4,228.70
94,434.47
6,455.96
29,203.54
17,397.94
1,660.10
246,310.76
17
Monday night, April 15th, 7:30 P. M.
In our pre-associational gathering the ladies held the orga-
nizational meeting of their State Auxiliary work. The minutes of this
meeting are included elsewhere in these minutes. Dr. H. Travis Hub-
bard was elected to bring the message. Bro. Hubbard delivered an
excellent message on “Seven reasons God sent the Flood.” Bro. Bill
Fritz was elected to bring the 9:30 devotional in the morning.
BUSINESS PROCEEDINGS
Tues. 9:30 A. M.
The messengers gathered at the McFarland church building.
Bro. Ellis Murders led in singing. Prayer by Bro. L. D. Perdue, Bro.
Lee Collum introduced Bro. Bill Fritz who had been elected to bring
the devotional. Bro. Fritz spoke on a “Christian’s present and price-
less possessions.” Bro. Fritz brought a very challenging message that
stirred the heart of every believer.
Bro. Allen Adkins called the messengers to order and de-
clared the session of the messenger meeting convened. Led in prayer
by Bro. Bill Hoppert. Motion and sec. that only the total of statistics
be read in the letters. Motion carried.
Petitionary letters were called for.
Letter from Mira Loma church read. Oral report as to orga-
nization was given. Motion and sec. that they be received. Motion
carried. Unity Redland letter read. Bro. Crawford gave oral report.
Messengers seated. Letter read from Visalia. Messengers seated. Let-
ter read from Unity in Richmond. Messengers seated. Letter read from
Pedley church. Messengers seated. Letter read from Manteca church.
Messengers seated. Letter read from Garden Grove church. Messen-
gers seated. Letter read from Barstow church. Messengers seated. Let-
ter read from Martinez. Oral report given. Messengers seated. Letters
read by reading clerks of churches already representing giving the
total of statistics, and names of ordained and licensed brethren along
with the names of messengers, pastor, and clerk.
Petitionary letter from Cloverdale, messengers seated. Read-
18
ing clerks resumed reading regular letters. Moderator made a statement
concerning the time and mentioned the need of delaying our lunch hour
until 1 P. M. Motion and see. that we continue with the reading of letters.
Motion carried. Reading clerks continued reading. Bro. O. E. Hall led in
singing “Leaning on the everlasting arms.” Motion and sec. that we ad-
journ for ten minutes. Motion carried.
Bro. Lee Wright led in singing as we met back. Congregation was
led in prayer by Bro. Frank Striplin. The moderator introduced the speaker,
Bro. Canavan who read Mark 16:19-20 and preached a message on “Co-
laborers with Christ.”
Motion and sec. that we continue with the next order of business.
Election of officers declared the next order of business. Nominations for
moderator were M. F. Downing, L. D. Perdue, Olen Johnson and L. M.
Branch, Bro. Downing was elected by the vote. Motion and sec. that it be
made unanimous. Motion carried. A rising vote of appreciation was given
to Bro. Allen Adkins for his faithful service. Motion and see, that second
high in the voting be assistant moderator. Bro. Branch elected by the vote
on this motion.
Nominations for clerk were Bedford Andrews, Martin Cana-
van,—voting resulted in Bro. Canavan being elected.
Nominations for assistant clerk were Bro. Lawrence Crawford,
Bro. Bedford Andrews. Bro. Lawrence Crawford was elected. Motion and
sec. that the votes for both clerk ad assistant clerk be made unanimous.
Motion carried.
Nominations for a publicity chairman were Bro. Allen Adkins,
Bro. Adkins elected unanimously. Words of appreciation were expressed
by the newly elected officers.
New brethren to our state were introduced and messengers from
the new churches were also introduced. Motion and sec. that we send a
telegram to Bro. Monroe Patterson to Ridgecrest Hospital.
Resolution read from Riverbank. Bro. Canavan commented that
the differences between McFarland and Dominguez, the subject of the
resolution, had been settled two years ago. Moderator ruled the resolution
out of order, because reconciliation had already been made between the
churches and that the messengers had no jurisdiction in these matters. Bro.
Lee Wright appealed to the body to overrule the moderator ruling. Bro. Lee
Wright spoke,
19
Bro. Branch spoke, questions of clarification asked.
Vote was taken and the messengers voted to uphold the ruling
of the moderator.
Committees were appointed by the moderator.
Motion and sec. that we adjourn until 2:30. Motion carried.
Tues. 2:30 P. M. Met back with singing led by Bro. Ellis Murders. Bro.
Allen Adkins led in prayer. Petitionary letter read from Eureka. Messen-
gers seated. Regular letters read from Coalinga, Modesto, and Mt. Olive
(Stockton) were read. Treasurers report read. Motion and sec. to adopt.
Motion carried.
Missionary reports called for. Bro. Allen Tabor read his report.
Motion and sec. that the report be adopted. Spoken to by Bro. Ernest
Bennett, Bro. Tabor, Bro. L. D. Perdue, Bro. Henry Nance, Sis. Hamp-
ton, Bro. Gordon Richwine, Bro. Lee Wright, Sis. Cabais, Bro. Law-
rence Crawford, Bro. A. C. Drachenburg, Bro. Jack James, report was
adopted.
Bro. L. D. Perdue read his mission report. Motion and sec. that
the report be adopted. Report adopted.
Moderator asked for reports from district missionaries. Bro. G.
A. Williams gave an oral report. Bro. M. F. Downing spoke regarding
Bro. J. C. Patterson’s mission work in Northern California. Bro. Henry
Nance spoke briefly of Bro. Harold Cole’s mission work. The moderator
called for Bro. F. E. (Jack) James, interstate missionary for the American
Baptist Association, to give us an oral report.
Motion and sec. that we elect a speaker for the evening service.
Motion carried.
Motion and sec. that the evening service be a song service fol-
lowed by a message. Motion carried.
Nominations were Bro. Ernest Bennett, Bro. D. O. Ross, Bro.
Bill Hoppert, Bro. O. D. Tilley, and Bro. Ben Crawford. Bro. Bill Hop-
pert received the highest vote. Motion and sec. that the vote be made
unanimous.
Motion and sec, to dismiss for recess. Motion carried. Met back
with singing led by Bro. Ellis Murders.
Committee reports called for. Bro. Gordon Richwine read the
Home Mission report. Motion and sec that the report be adopted. Report
spoken to by Bro. Richwine, Bro. O. D. Tilley, Bro. Ellis Murders, Bro.
E. E. Crawford, Bro. L. M. Branch, Bro. L. D. Perdue. Report amended
by unanimous consent, changing the word
20
state to association. Report adopted.
Motion and sec that we go into the election of a missionary or
missionaries. Motion carried.
Motion and sec. that Bro. Allen Tabor be recommended for
salaried support and Bro. Harold Cole for moral and designated sup-
port. Spoken to by Bro. Allen Adkins, Bro. Henry Nance, Bro. L. M.
Branch, Bro. Ernest Bennett. Amendment moved that we change the
word from designated funds to moral endorsement. Amendment and
original motion carried. Motion and sec that we recommend a salary of
$300 and $100 for house expenses, making a total of $400 per month.
Motion carried.
Motion and sec. that we adjourn until 7 P. M. Motion carried.
Announcements made. Bro, Olen Johnson dismissed in prayer.
7 P. M.
Met back with singing led by Bro. Murders. Bro. Lee Collum
led in prayer. Further singing was led by Bro. Murders. Bro. Allen Ta-
bor led in prayer. Bro. Guy Martin did a special number in song.
Letter from Reseda church read and the messengers seated.
Motion and sec. that we conduct business until 8 P. M. and then go into
the preaching service. Motion carried.
Committee reports called for. Bro. Travis Hubbard read the re-
port on Christian Education. Motion and sec. that the report be adopted.
Spoken to by Bro. A. D. Storey, Bro. Ernest Bennett, Bro. E. E. Craw-
ford, Bro. Jack James, Bro. Calvin Isenhower, Bro. George James, Bro.
Martin Canavan, Bro. L. M. Branch, Sis. Hampton. Motion to adopt
carried.
Motion and sec. to take an offering for Bro. Allen Tabor. Mo-
tion carried. Bro. Easlon led in prayer. Offering taken in the amount of
$61.05.
Special in music by Sis. Loretta Williams, “The Great Judge-
ment Morning.”
Sis. Lucille Watson sang a song that she had composed. Bro.
Murders led in singing “Here Am I Send Me.”
Our moderator Bro. M. F. Downing introduced Bro. Bill Hop-
pert as the speaker of the hour.
Bro. Hoppert read I Peter 4:7-11 as his scripture lesson and
21
chose as his subject “The Manifold Grace of God.” Bro. Hoppert
brought a message that raised the congregation to grounds of rejoic-
ing. He greatly honored our Lord with this sermon. An invitation was
extended to the lost. There was no response. Bro. O. D. Tilley gave
the hand of appreciation to Bro. Hoppert for the message.
Nominations for a devotional leader were Bro. Calvin Isen-
hower, Bro. George James, Bro. Frank Stuplin, and Bro. O. D. Tilley,
Bro. Tilley was elected by the voting. Motion and sec. that the vote be
made unanimous motion carried.
Motion and see that we adjourn until 9:30 in the morning.
Motion carried.
Announcements were made.
Dismissed in prayer by Bro. Don Bowen.
Wed. 9:30 A. M.
Met with singing led by Bro. Olen Johnson. Prayer by Bro. E. J.
Martin. An expression by our moderator commenting on the won-
derful Christian spirit that had prevailed was made. The moderator
then introduced Bro. O. D. Tilley, pastor of the Unity Church in Rich-
mond, as the devotional leader.
Bro. Tilley read Prov. 18:13 as his scripture lesson. He took
as his subject “Covered Sins.” A very fine message was thoroughly
enjoyed by all present. Bro. Tilley gave opportunity for some testi-
monies and our hearts were thrilled by many who witnessed to God’s
goodness.
Bro. Olen Johnson submitted the report on Christian Litera-
ture. Motion and sec. that the report be adopted. Report spoken to by
Bro. George Walton, Bro. G. A. Williams, Bro, Henry Nance, Bro. L.
M. Branch, Sis. Hampton, Bro. Jack James, Sis. Walton, Bro. Ernest
Bennett, Bro. Allen Adkins, Bro. Dale Hamilton. Report adopted.
Bro. Henry Nance read the Foreign mission report. Motion
and see, that the report be adopted. Spoken to by Bro. Nance, Bro. E.
J. Martin, Bro. Jack James, Bro. Lee Collum, Report adopted.
Endorsement from Mira Loma read. Motion and see, that we
endorse Bro. Alvin Quick for mission work in France. Spoken to
22
by Bro. James, Bro. Perdue, Bro. Nance, Bro. E. E. Crawford, Bro. E. J.
Martin.
Substitute motion and sec. that in view of the fact that we know
so little about Bro. Quick’s background that we wait until the meeting of
the American Baptist Association for our endorsement. Spoken to by Bro.
Allen Tabor, Bro. L. D. Perdue, Bro. Henry Nance, Bro. E. E. Crawford,
Bro. L. M. Branch, Bro. George James, Bro. Ernest Bennett, Bro. Jack
James, Bro. Jesse Wright, Bro. Ellis Murders, Bro. D. O. Ross, Bro. Mar-
tin Canavan. Substitute motion lost. Original motion carried. Bro. Quick
endorsed by this motion.
10 Minute Recess Declared
Met back with singing led by Bro. G. A. Williams. Led in prayer
by Bro. Owen.
Resolutions report read by Bro. G. A. Williams. Motion and sec.
that we adopt this report. Spoken to by Bro. G. A. Williams, Bro. O. E.
Hall, Bro. George James.
Substitute motion for part 3 of the resolutions report made and
sec. spoken to by Bro. L. M. Branch, Bro. G. A. Williams, Bro. Ernest
Bennett, Bro. Allen Tailor, substitute motion carried.
Original motion as amended carried.
Publicity report read motion and sec that the report be adopted.
Spoken to by Bro. Adkins. Motion carried.
Misc. business in order. Invitations for next years meeting re-
ceived. Invitations from Antioch and Richmond were tendered. Antioch
church chosen by this vote.
Nominations for the annual sermon were Henry Nance, C. C.
Middleton, S. E. Comstock, George James, Lawrence Crawford, Allen
Adkins.
Bro. Henry Nance elected Bro. Lawrence Crawford alternate.
Minutes of the state ladies meeting read by Sis. Easlon.
Motion and sec. that we accept the report of the Ladies Auxiliary
and have this report published in our minutes. Questions of clarification
asked. Motion carried. .
Motion and sec. that we pay the clerk $150. Motion carried. Mo-
tion and sec. that we instruct our clerk to have our minutes printed at Little
Rock with pictures of our officers and suit
23
able pictures of the congregation. Motion carried.
Motion and sec. that we adjourn until the week preceding
Easter next year to meet with the Antioch Church in Antioch, Calif.
Motion carried.
So ended one of the greatest meetings if not the greatest
meeting in our history.
Dismissed in prayer by our moderator Bro. M. F. Downing.
MINUTES OF LADIES MEETING
Election of Officers of State Ladies Aux.
President—Sis. Ann Walton
Vice President—Sis. Naomi Crawford
Secretary—Sis. Helen Easlon
Asst. Secretary—Sis. Katherine Nance
Motion and 2nd, that we meet the afternoon of the second
day of Association. Motion lost.
Motion and second that we meet at 6:00 o’clock the night
before the Association. Motion carried.
Nomination for Preacher to bring evening message.
Bro. Travis Hubbard elected.
Dismissed in prayer by Sis. E. Crawford.
There were 15 churches represented.
Clerk, Helen Easlon
STATE MISSIONS
TO THE MESSENGER MEETING OF THE CALIF. COOPERA-
TIVE ASSOCIATION WHEN CONVENED IN MCFARLAND:
Greetings:
I am happy to report to you on the work that was accom-
plished on the State Field for the first 5 months by me. As had been
the excellent spirit of cooperation prior to this period, so it continued
and made the work profitable.
During this period of Labor the noticeable achievements
were the organization of the fine Church in Pedley, the enlistment of
the great Church and Pastor in Mira Loma to our fellowship, and a
small part in the organization of the church in Home Gardens. The
support was good and amounted to $1770.71. This was
24
an average of $354.14 per month.
The reason for my going off the field was mainly my health
was breaking, and in order to keep from being a hindrance to the work
I resigned and accepted the fine church in Sacramento where the Lord
is blessing wonderfully.
May the Lord continue, to bless our fellowship is my sincere
prayer.
L. D. Perdue
STATE MISSION REPORT
I was endorsed and recommended to the State Mission Field
by the Landmark Missionary Baptist of Sacramento, and the endorse-
ment was approved by the churches of the State Association in a special
called meeting of the messengers at that church Nov. 10, 1956, and I
was recommended by the messengers for cooperative support in the
work.
The remainder of Nov., Dec., and up to Jan. 24th, was spent
in visitation work among the churches. I came to Eureka then, hold-
ing my first mission service there Jan. 27, 1957. I found a small group
of Missionary Baptist holding Sunday School services in Eureka and
anxious to have a church organization. Some had gotten mixed up in
alien Baptist organizations but could not endorse their practices, so had
come out of them. A few of them who had been recently saved had been
baptized into alien Baptist ranks, and we could not receive them into
our membership. Some turned away and would not submit to scriptural
baptism and up to the present seem to be lost to our work, but we have
hopes that the Lord will yet lead them to us, and to scriptural service
for the Master.
On March 19, 1957 we organized The Landmark Missionary
Baptist Church of Eureka with only six members, knowing there were
others who desired to come into the body after organization -Since that
time we have received three by letter from Arkansas Landmark Baptist
Churches, and three who had previously found the Lord’s salvation
have presented themselves as candidates for baptism. Too, three adults
have made professions of faith in the Lord and two of them are stand-
ing approved for baptism, the third having been prevented from doing
so by prolonged illness in the home. As of the present date, we have
nine
25
members, with five standing approved for baptism and near a dozen
adults who are under conviction for sin who have asked an interest
in the prayers of the church in Eureka. Pray for us.
The church has called me as Missionary Pastor until such
time as the Lord sees fit to provide them with a regular one.
The prospects here in the northwest corner of the state are
virtually unlimited. This is the very heart of the state’s lumber in-
dustry and this coastal area has a number of towns and communities
large enough to expect a Missionary Baptist Church to be estab-
lished. It is my hope and prayer to see a church in Crescent City,
Arcata, Fortuna, Rio Dell, Garberville, Willetts, and Ukiah. These
communities and cities have many residents who were raised in
Christian homes in the south. How white are these fields, and how
few the laborers!
From Nov. 10th to April 1st I have received $1409.74,
making a monthly average of a little above $260.00. I have traveled
a little over 10,000 miles, and led in the organization of one church,
assisting in two others—Cloverdale and Vallejo.
I wish to thank my brethren, with the churches, for their
good will and support, and pray that it may continue through the
coming year if they consider me worthy to continue on the field as
their State Missionary.
Respectfully Submitted,
Allen Tabor
COMMITTEE REPORTS
CHRISTIAN LITERATURE
We, your committee on Christian Literature, recommend
the following:
That we first and above all use the inspired Word of God
as our rule of faith and practice.
We further recommend for use in Sunday School, Baptist
Training courses, and Vacation Bible Schools the material printed
and published by the A. B. A. and realizing the good of church bul-
letins, and the need of a paper published in the interest of the
26
churches of this Association we recommend that all churches put forth
an effort to place the “Baptist Sentinel” in each church home, and that
each church endeavor to publish a church bulletin each week.
We further recommend that the churches remember the Bap-
tist Sentinel in their offerings.
Respectfully
George N. Walton
Olen Johnson
Iva Callaway
COMMITTEE ON RESOLUTION
Where as the associated work of the churches is for the ad-
vancement of the Lord’s Work, We, your committee, offer these resolu-
tions.
1. Resolved: That our churches adopt the graded system in
their Sunday Schools. We recommend the A. B. A. Series.
2, Resolved: That we dispense with reading of the full report
of the churches in our messenger meeting and that only the names be
read.
3. Resolved: Whereas the organization known as the American
Council of Christian church has, in its publications, listed the American
Baptist Association as a constituent member of said organization and
whereas a number of churches and pastors of this association are op-
posed to being identified with religious groups whose Doctrines and
Practices are believed to be unscriptural, and alien in many respects,
and believing that it is not necessary to be identified with other groups
to fight Communism and Modernism. Be it resolved that we the mes-
sengers of the cooperative Missionary Baptist Association of California
recommend to our churches, and Sister churches of the A. B. A. to resist
“with all long suffering and Doctrine” any effort to count Missionary
Baptist People with the above group—not with standing the fact that we
are to oppose as Baptist, Communism and Modernism.
G. A. Williams
Bill Fritz
O. E. Hall
27
HOME MISSIONS
We your committee on Home Missions beg to report:
By Home Missions we mean Mission work that’s done
within the bounds of our association. We your committee recom-
mend that we support at least one missionary for our state work who
shall be chosen by the messengers assembled here,
We further recommend that the messengers, report to the
churches who we have recommended, and ask that they support the
missionary or missionaries that have been recommended.
E. E. Crawford
Gordon Richwine
G. D. Tilley
Ellis L. Murders
FOREIGN MISSIONS
We recommend to the churches of this Assoc. for support
those missionaries who are endorsed by the churches of the Ameri-
can Baptist Assn.
Believing that these missionaries are God called, church
sent and recommended men we heartily recommend them to our sis-
ter churches for regular support.
Knowing that they depend on the churches for support,
we encourage all true Missionary Baptist Churches to help bear the
burden as well as the blessing. Send offerings regularly to our Sec.
Treasurer at 214 Broad St., Texarkana, Ark. Tex.
Signed
Bedford Andrew
Henry Nance
E. J. Martin
Lee Collum
PUBLICITY REPORT
To the messengers of the churches of the California Coop-
erative Association in session at McFarland, California, April 13 and
17, 1957 Christian Greetings.
28
It has indeed been a pleasure for me to serve this past year as
your publicity director. I feel many things have been left undone, howev-
er, I respectfully submit the following information and report as a survey
of my activities in the field of promoting “publicity.”
Following the Association meeting in Corcoran last year, a num-
ber of articles and reports appeared in the Fresno Bee and local papers as
well as articles of interest about the California State work in the Search-
light and Sentinel, and other church sponsored papers. I have advised our
State A. B. A. churches, to use every available media for local church
promotion. It is indeed advantageous for all Missionary Baptist churches
to contact local papers where they will receive free space for church an-
nouncements. A write-up, given to the editor regarding special services,
announcements, etc., will help promote the cause of Christ, and bring in
new families.
Since coming to the Los Angeles area I have been serving in the
capacity as local missionary for the coastal area cooperative Assoc. of
Missionary Baptist churches.
A goodly number of church ads have been placed in local papers
with an ad in the Los Angeles Examiner announcing the church location,
name of pastor and time of service, of all our southern area Missionary
Baptist churches.
At the A.B.A. Messenger Body meeting in Little Rock, Ark. last
summer I placed a large banner in the foyer of the civic Auditorium invit-
ing the next Messenger Body meeting to Fresno, Calif.
I have contacted one National Publicity Director, assuring him
of our full cooperation in assisting in the promotional work of the coming
Messenger Body meeting in Fresno, Calif.
Respectfully submitted,
S. E. Comstock
Publicity Director
CHRISTIAN EDUCATION
We your committee on Christian Education wish to submit the
following report:
Realizing the need of a trained ministry and recognizing that
29
a church sponsored school is the type in harmony with God’s Word, we
recommend that the churches of Calif. give cooperative support to the
Bible Institute of Long Beach sponsored by the Dominguez Church.
We further recommend the Little Rock Seminary and all other
such church owned schools in harmony with the A.B.A. for advanced
studies.
We further recommend that all of our churches continue to pro-
mote educational programs such as training classes, daily vacation Bible
school, Sunday Schools, officer and teacher meetings.
Signed
Travis Hubbard
A. D. Story
Ernest Bennett
MISSIONARY ENDORSEMENTS
To the Co-operative Association of Missionary Baptist Church-
es of the State of California, when convened with the McFarland Mis-
sionary Baptist Church, April 18, 17, 18th.
Dear Brethren,
We the Mira Loma Missionary Baptist Church have endorsed
Brother Alvin T Quick our Pastor, for Mission work in Paris, France. We
hereby recommend him to the Sister Churches of this Association for
endorsement.
Done by order of this church.
Alvin Quick (moderator)
Jo Anne Chastain (clerk)
We, the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Eureka, Cali-
fornia, in special business conference do hereby endorse Elder Allen Ta-
bor for State Mission work wholeheartedly and recommend him to our
sister churches for their cooperative support on the field.
Done by the church in special conference
Sunday April 14, 1957
Alvin Cleveland (Moderator Pro-tern)
Bonnie Garner (Church Clerk)
30
To the messengers of the State Co-operative Assoc. of Calif.
When convened at McFarland:
Christian greetings
Cypress Missionary Baptist Church has endorsed Elder Harold
Cole for Mission work where ever the Lord opens the field.
Bro. Cole is a member of our church and is doing mission work
at the present time in the Sacramento area.
We deem Bro. Cole a well qualified missionary and do hereby
recommend him to Sister Churches for support.
Done by order of Cypress Missionary Baptist Church in regular
business conference April 3, 1957.
Henry Nance (Moderator)
Alma Joslin (clerk)
31
