mitchell_ms-1485-043r

They were the first, who used any
exertion for recuring preaching
in the Town. In their dwelling
two Churches were constituted.
One a Congregational Chh of which
they became members, though they
were Baptist Professors. The
occassion was this; A council
was called to settle a Minister.
They were unwilling to ordain
him without a Church; but there
were but five of their order
in the Town at this time. But
they wanted seven to constitute,
a Church, and Mr. Alger & his Wife
would just mak the seven.
So rather, than prevent, a min-
ister being settled, they were
organized with the others into
a Congregational Church. The
Ministry afterwards became an Epis-
capation and the Chh. was broke
up; which and that opened the way for
the organization of another in
Chh. in their house; the present
Baptist Chh. They were lovers of
of good men, and their doors were
ever opened to entertained the
stranger. In their house the Brethren
found a welcome place for their
Conference & prayer meetings,
and frequently also, for preaching.
Nor did they only [say] to their preachers, be
ye warmed & clothed, but ministered
to their necessity. Their labours
and prayers were not in vain.
They lived to see all their children
and their companions with some
of their grand-children profess the
religion of Jesus, and all of them
but one, members of the same
Chh. with themselves. In their death,
The Chh. in this place have lost their Father & Mother, their
early friends, their beloved Deacon,
The Kind benefactors, and the praying saints.
But our loss is, no doubt, their everlasting
gain. Though cast down by