Description

Description: About 200 pages of detailed accounts of weekly covenant meetings–discussions, votes, resolutions, services, appointments, dismissions, confessions, etc.–of the Baptist Church of Mohawk. For instance, the church might work with another church to resolve a “disorderly conduct” case (Sept 14, 1844); or vote a member out of their church for visiting another “church not in [their] fellowship” (Oct 14, 1944); or hear a case of Sabbath breaking where a member concedes that he was guilty and “the act was wrong” (Jan 17, 1846); or withdraw “the hand of fellowship” when a member “is implicated with dancing, disorderly conduct and neglect of the Church” (Jan 20, 1847); or have “protracted meetings” about “the unity of churches” (Feb 16, 1850); or declare that “the brethren move on the unity of the spirit and bond of peace” (Apr 20, 1850); or resolve to change the ministerial calendar and select new pastor or deacons.

The entries (1843-1857, 1862-1893) about church matters after 1862 are sporadic. The church seemed to struggle with membership. The last twenty pages include names of members, noting if they are active, dead, or have left the church. This entry is followed by the list of all those who have been excluded or dismissed from the church. (A recipe for minced meat pie is tucked in between).

Written in a notebook which measures 8” x 6 ½”. Item #AM00393

Condition: The notebook is missing its covers. There is scattered staining, tears, smudges, etc., but the writing is quite legible. An excellent in-depth record of a small Baptist church in upstate New York.