Contributed by Anne Futch
Abstracts of Skewarkey Church Minutes
Martin County, North Carolina
Abstracts of Skewarkey Church Minutes 1785 - 1861
Martin County, North Carolina
Available on microfilm from Wake Forest College
Winston Salem, North Carolina
Not Available on Inter Library Loan
PAGE 1 (9) ?
Query, By, Br. K. Biggs,
Is it warrantable from Gods word that a Deacon supply the place that Gods word requires, without being ordained. Rec & laid over till next Conference ___________________Dismist ____________________________________________________________
Friday before the 2nd Sunday in August 1787 being yearly meeting, met in conference the same opened agreeable to custom by prayer & praise ____ proceeded the query refered from last conference to the this respecting the office of a Deacon. It is thought that the Deacon enter into office previous to his being ordained. A Door was opened for the admission of members when William Cone & Elizabeth Cone his wife was resc on Experience to Baptism,
Dismist
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Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in September 1787. Conference opened & proceeded to business. An inquiry made by Bro K. Biggs, whether the List he observed and called. Answered that it be called over every Monthly meeting and that the Females be noticed just the same as the males. Motioned by Br Nowell that his wife be sent for to render her reason for her long abscence. Ordered that Bro Nowell cite said sister to attend. Motioned by Bro Tice, that if any Bros or Sister be absent so long that any of the other members are wounded that they make same known to the Deacon and they to the Church.
Page 2
Excommunicated.
An inquiry put in Conference, What is the duty of a Deacon. Laid over till next Conference for consideration.
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Accordingly Brethren Benjamin Blount, Jacob Tice, Joel Cherry, Joseph Biggs,Wm Biggs, James Biggs & Thomas Joyner are appointed a Committee to report at our Conference the Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in November next what they think the duty of a Deacon consists in. On Motion Brethren James Ross, Thomas Joyner, Wm Biggs & Kedar Biggs are appointed our Delegates to the next Association.
Resolved that we proceed to provide something for Bro Henrys as he is expected to visit us at our next meeting. Bro Joyner put in 5/c
Conference Dismist
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No minute of October. The reason supposed to be is it's being about the time of our association.
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Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in November 1788 ---- Conference opened & proceeded to business---- Bro William Cone confessed he had been overtaken in the sin of taking too much Spirituous Liquors & as he also give satisfaction to the Church he was continued in fellowship as before.
The reference sighting Bro Smithwick taken under consideration & he was continued in fellowship as before with reproof (?), Bro John Bennett confessed that he had drank
(bottom line missing)
Page 3 (19) ?
Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in March 1789 ---- Conference opened & proceeded to business______________________________
A door was opened for the admission of members when Jacob Morris & James Powers was recv on experience to Baptism. The citations of Sisters Sarah Leggett & Milley Smithwick considered and they continued as formerly __________________ A charge exhibited against Bro Wm Cone of Drinking too much Spritous Liquors and as he repeatedly presists in that practice he was excommunicated.
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Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in April 1789. Conference opened & proceeded to business. On Motion of Bro James Biggs that resolved that we make a contribution for Bro Barnes a traveling Preacher. Pu 2 Jas Biggs, 2/, Jacob Morris1/ - Jno Ward 1/ , Edmund Smithwick 3/ - Edward Byrd 2_, Hardy Stallings 2/ , Jas Bwers 5/ , Wm Anderson 2/6, Wm Ross 2/ .
Conference Dismist
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Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in May 1789 Conference opened & proceeded to business. Ordered that the present members must converse with them that are absent and request them to attend next conference to render their reasons for their abscence being afraid of something of a disuniting nature being a crawling amongst us . Resolved that we proceed to choose another Deacon at our next conference. Ordered that the Church remember not to select any old infirm person to officiate in the office of a Deacon.
Dismist
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Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in June 1789. Next line illegible.
Page 4
Resolved that the Church make up money to pay for proving and Registering the Deed for the Lands where our Meeting House stands. Resolved that the duty of Washing feet be performed at Brother William Biggs next Saturday night. On motion resolved that the old part of our Meeting House be repaired. Laid over till next Conference. In this Interval Bro James Biggs departed this life.
Dismist
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Saturday, before the 2nd Sunday in July 1789
Conference opened, The List called & proceeded to business. The reference respecting repairing the old part of our M H, taken under consideration unamimously agreed to ---------. Bros Jacob Morris, Kidar Biggs & William Ross are appointed a committee with the assistance of Jesse Cherry & Jacob G. Tice to examine the works & report what work is necessary to be done. The other agree to abide by their report. On Motion brethren Wm. Ross, John Jenkins & Kidar Biggs with the assistance of Jesse Cherry & a cohosea (?) a Committee to let out the aforesaid work and also settling with the undertaker when said is completed, And also to receive the Work Ordered that as many of the members of the Branch of this Church below as can make it convenient attend our Yearly Meeting.
Ordered, that sister Anna Cone be cited to attend to answer for her conduct to Mr. Coopers Daughters. Bro Wm Hyman put in eleven shillings for the expence of the Deed for our Meeting House Land.
Then Dismist
At our evening meeting at Br. Wm Biggs; Sarah Swanner & Ruth Eastwood was rec to Baptism.
Page 5
Friday before the 2nd Sunday in August 1789 (yearly meeting). Conference opened & proceeded to business, a door opened for the reception of members when Burwell Mitchell was rec on experience to Baptism, --- The Committee that was appointed to let out the repairing of the Meeting House reported that they met the 4th of August (the present Instant) 1789, And set up the outside work to the lowest bidder which was struck off to Bro John Ward at eight pounds five Shillings & inside work was struck off to Joseph Biggs Jun as the lowest bidder at the sum of Fourteen pounds, eighteen Shillings -- both parts of said works to be completed by the 15th of December next. The reference respecting sister Cone taken under consideration & she confessed she had been much overcome with passion_ & had made use of disorderly language on her meek (?) --- acknowledgment & appearance of repentance she was continued in fellowship as formerly.
Ordered that sister Ann Ward be cited by Bro John Jenkins to attend next Conference to answer the charge of falsehood. Resolved that each member be proportioned agreeable to their ability to pay for the work to be done to our Meeting House. Ordered therefore that Brethren Wm Ross, John Jenkins, K. Biggs, Jacob Morris, & Hardy Stallings be a committee to assess each member and report next Conference. On Motion of Bro Martin Rop that the Church Covenant was read. Ordered that each members name be set to said Covenant.
On motion resolved that our Covenant be brought every meeting till each member have their name set to it, & afterward for it to be brought & read quarterly.
Then Conference Adjourned
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Page 6
Conference the 12th Feb, 1791. The same opened Bro. Hardy Stallings chosen Moderator. The List called. The Minutes of last Association was read. Ordered that the absent members be cited to attend next conference.
The reference respecting Bro Joseph Biggs taken under consideration - after some debate on hearing his confession and hope of reformation the church acquit him as from the former charges - Tho there being charges laid in against him by Br Ferrill he being about the matter was laid over till next conference - & that Bro Ferill be requested to attend them.
Bro Jacob Morris confessed he had partook of too much Spirituous Liquors. On his humble confession & hope of his repentance he was continued in fellowship.
Bro Wm Cone confessed he had been guilty of the same transgresion which had given him great & sore trouble & he hoped the Lord had forgiven him - he was also continued as formerly.
Conference Dismist
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Saturday before the 2nd Sunday in March 1791 Conference opened. Br Kedar Biggs chosen Moderator. Br Stallings acting Clerk.
The reference respecting Bro Biggs & Bro Ferrill laid over till next Conference
Bro Byrd confessed that he had been overcome by passion that he had been guilty of disorder which had given him much uneasiness & h hoped the Lord had fogiven him, he was therefore continued in fellowship as formerly.
Page 7
there appearing a reconciliation to be between them continued in fellowship as formerly with adminition. The reference respecting Bro Byrd taken under considertion after investigation. Thereon it appears that Br Byrd did not know when his son went to the dancing school and that since it came to his knowledge he has prevented it as far as was in his power. He was therefore continued in fellowship. Sister Davenport is rec by Letter to membership with us.Ordered that there be provisions made for communion at our next meeting on Sunday. The minutes of this conference read then Dismist.
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Saturday 7th of May,1791, Conference opened & procceded. Bro Kedar Biggs chosen Moderator, The list called.
The minutes of last conforence read.
Bro Smithwick confessed he had drank too much Spirituous Liquor - Tho from his appearance of humility he was continued, with reproof.
A charge exhibited against Bro Cone of being intoxicated with Liquor - he confessed the charge - and as he has repeatly been guilty of the same transgression & from his conduct appears no probability of his forsaking the practice - He was Excommunicated. Motioned by the present Deacons to be dismist from acting in that office. - The motion refered till next Conf.
Then Dismist
Page 8
Brother Martin Ross & George Lawrence is approved ____ Delegates to the next Association & Br Martin Ross is appointed to prepare our letter to the Association. Ordered that we send ten Shilling to the Fund
Ordered that the Deacons keep a Book or Books Distinct from our Records wherein they set down all the money given in their hands for the Churches use & also in what manner disposed of by them, Which Book or Books of acct they are to present to the Church when they require it. The reference offered from our conference in May last to this respecting Brethren Byrd & Pierce refered to next conference by reason of their abscence
The Conference Dismist
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October 1792, Conference opened, Bro George Lawrence chosen Moderator - Ordered that the following Members Vig, Hardy Stallings, Jesse Pierce, Edmund Smithwick, Hepzibah Stallings, Milley Smithwick, Susannah Pierce, Mary Joyner, Chloe Cone, Jemima White, Anna Cone & Sarah Norfleet be cited by Letter from the Clerk to attend next Conference to render their reasons for their absence.
A Door opened for the admission of members when Nancy Harrison was recd. to Baptism, The minutes of last conference was read. Ordered that Bro Byrd & Bro Pierce try to settle their dispute between themselves and report to the Church. Bro John Bennett confessed on Conference that had drank too much Spriituous Liquors that had caused him great sorrow he was continued in fellowship as formerly. Ordered at the request of Bro Moses Martin that he have a letter of (Could not read rest of line).
Page 9
There appears no minute on the original for ____ 1799 & Jan 1800
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Saturday 8th of Feb 1800, Conference opened, Br Stallings, Moderator, The list called, The minutes for the 9th of November last was read,
The Confr Dismist
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No Minute for March nor April
Saturday, 10th May 1800, Conference opened, Br Wm Biggs, Moderator, The list called
Bro John Farrill presented a letter of dismission from the Church at choratteh (Morattok?) to this church which was read and the Bros new of a member of this Church. A Letter was handed in from the Church at Flat Swamp by their delegate Br Levi Cone, requesting us to send two of our members to their next meeting the Saturday privious to the first Sunday in June next to confer on the subject of a revival of Religion. Accordingly Brethren L. Ward & Wm Biggs were appointed.
Dismist
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Saturday 7th of June 1800, Conference opened, Br Byrd Moderator, Having not the list ordered that each members name present be taken down Viz,Edward Byrd, Wm. Biggs, K Biggs, L Ward, Jno Ward, Joel Cherry, Anna Cone, Phariby Jenkins, Elizabeth Boyd, Hannah Biggs, Elizabeth Leggit, Chloe Cone, Phereby Ashew & Br Jas Biggs & Sister Ann Biggs from the Church at Flat Swamp being present took seats with us. Bro Wm Biggs one of the delegates we ____ _________ inform,ed Conference that the plan they had prescribed in conjunction with the other churches was to correspond with this (can't read this last line)
PAGE 10
Bro Biggs was largely dimosed on and laid over till next Conference (by reason of Bro Ferrills abscense). Bro L. Ward was chosen our delegate to the next Flat Swamp Quarterly Meeting & Bro K Biggs to write Letter for him to convey, Br Joel Cherry to Conoho, Br Wm Biggs with his letter
Conference Dismist
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No Minutes for March
Saturday llth of April 1801 - Conference opened, Br Joseph Biggs (being present) was chosen Moderator. The List call, and Letters of corresponcence from the following churches, Viz. Conoho, Great Swamp & Flat Swamp, which were & their Delegates seated themselves with us. Some time passed. B____ Farrill, K Biggs & Wm Biggs was appointed a committee to examine and correct our Decorum and lay before the Chuirch for their __________. The business not yet being done they are appointed to that business and to report to next Conference. Resolved that when any member has been so long absent from Conference that any of the other members is ________ for the same that they make it known to the Clerk & he write to them on that subject. Accordingly it was ordered that the following members Viz, John Jennkins, Same of Colour, Chloe Cone, Anna Cone, Nancy Gardner, Elizabeth Leggitt and Sarah Collins be cites by6 the Clerk to attend our next Conference to render their Reasons for their long abscenses. The business respecting Br Farrill & Wm Biggs was taken under consideration after ________ ________ _____ ___
PAGE 11
with us on a Lettor of dismission from the Church at Flat Swamp. Our last minutes were read. Brethren L. Ward & Joel Cherry were elected Delegates to the Association. Ordered that we send one Dollar to the _______ fund. Br L. Ward, Ferrill & Joel Cherry was appointed our delegates to the Church at Conoho. The Friday before the 3rd Sunday Instant Bro Farrill was appointed to write our Letter to the next Association and insert therein our wish for their next appointment to be at our Meeting House.
Conf. Dismist
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Friday 9th Octobor, 1801 (Yearly Meeting) Conference opened, Bros William Robson (from the Church at Great Swamp) was chosen Moderator. Letters of Correspondence wer rec from the Churches at Great Swamp, Flat Swamp & Conoho by their delegates which seated themselves with us. Brethren L Ward, Ferrill & Wm. Biggs is appointed our delegates to the Church at Great Swamp the Friday before the 4th day instant. Br Cherry is appointed to write our Letter to said Meeting.____
Bro Wm Biggs was chosen a Deacon in this church, ordered that he be ordained as such at our next quarterly meeting. Resolved that we commune tomorrow.
Query, Is there any religious practice that the members of this Church omit that is in their power to comply ___ wwhich in all probility might be a means of a revival of religion and the advancement of the Redeemers kingdom. Rec & laid over till tomorrow for an answer.
Adjourned Conference
Saturday l0th met in Conference. A door opened for the admission of new members. Milley Cone was rec ____ experience to Baptisim. Our yesterday minutes read.
PAGE 12 (101)
Friday 8th March 1805, Conference opened, Br. R Ross Mod___
The list called, Bro R. Ross, Jacob Tice, Williams Jas Harris and Jesse Mitchell is appointed a committee to attend tomorrow in the forenoon on Bros Burroughs & Harrell Cherry, respecting controversy lately taken place them and report in the afternoon.
The reference respecting Bro S.P. Harris taken up and he was Excommunicated, That respecting Bros Nathan Nowell taken under consideration and he was conti8nued as before. That respecting Sally Mizell laid over till next Conference. Ordered therefore that Bro Jeremiah Leggett and sister Martha Perry be requested to attend then as testimony against said Sister Mizell. The reference respecting Bro Chappell taken up and he was continued as before. That respecting Sister Coltrain laid till tomorrow, for lack of Bro Robason, testimony. Bro Levi Cone, Burrough & Abram Tice is appointed Committee to attend Bro Wm Biggs, N Nowell, Jacob Harrell & sister Amelia Harrell to try to effect a reconsileation, between The latter mentioned three members having expressed themselves dissatisfied at the line made their lands by the Committee appointed for that purpose. Ordered that Bro Byrd, be cited to attend next conference to the charge of taking too much sprituous Liquors. Ordered that Bro Rueben Ross & Abram Tice cite Bro Jonathan Cherry to attend Conference tomorrow to this charge.
PAGE 13
1st, In brotherly love to pray for each other to watch over one another and if need be to in the most tendor and affectionate manner to reprove one another, and if any of ouir bretrhen trespass against us to go and tell him his fault according to the direction given by our Lord, in the 18th of Saint Matthew Gospel, and not be whispering and backbiting. We also agree with God's assistance to pray in our families, attend our Church meetings, observe the Lords day as holy and not absent our ______ from the Communion of the Lords Supper without a Lawful excuse, and not to neglect to communicate to the defraying of the Churches expence nor for the support of the Ministry, Not irregularly to depart from the fellowship of the Church , nor remove to distant Churches without a regular Dismission, or unreasonably refused.
These things we do Covenant and agree to observe and keep sacred in the name of and by the assistance of the Holy Trinity. Amen. Signed by the mutual consent of members whose names are underneath Subscribed.
Jos Biggs Jas Harrison Elizabeth Byrd Lydia Cherry
K. Biggs Kenneth Reddick Hannah Biggs Winney Biggs
Wm. Biggs Nathan Ross Mary Ross Martha Bell or Dell
Reuben Ross Jesse Mitchell Chloe Cone Lurany Futral ?
Edward Byrd Timmons Wyatt ? Ann Cone Elizabeth Dudley
John Ferell Jas or Jno Duggan Nancy Harrison Jas Collins
Joel Cherry Moses Askew ? Nancy Gardner Robert of color
Jacob Tice Jas Hardison Phereby Askew Ging
Jas. Clark Jno Hooks Milley Cone Benjamin
Levi Cone Jas. Biggs Hannah Kennedy Jimmy
Harrell Cherry Asa Biggs Leah Leggitt Nanny
Wm. Cherry Parker Harrell Nancy Biggs
Mallichi Chappell Thos Lanier Elizabeth Gilbyrd ?
Saml Williams Swain Duggan Delilah Harrell
Robert Warren King Harrison Mary Clark
Henry L?
PAGE 14
Saturday 10 Feb 1810 Conference open. Bro William Daniel from the Church at Smithwick Creek being Present was chosen Moderator the list Cal? on Motion letters of Corespondence Cal? for when one from Smithwick Creak and one from Morattock was handed In and read and their Messingeres seated themselves with us, ? The refference from East Conference respecting the Estate of Br Collins Dec. to be Continued till next Conference and the same Committes to act on it. Business and report that on Motion agreed that we give for the support of our Pastor this year thirty dollars. on Motion Proceeded to appoint Messengers to the sister Churches Br Joel Cherry and Kedar Biggs to Smithwick Creak, Br. R. Warren to prepare their letter to them, Bro. Sam Biggs & James Harrison to - Morattock, Br. Kedar Biggs to write. Sister Chloe Hurst was received a Member in this Church by a letter of dismission from the Church at Flat Swamp -
Dismist
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Saturday l0th March 1810 Conference opened. Bro. Joel Cherry Chosen Moderator, the list called, on Motion a Door opened for the reception of new members when Br. Samuil Williams was restord to membership with us. - On Motion the business respecting Br. Collings Decst laid over till next Conference
Recv. of Br. Wm Biggs Exc, of Br. James Collings Dest thirty Dollars In part of a Legicy by _ ____F To his Church, and ddelivered the same to the Pastor Agreeable to the order of last Conference _____ Ordered Br. Samuel Williams rehair the will and _____
PAGE 15 (144)
Order that the following members have a _____________
from this church in order to joine in a Combination or Consolidated Church at Conoho Chapple . vz, Chloe Cone, Milley Cone, Levi Cone, & Chloe Hurst & that Bro Kedar Biggs write the same,
then Dismist by the Moderator,
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Saturday 8th December 1810, Conference open in form. Br Harrell Cherry chosen Moderator, list call. On Motion, the Minutes of last Conference read
Then Dismist by the Moderator
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Saturday 12th Jan. 1811, Conference opened in form. Br. Jas Biggs Moderator. List Call. Minutes of last read. On Motion, Sister Mary Hardison was Excommunicated for her not complying with the Covenant of the Church & other miss conducts.
Then Dismist
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Saturday 9th Feb 1811 Conference open in form. Bro Joshua R. Cason from the church at Smithwick's Creek being present was chosen Moderator. The list Call. The coresponding letters from the sister Churches ___ _ . When one from Smithwicks Creek was handed in & ___. On Motion, a door opened for the admision of members Query, handed in by Br. Wm Biggs, as followeth, "What shall a Church do if a member Requests a letter of Dismision from the Church & member has failed to Commune several times & has not complied with the Rules of the Church, nor the Covenant in Relation his Reason of his not Communing".
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