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Volume 64 Number 4 Lubbock, Texas 79493 Copyright $12.00 Per Year April 1996 |
Love Free Will-ism God Shall Enlarge Japheth Ground Breaking Celebrated Helping the Poor If I Could Sing Tour Through the Bible Ordination of Gail Faries Deacon Ordained Out of the Mouth of a Babe Annual Meeting at Sulpher Shiloh Church History Elder Pitney's Condition Brother Eugene Wilson Sister Lora Carter Brother James Watson Sister Lucille Bishop Sister Bertha Lambert Sister Anna James Sister Annie Eula Teague
By Elder G. E. Griffin
Here are a few of my thoughts on Spiritual Love. Of course, there is a natural love, such as animals and all other creatures of God have, and as we all know, natural love has never and will never procure spiritual life, but natural love follows natural life. Any creature of God that does not have spiritual life can not have spiritual love, for natural life cannot produce anything more than natural emotions. The dogs and cats can as easily love God as natural man without Spiritual life can. Even the grasshopper can do that. It is he that sitteth upon the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers. Isa. 40:22.
Therefore a man must be born from above [again] before he can love God. For before the new birth he is destitute of Spiritual life. In the new birth or when it takes place God plants love in man's heart. And the Lord thy God will circumcise thine heart, to love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul. Deut. 30:6. And everyone that loveth is born of God. "Therefore sinners do not love in order to be born, but because of the new birth, which imparts Spiritual life.
Love is the moving cause of all service to God, for no man would serve God without loving Him. It would be out of the question to believe that any one would have faith, repent, confess and be baptized and at the same time have hatred in his heart to God; the one he was serving. If he did, God would not accept it, for he would do it with a wicked and deceitful heart, for before the new birth man's heart is desperately wicked and deceitful above all things, and we know man is not going to fool God with such a heart as that, and make him think he is serving Him.
Now we know natural life can not produce Spiritual love. Spiritual love must spring from Spiritual life. Hence man loves God after the new birth, and cannot love Him before, or in order to be born again. And since faith, repentance, confession and all Godly acts are prompted by love, love being the cause of every spiritual love, it must necessarily follow that not one of the above acts of man or any other works man might do can possibly be the cause of the new birth, or Spiritual life.
The Banner of Love, March 1, 1934
IN EVERY HOME
Greetings in the Name of Our Lord. Enjoying the Banner so much. It should be in every home.
Elder Billy Walker
South Fulton, TN
The idea that mankind is entirely free to do as they will [desires] has caused men to err in their teachings of freewill: this belief of freewill is no different than that which causes men to believe that all mankind is born morally good, and learn to be immoral. Both are false, and there can be no such thing as a free-moral agent. First of all if one is an agent he is acting for another and not free to do his own will. The word "free" describes that which is not restricted, and the word "will" describes that which is determined.
Even the first man Adam was not free, for God had commanded him, saying, Of every tree of the garden thou mayest freely eat; but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it. Yes, this man, like all others that followed, had the ability to disobey God, but not the freedom to do so.
When the first man chose to disobey God, he received the punishment of death, that very day: being separated from the dwelling place [Eden] of God. [The reason was that Adam had become as God, to know good and evil.] This knowledge, and the condemnation that it brought upon Adam, was passed from him unto all of like kind [mankind] that followed him; for each beget their own kind. All are condemned, having no ability to redeem themselves. Thus it is written, So, then it is not of him that willeth, nor of him that runneth, but of God that sheweth mercy.
We can be assured by God's Word, that man is not redeemed by works of righteousness which he has done, but it is according to God's mercy that he saves them. We are told, by this same word, that those who believed and receive Christ's teachings were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, not of the will of man but of God. Christ's own teachings tells us that which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit: neither of these by any will of that which is born. I truly ascribe to what Martin Luther said, "If any man doth ascribe aught of salvation, even the very least, to the freewill of man, he knoweth nothing of grace, and he hath not learnt Jesus Christ aright."
Speaking of Christ, the Psalmist wrote , "Thy people shall be willing in the day of thy power." And Christ speaking of the same, said, for I came down from heaven, not to do mine own will but the will of him that sent me. And this is the Father's will which hath sent me, that of all he hath given me I should lose nothing; but raise them up at the last day. So, we can see that not even this man, Jesus Christ, the Very Son of God, was not given a freewill. Thus we read where he fell on his face and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt.
Then he tells us that no man can come unto him except the Father which sent him draw him; saying, And I will raise him up at the last day.
All mankind has the ability to obey God but not all have the desire. But their obedience or even desire cannot lay aside that condemnation which came by Adam. This is done by God who does according to His will in the armies of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou? He has the freewill to work accordingly.
[Concluded]
Reliable human history doesn't reach much farther than about the fifth century B.C., however, the genealogical account in Genesis chapter ten is the oldest and most trustworthy history of the dispersion of mankind since the flood; God has provided us with an ancestral history going back, not only to the Genesis flood, but to the dawn of history, and traces the family relationships found affecting the world events to this present time. There is no other reliable account given, concerning the dispersion of the peoples of the earth, except that which is given to us by the Lord in this account. The exact fulfillment of Noah's prophecy is to the Glory of God.
Please note that the fables of the modern archaeologists and historians concerning prehistoric man, and all of that, area completely refuted by this Divine account. There is no such as prehistoric man. God has, in Genesis chapters nine and ten, given the origin of present day man. Every person on earth is of the lineage of Japheth, Shem, or Ham, the sons of Noah. The lineage of Noah is catalogued by God, in Genesis chapter five, to the first man Adam who sinned.
Following the great flood, the ark rested in the seventh month, on the seventeenth day of the month, upon the mountains of Ararat [Genesis 8:4] which is in Armenia. It was from this area that all the sons of Noah, and their families, fanned out to the different parts of the earth. We will find that this is demonstrated especially with the family of Japheth, for God did, as He promised, "enlarge Japheth."
As we have already said, we are particularly interested in Noah's prophecy which says, "God shall enlarge Japheth." And again, as already said, most everyone who shall read this article are of the posterity of Japheth. Japheth was a great man, and his family became a great family in the earth, but let us keep in mind, a good pedigree does not necessarily mean a good off-spring. As we have already noted, Japheth and all his posterity are a stream flowing from a bitter fountain.
It is recorded in Genesis 10:21, that Japheth is the elder to Shem, so we will suppose that he was the eldest of Noah's sons.
His descendants are the most numerous and most widely spread of the three sons. I have not been able to find how long Japheth lived after the flood. Shem died five hundred and two years after the flood, he died only twenty-five years before Abraham died. It is possible that Japheth also, lived for hundreds of years after the deluge.
Noah's prophetic promise to Japheth was, "God shall enlarge Japheth;" or give him a large part of the earth, and large dominions in it, as his posterity have had. To them belong all of Europe; much of Asia; Asia Minor; Media [now northwestern Iran]; much of Turkey, Armenia [Armenia is a large area in Greece, spreading out to the South and West of Mount Arat, and to this day they claim to be the offspring of Togarmah and Ashkenaz, Japheth's grandsons].
Azerbaidzhan [now a part of Russia, Iberia [now Spain and Portugal]; and Albania. All of the vast countries of the north which formerly the Scythians, which were a wandering people of Asia and eastern Europe. They lived on the treeless plains of ancient Russia from the Danube to the Volga rivers. They were mainly herdsmen, and lived in wagons covered with skins. In later times, the name Scythian was given to all the nomadic peoples living beyond the northern limits of the Greek and Persian civilizations. Many Russians are among their descendants. The "Scythe" from Scythian, is still displayed on the Russian flag. They were followed by the Tartars [Mongolians] which began a movement through Hungary, Romania, Poland, Turkey, Russia and Bulgaria. Tartar means archer or nomad. And finally, and certainly not the least of Japheth's inheritance is Canada, and the United States of America. Japheth means enlargement. Certainly, God has enlarged Japheth!
"And he shall dwell in the tents of Shem;" or shall inhabit the countries belonging to the prosperity of Shem; this was verified by the Medes, who were the descendants of Japheth, together with the Babylonians seizing upon the Assyrian empire and overthrowing it, for Ashur [Assyria] was of Shem. And the Greeks and Romans were sprung from Japheth, when they made conquests in Asia, in which were the tents of Shem's posterity, thusly dwelled in the tents of Shem. In Numbers 24:24 we read this prophecy, "and ships shall come from the coast of Chittim , [Greece, or Italy, or both] and afflict Ashur, and shall afflict Eber," [that is the Assyrians and Hebrews, for the He brews are from Eber] or those countries beyond the river Euphrates who belonged to Shem; and this was fulfilled when the Romans, who were of Japheth, seized Judea, which had long been the seat of the children of Shem [the Jews].
God caused His Schechinah glory to "dwell in the tents of Shem;" which was remarkably true, when Jesus Christ, the brightness of His Father's glory, the Word which was made flesh, and tabernacle in Judea. The conversion of the Gentiles, and their spiritual union and communion with the believing Jews in one gospel church state, which was evidently fulfilled in the early gospel times, is another outstanding picture of Japheth dwelling in the tents of Shem. Today nearly all of the posterity of Japheth embraces some form of Christianity; and in this manner are spiritually living in the tents of Shem. To this may be added the words of our Lord "Salvation is of the Jews" [John 4:22]; and that remarkable statement of the Apostle Paul's in Romans 11:17 where, writing to the Gentiles, he says, "And thou, being a wild olive tree, wert grafted in among them [Israel], and with them partakest of the root of fatness of the olive tree." Thus do we see Japheth "dweling in the tents of Shem.."
God gathered the Gentiles, the posterity of Japheth, by the power of His grace and tuned their ears to hear the sweet alluring voice of the gospel, which they embraced and professed that Jesus was the Christ, and joined with His churches, and walked with posterity of Shem in all the commandments and ordinances of Christ. The apostles of Jesus spoke and wrote in Greek, one of the languages of Japheth's sons. The New Testament was written in the Greek, a language of Japheth. The King James Version [English] of the Bible, the most widely distributed version, is also written in a language of Japheth.
"And Canaan shall be his servant;" the posterity of Canaan were servants to the posterity of Japheth, as they were when Tyre, which was built by the Sidonians, and Sidon, which had its name from the eldest son of Canaan, fell into the hands of Alexander the Grecian, who sprung from Japheth, and when Carthage, a colony of the Phoenicians of Canaan's race, was taken and demolished by the Romans of the line of Japheth.
WOULD HATE TO MISS IT
Enclosed is a check for $10.00 for The Banner of Love. I enjoy the Banner of Love each month and would hate to miss it.
Thanks again,
Sister W. V. Hughes, family
Odessa, Texas
HAVING GOOD MEETINGS
We are doing as well as circumstances can allow. Renew my Banner for another year and use the rest as needed. We are having good meetings at Grace, Houston Church. Have three young ministers serving the church; Moseley, Blevins and Richards. We are thankful for them.
In Christ's Love,
O. R. Hanks
Note: Thanks for the extra, Brother Hanks.
... THINKING OF THE EXPERIENCES
Thinking about the experiences of those in the Old Testament, also the New Testament, are really encouraging. In this age we like to think of the fiery furnace having no power to overcome our dear Lord's dear ones, nor a den of lions. So good our dear Lord makes us able to think about those things and to know He is with us too, like He was with Brother Jonah and the other dear ones.
He never fails to see us through. May He strengthen His dear ones everywhere.
Dan. 3:16-29. Daniel 16:28; also Jonah 2 are really encouraging.
With Love,
Sister Loretta Lilly,
Akron, Ohio.
IMPORTANT DAY OF MY LIFE
When my cousin, Jill Gowens, joined the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church and was baptized on February 11, I did not realize at that time that it would soon lead to one of the most important days of my life.
The following week I could not get it out of my mind as it was time to take up my cross and be baptized. I made up my mind to do exactly what Jill had done a few days earlier.
On March 10th, I took the first step when I joined the Church. Our pastor, Elder George Johnson was not surprised, because I had told him the previous Sunday what I needed to do. I still had one big step left to do.
March 17 I was baptized and it was one of the most important days of my life and one that I will never forget. It was a joy and blessing to follow my Savior in baptism and bearing my own cross. By becoming a member of the church at Lubbock I felt that it was the answer of a good conscience toward God.
I had always felt that I was a member by belief, but that wasn't enough for me any more. I regret that it had taken me so long.
In closing, I just want everyone to know that I am very happy to be a member of a very wonderful church. I am proud to be a Primitive Baptist in faith and belief and now in membership.
In God's Love,
Jerry Bass
It is pretty easy for each of us to say how important it is to "help the poor." It is easy for us to tell those who are poor to just remember to "pray" for the Lord will provide help to them.
How do we do our alms? As we are told in Matt. 6:1-4. Or do we do our alms at all? What is our record for helping the poor -- those in real need of our help.
Psalms 41 tells us about our need to provide to the poor and the blessing we will receive from the Lord if we do it.
"Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble." Psalms 41:1.
We can have faith that the poor will be taken care of. But if we do not ourselves act to help the poor, what good is our faith? As we are told, faith without works is dead.
What good does it do for each of us to talk about the poor and the help that is needed, if we do not then actually provide relief ourselves. This questions is asked at James 2:14-16.
"What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
"If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?"
"Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone."
It is our duty of works to assist the poor, not just to talk about them, or about their need, and hope that the Lord or someone else will take care of them.
There are many ways we can assist the poor in our communities. We should not look for only the most "public" ways, but should follow Jesus' guidance that we should take care that our "alms may be in secret: and thy Father which seeth in secret himself shall reward thee openly." Matt. 6:4.
As David tells us, the Lord preserve the caretaker of the poor, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. Psalm 41:2.
By caring for the poor we are told that the Lord will strengthen us in times of our own sickness and restore our own health.
We should not just talk about the needs of the poor -- we should demonstrate by our works, and teach our children likewise, that we should directly lend a helping hand to those who most need it. Finding the poor is not difficult. Finding a way to help is neither a problem. Food and clothing are a good start and it is a wonderful lesson for us to learn with our children.
The blessing from God comes in our giving to those in need. We do not get that blessing from mere talking or thinking, but from our actual good works.
We get a greater blessing when we take care of the poor secretly, not when we sound the trumpet (as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets) so that we may be rewarded by the public for our charity.
We are told to help the poor. Help them quietly and privately. In doing so, we will be rewarded by the Lord openly.
On September 24, 1995, Bethany Primitive Baptist Church of San Antonio, Texas celebrated the groundbreaking of our location at the intersection of Babcock Road and UTSA Blvd in Northwest San Antonio. Six months later on March 11, 1996, we have been blessed to complete work on our foundation. After five years of prayer and waiting the construction of our new meeting house has finally begun in earnest.
Numerous contributions of materials and labor have greatly encouraged us in our efforts to this point, and we hope to be substantially complete by September of this year. God has blessed our congregation with many members with construction experience and knowledge, and the project is being done without the aid of a contractor. Framing will begin on April 1, and anyone who wishes to labor with us in this work is welcome.
For more information concerning our project please contact Elder Steve Wilkinson at [210] 653-7011 or Joseph Weyel at [210] 679-7379.
Thank you for your efforts in providing a medium for God's people to communicate such news as this to one another. Please pray for us in our project and may God bless you in all of your righteous endeavors is our prayer.
Elder Steve Wilkinson, Pastor
Joseph Weyel, Clerk
THANKS FOR YOUR WORK
Thanks for all you do for the Banner. We sure do enjoy the good articles from the ministers. Also, it helps us to keep "in touch" with all those we love.
Sincerely,
Elton and BeBee Faught
San Saba, Texas
I could dear Lord, that I could sing
So all the world could hear.
I would let thy sweet praise roll
Let me sing it loud and clear.
If I could be worthy Lord
To ask one thing of you
I would that every one on earth
would sing thy praises too.
If every one would raise his voice
In perfect harmony
If love would flow from heart to heart
How great this life would be.
.......Janie Clark
THANKS
Thank you for keeping the paper coming. May the Lord bless you in your work.
Curtis O. Poteet
Floydada, TX
On March 30th, 1996, Elder Vernon Venable of Friendship Primitive Baptist Church, Brownfield, Texas informed the church that the previous conference had been left open for the purpose of ordaining Brother Gail Faries to the full work of the gospel ministry.
Brethren of like faith were then informed the church that Brother Faries had requested to have Elder Bernard Gowens to act as the moderator of the presbytery; Elder Vince Hardy serve as clerk; Brother Elton Bass as assistant clerk; Elder Wayne Venable to interrogate Brother Faries; Elder Ronnie Hedges to pray the ordination prayer, and Elder Vernon Venable to deliver the charge.
Motion by Elder Gayle McCoy to honor Brother Faries' request; seconded by Elder George Johnson. Presbytery voted unanimously to honor Brother Faries' request. Upon request by the moderator, Brother J.C. Dorsett, spokesman for the church, delivered Brother Gail Faries to the presbytery.
The Church was asked if they were satisfied with Brother Faries' qualifications for the ministry, his gift to preach the gospel, and his call to the ministry. The church answered that it was fully satisfied.
Brother Faries was then interrogated by Elder Wayne Venable as to Brother Faries' beliefs in the essential fundamental doctrine of grace and the truths of God's word, and questioned him as to his commitment and dedication to the work of the ministry to preach the truths of God. He was then asked to relate his experience and call to the ministry. Elder Wayne Venable then asked other members of the presbytery if they had any further questions for Brother Faries. None had any questions as they were fully satisfied with the interrogation of Brother Faries.
The moderator asked the presbytery to gather around Brother Faries and the ordination prayer was delivered by Elder Ronnie Hedges, followed by the laying on of hands of the presbytery.
Spokesman for the church was requested to escort Sister Val Faries to be seated beside her husband, Brother Gail Faries.
The charge was then delivered by Elder Vernon Venable upon the twentieth chapter of Acts, charging Brother Gail to be faithful to his calling to preach and teach among the Lord's people, and to remain steadfast in his ministry.
The moderator asked if the church was satisfied with the work of the presbytery. The spokesman of the church answered that they were very satisfied. with Brother Gail and with the work of the presbytery.
The moderator then called for a motion from the presbytery to deliver Brother Gail Faries back to the church as a fully ordained gospel minister.
Motion to this effect was made by Brother Alvis Bass and seconded by Elder Cleveland Bass.
The presbytery then unanimously voted to send Brother Faries back to the church as a fully ordained minister of the Lord Jesus Christ.
On motion and second, the presbytery was dismissed.
Elder Vince Hardy
Presbytery Clerk
Ministers in the presbytery were Elders: Vince B. Hardy, J. S. Kirkpatrick, K. B. Martin, George Johnson, Bernard Gowens, E. L. Edwards, Michael A. Rodgers, Cleveland Bass, Gayle McCoy, Wayne Venable, Lyman D. Little, Mark Burress, Ronnie Hedges, T. Ray Little, Troy Barrington, J. A. Barrington, Howard Jernigan, Chuck Sammons, and Vernon Venable.
Deacons in the presbytery were: Elton Bass, J.C. Dorsett, Albert Fox, J. C. Willmon, L. W. [Doc] Jones, M.S. Nichols, James T. Beckham, Darwin Hobbs, Fred Nixon, John Barnes, Ellis Burran, John Wayne Metcalf, Gale McPherson, Ronnie Fowler, Andy Coats, Derrell Sorrells, Tom Taylor, T. Cox, James Collins, Cecil Richardson, Harvey Bass, Forrest Noble, Virtle Faries, Eddie. C. Hale, Alvis B. Bass, Opal Vandiver.
Floydada, Texas
A special meeting was held at New Salem Primitive Baptist Church in Floydada on Saturday, March 2, 1996. Elders Cleveland Bass and George Johnson preached Saturday morning followed by the ordination of Brother Ronnie Fowler to the office of Deacon.
At two o'clock that afternoon elders and deacons responding to a call from the New Salem Church, formed a Presbytery. Elder Jim Jackson, pastor of Paradise Primitive Baptist Church in Arlington, Texas acted as Moderator. Brother Tom Taylor served as clerk and was assisted by Brother Andy Coats. A very moving ordination prayer was offered by Elder George Johnson, pastor of the Lubbock Primitive Baptist Church. After laying on of hands by the presbytery, Elder Jim Jackson delivered the charge to Brother Fowler, using the sixth chapter of Acts to point out the need of deacons in the church. He also used First Timothy to outline its qualifications of a deacon. Elder Jackson stressed the obligations of the whole family by admonishing Sister Fowler and their two sons as well.
Elder Jackson asked Brother Gale McPherson, the church spokesman, if the church was satisfied with the work of the presbytery. Brother McPherson said that the church was satisfied, and Elder Jackson that he return Brother Fowler to the church as an ordained deacon.
The New Salem Church would like to thank the following ministers who participated in the presbytery: Elder George Johnson, Elder Gayle McCoy, Elder Don Martin, Elder Steve Sims, Elder Cleveland Bass, and Elder Jim Jackson. We would like to thank the visiting deacons, Brothers: Opal Vandiver, Jack Denton, Richard Mills, Tim Lowrance and Tom Taylor.
We have services each Sunday at 10:30 a.m. and invite you come and meet with us. Our church is located at 900 West Crockett, and we would be glad to see you.
With Christian love,
Andy Coats, Church Clerk
I visited a family recently, and observed as we sat down to eat a meal. We hardly got situated when I felt the soft hand of little two years old Rachel from her high chair, holding my hand and heard her whisper, "Pray to Jesus." As I noticed the family members holding each others hand I don't think it was mockery as they bowed in thankfulness and humble submission to our Heavenly Father. I immediately felt condemned for I was remembering so many times when I sat down to eat I would have on my mind what I was planning to do after the meal.
I remember a few years ago at the West Texas Association, a dear sister in Christ said, although a minister had asked the blessing as the congregation was about to eat, she wanted to bow her head and thank God for the plate of food before her. She felt better to ask Him personally.
Don't we always feel better after we have returned thanks to the good Lord for His blessings? I know I have failed many times in many ways. Can it be I just don't take the time as I should?
Our Jesus knew it would take time as He suffered for our redemption. He knew He would suffer those hours. He didn't deserve, but certainly He was willing to do the Will of His Father.
Yes, little Rachel has already learned about her Jesus. And she will learn more as her family is a church going people. Praise will be perfect from her mouth as well as many other babies. Thank God for the scripture that tells us that.
Lutishia Watson
Held March 14, 14, 16, 17
On Wednesday before our annual meeting, several met at the church to have a work day in sweet anticipation of our forth coming services. As we gathered Thursday night, how thankful we were as brethren met in sweet accord.
Elders Dennis Kreie and Hylton Crain preached beautifully, and truly the theme of our meeting began, "As thirst the heart for water brooks." The following morning breakfast was served in our dining room, and the visitation among the ministers present was one of our richest blessings.
After lunch we met for services and Elders Marvin Sims and Sonny Huckaby again blessed our souls with words of encouragement during our pilgrim journey. Brother Marvin will be 90 years young this July 3rd and what a great inspiration to see the youthful vigor and zestful enthusiasm he displays. Our son, though many years younger still paints through his words the same message of hope, love, faith and services to our Risen Savior.
Friday night many more had arrived and our song service was so beautiful. Brother Hylton and Brother Sonny so ably preached to us. Breakfast was ready soon on Saturday morning with Brother Marvin making coffee and helping with dishes. [He and my wife made a great team.]. And singing began early. Elder Phil Jones had surprised us by coming in from MO, and he went first followed by our son. How gracious our God was. The beautiful aspect of our Heavenly Father as He viewed the death of our Savior from his throne above, was portrayed to us.
After a bountiful lunch, we met for a brief summary of the history of our church presented by Brother Ben Williams. This was followed by the very sacred ordination service of Brother Curtis Winchester to the office of deacon. Not many sons are blessed to sit in their father's ordination. He requested that his son, Brother Richard together with his two brothers, Brothers Larry and Jerry Don be knelt near to Brother Curtis as Brother Sonny prayed the ordinational prayer.
It was my privilege to deliver the charge.
Saturday night, only Brother Sonny preached for us, admonishing us of our duty in God's kingdom. Although many had to leave, our Sunday services were again a great blessing. Elder Bill Kendrick and Elder Marvin Sims preached and how we rejoiced in a Saviours love. We all lingered long after lunch, not wanting to end such a glorious meeting.
We all agreed to begin praying now for our next annual meeting.
We wish to extend our sincere thanks to the many visiting sisters who brought food and helped greatly in the kitchen. How thankful we are for the love shown to us by visitors from Ca., Mo., Ark., Texas, and our Oklahoma friends. The support of you elders and deacons will be cherished in our hearts always. We invite any to return and worship with us on first, third and fourth Sundays. God bless and keep you.
In bonds of Love,
Bill Huckaby
Shiloh Church was constituted September 6, 1896, at Remus School house, Indian Territory. The church was constituted with six members. They were: Sister N. A. Jones, Sister S.T. Cates, Sister M. E. Caudle, Sister S. M. Rose, Brother E. H. Cates, and Brother N.E. Caudle. These all had letters from Sharon Church, Wilbarger County, Texas. Following the constitution, at the first conference, Elder J. J. Johns was received into the Church with a letter from the same church mentioned above.
The Presbytery was composed of Elder J. J. Johns of Wilbarger County, Texas, Sharon Church; Elder W. M. Startzmon of Missouri; Elder J. B. Adams and Deacon J. W. Fisher of New Hope Church, Oklahoma Territory. On Sunday Brother H. A. Bolton joined the church by experience.
Elder J. J. Johns was selected to serve the church as pastor and served until 1901 when Elder B. M. Green began serving. In April of 1902, Elder J. J. Johns was called to serve as joint pastor with Elder Green. In 1904 Elder G. M. Snider was called to serve as joint pastor with Elder Green.
From time to time various problems arose, usually for preaching false doctrines such as Absolute Predestination and passive obedience.
A number of ministers of the early part of the century preached at the church. The church moved from the Remus school to the Collins School and later was in St. Louis. In 1925, the church elected Elder J. M. Newman to serve as pastor. He pastured the church until 1930, the church chose to leave the St. Louis area and move to Sulphur to its present location. The grounds upon which the church was built was purchased for $555.00 and plans to build was begun.
The history of Shiloh is quite interesting. It testifies to the weakness of the flesh and the efforts of the Church in maintaining good order. The Church had problems as any other church does and dealt with many and varied difficulties
Elder S. M. Green continued pastoring the Church until his death in 1934. Elder H. Z. Bulman was elected pastor and served until 1938. In 1939 Elder M. L. Welch was elected pastor and served until December of 1945 during which time he took a break of about two years due to war time gas rationing and shortage of tires. In his absence Elder H. Z. Bulman served the church. In August of 1946, Elder Ben Howze, Big Spring, Texas was elected pastor and served until 1947 when he asked to be released due to ill health. Elder Marvin Smith was elected and served from 1947 to 1957, when he asked to be released.
Services continued with visiting ministers until April 1958, when Elder Jerry Newman was elected and served us faithfully until his death on August 24, 1994. In December 1994, Elder Bill Huckaby was elected pastor and continues to serve us.
BROKE HER HIP
I enjoy the paper very much and don't want to miss a copy. Hope I'm not late with my check.
I fell last fall and broke my hip. I'm doing real good, back to driving my car. The good Lord has really helped. I'm so thankful that I am able to live by myself again.
One of my grandsons was here when I fell and found me as I was away up in the field and he got help.
He has joined the Army and is in Fort Knox, Ky. now. It was rather blue in his letter, so please, pray for him.
May God bless you all is my prayer.
Your unworthy Sister,
Essie Williams
Marlow, Oklahoma
HAVING GOOD MEETINGS
Received my Banner of Love; it is a joy to read like a letter from people we love. We have been having good meetings here in Elmore City, Oklahoma at our church. Our church is small in number, but we have sweet fellowship. The Lord is blessing us.
On Saturday before the second Sunday in February we had a wonderful meeting. Our guest speaker was Elder Travis Brown from Louisiana. Other Elders were: Bill Caraway from Choctaw, Oklahoma, Elder Kenneth Gunwall and Elder Jerry Swindell. All preached to the glory of God. Had beautiful singing led by Elder Caraway and Elder Gunwall.
The Saturday before the third Sunday in March we were blessed to have Elder Kenneth Clevenger from Cameron, Missouri. He preached a wonderful sermon on "Creation". Brother Gunwall and a Braother Ezekiel led in singing; was very, very beautiful.
On Sunday morning we heard a wonderful sermon preached by our pastor, Elder Jerry Cottrell and some more good singing. We are blessed from our Savior whom we give all the praise. Bless His Holy Name.
If you are in Oklahoma, stop by and visit. God bless our visitors, who are always welcome.
Thank you for a job well done, Brother Don and Sister Opal.
In Christian Love,
Gertie Cottrell
Davis, Oklahoma
Elder Nolan Pitney is about the same; so thankful we get to go to Tucson, AZ from 2nd of January until the 25th of March. Had good meetings out there and was able to get to church every Sunday.
On our way home, we stopped and visited with Sister Rowena Dunn in Asbury Center at Kingsport, Tenn. Thursday afternoon and Friday morning. She misses the church people so much. She has some tapes of singing and preaching that helps her a lot. She always likes to get news from church people. She loves to visit with any Primitive Baptist people. She sure enjoys the Banner I have sent to her.
We had good meetings the fifth Sunday and this Sunday in Ohio. Thankful to our good Lord for what health we have.
In Christian Love,
Brooksie and Elder Nolan Pitney
Columbus Grove, Ohio
CARD OF THANKS
Dear Brethren and Sisters:
Don and I would like to express our thanks to everyone for their prayers and thoughts during my heart surgery and recovery.
I certainly appreciated all the cards, phone calls, visits, expressions of love. It has been almost two months since my surgery and I am making progress each day, even though it is slow.
Love to all,
Sandra Martin
1510 S. Indiana
Perryton, Texas 79090
Sister Eula Teague is resting in the arms of her Lord. We, the Willow Springs Primitive Baptist Church of Comanche, Texas want to take this time to say what a sister in Christ she was. She was a member of the church for 78 years and church Clerk for 34 of those years. Born on June 1, 1894, making her stay on earth 101 years old. Passed from this earth on Wednesday, Feb. 21, 1996.
Survivors include: six grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; also great-great-grand children. She outlived her children.
Services for Sister Teague were held at Nowlin Funeral Home Chapel with Elder Kenneth Wilson officiating. She was laid to rest in De Leon Cemetery.
Sister Dalphine Stephens, Church Clerk
The New Hope Primitive Baptist Church of Fredericksburg, Texas has lost a beloved and faithful member in the passing of our precious sister, Lois Carter. She departed this life early Wednesday morning, January 24, 1996 in Fredericksburg Nursing Home where she had been a resident for one month.
Sister Carter had attained the age of 97 years, eleven months, and eleven days at the time of her death. Funeral services were held Friday, January 26 at 2:00 p.m. conducted by her pastor, Elder J. P. Dale, after which interment was made in Squaw Creek Cemetery, near Doss, Texas, where she was born and raised. There her body will be at rest to await the resurrection.
Sister Lora Carter was born February 7, 1903, the daughter of Henry and Johannah Nixon Baethge, the eleventh of fourteen children. She was married to Bill Carter on Dec. 10, 1937 at Eldorado, Texas. He preceded her in death on October 23, 1975. She is survived by two sisters; Alma Dittmar of Harper, Texas, and Leona Wolfmueller of Fredericksburg, Texas; also one sister-in-law, Ethel, [Mrs. Pete Baethge] of Fredericksburg. She was preceded in death by the following brothers: Henry, Willie, Alfred, August, Pete and Albert; and sisters: Louise, [Mrs. Otto Sauer.] Minnie, [Mrs. John Faught], Augusta, [Mrs. George Dunn], Lurana [Mrs. Henry Hartman], and Mary, [Mrs. Alonzo Faught]; also numerous nephews and nieces survive.
Sister Carter was a devoted and faithful member of the Primitive Baptist Church, having joined at an early age at Doss, Texas in 1924. She had been a member of the New Hope Primitive Baptist Church since 1975. Her church life was as a musical instrument with the sweet melody of spiritual tones reverberating from her heart strings to all those who were near and dear to her.
She loved the Lord and the church as the most important thing of her life. She was always anxious and ready to be at church, and usually the first to be there when the doors opened. She loved to attend the special services at sister churches to worship and fellowship with the saints who meant so much to her.
She enjoyed good conversation and, in all seriousness, she had a touch of humor and wit that illuminated her character and made you feel the warmth and love that filled her heart.
Yes, we will miss Sister Carter, [Aunt Lora to many of us] and she will leave a void that no one on earth can fill, yet we rejoice that her soul is now in the very presence of her Savior, the one she loved above all others.
Resolved that a copy of this resolution to be placed in church record, one copy to her family, and one copy sent to The Banner of love for publication.
Written by request of New Hope Primitive Baptist Church, while in conference, January 28, 1996.
Elder J.P. Dale, Moderator
Brother Elton Faught, C.C.
Committee composed of: Brother Elton and Sister Bebee Faught; Brother Elmo and Sister Frances Baethge.
The members of Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church, Paris, Texas, submit this notice in love and respect for our brother in Christ and for his family.
Brother Wilson was born March 21, 1924, in Clarksville, TX, a son of Charles and Jessie Gray Wilson. He married Betty Jean Trimble, March 16, 1945. Brother Eugene and Sister Betty joined Mt. Paran Primitive Baptist Church in Sept. 1990, and he served as deacon until he moved back to Tustin, California, to be near his daughter after the death of Sister Betty in Sept. 1991. He had retired after working for 20 years with Orange County, California.
Brother Wilson died January 8, 1996. Services were held in Paris, Texas, January 13, 1996, with Elder Harley Stripland officiating. He was buried near Paris in Union Grove Cemetery. His survivors are: two daughters and sons-in-law, Cynthia and Richard Kibbey of Virginia and Deborah and Bruce McLean of Tustin, CA; two grand daughters and one great grandson. "The Lord is my strength and song, and is become my salvation." Psalms 118:14.
Elder Harley Stripland, Pastor
Sister Ellen Watson,Church Clerk
My husband, James W. Watson, passed away Nov. 2, 1995, with a heart attack at a local nursing home. He had fought that dreaded disease, Parkinson's for many years. I was able to visit with him almost every day, and was with him the day before his death. I rolled him around in his wheel chair outside, and sang some of the good ole' songs to him. He hummed along with me. The sun was shining bright, and seemed his silvery hair was just glistening in the sun.
I looked up in the sky, so beautiful that day, and thanked the Lord for our quiet time together. Then the next morning he was gone. Gone to that beautiful place he had told me about. Oh, how I miss him. I thank God for letting me have him for these 54 years. Now he is gone to his real home.
Funeral services were held on November 4, 1995, at Cottle-Pearson Funeral Home Chapel in Overton, Texas. Services were conducted by Elder Tillmon Ethridge and Elder Ray Mitchell. Congregation singing was led by Elder John Horner. Burial was in beautiful Rosewood Park Cemetery, Longview, Texas.
J. W. was born on January 14, 1921, to John Wesley and Minnie Watson in Ola, Arkansas. He lived in New London, Texas, for over fifty years, and was a retired foreman for Parade Gas plant. He joined Salem Primitive Baptist Church of Troup, Texas on January 23, 1983 and was baptized by Elder Willie Blackmon in the Tyler baptistery, Tyler, Texas. He loved the church and went as long as he was able to go.
Survivors include his wife, Juanita Foshee Watson; three sons; Jimmy of New London, TX, Jerry of Hendersonville, TN, and Jack of Azle, TX; three brothers; Marvin, Freeland and J. F. of Little Rock, AR; one sister, Marie Gately of Edmond, OK; eight grand children and three great-grand children; numerous nieces and nephews. Pallbearers were: Jimmy Watson, Jerry Watson, Jack Watson, J. F. Watson, James Story, and Buster Adams.
Written by Juanita Watson, Clerk
Salem Primitive Baptist Church
Troup, Texas
The Waco Primitive Baptist Church, Waco, Texas, is saddened by the passing of our dear sister in Christ, Sister Bertha Lambert. She passed away on December 8, 1995 at a local hospital. She was 94 years young. Services were held at Wilkerson-Hatch Funeral Home Chapel December 11, 1995 with burial at Hico Cemetery with Elder Richard Martin officiating.
Sister Lambert was born March 27, 1902 in Alabama and moved to Texas as a child. She was a member of Waco Primitive Baptist Church.
Survivors include a son, Perry E. Raby of Waco; a sister, Rosalee Toliver of Fort Worth; a brother, Elbert Lambert of Lubbock, TX, and two grandchildren, Lewis E. Raby and Bonnie Tusa.
Sister Lambert attended church regularly until such time her health failed her. She had spent the last several years in nursing home. We already miss our visits with her. She no longer suffers from loneliness or physical limitations. She is free from the warfare of this life and she now sings with the other saints before the very Throne of God. We thank God for the goodness of her presence in our church and the privilege of having known her. We pray the God will give her family and church family the strength to carry on and be submissive to God's will.
Written by Norman Gowens in behalf of members and friends of Waco Primitive Baptist Church.
Elder Harold Horn-Pastor
Sister Connie Russ-Clerk
On March 6, 1996, God in His infinite love and power called our dear Sister Lucille Bishop to His eternal presence at the age of 90 years and eight months. She was a devoted and faithful member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Oklahoma City, for over 50 years.
Sister Lucille is survived by one son and his wife, James and Mary Bishop; one daughter and husband, Raynette and John Kyle; and one daughter-in-law, Clara Bishop; nine grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Sister Lucille on March 9, 1996, were conducted by her pastor, Elder Bill McCarthy. Congregational singing was lead by Brother Randy McCarthy. Services were at Guardian Midtown Funeral Home with burial in Rose Hill Cemetery beside her beloved husband, Alvin Bishop.
Our Heavenly Father, on March 10, 1996, called Sister Anna James from this life to His eternal presence. Sister Anna was a loving member of Bethlehem Primitive Baptist Church of Oklahoma City for over 33 years and was faithful in attendance when circumstances and health permitted.
Sister Anna is survived by one daughter, Laura Goodson of Oklahoma City; two grandsons, and four great-grandchildren, as well as a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Sister Anna were conducted by her pastor, Elder Bill McCarthy, on March 12, 1996, in the Bill Eisenhour Funeral Home Northeast. Congregational singing was led by Brother Jim White. Burial was in Arlington Cemetery, Oklahoma City.