History of the Bear Creek Baptist Church
Copied from the Minute Book of the Sandcreek Baptist Association
by Bonita
Welch
Microfilm of these records is at
the Jennings County Public Library
This
History was presented at the September, 1870 meeting
HISTORY
OF THE BEAR CREEK CHURCH
The
Church known as the Bear Creek Baptist church of Jesus Christ, in Jennings
County, Indiana, was organized at the cabin of John Herrin, Sr., on the 27th day
of July, A. D. 1828. The names of Eld. John Bush, Nancy Bush, John Herrin Sr.,
Dorcas Herrin, Francis Bush, Robert Bush, Nancy Bush, John Bush Jr., Leurch
Bush and Cader Herrin appear as the persons composing the church at its
organization.
For a short time it appears that the
church continued to meet at the cabin where they organized; but the year
following their organization they built a house of round logs about one mile
south of their present meeting house. The house first built was very rude in its
construction; being in size 18 by 20 feet, without any glass in the window,
puncheon floor, rails for seats, without backs of any kind. In this humble
tenement they met for worship; the Savior by his Spirit, often meeting with
them.
But in the year 1833 to meet the wants and
conveniences of an increasing population they moved to a school house about
three-fourths of a mile south-west of the present town of Sardenia, in
Decatur County, Indiana. At this house, and the dwelling house of brother John
Chambers near by, they held their meetings until the year 1835. In this year
they built a hewed log house 24 feet square, about three-fourths of a mile
southwest from the school house mentioned above. Although they never quite
finished this house they occupied it for about four years, when again
it seemed necessary to select another location, which they did by obtaining and
building upon their present lot. The built first a good house of hewed logs 24
feet square, this house was built in 1839, and used by the church until
about twelve years ago, when they built their present house which is a brick 35
feet by 50, well finished.
In the early days of this
church her membership was much scattered covering a region of country twelve
miles long from east to west. This will explain why they moved so often before
they became permanently settled.
On the 1st of July,
1834, by request, the following members were permitted to withdraw from the
church, in order to form a new church in Bartholomew County, Ind.: Jas.
Smith, Willis Cook and wife, Elizabeth Padgett and Willey Rodgers. Again,
in February, 1835, the church was called to part with the following brethern and
sisters: Willis Stribling and wife, James Blankenship and wife, and
Catherine Eli; who were given up by the church to form the Mount Pleasant church
at Sardinia, Indian, the church with which the Association is now in
session.
The first pastor of the church was
Eld. John Bush, one of the constituent members of the church. He
served faithfully for a period of twelve years. The Master has called him
up higher.
The church had as her second pastor Eld.
Chesley Woodard. For nine years he labored earnestly and faithfully as her under
Shepherd. He imigrated to the West.
Her third pastor
was Eld. Orin Whitcomb. He remained pastor for a term of five years. Her
fifth, Eld. Ira Gleason, for two years. He also has been removed to a
higher and holier church. Her sixth and present pastor is Eld. Albert Carter,
who has been serving us for a period of nine years. During the infancy of
this church she was greatly strengthened and blessed by the visits and
preaching of Elds. Jesse Vawter, Wm. T. Stott, John Vawter, Wm. Vawter, and
Caleb Moncrief. Of these faithful ministers none now remain except Wm T. Stott.
They were each greatly loved by us.
This church has
been in existance something over forty-two years and has had but six ministers.
These have been good men, have made many sacrifices and labored much for the
good of the people. Each of them were true and faithful to us as pastors. Some
of them are gone to give an account of their stewardship. The others are nearing
that great tribunal where all shall stand. What they have done for the
church and the church has done for them will soon be known and seen in the light
of eternity. As impartial and just Judge will pass his irrevocable sentence
upon pastor and people.
This church during her
entire existance, has occupied an important field. No other denomination
has yet been able to occupy her ground; she still has the ascendency so far as
denominational interest is concerned.
At the present
time she has a membership of one hundred and 40, and many of her spiritual
children are scattered over the surrounding counties; and members annually have
taken letters and gone into the far west to build up the cause of Christ, and
bless the people, we trust. In the bounds of this church there is a large and
enlightened community. The congregations are large, orderly, and attentive. Her
membership has in it many young men and young women who are capable of
doing great things for Christ if they remain true in their profession. We
have also some aged soldiers of the cross, who have almost finished their
course; though this class is small compared with the aggregate. Most of our
earlier members, with our first pastor, have gone to their
reward.
Our present deacons are John
Herrin and James N. Challie. Our present Clerk is John W.
Herrin.
John Herrin
RETURN TO JENNINGS
COUNTY INGENWEB