Pleasant Grove Church Records

There are several Pleasant Grove churches within the history of Liberty County. These are the records of the now-defunct Pleasant Grove Methodist Church that was an offshoot of the Midway Congregational Church. Founded in the early 1800’s, it was attended by both white and black – enslaved and free – members, and these records include both. [African American records start on page 17.]

The white membership of the church later founded the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church in Fleming, Liberty County, which still exists.

As for the location of this Pleasant Grove, in 1838 when Roswell King Junior bought the South Hampton plantation from Barrington King, the Pleasant Grove church was described as occupying one acre of the plantation “near the Corkers plantation.”

These records were found in the Georgia Department of Archives and History, with the title “1815-1835 Church Register, Pleasant Grove Methodist Church, Fleming, Liberty Co, Ga,” in 1994 by my cousin Jerry Crosby, who gave me a copy in 2017, which I have transcribed below. The original was held by Marie Cofer of the Mt. Olivet Methodist Church. I have been in contact with her descendants, who say the location of the original is no longer known.

Although the records were titled 1815-1835, there are records included through the end of the 1800’s, including hymns that were written in the late 1800’s. It appears that the original church records may have been mixed with other records of the church by the time it was provided to the Georgia Archives. All has been transcribed here, with footnotes where I found some additional information. Items in brackets [] and the footnotes were added by me; question marks are used where I could not read the handwriting.

The original handwriting was difficult to read. If you see something you believe should be corrected, please contact me (jnscole@yahoo.com). I have also researched many of the people mentioned in the records, so if you interested in someone in particular, please feel free to contact me.

Transcription by Stacy Ashmore Cole, 2017

[Page 1]

[Words illegible] this society

18[7 or 9]6

[Words obscured by spot]

Given By: John Ponsheer

E????

Liberty County

Pleasant Grove Methodist Church

Records

[Page 2]

When Admitted On Trial with Proper Date

Joseph Ashmore	M	June 1815
William Ponsheer	S	June 1815
Cor[nelius] M Williams	M	July 27, 1815
Daniel Broughton	M	Oct 25, 1815
James Corker	S	Oct 25, 1825¹
James Sandifort	M	March 5, 1816
John Williams	S	March 5, 1816
Amos Blackman	S	March 5, 1816
James Law	S	April 1, 1816
Joab Ferriss	M	Sept 18, 1816
John Ponsheer	S	May 4, 1823
Uriah Oriley	–	May 19, 1824
Samuel Lines	M	Sept 8^th, 1826
Daniel S. Broughton		Again received August 8, 1828
Strong Ashmore		August 8^th, 1828
Daniel Ashmore		August 8^th, 1828
Robert Caulwell²		Sept 14, 1829
Bro. Shaw		August 19, 1830

1Probably should be 1815

2Possibly Caldwell

[Page 3]

When Admitted on Trial with Date

Ann Ashmore	M	June 1815
Han[n]ah Farrow¹	S	Oct 25, 1815
Margaret Williams	M	March 5, 1816
Susannah S. Miers²	S	March 5, 1816
Margreat Williams Sen.	M	March 5, 1816
Elizabeth Broughton	M	April 1, 1816
Elizabeth Ferriss Jun.	[?]	May 28, 1816
Elizabeth Ferriss Sen.	M	Sept 18, 1816
Sarah R. Ashmore	S	Sep 8^th, 1826
Mar[tha] Ashmore	S	Sept 8, 1826
Eliza Ashmore	S	Sept 8, 1826
Eliza Stutson	M	At the Camp meeting – 1826
Margaret Todd	S	1829
Jane Todd	S	1829
Mary Islands	S	June 7, 1829
Eliza A. Stutson³	S	Sept 14, 1829 at Camp meeting
P. Caulwell⁴		Sept 14, 1829
Margreat Williams	S	Nov 23 1829 P Grove
Caroline Hendley	S	Nov 23, 1829 P Grove
Sister Shaw		August 19, 1830

1Also seen spelled Farrar in other historical references

2Alt. Spelling: Myers

3Could be a different name. No one by that name found in records.

4Possibly Caulwell

[Page 4]

When Entered into Full Connection With Date

Joseph Ashmore	M	March 31, 1816
William Ponsheer	S	March 31, 1816
Cor[nelius] M. Williams	M	April 30, 1816
James Corker	S	April 30, 1816
Dan Broughton	M	April 30, 1816
John Williams	S	Sept 18, 1816
Amus Blackman¹	S	Sept 18, 1816
James Law	M	Nov 17, 1816
John Ponsheer	S	Feb 15, 1824
Samuel Lines	M	Sept 20, 1827
Thomas J. Shephard		Received Nov 1829

1First name should likely be Amos

[Page 5]

When Admitted Into Full Connection

Ann Ashmore	M	August 18, 1816
Hannah Farrow	S	April 30, 1816
Margaret Williams Sen.	M	Sept 18, 1816
Susannah S. Miers¹	S	Sept 18, 1816
Margaret Williams Jun.	M	Sept 18, 1816
Martha Ponsheer	M [no date listed]	Received from another society
Cor. Lines Received from	M	New Hope S.. May 19, 1824
Sarah R. Ashmore	S	Sept 20, 1827
Mary Ashmore	S	Sept 20, 1827
Eliza Ashmore	S	Sept 20, 1827
Susan Shephard		Received Nov 1829

1Alt. Spelling: Myers

[Page 6]

When Put Back

Put Back: Cor[nelius] M. Williams Six months on trial at which time will be expelled unless he reforms. May 6, 1819. By James Hutto

Hannah Farrow having bin [been] charged with raising an untrue report on herself mak[e]s confession and says she don[e] so hoping that good might come of it. She is al[l]owed to remain in the Society without any punishment more than to humbly to make [illegible] and to be sens[i]ble she has don[e] wrong before the Society and Rev. J. Snead.

On this day June 16 1826.

[Page 7]

When Expelled With the Cause

Expelled	James Sandifort for Sundry Charges by John Bunch with this Society May 17, 1817
Expelled	William Ponsheer for apostasy by John Bunch and this Society June 15, 1817
Expelled	Daniel Broughton for apostasy by John Bunch and this Society June 15, 1817
Expelled	James Corker for sundry charges by John Bunch [crossed out] James Hutto and this Society March 2d, 1819
Expelled	Amos Blackman for profane swearing and other causes by James Hutto and this Society May 6, 1819
Expelled	John F. Williams for absenting himself from Church and other causes by James Hutto and this Society June 2d, 1819
Expelled	James Law for apostasy by James Hutto and this Society June 2d, 1819
Expelled	Joab Farress for absenting himself from Church and never giving any reason by A. Morgan and this Society July 3d, 1823
Expelled	Uriah Oriley for raising an ill report and for improper conduct towards a female June 16, 1826 by the Rev. J. Snead & Society

[Page 8]

When Expelled and For What

Expelled

Elizath Farriss for absenting herself from Church and never giving any reason by A.. Morgan and this Society July 3d, 1823

[Page 9]

Of Baptisms of Males

Strong Ashmore the son of Joseph Ashmore and Ann Ashmore was born July 10, 1810 and baptised June 1815 by Rev. Bell

Daniel Ashmore the son of John Ashmore and Sarah Ashmore was baptised by James Hutto March 4, 1816

Francis B. Williams the son of Cor. Williams and Margreat Williams was baptised by the Rev. Jame Hutto June 26, 1816

William Hendley the son of Samuel Hendley and Margreat Hendley was born January 1, 1812 and baptised Oct. 25, 1816 by the Rev. James Hutto

M. Williams the son of Cor. M. Williams and Margreat Williams was baptised Oct 5, 1817 by John Bunch

Joab Farress adult was baptised Feb 2, 1819 by the Rev. James Hutto

Joseph Ashmore the son of Joseph Ashmore and Ann Ashmore was born April 15^th 1819 and baptised July 28 1819 by the Rev. James Hutto

John Sloman the son of Joseph Ashmore and Ann his wife was born Jan 9^th 1824 and was baptised June 28 1824 by the Rev. A. Morgan Pleasant Grove

William A. Ponsher the son of William and Martha Ponsher was born the 2d of Jan, 1824 and was baptised the 24 of Jan 1825 by the Rev. A. Morgan. Pleasant Grove

Cor. W. Broughton son of Daniel & Elizabeth Broughton was baptised 23 Nov 1829 by D. F. Wade [word]

Daniel J. E. Broughton the son of Daniel and Elizabeth Broughton was baptised 23 Nov 1829 by D.F. Wade

[Page 10]

Of Baptisms Females

Han[n]ah Farrow adult was baptised March the 4, 1816 by the Rev. James Hutto

Elizabeth Sandifort was baptised March 4, 1816 by the Rev. James Hutto

Elizabeth Farress adult was baptised June 26 1816 by the Rev. James Hutto

Mary Findley was baptised June 26 1816 by the Rev. James Hutto

Caroline Hendley was baptised Oct 25 1816 by James Hutto

Eliza Ashmore the daughter of Joseph Ashmore and Ann Ashmore was born April 16 1812 and baptised June 1815 by the Rev. Bell

Elizabeth A.T. Ashmore the daughter of Joseph Ashmore and Ann Ashmore was born May 8 1815 and was baptised June 1815 by the Rev. Bell

Catharine S. Ashmore the daughter of Joseph Ashmore and Ann Ashmore was born Nov 2 1817 and was baptised April 18 1818 by the Rev. Charles Dickerson

Margreat Broughton the daughter of Daniel Broughton and Elizabeth Broughton was baptised April 19 1818 by the Rev. Charles Dickerson

Catherine E. Broughton the daughter of Dan and Elizabeth Broughton was baptised 23 Nov 1829 by D. F. Wade Pleasant Grove

Mary E. S. Carter daughter of R.B. and Martha E. Carter was baptised on Sept 13 1836 [or 1831] by Rev. Wright

[Page 11]

Of Baptisms

James S. Ashmore the son of Strong & Caroline Ashmore was born Oct. 24^th 1833, Thursday eve.

John Ashmore, son of Caroline & Strong Ashmore was born August 30^th 1835 Sunday eve.

James S. and John Ashmore were baptised in Pleasant Grove Church by Rev. Remshart¹

1Spelling of name in doubt

[Page 12]

Of Baptisms

Catherine A.R. Sims, daughter of Mary & Simeon Sims was born September 1^st 1848 Friday eve and baptised December 24^th 1848 by Rev. Farmer

[Page 13]

Baptisms

Mary E. Carter the daughter of Richard B. & Martha E. Carter was born July 16^th 1835

[Page 14]

Of Marriages

Cor. M. Williams and Margreat Hendley Wid[ow] was married March 4 1816 by the Rev. James Hutto

John S. Quarterman and Susannah S. Myers was married Feb 19 1817 by the Rev. Murdock Murphey

Cor. M. Williams and Mrs. Mary Thorp was married the 12 of Feb 1818 by the Rev. Jacob Dunham

Strong Ashmore and Caroline Hendley was united in marriage by John C Carter Feb 28 1832

Mr. R.B. Carter & Miss Martha E. Ashmore was united in marriage October 12^th 1834 by the Rev. C.C. Jones

[Page 15]

Deaths

Sarah Ashmore died [both June and May, written over each other] 12^th 1847.

Aged about 75 years

John Ashmore was born Nov 6^th 1767

-died December 16^th 1849

aged 82 years 1 month 10 days

[Page 16]

Of Deaths

Elizabeth Farres died August 18 1816. She died a good member of our Society.

Elizabeth A.T. Ashmore died July 17 1819 after a short illness of five days fever Saturday about 11 o’clock.

Catherine S. Ashmore departed this life after an illness of 12 days fever Friday about 9 o’clock in the morning August 27 1819.

Margreat Williams the wife of Cor. Williams departed this life August 7 1822 a good member.

Margreat Williams the wife of Cor. M. Williams departed this life on Saturday June 21 1817 a common member of our Society.

Susan Shephard the wife of Tho. J. Shephard departed this life on Friday night 26 Feb 1830. Our sister died in the [one word illegible] of faith in Jesus.

Eliza Stutson the wife of D. Stutson departed this life near Christmas 1831

Joseph Ashmore [Jr crossed out, Sr written in] Departed this life December 26^th 1832 a good member of the Methodist Church.

Age 41 years 1 month 11 days

Strong Ashmore died August 22d 1847 aged 37 years one month 12 days. 19 years an acceptable member of the Methodist E. Church.

Ann V. Ashmore died May 12^th 1871 about sunrise.

[Page 17]

For The Colored People

[Page 18]

When Received On Trial

Cor. Williams	Toney	Feb 6^th, 1816
Benjaman Law	Primos +	Feb 6, 1816
Benjaman Law	Antoney +	Feb 6, 1816
Free	Jesse	May 20, 1816
Charles West	September +	Oct 16, 1816
Mr. LeCount	Parres	August 25, 1818
N Law	Stephen	May 4, 1823
N Law	August	June 28, 1824
N Law	John	Jan 2, 1825
Samuel Lines	Harry	Not well known
John Ashmore	Abram	February 1830
Jos[eph] Ashmore	Toby	In summer 1830
Mr. John Ashmore	Saul	In the year 1831
Mr. N Law	Tarter	March 2th, 1832

[Page 19]

When Received On Trial

Charles West	Hagar +	02/06/16
B. Law	Rose	April 1^st 1816
B. Law	Cate	April 1^st 1816
Thos. Bradwell	Mary	April 1^st 1816
B. Law	[Cate crossed out]	May 28 1816
D. Lines	[Name crossed out – looks like Affee]	August 18 1816
M. Williams	Semmer	August 25 1818
N. Law	Abby	May 4 1823
Benjaman Law	Dinah	June 2d 1824
Benjaman Law	Silva	June 2d 1824
N. Law	Sari	Jan 2 1825
N. Law	?Muner?	Jan 2 1825
N. Law	Rachel	Jan 2 1825
Mr McIvins¹	?Hariot?	March 3 1832
Mr. N. Law	Cinder	March 3 1832
Mr. N. Law	Lucy	March 3 1832

1Or McIvens

[Page 20]

[No Heading]

Joseph A. Carter son of R.B. & M. Eliza Carter died Nov 2d 1843

C.E. Carter died Oct 3 1844

Richard R. Carter died Aug 22d 1851

Celestia M. Carter died Aug 4^th 1853

Lovick W. Carter died Aug. 11^th 1853

Clinton S. Carter died June 3d 1864

Minnie Scaff nee Carter died Aug. 30^th 1903

[Page 21]

[No heading]

Alexander Wood son of Thomas & Isabel Wood was born 15^th [no month given] 1768

Ann Chesher was born the 12^th of Jan 1790

Alexander Wood was married to Ann Chesher on 31^st of Jan. 1805

Thomas Wood son of Alexander Wood & Ann Wood was born 8^th of Jan 1806.

Thomas Wood son of Alexander & Ann Wood died the ? Of Oct 1806.

Alexander Wood son of Thomas & Isabel Wood died Mar 25^th 1808.

Rosie O. Keith daughter of James H. and Harriet E. Keith was born Jan 28^th 1860.

Joseph S. Keith son of James H. and Harriet E. Keither was born Dec 31^st 1861

Rosie O. Keith was married to W. W. Olliff May 18^th 1881

R. Keith Olliff was born July 15^th 1882 and died Aug. 27^th 1883

J. Lee Keith died March 13^th 1884

[Page 22]

[No Heading]

Jos. Ashmore son of John & Sarah Ashmore was born Nov. 15^th 1791

Was married to Ann V. Grant (nee Chesser) on Wednesday the 5^th of July 1809

Strong Ashmore son of Joseph & Ann Ashmore July 10^th 1810

Martha Eliza Ashmore was born April 16^th 1812

E.A. Turner Ashmore was born May 8^th 1815

Catherine S. Ashmore was born Nov 23d 1817

Joseph Ashmore was born April 15^th 1819

Esther S. Ashmore was born Oct. 22d 1822

John S. Ashmore was born Jan 9^th 1824

Sarah U. Ashmore was born Sept. 25^th 1830

Mary E.S. Carter was born July 16^th 1835

Annie Carter was born March 7^th 1838

Joseph A. Carter was born Dec 13^th 1840

C. Ellen Carter was born March 30^th 1848

Minnie L. Carter was born July 4 1845

R.R. Carter was born Oct 10 1847

Celestia Morton Carter Feb 1^st 1851

L. W. Carter was born May 23 1853

Clinton L. Carter was born March 23d 1855

[Page 23]

Of Baptisms of Slaves

1816 March 5^th baptised	Toney	By James Hutto
1816 March 5^th baptised	Primos	By James Hutto
1816 March 5th baptised	Antoney	By James Hutto
1816 June 26 baptised	Jesse	By James Hutto
1816 Oct 25 baptised	September	By James Hutto
1821 August 5 baptised	Parres	By Josiah Eveans
1823 May 4 baptised	Stephen	By A. Turner
1824 June 2 baptised	Dinah	By A. Morgan
1824 June 2d baptised	Silva	By A. Morgan
1824 June 28^th baptised	August	By A. Morgan
1827 April 6^th baptised	Harry	By Rev. Samuel Dunwody
1830 December 10^th	Abram	By the Rev W. J. Jackson
1832 Feb 28 baptised	Saul	By the Rev. John C. Carter
1832 Feb 28 baptised	Toby	By the Rev. John C. Carter
1832 May 20 baptised	Tarter	By the Rev. John C. Carter

[Page 24]

Of Baptism Into Full Connection

1816 March 5^th	Hagar+	Baptised by James Hutto
1816 April 1^st	Rosa	Baptised by James Hutto
1816 April 1^st	Cate Jr	Baptised by James Hutto
1816 June 26	Mary [crossed out]	Baptised by James Hutto
1816 Oct 25	[Crossed out – looked like Affes]	Baptised by James Hutto
1821 August 5	Semmer	Baptised by Josiah [name illegible]
1823 May 4	Abby	Baptised by A. Turner
1832 May 20	Cinder	Baptised by the Rev. John Carter

[Page 25]

When Again Received

Toney belonging to Mr. Corker again received by this Society 1830

[Page 26]

No Night in Heaven¹

No night shall be in Heaven; no gathering gloom

Shall o’er that glorious landscape ever come;

No tears shall fall in sadness o’er those flowers

That breathe their fragrance through celestial bowers.

No night shall be in Heaven; forbid to sleep

These eyes no more their mournful vigils keep;

Their fountains dried, their tears all wiped away,

They gaze undazzled on eternal day.

No night shall be in Heaven; no sorrow reign

No secret anguish, no corporeal pain,

No shivering limbs, no burning fever there,

No soul’s eclipse, no winter of despair.

No night shall be in Heaven, but endless noon;

No fast declining sun, no waning moon,

But there the lamb shall yield perpetual [light]

Mid pastures green, and waters ever bright.

No night shall be in Heaven, no darkened room,

No bed of death, nor silence of the tomb,

But breezes ever fresh with love and [truth]

Shall brace the frame with an immortal youth.

No night shall be in Heaven, but night is here.

The night of sorrow, and the night of fear.

I mourn the ills that now my steps [attend]

And shrink from others that may yet [impend].

No night shall be in Heaven; Oh, had I faith

To rest in what the faithful witness saith,

That faith should make these hideous phantoms [flee]

And leave no night henceforth on earth to me.

Finis

1 Original written by Thomas Raffles. See “Heavenward: a Collection of Hymns and Poems of Consolation” from Google Books for this version. (There are other versions.) Where there are brackets, the original text was cut off.

[Page 27]

When Again ???

The Angel Child¹

She may not return, but to her thou shalt go,

When thy days are numbered and finished below;

And it may to thy angel child be given

First to meet and to welcome her mother to Heaven;

And there, reunited to part nevermore,

One song shall ye sing and one Saviour adore.

Our Dear Ones²

God gives us ministers of love,

Which we regard not, being near;

Death takes them from us, then we feel

That angels have been with us here.

1 See book “Golden Thoughts on Mother, Home, and Heaven: From Poetic and Prose Libeterature of All Ages and All Lands, Vol. 1” in Google Books, Bradley, Garretson, 1882.. “The Angel-Child” listed as composed by Mrs. C.L. Rice.

2 According to quotes.yourdictionary.com, this was composed by James Aldrich, an editor and minor poet, who lived July 14, 1810 – September 9, 1856.

[Page 28]

When Expelled

Expelled: September belonging to Doctor West for sundry charges June 1819 – James Hutto

Expelled: Anthony and Primos for many offenses belonging to Mr. B. Law July 3 1823 – Morgan

Expelled: Toney belonging to Mr. James Corker for not giving satisfaction to the Society March 3 1826 by the Society and ?Bro? Snead

Cate and Silva dismissed from the Society this 3th of March 1832 belonging to Mr. William Law

[Page 29]

Untitled¹

1– What vessel are you sailing in,

Pray tell to me its name?

Our vessel is the ark of God,

And Christ our Captain’s name –

Then hoist your sail to catch the gale.

Each sailor ply his oar.

The night begins to wear away,

We soon shall reach the shore.

2– And what’s the port you’re sailing for

Pray tell to me straightaway!

The New Jerusalem’s the port,

And realms of endless day.

3– Our compass is the Sacred Word,

Our anchor blooming Hope.

The love of God our maintop sail,

And faith our cable rope.

4—We’ve looked astern and many a storm

The Lord hath brought us through.

We are looking now ahead and lo!

The land appears in view.

5– The sun is up, the clouds are gone,

The heavens above are clear.

A city bright appears in light.

We’re getting round the pier.

1 Text continued on next page. This version found in Google Books: “Songs of Zion, for social and public worship: suitable for all denominations,” Masters Smith & Co, 1857. Slightly different versions found elsewhere.]

[Page 30]

[Continued]

And when we all are landed safe

On that celestial plain,

Our song shall be “worthy the Lamb

For rebel sinners slain.”

[Page 31]

Deaths

?Affee? belonging to Mr. D. Lines departed this life a good member of our Society.

Mr Law’s Cate departed this life a member of our Society.

[Page 32]

Deaths

Free Jesse departed this life a good member of our Society an old man and full of days

[Page 33]

Untitled¹

Pass me not, O gentle Saviour.

Hear my humble cry.

While on others thou art smiling,

Do not pass me by.

Saviour, Saviour, hear my humble cry.

While on others thou art calling,

Do not pass me by.

Let me at a throne of mercy

Find a sweet relief.

Kneeling there in deep contrition,

Help my unbelief.

Trusting only in Thy merit,

Would I seek thy face;

Heal my wounded spirit,

Save me by thy grace.

Thou the spring of all my [comfort],

More than life to me.

Whom have I on earth beside Thee,

Who in heaven but Thee.

1 Said to have been composed by Frances J. Crosby in 1868. She apparently changed the text from “thou art smiling” to “thou art calling” but note that this text has both. Said to have first appeared in Songs of Devotion, 1870. https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/resources/history-of-hymns-pass-me-not-o-gentle-savior]

[Page 34]

Untitled¹

Wandering afar from the dwellings of men,

Hear the sad cry of the lepers ten.

Jesus have mercy, bring healing divine.

One came to worship but where are the nine?

Where are the nine, where are the nine?

Loudly the stranger sang praise to the Lord,

Knowing the cure had been wrought by His word,

Gratefully owning the healer divine,

Jesus says tenderly “Where are the nine?”

“Who is this Nazarene?” Pharisees say;

“Is he the Christ? Tell us plainly we pray.”

Multitudes follow Him seeking a sign.

Show them his mighty works. Where are the nine?

Jesus on trial today we can see,

Thousands deriding ask “Who is he?”

How they’re rejecting him your Lord & [mine].

Bring in the witnesses – where are the nine?

1 Words and music by Philip P. Bliss, 1838-1876. http://cyberhymnal.org/htm/w/h/e/whernine.htm

http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/w/h/e/whernine.htm

[Page 35]

Untitled¹

Ho! my comrades see the signals

Waving in the sky!

Reinforcements now appearing,

Victory is nigh.

Hold the fort for I am coming

Jesus signals still.

Wave the answer back to heaven.

By His grace we will.

See the mighty host advancing,

Satan leading on.

Mighty men around us falling,

Courage almost gone.

See the Saviour’s banner waving,

Hear the bugle blow.

In our leader’s name we’ll triumph,

Over every foe.

Fierce and long the battle wages,

But our help is near;

Onward comes our great commander,

Cheer, my comrades, cheer.

1 According to “Born in the U.S.A.: The Myth of American Popular Music From Colonial Times to the Present, by Timothy E. Scheurer, published by University Press of Mississippi, Jan 20, 2012, this song was written by Phillip Paul Bliss in 1870. Called “Hold the Fort,” it was based on Sherman’s wigwagged message to a Federal unit holding a besieged position at Allatoona Pass near Atlanta in 1864: “General Sherman says hold fast. We are coming.” “Eventually this revival hymn was made into a labor song by the Knights of Labor and the British Transport Workers in the 1890s and entered the IWW Songbook in 1914.”

https://books.google.com/books?id=yGu1viYyf1kC&pg=PA84&lpg=PA84&dq=in+our+leader%27s+name+we%27ll+triumph+over+every+foe&source=bl&ots=QCjg6_aPFi&sig=e3AnudlkKayedF8d-d-WvqDUcEg&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiYk9mm4ZrUAhVJ2yYKHWfUA3QQ6AEIRTAJ#v=onepage&q=in%20our%20leader’s%20name%20we’ll%20triumph%20over%20every%20foe&f=false

[Page 36]

Untitled¹

When our work is ended we shall sweetly rest,

Mid the sainted spirits safe on Jesus’ breast.

All our trials over we shall gladly sing,

“Grave, where is thy victory? Death, where is thy [sting]?”

Cho.

When the dark waves roll high we will be und[ismayed].

Let us pass over the river & rest under the shade,

Rest under the shade. Rest under the shade [of the] trees.

Earth hath many sorrows but they cannot last.

All our greatest troubles quickly will be past.

If we look to Jesus, he will give us strength,

By his grace we shall be conquerors at length.

When the storm is over sweet will be the calm.

After life’s long battle, bright the victor’s palm.

And the cross of anguish which now weighs us down,

We’ll exchange in heaven for a shining crown.

1 https://books.google.com/books?id=lVJIAAAAYAAJ&pg=PA136&lpg=PA136&dq=when+the+dark+waves+roll+high+we+will+be+undismayed&source=bl&ots=W4iieBnKDh&sig=FuxZ5Ob3Dwya3Aa18ZOT58Pye6g&hl=en&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjSyN6M6ZrUAhWE7iYKHb3_D5MQ6AEIODAF#v=onepage&q=when%20the%20dark%20waves%20roll%20high%20we%20will%20be%20undismayed&f=false

[Page 37]

[One word illegible] of our Preachers and the Year¹

Elijah Bird formed this Society [month illegible] 10th 1815

1816 James Hutto who was our first regular preacher

1817 John Bench – Zac[hariah or Zacchens] Dowling

1818 Charles Dickerson – Jeremiah Fr[e]eman

1819 James Hutto

1820 A[sbury] Morgan – [prob Nathaniel] Rhodes

1821 Josiah ?Ivens? [possibly Joseph Evens] – [prob Joshua] Glenn

1822 Thomas S. Winn – Wade

1823 A. Morgan

1824 A. Morgan

1825 N[oah?] Laney

1826 ?J? Snead

1827 Samuel Dunwoody

1828 John H. Macy

1829 D. F. Wade

1830 William J. Jackson & Davis

1831 James Dunwoody & ?J?.D. ?Purify? [probably Purefoy – based on Taylor’s Creek book]

1832 John C. Carter & L. C. ?Peck?

1 Names without question marks confirmed by the Taylors Creek Community book, p. 60, Part II

They Had Names

African Americans in Early Records of Liberty County, Georgia

Pleasant Grove Church Records

Transcription by Stacy Ashmore Cole, 2017

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