GAWILKIN-L Archives

From: Crilley <>
Subject: [GAWILKIN-L] New Providence pt 3
Date: Thu, 06 Dec 2001 14:01:03 -0600

The old building, completed nearly seventy-five years ago, still stands at
New Providence. The once fertile lands are now washed into gullies, the
antebellum homesteads are now occupied by freedmen of the race which was
once in slavery, the old fields cultivated three generations ago are grown
up in short-leaf pines, and the large-eyed owl sits blinking in the old oak
adorned with pendant Spanish moss, as he mourns in doleful cadence
concerning days agone. The whip-poor-will's plaintive voice is heard in
the thickets surrounding the old church of an evening. The fresh sweet
notes of the swamp sparrows are heard in the deep foliage of the ancient
trees that adorn the cemetery, and a sacred quietness and stillness hovers
over the scene like a benediction. In these sacred precincts the shouts of
new born souls were heard in the forties of last century. The
grandchildren of these converts are now shaping the commercial and
intellectual development of the Wiregrass. Some of these descendants are
housed in mansions in the cities. some of them are directing the
destination of thousands of carloads of merchandise throughout the state.
Others are among the common multitudes which make up our common life.

Blessed by the memory of New Providence, here sainted constituencies, and
her blessed accomplishments. The writer had the pleasure of serving as
pastor here abotu the year 1902, when the church allowed him an eight month
leave of absence to complete his course in the Seminary at Louisville, Ky.

It appears proper to quote from the records of August 12, 1837, the tribute
paid by the church to its former pastor, Rev. John Ross, who was
prominently associated with all the early movements of the organized life
of Georgia Baptists.

"Resolved, That we as a church and as individuals consider the death of the
Rev. John Ross, late of Upson County, as a public calamity. That we cherish
the recollection of his residence among us and love to think of him as our
affectionate friend, a kind neighbor, and a faithful and laborious minister
of the gospel. Nor will we forget who have had the privilege of sitting
under his ministry, the pleasant smile, the tearful eye, the thrilling
voice, which gave evidence of his deep solicitude for the salvation of
those to whom he preached the gospel of his blessed Lord. His favorite
theme was the cross of Christ, and the tidings of a revival, the conversion
of sinners, the restoration of a backslider, or any mark of the presence of
the Lord among his people never failed to touch his heart. And while he
listened to the pleasing communication, the tear would steal down his
cheek, and again and again would we hear the hear the expression which he
often used: 'Blessed be God Almighty for that". In the public effort of
the church to spread teh gospel and do good to man he stood of the
foremost, and long will his zeal and humility and devotedness be remembered
by those who labored with him in advancing the cause he so much loved.
Truly it may be said of our dear departed brother that like his Master he
went about doing good, and seemed to love the work.
"Resolved, That we sympathize with his bereaved family and a copy of this
resolution be forwarded to them.
Entered according to order of conference.
J.V. Chewning, Clerk

Virginia Crilley

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