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Archiver > MSLAWREN > 2001-11 > 1006784481


From: Eddie Mikell <>
Subject: Five Years in South Mississippi, pages 84-85
Date: Mon, 26 Nov 2001 09:21:21 -0500


The town had been long so largely under Methodist influence that the
Baptists were nearly one half Wesleyans. As might have been expected they
were exceedingly timid about undertaking anything looking towards the
building up of the Baptist cause. Such a disposition was the natural result
of their position. They had long helped to support the Methodist circuit
rider, and lent half a mind to the recognition of Methodism. Yet there were
some genuine Baptist in Columbia, though they had become as a bottle in the
smoke. As is usual the out of town people thought that nothing could be
made out of Columbia, as if the Gospel were not intended for sinners, and as
if the kingdom of Christ were not to be established on the ruins of Satan's
power. The Lord had a word to be done in Columbia; yea, a work that must be
done, over all opposition. I held monthly meetings here on Saturday or
Sunday night, after preaching at Bunker Hill. In a few months we made an
effort to organize. One Monday morning we met in the courthouse, and the
following names were enrolled as members of the new church: Dr. M. L. Banks
and wife, J. W. Holleman, W. R. Mobly and wife, W. B. Fortenbury, Mrs E.
Fern. Mrs. Fern has since passed over the river. In a few weeks, the number
was doubled. Among the number of recruits was the family of a deceased
Baptist minister, Elder Dale, who had been killed in a cyclone at
Monticello, in the spring of the previous year. The family had since moved
to Columbia. This was a small beginning, but it was a tree of the Lord's
planting, and it has since grown and flourished, though they are still
worshipping in a borrowed house. Columbia had been a notoriously wicked
place. It furnished a fair example of what a public spirited and somewhat
cultivated place may be without the controlling influence of genuine piety.
There were, it is true, many pious people among the inhabitants. Many
generous, excellent people existed among the Methodist; but in point of real
Christian power and influence, the Methodist possessed little advantage over
their Baptist brethren. There were two or three saloons in the town, and
drinking and righting was the fashion, especially on public days. Balls
given in the courthouse were common and popular. Nearly all the young
people took part in them with zest, church members along with the balance.
But a better day was dawning for Columbia. The Methodist were building an
elegant house, and the Baptist were slowly but surely establishing
themselves, and sowing seed which should germinate and ripen into harvest.
The following letter received about this time explains itself:



Oxford, Miss.

Rev. T. S. Powell, Whitesand, Miss.

Dear Bro.: By this you will be reassured that I have not forgotten you. I
am now attending the University at Oxford, studying English under Professor
Johnson. I am highly pleased. I regret to hear of your sad bereavements.
Surely the Lord is dealing very sorely with you; yet He knows best. How are
you pleased with your field? What does it pay? Do you ever think of going
to the Seminary? I think of preaching a year before I go. I need rest. I may
go right on; however, I think I would like a country pastorate. Should you
wish to go to the Seminary I might take your field, if agreeable
arrangements could be made. There are plenty of fields, but I would prefer a
country pastorate. Bro Anding is preparing to go to the Seminary. He means
to go to Louisville in February. I wish you every success Please write me
at Oxford, I am

Fraternally

J. G. Chastain.



Bro. Chastain had graduated from Mississippi College the year before. I had
been pleasantly associated


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