Corresponding the Harvest Gleaner periodical
– published October 28, 1896, p. 4 – Angus M. Stewart wrote,
Bryan,
Texas.
Bro. Jenkins,
“Have
just returned from our Association. Had a most pleasant session. It was the
best attended in the history of the association, a spirit of progress and
aggressive work seemed to pervade the entire body. A cultured and intellectual
minister, who had held important pastorals in this state and Nebraska, united
with us from the Missionary Baptist denomination, evidently actuated by the
most conscientious convictions.
“Had
it not been for the hard times the Gleaner would
have some substantial help, all that could be done was to recommend that the
ministers and delegates do all possible toward its support rustling
subscriptions.
“At
the same time and place a preliminary organization of a convention of Texas
Free or Freewill Baptists was made. The constitution is such that all Liberal
Baptists, the main feature of whose work is identical, may participate in its
work. The main object of this convention is to unite the various bodies of Free
or Liberal Baptists, and to secure co-operation in general church work in the
state. Officers are A. M. Stewart, Bryan, Tex., president, Joseph Apperson,
Lone Star, Tex., and A. G. Graham, Aldorado, Tex.,[i]
vice-presidents, C. W. Turrell, Taylor, Tex.,[ii] secretary,
J. W. Orr, Hollis, Texas, assistant secretary, and W. T. Wood, Welborne, Tex.,
Treasurer. We invite correspondence with all Liberal Baptists in the State.
A. M.
Stewart”
In September 16 through October 7, 1896, of
available issues of the Gleaner, A. M. Stewart’s address is St. Louis, Mo., but
in the October 14 issue (p. 4) he is listed at Bryan, Tex., with this note from the
Editor:
STEWART.
“Rev. A. M. Stewart has changed P. O. from St.
Louis Mo. to Bryan Tex. We are glad to welcome brother Stewart back, and still
gladder to note that arrangements have been made, that he will continue in the
field, as an evangelist. He has been very successful in the West, and we expect
much good to result from the action of the Texas association. We congratulate
them, and pray for God’s blessing upon the work.”
[i] Aldorado, Tex is probably
an error. There is Eldorado in Schleicher County, Texas, and Alvarado in
Johnson County, Texas. A. G. Graham may be Arthur
George “A. G.” Graham buried at Salem Cemetery, Lavaca County, Texas.
This A. G. Graham was in Glen Rose, Somervell County in 1899, which is a
neighbor to Johnson County.
[ii] C. W. Turrell is
identified in another note by the editor, J. H. Jenkins, as the “cultured and
intellectual minister” who came over from the Missionary Baptists. Turrell’s
church hosted a convention of Missionary Baptists meeting at Taylor on June 4 (The Galveston Daily News, Thursday, June
4, 1896 page 3; Austin Weekly Statesman,
Thursday, June 11, 1896, page 11), but he was with the Free Will Baptists by
October. C. W. Turrell apparently moved on to the Christian Church and served
with them (The Lampasas Leader,
Friday, December 30, 1898, p. 1).
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