A Short History of the
Martins Mills / Lutts
Baptist Church
Submitted by Herman Lindsey Stricklin of Florence, Alabama
Page created 10 November 2003
Martins Mills, Tennessee - March 29, 1896
Pursuant to previous appointments, the
following brethern were present. Ministers, Elds. R. S. Fleming, R. J. wood, J.
M. Wood, D. W. Horton, with a number of brethern from Philadelphia, Indian creek
and Leatherwood Churches.
After prayer by Eld. R. J. Wood, Elder R. J. Fleming read the
declaration of principles found in Pendleton's Manual, after which a call was
made for all who wished to go into the organization of a church at this place.
The following brethren and sisters came forward
Bro. D. W. Horton an ordained minister of the Indian Creek
Chruch
Dan Eaton and wife M. E. of Shady Grove
J. E. Lindsey and wife, S. E. of Shady Grove
M. P. Horton of Indian Creek Church
Dr. G. M. Beckham of Hillsboro, Texas
T. G. Davis and wife of Philadelphia Church
Will Davis and wife of Philadelphia Church
W. T. Woody, Emma Eaton, M. S. Rose of Shady Grove. Joe N.
Davis of Indian creek. Alpha Wilbanks, Matilda Lindsey of Shady Grove and N. J.
Lakey of Brutons Branch.
Elder R. S. Fleming read the church Covenant found in
Pendleton's Manuyal to the above who adopted the same. The right hand of
fellowship was then given to each other followed by the gioving of the right
hand of fellowship of visiting brethern and sisters, the best of feelings
prevailing.
The church then called Eld. R. S. Fleming to pastor them. The
Brethren were then ordained Deacons by the laying on of hands. The presbytery
composed of Elders R. S. Fleming, J. M. Wood and R. J. Wood. Bro. Fleming
offered the ordaining prayer.
The group adopted the name - Martins Mills Baptist Church.
The Church agreed to hold its monthly meeting on the first Sunday in each month
and on Saturday before. The meeting adjourned to meet Saturday before first
Sunday in May 1896 at 2:00 o'clock P.M. //s// Ray S. Fleming, Mod.
J. E. Lindsey C. Clk.
Martins Mills Church - May term 1896
Met at 2:00 p.m. - After preaching by Pastor
Fleming from Rom. 1 3:12, an opportunity was offered to receive members. Sisters
Margaret Horton, Amanda Horton and Sallie Estes were received by letter. Hettie
Wilbanks by experience. Reading the minutes of the last meeting was dispensed
with. Brethren D. W. Horton, Dr. G. M. Beckham and T. G. Davis were appointed
Trustees of the church house. W. T. Woody, Ida Duncan were appointed committee
on F. M. Etta Davis on Associational missions. Joe Davis on state missions and
Emma Eaton on Orphans Homes.
Pastor preached at 11:00 o'clock A.M. Sun. Received Ida
Duncan by recommendation and Alice Wilbanks by experience. A collection of 2.50
for State mission was taken. No further business the meeting was adjourned to
meet Sat. June 6, 1896 at 2:00 o'clock P.M. //s// Ray S. Fleming Mod. J.
E. Lindsey C. Clk.
Martins Mills Baptist Church, June term 1896,
met according to previous adjournment. Preaching by Pastor from the Text "Except
a man be born again and c." An opportunity was offered for joiners, called for
references. Read minutes of preceeding meeting. There being no deferred business
the Congregation repaired to the creek where pastor Fleming baptized sisters,
Hettie and Alice Wilbanks.
Sunday morning 11:00 o'clock. Met pursuant to adjournment.
The usual devotional exercises over there was preaching by pastor after which a
Communion service was held by Pastor Fleming. Visiting brethren and sisters were
invited to seats. The Congregation in singing a hymn and the meeting adjourned
without benediction. // Ray S. Fleming, Mod.; J. E. Lindsey, C.Clk.
Martins Mills Church, August term 1896.
Very good interest was manifested by the Congregation
resulting in several conversions. Received three by letter during the week to
wit: Sisters Sarah Harbin, Ella Rose and Janette Wilbanks.
A letter of dismission was called for and granted. Bro. Joe
Davis at the August term meeting [at the Oct term Bro. Pickney Horton and sister
Amanda Horton were granted letters of dismission on Sat. and three for Baptism
to wit: A. Harbin, Martha Harbin and Miss Fannie Gant. On Sunday following one
by recommendation to wit: Hettie Beckham. At 3:00 o'clock P.M. Bro. A. Harbin
and sisters, Fannie Gant and Martha Harbin were baptized.
[These minutes reflect the founding of the church. This first church book continues through the September term 1907. Mr. Lindsey writes, "A second record book, which we also have, kept by John D. Morgan, Church Clerk, records the minutes of the meeting held Sept. 2, 1937, when those surviving members of the Martins Mills congregation under the leadership of Elder L. W. Carlin, voted to move its meeting place from Martins Mills, Tennessee, to Lutts, Tennessee: 'And, that, this place be recognized hereafter as the permanent location of the church.' This record book continues from about 1939 to final entry dated Sep 18, 1957. For the years 1907 to 1938, and after 1957, I do not at present have access to whatever records have been kept for those periods"]