Midway Baptist Church

 

This church is situated north of Ft. Gaines in Clay County Georgia. It joined the Bethel Association in 1884, at its session held with Bethel Church in Randolph County. The present total membership is about 107. Brother W. J. Patterson was reported as its first pastor and J. E. Methvin, was the first Clerk. Brethren W. E. Gay and R. G. Gay were its first messengers to the Bethel Association. Its membership in 1884 was 46.

Its pastors in their state of order were: Rev. W. H. Patterson from 1884 to 1890, baptizing 43 members into the church. He was followed by Bro. J. S. Knowles from 1891 for several years. The length of time is not indicated by the Minutes. Baptisms reported during that time were 16. Then came Bro. J. I. D. Miller in 1897. No report of baptisms. He was followed by Rev. W. A. Mabry, baptisms 5. Then Bro. A. E. Keese became pastor there in 1901 to 1907 14 baptisms reported. Bro. C. White served as pastor in 1908. No report for 1909. In 1910 Bro. J. W. Watson was pastor. No report in 1913. He was followed by Rev. H. O. Fowler. Then came Brother H. N. Massey for 1915, 1916 and 1917. Baptisms reported 6. Bro. J. R. Griffith became pastor in 1918 and served through 1921, baptizing 6.  No report for 1932 ( I think it should have been 1922 but just typing it as it is from book). Brother H. H. Shirley became pastor in 1923 and served through 1924, baptizing 12. Bro. Broome began his pastorate in 1925 and served for five years, followed by Bro. J. W. Farmer in 1930 and 1931. Baptisms reported 11.

 

    The Clerks have been as follows: Bro. J. E. Methvin was first clerk and served through the year 1884. He was followed by Bro. R. G. Gay from 1885 to 1891. Then came Bro. T. J. Methvin who served for ten years until 1902. Then Bro. W. E. Gay became clerk for 2 years, 1902 to 1904. Bro. M.A. Lokey became clerk in 1904 and has served continuously since that date nearly twenty years.

  This file contributed by 
Charlene Parker <laurel43@bellsouth.net> Sep 2002

 

Midway Church located North of Fort Gaines on Highway 39 was formed in 1892 as Union Church being the community church for Baptist and Methodist.  Later the Methodist withdrew and joined the New Lowell Church.  Rev. W. J. Patterson was the  first pastor and J. E. Methvin the first clerk.  W. E. Gay and R. G. Gay were the first delegates to the Association.  Other family names associated with this church are Lokey and King.

Submitted by Donna Eldridge < DonnaEldrid@aol.com >

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