Chapter 5

Old California State
Missionary Baptist Association

The great influx of Landmark Baptist people from the states of Oklahoma, Texas and Arkansas resulted in the organization of many churches in California, which proved to be a asset in later years to Landmark work. The first great event in the thirties was the organization of the new California Association in 1933, by four churches that had previously represented in the Eastern Baptist Association of California and Oregon. The following account was given: "The churches to enter the Baptist Missionary Association of California are the churches at Oroville, Roseville, Berkley and Ducor. The arrangement will be satisfactory because of the great distance separating the churches of lower California from those in Oregon. We feel that the step is progressive and will ultimately be the means of strengthening the work of true Baptist on the Pacific Coast." In reading the minutes of the Eastern Baptist Association of California and Oregon for 1931-32 it is very clear that the new Association being formed was in complete harmony with all the churches. The constitution adopted by the newly formed association was patterned after both the Middle Oregon and Eastern Baptist Association of California and Oregon.

The following section is taken from the Landmark 50th Jubilee which the California State Missionary Baptist Association published in 1981. Some deletions have been made. The "heart" of this yearbook is the history section. Many hours of work have gone into preparing this section for print. Elder A. A. Harris supplied the work and recorded the history of the churches. He attempted to record the facts without prejudice or favor. Elder Leonard Buttram supplied the preface to the history section. Lester Scott supplied vital material that filled in the gaps in the early days of this association. The trail of this association is connected with the Eastern Oregon and Northern California Missionary Baptist Associations.

JULY 31, 1932 was the first session Of the "BAPTIST MISSIONARY ASSOCIATION OF CALIFORNIA" now known as the "California State Missionary Baptist Association." Following a year or more of discussion promoted by our Missionary over the state, the churches at Berkeley, Oroville, and Roseville elected messengers which met at Roseville July 31, 1932 to consider the advisability of organizing a California Association. Following a half-hour devotional service, by electing our Missionary Elder J. Pruden of Berkeley as Moderator, and Winnifred Paddock of Berkeley as clerk, a tentative organization was formed. "Do we need an organization of Missionary Baptist churches in California?" was the first subject of discussion. What we carried out was clearly the opinion of all that spoke. Motion to proceed. "How shall we proceed?" was the next question. Mr. Pruden proposed the plan of adopting the Articles of Faith, Constitution, and the officers resident in California, of the Eastern Baptist Association of California and Oregon, amending and supplementing to meet the needs of a California Association. First, we recognized at this organizing session those who had been duly elected messengers by the churches from which they came. Second, others that were present from churches of our "standing" should be given floor privileges in discussion without a vote. ORDER OF BUSINESS The following motions were duly made, seconded, and carried. All where opened to discussion and a splendid unanimity prevailed. Adoptions of the Articles of Faith and Constitution subject to amendments were needed. There were elections of California officers and of the Association from which we came. We were pleased to have the large representation of the Auburn church. Elder W. Z. A. Wright of Modesto, visitors from the churches, in addition to the messengers. Three ordained ministers, a number of deacons, and officers of the church shared in discussions leading to the actions taken in this organizing sessions. Minutes were read and approved. Adjournment was after prayer. Winnifred Paddock and J. Hoyt Vernon, clerks.

1932 THE FIRST SESSION The church of Roseville which was host to the first messenger meeting, was organized July 10, 1917 with seven charter members. Elders C. E. Hunt and A. F. Simmons led in the organization. February 10, 1918, C. E. Hunt was ordained to the full work of the gospel ministry and became the first pastor of the church, known then as the "Cherry Glenn Missionary Baptist Church". At the time when Roseville Church was host to this first meeting, she had no pastor. The messengers adopted the Constitution, which called for a "Missionary Committee" and "Central Treasurer".

1933 SECOND SESSION The messengers met again with the Roseville church June 8-11. Roseville still had no pastor. A. F. Simmons was the moderator. There were three churches represented by messenger, Roseville, Oroville, and Berkeley. J. Hoyt preached for the young people. R. H. Dennis was baptized and ordained to pastor the Oroville Church. Some of the brethren leading in the formation of this new association in California had been and were still affiliated for many years with the Eastern Baptist Association of California and Oregon. The Missionary Baptist Church of Ducor, California, and Pastor A. F. Simmons had been with this association for 25 years. When they met for the last time in an association capacity at Silver Lake, Oregon, June 14-18, 1933, the brethren of California gave their farewells in a kindly manner, inviting the folks of Oregon to come and enjoy the fellowship in the next session of the new association because they said the fellowship had been so sweet. The Oregon brethren spoke their sentiments in the following words: "We hereby express our love for, and the pleasure of the fellowship of, the California churches that have organized themselves into the Baptist Missionary Association. We shall pray that God shall prosper their work, we offer them all the help possible for us to give, we invite communications from them in all future gatherings." Note: Elder A. F. Simmons was the moderator for Oregon Association and the new California Association at the same time for the years 1932-1933. He was elected first the moderator for the new California Association in 1932 even though he was not present. Also, the Ducor Church of which he was pastor did not come into the fellowship of the new Association until 1934.

1934 THIRD SESSION The messengers of the churches of the Baptist Missionary Association met with the Oroville MBC March 28-April 1, 1934. Elder R. H. Dennis Host Pastor. Five churches were represented by Letter and messengers: Auburn, Berkeley, Ducor, Roseville, and the entertaining church, Oroville. Maxwell and Gloria Gardens Churches of Southern California sent fellowship messengers, Elders L. W. Wright and John Tate who originally organized the Gloria Gardens Church. Visiting from the Maxwell Church: Pastor G. E. Armstrong; Sister Heinline, Noles, and Mellis. (This church was organized March 28, 1880). One missionary present: J. Pruden. Schools recommended: Sheridan Baptist College, Sheridan, Arkansas, and Jacksonville Baptist College, Jacksonville, Texas. Paper recommended: The Forerunner. Missions recommended: the Berkeley Church was interested in Mrs. Sweet's work in China. The messengers adopted the following resolutions: 1. Against the repeal of the 18th Amendment. 2. "That members in our churches found guilty in any way of dealing in intoxicants as a beverage, be disciplined." Elder A. F. Simmons reporting on this meeting in The Pacific Coast Baptist May 22, 1934: "Friday was given over to the young people's work. They had a worthwhile day. A spirit of deep devotion was apparent and Mrs. Lester Noles of Maxwell lifted the entire congregation in an atmosphere of deep spiritual fervor as she talked to the young people about Christian consecration. It was indeed good to be there. Elder Robert Dennis, Pastor of Oroville Church, was chosen by the young people to bring the evening message. It was a great revival sermon. Discussions were harmoniously enlivened Saturday afternoon by a question from a Convention Baptist preacher, directed to Elder L. W. Wright as he spoke on the Education question: "What schools he would or could recommend?" In answer Bro. Wright proceeded to point out the tendencies toward modernism of all the so-called greater institutions of learning among Baptists as among all other denominations. "In spite of the weather and our newness to the work, all were courteous and unselfish; and God blessed us with his revival spirit. In fact, we found a revival already in progress-two young girls on Thursday evening and two more Friday evening. Sunday afternoon Bro. Pruden baptized these. Pastor Dennis continued the meeting during the week following and as a result has baptized fourteen more. We came away feeling encouraged."

1935 FOURTH SESSION Messengers of the Baptist Missionary Association met with the Roseville Church, April 17-21, host Pastor, J. L. Whitmire, six churches were represented. J. C. Moore and S. P. Garrett of Taft, California, were present and reported hope for a mission in Taft soon. Recommendations: Sunday School literature published in Texarkana, Arkansas by Missionary Baptists, China direct mission work, The ABA: papers: Pacific Coast Baptist, The Baptist and Commoner, The American Baptist, and The Fundamentalist; schools: Missionary Baptist Bible Institute of Little Rock, Arkansas, J. Louis Guthrie, President; Baptist College, Jacksonville, Texas. "J. Pruden moved we proceed to provide trustees, which shall act as a body corporate to receive for the Association and to hold in trust, or funds as may be placed in our hands for Gospel purposes. When donors designate funds, they shall be so used. "Motion received and second by L. W. Wright. It met with opposition and after much heated discussion, during which time, it was tabled then voted on and lost." The messengers adjourned to meet with the Missionary Baptist Church of Ducor, California, April 8-12, 1936.

1936 FIFTH SESSION Messengers of the California Missionary Baptist Association met with the Ducor Missionary Baptist Church April 8-12, 1936. A. F. Simmons, Host Pastor. Six churches were represented. The Association opened with three churches: Roseville, Ducor, and Gloria Gardens. Three new churches petitioned for fellowship and were received and the messengers seated. They were Salinas, Taft, and La Habra. Elders John Cooper and R. Y. Blalock had come to California in 1935; Cooper from Oklahoma, a native of Arkansas; Blalock from Oregon, a native of North Carolina. Both were present at this meeting representing the Salinas Church. Other visitors (Ministers) were: Elders G. W. Reynolds, S. P. Burgess of Silver Lake, Oregon; Leonard B. Sigle on his way from Texas to Oregon; and Carl S. Stephens of the American Baptist Association; J. C. Derfelt and J. D. Hardcastle, both of California. New Committees of usually three were appointed by the moderator for each session to write a report on Rome and Foreign Missions, religious literature, religious education, temperance, resolution, obituaries, etc. Some were dropped; others remain in the "Order of Business" to this day. The "Missionary Committee" and Central Treasurer were abolished at this session and R. Y. Blalock moved to revise the Constitution (Articles of Faith and Statements of Cooperation). A committee was selected and their recommendations were referred to the churches to be taken up next year, in the 1937 session. The messengers recommended to the churches that they send their offerings directly to the missionary on the field as taught in Philippians 4:14-18. The messengers recommended Elder Carl Stevens as Interstate Missionary. The Salinas Church as Home Missionary recommended Elder R. Y. Blalock to work where the Holy Spirit may lead. Missions recommended: "China Direct Missions" (T. L. Blalock), W. D. Gilbert, South America; John Blalock, China. Schools recommended: The Missionary Baptist Bible School in Portland, Oregon; and the Little Rock Missionary Baptist Bible Institute of Little Rock, Arkansas. Adjourned to meet with the First Missionary Baptist Church of La Habra 1937.

1937 SIXTH SESSION The Messengers from the churches of the California Missionary Baptist Association met with the First Missionary Baptist Church of La Habra March 24-28, 1937. Elder Silas Hill was host pastor. Five churches were represented for the opening service, Salinas, Roseville, Ducor, Gloria Gardens, and La Habra. Two came into the fellowship by petitionary letter, Ford City and Pomona. A young people's work was organized and called the B.Y.P.T.C. ("Baptist Young People's Training Course). The following officers were elected by the young people: Albert Owen, President; Walter Owen, Vice President; Lucille Baker, Secretary-Treasurer; Gertrude Barber, Assistant. A committee was appointed to write the Articles of Agreement for the Young People. They were written and adopted. Since this was the first move for the Young People in the Association, it seems it would be helpful to record their first meeting. The theme of the meeting was "Mission Work", held Friday afternoon, March 5, 1937. La Habra: "The Why of Mission", by Barbara Brewster, Etta Lee Young, and Jean Ludy. Pomona: "The Motive of Missions", by Lucille Baker and Mavis Black. Duet by Albert Owen and Rosa Mason. Gloria Gardens: "Institutions for carrying out Mission Work", by Sara Moore and Gracie Martinez. Ducor: "Substance of Missions", by Walter Owen. Duet by Alice Norwood and Walter Owen. Salinas: "Power of Missions", by Irene Cooper. Roseville: "Individual Scriptural Qualifications for doing Mission Work", by Edna Mae Brock. ROUND TABLE DISCUSSION: Elder L. B. Sigle delivered a brief message on Mission work on the Pacific Coast. Motion carried to publish a Young People's paper. Albert Owen was elected Editor. The Editor appointed Walter Owen, Ducor; Agnes Lee, Gloria Gardens; Edna Mae Brock, Roseville; Gertrude Barber, La Habra; Irene Cooper, Salinas; Gracie Martinez, Taft; Lucille Baker, Pomona; to assist him in his work. B.T.P.T.C. Committee report; “We, your committee on ‘How to improve our Local B.Y.P.T.C. Programs’ wish to submit the following: We recommend the use of the sound literature, namely that published by the American Baptist Association. We urge our Young People to serve as personal workers in our Young People's work and in the churches.” Respectfully submitted, Irene Cooper, Jean Ludy, Edna Mae Brock, Sara Moore, Mavis Blake, Agnes Less, and Alice Hunsaker. An offering of $13.57 was given, half of which went to John R. Blalock in China. The other half was divided between Alice Taft and Bro. and Sis. Woodrow Young of Portland, Oregon. A letter from the Berkeley church, J. Pruden, Pastor, to the messengers stating that they did not care to remain in the fellowship of the California Missionary Baptist Association because of the abolishment of the "Missionary Committee" and "central Treasurer", and the revising of the Constitution. In spite of this letter, the Young People's zeal and enthusiasm seemed to reflect the Spirit for the great revival experienced by the messengers of this session. Two men, Walter Smith and J. G. Ashlock announced their calls to the ministry. And Sunday evening, the last night of the messenger meeting, Elder L. B. Sigle preached, several professions of faith were made, more rededicated their lives, and five additions to the La Habra Church were made. Schools recommended: Baptist Bible School, Portland. Literature recommended for Sunday school: American Baptist Association. Missions recommended: Brazil and Portugal; China Direct (T. L. Blalock). Papers recommended: Pacific Coast Baptist, American Baptist, The Forerunner, The Baptist and Commoner. It was said by many in attendance that this was the greatest meeting the messengers had experienced. The house was filled to capacity with some standing outside for the evening services. The shouting and rejoicing disturbed the neighborhood. So ended a great meeting that is now history and a blessing to read about.

1938 SEVENTH SESSION Messengers of the California Missionary Baptist Association met with the Landmark Missionary Baptist Church of Roseville on April 11-15, 1938. Seven churches petitioned for fellowship in the association: Corcoran, Laguna Beach, Modes (Airport), and North Sacramento. Missionaries: R. Y. Blalock, Silas Hill. Missions recommended: W. S. Goulding, Panama; China Direct Missions (T. L. Blalock, John Blalock, the Randalls, and the Bellows). Papers recommended: Pacific Coast Baptist, The Forerunner. Schools recommended: Missionary Baptist Bible School, Portland. The Baptist Young People's Training Course was represented with 22 messengers from 11 churches. The theme of the program was "Jesus Christ". Orville Burks was elected President; Etta Lee Young, Vice President; Irene Cooper, Secretary-Treasurer; Gertrude Barber, Assistant. Total paid out by all the churches for Home Missions was $674.91; to foreign missions was $324.71. The total paid for all purposes was $9,724.07. The total membership of all the churches was 669. Silas Hill and L. B. Sigle, left the Landmark Missionary Baptists and went to the Convention. The Association was brought to a close on a high spiritual plane. On page 8 of the minutes is found the following: "This ended the seventh annual session of the California Baptist Association. The outstanding feature of the meeting was predominant in all sessions. We feel that this meeting was the greatest that true Missionary Baptists have ever had in California. As a result of this association meeting, there were six conversions, several dedications, and nine additions to the Roseville Church, five candidates for baptism, one by statement, and three restored to fellowship of the church. We look forward to our next session and pray that God will give us another great meeting."

1939 EIGHTH SESSION Messengers from the churches of the California Missionary Baptist Association met with the Mountain View Missionary Baptist Church of Pomona, California, April 11-15, 1939, Eugene Dowdle, Host Pastor. Eleven churches were represented by messengers: Ducor, Corcoran, Taft, Gloria Gardens, Laguna Beach, La Habra, Modesto (Airport), North Sacramento, Pomona, Roseville, Salinas. Six churches petitioned for fellowship: Baskerville, Bell Gardens, Costa Mesa, El Nido, Los Angeles, and West Riverside. Sunday School literature published by the American Baptist Association was recommended. Missions that were recommended: China. T. L. Blalock, John Blalock, Ballous, Randals, and Sister Woodly. Panama, W. S. Goulding. Paper recommended: Pacific Coast Baptist, The Forerunner. Schools recommended: Portland and Little Rock. The high point in the meeting came when Elder G. M. Workman preached at 8:00 Tuesday evening. His subject was "Chief of Sinners". At the close of the message, Bro. Wyatt Ford, Jr., of Gloria Gardens announced his call to the ministry. There were five additions to the Pomona Church, two as candidates for baptism, two by letter, and one by statement. An interesting note: Elder L. W. Wright presented a gavel to the Association that he had made himself some thirty years before from a piece of foundation timber of the Missionary Baptist church at Cumberland, Oklahoma. The Association gratefully accepted the gavel. Total paid by all churches for Home Missions: $787.68 Total paid by all church for Foreign Missions: $438.77 Total paid for all purposes: $13,139.69 Total membership of all churches: 965.

1940 NINTH SESSION Messengers from fifteen churches met with the First Missionary Baptist Church of Corcoran, California, March 18-21, 1940. Seven new churches petitioned for fellowship: Mount Vernon of Colton, Pinole, Hagginwood, Sacramento; Gospel M. B. Church of Pomona consolidated into one body October 8, 1939, and became known as the Gospel Missionary Baptist Church of Pomona; Pixley, Santa Ana, and Santa Paula. Elder John Watson objected to the seating of Santa Paula, Pinole, and North Sacramento. The Moderator appointed a committee of which P. P. Sisemore was Chairman to counsel with the messengers of the above-named churches and Elder Watson. Elder Watson withdrew all charges against the three churches and the churches were seated separately by unanimous vote of the body. Missionaries with church endorsement: R. Y. Blalock, Albert Maples, and Eugene Dowdle. Missions recommended: China and Panama. Paper recommended: Orthodox Baptist Searchlight, Independent Baptist Voice, and Pacific Coast Baptist. Schools recommended: Portland, and Little Rock, Arkansas. Resolutions to form other associations in the state: one in the north and one in the south. The two churches in Pomona consolidated and became the Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, the church, having proper facilities, started a Missionary Baptist Institute. With G. M. Workman, W. E. Dowell, and H. C. Cline as teachers. Total paid by all of the church for the Home Missions was $1,095.97; for Foreign Missions was $398.92. The total for all purposes was $18,782.01. Total memberships from all the churches were 1,416. Recommendations for schools were the Baptist Institute of Portland, the Bible Institute of Little Rock. Recommendations for literature were Bible First, Sunday school literature published by the ABA. Papers recommended were California Missionary Baptist, The Baptist Voice, The Forerunner, Orthodox Searchlight, Pacific Coast Baptist, and The American Baptist.

1941 TENTH SESSION Messengers from fourteen churches met with the La Habra Missionary Baptist Church on April 7-10, 1941. Two new churches were fontana and South Gate who petitioned for fellowship. It has been the practice of the messengers for several years to appoint a committee to investigate the soundness of petitioning churches. So, a committee was appointed to investigate these two churches: Elders M. B. Hubbard, Lee Dowdle, and W. S. Smith served on the committee. The South Gate Church was found sound in the faith and seated by unanimous vote of the messengers. The committee recommended that the fontana Church rewrites their statements of faith and report back to the Association on Thursday. The messengers adopted the report of the committee. There is no evidence that the fontana Church ever represented in the Association or even tried. The El Nido Missionary Baptist Church came into the fellowship of the Association in 1939, but when the letter from El Nido was read at this session, objection was raised to the seating of her messengers on the grounds of alien immersion in the church. After much discussion, a motion carried that the Moderator appoint a committee to investigate the soundness of the El Nido Church. Elders H. R. Cline, J. W. Scott, and W. A. Davis were appointed to serve on this committee. The committee's findings compelled it to recommend to the messengers that the El Nido Church re-immerse those in question, coming from the Chowchilla Church. The messengers adopted the committee's report and recommended the same to the El Nido Church. Although she was not seating in this session, she, by the help of God, solved her problem and came roaring back to the next year. The following were recommended: Papers: California Baptist, Independent Baptist Voice, The Forerunner, Orthodox Baptist Searchlight, Pacific Coast Baptist, and The American Baptist. Missions: Panama; China; Honolulu, Hawaii. Total that was paid by all churches for home missions were $758.43; for foreign missions, $378.93; for all other purposes, $19,245.73; total membership of all the churches, 1,291.

1942 ELEVENTH SESSION When it came time for the messengers to meet in 1942, the United Sates was at war with Japan and our government had declared a paper shortage. No minutes were printed. However, Mrs. R. Y. Blalock took notes of the messenger meeting as clerk elected by the messengers. Messengers represented twelve churches. They were La Habra, Salinas, Antioch, Richmond, El Nido, Tuolumne, Tulare, Pixley, Taft, Fresno, and Sacramento (Hagginwood). Letter represented a number of the more distant churches. The Hebron Heights of MBC of Salinas was host for the meeting on March 31-April 2, 1942. There were fourteen ministers present. Those who preached and their subjects were C. C. Middleton, Pastor of La Habra, subject-"One Lord, One Faith, and One Baptism"; John Cooper, Missionary on the field in Tuolumne, preached the Annual Sermon with the subject, "Are We His Sheep?" Lee Dowdle's, subject was "The Great Commission". P. P. Sisemore, the subject was "The Church"; C. E. Hunt's subject, "Why Humanity Needs a Savior"; R. Y. Blalock of Antioch's subject was "The Faith"; Luther Cooper of Riverbank's subject was "Release of the Captives of Sin". R. A. Cox brought the final message, "Overcoming Faith". Elder John Cooper's family from three different churches sang several fine specials. C. E. Hunt was elected as Moderator.

1943 TWELFTH SESSION The messengers met with the El Nido Church on April 20-23, 1943. A good representation of the churches (15) was present, but there was confusion among the brethren over a resolution offered a year before that caused many churches not to elect messengers. The resolution offered was to discontinue the election of messengers, but it was only offered and lost. One new church came into the fellowship of the association. Two new church-endorsed missionaries came on the scene, C. E. Hunt and G. W. Crawford. There was a motion that carried to have the next session extended to three days so that the women and the young people may have one-half day each in the program. The First Missionary Baptist Church of Fresno, Elder C. E. Hunt, Pastor, established a Bible School for preachers and teachers. The messengers endorsed the school. The following preachers delivered messages for the messengers: E. L. Thurmond, E. E. Crawford, O. N. True, Charles Crouch, C. C. Middleton, Victor Salyer, Manning Duncan, Luther Cooper, R. Y. Blalock, J. W. Scott, and E. L. Thurmond. There were burdened hearts in all of the sessions and many prayers were offered for the churches, missionaries, and the men in the Armed Forces all over the world. The days were dark because of the national conflict, but the darkness seemed to bring God's people closer to Him. There were shouts of joy in almost all of the sessions. Some said it was good to be there. Others said, "It was the best service they had ever been in."

1944 THIRTEENTH SESSION The messengers from seventeen churches met with the First Missionary Baptist Church of La Habra on April 4-6, 1944. Missionaries recommended by their respective churches were John Cooper, R. Y. Blalock, and G. W. Crawford. The schools that were recommended were Fresno Bible School, and the Bible Institute of Little Rock Arkansas. The following might be of interest to the reader: During the 1941 Session, the messengers' function was to select the preachers for the various preaching hours. The Moderator appointed this committee, but no one was supposed to know whom the Moderator chose so no one could put pressure on the committee to get their man selected. But it always seemed to leak out. During this session, the Moderator appointed Sister Rogers of Sacramento (Hagginwood), Sister Roberts of La Habra, and Sister Dora Fielden of Redlands. The Foreign Missions recommended W. S. Goulding of Panama, John R. Blalock of China, W. G. Griffin and E. K. Begley of Hawaii. The total paid by all churches for home missions was $1,083.38, for foreign missions, $917.55, for all other purposes, $31,091.29. The total membership of all the churches was 1,020.

1945 FOURTEENTH SESSION Messengers from 22 churches met with the First Missionary Baptist Church of Pixley on March 26-29, 1945, Joe, Shutz, Pastor. The Moderator appointed the Divine Committee. They were Brethren Cotton, Yarbrough, and G. W. Harris of El Nido. Three new churches petitioned fellowship with the association, Brentwood, Oakland, and Madera. They were received and their messengers seated. There were five missionaries recommended by their respective churches, R. Y. Blalock, John Cooper, G. W. Crawford, J. Albert Maples, and J. R. Bowers. The following words were stricken from Statement XII: "and state approximately the amount they intend to pay him [the missionary] in their letter to the Association." Motion made by R. Y. Blalock After the Tuesday evening message, a young man came forward and made a profession of faith. The total paid out by all of the churches for home missions was $2,869.95; foreign missions, $1,247.58; for all other purposes, $79,825.35. A total membership of all of the churches was 1,435.

1946 FIFTEENTH SESSION Messengers from 23 churches met with the Ford City Missionary Baptist Church of Taft on April 15-18, 1946. Host Pastor was L. E. Hatfield. The Moderator appointed the Divine Service Committee. Five new churches petitioned for fellowship. They were Norwalk, Valley Center, Bethlehem of Fresno, Bloomington, and Armona. They were received and the messengers seated. R. Y. Blalock offered the following resolution, which was adopted by the messengers, "Resolve that we, as messengers of the California Missionary Baptist Association oppose the 'Federal Council of Churches' and protest their false claim of being representatives of Missionary Baptists in any sense of the word." Amendment to Statement XII was offered by R. Y. Blalock, "And no special collection to be taken for our missionaries at the annual meeting of our messengers." Adopted. The following resolution was offered by R. Y. Blalock, "Resolve that we, the messengers of the churches of the California Missionary Baptist Association, request and authorize our Moderator and Secretary be able to sign any papers showing our support and backing of any missionary or missionaries sent out by our churches to the foreign fields, that they may need to secure a passport from our government." Adopted. At the close of the Thursday afternoon message, nine people came forward to dedicate their lives. R. E. Grissom announced his call to preach the gospel; Jack Bateman surrendered to go to the mission field in China; W. S. Smith surrendered to the home mission field. The Clerk's comment: "Brethren, this was a glorious meeting. There was shouting, weeping, and rejoicing in Zion. Praise God for laborers in the vineyard!" Total paid by all churches for home missions, $3,695.29; foreign missions, $1979.01, for all purposes, $31,974.97. Total membership for all churches was 1,892.78.

1947 SIXTEENTH SESSION Messengers from 27 churches met with the Brentwood Missionary Baptist Church on March 31-April 4, 1947. The moderator appointed a Divine Service Committee: J. W. Scott, Wayne Swofford, W. O. Perdue, and Ike Caldwell. There were four new churches petitioned for fellowship: Oakdale, Castroville, San Jose, and Bakersfield. These churches were received, and their messengers were seated. A resolution was offered by C. E. Hunt to strike from Statement XII the clause, "No special offerings are to be taken for our missionaries at the annual meeting of the messengers." There were four brethren, J. D. Keller, Dewey Morgan, Willard Watkins, and Vesta Gibson from the Missionary Baptist Bible College in Jacksonville, Texas, visiting with the messengers. The highlight of this meeting was when J. D. Keller, President of the College and moderator of the American Baptist Association preached Tuesday evening. He used II Corinthians 8:9 for a lesson and Ephesians 2:8, 9 for his text. The subject was "Amazing Grace". This message was a masterpiece delivered in the power and demonstration of the spirit of God. There was shouting, weeping, and rejoicing in the truth of God's grace. During the course of this meeting, several made professions of faith. One young man, Victor Salyer, announced his calling to the ministry. One woman apologized to the assembly for gossiping. The total monies given by all the churches for home missions was $5,773.46; for foreign missions, $3,048.05; for total purposes, $95,483.63. The total membership of all of the churches was 2,531.

1948 SEVENTEENTH SESSION The messengers met with the New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Los Angeles on March 22, 1948, at 7:00 p.m. for the pre-Association Service. C. R. Lyons, a newcomer, to the Association was elected to preach the evening message. His subject was "The Church". The messengers adopted resolution set by the Richmond Church to abolish the "Divine Service Committee". Luther Cooper, Host Pastor, delivered the 11:00 message on Tuesday, "Sufferings of Christ", Isaiah 53. This was the greatest year the association has ever had. There were 12 church-sent missionaries on the home field, and twelve new churches came into the work. They were Centerville, Stockton; Dominguez; Escalon; Mexican Baptist, Salinas; Rodeo; Santa Ana; Shiloh-Sanger; Wasco; Winton; Yuba City, and Concord. Total money given by all the churches for home missions, $8,082.32; for foreign missions, $2,993.42; total money given by all the churches for all purposes, $125,552.21. Total membership of all of the churches was 2,709.

1949 EIGHTEENTH SESSION Messengers from 43 Missionary Baptist Churches met with the Missionary Baptist Church at Antioch, California, on April 12-15, 1949. Five new churches petitioned for fellowship in the Association. They were Ceres, New Bethel, Eastside Los Angeles, Lost Hills, and Manteca. The churches were received and their messengers were seated. R. R. Farris, C. R. Lyon, and M. B. Hubbard served as the Resolutions Committee during this session. They reported in Paragraph three: The Convention (SBC) has " ...a system of sending out missionaries that is contrary to Acts 13." Article 6, Section 4: (check 1941 minutes). "This Board shall appoint all missionary, fix all salaries of all workers employed, and determine the fields of work for each." There were 11 missionaries present, Norman Quick, L. M. Branch, T. E. Griffith, O. E. Hall, William Tiley; John Underwood, John R. Blalock, W. S. Goulding, C. R. Lyon, R.R. Farris, and A. E. Ford. The total money given by all the churches for home missions was $77,661.00, for foreign missions, $44,764.96. The total given by all the churches for all purposes was $146, 179.45. The membership of all the churches totaled 3,413.

1950 NINETEENTH SESSION Messengers from 50 churches met with the First Missionary Baptist Church of Corcoran, California, on April 4-5, 1950. The Host Pastor was Martin Canavan. Two churches, Coachella and Modesto First Baptist (now Tully Road), petitioned for fellowship and were received. The name of the Association was changed to "California State Missionary Baptist Association". A letter of greetings from R. Y. Blalock was read. The total money given by all of the churches for home missions was $6,173.31, for foreign missions, $4,694.24. The total given for all purposes was $174,235.69.

1951 TWENTIETH SESSION Messengers from 44 churches met with the Emmanuel Missionary Baptist Church at Redlands, California. Normal Ketchup was the host pastor. Six new churches, Bethel-Norwalk, Merced, Ventura, McFarland, McKinley, and Woodbridge petitioned for fellowship and were received. Ontario Church also petitioned and was seated. The Ridgecrest Church petitioned for fellowship and was rejected. After much heated discussion and several efforts put forth to change Statements Seven, Twelve, and Sixteen, the messengers recommended to the churches of the association to have a special session for the purpose of changing, revising, or rewriting the Statement of Cooperation; said meeting to be called by the Moderator at least sixty days in the future.

1951 SPECIAL SESSION This meeting was called to meet with the McFarland Missionary Baptist Church on June 8, 1951. Messengers represented 42 churches. C. C. Middleton was the Moderator. A. A. Harris was Assistant Moderator. Charles Crouch was the Clerk, and Travis Hubbard was the Assistant Clerk. The churches represented in this session were Airport, Armona, Antioch, Brentwood, Bakersfield, Bethel, Ceres, Centerville, Coachella, Corcoran, Dominguez, Eastside Los Angeles, El Nido, Escalon, Fresno First, Ford City-Taft, Friendship, Maricopa, Merced, McFarland, McKinley, Modesto-First, New Hope, Ojai, Oakland, Oakdale, Pixley, Ontario, Riverbank, Riverside, Redlands, Roseville, San Jose, Santa Ana, Salinas, Stockton, Tracy, Tulare, Valley Center, Winton, Wasco, Yuba City, Ventura, and Woodbridge. The total monies paid by all the churches were home missions, $10,221.83, foreign missions, $5,016.00, for all purposes, $178,687.50. Total membership of all the churches totaled 3,665. (This was the year (1951) that this Association split. The new Cooperative Association was formed in 1952. Several reasons were given, but most have been forgotten. The new Cooperative Association was made up of Landmark Churches that also fellowship in the American Baptist Association (ABA). The Old State had a few churches that also represented in the ABA. There were no "Landmark" doctrines that were made an issue. (LDP)

1952 TWENTY-FIRST SESSION Messengers from 30 churches met with the Missionary Baptist Church in Pixley, California, on April 8-10, 1952. J. W. Scott was the Host Pastor. Fourteen of the churches that met at Redlands last year were not represented. Two new churches petitioned for fellowship in the Association. They were San Diego and Visalia. This messenger meeting was a continual revival from the very first night. The messengers and visitors were rejoicing in the liberty of Christ the Lord. The total monies paid by all the churches were: home missions, $3,858.16; for foreign missions, $3,401.16; and for all purposes, $107,709.72. There was a total membership of all the churches of 2, 246.

1953 TWENTY-SECOND SESSION The messengers met with the La Habra Missionary Baptist Church on March 31-April 3, 1953. A. A. Harris was the host pastor. The session opened with 30 churches represented by messengers: Airport, Bethel, Brentwood, Riverside, Cordova, El Nido, Redlands, Escalon, Taft, Fresno, Friendship, Gloria Gardens, La Habra, Maricopa, Merced, Colton, New Hope-Los Angeles, Norwalk, Pixley, Roseville, San Diego, San Jose, Tracy, Tulare, Valley Center, Ventura, Visalia, Winton, Yuba City. Five new churches petitioned for fellowship: Beaumont, Dos Palos, El Bethel-San Jose, Riverbank, and Seaside. Total monies given by all the churches were: home missions, $4,287.51; for foreign missions, $5,944.68; for all purposes, $119,169.34. The total membership of all the churches was 2,478.

1954 TWENTY-THIRD SESSION Messengers from 34 churches met with the Taft Church on April 13-15, 1954. Four new churches petitioned for fellowship and were received, Omak, Washington, Hayward, Hughson, and San Bernardino. Five home missionaries were present, Walter S. Smith, Harold Blalock, Leonard Logue, Lee Dowdle, and C. E. Hunt. S. E. Ford and Steve Montgomery, missionaries to Japan, were introduced. S. E. Ford had been touring the churches on the West Coast to secure financial help for the trip to Japan. When he was introduced as a brother of like faith, he asked what a brother of like faith meant. He was told it was one who is in harmony with the Statements of Cooperation and Articles of Faith found in the Minutes of this Association. He informed the messenger body that he was not a brother of like faith. After this session adjourned, these two men and their wives made a Statement of Faith to each other and organized themselves into a church and later went to Japan as a church. Total money that was given by all churches was $7,377.46 for home missions, $8,232.82 for foreign missions, and $123,004 for all purposes. The total membership of all the churches was 2,764.

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June 27, 2009