First Baptist Church of Beckville, 1944

Jan 15, 1944 - March 28, 54

Articles of Faith

I. We believe that the Holy Bible, written by men divinely inspired, and full of unmixed truth, is a perfect rule of faith and practice.

II. We believe in one God-Father, Son and Holy Ghost.

III. We believe that man, once holy, fell by voluntary transgression from that happy state, and is now utterly devoid of holiness.

IV. We believe that sinners are saved by grace alone.

V. We believe that men are justified by faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

VI. We believe that salvation is free to all who will accept the Gospel.

VII. We believe that, except as a man be renewed by the Holy Spirit, he is not qualified or prepared for the kingdom of Christ on earth, or to enjoy his glory hereafter.

VIII. We believe that repentance toward God and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ are the duties of every one who hears the Gospel.

IX. We believe that election is the eternal purpose of God, by which he graciously regenerates, sanctifies and saves sinners.

X. We believe that sanctification, begun in regeneration, and ever progressive, is the process by which we are made to partake of God´s holiness.

XI. We believe in the preservation of the saints: that they are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation.

XII. We believe that God´s law is the only, the eternal and unchangeable, rule of His Church and moral government.

XIII. We believe that a Church of Christ is a congregation of baptized believers, united in the faith and fellowship of the Gospel, observing the ordinances and obeying the faith of Christ, and that its officers are pastors and deacons.

XIV. We believe that Christian baptism is the immersion of believer, in water, by a properly qualified administrator, into the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.

XV. We believe that only such as have been properly baptized and received into the fellowhisp of a regularly organized Baptist Church should partake of the Lord´s Supper.

XVI. We believe that the Lord´s day or Christian Sabbath should be devoutly observed and sacredly devoted to religious services.

XVII. We believe that civil governement is of divine, appointment, and that the governors of states and nations should be obeyed, when the lawas they seek to enforce are not in conflict with the Gospel.

XVIII. We believe in the future resurrection of the dead.

XIX. We believe in the final judgment, and that, in that day, the righterous and wicked will be separated forever.

XX. We believe that the righteous will be made happy forever in heaven, and the wicked miserable forever in hell.

Church Covenant

Having been led, as we believe, by the Spirit of God to receive the Lord Jesus Christ as our Savior, and on the profession of our faith, having been baptized in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost, we do now in the presence of God, angels, and this assembly most solemnly and joyfully enter into covenant with one another, as one body in Christ.

We engage, therefore, by the aid of the Holy Spirit, to walk together in Christian love; to strive for the advancement of this Church in knowledge, holiness, and comfort; to promote its prosperity and spirituality; to sustain its worship, ordinances, discipline and doctrines; to contribute cheerfully and regularly to the support of the ministry, the expenses of the Church and the relief of the poor, and the spread of the Gospel through all nations.

We also engage to maintain family and secret devotions; to religiously educate our children; to seek the salvation of our kindred and acquaintances; to walk circumspectly in the world; to be just in our dealings, faithful in our engagements, and exemplary in our deportment; to avoid all tattling, backbiting and excessive anger; to abstain from the sale and use of intoxicating drinks as a beverage, and to be zealous in our efforts to advance the kingdom of our Saviour.

We further engage to watch over one another in brotherly love; to remember each other in prayer; to aid each other in sickness and distress; to cultivate Christian sympathy in feeling and courtesy of speech; to be slow to take offense, but always ready for reconciliation, and mindful of the rules of our Saviour to secure it without delay.

We moreover engage that when we remove from this place we will, as soon as possible, unite with some other church, where we can carry out the spirit of this covenant; and the principles of God's word.

This is the Church Covenant taken from Pendleton´s "Church Manual"

Rules of Order

I. The pastor, or in his absence any member appointed, shall act as Moderator of all business meetings of the church.

II. It shall be the duty of the Moderator to keep order; and in case the Church is equally divided on any question, he shall give the casting vote.

III. The meeting shall be opened and closed with prayer.

IV. The order of the business shall be:

1. Reading of minutes of previous meeting. 2. The reception of members by experience or letter. 3. Granting letters of dismission. 4. Reports of committee. 5. Unfinished business. 6. New or miscellaneous business.

V. A motion before the church must be disposed of before another motion can be entertained, unless the motion be to amend, postpone, adjourn, or call for the previous question.

VI. The Moderator may speak on any question by calling on any brother to preside in his place. VII. Every member who speaks shall rise and first address the Moderator.

VIII. The church in conference shall entertain no proposition for discussion which has not been presented on motion of one member and seconded by another.

IX. On any point of order a member may appeal from the Moderator to the Church, whose decision shall be final.

X. All questions, except that on reception of members, shall be decided by the vote of a majority.

Miss Bobbie Fortes Deberry Texas

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