Given, David Alexander

David Alexander Given, St. Helena Parish, Louisiana
Submitted by John L Given, Jr., johng18@juno.com
John L. Given, Jr. is the great-grandson of David Alexander Given

1848 - 1914
SON OF
JOHN GEORGE GIVEN
DAVID ALEXANDER GIVEN

BIRTH/EDUCATION

Reverend David Alexander Given was born in Clarke County Alabama on November 18, 1848. Mr. Given was educated in Mobile and spent his life teaching and preaching in the states of Mississippi and Louisiana.

EDUCATOR

By 1894, he had taught school for thirteen years in both states. He was a successful teacher using a method peculiarly of his own that he derived largely from observation and experience in the class room. His plan for governing pupils of primary and intermediate departments were close weekly grading both on studies and deportment, coupled with mild discipline that was firm and prompt. His excellent system of grading appealed to the pride and ambition of the pupil. He presided as principle of Dallas High School, Lafayette County Dallas Mississippi, in 1894.

METHODIST MINISTRY

Mr. Given served the ministerial cause for many years both as a Methodist and Baptist minister. In his early manhood, he was an itinerant minister in the Mississippi Annual conference, and achieved some reputation in Amite and Wilkinson counties as a pulpit orator.

In 1869, he was admitted on trial at Percy's Creek in the Woodville District. He remained on trial the following year, 1870, but ministered at Farmington in the Summit District. In 1871, the church ordained him a Deacon at St. Helina, near Columbia, Marion County, Mississippi which was in the Seashore District. The next two years' 1873-1874, he ministered in Pearlington, Hancock County, Mississippi still in the Seashore District. He served the following year 1875, in Mount Carmel, Jeff Davis County, Mississippi and was ordained Elder. In 1876, he was transferred to East of Baton Rouge Louisiana, Springfield Mission in the Summit District. In 1877, he transferred to Westville, Simpson County, Mississippi in the Seashore District. In 1878, he transferred to China Grove, Walthal County, Mississippi. In 1879, he transferred to Silver Creek, Lawrence County, Mississippi in the Jackson District. In 1880, he transferred to Dover, Yazoo County, Mississippi in the Jackson District. He assisted W. W. Hurst, pastor of Mount Olive in the Vicksburg District, with eight conversions and eight accessions. He remained in Dover the following year 1881. He served during the years 1882-1883 in Woodville, Wilkinson County, Mississippi which was in the Woodville District. During the years 1884-1885 he served at East Baton Rouge in the Woodville District. Mr. Given ended his career as a Methodist minister in 1886 when he resigned at his own request.

BAPTIST MINISTRY He was very active in his service as a Baptist minister serving his ministerial cause from south Louisiana to the norther parts of Mississippi.Reverend Given was very active in the Mississippi Baptist Association.

1888 Mount Vernon Baptist Church Liberty MS
Rev. D. A. Given served as pastor in 1888. The Sunday School Convention met with Mt. Vernon
this year and a weekly prayer meeting was reported.

1889 Mount Vernon Baptist Church Liberty MS
John H. Wall died on July 8, 1889. He joined the church by letter from Jerusalem Church in 1848
and served as a deacon and was listed as a delegate to the association. He is buried in the
Jerome
Wall Cemetary. He was a Confederate Soldier.

1890 Mount Vernon Baptist Church Liberty MS
Mt. Vernon Church was received into the membership of the Mississippi Baptist Association on
October 10, 1890. This association was organized in 1806 and was the first association in the
state. The first churches were Salem in Jefferson County, New Hope in Adams County, Bethel in
Wilkinson County and New providence and Ebenezer in Amite County.
Elder D. A. Given was pastor of Mt. Vernon and the delecate to the association which met with
Ramah Church, Franklin County. R. J. Stewart, former Mt. Vernon member, was moderator
of the association.

1891 Mount Vernon Baptist Church Liberty MS
Membership 99
Received by letter 2
Dismissed by letter 6
Deaths 1
Sunday School enrollment 75
Pastor D. A. Given
Clerk J. S. McCoy

W. P. C. Stewart and Jehu Wall were delegates to the association which met with Galilee Church, Gloster. Henry Comish was licensed to preach by Mt. Vernon in 1891 and preached his first sermon here. The church presented him his ordination Bible. He was the son of William and Margaret Wall Comish. His first marriage was to the daughter of Rev. D. A. Given. They had no children and after her death he married Lucy Tucker. He and Lucy had 12 children. Bro. Comish attended the 100th anniversary celebration of the church in 1947.

Mrs Emma Bates Epperson died Aug. 20, 1891. She was the daughter of Ephriam and Sarah Stewart Bates, and married Dr. A. S. Epperson. Dr. and Mrs Epperson are buried in the Stewart Wall Cemetary.

1888 - 1890 Hepzibah Baptist Church minutes East Feliciana Parish LA Hepzibah Baptist Church was located ten miles from Clinton, LA. The Hepzibah abandon cemetery is the only thing that still exist of the church complex.

Hepzibah Baptist Church May 26, 1888 East Feliciana Parish LA. Afer services by pastor J. R. Bayham Church met in conference members present Bro Isaac Jackson, Wm McAdams, Peter Humble, W. E. Benton, F. M. Jackson, W. H. & Lee K. Humble, Sisters L. V. Humble, E. Lucas, Sue Vanorman, Mattie Rowley. Minutes of previous meeting read and approved. By resolution the Church set time for holding her annual day of meeting to commence Saturday before Fourth Sunday in July with Bro D. A. Given to be invited as ministerial help. No further business appearing conference adjourned. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church September 26, 1888 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services J. R. Bayham Church met in conference according to previous notification the Church entered into a call for pastor to serve the Church for the ensuing year which resulted in the election of Bro D. A. Given. Owing the failure of Bro W. J. Taylor to appear at the Church as previously notified to answer to the charges of dancing the Church postponed further action against him but appointed the Clerk to notify him in writing to appear at the next regular meeting.

Hepzibah Baptist Church April 17, 1889 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference. A report of the church treasure was then read showing the amount of money collected and disbursed during the year 1888. Showing full payment of Preachers salary for said year with a balance on hand of $4.35. By resolution said balance on hand was appropriated to the payment of a pledge by the Church to assist in defraying the expense of Elder Paddy Black at Mississippi College. No further business conference adjourned. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church May 21, 1889 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given church met in conference. When Bro W. J. Taylor appeared before the Church who stated that he had been living in a disorderly manner and asked the forgiveness of the Church which request was granted no further business conference adjourned. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church August 17, 1889 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference. By resolution Sister Ada Fen was received into the fellowship of Hepzibah Church being dismissed by letter from Osyka Church. By request Sister Sarah N. Wilson was restored to the full fellowship of this Church and a letter granted her to go to Bethel Baptist Church. This being the opening service of series of meeting, which was continued from day to day until Friday during which meeting Sister E. E. A. Rogers was received by letter Bro James McAdams restored to church fellowship Sister Almena McAdams, Sister Marion Brame and Sister Ida Rogers was received by experience and Baptism. Services again Friday night when Sister Florrie Jackson was received as a candidate for Baptism. After services church again went into conference when the following delegates was appointed to the association held with Kedron Church to wit W. E. Benton, I. L Jackson and G. W. White alternates Bros J. E. Dunn, James McAdams, L. K. Humble no further business conference adjourned.

Hepzibah Baptist Church September 19, 1889 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference when the letter to the association was read and adopted. Upon due acknowledgments Sisters Vickie Lucas and Millie Knighten and Bro Willie Betz was again restored to the full fellowship of this church. The ordinance of Baptism was then administered upon Sister Forrie Jackson no further business conference adjourned. G. W. Whit Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church October 20, 1889 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference minutes of previous meeting read and adopted. By resolution conference then adjourned until the following day when the question of calling a preacher for the ensuing year will be considered. After services Sunday Church met in conference when Bro D. A. Given was unanimously called to serve Hepzibah Church for the year 1889 at a salary of one hundred dollars which call was accepted no further business conference adjourned. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church September 20, 1890 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference. Members present Bros A. J. White, Elum Felps, J. L. McAdams, L. K. Humble, Houston Buckles, Walter Moor, Lyles Dunn, Tarlton Hopgood, C. L. McAdams, Lee Vanorman, Sisters A. E. Jordan, E. E. A. Rogers, Mrs. Felps, Mrs. Sue Vanorman, Miss Mary Rogers, Miss Emma Duding, Miss Rosa Vanorman. The following delegates were elected to go to the association to wit Bros G. W. White, J. L. McAdams, J. E. Dunn, Eugene White, Charley Doughty, Alternates C. L. McAdams, associational purposes and ask for thirty copies minutes. Complaint was then made against Bro E. M. White for violation of Church rules. By request Sister Etta Enos was granted a letter of dismissal to unite with Summit Baptist Church at Summit Miss. The Association letter was then called for which was read and adopted. No further business conference then adjourned to meet the following day with the view of calling a pastor for the ensuing year. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church September 21, 1890 East Feliciana Parish LA. Church met in conference after services by Elder D. A. Given. According to adjournment by resolution the call for a pastor the ensuing year was postponed until the next regular meeting. Also the complaint against Bro E. M. White was continued. No further business conference adjourned. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church November 16,1890 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference when the committee in the case of Bro E. M. White made a final report to wit - That after laboring with him as directed by the church they failed to reclaim him. But rather expressing a desire to be excluded from the church. By resolution the church without further delay withdrew fellowship from Bro E. M. White. Report of committee in the case of Bro Bowman Neyland was called for when further time was called for by committee which was granted. The report of clerk as a committee to notify Bro Schilling of the churches call was then received with Bro Schillings statement that he would accept the call at a salary of $125.00. By resolution Bro Eugene White, J. L. McAdams & John Rowley was appointed to assist the deacons in raising pastors salary for the present year. No further business appearing conference the adjourned until next regular meeting. G. W. White Clerk.

Hepzibah Baptist Church December 21, 1890 East Feliciana Parish LA. After services by Elder D. A. Given Church met in conference when committee in the case of Bro Neyland made a partial...

1887 - 1888 Grangeville Baptist Church minutes Saint Helena Parish LA Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes Saint Helena Parish LA December 10, 1887 8 o'clock p.m. ----- Conference convened with Eld. R. J. Stewart in the chair. On motion Bro. D. R. Warren, Sr., J. M. Odom was appointed clerk pro-tem. On motion Br. Daniel R. Warren, the church made a call for a Pastor by acclamation. Eld. D. A. Given(s) was placed in nomination by D. R. Warren, Sr. and was unanimously elected. On motion of Bro. A. J. Alford the church agreed to pay Eld. D. A. Given(s) as salary $100.00 for the year, the same to be paid in quarterly installments. Bros. Warren & Alford appointed committee to notify Eld. D. A. Given(s) of the call & request his answer who being present came forward & after preliminary remarks accepted the care of the church for the ensuing year. On motion conference adjourned. R. J. Stewart, Mod. J. M. Odom, Clk. Pro-tem

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes Saint Helena Parish LA January 15, 1888 Saturday 11 o'clock a.m. service by D. A. Given(s) after which conference convened with Pastor in the chair. Minutes of December the 10th read and following corrections made, whereas the resignation of Eld. R. J. Stewart former Pastor was offered to the church & electing Eld. D. A. Given(s) to the Pastorate care of the church was omitted on motion of Bro. W. T. Woodward the church ordered the following by saying Pastor R. J. Stewart tendered his resignation as pastor of the church & on motion the same was received and he was relieved from any further care and on motion Eld. D. A. Given(s) was placed in nomination and unanimously elected. Report of Committees called for Building Committee reported that all work assigned them had been completed & received and on motion the same was received by the church and committee discharged. Finance committee was appointed to fill the place of the Exercising Committee as follows: W. T. Woodward, Daniel R. Warren, A. J. Alford, B. C. Perkins and Sisters M. S. Alford, Anna Nettles, C. E. Warren and A. D. Odom on motion the church added the four sisters to the committee. Bro. D. R. Warren, Jr. being present stated that he had violated the rules of the church by drinking intoxicating liquors and said he was sorry for it & ask the church to excuse him & on motion of the church the same was ordered. On motion conference adjourned. W. T. Woodward, Church Clerk D. A. Given(s), Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church, Feby 25th 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Saturday Eleven oclock a.m. service by Pastor D.A. Given(s) after which conference convened. Pastor in chair Mod. On motion Church appointed Bro. J.M. Odom Clerk Protem on account of church clerk being absent. On motion Bro. A.J. Alford conference adjourned to meet tomorrow the 26th immediately after service. J. M. Odom Clk. Pro-tem D.A. Given(s) Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes February 26, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Sabbath Feby 26th 1888 Pursuant to adjournment conference convened. Minutes of yesterday the 25 th read & adopted as read. Unfinished business of Jany 15th meeting taken up & dispensed with which was the receiving report of Bell & Light committee which was as follows: The Church Bell and Chandeliers or three light cost $21.00, one light was given by Abe Meyers. Amount collected to pay on same was $15.75. Committee paid the balance of $5.25 as there part of donations or contribution. Other funds not collected for the same which we hope to collect. Respectfully, submitted A. J. A. on motion church rec'd report & discharged the committee. Bro. D. R. Warren, Jr. applied for letters of dismission for Eld. H. B. Allen & wife on motion the same was suspended until next regular conference meeting and on motion church appointed W. T. Woodward & D. R. Warren, Sr. committee to see Bro. Allen and require him to be present at next conference meeting and make the request in person. D. R. Warren, Sr. stated to the church that Willie M. Woodward had violated the rules of the church by dancing and asked him to state the same to the church and say that he was sorry for having offended the church & God by the act that he was sorry for it and wish the church to forgive him that violated & he would try and do no more and on motion the church excuse W. M. Woodward for said offence. D. A. Given(s), Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes March 24, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Saturday 11 o'clock service by Pastor after which conference convened. Minutes of February 25 & 26 & January 15th read and adopted as read. Report of committee called for. Committee appointed to visit Eld. H. B. Allen and investigate suppose trouble between him & the church reported. W. T. Woodward Ch. Committee: Stated to the church that he & Bro. Dan'l R. Warren had visited Bro. Allen and talked the matter over & that Bro. Allen promised to come to church at next regular conference meeting & that he had seen the other Brethren that this supposed trouble seemed to be connected in the matter & they expressed perfect satisfaction and on motion report was received & committee discharged. On motion Br. J. M. Odom rec.d by D. R. Warren, Jr. that Eld. Allen & wife have these letters of dismission as asked for at last conference which was ordered by the church & church clerk instructed to prepare the same. On motion conference adjourned. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk. D. A. Given(s), Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes April 22, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Saturday 11 o'clock service by Pastor after which conference convened with Pastor in the chair as Moderator. Minutes of previous meeting read and adopted as read. Moderator extended privilidge of joining the church to any who might want to join Bro. B. E. Blades holding a letter from New Zion Baptist Church presented himself a letter of date Oct. 10, 1887 for admission into the Grangeville Baptist Church. Stating at the same time that since he had obtained said letter from New Zion Church that he had violated the rules & regulation of said church and now asked the Grangeville Church consider the matter & admit him into membership. The charge & offence being against & in the New Zion Church, the Church refuse to take any action in the matter & remanded the letter & Bro. Blades to the New Zion Church. On motion conference adjourned to meet after service at 7 o'clock p.m. D. A. Given(s) Mod. W. T. Woodward, C. C.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes May 26, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor at 11 o'clock a.m. after which Conference convened. Minutes of previous meeting April 21st read and adopted as read. Report of committees called for Bro. A. J. Alford, ch. Of special committee lumber for association. Reported that the bill due to W. C. Harrell for association was $7.55 & that he had collected $6.35 leaving a balance of $1.20. Said report on motion was rec'd adopted & committee discharged. On motion church ordered Treasure to pay balance of said amount to W. C. Harrell or his agt. W. R. Chaney & take receipt for same. Report of Finance committee which was made at last conference meeting & layed over till this meeting was received & adopted as made by chairman in April meeting. On motion church went into resolution that at the regular meeting time in July that she hold her annual meeting & that time be fixed for the same in future until changed by church. On motion church excused Pastor from 11 o'clock service a.m. on Saturday July until 7 p.m. Privillidge & authority given Pastor to secure ministerial aid in annual meeting in July. On motion Church requested Pastor to discuss at next regular meeting in June on Sunday the Grangeville Church covenant & Articles of Faith. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given(s), Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes June 24, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Pursuant to adjournment of conference of June 23 inst. Conference resumed business by reading minutes of previous meeting June 23rd which was red by Bro. J. M Odom protem and adopted as red. Minutes of previous meeting was now extended to any who wished to join whereupon Sister Etta Sutton, member of Mount Vernon Church with her letter presented herself for membership and on motion church received her into the membership of the ch. Extending to her the hand of church fellowship. Sister Julia Mulleins through her brother Marion Mullens asked for letter of dismission from the church which on motion church granted. And on motion W.T. Woodward Church limited all letters of dismission to six months unless specially ask for & circumstances required it. Bro. Marion Mullen reported that he had seen Bro. Jesse Davis & that Bro. Davis was present in person & made this his report which was received & committee discharged. Bro. D.R. Warren, Sen. Stated for Bro'th Davis to the church that he had drank some whiskey & was under influence of it but not drunk who also said that he was sorry for it & promised not to do so again & asked to be retained in fellowship of the church. And on motion church excused Bro. Jesse Davis. Said statement of Bro. Jesse Davis was corroborated by several. On motion church received & adopted the following resolution offered by Bro. J .M. . Odom & second by W.. T . Woodward: Resolved: That we ask each member of the Grangeville Church to give as mission fund before the next meeting of the Miss. River Association the sum of 65 cts. Sixtyfive cents at least. On motion conference adjourned. W.. T.. Woodward Ch. Clk. D. A. Given(s) Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes August 26, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Service at 11 oclk by Pastor after which church went into conference. Adopted minutes of previous meeting as red. Report of visiting committee to see Bro. John Perry ask further time which was granted by order of the church. On motion church went into election for Delegates to the Miss. River Association. Moderator appointed as tellers to hold election Bros. T. J. Bankston & T. E. Morgan. After balloting resulted in electing as Delegates, W. T. Woodward, D. R. Warren & T. E. Morgan. Alternate J. M. Odom, C. C. Conaly & Alford. On motion church ordered ch. Clk to prepare letter to Association. On motion church proposed to send $3.00 for Associational fund. Church appointed a special committee to raise mission funds for association as follows: Bro. D. R. Warren, Jr., T. E. Morgan, Sister Anna Nettles, A. Alford & C. E. Warren. Church adjourned by motion. D. A. Given, Pastor & Mod. W. T. Woodward, ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes September 22, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Saturday 11 oclock a.m. service by Pastor after which conference convened. Minutes of previous meeting red & adopted as red. Report of committee on missions asked time until conference on tomorrow which was granted. Report of commite to see Bro. Perry made & received & committee discharged. On motion action on Broth. Perry case was continued until following day. On motion church letter was red by Ch. Clk. And adopted as red. Amt. Of mission fund to be sent to Association $9.00. On motion the order for the Baptism of T. G. McClendon was recinded. Church conference adjourned. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk. D. A. Given, Pastor, Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes September 24, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA After service by Pastor conference convened as per adjournment in regular order. Brother D. R. Warren, Jr. Chairman committ. On mission reported as follows $7.90 cash & $1.00 subscribed by order report received & committee discharged. Bro. John Perry present stated that he was guilty of the charge prefered against him & asked the church to excuse him & that he would try and never be guility again. Whereupon by a risisng vote the church unanimously excused him. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. & Pastor W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk

.Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes October 27, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor 11 oclk a.m. after which conference convened. Minutes red and adopted. Reports of Finance committee as follows from Sunday parties Brothers & Sisters, $16.00. Signed D. R. Warren, Sen., Chl. On motion church ordered election for Pastor when Pastor D. A. Given called D. R. Warren Deacon to the chair & retired. Election by ballot which resulted in unanimous call for Eld. D. A. Given. On motion & by vote of church agreed to pay Pastor as Sallery $100.00 and to be paid quarterly. Treasurers report as follows: [missing] Aftr which conference adjourned by motion. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes November 24, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA 11 oclock a.m. service by Pastor after which conference convened for the dispach of such business as regular came before it. Minutes of previous meeting red & adopted as red. On motin it was ordered that on Sabbath 25 next that the church take up a public collection for general purposes. Pastor states that he had been awaited on by committee as to the call of the church & sallery agreed upon was $100.00, that he would accept & serve the church the ensuing year & that the sallery would suit him. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, C. C.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes December 23, 1888 Saint Helena Parish LA Saturday at 11 oclock service by Pastor after which conference convened. Minutes of previous meeting red & adopted as red. On motion church appointed a committee to notify members of the church who had not attended regular service for the last three previous meetings and show cause why and a failure to do so in person or writing that at the next regular meeting they would be charged for contempt of the church. On motion Ch. Clk. Was instructed to notify all who live at a greater distance than ten miles from the church and appointed on committee to notify others, Brothers D. R. Warren, W. T. Woodward and J. M.. Odom. On motion the following resolutions were adopted. Be it Resolved by the Grangeville Bapt. Church that from & after this date all members of said church who fail to attend three regular conference meetings are hereby notified that charges will be prepared against them for contempt of the church unless good & reasonable cause is disciplined by the church. On motion church conference adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, C. C.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes February 23, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Regular service by Pastor 11 oclock Saturday a.m. after which conference convened. Minutes of previous meeting Dec'br 22d 1888 read & adopted as red. Report of committee appointed to notify absent members to report made as follows: Clerk reported he had notified Brethern Z.. Z.. Lee and wife at Slaughter & red them causes to church why they had been unable to attend which was heard & accepted by the church & excused. Sisters Sarah & Mollie Blades letter of causes red & accepted & excused & on motion they were given letters of dimission from the church by request. Stating cause was that they lived to great a distance from the church to attend. On motion committee was continued. Report of Finance committee made through chairman W. T. Woodward as follows, $18.35 which adopted. Report of Treasurer, J. M Odom as follows: that the sum of $86.80 had been paid on sallery of Pastor for year 1888 leaving a balance due on sallery $13.20. On motion the church ordered the one dollar paid Bro. J. M. Odom by Sister Z. Z. Lee to be used to pay contingent expenses of Church which satsfies all church indebtedness excepted Pastor sallery of $13.20. On motion church ordered [typist note: a piece of paper is pasted over the minutes which reads ... Notice: see minutes of March 16th 1895 specifying charge under head Gross Immorality for which Bro. A. J. Alford was expelled from the Grangeville Baptist Church, this the 16th day of March 1895. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.] [Script under pasted paper continues as follows:] The church acted at once in the matter withdrawing her fellowship from him by a unanimous vote of 18 members present. On motion church adjourned to meet on tomorrow in conference. D. A. Given(s), Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes February 24, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Pursuent to adjournment after service conference convened. By request of Eld. D. A. Given, Pastor for letter of dismission for Sister Lieu Morris Nettles the same was granted. On motion final settle of Pastor Sallery was defered until next regular meeting. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, Church Clerk

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes March 23, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Met in regular conference. Rev. D. A. Givens Moderator. The clerk being absent on motion church elected Bro. D. R. Warren, Jr. clerk pro-tem.. On motion the reading of minutes of last meeting dispensed with & C. The following report was submitted by Treasurer: By, Amt. Due & forwarded Feby 23d $ .05 Pd. Thrs. J. Bankston 2.50 " Wm. Davis 5.00 " J. F. Godbold 5.00 " T. J. Bankston 1.00 " Amt. Pd. Pastor - March 20th 13.00 Settlement in full with Pastor for sallery of1888, May 23d by amt. Forwarded .55

The following communication from Sister A. J. Alford to the church through Deacon, D. R. Warren, Sen. Was rec'd rd & made by order of the church a part of this minutes & ch. Clk. Instructed to attach said letter to the church Roll book. Bro. D. R. Warren, Sr. made a statement by request of Sister Alford as to one item in the letter at the bottom of first page saying as to the $100.00 claimed by her as contributed by husband that she withdrew said demand but intended all of the balance in said letter. Among which she asked that her & husband name be taken off the church book and on motion the church withdrew it member fellowship from her and ordered her name removed from the church book. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given D. R. Warren, Ch. Clk, Protem

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes April 27, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Regular service 11 oclk. a.m. by Pastor after which conference convened & after reading minutes of March 23 & Feby 23 & 24 they were adopted as red. D. R. Warren Deacon made the following Statement as collected for & on Pastor Sallery to wit: Sundries from J. M. Odom & wife $7.50 From Mrs. S. R. Nettles 2.50 D.. R.. Warren, Sen. 2.50 T. B. Odom 3.00 W. T. Woodward 5.00 Total 21.00 And on motion the statement was rec'd. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes May 25, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor at usual hour after which conference convened reading minutes of previous meeting red & adopted as red. By request Deacon Warren was asked to preside as moderator who accepted when Eld. D.A. Given presented letter for membership into the church for himself, wife M. L. & daughter D. E. & son A.C Given which was on motion received and the hand of fellowship was extended to all except D. E. Given who was not present which will by order of the church be extended at a time when she is present. On motion church repealed resolution requiring annual meeting to come off in July and on motion fixed for August 4th. Sabbath & Sat. before. Conference adjourned. Note: A. C. Given should read J. C. Given D.R. Warren, Mod Pro tem W.T. Woodward, Ch. Clk.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes June 22, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor after which conference convened. Minutes of previous meeting May 25 red & adopted as red. Report of committee call for when Pastor stated that as he had been instructed by church to invite ministorial aid that he had written to three ministers but had not succeed in securing their services and asked to be relieved from the work. Church rec's statement & granted request. On motion the following committee was appointed to invite Ministers to assist Brethern W. T. Woodward, D. R. Warren, Sen. & J. M. Odom. Brother Hez. Hughes present asked for letters of dismission for himself, wife Susan & son John Hughes which was ordered by the church. By request of W. T. Woodward a letter of dismission was allowed Bro. Marion Mullens by his request which was ordered by church. On motion church conf. Adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk. Adopted August 23d 1889

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes July 27, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor at 11 oclk a.m. after which conference convened for the dispatch of business. Minutes of previous meeting red by clk. And adopted as red. Sister D. E. Given being present the hand of church fellowship was extended to her. Report of Committee to invite ministerial aid to assist in protracted meeting made by Deeken D. R. Warren who stated that they had written to two and there answers was that this time was all taken up, could not serve. Deacon D. R. Warren also reported to the church that he had been reliably informed the Bro. John Hughes since the granting of his letter of dismission had been guilty of swearing & had been drunk on whiskey and that for the protection of the church had instructed the church clerk to withhold his letter until next regular conference which course was approved by the church and order allowing said letter cecinded. On motion a committee was appointed to see Bro. Hughes as follows: Brother D. W. Warren, Sen. & H. R. McWilliams & report at next meeting. On motion Church ordered the name of John E. Perry former member of Grangeville Church striken from roll book as he had united with the Methodist Church. On motion ordered a collection to taken up to assist Bro. Paddy Black to go to Clinton Col., Miss. Also general mission fund. On motion conference adjourned. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk. Adopted August 23d 1889

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes August 23, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor 11 oclk a.m. after which conference convened for regular business. Minutes of previous meeting July 27th red and adopted as red. Report of committee to see Bro. John Hughes made by Deacon Warren that he had seen him & that he confess his guilt to him as charged & ask that the church consider the matter & excuse him. Bro. Hughes being present made the same statement & ask that the church excuse him & grant him his letter of dismission which after being duly considered by the church a letter was ordered. Report of committee on ministeriol aid made & report rec'd and committee discharged which was continued at last report of July 27. On motion church went into election of delegates to the Miss. River Bapt. Association which resulted in the election of the following brethern: W. T. Woodward, D. R. Warren and B. C. Perkins and Alternates J. M. Odom, Robert Nettles and J. F. Godbold. On motion the sum of $3.00 was ordered for Associational funds and asked 20 copies minutes. On motion conference adjourned. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk. D. A. Given, Mod. Adopted Sept. 21st 1889

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes September 21, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA 11 oclk. a.m. service by Pastor after which conference convened. Minutes of previous meeting August 23d rd and adopted as red. It being the time of annual meeting which was expected to continue for several days, conference closed until called some day before the close of the next meeting. W. T. Woodward, C. C. D. A. Given, Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes September 25, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Pursuent to adjournment conference convened after service 9 oclk. p.m. and on motion church letter to association as prepared by church clerk was red and unanimously adopted as red. On motion church instructed Delegates to the Association to correct error in former minutes of 2 years as to Bro. R. T. Steven as Licentiate. From our said church Communication from Bluff Creek Church red after which was rec's & on motion the required number of delegates ask for in said communication was elected by the church which was as follows: D. W. T. Woodward and J. M. Odom who were to meet at said Bluff Creek Ch. At there next sitting and there to take part in a council composed from other church to adjust pending troubles with the Bluff Creek members. On motion conference adjourned until close of meeting. D. A. Given, Mod. W. T. Woodward, C. C.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes October 26, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor 11 oclk a.m. after which conference convened. Minutes of previous meetings, Sept. 21, 25, & 26 red and adopted as red. On account of a failure with the Bluff Creek Council to meet as requested at former meeting Sept. 25, a renewed request was made by the Breth. Of Bluff Creek to send a delegation at the next sitting of there council which was rec's by the church and Brethern J. M. Odom and W. T. Woodward was reelected to serve. On motion church ordered and election for Pastor for ensuing year which was as follows: Eld. E. d. Shilling, six (6), Eld. D. A. Given two (2) and on motion the election of E. D. Shilling was made unanimous and on motion church agreed & consented to pay Pastor E. D. Shilling for service to be renendered to said church for the year 1890 the sum of one hundred dollars. On motion Treasurer Reports: March 21, 1889 bal. Due the church $.55, June 24 paid on Pastor Sallelry $41.75 and for missions $7.00. For education to Pady Black $5.00, for association funds, $3.00. On motion conference adjourned. W. T. Woodward, Ch. Clk. D. A. Given, Mod. Adopted Dec 26, 1889

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes December 26th, 1889 Saint Helena Parish LA Service by Pastor 11 oclk. a.m. aftr which conference convened for regular business. Minutes of previous meeting red & adopted. Communication from Eld. E.D. Shilling red by clk. and accepted by the church. On motion letters of dismission to Eld. D.A. Given, Sister M.L. & D. E., also Bro. A.C. Given was granted by request of Eld. D.A. Given. On motion rule of church requiring members to report once in three months at regular conference meeting was repealed. On motion conference adjourned. Note: A. C.. Given should read J. C. Given W.T. Woodard, Ch. Clk D.A. Given Mod.

Grangeville Baptist Church Minutes September 19th A.D. 1896 Saint Helena Parish LA
Dear Brethern, my resignation as clerk of the Grangeville Baptist Church being accepted, I hereby
give a short historical Record and Statistics of the church since I have been your Clerk. The
Grangeville Baptist Church was constituted at Grangeville La. St. Helena Parish June 16th 1883 in
the Eureka Grange Hall by Rev'd Henry B. Allen and Robert J. Stewart, ministrs of the gospel and
fifteen members with letters in good standing from these respective. After which a conference was
convened by said body. Rev. H. B. Allen presiding as moderator. The church to call a pastor for
the remainder of the year which resulted in the electing of Rev. H. B. Allen who
served the church faithfully from said time until August 15th 1886 when he tendered his
resignation. Which cause was having to move to Lake Charles as pastor was three years & two &
half months. State Mission board paid for first years services $50.00. Church paid for the
balance of time $123.00. Total amount paid $173.00 Brethern D. R. Warren Sen and Z. Z. Lea
having been set apart as deacons in there former churches was now chosen deacons to serve in
the Gsrangeville Church. Which duty Brothr Warren has faithfully perform to the present. Br. Z. Z.
Lea having withdrawn membership from us to join some other sister more convenient, Brother
James M. Odom was elected Treasurer who has continued to serve to the present whose work has
been faithful and satisfactory. W. T. Woodward was elected Clerk who has served the church to the
present. After the resignation of Pastor H. B. Allen August 15th 1886, the Church was without a
pastor until Feby 27th 1887. Rev. R. J. Stewart was called to serve the church who
accepted and continued to serve the church until November th 27th 1887, a period of ten months.
The church paid him for his service, $125.00. In January 15th 1888, Rev. D. A. Givens taken
charge of the Church having been chosen as Pastor and serve for two years during which time the
Church passed some very trying ordeal and encountering serious troubles. Never denying the
faith, Rev. D. A. Givens was paid for services $200.00. Rev. E. D. Shilling was the successor of
Pastor D. A. Givens whose service began Feby. 22, 1892 and continued until forced to resign on
account of failing health July 26th 1894, his term of service covered a period
three years and six months which was very pleasant and helpful to the church and consistently was
paid for services by church $425.00. September 16th 1894 Rev. S. S. Nettles was called by the
church to fill out the unexpired time of Pastor Schilling time 1894 and in December of same year
his call was as Pastor was made indefinite who has continued to serve the church regularly once a
month the third Sabbath & Saturday before in each month and to her Pastor today. The church has
paid Pastor Nettles for service up to Jany the 1st 1896 $165.00. The church owes him for his
service as pastor for year 1896 the sum of $125.00. The amount paid Pastors for service since the
church was organized amts. To $1088.00.
Life of church thirteen years and five months. There has been during the 13 yrs. & five months of
the church's history 154 conferences meeting regular & special minutes recorded in Church book.
23 has been pro-tem. 131, I your clerk have been present and served. There has been since the
organization of the church joined by letter 71 members, by statement 4 members and by
experience 56 members. Total 130 members. There has been dismissed by letter 45, expelled on
charges 11 members, died 9, restored 1. Membership to date, 65 members.
Statistic Report in Years
Year Join Res. Dis. Ex. Died
1883 24 0 0 0 0
1884 3 0 0 0 0
1885 5 0 1 1 1
1886 7 0 2 0 0
1887 22 0 0 1 1
1888 2 0 3 1 0
1889 5 0 14 0 2
1890 10 0 2 0 0
1891 30 0 4 1 1
1892 5 1 1 1 1
1893 10 0 4 1 0
1894 2 0 7 0 0
1895 3 0 5 2 2
1896 2 0 2 3 1

Yours in Love,
W. T. Woodward

The Mississippi Baptist Historical Commission, Mississippi College Clinton, MS records show the following references to Rev. D. A. Given's ministry.

1888 Pastor Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Amite County Mississippi
1889 Pastor Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Amite County Mississippi
1890 Pastor Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Amite County Mississippi
1891 Pastor Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Amite County Mississippi
1892 Pastor Hopewell Baptist Church Franklin County Bude, Mississippi
1892 Pastor Mt. Zion Baptist Church Franklin County Smithdale, MS
1896 Pastor Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Tula, Mississippi
1897 Pastor Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Coffeeville, Mississippi
1898 Pastor Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Coffeeville, Mississippi
1899 Coffeeville, Mississippi
1900 Coffeeville, Mississippi
1901 Coffeeville, Mississippi
1902 Pastor McComb City
1903 Pastor McComb City
1906 Pastor McComb City
1907 Pastor McComb City
1908 Pastor McComb City
1909 Pastor Thompson Church Amite County
1910 Pastor McComb City
1911 Pastor McComb City
1912 Pastor McComb City
1913 Pastor McComb City
1914 Pastor McComb City First Baptist Church Deceased

The funeral of Reverend D. A. Given who died suddenly on August 16, 1914 at the home of Mack Nunnery in McComb, Mississippi last Sunday afternoon took place from the residence in McComb of his only remaining son, Reverend J. Crossley Given, Monday, August 17, 1914 at 4:30 p.m. Revs. Theo Whitfield, of McComb, I. H. Anding, of Summit and J. H. Lane, of south McComb delivered impressive eulogies to the character of their departed brother after which the body was intered in the city cemetery.

Sale of Land for Taxes D. A. Given a NW 1/4 BLK 9 Section 13 Twp 3 Range 7 State Tax 3.00 County Tax 6.88 D. A. Given BLK 11 Algeris Section 13 Twp 3 Range 7 State Tax ----- County Tax ----- Total Tax $11.31 The McComb City Enterprise 03/16/1916

History of China Grove Church
Taken from an Article by
James M. Lewis
1932

The Rev. James M. Lewis in 1932 wrote the history of the China Grove Church and the article appeared in the Tylertown Times of May 5, 1932. It is being reprinted at this time in the belief that it will prove of interest to the Methodist preachers land delegates who are in Tylertown attending the Brookhaven District Conference. China Grove church as a life saving station is no more. The coming of the railroads, the highways, the consolidating of the public schools, in towns on the railroads has sapped the very life out of this once great and glorious church. Ere the Reaper comes and takes this scribe to that shore, "From whence no traveler has ever yet returned," he wishes to pay his tribute to her glorious past. In 1809 a man by the name of Ralph Stovall entered the land NW 1/4 of Sec. 24 to 3.R 2 from the Government of what is now known as Walthall county. Along about this time a Baptist church was organized at this place. But the Baptist didn't seem to succeed so well and so between 1830 and 1836 they sold the church and property to the Methodist people. The deed was made to the Methodist, October 4, 1836 and recorded in Book "F" pages 549 and 550, July 20,1840. The grand old building now standing there was made out of pure heart pine, hewed, sawed and planed by hand. It was begun in 1854 and finished in 1861. I am told that the Rev. Needham B. Raford, a local preacher, who owned a plantation about a mile Southwest of the church did most of the work in building the church with his slaves. It is said that the building did not cost more than $100.00 in actual money. In the "City of the Dead" that lies hard by the church you will find the grave of this Saint of God who labored so faithfully for the cause of righteousness in those days. Many of the preachers of Conference were converted at the altars of this grand old church. Among them were Revs. Clarence Crossley and B. W. Lewis. They were both converted at the same time, kneeling side by side at the altar. I have heard my brother who is now in the Glory World, tell the story of that conversion often. It never grew old to him. China Grove is the "Mother" church of nearly all the Methodist churches, both colored and white, in that section of the country. The Tylertown, Kokomo and Knoxo churches have drawn nearly all their strength from this church. It is no wonder that the people were reluctant in giving up this church as a regular preaching place. But with the shifting of the population, the consolidation of public schools in other centers, community interest in the old church began to wane. When the writer was read out as pastor of the Tylertown Station, we found the China Grove had been place on the Charge as an afternoon appointment. We also found a scattered and dissatisfied membership. Now, progress is the natural thing land modern developments are right but when it comes to religion, one should go slow in removing 'Old Land-marks'. People can change school centers by law and pacifically force the patronage of these schools but that method cannot be used with churches without disastrous results. When shifting school centers we do not deal with immortal souls as such; no one's particular denomination of church is endangered. But when it comes to shifting church centers it is a different story. It is a fact whether we want to admit it or not, that people do not readily see the need of changing church centers, in order to keep up with the times. In the case of China Grove was found that they had not had any peaching services for more than a year, and for several years before lead done very little in the Kingdom business. A survey was made and we found a membership of nearly 200, most of whom were not attending church anywhere. Scores of children wee being brought up without the influence of the church. After much prayer and fasting, we reestablished the monthly preaching service at 11 o'clock and rallied the membership. The old Spiritual fires were revived; great revivals were head again; scores of children and grown people were converted and reclaimed at the altars and joined the church. China Grove took on new life. The stewards collected $500.00 a year for the pastor's salary, we collected $300.00 a year for the apportionments, and $200.00 more for other purposes, making a $1000.00 a year for the three years I was pastor on the Charge. We feel that is was well worth our efforts to revive and rally old China Grove church and while we were condemned by some for making the effort, yet we had the approving smile our Heavenly Father. The old church building will stand there for many ears to come (barring fires and storms that might destroy) among the giant oaks, where birds gather to rest, and sing and raise their young. Silently the people will take their dead and bury them in the "City of the Dead" that lies hard by; occasionally the older people will gather for an all day service with dinner on the grounds and mingle their voices in song land prayer, thanking God for His goodness and love to them. I am indebted to Brother John A. Packwood of Tyler town, Miss. For the historical facts in this article Revivals of the intensive kind a Holy Ghost Revival, prayed down from Heaven is as badly needed today in every city, village and community as it was just after the Civil War. It was the great revivals of the early 1870's that saved the South and the Nation from the evil effects of the reconstruction days, and its going to take a nation-wide revival that will flame all over the world to save us from utter wreck and ruin today. If this revival is not soon forthcoming then God will have to shorten our days. God grant that a revival will come.

Source: Tylertown Times 05/19/1938
Researched by John Logan Given, Jr. 02/08/1995
Rev. D. A. Given Pastor China Grove Methodist Church 1879

Crossley-Reeves - December 22, 1881 at the residence of Mr. T. J. Cobb near McComb City, Miss. By Rev. D. A. Given, Mr. James A. Crossley and Miss Lien A. Reeves.

History of Hopewell Baptist Church, Franklin County Bude Mississippi Originated in 1813

By. J. L. Boyd, Clinton, Mississippi
Martha Ann Hall and Nancy Fredlock, Secretaries
March, 1963

Sources: A Republication of the Minutes of the Mississippi Baptist Association from it's
Organization in 1806 to the Present Time
Minutes of the Mississippi Baptist Association
Minutes of the Franklin Baptist Association
Minutes of the Adams Franklin Baptist Association
Original Church Minutes from 1813 to 1962

This history states that on the third Sunday, January, 1892 Bro. D. A. Given of McComb City preached and was called as pastor of the church and served until 1893.