Bethel Baptist Church

Clayton, Texas

The frst Baptist Church in this County was at Clayton. Organized on Saturday before the 4th Lord's Day in September, 1843, by Rev. Isaac Reed, a pioneer Baptist Minister in his home two miles northwest of Clayton.

Original Minutes of Organization of Betherl Baptist Church at Clayton, Panola County, Texas, September 4, 1843: Republic of Texas, Harrison County at Elder Reed's Dwelling House

On Saturday before the 4th Lord's Day in September, 1843, We the members of the united Baptist order being met together in the fear of God for the purpose of Constituting the Church Bethel and called on Elder Isaac Reed and Lemuel Herrin as a Presbetry: called on Abner Herrin as Secretary and Cler, protem. The Church Covenant being read and approved, and we shose names are undersigned were pronounced by the Presbetry The Church Bethel. We then opened a door for the reception of members: received Elder Isaac Reed by letter into our fellowship: Received Elder Lemuel Herring by letter into our fellowship: then concluded by prayer.

(Signatures beneath these minutes:) Elder Isaac Reed, Elder Lemuel Herrin, Henry Awalt, John R. Hartsfield, John Morris, Isaac Morris, Edward Swet, Charles O. Scruggs, Jeary Swet, Abner Herrin, Sr. , John Clarksdial, Abner Herrin, Jr. , Isaac Reed, Elizabeth Reed, Mary Herrin, Amanda Reed, Elizabeth Scrugs, Elizabeth Carbee, Francis Morris, Keziah Herrin, Karon Happeech Herrin, Sarah Allred.

Bethel Church moved to present location in 1874 and the Church has the orginal minutes. In 1936, a Historical monument was erected by the State of Texas. The Church is still in existance. (prepared by Gloria B. Mayfield, ggg grandaughter-July 1998)