Norwood Presbyterian Church

Session Minutes - 1901-1910

[Page 3] Comite Church, April 7th, 1901 Session met and opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Elders R. J. Pemble and I. D. Norwood present. Session then took up the Cases of Wm Lee and his daughter Callie Lee, These parties have been summoned to appear before the Session in accordance With Rules of Discipline Chapter 5 - to answer to the charge of drunkenness, vile association & profanity in the case of the first and a violation of the 7th Commandment in the case of the second. Failing to appear at the specified time they were a second time cited and again failing to answer the Summons and having in the meantime removed from our bounds the Session took the following action. Whereas Wm Lee & his daughter Callie Lee having been Cited to appear before this Court & answer to the charges of drunkenness, vile association and profanity in the case of the first and fornication in the Case of the second, and whereas, although twice Cited they have in each Case failed to appear [Page 4] or to make any answer Whatever, therefore be it resolved that Wm Lee and Callie Lee for the gross immorality above specified & for contermacy in refusing to answer the Citation of this Court are hereby excommunicated from the Communion of this Church. No further business session closed with prayer. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clek.

Comite Church, La., June 16/01 Session met opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., present Elders R. J. Pemble and I. D. Norwood. Mr. A. J. Norwood Came before the Session and on examination as to his faith in Christ, having made a Credible profession of the same, was received into full membership of Comite Church, After recess Mr. John T. Sebastain Came before Session and on examination as to his faith in Christ Was received into full membership of the Church. Mr. Thos A. Graves, Mrs Mittie Graves & Mr. William [Page 5] Graves presented their letters from the M. E. Church South, they were received into full Communion of the Comite Church. No further business. Session Closed with prayer. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clrk.

Comite Church, July 7th, 1901 Session met and was opened with prayer by the Moderator, Rev. D. O. Byers. Elders present, R. J. Pemble and I. D. Norwood. Dr. W. F. Hagaman was received by letter from the First Presbyterian Church of Alexandria, La. Names of his baptized Children Ruth and Fred Purnell. On motion the Clerk of Session was authorized to make the records of future Meeting in Vol. 2 of Sessional Records. Meeting closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clrk.

[Page 6] Comite Church, Aug. 3/01 Session Met and was opened with prayer by moderator D. O. Byers. Present Elders R. J. Pemble and I. D. Norwood. Session then spent some time in Carefully revising our roll of Membership. Our present Membership is fifty six; Reserved list Nine. No further business session closed with prayer.

Comite Church, Nov. 3rd, 1901 Session opened with prayer. Present Rev. D. O. Byers & Elder I. D. Norwood. (There being present only two elders one being sick) Elder I. D. Norwood was appointed to represent this church at the fall meeting of La. Presbytery at Marksville, La. Session closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clk.

[Page 7] Comite Church, Nov. 17th, 1901 Session met-opened with prayer. Present Rev. D. O. Byers, Elders I. D. Norwood and R. J. Pemble. I. D. Norwood was elected as delegate and R. J. Pemble alternate to represent this Church at the meeting of La. Synod at New Orleans.

Comite Church, April 6/02, 1902 Session met, opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers Moderator, Present Elders I. D. Norwood and R. J. Pemble. R. J. Pemble was elected to represent this Church at Presbytery which is to meet in Jackson, La., on the 18th of April. I. D. Norwood as alternate. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clk.

Approved as far as written with exceptions. (1) on page 7 the Clerk neglected to attest the record by his signature, (2) From Nov. 17. 01 to April 6. 02 the session failed to meet as the Book requires. Eugene L. Siler, Moderator, Jackson, La., April 19, 1902.

[Page 8] Comite Church, July 6th, 1902 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Present Elders R. J. Pemble and I. D. Norwood. Mrs. Bertha Caulfield presented herself before the session and on profession of her faith in Jesus Christ was received into full membership of Comite Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk

Comite Church, July 19th, 1902 Session Met in session room after evening Services. Present Rev. E. L. Siler, who was requested to Act as Moderator, and Ruling Elders I. D. Norwood and R. J. Pemble. Miss Ellen A. Norwood and Miss Exa Graves appeared before the Session and upon profession of their faith in Christ were received into the Communion of the Church, they [Page 9] having been baptized in infancy. There being no further business the Session Adjourned. Session was opened & closed with prayer. E. L. Siler, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

July 20th, 1902 Session met in Session room before morning Service. Present Rev. E. L. Siler, acting as Moderator, and Ruling elders R. J. Pemble and I. D. Norwood. Opened with prayer. Mr. N. P. Reagan Appeared before the Session, having been Suspended from the Communion a number of years ago, and upon his confessing his sin and professing Sincere repentance therefor & his intention to lead a Consistent Christian life, With Gods help, he was, by unanimous vote restored to the Communion and full fellowship of the Church. There being no further business the Session took recess till after evening Service. Closed with prayer. E. L. Siler, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 10] July 20th, 1902 Session Met After evening Service with Rev. E. L. Siler as Moderator and Elders I. D. Norwood and R. J. Pemble. Opened with prayer. Mr. Chas Caulfield and Mr. Leroy F. Graves appeared before Session and upon profession of their faith in Jesus Christ were received into the Communion. Mr. Caulfield having been baptized in infancy and Mr. Graves baptism being ordered administered at public service at a later date. Mr. D. Boatner also appeared before session seeking admission into this Church and professing his faith in Christ It appearing that he had been previously immersed in the Christian (Campbellite) Church and he being satisfied with same, the session decided to defer action upon his application until they Could Consider the matter more Carefully. There being no further business Session Adjourned. Closed with prayer. Rev. E. L. Siler, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 11] Comite Church, July 21st/02 Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. E. L. Siler, Moderator. Present Elders I. D. Norwood and R. J. Pemble. Mr. William Caulfield, Miss Carrie Pemble, Miss Loula James & Miss Iowa McKneely appeared before session and upon profession of their faith in Jesus Christ were received into the Communion of the Church. Miss Iowa McKneely having been baptized in infancy and Miss Pemble and James and Mr. Caulfield baptism being ordered administrated at public service at a later date. There being no further business Session adjourned. Closed with prayer. Rev. E. L. Siler, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 12] Comite Church, Nov. 13th, 1902 Session met. Opened with prayer by Moderator Rev. D. O. Byers. Present Elder I. D. Norwood. I. D. Norwood was elected delegate to attend Meeting of Presbytery and Synod. Letters of dismissal to the Centreville Presbyterian Church of Mr. & Mrs. R. J. Pemble, Mr. & Mrs. S. C. Field, Mr. Willie Field & Miss Eva Field was granted. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Comite Church, Norwood, La. 2/15/03 Session Met opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers Moderator. Present Ruling Elders I. D. Norwood and Thos A. Graves. Motion was made and Carried to have a congregational meeting after services. The following was adopted & ordered to be written in the minutes. The hearty thanks of the Session and of the entire church are due and are hereby tendered to the building Committee one and all and especially to Mr. J. T. Sebastain

[Page 13] to whose Zeal and untiring labor the Completion of our beautiful house of Worship is largely due; to the Ladies Aid Society by Whose faithful efforts it has been so comfortably Seated and so brilliantly lighted, to our friends of Sister Churches, who by their money their hands and their prayers have so generously aided us; and to Mr. McElwee, Mr. Boudreau, Mr. Jelks and others who have done such honest and faithful work in the building and fitting of our church. We thank them one and all from our hearts praying the rich blessing of our Common Lord upon them and upon His work as it is Committed to the Congregation Which it permitted, by the divine favor, to enter its New church home today. No further business session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clrk.

[Page 14] Norwood, La., Comite Church, Mar. 15th, 1903 Session met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Thos A. Graves and I. D. Norwood. Miss L. A. Carmack, Misses Maud and Linnie Byers and Mr. Willard David Byers presented their letters from the Jackson Presbyterian Church, they were received into Comite Church. Rev. D. O. Byers stated before the Session that at Rose Hill, Miss., on the 4th Sabbath of Feb. after his regular services he had received the following persons into the Communion of the Church on profession of their faith in Christ. Mrs. T. Boatner, Miss Emma Trask, and Miss Alice Day. On motion the Session ratified the action of the pastor in the premises and these persons were regularly received by Sessional act. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clrk.

[Page 15] Norwood, La., April 5th, 1903 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders I. D. Norwood and Thos A. Graves. Mrs. Mary L. Sebastain presented her letter from the 1st Presbyterian Church, New Orleans. She was received into the Norwood Presbyterian Church. On Motion Elder I. D. Norwood was chosen as delegate & Elder Thos A. Graves alternate to represent the Norwood Presbyterian Church at Spring Meeting of Presbytery which is to be held at Gloster, Miss., April the 9th. It was decided to have a Congregational Meeting after the morning services for the purpose of selecting three trustees of the Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

Approved as far as written, in Presbytery at Gloster, Miss., April 11th, 1903. D. O. Byers, Moderator.

[Page 16] Norwood Presbyterian Church, May 3rd, 1903 Session met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod. Present Ruling Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. Mr. and Mrs. Walter McLaurin presented their letter from the Plains Presbyterian Church. On motion they were received into the Communion of the Norwood Presbyterian Church. No further business Session closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., July 19/03 Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders I. D. Norwood & T. A. Graves. On motion Mrs. J. M. Cage was received as by letter from the Bethany Presbyterian Church into full Communion. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 17] Norwood, La., Aug. 12th, 1903 Session Met. Opened with prayer. Present Elders T. A. Graves & I. D. Norwood. Mrs. Alice L. DuBose & Miss Annie Bell DuBose presented themselves. Mrs. DuBose was received by letter from the Wilson Methodist Church and Miss Annie after due examination as to her faith in Christ was received to full Communion. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Aug. 14th, 1903 Session met Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders T. A. Graves, Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood Miss Anna Graves presented herself and upon profession of her faith in Jesus Christ was received into the full Communion of the Church. No further business, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 18] Norwood, La., Aug. 16th, 1903 Session met. Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod. Present Elders T. A. Graves, Ben Graves, I. D. Norwood. Master Pemble Field appeared after due examination as to his faith in Jesus Christ, was received into full Communion of the Church. No further business. Session closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

Aug. 26th, 1903 Session Met, opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. The following persons desirous to unite with the Rose Hill organization of the Presbyterian Church with their own accord asked for their letters of dismissal, Which was granted by the session.

[Page 19] Names: Mr. L. P. Lindsay Mrs. Mary Lindsay Mr. J. R. Lindsay Mrs. Annie Lindsay Henry McKneely Mrs. Kate McKneely Mrs. Bettie McKneely Sam McKneely Harry Trask Miss Emmie Trask Miss Alice Day Mrs. Bertha Caulfield Charlie Caulfield Wm Caulfield Mrs. Sarah Caulfield Harry Carruth Miss Carrie Pemble Robt L. Rourk Mrs. Mattie Rourk Mrs. Lizzie Read Richard W. Read Mrs. Mary Forman Miss Geneveve Graves Miss Ellen Graves Chas Johnston Mrs. Lizzie Boatner [Page 20] Mrs. W. C. Kent Mrs. Myrtle Stone

Norwood, La., Sept 27/03 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. On Motion Mr. Thos A. Graves was elected as principal and Ben Graves as alternate delegates to represent this Church at fall Meeting of Presbytery which meets at Lake Charles, La. Invitation by congregation to presbytery to meet at his Church at spring meeting was ratified by Session and requested Mr. Byers to present same. No further business, Session closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 21] Norwood Church, Nov. 15th, 1903 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves, Thos A. Graves and I. D. Norwood. Mr. Ben Graves was selected as delegate and Thos A. Graves Alternate to La. Synod which is to convene in New Orleans. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, April 10th, 1904: Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders I. D. Norwood, Thos A. Graves and Ben Graves. Mrs. L. M. Scott, Mr. G. A. Scott, Misses Kate & Eva Scott & Mr. & Mrs. Alex McKneely presented their letter from the Wilson Presbyterian Church. On motion they were received into full Communion of this Church. Mr. Thos A. Graves was elected delegate

[Page 22] and Mr. Ben Graves Alternate delegate to the Spring meeting of Presbytery which is to meet in this Church on the 28th of this Month. On motion making up the Church records for Presbytery was postponed until the

following friday evening. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

Norwood Church, April 15th, 1904 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders T. A. Graves & I. D. Norwood. Statistical and other reports were read and adopted. Sessional records for the past year were read and approved. Statistical reports and Narration follow on succeeding pages. Session closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk

[Page 23] Statistical Report Elders, 3; Deacons, 2; Communicants on Exam, 3; Communicants on Certificate, 5; Total of Communicants, 52; Adult Baptisms, 2; Infant Baptisms, x; Baptized Non Communicants 14; Off & Teachers Sab. School, 6; Scholars Sab. School, 32; Funds contributed to Foreign Missions, $11.30; Assemblies Home Missions, 10.60; Local Home Missions, 21.70; Colored Evangelization, 3.80; Ministerial Relief, 8.75; Education, 14.05; Publication, 10.14; Bible Causes, x; Presbyterial, --; Pastoral Salary Paid, Congregational, 1562.72.

[Page 24] Narrative of the Session 1. Attendance upon the Services by Members Very Good 2. The Observance of Family Worship Not what it Should be 3. The observance of the Lord's day by Members Well observed 4. The training of children & youth in the home & Sabbath School in the Scriptures & Catechisms of the Church Fairly Good 5. Fidelity of God's people in Worshiping the Lord with their Substance & in giving to the support & extension of the Gospel We feel that our Church has done remarkably well in this respect. 6. Has your church paid its Minister fully & promptly the amount promised him? If not, how much is due on his salary? Paid in full. 7. Have there been any special evidence of Spiritual life & growth & activity among your people? There has been. 8. Does Worldly Conformity prevail among Church Members? To a very small degree 9. Is your church engaged in any evangelistic work outside your own congregation? None

[Page 25] Records examined and approved as far as written with the exception, first that there was no meeting of session from Nov 15 1903 to April 10 1904, second that there is no statement on pages 17 & 18 that the applicants for membership had been baptized at any time. Presbytery at Norwood, La., April 30, 1904, Charles Herron, Moderator.

Norwood Church, May 1, 04: Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves, T. A. Graves and I. D. Norwood. Mr. Moray Crawford presented himself and on examination as to his faith in Christ was received in full Communion of the Church. He was at his own request granted a letter to join the Presbyterian Church at Rose Hill. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk

[Page 26] Norwood Church, La., Sept 11th, 1904 Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders T. A. Graves and I. D. Norwood. Mr. & Mrs. W. F. Dickerson presented themselves. On examination as to his faith in Jesus Christ Mr. Dickerson, having been baptized in infancy, was received in full Communion of the Church, Mrs. Dickerson joined by letter from the Whitaker Methodist Church. By their own request Mr. & Mrs. John F. McKneely and Misses Adell[?] and Jason McKneely were granted letters to unite with Presbyterian Church at Rose Hill. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 27] Norwood, La., Nov 9th, 1904 Session Met. Opened with prayer, Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Thos A. Graves, Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. Elder Ben Graves was elected principal and T. A. Graves Alternate delegates to meeting of La. Presbytery which is to meet at the Achafaliya Church. I. D. Norwood was elected principal & T. A. Graves Alternate delegate to meeting of La. Synod which is to meet at Clinton, La. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

Norwood, La. Feb 26, 05 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod. Present Elders Ben Graves and T. A. Graves, Mr. Will & Misses Exa & Anna Graves was granted letters to unite with the Centreville Presbyterian Church. No further business session closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 28] Norwood, La., April 11/05 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. Sessional Records for the past year was read & approved. On motion Mr. Ben Graves was elected delegate and I. D. Norwood alternate delegate to La. Presbytery which is to meet at Baker, La., on April 27th. Statistical and other reports were read & adopted. Statistical report and Narration follow on Succeeding pages. No further business, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

[Page 29] Approved as far as written in open Presbytery at Baker, La. April 28, 05. J. F. Naylor Moderator.

[Page 30] Norwood, La., June 26th, 1905: Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. Miss Ida Munger presented herself and after due examination as to her faith in Jesus Christ was received into full Communion of the Church; having been Baptized in infancy. Mr. & Mrs. J. L. Street with their Baptized Children presented their letter from the Unity Presbyterian Church. On motion they were received in full Membership of this Church. No further business. Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., J. D. N., Clerk.

Norwood, La., Nov 11/05: Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. Ben Graves was elected as delegate to fall Presbytery & I. D. Norwood Alternate. I. D. Norwood was elected as delegate to Synod Which was to meet in Monroe, La. and Ben Graves Alternate. No further business [Page 31] Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Mar 24th, 1906: Session Met Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers Mod. Present Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. Ben Graves was elected delegate to Presbytery which is to meet at Centreville, Miss. on April 5th and I. D. Norwood Alternate. After making up reports to Presbytery being no further business. Session Closed with prayer.

Committee on records of the Norwood Church would respectfully report recommending them approved as far as written with following exception. 1st

Page 30, No meeting of Session from June 16 to Nov. 11/05. Again Pages 34 & 35, No meeting from Nov. 11 1905 to Mch 21/06. 2nd, on page 30 is signature J. D. N. Clerk. 3rd, Page 30 & 31 the word delegate is used instead of representative. Centreville, Miss., J. T. Young, Mod.

[Page 32] Norwood, La., July 1st, 1906 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elder I. D. Norwood. Mr. J. P. Dickinson presented himself and after due examination as to his faith in Jesus Christ was received into full Communion of the Church, having been baptized in infancy. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Sept 18/06 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. On motion Mr. Ben Graves was selected as principal Representation & I. D. Norwood Alternate to represent this Church at fall meet of Presbytery which is to convene at Alexandria, La. No further Business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 33] Norwood Church, La., Dec. 7/06 Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. By her own request Mrs. Ada Ellis (nee James) was granted her letter to unite with the Manasa M. E. Church South. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Presbyterian Church, La., Oct 15/06 Session met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Graves & Norwood. After talking over Church Matters, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Presbyterian Church, La., Nov. 5th 1906 Session met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Graves & Norwood. Mr. & Mrs. Eugene Richardson presented their letter from the Centreville Presbyterian Church [Page 34] On motion they were received into full membership of this Church. Ruling Elder I. D. Norwood was elected as Representative and Ben Graves as alternate to La. Synod, which is to convene at Baton Rouge, La., on the 15th of Nov. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, La., Dec 16/06 Session Met. Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. Mrs. Hattie Lewis presented her letter from the Whitaker M. E. Church South. On motion she was received into full Communion of the Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 35] Norwood Church, La., April 22nd, 1907

Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Messers Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. Mr. J. T. Sebastain one of the Deacons was invited to meet with us. Sessional records for the past year were read and approved. On Motion I. D. Norwood was elected as Representative and Ben Graves Alternate to the Spring Meeting of La. Presbytery, which will Convene at the Plains Presbyterian Church on April the 25th. Statistical and other reports were read & adopted. No further business, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Approved as far as written in open Presbytery at Plains Church Apr. 27, 1907, with the exception that the statistical report to Presbytery is not recorded. F. W. Lewis, Moderator.

[Page 36] Norwood, La., July 21st, 1907 Session Met and was opened with prayer. Present Rev. D. O. Byers, moderator, and Elders Graves & Norwood. Rev. D. O. Byers reported to the Session that on June 11th he had visited Mr. Jno H. Ham of Wilson, La., who was supposed to be on his death bed and after Conversation and prayer with him, he had received him, at his own request, into this Church, after Confession of his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. And the administration of the ordinance of baptism, his action in the premises being subject to the ratification of the Session. Session ratified this Action & Mr. Ham was enrolled as a member of this Church. No further business appearing, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

July 10th, 1907, Norwood, La. Session Met and was opened with prayer. Present Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator, and Elders Graves and Norwood. [Page 37] Miss Corrie Fields presented herself and on examination as to her faith in Christ was received in full Communion of the Church. She having been baptized in infancy. No further business appearing Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, La., Aug. 11/07 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. Mrs. Edner Graves was received by letter from the M. E. Church South in full Communion of the Church. Misses Addie DuBose and Willie Rollins presented themselves before the Session and on examination as to their faith in Christ were received in full Communion of the Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 38] Norwood Church, Aug. 15 [1907] Session Met Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. The following persons presented their letters, Martyn Young from the Baker Pres. Church, Mrs. Mary Rollins from Little Plains Pres. Church, Mr. John Rollins from the Rose Hill Pres. Church, Mr. & Mrs. Dee Boatner from the Rose Hill Pres. Church, and Mr. & Mrs. E. Butterworth from the Jackson Pres. Church. On motion they were all received in full Communion of this Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, Aug. 16/07 Session Met & Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. Messrs. Gervis & Walter McLaurin, Jr., Misses Katie & Neomie Arbuthnot & Miss Sallie Butterworth presented themselves [Page 39] and on examination as to their faith in Christ were received in full Communion of the Church having been baptized in infancy & Mrs. Maud Arbuthnot as by letter from the M. E. Church South. No further Business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church Oct. 15th/07 Session Met & Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves & I. D. Norwood. On Motion Ben Graves was elected as Representative and I. D. Norwood Alternate to the fall Meeting of the La. Presbytery which will meet at the Welch Presbyterian Church on Oct. 16th. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 40] Norwood, La., Nov. 5th 1907 Session Met opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves and I. D. Norwood. Ben Graves was elected as representative and I. D. Norwood Alternate, to the Meeting of the La. Synod, which is to meet in the 3rd Church, New Orleans, La., on the 21st of November. Session decided to ask the Congregation to elect two additional Ruling Elders and one Deacon. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Dec. 1st, 1907 Prayer having been had, Session was Convened in the presence of Congregation at the Close of the Morning Service. Present Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator, & I. D. Norwood and Ben Graves Ruling Elders. The officers elect Messrs. Walter McLaurin and J. L. Street, Ruling Elders and William L. Byers, Deacon, were solemnly set apart with prayer and the laying on of hands to the office

[Page 41] to which they were chosen on last Sabbath, in accordance with Chap. 6, Sec. 4 of our Form of Government, After which Session adjourned with the Apostolic benediction. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Jan 30th, 1908 Session Met, Opened with prayer, Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders Ben Graves, Walter McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & Jos L. Street. Motion was made & carried that we grant Mr. Byers, the privilege of preaching one Sunday at Bethany Church during the month of February. Motion was made & Carried that Messers Graves and Norwood be appointed a Committee to wait on Mr. N. P. Reagan in regard to his intemperate habit. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 42] Norwood, La., Feb 3rd, 1908 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders Graves, Norwood, & Street. The Deacons were invited to sit with us. After discussing business of the Welfare of the Church; Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., April 6th, 1908 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & Jos L. Street. Committee appointed Wait upon Mr. N. P. Reagan, beg to report that he was heartily ashamed of his action and agreed to do better in the future. On Motion Mr. I. D. Norwood was chosen Representative and Walter McLaurin Alternate to the Louisiana Presbytery which is to Convene at Crowley, La., on April 14th. Sessional Records for the past year were read and approved. Statistical and other

[Page 43] Reports were read and adopted. Statistical Report and narration follow on Succeeding pages. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Statistical Report to Presbytery: Elders, 4; Deacons, 3; Communicants Added on Examination, 10; Communicants Added on Certificate, 8; Total of Communicants, 67; Adult Baptisms, 3; Infant Baptisms, 3; Baptized Non-Communicants, 25; Officers & Teachers in Sabbath School & Bible Class, 8; Scholars in Sabbath School & Bible Class, 88; Foreign Missions, $53.00; Assembly's Home Mission, 26.00; Local Home Mission, 51.00; Colored Evangelization, 18.00; Ministerial Relief, 23.00; Education, 38.00; Publication & S. S. Mission, 14.00; Bible Causes, 2.00; Presbyterial, 5.00; Pastors Salaries Actually Paid, 600.00; Congregational, 293.00.

[Page 44] Narration of the Session Answer to Question No. 1 -Very good attendance. Answer to Question No. 2 -To a certain extent. Answer to Question No. 3 -Pretty generally Observed. Answer to Question No. 4 -Generally attended to by the parents. Answer to Question No. 5 -The membership are very generous in the giving of their substance. Answer to Question No. 6 -Yes. Answer to Question No. 7 -Yes, Within the past twelve months there has been. Answer to Question No. 8 -No, Not much is evidence. Answer to Question No. 9 -No.

Approved as far as written in open Meeting of Pres. at Crowley, La., April 16th, 1908. George A. Grille, Moderator.

[Page 45] Norwood Church, May 31/08 Session Met Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod. Present Ruling Elders Walter McLaurin and I. D. Norwood. The following persons presented their letters, Mrs. A. E. Lindsay, Mrs. Lizy B. Read and Master Clem Read from the Rose Hill Presbyterian Church and was received into full Membership of the Church. Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, June 3rd, 1908 Session Met Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers Moderator. Present Ruling Elders Walter McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & Joe L. Street. After discussing business pertaining to the interests of the Church, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 46] Norwood Church June 9/08 Session Met Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers Mod. Present Ruling Elders Ben Graves, Walter McLaurin, I. D. Norwood and Joe L. Street. Rev. J. C. Barr of New Orleans being present was invited to sit with us. Master Marion Read presented himself before the session. After examination as to his faith in Jesus Christ he was baptized and was received into full Communion of the Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, Oct. 4th, 1908 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers Moderator. Present Ruling Elders Walter McLaurin, I. D. Norwood, & J. L. Street. On motion Mr. Ben Graves was chosen Representative to Presbytery which is to meet at Bethany Church and J. L. Street Alternate. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 47] Norwood Church, Nov 9th, 1908 Session Met, Opened with prayer, Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & J. L. Street. On Motion, J. L. Street was chosen Representative and Ben Graves Alternate to La. Synod which is to Convene at Mansfield, La. on the 17th. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, La., Dec. 20th, 1908 Session Met, Opened with prayer by Mr. W. McLaurin, Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood, & J. L. Street. By their own request Mr. & Mrs. E. Butterworth and Miss Sarah Butterworth was granted their letter to Unite with the Jackson Presbyterian Church. No further business, Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 48] Norwood Church, La., Mar. 8th, 1909 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood, & Joe L. Street. Motion was Carried to excuse Mr. Byers on the 3rd Sunday, So he may preach at Liberty, Miss. On Motion Mr. Walter McLaurin was elected as principal Representative and Mr. J. L. Street Alternate Representative to spring Meeting of La. Presbytery, which is to meet at Jackson, La., on the 31st of March. Church records written since last Presbytery was read and approved. No further business Session Closed with prayer. ev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Mar. 12th, 1909 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood and J. L. Street. Sessional Reports read & approved. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 49] Statistical Report to Presbytery March 30th, 1909 Elders, 4; Deacons, 3; Communicants added on Examination, 1; Communicants added on Certificate, 3; Total of Communicants, 70; Adults Baptisms, 1; Infants Baptisms, 3; Baptized Non-Communicants, 15; Officers & Teachers in Sabbath Schools & Bible Classes, 8; Scholars in Sabbath Schools & Bible Classes, 57; Foreign Missions, $40.00; Assembly's Home Missions, $21.00; Local Home Missions, 40.00; Colored Evangelization, 6.00; Ministerial Relief, 24.00; Education, 52.00; Publication, 9.00; Bible Causes, 5.00; Presbyterial, 7.50; Pastors Salaries Actually Paid, $456.25; Congregational, 128.00; Miscellaneous, 113.00.

[Page 50] Narration of the Session Mar. 30/09 Answer question No. 1--Morning services attendance very good, Night Services Attendance very slim. Answer question No. 2--Family worship is to a small extent observed. Answer question No. 3--Observance of the Lord's day by members is good. Answer question No. 4--The training of the Children, both at Home & in the Sunday school is good. Answer question No. 5--Fidelity of the Members in this respect is Commendable. Note About $150 due on Pastor's salary. No. 7--Not to any marked degree. No. 8--No, not to any great extent, Indeed there is as little evidence of

this as we have ever known. No. 9--No.

Approved as far as written in open Presbytery at Jackson, La., 3/31/09, M. B. Shaw, Moderator.

[Page 51] Session Met. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves, W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & Joe L. Street. Mrs. Belle S. Norwood presenting herself and on examination as to her faith in Christ was received, after being baptized in full Communion of the Church. Mrs. Lydia Hagerman a member of the Episcopal Church, feeling that she Could better serve her Savior in her husbands Church, and reaffirming her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and her love for Him, was at her own request received into full Communion with this Church. Session took recess until after evening services. Session Met after services. Miss Annie Ried presented herself and on examination as to her faith in Christ was received in full Membership of this Church having been baptized in infancy. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 52] Norwood, La., Aug. 2/09 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Ben Graves, W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & J. L. Street. Mrs. M. A. Hall presented herself. Session being satisfied as to her Church Membership received her into full Communion of this Church, As by letter from the Clinton Presbyterian Church. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Oct. 20/09 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders Walter McLaurin, I. D. Norwood, & J. L. Street. The following letter read and unanimously adopted.

To the Presbytery of Louisiana Dear Brethren: This letter is sent you by the Session and Church of Norwood, trusting that after a Statement of our Situation the Presbytery may see its way clear to help us retain our pastor, or in case of his removal to another

[Page 53] field, to secure another. It was the expectation of this Church that after the Mississippi Churches should be transferred to Mississippi Presbytery, our Church would be grouped with the Zachary Church, such a grouping having been suggested by the Home Missions Committee a year ago, in a letter to our pastor under date Nov. 3rd, 1908. Although such an arrangement would leave our pulpit vacant half the time, being unable to pay our pastor's salary in full, we cheerfully assented to this grouping and expected it to go into effect after June 1. owing, however, as it seems to the unwillingness of the Zachary Church to enter into this arrangement, Mr. Byers has had no other field since May and that his full time might be employed, has Continued to preach for us ever Sabbath, Although we have been unable to pay him more than half a support. We have expected each month since June 1st that the New arrangement would be effected. We cannot ask Mr. Byers to remain with us, nor Can we Call another pastor should he go to another field, [Page 54] unless the Presbytery shall give us some relief. We do not speak in any spirit of boasting, but we believe the record of the Norwood Church since its establishment, will Compare very favorably with that of the other Churches of Presbytery and we Confidently expect that our brethren will be able to devise some plan by which our Church life in connection with Louisiana Presbytery may still be continued. I. D. Norwood was chosen as representative and Walter McLaurin Alternate to fall Meeting of Louisiana Presbytery, which is to Convene at Lafayette, La., on Oct. 26th. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 55] Norwood Church, La. Feb. 22/1910 Session Met. Opened with prayer, Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders Ben Graves, W. McLaurin, Sr., and Joe L. Street, I. D. Norwood, Clerk of Session was appointed to represent the Church in New Orleans Feb. 23rd to receive legacy bequeathed this Church by Mrs. Mary G. Folger. Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., Joe L. Street, Clk. protem, I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood, La., Mar. 21st, 1910. Session Met. Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders Ben Graves, W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood, J. L. Street & Willie Byers, Deacon. Mr. Byers appeared before session. he signified his willingness to serve the Church for Four hundred Dollars provided he received an honorable release from the Blountville Church to Which he has accepted a call. Motion made & Carried that the Deacons

[Page 56] Will Byers, L. C. Field, J. T. Sebastain, with Elder Ben Graves be appointed to Committee to have the church property repaired. Messers W. McLaurin & J. L. Street was appointed a Committee to prepare the Narration to Presbytery. Mr. Ben Graves was chosen Representative to La. Presbytery & Joe L. Street alternate, which is to meet at the Norwood Church on April the 19th 1910. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Church, La., April 18, 1910 Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. The organization and work of the Junior Missionary Society approved by the Session. The Sessional reports of the session was Adopted. Sessional Records were read and approved. Session recommend that the Sunday School Make an appropriation of Five Dollars per year for our special Sunday School work of our Church in this State. No further [Page 57] business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Statistical Report to Presbytery April 19th, 1910 Elders, 4; Deacons, 3; Communicants added on Examination, 2; Communicants added on Certificate, 1; Total communicants, 71; Adult Baptisms, 2; Infant baptisms, 0; Officers & Teachers in S.S. and Bible Classes, 10; Scholars in S.S. & Bible Classes, 39; Foreign Missions, $43.00; Assembly's Home Missions, 34.00; Local Home Missions, 32.00; Colored Evangelization, 5.00; Ministerial Relief, 5.00; Ministerial Education, 18.00; Schools and Colleges, 6.00; S.S. Extension & Publications, 7.00; Bible Causes 1.00; Assembly's Home School at Fredericksburg, Va., 10.00; Orphans Homes, 40.00; Congregational Presbyterial tax & Pastor's Salary actually paid, 614.00; Miscellaneous, ---.

[Page 59] Approved in Presbytery at Norwood, Apr. 20, 1910. with the exception that on Aug. 1, 1909, a sessional meeting was held without being opened with prayer. E. M. Stewart, Moderator.

Norwood Church Oct. 3, 1910. Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood, and J. L. Street. Motion made and Carried that Mr. J. L. Street was chosen Representative and I. D. Norwood Alternate to La. Presbytery which is to meet at Atchafalaya Church, on Oct. 11th. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Norwood Pres. Church, Nov. 6, 1910. Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders W. McLaurin & I. D. Norwood. Mr. Ben Graves was chosen Representative and J. L. Street Alternate to Synod, which convenes at Morgan City, La., on 16th of Nov. 1910. Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator, I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 59] Norwood Pres. Church, Feb. 7th, 1911. Session Met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Ruling Elders W. McLaurin, I. D. Norwood & J. L. Street. On request Mrs. Maud Arbothnot and her two daughters Misses Katie and Neomie were granted their letters to be dismissed to the Presbyterian Church at Zackery, La. After due consideration of the recommendation of the Gen. Assembly with regard to the Method of raising funds for the Assembly's Causes, the Session decided that it does not seem advisable at present to make any changes in this Matter. Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

[Page 60] April 4/11 Norwood Church Session met, Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Present Elders I. D. Norwood, and J. L. Street. Messers Sebastain & Byers deacons were with the session. On Motion I. D. Norwood was selected as Representative and W. McLaurin Alternate to Presbytery which is to Convene at Clinton, La., April 11th. A Motion made and Carried that the Church body have a Congregational Meeting on Next Sabbath Morning at 11 o'clock. No further business Session Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

Apr. 6, 1910, Norwood Church Session met. Opened with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Moderator. Elders present, I. D. Norwood, and J. L. Street. Sessional Reports and Records for past year were read and approved. Closed with prayer. Rev. D. O. Byers, Mod., I. D. Norwood, Clerk.

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Transcribed and contributed by Claude Slaton, from Session Minutes, Volume 2 (1901-1931)

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