1) ORGANIZATION AND CHARTER MEMBERS PAGES I-IV

2) PASTORS PAGES 1-2

3) OFFICERS PAGES 3-6

4) BAPTISMS, 1888 - MARCH, 1953 PAGES 7-18

5) MEMBERS RECEIVED, 1850'S - 1926 PAGES 19-30

6) MEMBERS REMOVED, 1895 - 1955 PAGES 31-33

7) MEMBERS RETIRED LIST, 1926 PAGES 34-35

8) REVISED MEMBERS ROLL, 1926 - 1982 PAGES 36-54

9) 50TH AND 100TH ANNIVERSARIES PAGES 55-60

EARLY HISTORY

BOSTWICK LAKE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH

I will attempt to tell you some of the things recorded concerning the first fifty years of our church.

This church was organized June 6th, 1846, about 15 years before the out-break of the Civil War.

Looking back, today we wonder what prompted those pioneers to attempt such an undertaking. The difficulties must have been many and more strenuous than we realize. The homes were scattered and there was no means of travel except by oxen and wagons, over roads that we today would consider practically impassable. Many of those early settlers lived in log-houses which they themselves had built from the trees on their own lands and we can scarcely imagine the hardships they must have endured.

They were without nearly all the comforts and conveniences of life that we now consider so essential. Yet they, in spite of these difficulties were inspired to reach out and up and with divine aid organize a church in the community that proved to be a blessing to their generation and the generations that have followed.

Today we are honoring their memory and thereby express our appreciation of their good works.

The original nine charter members were -

Smith Bailey Eunice Pitcher

Eunice Bailey Chloe Scott

Isaac Barker Samuel H. Steele

Theron Stone Mary Steele

Mary Stone