THE FIRST BAPTIST
ASSOCIATION ORGANIZED IN FLORIDA.
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Extracts from the minutes of New River Baptist Church, Bradford County Florida.
Sept. 26 1835-Sent messengers to Providence Church, to help organize an association,
which was done, and took the name: THE SUWANNEE BAPTIST ASSOCIATION.
July 26 1845. Resolved: That we do not affiliate with the Suwannee Association, because
it will not re ceive and fellowship our messengers.
Sept.10, 1845. Church voted to join the Florida Association.
Jan., 23 1847: Again, by a vote of nine to six, the Church ruled to remain a Missionary
Baptist Church. Resolved, That to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, is the right of any
Church, or member. New River Church by votes repudiated the doctrine of the Fort Clark
Convention, "That a definie number of mankind, are unconditionally and unalterably,
ordained to eternal life; and the rest of mankind is cut off without the offer of mercy.
Thus they place part of mankind without a chance, while the Book places man, without an
excuse."
Oct., 10, 1857: Elected messengers to Convention, to be held at Providence, Friday,
before the fifth Sunday in December, 1847.
Aug. 11 1860. Elected messengers to Santafe River Association. Which is the first
mention of this association, by name.
