PRIMITIVE.
By G.W.S.Ware
Nov.,9,1936.
-----------
Primitive means first; original; not derivitive.
Primitive history of Florida Baptist, began 100 years ago. Its Actors are all dead, and
no one can change its facts, whether they are right or wrong.
By the original minutes of New River Baptist Church, Bradford County, Florida, That the
first Baptist Association, organized in Florida, was at Providence Baptist Church,
September, 26, 1835. This made it six years more primitive, than any other Baptist
Association, in Florida. Our forefathers named it, The Suwannee Baptist Association, and
held its 101st Session, this year.
The records of New River Church, also show, That in 1845, The Suwannee Baptist
Association, voted itsself to be an Anti Missionary Baptist Association, and we find it
the same, to day.
It is a matter of record, That the first Baptist Church in Florida, was organized in
1825. It was constituted into a Missionary Baptist Church, and is one, to day. Now, all
Baptist Churches in Florida, is younger than this Primitive Baptist Church; hence they are
Primitive Baptist Churches, unless they vote to join an Anti-Missionary Baptist
Association.
Two correct deduction can made from this recorded Baptist history; 1st. That all
Missionary Baptist Associations, are made of Primitive Baptist Churches. 2nd., That all
Anti-Missionary Baptist Associations, have not a Primitive Baptist Church, in them.
Because of its age, and that it is in my heart, I lift my hat and wave a hand of
brotherly kindness, toward The Suwannee Baptist Association, the first organized in the
State of Florida.
