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An Historical and Pictorial Record of Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church of Jamesville, N.C.

September 2012 Herb Davis All Rights Reserved

File hosted by the NCGenWeb Project http://www.ncgenweb.us/martin

An Historical and Pictorial Record of Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church September 2012 Herb Davis All Rights Reserved

Introduction As early as I remember, the history of the church has been told during the church anniversary celebration. My earliest memories of the church history were by Sister Odessa McFadden Collins. She would read much of it but added many of her own recollections as well as those of others. As young children, one of the most amusing parts for us was the stories of members giving the Pastors chickens, sugar, flour, cornmeal and other things because there was little money. As time is rapidly moving on and those who know the old stories have departed or getting older, it has become very important to document as much of the church history as possible for future generations. To get the most complete history as possible, I used written accounts of Evelyn Odessa (McFadden) Collins (b. 1914- ), Octive (Knoble) Wynn Roseborough (b.1923-), Rev. Raymond Morris (1908-2001), Spencer Wynne (b. 1925- ) and Ernestine (Davis) Cordon- Staten (b.1928-). In addition, I used the oral recollections of Mildred (Davis) Cheatham (b. 1918- ), Willie Moore, Janie Smith Johnson, Wes Frazier and others. Rev. Dr. Lemuel Boone and Rev. Dr. Harold Murrill provided much support through conversations and information in their books on the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association of which Weeping Mary is a member. Despite the tremendous contributions of these, there is no doubt; the greatest contributor has been my mother, Marian Davis (b.1928-). She has inspired me with her love of history and preserver of history, whether family audio interviews, pictures, and documents as well as community history. In the course of this writing she has provided me with her earlier historical documents on church members, officers, church events and dates. She collected many of these from the formerly mentioned members and

with clerical assistance of Eva C. Hill and others created a list of members past and present. While I have mentioned several people who have provided invaluable information for this account of the church history, there are many others whose names I have not mentioned. Perhaps some of the most important sources of information regarding the history of the church have been the official records of the church kept in the minutes of the Sunday School, the minutes of the church conferences and the church rosters. These records detailed the membership, officers, participation in church organizations, illnesses as well as excommunications and other church decisions. I have avoided including any of these historical events and also sought to verify as much as possible any facts that were provided by individuals. Every effort has been made to avoid identifying any individuals who may have received any sanction for violating the very strict observance of all rules of sobriety, unwed pregnancies, marital, etc. The ongoing digitalization of records of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association and other documents has added new details of members that would have been most difficult to gather otherwise. This continual digitalization will no doubt add more chapters to this and other church histories in the future.

Early History For generations we have been told that our church, Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church of Jamesville, N.C. was founded in 1867 by former slaves and others under the leadership of Rev. (George) Abram Meban(e), the churchs first pastor. This original church was called St. Johns Baptist Church and sat on a hill across the street from its present location on Water Street and the members were said to have met under a sycamore tree.

While there were no written records of these events, this was the oral history through the years. That was the case until this year (2012) as I researched the churchs history and members. One breakthrough came as I went about searching, recovering and restoring some of the tombstones that had fallen over and been covered by nature and time. One Saturday in April (2013), I lifted a tombstone, stood it up and cleaned it to determine the name. Eventually, the name George Jarvis, (died 1903 at 87 years of age) appeared. Later that night while reading the History of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association by Rev. Dr. Lemuel Boone, I saw the name, Rev. Georgie Jarvis. He was noted as a former slave who was being recognized at the 1878 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association meeting as one of the members having been with the association from the beginning. The next day, I went to look at the tombstone and sure enough, Rev. George Jarvis was now clearly seen on the headstone. This was documentation of the former slaves in the creation of the church and his status as one of the original members. However, three other documents were found that also validate the beginning of the church. In the 1871 minutes of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, which would have been only a few years after the founding of the church in Jamesville, it is listed as Sycamore Chapel in Jamesville with George Jarvis as Delegate and George W. Reid as the Church clerk. Sycamore Chapel would certainly seem to fit with the legend of the first meetings under a tree on the hill across from the current site, near the river. The second and most important document is an 1890 funeral obituary for Matilda Sanders. In this obituary, it is stated that Sister Sanders was a member of the church for 24 years and further states that she was a member of the church ever since it was organized 1866. It is stated a second time that the church was organized in 1866. This was an official documentation of the year of the churchs organization and the accuracy of the elders oral history.

The third validation most recently was found in the minutes of the June 5, 1938 church conference. In those minutes it states, the Pastor extended greetings to us from the Roanoke Association Institute of the 72 anavrsary. The first documentation of the current church site is a March 9, 1885 deed that shows the sale of a quarter acre on Water Street by U.S. Hassell and his wife Mary V. Hassell to the trustees of Weeping Mary Baptist Church for the sum of twenty-five ($25.00). The church eventually built on the site and paid off the mortgage. A 1913 document shows This mortgage presented marked paid and cancelled March 20, 1913 was presented by J.P. Butler, a noted school teacher who was also a Justice of the Peace. The first official documentation of a church officer is the same 1871 minutes of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes that lists (Rev.) George Jarvis as Delegate and George W. Reid as the Church clerk. Other delegates and clerks are listed in later minutes (see Secretaries and Clerks). A later October 1, 1893 Martin Co. court document shows (Rev.) James Johnson had been elected Treasurer and he and his wife Julia Johnson paid a $1 fee and placed their mark (X) on a deed of trust securing said church from all loss on account of said treasurer ship. The agreement was made at the time with the church trustees; William (W.C.) Cooper, Elder William Grant (W.G.) Holloman, Spencer Wynn Jr., George Wynn and H.E. Ellison. The minutes of the 1916 Sunday School show the church as the Queen Mary Baptist Church with Rev. Joseph Edward Tillett as pastor. The 1918 Sunday School minutes show in May 1918 the church began using Weeping Mary with an occasional Queen Mary reference that ended by the end of the month. However, the minutes of the 1917 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association list the church as Weeping Mary. The church continued to grow as leadership changed from time to time. Over the years, the church eventually changed from a clapboard building to brick in 1974. Willie Moore remembered serving as an usher when there was no church vestibule for attendees to wait to enter the service. When

the door was opened, people walked right into the church sanctuary. During times when it was raining, he said it was a challenge to keep people from coming in during prayer. The church sold their old bell and bought a new bell in 1939 for $18.75. Eventually, Deacon Nathaniel Davis, a carpenter and others built the vestibule and the steeple was updated. The inside of the church which had been sheetrock was updated to paneling. William Nathaniel Davis volunteered and put up paneling in 1983. The heating of the church was by a wood stove and Deacon Nathaniel Davis (church janitor/sexton) would start a fire in the mornings before services. Eventually the church got a very large pot-bellied stove that all the kids loved, especially when Deacon Nathaniel Davis opened it to put in a fresh batch of coal and the smoke and sparks would fly to the ceiling. The latest pews were bought in 1988 under the pastor-ship of Minister Joseph Thigpen. Odessa McFadden Collins and Mildred Davis Cheatham, long-time members remember when the church had a small baptismal pool that the men dug, lined and maintained for baptisms in the 1920s. In 1884 there were 18 baptisms. Most people remember church baptisms taking place in the Roanoke River, a short walk from the church. Members dressed in white and a roped-off area of the river was used. Ernestine Davis remembers the pastor (W.J. Moore) baptizing people and then drying his clothes on a clothesline in their backyard which was on the river. As with most of these early churches, there was no indoor plumbing or running water. Early on and for quite some time, for water, the members used a well belonging to Sister Mamie Riddick who lived next door. There were outdoor toilets, women on one side and men on the other. As early as the 1930s, the church would have a Before Day Meeting church service at 4 a.m. Deacon Nathaniel Davis would start a fire prior to this service according to his daughter, Ernestine. When the local school, a half block up the street, burned down, school was held at Weeping Mary for a time.

Because the church did not have a fellowship hall, for Homecoming, the men of the church would make wire tables strung between the pine trees on the east side to hold the food. The women would bring cardboard boxes filled with fried chicken, string beans potato salad, macaroni and cheese, candy yams, sweet potato pies and large chocolate, coconut, lemon and pound cakes. Because of segregation and economics, black people were limited in the places they could eat and stay when they travelled. Pastors often stayed with a member when they had to travel a long distance. Marian Davis remembers having Rev. Trotman spend the night with her and husband, Herbert, Sr. during a 1950s Revival. Members also invited the Pastor for dinner on Sundays after the church service. These dinners are the source of many stories of the Pastors, children and food. One of the most common one was how the preacher would say they wanted just a little piece of meat after dessert to take the sweetness out of their mouth. The very early church records showed the pastor being paid four dollars and the earliest ministers probably received much less when paid. The record shows the pastor being paid $40.00 in 1941. Because the early members did not have a lot of money, they often paid the pastor with food. This included chickens, flour, sugar and other food items. This was not the only time the pastors were presented with food. One of the early practices of the church was to pound the preacher. At this service the members would give the pastor flour, sugar and other items by the pound. The members have continued this practice with some updating of the times such as money to buy their preferences.

Pastors Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Church has been blessed with outstanding pastors. From the earliest days of its founding, the pastors have not only been ministers of the gospel but also leaders in education and social progress from the community to the state and national levels. The first pastor, Abram (George

Abraham) Meban spent 40 years as a school teacher. Several of the early and later pastors were graduates of Shaw University. Rev. Abram (George Abraham) Mebane (1867~) was born in 1817 (wife, Viney) in Bertie Co. In addition to Weeping Mary, Rev. Mebane was the founding pastor of several area churches including New Chapel Baptist Church in Plymouth (1866) and Cedar Landing Baptist Church (~1866) until he left to become the first pastor of Indian Woods Missionary Baptist Church (Bertie) in 1876. He was also one of the early leaders of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association. Following the Rev. Abram Mebane was the illustrious pastor, Rev. John Wesley. Dr. George Wellington Lee (~1879~) who was often called the Daddy of Negro Preachers followed Rev. Wesley. During his time at Weeping Mary his interpretation of the scriptures was considered quite original and unusual. In 1885, Dr. Lee was called to Vermont Avenue Baptist Church Washington, D.C. to succeed the churchs founder, Rev. J. H. Brooks, who passed away the previous year. It was here that he continued his outstanding work in the ministry. Dr. Lee was noted as a promoter of African missions, helping the disadvantaged and youth leadership. His outstanding work in mission work in Africa, national prominence and international travels helped him increase the D.C. church membership to almost 4,000. He selected his successor on his deathbed in 1910 but pastored Vermont Avenue Baptist until his death in 1911. Despite his international acclaim, his beginnings in North Carolina were never forgotten. Rev. J.A. Garrett (-1885- ) followed Rev. Dr. George Lee. Rev. B. K. Sykes (~1889~) followed Rev. Garrett. His tenure is verified by an 1889 postcard from a Rev. A. Boone in which he apologizes for missing a service because the train did not come on schedule. Rev. Simon P. Knight was chosen as the successor to Rev. B. K. Sykes. Rev. Knight was a dynamic, courageous personality who wanted to see progress. He was also

chosen as a member of the Committee on Permanent Organization in the 1885 Twentieth Annual session of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association. Rev. Dr. Carey Miles (C. M.) Cartwright (~1891- 1901), born in Deep Creek, Virginia March 1, 1864); (wife, Elizabeth Bembry Cartwright) was a pulpit orator who could hold the attention of the young and old. Rev. C.M. Cartwright became pastor of Zion Bethlehem Church in 1897, the second pastor of that church in Windsor after its founder. Rev. Cartwright spent 10 years at Weeping Mary. He was quite active across the region and is noted for having preached many funerals of noted early Baptist leaders, including Peter W. Moore, the President of Elizabeth City State Normal School (Elizabeth City State University). He is listed in the 1940 census as a Baptist minister in Elizabeth City, NC where he was the Pastor of Olive Branch for many years. Ironically, he baptized Ms. Ruth Wynne, the wife of a long-time supporter and former member, Spencer Wynne. I heard of Rev. Cartwright long before I knew who he was. My Uncle Elijah (Losh) Midgett would tell stories about how in 1905, he and C.M. Cartwright (I was a child and thought he was saying Sim Cartwright) would go in the log woods and work all day. It was not until I began to write the history that I realized he was talking about the pastor, C.M. Cartwright. The next pastor was Rev. W. A. Taylor, known as The Great Taylor. Not much is documented about Rev. Taylors time at Weeping Mary but he was memorialized in the 1918 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Obituary of members who had passed in the year. Next to come to Weeping Mary was another Cartwright; the Rev. Dr. Rubin Ralph Cartwright (?).(wife, Charity Lilly) Cartwright. The organization of the East Roanoke Association took place in the Haven Creek Baptist Church, Roanoke Island, 1886. Roanoke Institute at Elizabeth City showed that one thousand students had been enrolled up to 1908; thirty-five graduates had been sent forth to bless the State and the world, and that among that number were several of the ablest preachers to be found anywhere in the State. Not from this school but from

this Association had gone the gifted Lemuel Boone, whom North Carolina has produced no greater. Besides these, Revs. G. D. Griffin, B. W. Dance, Z. W. White, W. A. Taylor, C. M. and R. R. Cartwright and I. S. Riddick. Rev. Dr. John W. Faulk (~1909-1917) followed Rev. R. R. Cartwright. Rev. Faulk was very successful and his name was heard in Weeping Mary long after he had gone. Records show Dr. J.W. Faulk, Baptist Minister of Hertford united in Matrimony M.A. Littlejohn and Nellie Jones the parties licensed above, on the 23 day of January, 1905, at Salem Baptist Church in Columbia. Rev. Joseph E. Tillett (~1919-1926), (wife, Matilda) of Edenton came to Jamesville, a very young man. He was a recent college graduate (Shaw Univ.) who heard about the vacancy at the church. When he was accepted as the pastor, he and his wife mortgaged their home in Edenton and put the money on the church. He and his wife then stayed with Elder Rev. William Grant (W.G.) and Louisa Holloman while teaching in the school system and pastoring Weeping Mary. During his time the church grew spiritually and socially. In 1926 after many years at Weeping Mary he became the pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Greenville. He served at Cornerstone for forty-three (43) years retiring in 1969. He was the founder of the Chowan Credit Union and the Eastern Tar River Credit Union and had an annual scholarship named for him at Shaw Divinity School in Raleigh, NC. Rev. William H. Trotman (ca. May 1, 1927-`1930) was chosen as the successor to Rev. Tillett and growth continued. Rev. Trotman would become a pastor of Woodville Plains Missionary Baptist Church, first established in Woodville and later moved to its present location in Lewiston. Rev. W. J. Moore (1930-Jan. 1, 1941) came in after Rev. Trotman and stayed several years. He baptized many new members including Ernestine Davis, Sabra Greene, et al. During his pastor-ship, he was quite active in the beautification of the church. The 1939 conference minutes show the church agreed to repay him $30.00 for paint that he had bought for the painting of the church.

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Rev. Alfred R. Winborne, (wife, Ida), (Feb 1, 1941- ), who was the illustrious pastor of New Chapel Baptist Church of Plymouth, was called after Rev. Moore. He accepted the call to become pastor in February 1941. The church minutes show he excused himself from the church meeting so that he could let his New Chapel officials know he was accepting the call to Weeping Mary. He was installed as pastor in May of 1941. He was a hard worker, excellent preacher, pastor and very popular. The auxiliaries were revitalized and the growth of the church continued for many years. He accepted a call to become pastor of Chapel Hill Baptist Church at Travis on the first Sunday. The church sought the services of Rev. William H. Trotman (~1960) for a second time. This tenure was for a short time. Rev. John H. Taylor, (wife, Peggy), (1961-1979) of Greenville, N.C followed Rev. Trotman. Rev. Taylor came to the attention of a church member, when they were fellow teachers in Oak City. He was one of the several Shaw University trained ministers to pastor the church. He was a musician, a singer and good pastor. He taught the choir new songs, including, It is Well with My Soul among others. He has maintained contact with the church after their relocation to Florida. After Rev. Taylor, the next minister called was also from Greenville. Rev. Anton Wesley, (1980 March 1981) a second generation preacher served well for a short period of time. The Rev. Dr. Charles Foster, (wife Ruby), (March 6, 1982-1988) was called to succeed Rev. Wesley. Rev. Foster and his lovely wife, Ruby served well. Weeping Mary was his first church and he had just begun to develop his pastor-ship when he was asked to accept a church in Elizabeth City (Holy Trinity Community Church) where they lived. He took the call and Weeping Mary was once again without a pastor. He was beloved by the congregation and community to the point where he returned to preach the funeral of a long-time member. He has remained in touch and has supported the church in its continued ministries. Rev. Foster like

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many of the early ministers in the churches and Association were involved in the local community affairs and in 2005 became the mayor of Elizabeth City. Minister Joseph Thigpen, (wife, Ella), (March 6, 1988- ) of Robersonville, NC became the new Pastor On the first Sunday in January 1988, a young Evangelist. Under his leadership, the church grew spiritually and physically. The church was able to replace the church pews some of which were over one hundred years old. He and his family, especially his lovely, spirit- filled wife, Ella were a blessing to the church. He eventually returned to the area and visited the church on occasion. After his departure, Rev. Kennedy Barber, (wife, Doris), (March 4, 2001-2006) became the new pastor. He and his wife, Doris and daughter, Kristy was welcomed enthusiastically. Rev. Barber was intent on increasing the membership and outreach. He sought to bring members from outside the immediate town borders and the church secured a van to assist in this mission. Rev. Barber took on a second pastor-ship at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Gum Neck. He eventually resigned from Weeping Mary and continued for a short time at Mount Pleasant. The church spent couple of years searching for its next pastor. Rev. Gregory Rodgers, (wife, Kim), (April 6, 2008- ) came to Weeping Mary Baptist along with his lovely wife, Kim and their five children. He came from a family of preachers and teachers from Creswell who were very familiar to Weeping Mary. Rev. Rodgers, his wife and children are very active in the activities of the church from Mrs. Rodgers teaching the youth to the children serving as ushers (Isaac, MKayla), reading of the announcements (Gabrielle), serving as hospitality hosts and liturgical dance group and solo musician (Gregory, Jr.). They are both active in community affairs as well. Licentiate and Member Ministers In addition to the pastors listed, the early minutes of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association show that several members of Weeping Mary accepted the

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call of the ministry. The earliest of these ministers of record was Rev. George (Georgie) Jarvis, an ordained minister who was listed in the 1871 association minutes as the delegate for Sycamore Chapel in Jamesville. Jarvis (wife, Pheeby), a former slave and ordained elder was active at Weeping Mary Baptist and Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association until his death in 1903 at age 87. His grave headstone is located at the SW end of the church building. The 1879 Association minutes list Rev. Stephen Moore as a Licentiate minister from Jamesville. The minutes also indicate that he and Rev. Dr. George W. Lee were to preach the 3pm sermon. Dr. Lee was a delegate as well as the Pastor of Weeping Mary in 1879. In the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Associations 1884 and 1885 meetings, the Bertie Co. attendance minutes list John Boon (e), Levi Brown and E. (Esau) Johnson. They were listed as Licentiates. According to Rev. Dr. Harold Murrill, author of The History of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association (and a friend), in the early days, the pastors of the church were normally ordained ministers but other ministers of the church though not ordained, were licensed to preach by the church. These ministers were called Licentiates. Rev. James E. Johnson also served as the church treasurer in 1893. One of the earliest documented, ordained ministers of the church, Rev. William Grant (W.G.) Holloman was most active in church affairs and as a delegate, etc. to the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association. Because the church did not always have services every Sunday throughout its history, some of these early member ministers also pastored other nearby churches. In addition to Elder W.G. Holloman, these included Rev. Adam Ruff, who in 1927 was the pastor of St. Johns Baptist Church in Williams Low (Williamston) and Rev. William Henry Davis who pastored Welches Chapel in Tyner, N.C. In addition to the pastors of the church previously noted, several former members also accepted the call. They include: Rev. Hayward Hollomon, Rev. Raymond Morris, Rev. Alexander Everett, Rev. Henry Mariner, Rev. James Simmons, Rev. Bowens, Rev. Shedrick Barrow, and Rev. Byron Davis among others.

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Deacons Some of the earliest documented deacons are listed in an 1890 church bible. They were Thomas Revander (Chrmn), William Smith (Treasurer), George Bowen (died 1895), John White (Steward). Following them through the 1920s was Isiah Brown Davis and Joseph E. Everett, Charlie A. Midgett. Following them were Nathaniel Davis, Richard Bowen, Frank Mariner, Samuel Moore, Sandy Revander. Spear Keys and Stephen Morris were elected deacons according to the March 4, 1939 church minutes. Later deacons included Carey Lee Moore (1950), Daniel Morris (1950), Herbert Lee Davis, Sr. (1950) and David Mariner. Most recent are Chester Davis (1981) and Herbert L. Davis, Jr. (1998), 4th generation Weeping Mary deacons and sons of Charlie Davis, Sr. and Herbert Davis, Sr. respectively. Junior Deacons The January 4, 1941 church minutes show that Wm. Davis, Rufus Knight, Joshua Marriner, J. T. Ruff, C.L. Smith and Spencer Wynn were elected as Junior Deacons. No other documentation of Junior Deacons was seen.

Deaconesses The earliest deaconesses (1880s-1902) would have included Grace Bowen (George), Annie Boone Davis (Isiah), Mary Jane Everett (Joseph E. Everett), Matilda Midgett (Charlie), Winnie Davis (Nathaniel), John Ann Bazemore (John R.)(~1949). Later were Marian Davis (Herbert Sr.), Alice Louis Mariner (David) and Dorothy Davis (Charlie Sr.).

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Sunday School Superintendents The Sunday School was an early part of the Church. Some of the earliest Superintendents (1867-1920s) include Deacon Isiah Brown Davis, Rev. W.G. Holloman, and Deacon Charlie Midgett. The minutes from April 1, 1917 show Sunday School was called to order by bell tap at 9:30 a.m. by Deacon Charlie A. Midgett who served as the Superintendent. The opening (pastoral hymn #66) and prayer was by Deacon Midgett with Ms. Virginia D. Price as the Secretary. Remarks were by Rev. Faulk and Bro. C.R. Leary. The total attendance for the day was 51. Deacon Joseph E. Everett was listed as superintendent as early 1925 through 1954. The 1936 S.S. minutes show Deacon J. E. Everett as the Superintendent and Bro. Linwood Knoble, Secretary. Remarks were by Miss Smith, Miss Morris and Miss McFadden. Bro. Spencer Wynn served as Asst. Supt. as a teenager (15) in the late 1940s before going off to college. Later superintendents included Deacon Nathaniel Davis in the 50s while Deacon Charlie Davis followed from ~1956-1989. After his death in 1989, Marian Davis assumed the Superintendent position (1991- ). Sunday School Secretaries, Teachers, Treasurers The earliest Sunday School secretary of record is Virginia Price (1916) followed by Doris McFadden (~1925),Lorraine Morris (~31), Linwood Knoble (~36), Mildred Davis (~39), Catherine Knight (~`40), Louise Knight (~46), Lois Keeys (~48,51), Carolyn Smith (~53,5456), James Smith (~58), Gloria Smith (~62), Herbert L. Davis, Jr. (~65), Bertha Mariner (~68), Barbara Davis (~69), Chester Davis (~73), Brent Davis (~78), Dorothy Davis (~81), Kristy Barber, Marian Davis (1991-). An Oct. 7, 1977 document shows the Sunday School Treasury in the amount of $54.21 being transferred from Mrs. Winnie (Midgett) Davis (b.19001992) to Marian Davis and witnessed by Herbert L. Davis, Jr., Samuel F. Staton and James H. Davis. Other members who were active Sunday School participants as teachers or members included Nathaniel Davis (teacher), John H. Ellison, Annie (Moore) Cabarrus (teacher), Ruth (Everett) Small (teacher), Rebecca

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(Everett) Keys (teacher), Johnnie Davis, Herbert L. Davis, Sr. (teacher), Alene Revander, Frank Green, Ivory Moore, Gussie Moore, Gertrude Moore and Agnes Mariner. Most recently Sunday School teachers have been Deacon Chester Davis, Deacon Herbert Davis, Jr. and Pastor Gregory Rodgers, Sr. as Adult Class teachers and First Lady Kim Rodgers as Youth Class teacher. Church Secretaries, Clerks and Treasurers The church secretaries and clerks kept the early church meetings records, gave the announcements during worship services, contacted other churches, etc. Based on the minutes of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association, we have a fairly complete list of the early church clerks (secretaries). The earliest clerk of record is George W. Reid in 1871. The clerks that followed were Preston Daniel (1879), J.C. (Joseph) Lewis (1884), J.C. Lewis (1885), Minger Alexander (1909), Henry Sheppard (1914), Nathaniel (N.D.) Davis (1915, 1916-), W.C. Moore (1917), W.H. Moore (1919), William Henry Davis (1922,1923), Raymond Morris (1924,25), Minger Alexander (1926,27). Later was Linwood Knoble (1936). Ernestine Davis recalled her father, Deacon Nathaniel Davis being the church secretary which meant she and her brothers were often at the meetings. Other secretaries and clerks were Sis. Rebecca (Everett) Keys, Carolyn Smith, Janie (Smith) Johnson, Marian Davis, Gabrielle Rodgers. Treasurers The earliest recorded church Treasurer was Rev. James E. Johnson who in 1893 took out a $1.00 bond with his wife, Julia with the trustees of Weeping Mary Baptist Church (see below). Mr. Johnson had just been elected Treasurer and the bond stated he is desirous of securing said church from all loss on account of said treasurer-ship. Throughout the years there have been many treasurers from church treasurer to Sunday School treasurer to choir treasurer to sick money treasurer. Some of the people who have served in these very important positions include Nathaniel Davis, Winnie Midgett Davis, Gertrude Davis Moore, Parie Lee Smith, and Eula Mariner Scott.

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Trustees The trustees of the church had many duties from maintaining the church facility to making decisions of finance. The earliest documented trustees were listed in an October 1, 1893 bond (to become church treasurer) between James and Julia Johnson and the trustees of Weeping Mary Baptist. The listed trustees were William (W.C.) Cooper, Elder William Grant (W.G.) Hollomon, Spencer Wynn, Jr., George Wynn and Henry (H.E.) Ellison. The June 6, 1936 church conference elected Wilmer Gray and G.W. Buffalo to the Trustee Board. In December of 1938, Minnie Walker and Cornelia Morris were added. Other trustees who followed in the 30s-40 have included Isaiah Smith, George Williams and Spear Keys, Jr. On January 6, 1952, trustees included George Williams, Dan Morris and J.E. Everett. The January 2, 1953 minutes list Bro. Bubber Jackson, James Midgett, George Mariner and James Mariner. Trustees elected in November 1974 included Annie Moore Cabarrus, Charles Hill, Rebecca Keeys, C.R. Leary, Jr., James Midgett and Sis. Parie Lee Smith. Most recent trustees were Agnes Mariner Dixon; Bro. Gerry Hill, following in the footsteps of his father, Charles Hill, Sr. and Eula Faye Mariner Scott following her father, James Mariner.

Usher Board The Usher Board was a very important group that provided service to the congregation and order to the service. Minutes of an early Usher Board meeting showed the ushers were given strict instructions from being prompt and on time, proper, with pressed uniforms/clothes and no chewing gum. The January 1, 1949 Usher Board minutes listed Mary Jane Everett as President along with Aline Revander, Minnie Walker, Matilda Midgett and Nancy Blount. Earlier, we mentioned usher Willie Moore, son of Deacon Carey Moore making sure

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worshipers did not interrupt certain parts of the service even if it meant keeping people standing outside in the rain because there was no vestibule at the time. Some of these ushers included Christine Mariner, Bubber and Eunice Jackson, Shirley James. While the names of many of these faithful servants are lost in time, some are noted by the legacy of children and grandchildren. George and Martha Mariner were long-time ushers from the 1940s to the 1990s. Another long-time usher was Dorothy Davis who served around 30 years. Following in the footsteps of her parents, George and Martha Mariner has been Agnes Mariner Dixon. Most recently the children of the Pastor Gregory Rodgers, Isaac and MKayla Rodgers along with Alysia Davis; granddaughter of Deacon Herbert Davis, Jr. have filled the void. Choir The choirs of Weeping Mary were fortunate to have trained musicians for many years. Mr. Sandy Revander, a chorister, taught members to sight read notes before they were fully accepted as members of the choir. Other musicians and choir directors included Mr. Leonard Alexander, Mrs. Carrie (Hollomon) McFadden, Mr. Milton Armstead, Mr. Marcus Hopkins, Mrs. Doris (McFadden) Riddick, Mrs. Ruth (Everett) Small, Mrs. Evelyn Odessa (McFadden) Collins and Rev. John H. Taylor. Rev. Taylor, another Shaw University graduate and accomplished pianist brought new songs and enthusiasm to the choir during his pastor-ship. Later musicians included Sis. Marian Davis, Mrs. Wesley Stokes of Roper, Ms. Lady Basnight of Gum Neck. Some of the choir members from the earliest days included Deacon Charlie Midgett, Bro. Elijah (Losh) Midgett, Rev. William H. Davis, Bro. Walter Moore, Bro. Solomon Davis, Deacon Carey Moore, Bro. Willie Moore, Bro. Booker Staton, Sis. Octive Knoble, Sis. Estelle Leary, Sis. Penny Saunders, Sis. Mamie Saunders, Sis. Dove Pace, Sis. Blanche Alexander, Sis. Mattie Rhodes, Sis. Annie Mariner, Sis. Hattie Rhodes, Sis. Lorraine (Morris) Shields, Sis. Mary Jane Everett, Sis. Rebecca (Everett) Keys, Sis. Norma Staton, Sis. Queenie Morris, Sis.

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Eula (Mariner) Scott, Sis. Annie (Moore) Cabarrus, Sis. Gertrude (Davis) Moore, Sis. Louisa Holloman, Sis Ruth (Everett) Hoffler, Sis. Pauline Atkinson, Sis. Lenora Smith, Sis. Katie Walker, Sis. Mildred (Davis) Cheatham, Sis. Ernestine (Davis) Staton, Sis. Doris (McFadden) Riddick, Bro. Johnnie Davis, Bro. Joseph McFadden, Sis. Marian (Staten) Davis, Sis. Ethel (Blount) Hopkins, Sis. Blonnie Ellison, Sis. Carolyn Keys, Bro. Ralph Keys, Sis. Octive (Knoble) Wynne Roseborough, Sis. Evelyn Odessa (McFadden) Collins, Sis. Winnie (Midgett) Davis, Sis. Van Lee Staton, Sis. Lillian Pugh and others. Throughout the history of the church, non-members have been active in the choir and other roles. Bro. Joseph McFadden (Methodist) husband of Sis. Carrie McFadden) sang in the choir; Bro. Marcus Hopkins (Methodist) was a pianist; Sis. Robena Biggs (Methodist); was a faithful choir member; Sis. Catherine Norfleet (Disciple) was a faithful choir member and Gwendolyn Biggs Davis (Methodist); wife of Deacon Herbert Davis, Jr. was a pianist for special occasions and there were others. Sextons/Janitors The earliest known sexton for the church was Deacon Isiah Brown Davis. When he died in 1923, he was followed by his son; Deacon Nathaniel Davis who took over the responsibility in the 1920s and stayed the course for fifty years until the 1970s. During the end of his time, he was assisted by his daughter, Mildred Cheatham and daughter-in-law, Dorothy Davis. He was so concerned about the upkeep of the church, one of his last requests was to Marian Davis (daughter inlaw) in which he said, Marian, please take care of the church. Trustee Charles Hill, Sr. took over the responsibility. Most recently Marian Davis has assumed the major responsibility of church maintenance the church with assistance of her son, Deacon Herbert Davis, Jr. and others.

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Womens Missionary Circle In 1949 a group of members met to form the Womens Missionary Circle. The minutes indicate they agreed to meet the 3rd Sunday of each month. They also elected officers; Carrie McFadden, President; Queenie Morris, Secretary; Ailene Revander, Chaplain. Others present were Blanche Alexander, Nancy Blount, Winnie Davis, Carrie Pugh and Naomi Staten. Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Delegates, et al The church has had a long association with the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association. While the Association was organized in 1866, the same year as Weeping Mary there is no record of the church acceptance into the organization at that time. The earliest documented delegate to the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association was Rev. George Jarvis (1871) and the church at the time was listed as Sycamore Chapel in Jamesville. This 1871 association meeting was held in Perquimans Co. Other early delegates include A. Everett and Rev. Dr. George W. Lee, Pastor (1879), Elder W.G. Holloman (1909-1922), J.E. Tillett (1923,1924), Rev. W.H Davis (1925-27) Isiah Brown Davis (1), Nathaniel Davis, Rebecca Keys, Herbert L. Davis, Sr. and Marian Davis. Gifts and Donations Over the years Weeping Mary Baptist Church has been the beneficiary of much support and gifts from its members including those no longer on the rolls or living in the area. Because of the lack of records of many of the early members and friends, it is not possible to know and list all of those who sacrificed not just to give money and other gifts but also their time and expertise. Odessa McFadden tells of the men of the church digging, lining and maintaining a pool for baptisms in the early 1900s; a pool in which she was baptized. The earliest recorded gift is found in the last will and testament of George W. Bowen who on February 4, 1895, bequeathed upon his death, a parcel of land to his wife, Grace Bowen and Weeping Mary Baptist Church witnessed by Geo. M.

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Burras (Justice of Peace) and J.H. Revander. The will states that upon the death of his wife, Grace, the property valued at $50.00 is to go to Weeping Mary Baptist Church to be used as the church saw fit. Upon the death of Mrs. Bowen in 1902, the will was probated in Superior Court on March 3, 1902 by Richard Davis, a member of Weeping Mary. That property located on Hwy 64 (now business) and next to the former Jamesville Township School became the Bowens Section cemetery. Millie Mariner apparently donated a 1934 church ledger which is unique in that the first pages show the record of members of New Bethany Church in New York where she and a number of Jamesville natives were members. The ledger then picks up the member records of Weeping Mary in 1936. Gifts in recent years have included the Communion table by Annie Moore Cabarrus and a set of hymnals in 1974; pulpit (linen) set and announcement rostrum by Herbert Davis, Sr.,Communion chairs by Rev. John H. Taylor; Bibles by Octive Knoble Wynne Roseborough in honor of her mother Fannie Knoble and grandmother, Hattie Davis; bathroom mirrors by Parie Lee Smith; audio (microphone) system by Dorothy Davis; Bibles by Ferguson Enterprises, piano by Odessa McFadden Collins, Secretary desk by Marian Davis. While these were wonderful gifts and showed their love for the church, there were others who contributed in another way; the annual Homecoming fundraiser. Members would solicit funds (usually their family members) to support the church. While most of the families did this, a couple of the larger familys effforts stood out. The Mariners, locally and Rev. Raymond Morris of Snow Hill along with his siblings, cousins, etc. were quite loyal. Perhaps the most outstanding of all was Mrs. Rebecca Everett Keys (daughter of Deacon Joseph Everett). People looked forward to her presentation of her donors. While most people completed their list without much fanfare, Sister Keys was quite long and included not just family but almost everyone who she had any contact from her car dealer to the gas company to her grocery among many others. When she finished her list

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which often went beyond a single page, there were more than one smile, chuckle and even applause. Such was the dedication of many of the old members. Seniors Despite the tremendous challenges of slavery and later the stresses of health, finances, etc. of segregation many of the early members lived to quite an old age. Some of these long-lived members include; Pauline C. White (1871-1968,96 yrs), Jepp Wynn (1877-1969,92 yrs),Carrie Holloman McFadden (1893-2000, 107 yrs), Winne Midgett Davis (1900-1992, 92 yrs),Odessa McFadden Collins (1914-, 99 yrs), Parie L. Smith (1917-2008, 91yrs), Mildred Davis Cheatham (1918-, ~95yrs), Rev. Raymond Morris (1908-2001, ~93 yrs) Octive (Knoble) Wynn Roseborough (1923- ~ 90 yrs),. Past and Present Members Over the years many of the senior members talked of the old days when the church membership was quite large and strong. This continued through the 1950s and 60s until many families, especially the younger members left for colleges, military and other opportunities not found in the area. The validation of the membership is seen in the minutes of the church Sunday School and church records as well as the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association minutes. In the 1871 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 62 members, baptized 22 new members and 3 preaching Sundays. In the 1879 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 164 members, baptized 9 new members. In 1884, the church baptized 18 accepted 7 by letter and restored 12 members. The membership was listed as 188. In 1885 there were 205 members.

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In the 1909 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 180 members, baptized 15 new members. In the 1912 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 203 members, baptized 12 new members and 15 excommunicated. In the 1913 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 171 members. In the 1915 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 148 members, baptized 9 new members and 3 preaching Sundays. In 1916, there were 50 baptisms and 185 members and 75 Sunday School members. In the 1917 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 104 members. In the 1919 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 267 members and having 2 baptisms. In the 1927 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association Minutes, the church is listed as having 96 members. As late as 1942, the church roll lists 127 members (56 Brothers and 71 Sisters). 1866-1900 Some of the earliest documented members include Matilda Sanders, (born January 20, 1815, died June 20, 1890) and was a documented and founding member of church in 1866; Rev. George Jarvis, was born ~1816, died August 20, 1903 and was a documented founding member of the church; Julia Johnson, was born 1848, died Oct. 2, 1921 and was a documented 50 year member. Other early members include George W. Reid listed as the 1871 Church (Sycamore Chapel) clerk. William (W.C.) Cooper, Elder William Grant (W.G.) Holloman, Spencer Wynn Jr., George Wynn and H.E. Ellison were listed as 1893 trustees.

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Members (Burial) FOUNDING MEMBER * A William Frank Adkinson (?) Pernella Daniel Adkinson (?) James Adkinson (?) Pauline Adkinson (?) George Alexander (Bowens Cemetery 1918) & Mary Alexander (Bowens 1933) Charles Alexander (?) Bro. Minger Alexander (Bowens 1934) Blanche Alexander (WMB 1962) Leonard Mixon Alexander (Kinston 1962) Lucille Alexander (Weeping Mary Baptist Church Cemetery 1968) Nancy Jane Alexander Blount (WMB 1967) George Harrell Alexander (?) Ethel Hopkins (WMB 2008) Lenora S. Alston (WMB 1942) Lonnie Frank Armstrong (?) & Savannah Bailey Armstrong Gore (?) Thelma Louisa Armstrong (?) Jesse Atkins (?) & Mary Jane Carney Atkins (WMB 1968) John Austin (WMB 1964) & Minnie Austin (WMB 19--) Lenora S. Austin (WMB 1943)

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B Henry Bailey (? <1910) & Harriett Louisa Gray Bailey Augustus Gus Bailey (WMB ~1920s) & Servilla Will Davis Bailey (Bowens 1948) Ernest Bailey (WMB 1943) John T. Bailey (WMB 1938) Hestella Bailey (WMB 1907) Millie J. Bailey (WMB 1888?) Louisa Barnes or Bonds (WMB 1937) Ephrew Effie Barnes or Bonds (WMB 1938) John R. Bazemore (?) & (Johnanna Jordan Collins Bazemore) (WMB 1958) Kit Bell (? Between 1900-1910) and Mourning Bell (?) Ludie Bell (?) Columbus Bell (?) Nancy Jane Alexander Blount (WMB 1967) Ethel Hopkins (WMB 2008) Robert Bonds (Cedar Landing Bapt. 1966) John Boon (e) (?) & Martha Boone (WMB 1911) Annie Boon (e) Davis (WMB1903) Isabella Boon (e) Gray (WMB ) Rev. George Bowens (WMB 1890s) & Grace Bowens (WMB 1902)

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Stanley Bowens (WMB/Bowens? 1937) & Alice Bowens (WMB 1941) Richard Bowens (WMB 1965) & Mary Frances Williams Bowens (Girl) Bowens (Bowens 1939) Levi Brown (1884, 1885 Roanoke Association Licientate) & Lydia Brown (?) George W. Buffalo, Jr. (WMB 1941) William Buffalo (?) Nicey Midgett Buffaloe (WMB 1975) Patti Bumpass/Bumpus (WMB 1922) & Bro. Spans or Sprat/Bumpass/Bumpus (WMB 1935) C William H. Carney (WMB 1937) Annie Marie Moore Cabarrus (Jamesville Town Cemetery 1989) John R. Collins (WMB 1936) & (Johnanna Jordan Collins Bazemore) (WMB 1958) William (WC) Cooper (Bowens/WMB 1914) & Courtney Sheppard Cooper John Thomas Cooper (WMB 1916) & Mittie Cooper (?) Yvonne Cordon Rudolph D Preston Daniel(s) (<1910) & Ellen Mann Daniel(s) (Home Cemetery 1924) Catherine Daniel Revander (?) & Andrew Revander (?) Pernella Daniel Adkinson & William Frank Adkinson (?)

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Walter A. Daniels (?) & Millie Barrow & Eliza Boone Irene Daniel Bailey (?) & Isiah A. Bailey (?) Abram Daniels (Jamesville 1972) Charlie Daniels (Bowens 1974) Fannie Noble Daniels (WMB 1969) Hazel Daniels (?) Ms. Leander M. Daniels (WMB 1938) Leroy Frank Daniels (Jamesville 1969) Mamie Daniels (Rhodes 19--) Isiah Brown Davis (WMB 1923) & Annie M. Boone Davis (WMB 1903) & Hattie Bailey Davis (WMB 1938) Eva Davis Cordon (WMB 1920) Gertrude Davis Moore (WMB 1969) Frank Davis (WMB 19??) William Henry Davis (WMB 1893) Isaiah Davis (wooden marker) (WMB Martha Ann Davis (WMB 1902) William Henry Davis (Edenton 1985) & Lessie Davis (Edenton 1986) King Solomon Davis (Bowens 1982) & Eva Virginia White Davis (Bowens 1980) Nathaniel D. Davis (WMB 1977) & Winnie Midgett Davis (WMB 1992)

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Mildred Davis Cheatham William Nathaniel Davis (WMB 1987) Johnnie R. Davis (WMB 1958) Herbert Lee Davis, Sr. (Jamesville Town Cemetery 1977) & Marian Staton Davis James Hilton Davis Herbert Lee Davis, Jr. Tonya Michelle Davis Hall Rev. Byron Lamont Davis Eric Maurice Davis Charlie Edward Davis, Sr. (WMB 1989) & Dorothy L. Whitaker Davis (Jamesville Town Cemetery 2012) Charlie Edward Davis, Jr. Barbara Davis Broadaway Brent Nathaniel Davis (WMB 1992) Chester Earl Davis Ernestine Davis Cordon Staten Yvonne Cordon Rudolph Yolanda Staten Richard Davis (WMB early 1900s) E

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William Henry Ellison (WMB 1944) & Aileen Spruill Ellison (WMB 1941) Blonzena Blonnie Ellison (? 1952) James Henry Ellison (New Bern 1989) John Ellison (?) Mary Emily Ellison Sills (WMB 1968) Joseph E. Everett (WMB 1958) & Lena Rhodes Everett (?) Mary Jane Blount Everett (?) Norene Everett Washington (Rhodes Cemetery 1975) Alexander Zane Everett (Baltimore ?) Rebecca Everett Keys (WMB 1985) Ruth Everett Hoffler (NY 2002) Joseph Everett (?) F Angelette Annie Frazier WMB 1950) Hattie Willis Frazier (WMB1945) Kenneth Frazier WMB 1949) G Reginald Goddard Charles Gray (WMB/Bowens ?) & Hattie Gray (Bowens 1910) Thomas Gray, Sr. (WMB/Bowens ~1930) & Emeline Emma Green Gray (WMB 1960)

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Henry Gray (WMB 1941) Penny Gray Leary (Bowens 1948) Thomas Gray (?) & Mary Ann Mollie Gray (WMB 1911) Bulah R. Gray (WMB 1910) Wilmer Gray (WMB 1938) Louis Richard Dick Gray (WMB 1967) & Ella Gray (WMB 1959) Ida Gray Hill (?) & Moses Hill (Bowens 1942) George Green (?) John Green (WMB/Bowens ?) Emma Waters Green (WMB/Bowens 1921) Emeline Emma Green Gray (WMB 1960) Frank Green (Bowens 1976) Sabra Green H Sis. Carnice W. Hardison (?) J.F. Harrison Moses Hill (Bowens 1942) & Ida Gray Hill (?) Charles Hill, Sr. (Jamesville Cemetery 2010) Charles Hill, Jr. Gerry Hill Elder William Grant Holloman (WMB 1924) & Louisa Leary Holloman (WMB 1927)

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Carrie Holloman McFadden 107 yrs (WMB 2000) Rev. Haywood P. Holloman (WMB 1974) Ethel Hopkins (WMB 2008) J Bubber Jackson (WMB 1970) & Eunice Jackson (WMB 2001) Stephen Jackson (WMB 1973) Emma Jackson (Bowens 1949) Mary Sue Speller (?) King Hyman Jackson (?) Shirley Nichols James (Mt. Carmel 2013) Jesse Lee James Bobby James William McCoy James (?) Rev. George Jarvis (WMB 1903) * FOUNDING MEMBER & Pheeby Jarvis (?) Mary J. Jefferson (WMB 1938) Eliza Boone Daniels (?) & Walter A. Daniels (?) Rev. James E. Johnson (?) & Julia A. Johnson (WMB 1921) * 50 year member Rev. Esau J. Johnson (WMB 1921) & Julia A. Johnson (WMB 1921) * 50 year member James H. Johnson (Land Cemetery 1953) Mary J. Land Johnson (WMB 1944) Walter Alex Jones, Jr. (Williamston Andrews 1982)

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K Anne Keys Williams ((WMB 1961) George W. Keys (Bowens 46) & Leda Keys (?) Addie E. Keys (?) Caroline Keys Shirley Charlie Keys (?) Ralph Keys (?) Norene Keys Washington (WMB 1975) Spear Keys, Jr. (WMB/Bowens? 1956) Lois Keys (?) Martha Knight (?) Mary Bell Knight (?) Rufus Knight (WMB 1959) & Thelia Brown Knight (WMB 1988) Catherine Knight Pierce (1997) Edward L. Knight (WMB 1988) Haywood Knight (?) Jasper Knight Louise Knight Roosevelt Knight (WMB 1949) Ruth Knight (?)

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Mack (K)noble (NY?) & Mamie Bailey Noble (WMB/Bowens? ~ 1911-1913) & Fannie Bailey Noble (WMB 1974) Gilbert Nobel (Mamie) (?) Betty Noble (Mamie) (?) Sue Ann V. Noble (WMB 1911) (Mamie) Donald Noble (?) Linwood Noble (?) Octavia Octive Noble Wynn Roseborough Thelma Noble (?) L Carves Robert Leary (WMB 1930) & Virginia Leary (?) Adline Mullen Leary (WMB 1947) Hattie Leary Williams (?) Penny Leary Saunders (Bowens 1925) Estelle Leary Willis Archie (WMB 1978) Alexander Leary (?) Wiliam Henry Leary (?) Carves Robert CR Leary (WMB 1994) & Queenie Moore Leary Morris (WMB 1980) & (Sally Leary ?) & Christabel Leary (Keys ? William Henry Leary Lettice Leary Barnes Adline Leary -

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John Leary (WMB ?) & Penny Gray Leary (Bowens 1948) Joseph Leary (?) Blanche Lewis (?) Joseph (J. C.) Lewis (1885 Roanoke Assn Delegate) (?) & Nancy Womble Lewis (?) Amanda Womble (Bertie 1930) Roxanna Lewis (?) Ms. Vancy L. Lewis (WMB 1933) Jerry Luke (?) M Louis H. Mariner (WMB 1921) & Jane Mariner (WMB 1928) Louis Augustus Mariner (Bowens 1980) & Millie Mariner (WMB 19--) Alice Pearl Mariner (WMB 2000) Andrew Jackson Mariner (WMB 1997) & Christine Mariner (WMB 1989) Jennie Mariner (?) William Augustus Mariner, Jr. (?) Chester Mariner (WMB 1948) Joshua Mariner (WMB 1945) James E. Marriner Sr. (WMB 1992) & Lenora Marriner (WMB 1992) James E. Marriner Jr. Eula Faye Mariner Scott Lenora Marriner Worsley

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Bertha Marriner Harris Ann Mariner (?) Annie Marie Mariner (?) Frank Mariner (?) & Ella Morris Rev. Henry Mariner & Annie Morris Mariner George Frank Mariner (WMB 1974) & Martha Bowen Mariner (WMB 1990) Violet Sue Mariner (?) David S. Mariner (WMB 1987) Wallace Mariner (? 2013) Agnes Mariner Dixon Mildred H. Mariner Vick (WMB 1974) Paul Mariner (?) Samuel A. Marriner (?) William R. Marriner (?) Carrie Holloman McFadden 107 yrs (WMB 2000) Doris McFadden Riddick (?) Odessa McFadden Collins (1914) Charlie Midgett (WMB 1924) & Matilda Davis Midgette (WMB 1957) Charles Frank Midgett (WMB 1971) Elijah Midgett (WMB 1972) & Lula (Luna) Baxter Midgett (NY 19??)

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Eva Midgett White (Flint MI 19??) Israel Midgett (WMB 1922) & Josephine Waters Midgett (?) & Christianna Knight Keys (Bowens 1932) Jake Midgett (?) John R. Midgette (WMB 1958) Nicey Midgett Buffaloe (WMB 1975) Pearlie Mae Midgett Cheatham (?) James E. Midgett (WMB 1989) & Addie Frances Stancil Midgett (nonmember) & Zenner Nichols Midgett (97yrs) (WMB 1999) non-member Carol Midgett Vickie Midgett James Midgett Jr Sandra Midgett Rhonda Midgette Calvin Moore (WMB/Bowens 1932) Charlie M. Moore (WMB 1938) Faust Moore (?) John Lee Ennis Moore (WMB 1956) & Gertrude Davis Moore (WMB 1969) Annie Marie Moore Cabarrus (Jamesville Town Cemetery 1989) Carey Lee Moore (WMB 1974) Willie E. Moore

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Ruby J. Moore (?) Gertie Moore Troupe (WMB 2001) Mary Moore (?) Samuel E. Moore (WMB 1949) & Amanda Manda Moore (WMB 1959) Clarence Moore (?) Charlie Moore (?) Ivory Moore (?) Gus Gussie Moore (?) George Moore (?) Queenie Moore Leary Morris (WMB 1980) Rev. Stephen Moore (?) 1879 Roanoke Missionary Bapt. Association Licentiate Jamesville Thomas Moore (WMB 1949) Walter Moore (?) William C. Moore (?) Stephen Morris (WMB 1938) & Cornelia Bazemore Morris (Brooklyn 1967) Annie Morris MarinerDaniel Morris (WMB 1968) & Queenie Moore Leary Morris (WMB 1980) George Morris (?) John S. Morris (?) Lenora Morris (?)

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Lorraine Edith Morris Shields (Scotland Neck 1983) Mattie Morris Rhodes(?) & Matthew Rhodes Pete Rhodes (?) Samuel Morris (?) Rev. Raymond Morris (Snow Hill 2001)

N Mack Noble (NY?) & Mamie Bailey Noble (WMB/Bowens? ~ 1911-1913) & Fannie Bailey Noble (WMB 1974) Gilbert Nobel (Mamie)? Betty Noble Midgett (Mamie) (NY?) Sue Ann V. Noble (WMB 1911) (Mamie) Donald Noble (?) Linwood Noble (?) Octavia Octive Noble Wynn Roseborough & George Wynn (WMB?) Baby Wynn (WMB ) Thelma Noble (?) P Dave Kemp Price (WMB <1910) & Hester Price (~) Junius L. Price (?) Lansbury Price (?)

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Virginia Dare Price Batchelor (?) Carrie Pugh (?) Charles Henry Pugh (?) John Thomas Pugh (?) Lillian Pugh (?) William S. Pugh (?) Q Elizabeth (Beth) Quinley (WMB ~1946)

R Otelia Rascoe (WMB 1953) George W. Reid (Clerk, WMB late 1800s) Roosevelt Reddick (? 1922) Antilia Respass (?) John Henry Revander (Bowens 1936) & Christiana Knight Keys Midgett Revander (?) & Eleanor Ailene Ellison Revander (WMB 1960) Lloyd Revander (Bowens 1934) & Martha Price Revander William Andrew Revander (?) & Maggie Price Revander (?) George Henry Revander & Nora Revander Bro. Sandy C. Revander (Bowens 1909) & Georgeanna Hassell Revander (Home 1924) & Christana Knight Keys Midgett Revander (Bowens 1932)

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Thomas Andrew Revander (WMB 1938) & Maria Revander & Rachel Buffalo Revander Andrew Revander (?) & Catherine Daniel Revander (WMB/Bowens 1914) James H. Rhodes (?) James W. Rhodes (?) Walter Rhodes (?1949) Norma Staton Rhodes (?) Matthew Rhodes & Mattie Morris Rhodes (?) Pete Rhodes (?) Hattie Rhodes (?) Senora Nora Rice (? 1940) Donald Roberts (?) & Elmarie Roberts (?) Rev. Adam Ruff (WMB/Bowens ~1940) & Betty Ruff (WMB/Bowens ~1943) Loretta Ruff Gray (Mt. Carmel?) R.T. Ruff (?) Clara Belle Moore (?) S Matilda Sanders (WMB 1890) * FOUNDING MEMBER James Sanders (?) Mamie Saunders (?) Penny Leary Saunders (Bowens 1925)

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Henry Sheppard (?) & Malinda Sheppard (?) Courtney Sheppard Cooper (?) & William Cooper (Bowens/WMB 1914) George Sheppard (Bowens/WMB 1921) Rev. James Simmons (?) Thelma Simmons (?) Anita Smith (?) Isaiah Smith (WMB 1949) unmarked & Parie Lee Smith (WMB 2008) Carolyn Smith Cheryl Smith Polite Clara Smith ( ) David Smith Gladys Smith Green Gloria D. Smith (WMB 1999) James Smith Janie Smith Johnson Jack Smith (?) C.L. Smith? Iola Smith (?) John Smith (WMB 1948) and Erma Lee Smith Shirley Smith (?) Addie Smith (?)

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Asverna Smith (?) Dorothy Smith (?) Ella Mae Smith (?) Ernestine Smith (?) Langston Smith (?) Lenora Smith (?) Jean Smith (?) John H. Smith (?) Katie Smith (?) Vernita Smith (?) King Alfred Smith (WMB 1948) & Ola Gray Smith (Godard Hill 1971) Stephen Staton (Mt. Carmel) Jane Ann Staton Willis Norfleet (Mt. Carmel 1960) Hattie Willis Frazier (WMB1945) Eva Jane Willis (?) Winnie Willis (Mt. Carmel)? William D. Staton (Bowens 1925) & Mosella Waters Staton & Naomi Staton (WMB 1956) or Staten Sister Odell Staton Stephen Steven Staton Van Lee Staton

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Beatrice Staton Booker T. Staton Talmadge Staton William Sykes (WMB 1947) & Alice Williams Sykes (WMB 1944) W David Walker (WMB/Bowens?) & Carrie Walker (WMB 1949) & Minnie Walker Eddie Mount Walker (?) Ethel Walker (?) Henry Walker (?) Isaac Walker (?) John Reuben Walker (?) Joe Walker (?) Louis Walker (?) Phillip Walker (?) Washington Walker (?) Katie Walker (?) Susanna Watson (?) Charles White (Bowens 1946) John (J.W. White) (? 1885 Roanoke Missionary Baptist Assn. Delegate) Pauline C. White (Hood Temple) Charles White (Jamesville Town Cemetery 1987)

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Ida White (WMB 1987) Frank White (Bowens 1971) Eva Virginia White Davis (Bowens 1980)

George Williams (WMB 1952) & Laura Moore Williams (WMB 1953) Charlie Williams (Williams Cemetery 1984) Clavon Williams (?) George Jack Williams (?) Hattie Bell Williams Duggins (WMB 1944) Mable D. Williams (?) Mary Williams (WMB 1936) Bessie Lee Williams (WMB 1947) James Hilton Davis Jane Ann Staton Willis Norfleet (Mt. Carmel 1960) Hattie Willis Frazier (WMB1945) Eva Jane Willis (?) Winnie Willis (Mt. Carmel)? Jordan D. Winston (WMB 1924) & Rose Winston (WMB 1944) Jerry Winston (WMB 1944) William Henry Winston (?) & Mamie E. Riddick Winston (? ~1930s) George Wynn (WMB?) & Octavia Octive Noble Wynn Baby Wynn (WMB )

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Spencer W. Wynn, Jr. (?) & Marina Ausbon Wynn William Augustus Gus Bailey (WMB/Bowens ~1920s) & Servilla Davis Will Bailey (Bowens 1948) Lillian Bailey Wynn (Bowens 1942) (Boy) Oniver Lee Wynn (Bowens 1933) Muriel Wynn (?) Ruth Hilda Wynn Gregory (Brown Hill-Greenville NC 1983) Spencer Augustus Wynn Joseph R. Wynn (?) Jeff Jepp Wynn (Bowens 1969) & Mary May Ellison Wynn (WMB 1976) Ida Wynn Barnard (Maplewood-Greensboro 1993) John Henry Wynn (Roland Church, Franklin Co. 1987) Raymond Wynn, Sr. (Bowens 1973) & Mattie Boston Wynn (? Washington 1999) Raymond Wynn, Jr. (Bowens 1990) Ruth Mae Wynn Cole (WMB 1991) Dorothy Lee Wynn (?) Mattie Wynn (?)

Y Ernestine Yarber (?)

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The Community Church Weeping Mary Baptist was established in 1866 and eventually grew to over 200 members. According to various records, Hood Temple AMEZ was started a little later in 1867. Mt. Carmel Disciples of Christ was started later. Even though the early churches were quite strict in their denominational rituals and practices, from the earliest times it seems the churches have been connected by family as well as community activities. It was not unusual to see split families, where some of the children followed the mother to her home church while some of the children followed the father to his home church. Some of these family examples include the Bailey-Wynns, Willis-Norfleets, Statons, Williamses, and others. William Henry Wynn (apparently following his mother, Marina Ausbon) and some of his children were Methodists while other children were at Weeping Mary Baptist with his wife, Lillian and her parents the Baileys. Interestingly, William Henrys father, Spencer Wynn, Jr. was a trustee at Weeping Mary in the 1890s. Jane Ann Willis and daughter, Eva left Weeping Mary in 1938, to join Mt. Carmel following her father, Stephen Staton who had been a member of Weeping Mary as well. Jane Ann later married Rev. William Norfleet of Mt. Carmel Disciples of Christ Church. This closeness of the various churches continues to this day with each church supporting the others in programs, choirs, etc. due to their history and ties as well as the small congregations. As has been the case for most of the churches existence, each church has services on a particular Sunday(s); Weeping Mary Baptist on the first Sunday (and 4th); the Hood Temple Methodist on second Sunday (and 4th) and Mt. Carmel Disciples of Christ on third Sunday (and 4th). It was said that when the local school burned, the children spent some time going to Weeping Mary which was on the neighboring lot. During the period of Jim Crow and segregation of theaters in the 1950s, the church showed the original The Jackie Robinson Story. Later in the 1960s, Gordon Frinks, a regional civil

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rights leader held a meeting at the church to discuss the movement and seek support from the community. Weeping Mary Missionary Baptist Cemeteries Weeping Mary Baptist Church has two cemeteries. One is located on the main church grounds 1072 Water Street in Jamesville while the other (Bowen) is located 1-2 miles away on Old Business US Hwy 64 next to the former Jamesville Township School. The church cemetery on Water Street has many graves but many of them no longer have markers or the headstones are broken and/or unreadable. Some of the earliest markers in the cemetery are Millie Bailey (1889), Martha Ann Davis (1902), Annie Boone Davis (1903), and George Jarvis (1903) though we know some of the unmarked graves are older. Some of the unmarked graves are Matilda Sanders (1890), Julia Johnson (1920) Isiah Brown Davis (1923). There are two wooden markers still present in the cemetery. One is Isaiah Davis (~1890), son of Isiah Brown Davis and another that no longer bears a readable epitaph. One of the most unique headstones in the cemetery belongs to William Henry Davis, son of Isiah Brown Davis. He was sixteen (16) at the time of his death. His marble headstone indicates his participation in the Youth Group of the Grand United Order of Brothers and Sisters of Love and Charity. The 1916 Report of the Insurance Commissioner, Volume 1, By North Carolina Dept. of Insurance shows this fraternal group, paid almost $6,400.00 in death claims. Interestingly, the President of the Organization was J.W. Faulk who was the pastor of Weeping Mary Baptist Church, a further indication of the community involvement of church ministers in the civic and social lives of the community. The second is the Bowens Cemetery. The land for this cemetery was donated by George W. Bowen. It is located on Hwy 64 (bounded by the former Jamesville

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Township School and former Carrie Pugh lot). On February 4, 1895, Deacon Bowen bequeathed upon his death, a parcel of land to his wife, Grace Bowen and Weeping Mary Baptist Church witnessed by Geo. M. Burras (Justice of Peace) and J.H. Revander. The will states that upon the death of his wife, Grace, the property valued at $50.00 is to go to Weeping Mary Baptist Church to be used as the church saw fit. Upon the death of Mrs. Bowen, the will was probated in Superior Court on March 3, 1902 by Richard Davis, a member of Weeping Mary. That property located on Hwy 64 (now business) and next to the former Jamesville Township School became Weeping Marys Bowen cemetery. Upon her death in 1902, the will was probated and the church created a cemetery on the land. The cemetery contains rows upon rows of graves, most of them no longer identifiable as the markers have long since gone away. The oldest marked grave is Hattie Gray (1830-1910). Some of the other early marked graves include Will (W.D.) Staton (1925), Charles White (1946), The unmarked graves are numerous but some that are known to be there based on burial records include Servilla (Miss Will) Bailey (1948), Lillian Bailey Wynne (1942), Honored (Oniver) Wynne (?) and Moses Hill (1942). Other members are buried locally at the Jamesville Town Cemetery including Herbert Davis, Sr. who was the first African-American buried in the cemetery (1977). Other members buried in the Town Cemetery include Charles White, Annie Moore Cabarrus, Charles Hill, Dorothy Davis,. Present and Future There are regular news stories of across the country about attendance declining while people still profess some measure of faith. This is seen in the cities, small and rural churches. The current membership of Weeping Mary like many is composed of a very small and aging membership. It is very dependent on its community family, former members and sister churches of the Albemarle Union of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association to keep a vibrant program. This is

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not unlike most of the neighboring churches. It is impossible to predict the future of the church in 2013 much like it is almost impossible to predict anything in the current environment. Many predictions about the continuance of organizations have proved folly. One prediction that is safe is this documented history of the church and its members will ensure Weeping Mary will live on as long as there is recorded history.

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Rev. Abram Mebane 1st Pastor - 1866

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Rev. Dr. George Wellington Lee 3rd Pastor 1880s


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1890 Obituary of Matilda Sanders

Matilda Sanders was born January the 20 1815 and dyed June 20 1890 l Living to be 75 years of age. She dyed a Christian l been a member of this church ever since it was organized 1866 l member 24 years l about 24 years never had any Trouble with her and ?the church up to this Day 21 of June 1890.

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1942 Roll of Brothers and Sisters of Weeping Mary Baptist Church Jamesville, NC

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BIBLIOGRAPHY
Minutes of the ... Annual Session of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association. North Carolina?: The Association, 1800. Whitted, J A. A History of the Negro Baptists of North Carolina. Raleigh: Edwards & Broughton Print. Co, 1908. Williams, M W, and George W. Watkins. Who's Who Among North Carolina Negro Baptists: With a Brief History of Negro Baptist Organizations. S.l: s.n., 1940. African-american Baptist Annual Reports, North Carolina, 1865-1990. Rochester, N.Y: American Baptist-Samuel Colgate Historical Library, 1997. Boone, Linwood M. D. Chronological History of the Roanoke Missionary Baptist Association and Its Founders from 1866. S.l.: Authorhouse, 2012. St. Luke Guide to African American History in Bertie County - contains two interesting essays on the historic African American Churches and their development by Alice Eley Jones (African American History Consultant, Durham, NC.) and Benjamin Speller(Dean, NC Cen Univ, Durham

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Pastors of Weeping Mary Baptist Missionary Church Jamesville, NC 1866-2013

Abram Mebane 1st Pastor

George W. Lee - 3rd

Carey Miles (C.M.) Cartwright 7th

W.A. Taylor 8th

Rubin Ralph (R.R.)Cartwright 9th

John W. Faulk 10th

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Joseph E. (J.E.) Tillett 11th

Alfred R. Winborne 14th

John H. Taylor 16th

Anton Wesley 17th

Charles L. Foster 18th

Joseph Thigpen 19th

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Kennedy Barber 20th

Gregory Rodgers 21st

Rev. J. W. Faulk (lower right)

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