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Missionary Baptist Church Methodist Chruch of Rayville Christian Union Church of Rayville Campbellites of Rayville Richmond Township |
| Mentioned in the obituary of Mary Proffitt Francis Smith In 1867 the inhabitants of the area of Hallard/Rayville met at Rocky Fork school, located on the south side of Rocky Fork Creek, two miles north of Hallard/Rayville. Rayville came into existence in 1871. Rev. Livingston, a Christian Union minister, was the minister of this church and in 1867 the settlers met with him to organize a church group. (Mary, Amanda and Selena Hankins were charter memebers) Ministers, J.W. Harder, Mr. Godbey, and J.C. Turnage held a two-week reviveal at "Hallard" in Belcher's Hall on Third Street. These three ministers were responsible for the erecting of the first church building in Hallard which was the meeting place for the Methodist, Christian Union and Missionary Baptist . The Campbellites joined and each four ministers held service one Sunday a month. A new Baptist church building was built on the northeast corner of Church and Second St. and the first service held in the new building was held in May, 1896. January 1905 a committee of three members J.C. Turnage, W.R. Pardue and J.M. Francis met with the Christian Union asking to sell a half interest in the Baptist Chruch building to the Christian Union. The half interest was purchased by Christian Union. Three Sundays each month, the Baptist, Christian Union and Campbellites held meetings in the Christian Union - Baptist Church, with one Sunday everyone attended services at the Methodist church. Later the Campbellites no longer held separate church services, due to declining membership. Many became members of the Christian Union Church. In 1954 only a few members of the Baptist church discussed turning over the deed to the building to the Christian Union. The members were: Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Turnage, S.C. Turnage, Irvin Turnage, Tavis McAdams and Mr. and Mrs. Sam Mullin. This transcation was made in 1955. Taking in part from Ray County History 1973. Today the church is still in existence, known at The Christian Union Church of Rayville. (2008) |
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July 11, 2008
Updated: August 22, 2008