Guide to the First Baptist Church Of Avoca Records,
1848-1918.

Collection Number: 6096

Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
Cornell University Library

Contact Information:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections
2B Carl A. Kroch Library
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY 14853
(607) 255-3530
Fax: (607) 255-9524
rareref@cornell.edu
http://rmc.library.cornell.edu
Compiled by:
J.B.
Date completed:
Feb. 1980
EAD encoding:
Andrea Hektor, Aug. 2004

© 2003 Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library

DESCRIPTIVE SUMMARY

Title:
First Baptist Church of Avoca records, 1848-1918.
Collection Number:
6096
Creator:
First Baptist Church of Avoca (Avoca, N.Y.)
Quantity:
1 reel microfilm.
Forms of Material:
Microfilm.
Repository:
Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library
Abstract:
Two volumes including minutes of church meetings (1846-1868) and minutes of trustee meetings (1851-1918).
Language:
Collection material in English

ORGANIZATIONAL HISTORY

The Baptist Church of Avoca was first organized on January 13, 1847 in the home of Alexander Arnold. The church adopted the Declaration of Faith and Covenant which had been published by the New Hampshire Baptist State Convention. On August 13, 1847 the church was received into the Steuben Baptist Association. In 1852 a church was built. In March 1852 the church united with the Baptist Church in Cohocton.
COLLECTION DESCRIPTION

The records contain two volumes: Minutes of church meetings (1846-1868) and minutes of trustee meetings (1851-1918).
SUBJECTS

Names:
First Baptist Church of Avoca (Avoca, N.Y.)

Subjects:
Church records and registers--New York (State)--Avoca.
Baptists--New York (State)--Avoca.

Places:
Steuben County (N.Y.)--Religious life and customs.
Avoca (N.Y.)--Religious life and customs.

Form and Genre Terms:
Minutes
INFORMATION FOR USERS

Cite As:
First Baptist Church of Avoca records, #6096. Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Library.
CONTAINER LIST

Description
Container
Records of the Avoca Baptist Church. Minutes of Church Meetings, 1846-1868
Volume 1
The minutes of the church meetings are primarily concerned with the appointment of delegates, disciplinary problems among members, election of deacons appointment of a pastor, discussion of the pastor's salary, circulation of subscriptions, and the dismissal and acceptance of members. The minutes include the declaration of faith (sixteen Articles cited), the church covenant, lists of members, and a Table of contents. Items of interest:
January 13, 1847
A group of people met to organize the church. It was voted to adopt the declaration of faith and church covenant published by New Hampshire Baptist State Convocation.
July 31, 1847
It was resolved to petition for admission into the Steuben Baptist Association.
September 6, 1851
A difficulty was discussed between two church members concerning a financial matter.
December 13, 1851
Delegates were appointed to attend a meeting about the changing of the border which separates Steuben and Yates counties.
March 6, 1852
A unanimous vote united the church with the Baptist Church in Cohocton.
March 7, 1853
A disciplinary problem arose because of the violation of covenant and the slander of the church.
October 31, 1857
A disciplinary problem concerning temperance was discussed (lasted until November 8, 1857).
October 2, 1858
A disciplinary problem concerning foul language was discussed.
Records of the Baptist Society of Avoca, Steuben County, New York
 Volume 2
Trustee Meeting Minutes, 1851-1918 . The Trustee meeting minutes are primarily concerned with elections of trustees, clerks, and treasurer; the erection of a church building; the selling of pews; donations; and financial matters. The minutes include the constitution, cited in ten sections. Items of interest:
December 5, 1851
A committee was formed to locate a site for the construction of a meeting house.
January 5, 1852
A plot was located to build a church.
January 24, 1852 - February 6, 1852
A discussion of the structure of the church.