Newspapers / The Enterprise (Williamston, N.C.) / March 28, 1930, edition 1 / Page 1
Part of The Enterprise (Williamston, N.C.) / About this page
This page has errors
The date, title, or page description is wrong
This page has harmful content
This page contains sensitive or offensive material
AHt Qvrißta DM Whan Yonr Sohacriptioa Expirse VALUME XXXIII—NUMBER 9 Church Case Continues In County Superior Court Here PREDESTINATION IS MAIN FEATURE IN PROCEEDINGS Mlny Believe Jury Will Get Case Sometime Late Tomorrow » CASE NEARING CLOSE Case Nears End After Almost Five Dtya of Endless Questioning By Trial Lawyers # The end of the Smithwick's Creek Church case is expected to reach the some time tomorrow afternoon, attorneys in the case stating that they believed all the testimony would be complete today, possibly in time for argument. The proceedings embracing large words, repeated evidence, baffling qqutttions and indirect answers, will It Is believed, present a perplexing problem for the jury, causing much ■peculation as to how long the body will ponder before a verdict. After almost five days of what ap pears to be hopeless procedure, the Smithwick's Creek Church case con . Unues to drag in the superior court here, some predicting a near end for the case however. Tired and weary ol what is meant by "predestination," and other proceedings, members of the jury continue, not of a will of their own, to bear the seemingly endless chain of evidence. The plaintiffs rested at 11:25 Wed nesday morning, when the task was started to define the meaning of the word "predestination." Definitions varied grestly, one witness, pretty well on the idea, explained that God had so well planned things that every happennig, no matter how negligible, was predestined to be. The questioning caused the casual observer to wonder if he were in a courtroom or attend ing an oral examination for the admis -oon of applicants into the ministry. Shrewd questions were "popped" and shrewd answers, in many cases, were made. Errors have been made, no doubt, and approximately 500 objec tions have been entered so far. The proceedings, if typed on regular-sized paper would fill around 300 pages, ac cording to an estimate made today by the court stenographer. Parties to the two factions continue tealously in the cause, and are ap parently doing so untiringly. The court, the lawyers and specta tors are getting at first hand much of the doctrine of the Primitive Baptist Church. The word "predestination" and its meMing are the marked features ol the doctrine as explained by some of the witnesses. This word, however, does hot appear in the Sylvester Has sell pamphlet exemplifying the princi ples of Faith upon which the Smith wick's Creek Church was founded and organised in November, 1803 which was "the doctrine of eternal election, particular redemption, regeneration and saacdfication by the influence and operation of the Holy Spirit and the final perserverance of the Saints." The first witness, P. E. Getsinger, called in the case left the stand at 3:40 Tuesday afternoon after remaining on the stand a greater part of Monday and Tuesday. Many questions were propounded to him, a number being of technical nature and hair-splitting but generally they were answered with frankness and ease. He was called upon by Mr. Mac Lean, on cross examination, to explain the usual methods of con ference procedure. In giving reasons for the beginning of the trouble, the witness gave as his opinion that it was on account of po litical difference. He stated that Elders Cowin, Rogerson, Ross and Sawyer were invited to meet the Church on December 6, 1927 to prefer charges against Elder Harrington, and al though a part of the membership of the Church was present, neither of the elders sppeared to make any charge. Again on January 11, 1928, the Church Vmet in council with Elders Hassell, FMmb and Moore to hear charges, and after various charges had been made, the council advised forbearance and that Harrington avoid expres sions ftot in the Scriptures. Mr. Getsinger also stated that he had never denied the true principles of the Primitive Baptist Doctrine,, nor followed Harrington any where. He added that he had stated that he be lieved he was a man, gifted of God and that he thought all the Church believ ed the same thing. Continuing with his evidence, the witness stated that other churches, JaflMSvilie, Bear Grass, Skewarkee and Singleton's dropped their correspond ence with Smithwick's Creek soon aft er the trouble arose', and Elder Har rington resigned as assistant pastor in Match, 1928, which resignation was promptly accepted. The first real shot on Absolute Pre destination was fired when Mac Lean ashed Getsinger about a conversation h had had with Plenay Peel. The THE ENTERPRISE COUNTY GETS 19 SEATS IN MEET • Nineteen Delegates Entitl ed to Seats at State Democratic Meet • Martin County is entitled to send nineteen delegates to the State Demo cratic convention meeting in Raleigh ' July 3, according to the allotment list J made by State Chairman O. M. Mull yesterday. There are 2,412 delegates throughout the State who are eligible to occupy seats at the convention, it was stated, Buncombe county leading with 103, and Tyrrell occupying the bottom rung of the ladder with four eligible delegates. At the last State convention, this county had only thirteen eligible dele gates, the election of 1928 bringing forth an increased poll, resulting in the increase of six delegates. witness stated that he had talked the matter over with Mr. Peel in Joe I.illey's porch m Jamesville where Mr. Peel took hold of a piazzA.post and said ho believed that it was predestinated that the tree from which it came should grow in the forest, be taken to the mill, sawed and placed in its position as it stood, and that he had refused to sub scribe to that idea of predestination, and did not believe that God was the author and predestinator of sip. When Mr. Getsinger was asked about the minutes of a Tennessee associa tion, he stated that so far as he knew, they were the same as those of other Primitive Baptist Associations. He stated that he attended the Tarboro as sociation in 1928, talked with Elder Keene who Was criticising the preach ing in the association. Witness stated that Arnold Rober son and Bettie Coltrain were the only members who had connected them selves with any other church and that they did not follow Harrington into the Missionary Baptist Church. He also stated that it was contrary to the Primitive Baptist rules to exclude a member without notice, but that the seventeen who were excluded in July had notice because motion had been made in their presence at a previous meeting and they were dismissed be cause they were adjudgd disorderly. Mr. Getsinger pointed out that the suit was brought because of persecu tion by defendants. The witness de scribed bis understanding of the theory of predestination by saying he did not believe God was the author of evil. On redirect examination, Mr. Getsinger stated that he never knew of any com plaints by Elder Hassell and relied upon the council's report. He stated that Harrington left the Church in July, but Mrs. Harrington was still a member. Continuing, he said that neither the union nor the as sociation had anything to do with a lo cal congregation. The Articles of Faith in the Hassell history were introduced and section 13 was read. Mr. Getsinger explained that both factions had delegates at Tar boro meeting, that cowin, "the clerk, read the letter of the minority, but refused to read the letter of the plain tiff faction. The question of political differences between Elders Harrington and Rog erson were then explained as the foun dation of the controversy. Copies of the accusations against Harrington by J. J. Manning, Alonza Rogerson, P. Peel and others were filed. It was pointed out that the defend ants did not give notice when the plaintiffs were,. turned out. He stated that he had never heard Harrington pi each regeneration or chance system, this bringing a close to his evidence. W. C. Manning was the second wit ness called by. the defense. After a short explanation relative to regular routine, he stated that the Enterprise Publishing Company printed 1,000 copies of the Articles of Faith of Smithwick's Creek Church in May, 1928, that on the fourth Saturday in May, 1928, he attended church at Smithwick's Creek, that Elder Sylves ter Hassell preached. Following the sermon Manning stated the member ship convened in conference, that among the things done was the read ing from a pamphlet prepared by Mr. Hassell on May 1, 1928, taken from the Articles of Faith upon which Smith wick's Creek Church was founded in 1803. After the reading of the pamph let, • motion was made and the mem bership pledged its continued belief. A roll call was ordered. All those who be tiered in the Articles of Faith were asked t? vote "yes" and those who op posed to vote "no." Over seventy voted in the affirmative, the remainder vot ing "no" or not voting at all. Another witness completes his evidence. Sylvester Peel, the third witness call ed, said be had been a member of the Smithwick's Creek Church since July, 1898, and acted as" caretaker of the church building when the disturbance (CoottaMd on back page) Williamston, Martin County, North Carolina, Friday, March 28,1930. FARMERS SELL CAR OF SWINE • Good Profit Realized By Farmers of Jamesville Community • The importance of hog raising in this ccunty was well substantiated last week when four farmers, Messrs. J. E. Smithwick, W. W. Griffin. E. H. Ange, and Lester Smith, of the James ville section, sold a carload of swine on the Richmond market. The car of 94 pigs sold for $1,700, averaging a round 11 cents per pound. The car was the first shipped from this county this year; however, many hsve been delivered by truck and sold on the Richmond market. "Those pigs will eat themselves to death," Mr. John Smith, Lester's un cle stated when the self-feeding meth od was introduced. "It'll be all right to feed them tiff of fish meal and corn, but you'll have to dish it out to them. The self-feeding, or Shay method, makes it possible for the hog to eat all it wants, either day or night. The young farmer, at the suggestion of Pro fessor W. T. Overby, introduced the system, and after deducting the cost, $240, from his receipts, he had made $150.70 in three months. The other farmers used the self-feeding method also. reports state. KIWANIANS HOLD GOOD MEETING • Many Important Matters Brought Before Meet Last Wednesday With an attendance of twenty-six members and several visitors present Wednesday, the Kiwanis Club held one of its most important meetings of the year. Several important business matters were taken up for discussion and passed on with favorable results. Judge Sinclair, noted North Caro lina jurist, made a few appropriate re marks, but asked that he be excused from a speech until he returns to Wil lumston when- a much smaller court is in session. The question of financing the Boy Scout program was presented to the club by Scoutmaster Wheeler Martin. $125 were raised, and a committee was appointed to raise $75 this week. George Harrison, chairman of a committee to promote the locating of a peanut factory in Williamston, gave a report to the club, and judging from the results of their work their efforts have not been in vain. The report was very good, and Mr. Harrison is of the opinion that Williamston will soon have a peanut factory. VOTE ON TERM AT BEAR GRASS 244 Register To Vote In School Election There „ Next Monday • The Australian Ballot system will be used a second time in thia county next Monday when approximately 244 citizens of Bear Grass township go to the polls to determine the outcome of a special school election. The measure is being advanced in an effort to increase the term of the school there from six to eight months, the change calling for a levy of not more than 35 cents on the SIOO proper ty valuation. By a special arrangement with the teachers, the school is continuing be yond the regular six-months term, but the outcome of the election next Mon day will determine the length of future terms, it ia understood. The petition, asking for the election, carried the names of 84 people of the district, indicating a strong interest in behalf of the extended term. CARS WRECKED HERE TUESDAY ■ • Misses Elsie Hardison and Arue Brown Slightly Hurt in Wreck • On Tuesday night, as Ben Ira Har dison, driver of a Pontiac coach, with Mack Roberson, Elsie Hardison, and Arue Brown, were returning to their homes in Griffins Township, a Ford touring car, driven by Robert Crow, a colored man, of Everetts, ran into them and caused the Pontiac to turn over just as it was turning the carve near the warehouses on the Washington road, the Ford coming toward Wil liamston. Misses Brown and Hardi son received a few scars, while the other occupants of both cars escaped with no injuries. The Pontiac car was badly torn up with an estimated dam age of $125, while the Ford was only damaged for SIB.OO. Blinding lights seemed to be the cause of the accident. « REV. MCLENDON TO SPEAK HERE THIS EVENING Announces Appointment In an Address Over Radio In Charlotte MANY ARE EXPECTED Ed Parker and Hia Orchestra To Appear in Concert Just Before Speaking at 8.-00 O'clock With all arrangements complete, the address by the Rev. B. F. Mc Lon don and the entertainment by Ed Parker's 17piece orchestra in the Brick warehouse here tonight are expected to attract hundreds of people from all parts of this community and section. "Cyclone Mack," as he is generally known, announced his appointment here over the radio while delivering an address in Charlotte last Wednes day evening, and it is understood that the meetings are not limited to indi vidual communities, that all join in to hear his talks. Special seats have been consructed in the Brick Warehouse here to ac commodate a large crowd, and other arrangements for the meetings were, made complete today, it was stated by a director of the Community Builders' League. - Ed Parker and his orchestra will open the evening's entertainment at 7 o'clock with popular and favorite se lections. Rev. Mr. McLcndon starts his address at 8, and for an hour he will entertain his listeners. A radio listener, Pete Baggett, of Windsor, states: "I urge every one who can do so to go to Williamston Friday night and { hear Cyclone Mack'a sermon on the "chain stores and home town mer chants." I urge you to attend not only in the behalf of our home-town mer chants—this great evangelist will give you a real treat regardless of your sen timents along these lines. I heard him over the radio preaching in Charlotte Wednesday night. It was the most sensational, forceful, and fearless talk I have ever heard. I know you will enjoy it. ..He will hold you spellbound throughout the entire sermon." • COMMENCEMENT , AT FARM LIFE First Exercises To Be Held Monday Night by the Primary Grades Farm Life, Mar. 26.—Finals of the Farm Life School Commencement were announced today by the faculty and commencement committee. On Mon day evening the primary and intermed iate grades will perform in exjunc tion with a black-face high-school group. On Tuesday evening, April 1, the fifth and sixth grades will pre sent a minstrel comprised of short plays and longs. Commencement Day exericaes will begin at 11 o'clock Wednesday morn ing, when Judge Francis D. Winston will deliver the commencement address. A picnic dinner will be served at 1 o'clock. At 2:30 in the afternoon, a declamation contest will resume the day's entertainment. Commencement exercises wilt be concluded Wednes day evening when the high school play is presented. There will be no admis sion charged, and the performance will begin each evening promptly at 7:45 o'clock. • WATER IS LOW IN ROANOKE • Fisheries Forced to Quit Operations; Lowest in Many Years 'Strong winds bearing down on the Roanoke have lowered the stream to a new low level, according to reports coming from Jamesville and Plymouth. Several feet below the edge of the banks here, the stream is apparently taking sides with the prohibitionists, for at the rate the water has been fall ing since the winds started preying upon'it, there'll be but little liquid irf the stream. ' Seine fisheries down below were forced to abandon their operations when the water fell below a point where it was impossible to handle the nets. Old fishermen at Jamesvyie and points further down the stream are understood to have said yesterday that \he water is as low as they had ever seen it. ' Once the wind ceases, it is reported that the water will run up the river, seeking itiT level. Much of the water in the sound has been blown out, the • /. W. Hines Loses $74 and Pistol from Car Tuesday Mr. J. W. Hines, county game war den, lost $74 in cash and an automatic pistol last Tuesday when thieves en tered his car and ransacked his license box. The car was parked just a short distance from Hampton's Fishery, Mr. Hines stating that the thief or thieves ' made a quick job, aa be waa away from I the car only a abort time. PENALTY JUMPS FROM 2 TO 3 PER CENT NEXT WEEK * . » Four Per Cent Penalty In May; Property on the Block in June TUESDAY IS LAST DAY Collection Office* Report Pair Re ceipts So Par; Increase Expected During Next Pew Daya Gradually tax payments become more tense—around the next corner and those who have not effected settlement will face a penalty of greater propor tion. From two to three per cent, the penalty hardly counting for more than a warning of what is yet to come. With April comes a three per cent penalty; with May comes a four per cent pen alty and advertising; and June, that'll see the "Last of the Mohicans," when all property where settlements have not been made goes on the block. Settlements have been fair so far this month, according to reports coming from the county and town collectors' office. During the next few days, or until the next increased penalty takes hold, collections are expected to show 'a marked increase. Next Tuesday will .be the last day the 2 per cent penalty remains In effect, and the property I owners will have to hustle to outdis tance the additional increase. Checks without the penalty continue to come in, making it necessary for the collectors to resort to extra corre spondence. This feature, last month, would have cost the sheriff many dol lars had he allowed the small penal ties to go by. He is held responsible for the collection of the penatty as well as for the collection of regular taxes. Town collections so far this month are well above the SI,OOO mark, bring ing the collections to more than half of Jhe total levy. • TAX CONDITIONS TO BE DISCUSSED Delegation from Martin To Attend Meeting In Raleigh Monday More than half of North Carolina's. 100 counties are expected to be repre sented by delegations at the conference on property tax relief, to be held in Raleigh next Monday, according to reports coming from J. Fraizer Glenn, chairman of the Buncombe Associa tion for Property tax Relief, which started the movement some time ago. The delegation, Messrs. R. W. Sals bury, J. Eason Lilley, T. B. Sladc, G. H Cox and J. G. Staton, appointed by the Martin County commissioners the early part of this month to represent this county, met here last night to talk over the tax question locally that they might be able to offer some construc tive thought and criticism in the meet ing to be held in Raleigh next week. ' It is understood that the subject of taxation both state and local wilt be thoroughly discussed at the State meeting. Although the Buncombe county association has adopted reso lutions favoring the financing of all public schools through state-wide funds, the adoption of some fornj, ol sales tax, and the setting up of a state board of control for municipalities, these will be regarded only as sugges tions to be passed on to the state con ference, it is stated. The meeting also will be asked to decide as to the ad visability of asking for a special ses sion of the general assembly to enact tax reform legislation. j • Presbyterians Announce Three Preaching Services —»• Rev. Z. T. Piephoff, Pastor True sayings; "He who knows how to serve is on the highway - to great ness." ' Sunday school, 9:45 a. m. Depart mental classes. Mr. John L. Rodger son, superintendent. Worship service and sermon, 11 a. m. "Our Heritage." The recent religious survey disclosed the fact that thfre are 472 non-church members in Williamston, also that there are 33 Christians in Williamston the denominations of which they are member do not have services or church buildings » here, to these and to any others who care to meet with us, this church extends a cordial welcome. Come and worship with us. Bear Grass The usual Presbyterian services will be held in the school house auditorium at Bear Grass Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock. (Please note the change in time to 3 p. m. in the afternoon). Come and join us in these services. Many of your friends are enjoying the song services, th« story telling, and the mes sages given. Are you missing them? . ■' ' » ' —* Farm Life—Advance Node* Rev. Z. T. Piephoff, Presbyterian minister, will preach in the school bouse auditorium of Farm Life School at 3 p. m. on the first Sunday in April, wbkh is April 6. Please keep this date in mind and come to this service. Everyone is invited. Fertilizer Plant Here Makes New Record G. C. CROCKETT . ' ■■ - 1 - {SEfIHBg i |T m 'A Under the general managership of Mr. Crockett, the Standard Fcr-j tilizer Company here has enjoyed a rapid growth during the past two years. . - • • I OLD LAND GRANT FOUND IN PAPERS King George Grants 320 Acres of Land in 1740 to John Wiggins Old land grants bearing the signa tures of King George of England and Richard Caswell, Governor of North Carolina in 1775, were found by Mr. J. W. Hines while looking through a group of old documents and papers a few days ago. The grant made by the English King favored John Wiggins, giving hini 320 acres back in 1740, 34 years before Martin County was formed. The land was then in Edgecombe County, and was given in consideration of certain rents and duties. _ Mr. Hines. Stated that John Wiggins' daughter married Martin Hines, a brother of Mr. Hines' great-great grandfather. In 1775, Governor Richard Caswell sold to Jaines Everett 248 acres of lind at 12 1-2 cents an acre. The Statu grant was signed by the governor at Kinston. James' Evtritt's daughter married John Hines, the great-great grandfather of the present John W. Hines. The two tracts, connecting each other, have been handed down to succeeding generations intact, Mr. llines stated. The. old documents arc very inter esting in; that the letter "f" was used as an "s" and other characters prac tically unknown today dominated the wording and onler of arrangement. _ Local Baptists Announce Program of Services •—— The day should begin with a large attendance upon the Sunday school and all. its departments. The many people who come in from the rural districts are making a very substantial contribution to the progress ot our work, and we welcome them to any and all of our services. * The Sunday morning sermon will be entitled, "Peter's Denial of His Mas ter." At the evening hour the pastor will discuss the trial of Jesus before the Jewish authorities. The young people's meetings will be held Suuday night at 6:30 o'clock. The midweek service will be con ducted as usual on • Wednesday eve ning. The pastor and membership greatly regret that Dr. and Mrs. John D. Biggs find it necessary to make their home elsewhere for some time to come. They will receive a hearty welcome when returning. The pastor reports that the young people's convention at Goldsboro' was well attended and that a splendid pro gram was carried through. Quite a number of our people have attended the Baptist centennial at Greenville this week. ♦ Local Senior Class To Present Play Tuesday The Senior Class of the Williamston High School Will present the three-act comedy drama, "The Path Across the Hill," at the Williamston High School Auditorium on Tuesday, April 1, at 8 o'clock, under the direction of Miss Peart Haywood, grade room teacher. The proceeds from the play wil go as a farewell gift to the high school from the senior class. The ad mission is 20 and 35 cents. Wrecks Car Harry Vaughn Escapes Without Injury Harry Vaughn miraculously escaped death last night when he ran into an unlightcd freight train between' here •nd Scotland N;ck. His car was com pletely wricked, but he was unhurt. Advertisers Will Find Our Col. umni a Latchkey to Over 1.600 Home* of Martin County ESTABLISHED 1898 SHIP AROUND 30 CARS DAILY AT RIVER FACTORY Expect To Reach 40,000 Ton Mark Before the Season Closes 20,000 TONsTkE SOLD Operating Day and Night at Present Time; Wwkly Pay Roll , Is Around $3,000 at the Standard fertilizer plant here are advancing daily in speed '*' n d out put, with thc i daily shipment of pt actically ■ thirty cars of 'Gromore Fer tilizer throughout the State. With today's output, the total sold so far this season will nun over twen ty thousand tons, which breaks-all rec ords. Last yvai 1 during the entire sea son, around twenty thousand tons were sold, but before the expiration of the ptcsent season, and at the present rate, according to a statement from Mr. C. -0 Crockett, local manager,, they ex pect to reach a forty-lliousand-ton mark. 1 his unusual recoed will make the local factory one of the largest mixed fertilizer factories in the State, and before the season closes the State record may be broken. April is con sidered the largest month in the year for the sale of guano in Eastern North Carolina, and May is one of- the larg est for Central and Western North Carolina, arid with this prospect •in view, many tons of Gromore Fertilizer will be told and distributed in North Carolina before the season closes in June. f ' With the day and night shift now working full time, the weekly pay roll runs around $3,000, all of -which- is spent in Williamston and Martin County. Two hundred, and sixty-five men are employed at the plant, giv ing steady employment to the surplus labor in this county. Of the thirty cars being shipped daily, a considerable amount of this i output is being distributed locally and by boat to all the towns being bene fitted by the inland waterway rates. Many boat loads go. up as far as Mur- I freesboro,. Winton and • One large barge of raw materials was unloaded here today and five more barges are en route byre from Bal -lailhrc _®wLAl£. expected within a few dtys. The success .of the company has been little short of phenomenal, and the quality.of the product is amply testified to by the gfoWth of the local plant. Coming here in 1927, each suc ceeding season has seen the output of the plant approximately doubled by tlu erection of additional units. Tlie factory is now composed'of three large units, the one built since. laME- season bting the largest of the three. FIRE THREATENS NEGRO DISTRICT I . . Fire Breaks Out in Midst of A Number of Frame Dwellings One of the most thickly populated, colored residential sections of the town J was threatened yesterday when fire (started on the roof of one of the Grif fin houses, near the intersection of the Ijamesville and Washington roads. Fanned by a strong wind, the fire was edfting its way into the roof of the house- occupied Robert Wil liams, neighbors detecting it in time to check it and prevent much damage. The local fire company was called out, the strong wind adding to the | seriousness of the call. No connections | were necessary, but in getting liis re port, Chief Harrison found a short piece of ordinary stove pipe running a jfew inches through the shingled roof that served in the place of a flue. The outfit, was condemned, notice being filed by Chief Harrison for the owner's agent to effect a change. Schedule of Services at Local Methodist Church * Dwight A. Petty, Pastor Sunday school, 9:4s—Professor W. R Watson, superintendent. Morning worship at 11. Sermon theme, "The Chord." , Evening worship at 7:30. Sermon by the pastor on "Rest In the Midst of Labor." Senior League at 7:30 Monday. Hi-League at 7:30 Tuesday. Prayer service at 7:30 Wednesday. A cordial welcome is extended to the people of Williamston and community to attend any or all of the services. We open our doors to aO people be cause it is our Heavenly Father's : house, and any who so desire have a I right to worship here. ! ' The three greatest hours of the week j are Sunday 9:45 to 10:45, Sunday school; 11 to 12, Morning worship; I 7:30 to 8:30 p. m., Evening worship. I Be sure ta profit by them..— 1 V; V —v-..
The Enterprise (Williamston, N.C.)
Standardized title groups preceding, succeeding, and alternate titles together.
March 28, 1930, edition 1
1
Click "Submit" to request a review of this page. NCDHC staff will check .
0 / 75