Founding Members
In the late 1960's, Arlie and Mary Harris moved to the Seminole community located near Niceville in Florida’s great northwest panhandle. They found themselves far removed from the nearest Primitive Baptist church and decided to seek out other believers in sovereign grace who may live in the immediate area. Brother Harris placed an ad seeking Primitive Baptists in the local daily newspaper. He received replies from several individuals and families and their visits together resulted in worship services being held locally from time to time in the homes of those interested in having the doctrines of grace proclaimed here. Several ministers came periodically and conducted the meetings there arose a desire in the local believers to constitute a church of their own. They met several times and prepared a church constitution, covenant, and articles of faith, as well as other church documents outlining the beliefs of the small body.
On Sunday, May 30, 1971, the day finally arrived for the new church to be constituted. The name PALM CHAPEL PRIMITIVE BAPTIST CHURCH had been selected and several elders convened lo formally organize and constitute the new church. The elders organized themselves into a presbytery by electing the following officers:
Elder C.G. Myers-Moderator
Elder Ralph Harris-Clerk
Elder T.C. Mooney-Articles of Faith
Elder J.T. Bush-Constitution Prayer
Elder Wesley Keith-Deliver the Charge
Brother Arlie Harris-Spokesman for the church
The presbytery then called for the letters of those who had come forward to organize the church. They were:
Brother Arlie Harris (Deacon) Consolation PBC - Mobile, Alabama
Sister Mary Harris Consolation PBC - Mobile, Alabama
Brother David Burkes Concord PBC - Jay, Florida
Sister Glenda Burkes Concord PBC - Jay, Florida
Sister Mittie Farris Concord PBC - Jay, Florida
Sister Cora Scarborough New Hope PBC - Montgomery, Alabama
Brother Curtis Bullock Tickaneteley PBC - Ellijay, Georgia
Sister Rebie Bullock Tickaneteley PBC - Ellijay, Georgia
After careful examination of the letters of the prospective members and the constitution, articles of faith, church covenant, and rules of decorum, the presbytery confirmed these documents as representative of the doctrine and practice observed by Primitive Baptist churches. Elder J.T. Bush offered the constitution prayer and Elder Wesley Keith delivered the charge, following which the Church at this place was declared to be duly, legally, and properly, constituted upon the Doctrine, Forth, Order, and Practice of the Primitive Faith and Order.
The newly constituted Palm Chapel Primitive Baptist Church called Elder Edward Morgan as its first pastor, Brother Arlie Harris as deacon, and Brother Curtis Bullock as clerk.
CHURCH CONSTITUTION PRESBYTERY
Elder C.G. Myers - Moderator
Elder Edward Morgan
Elder John Miles Blackshear
Elder Harlan Smith
Elder Barney Reeves
Elder Wesley Keith
Elder H. E. Harris
Elder Ralph Harris - Clerk
Elder Tandy Mooney
Elder James T. Bush
Elder William Walker, Jr.
Elder Sam West
Elder W.H. Jernigan
Elder Arzo Talbert
