The Shenandoah Valley Cooperation met at Sandy Ridge, April 9th, 1853. The Moderator J. S. Pennybacker not being present it was resolved that H. P. Bader be appointed moderator pro tem. Meeting called to order by the moderator singing and prayer by brother Dillard. The meeting then adopted the following arrangements for proceeding conducting their business, vis.
1st Calling meeting to order and prayer.
3 2nd Reading minutes of last session.
2 3rd Receiving the delegates of the congregations.
4th Report of the delegates in relation to and order of the congregations.
5th Report of the Delegates in relation to the contributions of their respective congregations.
6th Report of Evangelist in relation to the State of the cause in the valley of Virginia.
7th Report of Committees.
8th Motions and resolutions, New business, &c.
[Change of order above was penciled in]
The minutes of the preceding session of conference cooperation were, accordingly, read.
The different delegates from several congregations were received. The congregation at Mt. Jackson were not represented. Union Forge not represented. Fair View not represented. Zion congregation represented by H. P. Bader - reported in order. The congregation at New Providence represented by Michael F. Little - reported in order. Marsh congregation not represented. The congregation at Highland Valley /Fred. Co. represented by James S. Heitt reported in tolerable order. Brother Hawkins from Wardensville Hardy Co. was then called upon to give information relative to the congregation at that
place. The brethren at Wardensville it seemed have not attended to the assembling of themselves together, the not having met for two years in the capacity of a church. They are four in number 2 brothers and two sisters.
Elder Sine was then requested to give in-information in regard to the conditions of the congregations on Timber Ridge. It seemed that at the Christian Meeting House there had been a split - part adhering to the reformation and part joining the new conference. The Brethren at this place neglect the regular assembling of themselves together. At Ebenezer it seems the church is somewhat divided in sentiment - part adhering to the reformation and part dissenting.
Report of delegates in reference to contribution.
Mt. Jackson to give $30.00
Zion 25.00
New Providence 25.00 or 30.00
Highland Valley 5.00
Wardensville 5.00
Sandy Ridge 15.00
Walnut Spring 75.00
[This additional notation makes no sense to me. RAS] 80.00=20-200-00
Brother Dillard was then called upon to report from Walnut Spring. He informed the cooperation that the congregation worshipping at that place were willing to pay $75.00 for the support of the evangelist, if the cooperation were willing to receive it.
It was moved and carried that the cooperation receive the fund thus tendered by that congregation.
Reports of Committees
A member of the committee appointed to receive messengers form Walnut Spring and to arrange matters in regard to that congregation coming into the body being present stated that that congregation had not yet made any direct application for admission.
The committees were then, by a vote of the body. Released from their duties
The congregation worshipping at Mt. Jackson recommend to the consideration of the brethren in Cooperation that Brother Joseph S. Penebacker be granted the privilege of proclaiming the gospel and of administering the ordinance of baptism. The Cooperation approved the recommendation of the brethren at Mt. Jackson.
The Cooperation appointed J. A. Cowgill a delegate to the general Cooperation meeting at Rappahannock Essex Co. Friday before the first Lord's day in May next.
It was moved and carried that the secretary make out a report of the meeting and send it to the office of the C. Intelligencer.
It was then moved and adopted that the Cooperation adjourn to meet at Mt. Jackson on the Friday before the second Lord's day in October next at 2 O'Clock P. M.
J. A. Cowgill Sec. ......................................................................................... H. P. Bader Mod