[This page follows the record of September 5, 1856. The date is smeared. No year is indicated. March is clear, but the number is not. It could be 4th or 21, In 1857, the 4th was a Wednesday, not a likely meeting date. The 21st was a Saturday and, since the record shows that the meeting began at 9:30 AM, this could fit with earlier Saturday meetings Judging by the list of congregations and the messengers present, it could well be the minutes of the meeting next following that of 9/5/1856. The following meeting, however, was appointed " . . . to be held in Edinburg on Friday before the 1st Lords day in April next," or " . . . the first Friday in April 1857 3 Oclock PM" according to those minutes. Some previous meetings were held earlier or later than the appointed time, so it could have been March when the meeting actually occured.

The first Saturday in April, 1857, did fall on the 4th, but this would suggest that the recorded month (March) is in error. The record shows that the meeting was, indeed, held in Edinburg. Since Edinburg congregation did not join the Cooperation before 1855, any earlier meeting there is not likely.

See also the abortive record dated March 5, 1957.

Little of consequence was recorded at this meeting. My inclination is to dismiss it as unworthy of great research effort to determine the date. The record ends as shown, without the usual note of adjournment. RAS]

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The Shenandoah Valley Cooperation met at Edinburg March the 4th at 9 1/2 Oclock A M.

Bro. J. S. Evans appointed secretary, the meeting called to order by the Moderator singing and prayer, by Bro. J. Pirkey, after wich (sic) it was moved & carried that the minutes of the proseding (sic) minutes be Red (sic) wich (sic) was accordngally (sic) don (sic).

1 The Messengers of the different congregations then Reported themselves.

2 From Zion congregation Bro. A Strickler & Elias Crabill

3 From Walnut Spring congregation and New Providence, And Sevler (sic) outher (sic) congregation Not Represented

4 From Strousberg (sic) congregation Bro. John Pirkey & Obed Funk

5 From Edinburg congregation present But Not any Messenger

6 Reports of the State and condition of the different congregations

7. Strousburg Reports in good order and meeting as usual numbering 15

8 Zion congregation Reports in order Numbering 40 meeting sometimes

Meeting adjourned untill (sic) 3 o clock P.M.

The cooperation met again Edinburg 3 o clock P.M. Meeting could (sic) to order by the moderator meeting was opened with siging (sic) and prair (sic) Bro Jennings

It was moved and carried that Bro. Elias Crabill be appointed Treasurer of the Valley cooperation.

Bro

[This record ends thus. The following page is blank and then one page has been cut out. Next follows the record of May 22d, 1852 RAS]