…rich in history, land and people   

OLD SPARTA—

PRIMITIVE  BAPTIST CHURCH

   The year was 1855.  James A. Carney with the call of God upon his life, in the goodness of his heart would later give title deed for a small piece of land, some two and a quarter acres located at the edge of town near the roadside.  Facing the south winds of Edgecombe County the land would be used to bring about a change in the currents of Old Sparta.  People of a great faith were bound together forever in love and worship, admiration for God the Father, creator of the universe.  It was less than a hand full of people who had been spiritually prepared and now proposed, taking such a gigantic step toward establishing the faith of what was then and is still— Old Sparta Primitive Baptist Church.

       The date was January 10, 1856.  After the preaching was over the brethren and friends of the church met in counsel along with several ministers of the gospel.  They were about to make a momentous decision that day to continue their faith in quiet but strong deliverance, inside the boundaries of the village of Old Sparta. 

      By the election of God and by appointment, Elders Jesse Baker, and John Stamper, a presbytery, would constitute the church with five members from near by townships.  Three members of the Church at Conetoe, one of Tarborough, and one from Autry’s Creek, would ask dismission from their home churches— Thus the Old Sparta Primitive Baptist Church was formed.

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       It was Saturday morning before fourth Sunday in April 1856 that the council met again in Conference, choosing James Carney as Deacon, and JR. O’Berry, Clerk.  It would not be until fourth Saturday in July that Brother Carney would be ordained to the Deaconship by the Elders, William Hyman, Jesse Baker, and William A. Ross.  There would remain no regular pastor from the churches ordination till 1859.  During this period of time the Elders would serve the church in the ministry— Edward Cox, William A. Ross, Jesse Baker, William Hyman, John Stamper, among others. The date was most likely fourth Saturday, before fourth Sunday in August 1859, that Elder Edmond Edwards would accept the pastoral care of the church, while at the same time Brother Edwards Cobb would accept Deaconship, ordained by Elders John. H. Daniel and Edward Cox.

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Kind words have long followed after the integrity of one such fine Deacon, Brother Edward Cobb.  Brother Cobb would fill the office of Deacon well, and with an upright walk and a godly conversation obtain the approbation of his brethren until he fell asleep in Christ, which occurred on May 1, 1870.  If only these words could be spoken of us all a far better world it would be.  

Let the record show that since the time of Deacon Cobb’s passing, and since the month of May—1873, apparently there is no record of the church having been served by a deacon of her own.  But even yet still— She the church has stood the test of time by having only been served by the visiting of Deacons from neighboring sister churches.

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The date was February 6, 1862.  Elder Edwards would give up his charge as pastor of the church, but it would be only by his death in passing.  During his service, holding within his care the nurture of the total of four churches, nurtured by his care Old Sparta Church would remain well and healthy in state.  So it was in the autumn of the year, October 1858, although remaining autonomous, Old Sparta Primitive Baptist Church was received into fellowship as a member of the Kehukee Association.

And so it was with Elder Edwards passing that kind words had followed another fine example. Preaching his last sermon on his bed of death eight hours before his passing, Elder Edwards would conclude that his work on earth as finished.

Let the record show that Elder Edwards was one of the most remarkable ministers ever raised up to the calling of God.  Though he was thought to be quite illiterate, with a lack of formal education, a man of broken language, yet still he was considered by the brethren one of the most spiritual of men.  His preaching having been known, far reaching the heart of his hearers, bringing tears to their eyes, comfort to their longing hearts; convincing them of the mighty power of God— compelling them thus to be swayed in their hearts toward Him.  Elder Edwards ministry though short lived has long been considered precious to the Saints of Old Sparta.

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It was with no apparent record to show of his acceptance; in 1873 the church would call into her service, Elder Thomas O’Berry.  Having given service to the church for a period of about six years, bringing the record of activities up to approximately 1880, in the more recent years let the record show that both the Kehukee and Contentnea Associations visited the church in ministry; monthly meeting continuing to assemble on fourth Sundays and Saturdays before, with approximately thirteen members on roll. In the vacancy of records yet to be employed— let us proceed unto a more current time.

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 Up until the last of her days, under the direction of Elder Joe Sawyer, Greenville, N. C., and two members then at large, Agnas Hathaway, Essie O’neal, (O’neal since deceased), with only one active member still in actual attendance, Vera Edwards, let the record show that although the faith of the church is still in existence today—her doors remain closed.  For it was on the fourth Sunday in the month of March, 2008— with no members present, the doors of Old Sparta Primitive Baptist church were—closed forever. 

Written by: Sandra Edwards Wheeler

In conjunction with records gathered by:
Elder Sylvester Hassell and Hugh Johnson
For records submitted— my appreciation to
Gladys Johnson, Old Sparta, N. C.
—August 5,2008

Personal Note— Would that we should be so blessed as to have written upon our hearts today that same abiding faith of our fore fathers, founding the Old Sparta Primitive Baptist Church.

Let also the record show that as the Old Sparta Primitive Baptist Church having now been set aside for historical preservation, may it remain as an everlasting landmark, in the faith of our fore fathers according to God’s own word—Proverbs, 22-28.

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NOTE—You will find the following, the deed of transfer for prosperities located in Old Sparta, North Carolina, as legally transferred by deed and seal from James Carney and wife Mary A. Carney—July 28, 1888.  The church and church building itself already having been established, built and standing on property for such use—Circa, 1855

 DEED of TRANSFER
By James Carney and Mary A Carney
To the believers at Old Sparta Primitive Baptist Church
Old Sparta, North Carolina

      State of North Carolina—This deed made and entered into Edgecombe County—This the 28 day of July in the year of our Lord one thousand and eighty eight by and between James Carney and wife Mary Carney of the one part and the Primitive Baptist Church located in the town of Old Sparta said County.  All parties of County and State aforesaid, witnesseth that the said Carney and wife Mary for and in consideration of their respect and regard and veneration of the Primitive Baptist Church and more particularly the church hereinbefore mentioned and in further consideration of the sum of one dollar in hand to them paid by the said Primitive Baptist Church before mentioned and the receipt where of is hereby acknowledged have given granted bargained and sold and by these present do give grant bargain and sell unto the said Primitive Baptist church a foresaid being the members of said church situated and located as aforesaid at Old Sparta the following tract or parcel of land to list, being two acres more or less situated in the said town of Old Sparta a joining the land, of MB Pitt EL Moore and RS Belcher and others, and where on the church building of the said Primitive Baptist Church now stands containing two acres more or less. To have and to hold the above described and mentioned previous tracts the members of the said Primitive Baptist Church as a foresaid to them and their successors forever.  In testimony where of the day and date first above written the said James Carney and Mary Carney his wife have hereunto set their hand, and attached their seal.

 James Carney        Seal

X             Mary A. Carney    Seal

State of North Carolina County of Edgecombe

I MB Pitt a justice of the peace in and for said County do hereby certify that James Carney and Mary Carney his wife personally appeared before me this day and acknowledged the deed execution of the foregoing deed of Carney and the said Mary Carney being by me privately examined separate and apart from the said husband touching her voluntary execution of the same doth state that she signed the same freely and voluntarily without fear or compulsion of her said husband or any other person and that she doth voluntarily assent thereto witness my hand and seal this 28^th day of July AL 1888,

                                           MB Pitt Justice of the Peace      Seal

 North Carolina Edgecombe County—The execution of the forgoing……… has been duly   …..  …….. from the certificate ……..  seal of MB Pitt a Justice of the Peace of Edgecombe County which is ……to be correct let the same with this certificate be registered Aug 6^th 1888.                                

B J Keech           

 Deed Registered Aug 6^th 1888    J M Hines Register 

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NOTE—Re-recorded to the best of my ability the above document was read, deciphered and transcribed by Sandra Edwards Wheeler, Old Sparta, North Carolina---August 10, 2008

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