History of the Morgan Association
The Morgan Association was formed by churches dismissed from the Sangamon Association in 1830. The constitution took place at Sandy Creek Church, near Winchester, on the first weekend in May 1831 (April 29, 30, and May 1). The next meeting was held in the fall of 1831. The churches in 1832 were Union, South Fork of Mauvaisterre, Sandy Creek, Concord, Plum Creek, New Salem, Clear Creek, Pisgah, Pleasant Grove, New Hope and Mauvaisterre. These were all located in Morgan and surrounding counties. Sandy Creek and Plum Creek were the largest, with 73 and 52 members, respectively. This association passed a resolution against the modern mission system, by a large majority, at the session of 1832. The early ministers included Elders Thomas Henson, William Crow, John C. Rogers, William A. Langston, John Ray and others.From available records, it appears that Elder William Crow served as Moderator of the Morgan Association almost the whole period from 1833 until 1860. This was not an easy task, given the conflict over the modern mission system. The Journal of Elder Jacob Bower, an advocate of these innovations, describes from his viewpoint what took place at the Morgan Association in 1832, as follows: "The Association met at Plum Creek Church, when a Resolution was passed something like this, 'We recommend to the churches composing this association to have no fellowship either directly or indirectly with the Missionaries, the Bible society, Sabbath Schools, and Temperance measures so-called, believing them to be inventions of men in their present operations.' The Resolution passed. None voted against it except the delegates from Pleasant Grove Church. Immediately I drew up a Resolution, cautioning the churches of the Morgan Association to beware of Daniel Parker and his two-seed doctrine. Brother Haycraft seconded the motion, it was put to the house, and was lost - received no votes but the delegates from Pleasant Grove Church. On the Lord's Day, Elders Crow, Davidson, and Henson filled the stand in the woods. Elder Crow preached first; his sermon was a continual abuse of missionaries, Bible societies, Sabbath Schools, and the cause of temperance. I was seated on the ground, leaning against a tree. I felt as though I could bear such abuse no longer. I spoke loud enough for the whole assembly to hear me, 'Brother Crow, we had rather have you preach Jesus to the people.' He looked at me as if he was angry, and said, 'Brother Moderator, I call for order,' who replied, 'Or-der.' The next speaker was no less sparing of his abuse." [End quote.]
Some may try to defend Elder Bower in taking this approach, but it is clear that he knew that the association did not agree with him, and was trying to cause trouble.
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