Minutes from the Padgett Creek and Lower Fairforest Baptist Churches
involving the Rev. John Gibbs attended 

Padgett's Creek minutes

John was at the Padgett's Creek Baptist Church during a meeting 17 Feb 1844, appointed to a Building Committee, to oversee the construction of a new meeting house, this was on page 19/20 of this book. The committee was made up of Ambrose Ray, J W Murphy, Jesse Witmire, John Gibbs and Carry Ray. In April of 1848 the committee reported they met and received the house, and at the same meeting, it was resolved riase money to pay the balance due the contractor for the Building the house.

he was ordained to the ministry by the Lower Fairforest Baptist church Union County SC 26 Aug 1851 Received at Lower FairForest Baptist church 25 Aug 1832

John was secretary at a historical meeting at the Padgett Sept 6 1851, an article appears in the Unionville Journal, MEETING IN UNION DISTRICT, the content of this meeting is on page 31/32 and signed at its conclusion by John Gibbs, The History of the Padgett's Creek Baptist Church, by Claude E Sparks. The meeting was basically preparing the folks of Union for Secession from the Union, of which we all know was the beginnings of the Civil War 1862/65, was a document of unwavering support by the Unionites for this cause. 

Vera Smith Spears book, "The Fair Forest Story", listed as born 14 Feb 1810 d.23 Aug 1880 and 1st married Susan Murphy, who died 1842? Married 2nd Mary Jane , and further states Rev John is buried in the Gibbs cemetery on the Howard Williams property Union co SC

History of the Padgett book page 65:
..."The following is an entry in Padgett's Creek Minutes also: "Church in conference November 19 1859. Public services performed by Elders John L. Norman and John Gibbs. After which the church met in conference. 
NOTE: John had been ordained at Lower Fairforest at this time but was probably visiting Padgett for one reason or another, his son John was young at this time.

History of the Padgett book page 94:
John performs as a Rev: "Madora Jane Bobo Murphy, born Oct 1, 1958, Baptized into the fellowship of New Prospect Baptist Church; by Rev. John Gibbs, at the age Twelve years. Married Hiram Bird Murphy, Dec 14, 1882, by Rev. L. C. Ezell. Taken sick May 9th and died Jul 26 1908. Organized first W.M.U. Society at Padgett's Creek Church, Nov 1885." She was a daughter of C. B. Bobo, wrote a history of Padgett's Creek Church in 1885, for publication in Union County Association Minutes.

John Gibbs entries in the book "Minutes of Lower Fairforest Baptist Church".

August 25th 1832 - Met in church conference and received the following persons by experience--Mitchell O. Sparks, JOHN GIBBS, Sarah Greer, Russia White, Nelly Gibbs, Anna White, Elias White, Pricilla Browning.

July 27, 1833 - ...A petition from Padgett Creek for help and granted via Caleb Greer, William Gregory, B. Holcomb and JOHN GIBBS.

January 25, 1834 - Nominated Brethren J. Greer, J. Hay, J. GIBBS (John), C. Greer, and B. Holcomb a committee to attend to the repairing our seats and building galleries.

June 27, 1835 - ...Fifth--Took into consideration the expediency of having our practical rules of discipline drafted and for the purpose appointed the following Brethren a committee to draw up said rules (i.e.) Brethren JOHN GIBBS, Jason Greer, Mitchell Sparks and William Gregory. To report at the next meeting. ...

August 22, 1835 - ...Third-- Delegated brethren Jason Greer, William Gregory, and in case of failure Brother JOHN GIBBS to represent us in the next association.

March 26, 1836 - ...Second--in addition to the nomination of Brethren J. W. Hay and JOHN GIBBS to the office of DEACON the church nominated Brethren ELIAS WHITE, Mitchell Sparks, and Munroe Robinson and Henry Garrett also concluded to converse freely with the above named person on the subject above suggested and out of the number to select one (by the Assistance of our Redeemer) to be set apart to the office of Deacon.

April 23, 1836 - ...Fourth--Appointed a committee of the following brethren (i.e.) J. Greer, J. Gibbs (John), H. Garrett, E. White (Elias), Hyram Murphy to examine into the expediency of having a Rock blown or blasted which overhangs obstrucks the Spring--and to report at next meeting. 

The church appointed a committee of Brethren H. Garrett, J. Gibbs, W. Gregory, Jesse Holcomb, J. Hay and Hyram Murphy to inquire into the case of Brethren kitchens and report at next meeting.

July 23, 1836 - ...Brother Kitchens came forward and consented or agreed to the report (which is here drafted) Report of the Committee We the undernamed Brethren and Committee appointed by this church to examine into the case of Brother Thomas C. Kitchens, after a serious contemplation and hope, prayerful examination, whereas he cannot be retained in this church agreeable to Gospel discipline therefore distressing as it is to our feeling we think our duty to declare a nonfellowship, June 25, 1836, Signed: William Gregory, Henry Garrett, JOHN GIBBS, Hyram B. Murphy, James Hay ELIAS WHITE.

Fourth--Appointed a committee of the following Brethren: James Hay. Monroe Robinson, ELIAS WHITE, JOHN GIBBS, and William Gregory to pitch a plan to fence the Graveyard, build a stand and to superintend the same and to report tomorrow.

August 26, 1836 - ...delegated our Brethren Jason Greer & Wm Gregory to the Association and Brother JOHN GIBBS in case of failure.

November 25, 1837 - ...the case of Brother Anthony and appointed Brother JOHN GIBBS to make a special inquiry after his conduct and report to next meeting...

J. GIBBS, and M. Robinson and H. Murphy a committee to hear and examine the case and report the next meeting--and lastly presented to the ordination of a deacon Brother E. White by help of Brother Elders T. Ray and C. Duncan a presbytery.

January 27, 1838 - ...took up the case of Anthony but laid over till next conference and appointed JOHN GIBBS and others to consult with McMeans...

March 24 1838 - Appointed Brethren White (ELIAS) and J. GIBBS to labor with Brother Anthony, also a charge was brought against Brother Thomas Woodson for disorderly conduct and nonattendance at church and appointed Brethren Robinson and E. WHITE to cite him to the church also entered a charge vs. Sister negro Minna (Rice) for dancing and agreed to call the roll at the next first Sunday meeting.

May 25, 1839 - In conference met. First-- Received a request from UPPER FAIRFOREST asking help to settle a difficulty between brethren Roundtree and Palmer. The request was granted and we sent Brethren JOHN GIBBS, James Hay, Wm Gregory, Jason Greer and Hyram Murphy.

July 25, 1840 - ...Delegated brethren Gregory and Greer to the Association and in case of failure appointed Brother John Gibbs.

October 24, 1840 - In conference met. Sister Lucinda Robinson applied for a letter, but Br. J. GIBBS objected to her having one, consequently the matter was deferred to our next meeting. 

November 20, 1840 - ...the difficulty of Br John Gibbs and Sister Lucinda Robinson settled and consequently by Sister Robinson receiving a letter.

July 24 1841 - ...delegated Brother J Greer and Wm Gregory to the Bethel Association and in case of failure Brethren JOHN GIBBS. 

March 24, 1842 - Elected by ballot Brethren H B Murphy and JOHN GIBBS to office of DEACON and suspended any further proceeding on the matter for brethren elected to consider the matter and to give a final answer at our next meeting.

...appointed a committee of Brethren H B Murphy, James Hay, and JOHN GIBBS, to wait on Anthony tomorrow and report to the church.

June 25, 1842 - IN conference met. First-- Took up the case of our DEACONS, the help not being present agreed to send for the same viz. Elder Walker Kendricks and John Jeter, and postponed the ordination as well as the communion till Saturday before the 4th Sunday in July conference to be held Friday before. 

...Rec a letter from Padgett Creek asking an explanation of our object in receiving some person under our watch-care whom the had excluded. WE agreed to write and for that purpose appointed the following committee to write viz; J Greer, JOHN GIBBS, I P Murphy, E WHITE, and M Robinson also appointed J Greer, JOHN GIBBS, I P Murphy to bear it fourth.

July 22, 1842 - In conference met. First heard from the Brethren bearing our answer to the Padgett Creek which was received as far as they were concerned with general satisfaction. 

We then took up the case of the gift of Brother Joshua Greer, but suspended it until tomarrow. Delegated brother J Greer and JOHN GIBBS and in case of failure.

July 23, 1842 - In conference. The Brethren elders W. Walker, D. Duncan, and J Kindricks by request attended and organized a presbytery to proceed to the ordination of our brethren JOHN GIBBS and Hyram B Murphy as DEACONS. 

...took up the letter from Padgett Creek, but being informed by our representative  that there were doubts concerning our answer being the act of the church. We appointed our former representatives viz. J Greer, I P Murphy, and JOHN GIBBS to attend the next meeting fo the Padgett Creek Church and to declare to them orally that the letter which we sent the special act of our church and to refer them to that for our answer to them, second, and that there were no differences of opinion that we would discern among us on the subject which they allude.

August 27, 1842 - ...the report of the Brethren sent to Padgett Creek they say that they delivered their message and that by an act of the church their answer was not received satisfactory.

May 2, 1844 - In Elder Jacks preached from the 17 psalm and 4 verse. IN conference and appointed the following Br. J Greer, I P Murphy, J GIBBS, H B Murphy, J Hay a committee whose duty it is to appoint out what we conceive those of the Bethel Association as mentioned in our minutes of February last and to report at our next meeting.

July 27, 1844 - In conference met. First: Took up the report of the committee which was adopted. Second: Delegated I P Murphy and J Greer, to the Bethel Association and J GIBBS and J Hay alternates.

August 24, 1844 - ...Unanimously called Elder D Duncan to supply as the ensuing year also agreed to pay Br JOHN GIBBS sever dollars for 200 shingles that was put on the shed.

January 26, 1850 - ...appointed Brother J GIBBS, H B Murphy and J W Murphy to a committee to employ a suitable person to keep and sweep the church at this place for one year. J Greer, C C.

July 27, 1850 - First: delegated Brethren J Greer, J GIBBS, and I P Murphy and in case of failure Brethren J L Norman and C C Vaughn and J Greer...

September 19, 1850 - In conference met. Resolved that Brother JOHN GIBBS be permitted to exercise his gift as he may have liberty. J Greer, C C.

August 22, 1851 - ...Fourth: A charge was brought against Brother Thomas Hart for Rolling Ten Pins at Union Court House, and appointed Brother J GIBBS to cite him to attend our next meeting. Owings, Mod.

AUGUST 26, 1851 - GRANTED LICENSE TO BROTHER JOHN GIBBS TO PREACH.

April 21, 1855 - IN conference met. First: Postponed our communion season till our next J Greer, Ck. Adjourned, J. Gibbs, Mod.

June 23, 1855 - In conference met. First: appointed JOHN GIBBS, James Hay and I P Murphy a committee to report to our next what they conceived to be a proper expression of the church, in relation to a reunion of the Bethel and Salem Association.

October 25, 1856 - ...appointed James Hay, JOHN GIBBS, and H G Holcomb, a committee to superintend the building of the Brick Pool and dressing house.

November 22, 1856 - First: resolved that Brethren J W Murphy and G Harlan headed to the committee on building the brick pool and that Brother J GIBBS be discharged from the said committee. 

November 21, 1857 - Third: appointed a committee of Br. JOHN GIBBS, I P Murphy and George Harlin to suggest a plan of improvement to this house and to report said plan with the probable cost at our next meeting. 

May 26, 1860 - 2nd: Received the report of Br I P Murphy and said that Brother J W Murphy being present said that his nonattendance was created by the removal on dismissal and the ordination of Brother JOHN GIBBS.

Thirdly: Moved and passed his case be postponed until our next meeting and that brother J GIBBS be requested to attend.

July 21, 1860 - The church proceeded, as before resolved to set apart the two candidates to the office of deacon. The introductory sermon was delivered by elder J White and after which the presbytery was organized of the following Brethren viz: 
Ministers from:
New Prospect Elder   JOHN GIBBS
Corrinth          Elder  William F Lee
Philadelphia     Elder  JC White (Supply)
Liberty            Elder  G W Picket

Deacons:
Union Church - James Lancaster
                        Cipryan Pruette
Then church then presented the candidates and being examined in due form after that they were then set apart according to the prescription of the Bible: and then received a solemn charged, the ordination was then considered complete.

April 21, 1866 - Saturday. After Divine Services by Elder W Drummond received Elder JOHN GBIBBS by letter dismissed from New Prospect Church said church having ordained him to preach the Gospel. Sunday the 22 Divine Services by Elder J GIBBS and W. Drummond, J J Gwin, C C, W Drummond, Mod.

July 21 1866 - Divine Services by Elders J GIBBS and Drummond elected Brethren J J Gwin, G Harlin and W Sparks, delegates to represent the church in the association. 

July 22, 1866 - Sunday. Prayer meeting at 10 o'clock. Preaching by Brethren W Lee, W Drummond, J GIBBS to a large and attentive congregation. We hope great will be the result.

July 23, 1866 - Monday. prayer at 10 o'clock. Devine services by Elders J GIBBS, W Lee, W Drummond.

July 24, 1866 - Tuesday. Prayer meeting at 10 o'clock preaching by Brethren W Drummond, W Lee, and J GIBBS. The meeting closed with strong manifestations of interest and a breaking out of a revival among us. J J Gwin, C C W Drummond, Mod.

April 7th 1867 - At a called meeting of Lower Fairforest Baptist Church of Christ. 1st: In conference met. Appointed Brother JOHN GIBBS clerk.

July 29, 1867 - ...Third: appointed Brother J GIBBS to write the church letter.

November 23, 1867 - In conference met, and after Divine Services by GIBBS and Morehead proceeded to business.

December 28, 1867 - After Devine Services by G W Morehead and GIBBS church met in conference and elected unanimously Br William Brown to supply us next year and clerk to notify him by letter of said call.

[No minutes from January 1868 - March 1868]

April 21st 1868 - At or in regular conference after Divine Services the following resolutions were posed viz. Resolve whereas that in the providence of God or in the results of this war now closed we are virtually and nationally and spiritually or religiously be separated from the colored race, therefore, be it resolved that we the Baptist Church of Christ at Lower Fairforest do this day and forever separate ourselves from the Freedman in a religious point of view and authorize our deacons to grant all cordially members of our body of Freedman letters of demission to join other churches of like faith and order in support the foregoing we say for our justification that the Freedman was virtually declared a nonfellowship with us as they have not been at meeting in about two years and in justification of our selves and for the purpose of Union and harmony we by this act do declare an unfellowship with all the Freedman of our body that does not take letters of demission accordingly to the foregoing resolution this done and signed in order and in behalf of the church day and date above. Written and that the foregoing be recorded on the church book. GIBBS, C C Brown, Mod.

June 27 , 1868 - After Divine Services by Brown and GIBBS, opened the door for the reception of members. Received none. First: Received a communication from Lower Dunkin Creek Church informing us that our request had been granted with regard to transfer of Br William Brown's ordination and concluded to ordain him tomorrow at 11 o'clock. GIBBS, C C Brown, Mod.

June 28, 1868 - J GIBBS partakes in the Ordination of William Brown with other church delegates.

1869-1870 - John Gibbs is mentioned in many of the minutes of these session, closing meetings.

October 22, 1870 - ...Second: Proceeded to the call which resulted unanimously in calling Rev J C Russell as pastor. Done in Conference S. L. Harlin, C C J C Russell, Mod.

JANUARY 21, 1871 - Church met held conference. First: Moved to call which resulted in favor of Rev J C Russell. Second: Brother J GIBBS asked for a letter of demission which after some discussion was agreed to lay over until next meeting. Third: Moved to adjournment. S B Harlin, C C J C Russell, Mod.

MARCH 25, 1871 - Conference met and proceeded to business. 1st Granted letters of demission to Bro. Gordon Williams and wife Medora and Brother J. GIBBS.

Sources: 

1)  A History of Padgett's Creek Baptist Church, by Claude Ezell Sparks

2)  Lower Fairforest Baptist Church Union County, South Carolina
     Minutes 1809-1875  Membership Lists Through 1906.
     Transcribed and edited by Brent H. Holcomb.