I came upon an interesting old document recently.  Unfortunately the original was lost a few years ago (among the estate of one of W.R. BALLARD's descendants), but a photocopy was found.  It is a letter confirming the election of William R. BALLARD as an "elder" in the Congregational Methodist Church, and a paragraph from the Presiding Elder (P.E.) of Ebel Church receiving the appointment.

This was given to me by Sue MILNER (great-granddaughter of William R. BALLARD) of Denton, Texas, and shared here with her permission.  ~ Don Bynum

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[ click to enlarge ]

"Be it known that William R. BALLARD having been elected by the Congregational Methodist Church was ordained for the office of elder in the Said Church, and he is hereby authorized by Said Church, so long as his life and doctrine accord with the Holy Scriptures, to administer the Lord's Supper, to baptise, to celebrate matrimony, and to feed the flock of God; taking the oversight, not as a lord over God's heritage, but being an example to the flock.
 
"Signed, by order and in behalf of the Congregational Methodist Church, by the officiating ministers.
 
"This the 1st day of September 1888,   P.M. COLMAN  Pr
                                                        G.W. THRASHER, Secretary
                                                        Jesse BENNETT, assistant Lay
 
"This to certaphy [sic] that the qt. Conferance [sic] at Ebell, Winfield Charge Decator Dist. Ala. Conferance [sic] do here by receive this certificate of order.

                                                        J.N. RAINY  P.E."

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