Deed for New Zion Baptist Church 1873

The Indenture made and entered into this 18th day of August AD 1873 by and between David Bufkin and Susan P Bufkin, his wife, of the first part, and Richard Rembert, Andrew Watson and Jefford Campbell, Trustees of New Zion Baptist Church of the second part; all of the county of Copiah and the State of Mississippi.

Witnesseth: That the said parties of the first part for in consideration of the sum of five dollars to them in hand paid by the said parties of the second part, have this day granted, bargained and by these present, do hereby grant, bargain, sell and convey unto the said parties of the second part and their successors in office, and assign all that certain tract of land lying and being situated in the County and State aforesaid. Know and described as follows to wit: Commencing at a point on the Three Notch Road Thirteen (13) chains South and Three (3) chains and Fifty (50) links West of the North East corner of the South East Quarter of the North East corner of Section Thirty five (35) Township Ten (10) Range Six (6) East ? thence West Five (5) chains; Thence South four (4) chains; Thence East Five (5) chains; thence north four (4) chains to beginning; containing by estimation two (2) acres more or less, To have and to hold the same together with all the rights and appurtenances thereunto belonging or in anywise appertaining to the said parties of the second part their successors in office and assigned to fee simple forever.

In trust and confidence to and for the uses, intents and purposes hereinafter mentioned, namely: To have and to hold the monies herein conveyed for the sole and separate use and benefit of the said New Zion Baptist Church and the members thereof to be used, owned and enjoyed by them for the purpose of erecting thereon a church of worship, cemetery and any and all other necessary improvements that maybe beneficial or useful for said church or for any purpose connected therewith.

On testimony whereof the said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals the day and year above written.

David Buffkin (seal_
Susan P Buffin (seal)

Note: The record was recorded in the Copiah County Courthouse October 22nd 1877.

How does this church connect to my family?
Maternal and paternal family were/are members of this church. It was the childhood church home of my mother

Record found at Mississippi Department of Archives and History
Microfilm Number: 8112
Book DD, Page 597
Image of Deed

Greater New Zion MB Church Down the Hill from Antioch

Greater New Zion Missionary Baptist Church

On the 18th of August 1873, David and Susan Bufkin sold two acres of land to the trustees of the New Zion Church, located in Copiah County, Mississippi. David and Susan were members of Antioch Baptist, just several feet from the location of New Zion. Antioch had a slave gallery and its slave membership was more than half, reaching 156 Negroes in 1865. By 1866, the Negro membership was zero. It is plausible several of those former members started New Zion after they left Antioch.

Looking at the 1860 Copiah County Slave Schedule, I didn't find David as a slave owner. There were two Bufkin slave owners, owning a total of five slaves between them.

Edwin Burnley, a slave owner associated with my family was a member of Antioch.

Going from Hazlehurst, before you reach Somerset you pass the old Antioch Baptist Church. Pa gave most of the money for the building and had his church membership there. A part of the auditorium was separated from the rest by pillars and reserved for the Negroes, and their amens and halleluiahs mingled with those of their masters. From Edwina Burnley Memoirs

Antioch Baptist Church
To the right, background, is Greater New Zion Church

This indenture made and entered into this 18th day of August AD 1873 by and between David Bufkin and Susan P Bufkin his wife, of the first part and Richard Rembert, Andrew Watson and Jefford Campbell, Trustees of New Zion Baptist Church of the 2nd part, all of the county of Copiah and the State of Mississippi...I have and to hold the promises herein conveyed for the sole and separate use and benefit of the said New Zion Church, and the members thereof to be used, owned and enjoyed by them for the purpose of erecting thereon a church of worship, cemetery and any and all other necessary improvements that may be beneficial or useful for said church...

How does this church connect to my family tree?
My maternal and paternal family are connected to this church. It was my mother's church during her youth. My mother's dad, Daniel Marshall, was a member and he is buried in the church cemetery in an unmarked grave. Several of my paternal grandmother's Overton family were members, many buried in the cemetery.

Come Let Us Worship
Legend of Antioch

Getting to Know Them

Last summer I surveyed the cemetery of Greater New Zion MB Church, hoping to know my paternal family better. I grew up with my paternal family and felt comfortable that I knew a great deal about their family history. Once I began serious research, I realized how little I knew. By the time of my realization, Dad, Grandma Gert, Uncles Junior and Ike, Aunts Anna, Alice and Rosie were all gone. This past week I have met a wonderful group of cousins from my Demyers side of the family. Meeting them has open new opportunities of research I will pursue.