In 1887 the Baptist residents in the area of Minetree decided they needed a local church. Up to that time the Baptist churches of Samaria, Corinth, Eminence, Union Valley, and Quincy had been the only choices and meant a tough commute over rough roads.
A revival meeting was held at the Jack Oak School south of Minetree by Reverend William J. Bowman, who was pastor of the Corinth Baptist Church in Plano.
On December 1, 1887 the Missionary Baptist Church was organized and was named Amity by Mrs. Delphina Carter. The name which means harmony, friendship, peaceful relations, and goodwill was accepted as appropriate by all members.
In January 1888, William C. Mannan donated the lot for a 40 foot by 30 foot, frame structure and in March the first fifty dollars for the building fund was donated by Robert L. Mannan. Owen Butterfield was hired as carpenter.
The church joined the White Lick Association in August 1888 and was dedicated in October 1891.
The structure fell into disrepair, and in 1973 ground breaking for a new building took place in Putnam County. The new Amity Missionary Baptist Church was dedicated June 20, 1975.
BIOGRAPHIES
WILLIAM C. MANNAN was born in Morgan County, Indiana in 1839. He attended public schools and after high school graduation, sought higher education at Asbury University in Greencastle, Indiana. At the age of 19, he left home and the area for seven years. In 1856 he married Margaret E. Carter of Owen County and shortly thereafter bought land in Ashland Township. The family attended first the Samaria Baptist Church and later the Amity Missionary Baptist Church, of which they were founding members.
ANANIAS MICHAEL was born March 22, 1830 in Augusta County, Virginia. Mr. Michael came to Indiana in 1834 with his parents Jonathan and Susan (Huffer) Michael. Both of his parents are recorded as being of German descent. December 29, 1852 he married Lucinda Stanton. The following year after receiving $1,200 from his father's estate he settled in Ashland Township on a farm of 158 acres.
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