[{"_1":2,"_3":-5,"_4":-5},"loaderData",{"_5":6,"_7":8},"actionData","errors","root",{"_1003":1004,"_1005":1006},"routes/tour",{"_9":10,"_11":12,"_13":14,"_15":16,"_17":-7},"tenant","historic-rural-churches","tour_set",{"_35":993,"_29":994,"_995":-5,"_996":-5,"_997":74,"_998":999,"_1000":603,"_1001":-5,"_1002":10},"tour",{"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":23,"_24":25,"_26":27,"_28":-5,"_29":30,"_31":32,"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":-5,"_40":-5,"_41":-5,"_42":-5,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":38,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":25,"_61":25,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":16,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_9":10,"_73":74,"_75":76,"_77":78,"_79":80,"_81":13,"_82":83,"_84":38},"tourParam","greensboro-area-tour","stopParam","_index","otb_historic-rural-churches_tours_production_20261001150246877","_id","14","_score",1,"blank_map",false,"bounds",{"_985":100,"_986":803,"_987":885,"_988":599,"_989":990,"_991":992},"default_lng","description","

Founded in 1786, Greene County quickly grew into one of the most productive agricultural centers in Georgia. Successful cotton plantations worked by enslaved people brought great wealth to the region, which supported the growth of towns and construction of churches. The city of Greensboro was founded around 1780 and became a major transportation hub for crops headed to ports on the coast and goods being shipped into the interior.

This tour of historic rural churches in Greene County highlight some of the most interesting structures and fascinating stories in the region. From the early brick construction of Bethesda Baptist to the Greek Revival style of Penfield Baptist on the site of the original home of Mercer University, this trip offers unique opportunities to explore the histories of growth, prosperity, and education centered in Greene County.

","flat_pages",[],"icon_color","#a93237","id",14,"is_geo",true,"link_address","link_text","map_icon","map_overlay","map_type","roadmap","media",[],"meta_description","Founded in 1786, Greene County quickly grew into one of the most productive agricultural centers in Georgia. Successful cotton plantations worked by enslaved people brought great wealth to the region, which supported the growth of towns and construction of churches. The city of Greensboro predated the county","mode",{"_35":808,"_75":982},"modes",[978,979],"open_geographies_endpoint","https://coredata.ecds.io/open_geographies/v1/historic-rural-churches-of-georgia/tours/greensboro-area-tour","published","published_on","2026-10-28","read_duration"," reading","restrict_bounds","restrict_bounds_to_overlay","sanitized_description","Founded in 1786, Greene County quickly grew into one of the most productive agricultural centers in Georgia. Successful cotton plantations worked by enslaved people brought great wealth to the region, which supported the growth of towns and construction of churches. The city of Greensboro was founded around 1780 and became a major transportation hub for crops headed to ports on the coast and goods being shipped into the interior. This tour of historic rural churches in Greene County highlight some of the most interesting structures and fascinating stories in the region. From the early brick construction of Bethesda Baptist to the Greek Revival style of Penfield Baptist on the site of the original home of Mercer University, this trip offers unique opportunities to explore the histories of growth, prosperity, and education centered in Greene County.","splash",{"_75":973,"_974":975,"_976":977},"slug","slugs",[16,970,971,972],"stop_count",8,"stops",[87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94],"tenant_title","Historic Rural Churches","title","Greensboro Area Tour","travel_duration"," driving","theme",{"_35":85,"_75":86},"type","voice_overs",[],"use_directions",16,"hrcga",{"_95":882,"_29":883,"_35":813,"_99":884,"_101":885,"_45":886,"_47":887,"_105":888,"_106":23,"_107":-5,"_62":889,"_66":814,"_67":890,"_75":815,"_81":113},{"_95":801,"_29":802,"_35":677,"_99":803,"_101":804,"_45":805,"_47":806,"_105":807,"_106":808,"_107":809,"_62":810,"_66":678,"_67":811,"_75":679,"_81":113},{"_95":665,"_29":666,"_35":608,"_99":667,"_101":668,"_45":669,"_47":670,"_105":671,"_106":672,"_107":673,"_62":674,"_66":609,"_67":675,"_75":610,"_81":113},{"_95":596,"_29":597,"_35":539,"_99":598,"_101":599,"_45":600,"_47":601,"_105":602,"_106":603,"_107":604,"_62":605,"_66":540,"_67":606,"_75":541,"_81":113},{"_95":527,"_29":528,"_35":374,"_99":529,"_101":530,"_45":531,"_47":532,"_105":533,"_106":534,"_107":535,"_62":536,"_66":375,"_67":537,"_75":376,"_81":113},{"_95":362,"_29":363,"_35":227,"_99":364,"_101":365,"_45":366,"_47":367,"_105":368,"_106":369,"_107":370,"_62":371,"_66":228,"_67":372,"_75":229,"_81":113},{"_95":215,"_29":216,"_35":115,"_99":217,"_101":218,"_45":219,"_47":220,"_105":221,"_106":222,"_107":223,"_62":224,"_66":116,"_67":225,"_75":117,"_81":113},{"_95":96,"_29":97,"_35":98,"_99":100,"_101":102,"_45":103,"_47":104,"_105":-5,"_106":70,"_107":108,"_62":109,"_66":110,"_67":111,"_75":112,"_81":113},"address","3091 Liberty Church Rd, White Plains, GA 30678","

In 1785, shortly after the American Revolution, there were only nine churches in the Georgia backcountry—three Lutheran, two Presbyterian, one Congregationalist, and three Baptist. There were no Methodist congregations, but that would soon change. The “unchurched wilderness” was on the verge of transformation, and Baptists and Methodists would lead the way.

As one of the earliest backcountry Methodist congregations, Liberty Methodist Church followed a familiar path—beginning as a brush arbor before moving into a frame building sometime before 1797, when it was known as Liberty Chapel. The arbor stood on land owned by Reid Merrit, within sight of the current site. According to church history, “great revivals were held in this crude establishment, and out of them grew the first Methodist church in Greene County and one of the first in Georgia.”

The first frame structure was replaced in the early 1800s by a larger building measuring 40 by 60 feet, located just behind the original site. This new sanctuary was dedicated in 1805 by Bishop Francis Asbury, one of Methodism’s most important early leaders, who preached at Liberty multiple times.

The name “Liberty” was said to honor the many Revolutionary War veterans who settled in the area, including members of the Sons of Liberty. Later, the community became known as “Crackers Neck” during the tobacco boom. Oxen hauled hogsheads of tobacco to Augusta, urged on by whips tipped with loud “crackers.” Local boys would call out, “Here come the boys from Crackers Neck!”

As the Methodist Church became more organized, Liberty was placed on the Appalachee Circuit. On July 27, 1827, Reuben Smith deeded 7.14 acres to the trustees, securing the church’s permanent home. Liberty remained active during the Civil War and grew steadily afterward.

Construction of the present sanctuary began in 1900, and it was dedicated in 1903. Today, Liberty stands as one of the oldest Methodist congregations in Georgia, with a proud history that has endured for more than two centuries. Long may she continue to serve her community.

","fad0db6f-f6dc-469c-a04a-365969de4b23","lat",33.4356318,"lng",-83.1413475,[118,119,120,121,122,123,124,125,126,127,128,129,130,131],"In 1785, shortly after the American Revolution, there were only nine churches in the Georgia backcountry—three Lutheran, two Presbyterian, one Congregationalist, and three Baptist. There were no Methodist congregations, but that would soon change. The “unchurched wilderness” was on the verge of transformation, and Baptists and Methodists would lead the way. As one of the…","next","position","previous",{"_35":115,"_66":116,"_75":117},"In 1785, shortly after the American Revolution, there were only nine churches in the Georgia backcountry—three Lutheran, two Presbyterian, one Congregationalist, and three Baptist. There were no Methodist congregations, but that would soon change. The “unchurched wilderness” was on the verge of transformation, and Baptists and Methodists would lead the way. As one of the earliest backcountry Methodist congregations, Liberty Methodist Church followed a familiar path—beginning as a brush arbor before moving into a frame building sometime before 1797, when it was known as Liberty Chapel. The arbor stood on land owned by Reid Merrit, within sight of the current site. According to church history, “great revivals were held in this crude establishment, and out of them grew the first Methodist church in Greene County and one of the first in Georgia.”The first frame structure was replaced in the early 1800s by a larger building measuring 40 by 60 feet, located just behind the original site. This new sanctuary was dedicated in 1805 by Bishop Francis Asbury, one of Methodism’s most important early leaders, who preached at Liberty multiple times. The name “Liberty” was said to honor the many Revolutionary War veterans who settled in the area, including members of the Sons of Liberty. Later, the community became known as “Crackers Neck” during the tobacco boom. Oxen hauled hogsheads of tobacco to Augusta, urged on by whips tipped with loud “crackers.” Local boys would call out, “Here come the boys from Crackers Neck!”As the Methodist Church became more organized, Liberty was placed on the Appalachee Circuit. On July 27, 1827, Reuben Smith deeded 7.14 acres to the trustees, securing the church’s permanent home. Liberty remained active during the Civil War and grew steadily afterward. Construction of the present sanctuary began in 1900, and it was dedicated in 1903. Today, Liberty stands as one of the oldest Methodist congregations in Georgia, with a proud history that has endured for more than two centuries. Long may she continue to serve her community.","liberty-methodist-greene",[114,110],"Liberty Methodist","stop","liberty-methodist","b1e6c1a2-5a44-4c78-abca-7f9ea6b9ce1e","white-plains-baptist-greene","White Plains Baptist",{"_75":209,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":211,"_138":212,"_139":212,"_140":213},{"_75":204,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":205},{"_75":199,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":200},{"_75":194,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":195},{"_75":189,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":190},{"_75":184,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":185},{"_75":179,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":180},{"_75":174,"_133":112,"_134":25,"_135":25,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":175},{"_75":169,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":170},{"_75":164,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":165},{"_75":159,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":160},{"_75":154,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":155},{"_75":149,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":150},{"_75":132,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":141},"DSC03689_8-scaled","alt_text","decorative","missing_alt_text","provider","embed","embed_id","video","files",{"_142":143,"_144":145,"_146":147,"_148":143},"original","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7c175434-df86-411d-9b29-d3b827df9e55/iiif","mobile","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7c175434-df86-411d-9b29-d3b827df9e55/thumbnail","tablet","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7c175434-df86-411d-9b29-d3b827df9e55/preview","desktop","DSC03686_7-scaled",{"_142":151,"_144":152,"_146":153,"_148":151},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1558b7c2-5c46-4c1f-94f2-d184a7c794ff/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1558b7c2-5c46-4c1f-94f2-d184a7c794ff/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1558b7c2-5c46-4c1f-94f2-d184a7c794ff/preview","DSC03713_9-scaled",{"_142":156,"_144":157,"_146":158,"_148":156},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f5576364-32a9-42a1-bca5-88755e4a1785/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f5576364-32a9-42a1-bca5-88755e4a1785/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f5576364-32a9-42a1-bca5-88755e4a1785/preview","DSC03671_6-scaled",{"_142":161,"_144":162,"_146":163,"_148":161},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c926fed7-1efc-4d7b-8578-71a6d43b0b66/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c926fed7-1efc-4d7b-8578-71a6d43b0b66/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c926fed7-1efc-4d7b-8578-71a6d43b0b66/preview","DSC03633_2-scaled",{"_142":166,"_144":167,"_146":168,"_148":166},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7eb75976-e159-412c-9c9e-c19b56f6e5a9/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7eb75976-e159-412c-9c9e-c19b56f6e5a9/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7eb75976-e159-412c-9c9e-c19b56f6e5a9/preview","P4257967_9-scaled",{"_142":171,"_144":172,"_146":173,"_148":171},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/8654f43f-725f-4767-be7d-ec4b96064412/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/8654f43f-725f-4767-be7d-ec4b96064412/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/8654f43f-725f-4767-be7d-ec4b96064412/preview","Greene-Liberty21",{"_142":176,"_144":177,"_146":178,"_148":176},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/126167a5-1eb9-409d-9b0d-a5f7f4f5916b/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/126167a5-1eb9-409d-9b0d-a5f7f4f5916b/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/126167a5-1eb9-409d-9b0d-a5f7f4f5916b/preview","Greene-Liberty-alcove1",{"_142":181,"_144":182,"_146":183,"_148":181},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1be0ddf0-5dac-4267-bc0a-cb4ab61457f5/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1be0ddf0-5dac-4267-bc0a-cb4ab61457f5/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1be0ddf0-5dac-4267-bc0a-cb4ab61457f5/preview","Greene-Liberty-int-f-to-b1",{"_142":186,"_144":187,"_146":188,"_148":186},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/19430b16-3208-4238-95d7-56fa161b22ee/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/19430b16-3208-4238-95d7-56fa161b22ee/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/19430b16-3208-4238-95d7-56fa161b22ee/preview","Greene-Liberty-int-side1",{"_142":191,"_144":192,"_146":193,"_148":191},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/355d2bef-49dd-4449-b373-b30360cf47c2/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/355d2bef-49dd-4449-b373-b30360cf47c2/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/355d2bef-49dd-4449-b373-b30360cf47c2/preview","Greene-Liberty-old-grave-21",{"_142":196,"_144":197,"_146":198,"_148":196},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0a47f764-600e-4c4b-a402-85501a527391/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0a47f764-600e-4c4b-a402-85501a527391/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0a47f764-600e-4c4b-a402-85501a527391/preview","Green-Liberty-Copeland-small1",{"_142":201,"_144":202,"_146":203,"_148":201},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3bf5ffec-23b0-4609-abe8-2b2ef5787d74/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3bf5ffec-23b0-4609-abe8-2b2ef5787d74/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3bf5ffec-23b0-4609-abe8-2b2ef5787d74/preview","P4257957_6-scaled",{"_142":206,"_144":207,"_146":208,"_148":206},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1673f2a3-2236-46e6-94b0-d8cb922d8bce/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1673f2a3-2236-46e6-94b0-d8cb922d8bce/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1673f2a3-2236-46e6-94b0-d8cb922d8bce/preview","Liberty Methodist - 3D Tour","matterport","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=TJarqLufUuN","TJarqLufUuN",{"_142":214,"_144":214,"_146":214,"_148":214},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/TJarqLufUuN/thumb/","1020 Main St, White Plains, GA 30678","

White Plains Baptist Church was organized in 1806, predating the incorporation of the town of White Plains in 1834. According to church records, four buildings have stood on this same site, with the current sanctuary completed in 1887. The first church was a simple log structure, later sold to a member who moved it to her country property and repurposed it as a kitchen and weaving room. The pulpit became her pantry. The second building, believed to have been built in 1848, was sold in 1872 to the Black community for $1,000. It was rolled to its new location on logs and became the Second Baptist Church, which remained in use until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1992.

The third sanctuary, completed in 1871, burned down in 1886. According to church minutes, the pastor remarked that it burned “because it was not dedicated to God.” During the fire, member A.S. Parker managed to save the chandeliers and the church bell, both of which were incorporated into the fourth and present building. While the new sanctuary was under construction, the congregation held services in the recently completed Methodist church.

The current wood-framed structure features a central square tower, eaves with decorative brackets, and tall, narrow Italianate windows. Entrances on either side of the tower are shaded by hipped-roof porticoes supported by slender posts, adding elegance to this country church.

Since its founding, White Plains Baptist has had only twenty pastors, thanks in part to the remarkable tenure of James H. Kilpatrick, who served from 1854 to 1908—over 50 years. From 1872 to 1878, he also ministered at the Second Baptist Church. In 1899, he successfully petitioned Andrew Carnegie to pay off the loan for White Plains’ first public library. His son, William Kilpatrick, went on to become a professor at Columbia University in New York and is remembered as a celebrated educator. Today, White Plains Baptist stands as a testament to more than two centuries of faith, resilience, and service in this Georgia community.

",33.4728975,-83.0346272,[230,231,232,233,234,235,236,237,238,239,240,241,242,243,244,245,246,247,248,249,250,251],"White Plains Baptist Church was organized in 1806, predating the incorporation of the town of White Plains in 1834. According to church records, four buildings have stood on this same site, with the current sanctuary completed in 1887. The first church was a simple log structure, later sold to a member who moved it to…",{"_35":98,"_66":110,"_75":112},7,{"_35":227,"_66":228,"_75":229},"White Plains Baptist Church was organized in 1806, predating the incorporation of the town of White Plains in 1834. According to church records, four buildings have stood on this same site, with the current sanctuary completed in 1887. The first church was a simple log structure, later sold to a member who moved it to her country property and repurposed it as a kitchen and weaving room. The pulpit became her pantry. The second building, believed to have been built in 1848, was sold in 1872 to the Black community for $1,000. It was rolled to its new location on logs and became the Second Baptist Church, which remained in use until it was destroyed by a tornado in 1992.The third sanctuary, completed in 1871, burned down in 1886. According to church minutes, the pastor remarked that it burned “because it was not dedicated to God.” During the fire, member A. S. Parker managed to save the chandeliers and the church bell, both of which were incorporated into the fourth and present building. While the new sanctuary was under construction, the congregation held services in the recently completed Methodist church. The current wood-framed structure features a central square tower, eaves with decorative brackets, and tall, narrow Italianate windows. Entrances on either side of the tower are shaded by hipped-roof porticoes supported by slender posts, adding elegance to this country church. Since its founding, White Plains Baptist has had only twenty pastors, thanks in part to the remarkable tenure of James H. Kilpatrick, who served from 1854 to 1908—over 50 years. From 1872 to 1878, he also ministered at the Second Baptist Church. In 1899, he successfully petitioned Andrew Carnegie to pay off the loan for White Plains’ first public library. His son, William Kilpatrick, went on to become a professor at Columbia University in New York and is remembered as a celebrated educator. Today, White Plains Baptist stands as a testament to more than two centuries of faith, resilience, and service in this Georgia community.",[226,116],"white-plains-baptist","e20e2285-07ea-4e84-adbe-105a766f165e","siloam-presbyterian-greene","Siloam Presbyterian",{"_75":357,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":358,"_138":359,"_139":359,"_140":360},{"_75":352,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":353},{"_75":347,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":348},{"_75":342,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":343},{"_75":337,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":338},{"_75":332,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":333},{"_75":327,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":328},{"_75":322,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":323},{"_75":317,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":318},{"_75":312,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":313},{"_75":307,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":308},{"_75":302,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":303},{"_75":297,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":298},{"_75":292,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":293},{"_75":287,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":288},{"_75":282,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":283},{"_75":277,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":278},{"_75":272,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":273},{"_75":267,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":268},{"_75":262,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":263},{"_75":257,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":258},{"_75":252,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":253},"P4257846_19-scaled",{"_142":254,"_144":255,"_146":256,"_148":254},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f6d20bdf-cb3d-4f17-b20f-1c7fba1f81e7/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f6d20bdf-cb3d-4f17-b20f-1c7fba1f81e7/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f6d20bdf-cb3d-4f17-b20f-1c7fba1f81e7/preview","P4257840_17-scaled",{"_142":259,"_144":260,"_146":261,"_148":259},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9c92e9ce-11ae-4a80-a0b7-3f05453b7726/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9c92e9ce-11ae-4a80-a0b7-3f05453b7726/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9c92e9ce-11ae-4a80-a0b7-3f05453b7726/preview","P4257813_13-scaled",{"_142":264,"_144":265,"_146":266,"_148":264},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/86ece99b-74a4-4569-bbf3-4ee38fceca85/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/86ece99b-74a4-4569-bbf3-4ee38fceca85/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/86ece99b-74a4-4569-bbf3-4ee38fceca85/preview","P4257806_12-scaled",{"_142":269,"_144":270,"_146":271,"_148":269},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/143d76df-0eb0-47cd-90eb-d05b0992f2f0/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/143d76df-0eb0-47cd-90eb-d05b0992f2f0/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/143d76df-0eb0-47cd-90eb-d05b0992f2f0/preview","P4257843_18-scaled",{"_142":274,"_144":275,"_146":276,"_148":274},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d590a8c1-791d-40e0-aa66-76102175d43b/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d590a8c1-791d-40e0-aa66-76102175d43b/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d590a8c1-791d-40e0-aa66-76102175d43b/preview","P4257831_16-scaled",{"_142":279,"_144":280,"_146":281,"_148":279},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/665ab1a3-27d3-449b-af43-ad2bf660e5fc/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/665ab1a3-27d3-449b-af43-ad2bf660e5fc/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/665ab1a3-27d3-449b-af43-ad2bf660e5fc/preview","DSC03643_2-scaled",{"_142":284,"_144":285,"_146":286,"_148":284},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5965b197-24b7-465a-8b51-1b308a221f32/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5965b197-24b7-465a-8b51-1b308a221f32/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5965b197-24b7-465a-8b51-1b308a221f32/preview","DSC03637_1bw-scaled",{"_142":289,"_144":290,"_146":291,"_148":289},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e8f65773-7271-4cb6-b98d-990711638cda/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e8f65773-7271-4cb6-b98d-990711638cda/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e8f65773-7271-4cb6-b98d-990711638cda/preview","DSC03652_3-scaled",{"_142":294,"_144":295,"_146":296,"_148":294},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5c6f442b-e183-4dd9-b1de-59e5193b489f/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5c6f442b-e183-4dd9-b1de-59e5193b489f/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5c6f442b-e183-4dd9-b1de-59e5193b489f/preview","DSC03670_6-1-scaled",{"_142":299,"_144":300,"_146":301,"_148":299},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/277fda97-0309-45bd-93fe-60669388383d/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/277fda97-0309-45bd-93fe-60669388383d/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/277fda97-0309-45bd-93fe-60669388383d/preview","DSC03673_7-scaled",{"_142":304,"_144":305,"_146":306,"_148":304},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/999c5f23-79b8-4aae-b28f-621d245d470a/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/999c5f23-79b8-4aae-b28f-621d245d470a/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/999c5f23-79b8-4aae-b28f-621d245d470a/preview","P4257864_6-scaled",{"_142":309,"_144":310,"_146":311,"_148":309},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/88125be7-40da-4cfc-9203-d9a629c6dc26/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/88125be7-40da-4cfc-9203-d9a629c6dc26/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/88125be7-40da-4cfc-9203-d9a629c6dc26/preview","White-Plains-Baptist-31",{"_142":314,"_144":315,"_146":316,"_148":314},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/10b8d719-b7a4-4637-b3c8-a6bc6fe5879a/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/10b8d719-b7a4-4637-b3c8-a6bc6fe5879a/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/10b8d719-b7a4-4637-b3c8-a6bc6fe5879a/preview","White-Plains-Baptist-6",{"_142":319,"_144":320,"_146":321,"_148":319},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3d30e6b4-a1fd-4a91-9586-21009bf4c5c2/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3d30e6b4-a1fd-4a91-9586-21009bf4c5c2/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3d30e6b4-a1fd-4a91-9586-21009bf4c5c2/preview","White-Plains-Baptist-5",{"_142":324,"_144":325,"_146":326,"_148":324},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d8efb0a3-7360-4966-8ed7-85379f7e53cc/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d8efb0a3-7360-4966-8ed7-85379f7e53cc/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d8efb0a3-7360-4966-8ed7-85379f7e53cc/preview","White-Plains-Baptist-4",{"_142":329,"_144":330,"_146":331,"_148":329},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/6105cc30-381b-4ca8-b5a4-75b485e55327/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/6105cc30-381b-4ca8-b5a4-75b485e55327/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/6105cc30-381b-4ca8-b5a4-75b485e55327/preview","White-Plains-Baptist-2",{"_142":334,"_144":335,"_146":336,"_148":334},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ce817892-c78b-4c3f-aeb7-f138a43c85eb/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ce817892-c78b-4c3f-aeb7-f138a43c85eb/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ce817892-c78b-4c3f-aeb7-f138a43c85eb/preview","White-Plains-Baptist-1",{"_142":339,"_144":340,"_146":341,"_148":339},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0f284cff-eec2-4746-8839-9e96fd6ea188/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0f284cff-eec2-4746-8839-9e96fd6ea188/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0f284cff-eec2-4746-8839-9e96fd6ea188/preview","Holga",{"_142":344,"_144":345,"_146":346,"_148":344},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4c57eee6-7626-425f-b5aa-b410b1a3d864/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4c57eee6-7626-425f-b5aa-b410b1a3d864/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4c57eee6-7626-425f-b5aa-b410b1a3d864/preview","Communion",{"_142":349,"_144":350,"_146":351,"_148":349},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d177d706-07fa-49d5-8242-ff0a3df34194/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d177d706-07fa-49d5-8242-ff0a3df34194/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d177d706-07fa-49d5-8242-ff0a3df34194/preview","P4257750_3-scaled",{"_142":354,"_144":355,"_146":356,"_148":354},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4bb16403-9732-4ca1-b558-e7ab6bd70f8d/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4bb16403-9732-4ca1-b558-e7ab6bd70f8d/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4bb16403-9732-4ca1-b558-e7ab6bd70f8d/preview","White Plains Baptist - 3D Tour","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=yuMTbhwkGjR","yuMTbhwkGjR",{"_142":361,"_144":361,"_146":361,"_148":361},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/yuMTbhwkGjR/thumb/","1070 Church St, Siloam, GA 30642","

Siloam Presbyterian Church was founded in 1903 by the charter members of the former Hastings Church. Hastings, established in 1894, was dismantled at the end of the 19th century to create the new Presbyterian congregation. Both churches were organized by John T. Dolvin, a respected local born in 1826. The new sanctuary was completed in the spring of 1903, with pews brought over from Hastings, which had stood a few miles north of Siloam. In a memorable act of generosity, the women of the congregation paid for carpet by each giving up the purchase of a winter hat that year.

In 1929, the church narrowly avoided destruction. On March 31, Mrs. Rhodes arrived early to prepare flowers and light the new heater, but accidentally used a container of gasoline. When the flames erupted, she fought the fire with her bare hands and clothing, determined to save the building. Her bravery spared the church, but she succumbed to her injuries several weeks later. Her sacrifice remains an enduring part of the church’s story.

Siloam itself was once far more vibrant than it is today. In “Two Years to Remember,” the daughter of rural sociologist and New Deal farm administrator Arthur Raper recalled the lively community life of the 1930s and 40s—Saturday trips to Mr. Jackson’s General Store, Sunday church services, and candid observations about race relations in the rural South. Arthur Raper, during his time in Greene County, authored influential works including Sharecroppers All and Tenants of the Almighty.

Church records note that Siloam Presbyterian began when the members of Old Hastings decided to relocate to the more central community of Siloam. Siloam Baptist graciously donated the land, and materials from Hastings, including lumber, furnishings, and fixtures, were reused to construct the new sanctuary across the street from the Baptist church. On the day the congregation moved from Old Hastings to their new home 110 years ago, the building looked much as it does today—a simple, enduring reminder of faith, community, and the generations who have worked to preserve it.

",33.5349534,-83.08275499999999,[377,378,379,380,381,382,383,384,385,386,387,388,389,390,391,392,393,394,395,396,397,398,399,400,401],"Siloam Presbyterian Church was founded in 1903 by the charter members of the former Hastings Church. Hastings, established in 1894, was dismantled at the end of the 19th century to create the new Presbyterian congregation. Both churches were organized by John T. Dolvin, a respected local born in 1826. The new sanctuary was completed in…",{"_35":115,"_66":116,"_75":117},6,{"_35":374,"_66":375,"_75":376},"Siloam Presbyterian Church was founded in 1903 by the charter members of the former Hastings Church. Hastings, established in 1894, was dismantled at the end of the 19th century to create the new Presbyterian congregation. Both churches were organized by John T. Dolvin, a respected local born in 1826. The new sanctuary was completed in the spring of 1903, with pews brought over from Hastings, which had stood a few miles north of Siloam. In a memorable act of generosity, the women of the congregation paid for carpet by each giving up the purchase of a winter hat that year. In 1929, the church narrowly avoided destruction. On March 31, Mrs. Rhodes arrived early to prepare flowers and light the new heater, but accidentally used a container of gasoline. When the flames erupted, she fought the fire with her bare hands and clothing, determined to save the building. Her bravery spared the church, but she succumbed to her injuries several weeks later. Her sacrifice remains an enduring part of the church’s story. Siloam itself was once far more vibrant than it is today. In “Two Years to Remember,” the daughter of rural sociologist and New Deal farm administrator Arthur Raper recalled the lively community life of the 1930s and 40s—Saturday trips to Mr. Jackson’s General Store, Sunday church services, and candid observations about race relations in the rural South. Arthur Raper, during his time in Greene County, authored influential works including Sharecroppers All and Tenants of the Almighty. Church records note that Siloam Presbyterian began when the members of Old Hastings decided to relocate to the more central community of Siloam. Siloam Baptist graciously donated the land, and materials from Hastings, including lumber, furnishings, and fixtures, were reused to construct the new sanctuary across the street from the Baptist church. On the day the congregation moved from Old Hastings to their new home 110 years ago, the building looked much as it does today—a simple, enduring reminder of faith, community, and the generations who have worked to preserve it.",[373,228],"siloam-presbyterian","49a6e752-a8bc-4e08-ac39-0b8e179872bd","first-presbyterian-of-union-point-greene","First Presbyterian of Union Point",{"_75":522,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":523},{"_75":517,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":518},{"_75":512,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":513},{"_75":507,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":508},{"_75":502,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":503},{"_75":497,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":498},{"_75":492,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":493},{"_75":487,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":488},{"_75":482,"_133":229,"_134":25,"_135":25,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":483},{"_75":477,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":478},{"_75":472,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":473},{"_75":467,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":468},{"_75":462,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":463},{"_75":457,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":458},{"_75":452,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":453},{"_75":447,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":448},{"_75":442,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":443},{"_75":437,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":438},{"_75":432,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":433},{"_75":427,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":428},{"_75":422,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":423},{"_75":417,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":418},{"_75":412,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":413},{"_75":407,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":408},{"_75":402,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":403},"Siloam-Pres-4__1-scaled",{"_142":404,"_144":405,"_146":406,"_148":404},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0b32e343-9833-47cc-9ab3-e7adbd02aba8/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0b32e343-9833-47cc-9ab3-e7adbd02aba8/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0b32e343-9833-47cc-9ab3-e7adbd02aba8/preview","Siloam-Pres2__8-scaled",{"_142":409,"_144":410,"_146":411,"_148":409},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/833b65b0-e0fe-41e1-bf77-80f813e7d404/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/833b65b0-e0fe-41e1-bf77-80f813e7d404/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/833b65b0-e0fe-41e1-bf77-80f813e7d404/preview","Siloam-Pres2__10-scaled",{"_142":414,"_144":415,"_146":416,"_148":414},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4388f6f0-2739-42c2-a338-e23a3c8095d8/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4388f6f0-2739-42c2-a338-e23a3c8095d8/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4388f6f0-2739-42c2-a338-e23a3c8095d8/preview","Siloam-Pres2__12-scaled",{"_142":419,"_144":420,"_146":421,"_148":419},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/845b6f61-e065-4612-8d17-a8186beceef5/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/845b6f61-e065-4612-8d17-a8186beceef5/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/845b6f61-e065-4612-8d17-a8186beceef5/preview","Siloam-Pres2__17-scaled",{"_142":424,"_144":425,"_146":426,"_148":424},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0415535e-108e-4b1b-aa5e-d6a6c9d507d4/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0415535e-108e-4b1b-aa5e-d6a6c9d507d4/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0415535e-108e-4b1b-aa5e-d6a6c9d507d4/preview","Siloam-Pres2__14-scaled",{"_142":429,"_144":430,"_146":431,"_148":429},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f050daf8-c032-4e87-b45c-611a08191a02/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f050daf8-c032-4e87-b45c-611a08191a02/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f050daf8-c032-4e87-b45c-611a08191a02/preview","Siloam-Pres2__15-scaled",{"_142":434,"_144":435,"_146":436,"_148":434},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c6530ff4-af36-4610-a649-3574b1d161c9/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c6530ff4-af36-4610-a649-3574b1d161c9/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c6530ff4-af36-4610-a649-3574b1d161c9/preview","Siloam-Pres__6-scaled",{"_142":439,"_144":440,"_146":441,"_148":439},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5714cc85-7213-4f79-8f4b-eab6624cb638/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5714cc85-7213-4f79-8f4b-eab6624cb638/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5714cc85-7213-4f79-8f4b-eab6624cb638/preview","Siloam-Pres__5-scaled",{"_142":444,"_144":445,"_146":446,"_148":444},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/07037a90-e412-4fab-9d1e-fdbba2dd29fe/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/07037a90-e412-4fab-9d1e-fdbba2dd29fe/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/07037a90-e412-4fab-9d1e-fdbba2dd29fe/preview","Siloam-Pres__3-scaled",{"_142":449,"_144":450,"_146":451,"_148":449},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ea90059d-fa83-4734-a4d0-af4eed66b632/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ea90059d-fa83-4734-a4d0-af4eed66b632/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ea90059d-fa83-4734-a4d0-af4eed66b632/preview","Siloam-Pres__4-scaled",{"_142":454,"_144":455,"_146":456,"_148":454},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f78498e0-fa25-4886-adea-9638f152d4f4/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f78498e0-fa25-4886-adea-9638f152d4f4/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f78498e0-fa25-4886-adea-9638f152d4f4/preview","Siloam-Pres__2-scaled",{"_142":459,"_144":460,"_146":461,"_148":459},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/815006cb-a7bc-4f4d-a3f2-2d5821f39f4c/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/815006cb-a7bc-4f4d-a3f2-2d5821f39f4c/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/815006cb-a7bc-4f4d-a3f2-2d5821f39f4c/preview","Siloam-Pres2__2-scaled",{"_142":464,"_144":465,"_146":466,"_148":464},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/fc14d4bf-c67b-484e-800c-7b1b3f96d084/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/fc14d4bf-c67b-484e-800c-7b1b3f96d084/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/fc14d4bf-c67b-484e-800c-7b1b3f96d084/preview","GAD55601",{"_142":469,"_144":470,"_146":471,"_148":469},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/b164bbd6-09c7-498b-98f3-93e353a7ac8a/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/b164bbd6-09c7-498b-98f3-93e353a7ac8a/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/b164bbd6-09c7-498b-98f3-93e353a7ac8a/preview","GAD56171",{"_142":474,"_144":475,"_146":476,"_148":474},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/98c0b9c7-9d63-4cb7-9b86-00865468419c/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/98c0b9c7-9d63-4cb7-9b86-00865468419c/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/98c0b9c7-9d63-4cb7-9b86-00865468419c/preview","GAD56421",{"_142":479,"_144":480,"_146":481,"_148":479},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c4f89895-8abd-4534-8124-200add0c2820/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c4f89895-8abd-4534-8124-200add0c2820/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c4f89895-8abd-4534-8124-200add0c2820/preview","Siloam-Presbyterian-1",{"_142":484,"_144":485,"_146":486,"_148":484},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/06143d18-c9c7-496a-b1f9-681ff16f24ad/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/06143d18-c9c7-496a-b1f9-681ff16f24ad/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/06143d18-c9c7-496a-b1f9-681ff16f24ad/preview","DSC03361",{"_142":489,"_144":490,"_146":491,"_148":489},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7dc741ee-6375-48f8-be05-2304df46611f/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7dc741ee-6375-48f8-be05-2304df46611f/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7dc741ee-6375-48f8-be05-2304df46611f/preview","Siloam-Presbyterian-2",{"_142":494,"_144":495,"_146":496,"_148":494},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/acbc0ce8-f8cf-4496-8e2d-a7a924b62bae/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/acbc0ce8-f8cf-4496-8e2d-a7a924b62bae/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/acbc0ce8-f8cf-4496-8e2d-a7a924b62bae/preview","Siloam-Presbyterian-3",{"_142":499,"_144":500,"_146":501,"_148":499},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/b4d0f6c4-5ef7-465a-a726-34efda610c69/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/b4d0f6c4-5ef7-465a-a726-34efda610c69/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/b4d0f6c4-5ef7-465a-a726-34efda610c69/preview","Siloam-Presbyterian-4",{"_142":504,"_144":505,"_146":506,"_148":504},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4430295f-40ce-46df-87b8-889fc61af0fe/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4430295f-40ce-46df-87b8-889fc61af0fe/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4430295f-40ce-46df-87b8-889fc61af0fe/preview","Siloam-Presbyterian-7",{"_142":509,"_144":510,"_146":511,"_148":509},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5932d608-8984-402f-91af-3a5c0cacf8cd/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5932d608-8984-402f-91af-3a5c0cacf8cd/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5932d608-8984-402f-91af-3a5c0cacf8cd/preview","GAD5560",{"_142":514,"_144":515,"_146":516,"_148":514},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/011899cc-566c-490f-95bc-3fcb197b62f8/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/011899cc-566c-490f-95bc-3fcb197b62f8/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/011899cc-566c-490f-95bc-3fcb197b62f8/preview","GAD5617",{"_142":519,"_144":520,"_146":521,"_148":519},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5799e01a-b492-4d25-996a-ca816327bf85/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5799e01a-b492-4d25-996a-ca816327bf85/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5799e01a-b492-4d25-996a-ca816327bf85/preview","GAD5642",{"_142":524,"_144":525,"_146":526,"_148":524},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c73a0642-b6a5-4f5a-b796-3311bdd8c758/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c73a0642-b6a5-4f5a-b796-3311bdd8c758/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c73a0642-b6a5-4f5a-b796-3311bdd8c758/preview","117 S Main St, Greensboro, GA 30642","

The history of this church began in the Union Point community around 1860. In 1872, it was formally chartered as the First Presbyterian Church of Union Point by the Presbytery of Augusta with 19 members. Over the next 25 years, the town recovered from the hardships of Civil War occupation and entered a period of growth. In 1898, the congregation decided to replace the original building with the structure that still stands today—a thoughtfully designed church with finely crafted interior furnishings and abundant natural light.

The windows are among the most distinctive features of the church’s architecture. All four walls are composed of roughly 75 percent glass, an unusual design choice for the time. When the church was built, the large window openings were filled with translucent glass, which was less expensive than using brick for such large sections of the walls. In the early 20th century, these plain panes were replaced with stunning stained-glass memorial windows, donated by church members.

Each window honors a prominent family or supporter of the church, including the Hart, Sibley, Bryan, Boyd, Newsom, and Lamb families, among others. Today, these windows are considered some of the finest examples of turn-of-the-century stained-glass craftsmanship in the southern United States. Their vivid colors and intricate designs not only enhance the beauty of the sanctuary but also serve as lasting tributes to the community members who helped shape the church’s history.

",33.5749928,-83.18311349999999,[542,543,544,545,546,547,548,549,550],"This church began its history in the Union Point Community around 1860. In 1872 it was formally charted as the First Presbyterian Church of Union Point by the Presbytery of Augusta with 19 members. During the next 25 years the town began to recover from the ravages of Civil War occupation and flourished. It was decided in 1898 to replace the original church building with the structure that still stands today; a pleasingly designed structure with finely crafted interior furnishings and many large windows.",{"_35":227,"_66":228,"_75":229},5,{"_35":539,"_66":540,"_75":541},"The history of this church began in the Union Point community around 1860. In 1872, it was formally chartered as the First Presbyterian Church of Union Point by the Presbytery of Augusta with 19 members. Over the next 25 years, the town recovered from the hardships of Civil War occupation and entered a period of growth. In 1898, the congregation decided to replace the original building with the structure that still stands today—a thoughtfully designed church with finely crafted interior furnishings and abundant natural light. The windows are among the most distinctive features of the church’s architecture. All four walls are composed of roughly 75 percent glass, an unusual design choice for the time. When the church was built, the large window openings were filled with translucent glass, which was less expensive than using brick for such large sections of the walls. In the early 20th century, these plain panes were replaced with stunning stained-glass memorial windows, donated by church members. Each window honors a prominent family or supporter of the church, including the Hart, Sibley, Bryan, Boyd, Newsom, and Lamb families, among others. Today, these windows are considered some of the finest examples of turn-of-the-century stained-glass craftsmanship in the southern United States. Their vivid colors and intricate designs not only enhance the beauty of the sanctuary but also serve as lasting tributes to the community members who helped shape the church’s history.",[538,375],"first-presbyterian-of-union-point","8ac8a2c3-a534-4868-9d8a-1aefb0070f20","bethesda-baptist-greene","Bethesda Baptist",{"_75":591,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":592,"_138":593,"_139":593,"_140":594},{"_75":586,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":587},{"_75":581,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":582},{"_75":576,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":577},{"_75":571,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":572},{"_75":566,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":567},{"_75":561,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":562},{"_75":556,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":557},{"_75":551,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":552},"First-Presbyterian-Exterior-1-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled",{"_142":553,"_144":554,"_146":555,"_148":553},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/72a0e381-23e8-4230-a84c-c322c0d01797/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/72a0e381-23e8-4230-a84c-c322c0d01797/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/72a0e381-23e8-4230-a84c-c322c0d01797/preview","First-Presbyterian-Pews",{"_142":558,"_144":559,"_146":560,"_148":558},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a7d12878-825d-41e9-813a-fa232cd397ee/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a7d12878-825d-41e9-813a-fa232cd397ee/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a7d12878-825d-41e9-813a-fa232cd397ee/preview","First-Presbyterian-Window-Reflections",{"_142":563,"_144":564,"_146":565,"_148":563},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3dba5c44-93f0-4512-81bc-c1a5e25fb26f/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3dba5c44-93f0-4512-81bc-c1a5e25fb26f/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/3dba5c44-93f0-4512-81bc-c1a5e25fb26f/preview","First-Presbyterian-Interior-Wide",{"_142":568,"_144":569,"_146":570,"_148":568},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/95cdfda8-e283-4b2c-87fb-4841ed9f6400/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/95cdfda8-e283-4b2c-87fb-4841ed9f6400/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/95cdfda8-e283-4b2c-87fb-4841ed9f6400/preview","First-Presbyterian-Interior-Window-Detail-1",{"_142":573,"_144":574,"_146":575,"_148":573},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5e000552-c248-4677-b02b-6872f6688f48/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5e000552-c248-4677-b02b-6872f6688f48/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/5e000552-c248-4677-b02b-6872f6688f48/preview","First-Presbyterian-Exterior",{"_142":578,"_144":579,"_146":580,"_148":578},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/8feb4f1b-d7b6-4fe6-9aeb-ff56a916fe4e/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/8feb4f1b-d7b6-4fe6-9aeb-ff56a916fe4e/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/8feb4f1b-d7b6-4fe6-9aeb-ff56a916fe4e/preview","First-Presbyterian-Exterior-1",{"_142":583,"_144":584,"_146":585,"_148":583},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7e62363c-818d-4b88-8392-ccb319cea03d/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7e62363c-818d-4b88-8392-ccb319cea03d/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7e62363c-818d-4b88-8392-ccb319cea03d/preview","First-Presbyterian-Exterior-1-topaz-upscale-4x",{"_142":588,"_144":589,"_146":590,"_148":588},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/02442cb2-ef1b-4082-b211-9c123b386ff0/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/02442cb2-ef1b-4082-b211-9c123b386ff0/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/02442cb2-ef1b-4082-b211-9c123b386ff0/preview","First Presbyterian of Union Point - 3D Tour","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=pep51BKGD9c","pep51BKGD9c",{"_142":595,"_144":595,"_146":595,"_148":595},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/pep51BKGD9c/thumb/","Bethesda Church Rd, Union Point, GA 30669","

The Bethesda Baptist Church congregation traces its roots to 1785, making it one of the earliest churches in Greene County. At that time, the area was part of Wilkes County until Greene was formed in 1802. The current sanctuary, completed in 1818, was built from hand-made bricks crafted on site from local clay. Bethesda is among the oldest brick churches in Georgia, a reflection of the relative wealth of the settlers in eastern Greene County just after the Revolutionary War. In its early years, worshippers often carried firearms to services for fear of Native American attacks. Two armed guards stood watch outside during worship, and the heavy iron brackets that once held a protective beam across the front door remain in place.

Records from 1785 to 1817 are missing, but during that time, the church was known as Whatley’s Mill, named for Samuel Whatley, who operated a local grist mill. He donated the land for the church in memory of his parents, who were killed by Native Americans. Planning for the brick sanctuary began in 1815, and construction took nearly two years. The dedication sermon was delivered by Jesse Mercer on December 20, 1818, following a two-day fast.

Before the Civil War, enslaved and free Black members attended services alongside white congregants. In 1834, a Black member, Brother Sam, was granted permission to lead separate services for Black worshippers on the second Sunday of each month. This was rescinded in 1836 due to “disorder,” likely reflecting tensions in the wake of Nat Turner’s 1831 rebellion. In 1850, under a contract with Benjamin Towns, the church underwent significant renovations: replacing the brick floors with wood, adding glazed windows, rebuilding pews, and making other improvements.

The church cemetery was not established until 1888, when the Tuggle family donated land to provide free burial for members and non-members alike. Previously, families buried their dead in small plots near their homes. Today, free burial is reserved for church members. Bethesda Baptist remains active, its well-maintained sanctuary a testament to more than two centuries of devotion and stewardship. The church continues to stand as a symbol of the area’s deep roots and enduring faith.

",33.6549402,-82.9983749,[611,612,613,614,615,616,617,618,619],"The Bethesda Baptist Church congregation traces its roots to 1785, making it one of the earliest churches in Greene County. At that time, the area was part of Wilkes County until Greene was formed in 1802. The current sanctuary, completed in 1818, was built from hand-made bricks crafted on site from local clay. Bethesda is…",{"_35":374,"_66":375,"_75":376},4,{"_35":608,"_66":609,"_75":610},"The Bethesda Baptist Church congregation traces its roots to 1785, making it one of the earliest churches in Greene County. At that time, the area was part of Wilkes County until Greene was formed in 1802. The current sanctuary, completed in 1818, was built from hand-made bricks crafted on site from local clay. Bethesda is among the oldest brick churches in Georgia, a reflection of the relative wealth of the settlers in eastern Greene County just after the Revolutionary War. In its early years, worshippers often carried firearms to services for fear of Native American attacks. Two armed guards stood watch outside during worship, and the heavy iron brackets that once held a protective beam across the front door remain in place. Records from 1785 to 1817 are missing, but during that time, the church was known as Whatley’s Mill, named for Samuel Whatley, who operated a local grist mill. He donated the land for the church in memory of his parents, who were killed by Native Americans. Planning for the brick sanctuary began in 1815, and construction took nearly two years. The dedication sermon was delivered by Jesse Mercer on December 20, 1818, following a two-day fast. Before the Civil War, enslaved and free Black members attended services alongside white congregants. In 1834, a Black member, Brother Sam, was granted permission to lead separate services for Black worshippers on the second Sunday of each month. This was rescinded in 1836 due to “disorder,” likely reflecting tensions in the wake of Nat Turner’s 1831 rebellion. In 1850, under a contract with Benjamin Towns, the church underwent significant renovations: replacing the brick floors with wood, adding glazed windows, rebuilding pews, and making other improvements. The church cemetery was not established until 1888, when the Tuggle family donated land to provide free burial for members and non-members alike. Previously, families buried their dead in small plots near their homes. Today, free burial is reserved for church members. Bethesda Baptist remains active, its well-maintained sanctuary a testament to more than two centuries of devotion and stewardship. The church continues to stand as a symbol of the area’s deep roots and enduring faith.",[607,540],"bethesda-baptist","53ea7c5a-68fe-478c-bcf4-6b6b4390396c","penfield-baptist-greene","Penfield Baptist",{"_75":660,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":661},{"_75":655,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":656},{"_75":650,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":651,"_138":652,"_139":652,"_140":653},{"_75":645,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":646},{"_75":640,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":641},{"_75":635,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":636},{"_75":630,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":631},{"_75":625,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":626},{"_75":620,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":621},"Bethesda-Baptist-Interior-Wide-from-Balcony",{"_142":622,"_144":623,"_146":624,"_148":622},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0eeded47-b4f0-4b57-940e-1dee78249741/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0eeded47-b4f0-4b57-940e-1dee78249741/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0eeded47-b4f0-4b57-940e-1dee78249741/preview","Bethesda-Baptist-Interior-Wide",{"_142":627,"_144":628,"_146":629,"_148":627},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1cf8ac40-b489-465a-a338-1f9ce1c60bec/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1cf8ac40-b489-465a-a338-1f9ce1c60bec/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1cf8ac40-b489-465a-a338-1f9ce1c60bec/preview","Bethesda-Baptist-1785-Pew",{"_142":632,"_144":633,"_146":634,"_148":632},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/cdefa923-a03b-49d8-922c-29417ca90c0d/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/cdefa923-a03b-49d8-922c-29417ca90c0d/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/cdefa923-a03b-49d8-922c-29417ca90c0d/preview","Bethesda-Baptist-Exterior-2-topaz-upscale-4x",{"_142":637,"_144":638,"_146":639,"_148":637},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f69bc442-5d46-449d-ad84-dbe9b7ce2044/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f69bc442-5d46-449d-ad84-dbe9b7ce2044/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f69bc442-5d46-449d-ad84-dbe9b7ce2044/preview","Bethesda-Baptist-Cemetery",{"_142":642,"_144":643,"_146":644,"_148":642},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/89f52da3-07fa-4751-b0b8-a128af3479ce/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/89f52da3-07fa-4751-b0b8-a128af3479ce/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/89f52da3-07fa-4751-b0b8-a128af3479ce/preview","Bethesda-Baptist-Exterior-2",{"_142":647,"_144":648,"_146":649,"_148":647},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1ec4e19c-8409-4a5f-b44b-17cd310fc281/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1ec4e19c-8409-4a5f-b44b-17cd310fc281/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1ec4e19c-8409-4a5f-b44b-17cd310fc281/preview","Bethesda Baptist - 3D Tour","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=ZBTAJu4DXdq","ZBTAJu4DXdq",{"_142":654,"_144":654,"_146":654,"_148":654},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/ZBTAJu4DXdq/thumb/","Bethesda-Baptist-Exterior-1",{"_142":657,"_144":658,"_146":659,"_148":657},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f87210d6-8b51-43ab-8528-e36cd4815aa4/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f87210d6-8b51-43ab-8528-e36cd4815aa4/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/f87210d6-8b51-43ab-8528-e36cd4815aa4/preview","Bethesda-Baptist-Exterior-2-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled",{"_142":662,"_144":663,"_146":664,"_148":662},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a35cc893-02eb-4202-8f35-0af5bc7935f4/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a35cc893-02eb-4202-8f35-0af5bc7935f4/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a35cc893-02eb-4202-8f35-0af5bc7935f4/preview","1110 Mercer Cir, Union Point, GA 30669","

Every church we feature at HRCGA is special in its own way. All are historic, and many are quite old. Some are visually striking, others architecturally unique, and many have been the backdrop for significant events in local, state, or national history. Others hold importance for their role in denominational or social history, or for their distinctive building materials, ornamentation, or setting.

Then there are the rare few that are all of these things and more. Penfield Baptist is one of those. Its striking Greek Revival building sits with quiet dignity on the hill where it was first built nearly 170 years ago, virtually unchanged from the day it was completed by David Demorest in 1845–46. Originally constructed to serve as Mercer University’s chapel, the building reflects the prominence Mercer once held as one of Georgia’s leading centers of learning and a seat of the Baptist movement. Mercer was founded in Penfield in 1833 as a manual labor school and prospered until the Civil War and the town’s gradual decline led the Georgia Baptist Convention to move the university to Macon in 1871.

Penfield Baptist’s congregation was organized in 1839 after a tornado destroyed Shiloh Baptist. Their first church, a wooden structure, stood near the site where Mercer Chapel was later built. When the university relocated to Macon, it gifted the chapel to Penfield Baptist, which moved in immediately and flourished there well into the 20th century.

By the 1970s, the congregation could no longer afford the upkeep, and the chapel was returned to Mercer. The building fell into jeopardy until a growing appreciation for historic preservation in the late 20th century spurred its restoration. Fully restored to its original condition, the chapel was returned to Penfield Baptist, where it remains in use today.

Penfield Baptist stands as a rare example of a historic rural church preserved through cooperation, care, and a shared commitment to heritage—ensuring its beauty and history will be enjoyed for generations to come.

Click THE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT to see church minutes from 1839 – 1871, as transcribed by Virginia Bolton, HRC Research Director

",33.6686972,-83.1752458,[680,681,682,683,684,685,686,687,688,689,690,691,692,693,694,695,696,697,698,699],"Every church we feature at HRCGA is special in its own way. All are historic, and many are quite old. Some are visually striking, others architecturally unique, and many have been the backdrop for significant events in local, state, or national history. Others hold importance for their role in denominational or social history, or for…",{"_35":539,"_66":540,"_75":541},3,{"_35":677,"_66":678,"_75":679},"Every church we feature at HRCGA is special in its own way. All are historic, and many are quite old. Some are visually striking, others architecturally unique, and many have been the backdrop for significant events in local, state, or national history. Others hold importance for their role in denominational or social history, or for their distinctive building materials, ornamentation, or setting. Then there are the rare few that are all of these things and more. Penfield Baptist is one of those. Its striking Greek Revival building sits with quiet dignity on the hill where it was first built nearly 170 years ago, virtually unchanged from the day it was completed by David Demorest in 1845–46. Originally constructed to serve as Mercer University’s chapel, the building reflects the prominence Mercer once held as one of Georgia’s leading centers of learning and a seat of the Baptist movement. Mercer was founded in Penfield in 1833 as a manual labor school and prospered until the Civil War and the town’s gradual decline led the Georgia Baptist Convention to move the university to Macon in 1871.Penfield Baptist’s congregation was organized in 1839 after a tornado destroyed Shiloh Baptist. Their first church, a wooden structure, stood near the site where Mercer Chapel was later built. When the university relocated to Macon, it gifted the chapel to Penfield Baptist, which moved in immediately and flourished there well into the 20th century. By the 1970s, the congregation could no longer afford the upkeep, and the chapel was returned to Mercer. The building fell into jeopardy until a growing appreciation for historic preservation in the late 20th century spurred its restoration. Fully restored to its original condition, the chapel was returned to Penfield Baptist, where it remains in use today. Penfield Baptist stands as a rare example of a historic rural church preserved through cooperation, care, and a shared commitment to heritage—ensuring its beauty and history will be enjoyed for generations to come. Click THE BUTTON ON THE RIGHT to see church minutes from 1839 – 1871, as transcribed by Virginia Bolton, HRC Research Director",[676,609],"penfield-baptist","81c37541-083e-46da-afb3-b4b819ad4123","penfield-presbyterian-greene","Penfield Presbyterian",{"_75":796,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":797,"_138":798,"_139":798,"_140":799},{"_75":791,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":792},{"_75":786,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":787},{"_75":781,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":782},{"_75":776,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":777},{"_75":771,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":772},{"_75":766,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":767},{"_75":761,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":762},{"_75":756,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":757},{"_75":751,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":752},{"_75":745,"_133":746,"_134":25,"_135":25,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":747},{"_75":740,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":741},{"_75":735,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":736},{"_75":730,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":731},{"_75":725,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":726},{"_75":720,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":721},{"_75":715,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":716},{"_75":710,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":711},{"_75":705,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":706},{"_75":700,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":701},"DSC_8247-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled",{"_142":702,"_144":703,"_146":704,"_148":702},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0ae66f76-3924-49f5-86d9-d8c70a53cd92/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0ae66f76-3924-49f5-86d9-d8c70a53cd92/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0ae66f76-3924-49f5-86d9-d8c70a53cd92/preview","DSC_8329-1",{"_142":707,"_144":708,"_146":709,"_148":707},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9caffc12-1d15-4b36-93d2-4985c76f12bf/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9caffc12-1d15-4b36-93d2-4985c76f12bf/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9caffc12-1d15-4b36-93d2-4985c76f12bf/preview","DSC_8308-1",{"_142":712,"_144":713,"_146":714,"_148":712},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a83ea57d-5e9c-4ad1-84f2-c5f420d1e011/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a83ea57d-5e9c-4ad1-84f2-c5f420d1e011/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a83ea57d-5e9c-4ad1-84f2-c5f420d1e011/preview","DSC_8293-1",{"_142":717,"_144":718,"_146":719,"_148":717},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/955def5f-02fb-45de-b4ef-7ae12a58918a/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/955def5f-02fb-45de-b4ef-7ae12a58918a/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/955def5f-02fb-45de-b4ef-7ae12a58918a/preview","DSC_8287-1",{"_142":722,"_144":723,"_146":724,"_148":722},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/67702ca3-8a0e-46af-ad1e-30019edb6ff0/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/67702ca3-8a0e-46af-ad1e-30019edb6ff0/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/67702ca3-8a0e-46af-ad1e-30019edb6ff0/preview","DSC_8277-1",{"_142":727,"_144":728,"_146":729,"_148":727},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c7d33190-ac39-4f61-8803-82414e4ccd5e/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c7d33190-ac39-4f61-8803-82414e4ccd5e/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c7d33190-ac39-4f61-8803-82414e4ccd5e/preview","DSC_8262-2",{"_142":732,"_144":733,"_146":734,"_148":732},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/131ed50d-3894-4ed9-b845-75fb1dc0c14a/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/131ed50d-3894-4ed9-b845-75fb1dc0c14a/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/131ed50d-3894-4ed9-b845-75fb1dc0c14a/preview","DSC_8268",{"_142":737,"_144":738,"_146":739,"_148":737},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/934b3d1d-4d28-4e6a-8d20-aa32a0bf4081/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/934b3d1d-4d28-4e6a-8d20-aa32a0bf4081/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/934b3d1d-4d28-4e6a-8d20-aa32a0bf4081/preview","DSC_8251-1",{"_142":742,"_144":743,"_146":744,"_148":742},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/144eaf26-9c44-4550-8e5d-9c6d057c44d8/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/144eaf26-9c44-4550-8e5d-9c6d057c44d8/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/144eaf26-9c44-4550-8e5d-9c6d057c44d8/preview","Penfield-Exterior","Penfield Baptist Church",{"_142":748,"_144":749,"_146":750,"_148":748},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a7bbb025-53e9-4b25-8231-eace89183917/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a7bbb025-53e9-4b25-8231-eace89183917/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a7bbb025-53e9-4b25-8231-eace89183917/preview","Penfield-aisle1",{"_142":753,"_144":754,"_146":755,"_148":753},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/6a12be32-edac-4d3a-aae7-e66ae0168bab/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/6a12be32-edac-4d3a-aae7-e66ae0168bab/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/6a12be32-edac-4d3a-aae7-e66ae0168bab/preview","Penfield-Bible1",{"_142":758,"_144":759,"_146":760,"_148":758},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c59ad023-0b98-4ad0-bea7-ca02607011c5/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c59ad023-0b98-4ad0-bea7-ca02607011c5/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/c59ad023-0b98-4ad0-bea7-ca02607011c5/preview","Penfield-BW-pews1",{"_142":763,"_144":764,"_146":765,"_148":763},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e7b46e07-6531-4820-8b3c-8a2644e9cec3/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e7b46e07-6531-4820-8b3c-8a2644e9cec3/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e7b46e07-6531-4820-8b3c-8a2644e9cec3/preview","Penfield-chancel1",{"_142":768,"_144":769,"_146":770,"_148":768},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/03410be7-def4-449e-800e-e0ab4b45a521/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/03410be7-def4-449e-800e-e0ab4b45a521/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/03410be7-def4-449e-800e-e0ab4b45a521/preview","Penfield-pews-and-books1",{"_142":773,"_144":774,"_146":775,"_148":773},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1b404d00-a39c-4389-978c-0910052f25ea/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1b404d00-a39c-4389-978c-0910052f25ea/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1b404d00-a39c-4389-978c-0910052f25ea/preview","Penfield-rear-view1",{"_142":778,"_144":779,"_146":780,"_148":778},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9661fe69-1cf1-4995-b014-669d7f21892f/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9661fe69-1cf1-4995-b014-669d7f21892f/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9661fe69-1cf1-4995-b014-669d7f21892f/preview","Pulpit-view1",{"_142":783,"_144":784,"_146":785,"_148":783},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ac5a80ef-fc57-4743-b957-0bce24bac3b5/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ac5a80ef-fc57-4743-b957-0bce24bac3b5/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ac5a80ef-fc57-4743-b957-0bce24bac3b5/preview","DSC_8247",{"_142":788,"_144":789,"_146":790,"_148":788},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/97cd38b4-de19-429d-b737-66e49a741625/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/97cd38b4-de19-429d-b737-66e49a741625/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/97cd38b4-de19-429d-b737-66e49a741625/preview","DSC_8247-topaz-upscale-4x",{"_142":793,"_144":794,"_146":795,"_148":793},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0a0afce6-0708-45f4-9676-0ac9b1c3b92e/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0a0afce6-0708-45f4-9676-0ac9b1c3b92e/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0a0afce6-0708-45f4-9676-0ac9b1c3b92e/preview","Penfield Baptist - 3D Tour","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=NkreXx1aBZ2","NkreXx1aBZ2",{"_142":800,"_144":800,"_146":800,"_148":800},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/NkreXx1aBZ2/thumb/","1070-1000 Old Maxey's Rd, Union Point, GA 30669","

The village of Penfield traces its origins to Mercer University, established there in 1833 as a labor school under the supervision of the Baptist Church. The school thrived, attracting a number of prominent families, most of them connected to the Baptist congregation. By the mid-19th century, a few Presbyterian families, including the Boswells, had settled in Penfield and began worshiping according to Presbyterian doctrine. At first, they were served by visiting pastors who preached on Sunday evenings in private homes or occasionally in the Baptist sanctuary. Eventually, the Penfield Presbyterians, wishing to hold services more regularly and give their children a dedicated place of worship, resolved to build their own church.

Construction of the present sanctuary was completed in the spring of 1876 at a cost of $1,100. Its design is notable for a rural Georgia church of the time, combining brick construction, Gothic arches, and an elaborate steeple—features more commonly found in urban congregations. Around the turn of the 20th century, the church added a few new pews and chairs, but little else has changed. Two of its windows were later dedicated to the memory of founders Johnson Boswell and Eliza Cheney Boswell, whose vision helped establish a lasting Presbyterian presence in Penfield.

For more than 125 years, this church has remained a cornerstone of faith in the community, standing as both a spiritual home and a distinctive example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture in rural Georgia. Thank you for supporting Historic Rural Churches of Georgia and helping us preserve and share these remarkable stories. Be sure to sign up to receive future features on other historic churches.

",33.6689575,-83.17825839999999,[816,817,818,819,820,821,822,823,824,825,826],"The village of Penfield traces its origins to Mercer University, established there in 1833 as a labor school under the supervision of the Baptist Church. The school thrived, attracting a number of prominent families, most of them connected to the Baptist congregation. By the mid-19th century, a few Presbyterian families, including the Boswells, had settled…",{"_35":608,"_66":609,"_75":610},2,{"_35":813,"_66":814,"_75":815},"The village of Penfield traces its origins to Mercer University, established there in 1833 as a labor school under the supervision of the Baptist Church. The school thrived, attracting a number of prominent families, most of them connected to the Baptist congregation. By the mid-19th century, a few Presbyterian families, including the Boswells, had settled in Penfield and began worshiping according to Presbyterian doctrine. At first, they were served by visiting pastors who preached on Sunday evenings in private homes or occasionally in the Baptist sanctuary. Eventually, the Penfield Presbyterians, wishing to hold services more regularly and give their children a dedicated place of worship, resolved to build their own church. Construction of the present sanctuary was completed in the spring of 1876 at a cost of $1,100. Its design is notable for a rural Georgia church of the time, combining brick construction, Gothic arches, and an elaborate steeple—features more commonly found in urban congregations. Around the turn of the 20th century, the church added a few new pews and chairs, but little else has changed. Two of its windows were later dedicated to the memory of founders Johnson Boswell and Eliza Cheney Boswell, whose vision helped establish a lasting Presbyterian presence in Penfield. For more than 125 years, this church has remained a cornerstone of faith in the community, standing as both a spiritual home and a distinctive example of 19th-century ecclesiastical architecture in rural Georgia. Thank you for supporting Historic Rural Churches of Georgia and helping us preserve and share these remarkable stories. Be sure to sign up to receive future features on other historic churches.",[812,678],"penfield-presbyterian","a48b1026-b467-4b7a-a510-bf4da6b0639d","fork-chapel-methodist-greene","Fork Chapel Methodist",{"_75":877,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":878,"_138":879,"_139":879,"_140":880},{"_75":872,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":873},{"_75":867,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":868},{"_75":862,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":863},{"_75":857,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":858},{"_75":852,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":853},{"_75":847,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":848},{"_75":842,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":843},{"_75":837,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":838},{"_75":832,"_133":679,"_134":25,"_135":25,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":833},{"_75":827,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":828},"Penfield-Presbyterian-Exterior-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled",{"_142":829,"_144":830,"_146":831,"_148":829},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4c0f6618-ab94-4718-9a7d-fa71d92f5718/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4c0f6618-ab94-4718-9a7d-fa71d92f5718/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/4c0f6618-ab94-4718-9a7d-fa71d92f5718/preview","Penfield-Presbyterian-Exterior",{"_142":834,"_144":835,"_146":836,"_148":834},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7b95111e-551b-4cfe-8818-17b153755d36/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7b95111e-551b-4cfe-8818-17b153755d36/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7b95111e-551b-4cfe-8818-17b153755d36/preview","Penfield-Center-back1",{"_142":839,"_144":840,"_146":841,"_148":839},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7a76d183-5c57-4302-bc08-bcb083f1e1b3/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7a76d183-5c57-4302-bc08-bcb083f1e1b3/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/7a76d183-5c57-4302-bc08-bcb083f1e1b3/preview","Penfield-Pres-Ext-2nd-shot1",{"_142":844,"_144":845,"_146":846,"_148":844},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/440e9d86-b0a9-450e-989e-d3a4942b6196/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/440e9d86-b0a9-450e-989e-d3a4942b6196/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/440e9d86-b0a9-450e-989e-d3a4942b6196/preview","Penfield-Pres-Pew-and-Window1",{"_142":849,"_144":850,"_146":851,"_148":849},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/37a43a57-5fd4-4a58-ae1f-f8c2d17a0ca8/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/37a43a57-5fd4-4a58-ae1f-f8c2d17a0ca8/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/37a43a57-5fd4-4a58-ae1f-f8c2d17a0ca8/preview","Penfield-Pres-Piano-BW1",{"_142":854,"_144":855,"_146":856,"_148":854},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/80b3f9d2-21c9-4b72-84ad-8525ed811f80/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/80b3f9d2-21c9-4b72-84ad-8525ed811f80/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/80b3f9d2-21c9-4b72-84ad-8525ed811f80/preview","Penfield-Pres-Pulpit-and-Bible1",{"_142":859,"_144":860,"_146":861,"_148":859},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/fa4689ce-83a6-4949-8e18-891528f6a043/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/fa4689ce-83a6-4949-8e18-891528f6a043/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/fa4689ce-83a6-4949-8e18-891528f6a043/preview","Penfield-Pres-Pulpit-side1",{"_142":864,"_144":865,"_146":866,"_148":864},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ef984f71-be2b-4ea4-97e3-264e25e2b86b/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ef984f71-be2b-4ea4-97e3-264e25e2b86b/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ef984f71-be2b-4ea4-97e3-264e25e2b86b/preview","Penfield-Pres-Pulpit-side1-1",{"_142":869,"_144":870,"_146":871,"_148":869},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ac50f843-56f8-484a-929e-b6507a7ff30d/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ac50f843-56f8-484a-929e-b6507a7ff30d/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ac50f843-56f8-484a-929e-b6507a7ff30d/preview","Penfield-Presbyterian-Exterior-topaz-upscale-4x",{"_142":874,"_144":875,"_146":876,"_148":874},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9e94dd13-ecb8-42a1-84fd-9689a2d74f27/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9e94dd13-ecb8-42a1-84fd-9689a2d74f27/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/9e94dd13-ecb8-42a1-84fd-9689a2d74f27/preview","Penfield Presbyterian - 3D Tour","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=aV8qx8kTvqo","aV8qx8kTvqo",{"_142":881,"_144":881,"_146":881,"_148":881},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/aV8qx8kTvqo/thumb/","1401 Farmington Rd, Madison, GA 30650","

In 1915, members of Fork Chapel United Methodist Church erected a white frame building on three-fourths of an acre, in the small rural village of Greshamville – located northeast of Greensboro in the Oconee National Forest. More than a century later, this beautiful building still stands as a testament to the stewardship of a loving congregation. The history of Fork Chapel’s congregation, however, goes back much further.

So named because it lies in the fork created by the Oconee and Appalachee Rivers, Fork Chapel Methodist was originally the fruit of Reverend Hinton Crawford’s labor. Crawford, a local planter and Methodist preacher, was born in Greene County in 1798. In 1844, after the church had been functioning for some time, Crawford accepted a one-acre donation from Matthew Winfield and gave three acres of his own for a new building and a graveyard.

Fork Chapel is a lovely rural church in a bucolic little village setting. The cemetery, where the original church stood, is located about a mile away and is worth a visit. Many of Greshamville’s prominent early settlers are interred here. According to Georgia Places Names by Kenneth Krakow, Greshamville was named for an old fort built near the Davis Gresham settlement in 1786.

Sometime after the new church building was constructed, the old church building was demolished. In its place near the cemetery was erected a shelter, which attendees of the church’s annual homecoming made use of for quite some time. Now homecoming is celebrated every third Sunday in August, and it marks the beginning of the annual revival.

",33.6269195,-83.323823,[892,893,894,895,896,897,898,899,900,901,902,903,904],"In 1915, members of Fork Chapel United Methodist Church erected a white frame building on three-fourths of an acre, in the small rural village of Greshamville – located northeast of Greensboro in the Oconee National Forest. More than a century later, this beautiful building still stands as a testament to the stewardship of a loving…",{"_35":677,"_66":678,"_75":679},"In 1915, members of Fork Chapel United Methodist Church erected a white frame building on three-fourths of an acre, in the small rural village of Greshamville – located northeast of Greensboro in the Oconee National Forest. More than a century later, this beautiful building still stands as a testament to the stewardship of a loving congregation. The history of Fork Chapel’s congregation, however, goes back much further. So named because it lies in the fork created by the Oconee and Appalachee Rivers, Fork Chapel Methodist was originally the fruit of Reverend Hinton Crawford’s labor. Crawford, a local planter and Methodist preacher, was born in Greene County in 1798. In 1844, after the church had been functioning for some time, Crawford accepted a one-acre donation from Matthew Winfield and gave three acres of his own for a new building and a graveyard. Fork Chapel is a lovely rural church in a bucolic little village setting. The cemetery, where the original church stood, is located about a mile away and is worth a visit. Many of Greshamville’s prominent early settlers are interred here. According to Georgia Places Names by Kenneth Krakow, Greshamville was named for an old fort built near the Davis Gresham settlement in 1786.Sometime after the new church building was constructed, the old church building was demolished. In its place near the cemetery was erected a shelter, which attendees of the church’s annual homecoming made use of for quite some time. Now homecoming is celebrated every third Sunday in August, and it marks the beginning of the annual revival.",[891,814],"fork-chapel-methodist",{"_75":965,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":210,"_137":966,"_138":967,"_139":967,"_140":968},{"_75":960,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":961},{"_75":955,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":956},{"_75":950,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":951},{"_75":945,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":946},{"_75":940,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":941},{"_75":935,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":936},{"_75":930,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":931},{"_75":925,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":926},{"_75":920,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":921},{"_75":915,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":916},{"_75":910,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":911},{"_75":905,"_133":-5,"_134":38,"_135":38,"_136":-5,"_137":-5,"_138":-5,"_139":-5,"_140":906},"Fork-Chapel2-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled",{"_142":907,"_144":908,"_146":909,"_148":907},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0fafdf67-5570-4c5c-b7fb-b0578bd343d2/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0fafdf67-5570-4c5c-b7fb-b0578bd343d2/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/0fafdf67-5570-4c5c-b7fb-b0578bd343d2/preview","Fork-Chapel8",{"_142":912,"_144":913,"_146":914,"_148":912},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1063d0a8-e6dc-4e34-bdd2-e8407c479a6f/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1063d0a8-e6dc-4e34-bdd2-e8407c479a6f/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/1063d0a8-e6dc-4e34-bdd2-e8407c479a6f/preview","Fork-Chapel-9",{"_142":917,"_144":918,"_146":919,"_148":917},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e214a85d-659a-48e4-9e92-9b6e42845f54/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e214a85d-659a-48e4-9e92-9b6e42845f54/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e214a85d-659a-48e4-9e92-9b6e42845f54/preview","Fork-Chapel7",{"_142":922,"_144":923,"_146":924,"_148":922},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/2e6a49f0-6fae-443c-97f8-a8c0c279c700/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/2e6a49f0-6fae-443c-97f8-a8c0c279c700/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/2e6a49f0-6fae-443c-97f8-a8c0c279c700/preview","ForkChapel-OldPic",{"_142":927,"_144":928,"_146":929,"_148":927},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d2b1bf76-8de4-4bb7-87fb-b32fc8ca53f9/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d2b1bf76-8de4-4bb7-87fb-b32fc8ca53f9/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/d2b1bf76-8de4-4bb7-87fb-b32fc8ca53f9/preview","Fork-Chapel-11",{"_142":932,"_144":933,"_146":934,"_148":932},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/723ce04d-f950-4da1-9d32-2daf69781f11/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/723ce04d-f950-4da1-9d32-2daf69781f11/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/723ce04d-f950-4da1-9d32-2daf69781f11/preview","Fork-Chapel-10-1",{"_142":937,"_144":938,"_146":939,"_148":937},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/47c181ba-6d65-424e-87d2-24b94b28cda7/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/47c181ba-6d65-424e-87d2-24b94b28cda7/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/47c181ba-6d65-424e-87d2-24b94b28cda7/preview","Fork-Chapel-3",{"_142":942,"_144":943,"_146":944,"_148":942},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ce3333b0-e56f-4ca1-807f-30dc892db528/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ce3333b0-e56f-4ca1-807f-30dc892db528/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/ce3333b0-e56f-4ca1-807f-30dc892db528/preview","Fork-Chapel1",{"_142":947,"_144":948,"_146":949,"_148":947},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e8fd6efb-9854-4b61-940e-0d7de575d6c7/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e8fd6efb-9854-4b61-940e-0d7de575d6c7/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/e8fd6efb-9854-4b61-940e-0d7de575d6c7/preview","Fork-Chapel-2",{"_142":952,"_144":953,"_146":954,"_148":952},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/22f76ae2-8770-4c58-a274-155684c5881c/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/22f76ae2-8770-4c58-a274-155684c5881c/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/22f76ae2-8770-4c58-a274-155684c5881c/preview","Fork-Chapel-4",{"_142":957,"_144":958,"_146":959,"_148":957},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/96deeff1-cc5c-41b9-9c14-5c7f5551e425/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/96deeff1-cc5c-41b9-9c14-5c7f5551e425/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/96deeff1-cc5c-41b9-9c14-5c7f5551e425/preview","Fork-Chapel2-topaz-upscale-4x",{"_142":962,"_144":963,"_146":964,"_148":962},"https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a862a597-40ac-474e-991a-94b6f792bdb4/iiif","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a862a597-40ac-474e-991a-94b6f792bdb4/thumbnail","https://iiif-cloud.ecds.io/public/resources/a862a597-40ac-474e-991a-94b6f792bdb4/preview","Fork Chapel Methodist - 3D Tour","//my.matterport.com/show/?m=WNnhPGcoUa3","WNnhPGcoUa3",{"_142":969,"_144":969,"_146":969,"_148":969},"https://my.matterport.com/api/v2/player/models/WNnhPGcoUa3/thumb/","new-tour-1790267631322","greensboro","greensboro-agenda","OpenTourBuilder","caption","OpenTourBuilderLogo","url","https://opentour.site/assets/images/otb-bg.png",{"_980":983,"_35":23,"_75":984},{"_980":981,"_35":808,"_75":982},"relation_id",55,"DRIVING",54,"BICYCLING","south","north","west","east","centerLat",33.55229465,"centerLng",-83.16109895,30,"","external_url","footer_logo","name","logo_url","https://opentour-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/public/neyvwp6rem16d8uc50lggnz42r8d?response-content-disposition=inline%3B%20filename%3D%22HRCT_opentour_logo_C.png%22%3B%20filename%2A%3DUTF-8%27%27HRCT_opentour_logo_C.png&response-content-type=image%2Fpng&X-Amz-Algorithm=AWS4-HMAC-SHA256&X-Amz-Credential=AKIAUQYJBBG7WXJ2TCYY%2F20261113%2Fus-east-1%2Fs3%2Faws4_request&X-Amz-Date=20261113T014834Z&X-Amz-Expires=604800&X-Amz-SignedHeaders=host&X-Amz-Signature=525c93364ebe9ad34e2a0dcd45b3f21283d3e224c86539e3269cde0bf985ef89","matomo_id","notes","subdir","tourSet",{"_35":1011,"_81":1012,"_1013":1014,"_1015":1016},"request",{"_1007":1008,"_1009":1010},"protocol","http","host","historic-rural-churches.opentour.site","30","tour_sets","attributes",{"_997":74,"_1002":10,"_1021":1022,"_1023":1024,"_998":999,"_1025":1026},"relationships",{"_1017":1018},"admins",{"_1019":1020},"data",[],"published_tours",[1043],"mapable_tours",[1036],"logo",{"_997":1025,"_1027":1028},"record",{"_35":993,"_997":74,"_1029":1030,"_1031":1032,"_1002":10,"_1033":-5,"_995":-5,"_1001":-5,"_996":-5,"_1034":-5,"_1035":-5,"_29":994,"_1000":603},"created_at","2020-11-11T17:06:49.438Z","updated_at","2026-11-09T15:06:25.825Z","tour_id","base_sixty_four","logo_title",{"_75":1037,"_66":1038,"_1039":1040},"Savannah Coastal Tour","savannah-coastal-tour","center",{"_99":1041,"_101":1042},31.644298434480362,-81.42805254901637,{"_75":1037,"_66":1038,"_1044":1045},"location",{"_99":1041,"_101":1042}]