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Explore the rich history of Georgia's coastal region by visiting some of the most beautiful and earliest churches in the state. The oldest church on this itinerary is Midway Congregational, built in 1792, while the newest is Good Shepherd Episcopal, which will reach 100 years in 2028. Starting in Savannah and ending near Brunswick, this trip meanders down the coast through land that was once home to expansive rice plantations. With 15 churches from six different denominations along the way, you'll have no trouble finding stops that speak to your heart and love of history.

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With 15 churches from six different denominations along the way, you'll have no trouble finding stops that speak to your heart and love of history.","mode",{"_34":179,"_72":1241},"modes",[1236,1237,1238,1239],"open_geographies_endpoint","published","published_on","2026-09-28","read_duration","25 minutes reading","restrict_bounds","restrict_bounds_to_overlay","sanitized_description","splash",{"_72":368,"_132":-5,"_133":369},"slug","slugs",[1235,16],"stop_count",14,"stops",[83,84,85,86,87,88,89,90,91,92,93,94,95,96],"tenant_title","Historic Rural Churches","title","Savannah Coastal Tour","travel_duration","2 days 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Pennick Rd, Brunswick, GA 31525, USA","article_link","

The photo above shows Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, built in 1928, and the small parochial school next door, built in 1901. Both were founded by Deaconess Anna Alexander, consecrated in 1907 as the only African American deacon in the Episcopal denomination. Her headstone is seen in the foreground. Anna’s story is one of dedication and determination to serve her coastal community of Pennick, near St. Simons Island. In the early 1900s, the schoolhouse served as both church and school, as well as living quarters for Deaconess Alexander. While the school has long been closed, the church remains active.

Anna was born in 1865 to parents formerly enslaved on the Butler Island Plantation across the river from Darien. Her mother, Daphne, was of mixed race, the daughter of plantation manager Roswell King Jr., who later founded the town of Roswell, Georgia. Her father, James, was one of the few enslaved men allowed some education and served as personal assistant to plantation owner Pierce Butler. Daphne and James had eleven children, instilling in them a strong commitment to education and community service. Many were active at St. Cyprian Episcopal Church in Darien.

Anna, raised in the Episcopal Church, found public education in Glynn County lacking for African Americans. She began teaching at the parochial school at St. Cyprian’s, founded by her sister, Mary Alexander Mann. After the Civil War, such church-run schools were often the only source of education for Black children in the region. In 1894, Anna established the Episcopal mission of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pennick.

The school is one of the few surviving African American church-sponsored school buildings in Georgia. After emancipation, many freedpeople sought education as a path to a better future, often starting with one-room schools like this. A second room was later added, and the building served as a church, school, and residence for Anna. In 1998, Anna Alexander was named a Saint of Georgia by the Diocese of Georgia. Her work profoundly shaped the Pennick community and its educational opportunities. In 2022, the Good Shepherd School was listed among the Georgia Trust’s Places in Peril, ensuring its history will continue to be shared for generations.

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","icon_color","#28763c",89,"lat",31.321084144865942,"lng",-81.55935784912108,[136,137,138,139,140,141],"","orphaned","parking_lat","parking_lng","The photo above shows Good Shepherd Episcopal Church, built in 1928, and the small parochial school next door, built in 1901. Both were founded by Deaconess Anna Alexander, consecrated in 1907 as the only African American deacon in the Episcopal denomination. Her headstone is seen in the foreground. Anna’s story is one of dedication and determination to serve her coastal community of Pennick, near St. Simons Island. In the early 1900s, the schoolhouse served as both church and school, as well as living quarters for Deaconess Alexander. While the school has long been closed, the church remains active. Anna was born in 1865 to parents formerly enslaved on the Butler Island Plantation across the river from Darien. Her mother, Daphne, was of mixed race, the daughter of plantation manager Roswell King Jr., who later founded the town of Roswell, Georgia. Her father, James, was one of the few enslaved men allowed some education and served as personal assistant to plantation owner Pierce Butler. Daphne and James had eleven children, instilling in them a strong commitment to education and community service. Many were active at St. Cyprian Episcopal Church in Darien. Anna, raised in the Episcopal Church, found public education in Glynn County lacking for African Americans. She began teaching at the parochial school at St. Cyprian’s, founded by her sister, Mary Alexander Mann. After the Civil War, such church-run schools were often the only source of education for Black children in the region. In 1894, Anna established the Episcopal mission of the Church of the Good Shepherd in Pennick. The school is one of the few surviving African American church-sponsored school buildings in Georgia. After emancipation, many freedpeople sought education as a path to a better future, often starting with one-room schools like this. A second room was later added, and the building served as a church, school, and residence for Anna. In 1998, Anna Alexander was named a Saint of Georgia by the Diocese of Georgia. Her work profoundly shaped the Pennick community and its educational opportunities. In 2022, the Good Shepherd School was listed among the Georgia Trust’s Places in Peril, ensuring its history will continue to be shared for generations.","good-shepherd-episcopal",[135,123],{"_72":131,"_132":-5,"_133":134},"Good Shepherd Episcopal","stop","video_embed","video_poster",[],"Glynn-Good-Shepherd-Episcopal-65 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Baptist Church and School",{"_34":112,"_63":123,"_72":126},13,{"_34":67,"_63":18,"_72":354},120,"5141 Hwy 17, Brunswick, GA 31525, USA","Needwood Baptist Church, originally named Broadfield, was organized in 1866 shortly after the end of the Civil War, and became part of the Zion Baptist Association which had formed in 1865. The church was organized by former slaves of the Broadfield and Needwood Plantations located nearby. The church was originally located on land belonging to the Hofwyl – Broadfield plantation, now a state owned historical site located one mile away. The church continued at this site until it was moved to the present location sometime in the 1880’s and the name changed from Broadfield to Needwood. It is believed that the original structure was built in the 1870’s, according to the National Register, and the towers were added sometime later in the mid 1880’s. \n\nArchitecturally, the church is representative of many African American places of worship constructed in the decades following the Civil War—simple and lacking in ornate ornamentation. On the inside, wooden “tongue and groove” boards compose the walls and the ceiling, and plywood covers the original wood floors. The pews are original. The frame itself was constructed in the “modified post and beam/balloon” style, which was popular in the 1870s. Believed to have been cast in 1884 in Baltimore, the bell in one of the towers is perhaps the most iconic and significant treasure in the church.\n\nOn the same plot of land as the church lies a one-room schoolhouse, believed to have been constructed prior to 1907. Very few of these one room schools built to serve rural African American children survive today. The school was originally not part of the Needwood church, but the church acquired the school property in 1954, after the school was closed. Prior to integration, many schools like these were the only access that some rural African Americans had to education. Up until the mid 1950’s, black children were not allowed to ride on county school buses. The only support from the county was the teacher’s salary. When the Needwood School students graduated from the sixth grade, they attended Risley Elementary in Brunswick but they had to use commuter tickets each day on the Greyhound bus to get there. Many of the Needwood church members recall relatives attending the little school, which was so important to the community.\n\nThe Needwood Church and School was placed on the National Register in 1998. You can access the document here. It is a tribute to the congregants and the original families who have kept the facilities in decent repair. However, the familiar story of declining congregations and limited funds are taking their toll. Needwood is arguably one of the most historical examples of the post Civil War African American experience in rural Georgia. She is a treasure that must be preserved so that these stories can be told properly for generations to come.",31.282060212506767,-81.44065289154052,[235,236,237,238,239,240,241,242,243,244],"Needwood Baptist Church, originally named Broadfield, was organized in 1866 shortly after the end of the Civil War, and became part of the Zion Baptist Association which had formed in 1865. The church was organized by former slaves of the Broadfield and Needwood Plantations located nearby. The church was originally located on land belonging to the Hofwyl – Broadfield plantation, now a state owned historical site located one mile away. The church continued at this site until it was moved to the present location sometime in the 1880’s and the name changed from Broadfield to Needwood. It is believed that the original structure was built in the 1870’s, according to the National Register, and the towers were added sometime later in the mid 1880’s. \n\nArchitecturally, the church is representative of many African American places of worship constructed in the decades following the Civil War—simple and lacking in ornate ornamentation. On the inside, wooden “tongue and groove” boards compose the walls and the ceiling, and plywood covers the original wood floors. The pews are original. The frame itself was constructed in the “modified post and beam/balloon” style, which was popular in the 1870s. Believed to have been cast in 1884 in Baltimore, the bell in one of the towers is perhaps the most iconic and significant treasure in the church.\n\nOn the same plot of land as the church lies a one-room schoolhouse, believed to have been constructed prior to 1907. Very few of these one room schools built to serve rural African American children survive today. The school was originally not part of the Needwood church, but the church acquired the school property in 1954, after the school was closed. Prior to integration, many schools like these were the only access that some rural African Americans had to education. Up until the mid 1950’s, black children were not allowed to ride on county school buses. The only support from the county was the teacher’s salary. When the Needwood School students graduated from the sixth grade, they attended Risley Elementary in Brunswick but they had to use commuter tickets each day on the Greyhound bus to get there. Many of the Needwood church members recall relatives attending the little school, which was so important to the community.\n\nThe Needwood Church and School was placed on the National Register in 1998. You can access the document here. It is a tribute to the congregants and the original families who have kept the facilities in decent repair. However, the familiar story of declining congregations and limited funds are taking their toll. Needwood is arguably one of the most historical examples of the post Civil War African American experience in rural Georgia. She is a treasure that must be preserved so that these stories can be told properly for generations to come.",[234,216],{"_72":231,"_132":232,"_133":233},[],"Needwood Baptist Church ","In this full frontal photo, we see a handsome twin towered, single gabled structure that has hints of a Norman pedigree. The sanctuary dates from the 1870’s and the towers were added c. 1885. Needwood is designed in a style that was quite common among rural black churches constructed during the last quarter of the 19th century and into the early 20th century. Since most of these structures were built in separated, rural areas, without advantage of having an architect, by freed slaves using local materials, how did this style continually show up across the entire state? One guess of ours is that these recently emancipated slaves were able to pass… by word of mouth… a description of striking, double towered churches they had seen that were more grand than the usual rectangular, single gabled churches found in Georgia at that time. This mighty fortress could have had particular appeal to its newly freed constituency. No matter how this design became popular, these monuments to the founding period of black church organizations in Georgia should be documented and where possible preserved for future generations to enjoy.","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qhqv0fsvk39fy4rc48dmmvw8xolj?variant=desktop","new-stop-1719422735823",{"_101":346,"_98":24,"_132":232,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":347,"_149":348,"_34":349,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":231,"_157":-5},{"_101":336,"_98":199,"_132":337,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":338,"_149":339,"_34":340,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":298,"_157":-5},{"_101":326,"_98":189,"_132":327,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":328,"_149":329,"_34":330,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":298,"_157":-5},{"_101":315,"_98":179,"_132":316,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":317,"_149":318,"_34":319,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":320,"_157":-5},{"_101":304,"_98":169,"_132":305,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":306,"_149":307,"_34":308,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":309,"_157":-5},{"_101":293,"_98":143,"_132":294,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":295,"_149":296,"_34":297,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":298,"_157":-5},{"_101":282,"_98":283,"_132":284,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":285,"_149":286,"_34":287,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":264,"_157":-5},{"_101":270,"_98":271,"_132":272,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":273,"_149":274,"_34":275,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":276,"_157":-5},{"_101":255,"_98":256,"_132":257,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":259,"_149":260,"_34":261,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":264,"_157":-5},{"_101":245,"_98":246,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":247,"_149":248,"_34":249,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":247,"_157":-5},399,10,"Glynn-Needwood-ext (2).jpeg",{"_158":250,"_160":251,"_162":252,"_164":253,"_166":254},449,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cznir8ye77hqfoyhljon5fb8t2s3","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cznir8ye77hqfoyhljon5fb8t2s3?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cznir8ye77hqfoyhljon5fb8t2s3?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cznir8ye77hqfoyhljon5fb8t2s3?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cznir8ye77hqfoyhljon5fb8t2s3?variant=lqip",398,9,"Its interior sheltered from the elements by its wooden shutters, masonry tile siding and tin roof, the old schoolhouse still remains standing. We would hope that the congregation will be able to restore this monument to black educational perseverance as well as the historic Needwood Sanctuary… both are worthy.",750,"Glynn-Needwood-00294_HDRSmallWEB_preview-1.jpeg",{"_158":265,"_160":266,"_162":267,"_164":268,"_166":269},448,300,400,"Needwood Baptist Schoolhouse ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/bcsqflefbax98ekr2v4dqq2a35ms","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/bcsqflefbax98ekr2v4dqq2a35ms?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/bcsqflefbax98ekr2v4dqq2a35ms?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/bcsqflefbax98ekr2v4dqq2a35ms?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/bcsqflefbax98ekr2v4dqq2a35ms?variant=lqip",397,8,"The interior of the school building is in disarray as evidenced by this interior photo. Clues to its “school house” past are the blackboard, some old desks and other items used in a teaching environment.","Glynn-Needwood-00266_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":277,"_160":278,"_162":279,"_164":280,"_166":281},447,"Needwood Baptist Schoolhouse Interior ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fi73g0qpl8xq85wdq77xtssne10k","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fi73g0qpl8xq85wdq77xtssne10k?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fi73g0qpl8xq85wdq77xtssne10k?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fi73g0qpl8xq85wdq77xtssne10k?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fi73g0qpl8xq85wdq77xtssne10k?variant=lqip",396,7,"The Trust application stated that, “The other building on the property is a one-room, frame, pre-1907 schoolhouse later used as a church fellowship hall.” Above we see a photo of that structure. Unlike the church which is clad by “novelty siding”, the school has masonry tile siding due to its later construction. The building has been poorly maintained and is a bit worse for the wear. Still, with its school in any condition, this building is significant and worthy of preservation as is the Needwood sanctuary is. Needwood School and its building needs to be equally recognized. This one-room structure was used from the early 20th century until the 1960’s as an elementary school for black children. From the Trust application, ”The length of its occupancy reflects the church’s role in emphasizing education and supporting it while the building itself reflects the inequality of education for black children, since it was in use for decades after the white schools were consolidated. The school closed when the civil rights movement brought better educational opportunities for black children and the students started going to school in Brunswick. It is very rare in Georgia to have a surviving one-room school building in any form, but especially at its original location.”","Glynn-Needwood-00280_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":288,"_160":289,"_162":290,"_164":291,"_166":292},446,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7c6fot8a93at00car5jvxdntydwm","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7c6fot8a93at00car5jvxdntydwm?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7c6fot8a93at00car5jvxdntydwm?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7c6fot8a93at00car5jvxdntydwm?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7c6fot8a93at00car5jvxdntydwm?variant=lqip",395,"This view from the rear of the church reflects the good news and the bad. On the “good” side, clearly, the church is in stable enough condition to be restored and preserved. On the bad side, the leaking roof and other problems, if not soon addressed, will lead to the rapid demise of this historically, culturally and architecturally import landmark. The Needwood congregation has dwindled to a small group making general maintenance difficult to stay on top of. Critical preventive maintenance issues are presently impossible to address financially. We hope they succeed in their efforts to rally the support of those who revere Needwood and save this old church.","Glynn-Needwood-00364_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":299,"_160":300,"_162":301,"_164":302,"_166":303},445,"Needwood Baptist Church Interior ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g1k8ohpf6mio8ivzn86hvsxpyja9","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g1k8ohpf6mio8ivzn86hvsxpyja9?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g1k8ohpf6mio8ivzn86hvsxpyja9?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g1k8ohpf6mio8ivzn86hvsxpyja9?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g1k8ohpf6mio8ivzn86hvsxpyja9?variant=lqip",394,"Here we have a view of the entire sanctuary from the left of the chancel. Almost all we see is original. The National Trust documentation describes the interior as, “wood-tongue-and-groove board, both ceilings and walls. The floor is plywood which is said to cover the original wood planking. The wall boards are mounted horizontally, except for a wainscot of vertical boarding approximately three feet high. Lumber used in the construction is a mixture of hand-hewn timbers and milled material. The ceiling joists which span the width of the structure are hand-hewn timbers while the rafters are mill-sawn lumber. Cut nails are used throughout the structure.” The authenticity of this church building is reason enough to justify its preservation for future generations.","Glynn-Needwood-00399_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":310,"_160":311,"_162":312,"_164":313,"_166":314},444,"Needwood Baptist Church Sanctuary ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/719pq2eizmbc0ylvxzu10zgucmw5","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/719pq2eizmbc0ylvxzu10zgucmw5?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/719pq2eizmbc0ylvxzu10zgucmw5?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/719pq2eizmbc0ylvxzu10zgucmw5?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/719pq2eizmbc0ylvxzu10zgucmw5?variant=lqip",393,"This close up of the chancel reveals the water damage that is threatening Needwood. Above the piano at the cased opening, clear signs of roof leaks are seen. Water damage is also evident around the ceiling globe light. On the other hand, the neat and attractive chancel area provides evidence of the congregation’s attempts to maintain their church as best they can.","Glynn-Needwood-00385_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":321,"_160":322,"_162":323,"_164":324,"_166":325},443,"Needwood Baptist Church Chancel ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/b4vqdgw4b9hvw394umdz017oussi","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/b4vqdgw4b9hvw394umdz017oussi?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/b4vqdgw4b9hvw394umdz017oussi?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/b4vqdgw4b9hvw394umdz017oussi?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/b4vqdgw4b9hvw394umdz017oussi?variant=lqip",392,"Needwood’s interior, though showing wear commensurate with its nearly 150 years of age, remains in fair to good condition. According to the National Trust application, remarkably, the church contains many old furnishings and artifacts. The sanctuary contains the old pastor’s chair, pulpit, table, old baptism set, chalice and an old spittoon. Above we also see approximately 30, dark pine pews which are said to be the originals. That claim is supported by the fact that they show evidence of hand-sawn kerf marks and “whittle” marks on the side brackets.","Glynn-Needwood-00462_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":331,"_160":332,"_162":333,"_164":334,"_166":335},442,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hukgvaii02v0ca48e2khl7hldmyn","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hukgvaii02v0ca48e2khl7hldmyn?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hukgvaii02v0ca48e2khl7hldmyn?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hukgvaii02v0ca48e2khl7hldmyn?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hukgvaii02v0ca48e2khl7hldmyn?variant=lqip",391,"Here we are looking toward the chancel from the right rear section of the large, Needwood sanctuary. Remarkably, the interior view today is very much like what it would have been when this church was first constructed. Once again, without architectural plans, the interior architecture is similar to the more grand churches that were being built in rural Georgia in this period. The suspended truss design allows the ceiling to be raised creating a cathedral-like atmosphere. Behind an attractive, cased opening, the chancel, pulpit and back-lit apse rest beneath another raised ceiling. Painted white throughout, this sanctuary presents as a bright, warm and welcoming meeting house.","Glynn-Needwood-00357_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":341,"_160":342,"_162":343,"_164":344,"_166":345},441,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mf73t7k10v6uh475rm4vya05hsun","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mf73t7k10v6uh475rm4vya05hsun?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mf73t7k10v6uh475rm4vya05hsun?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mf73t7k10v6uh475rm4vya05hsun?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mf73t7k10v6uh475rm4vya05hsun?variant=lqip",390,"Glynn-Needwood-00280-2_HDRSmallWEB_preview.jpeg",{"_158":350,"_160":351,"_162":352,"_164":233,"_166":353},440,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qhqv0fsvk39fy4rc48dmmvw8xolj","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qhqv0fsvk39fy4rc48dmmvw8xolj?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qhqv0fsvk39fy4rc48dmmvw8xolj?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qhqv0fsvk39fy4rc48dmmvw8xolj?variant=lqip","St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church",{"_34":215,"_63":216,"_72":217},12,{"_34":381,"_63":437,"_72":438},118,"401 Fort King George Dr, Darien, GA 31305","

St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, dedicated in 1876, is one of Georgia's rare Episcopal congregations founded specifically for African Americans—and one of the most beautiful. Its story is deeply entwined with the fascinating history of Darien, a town whose origins stretch back to 1736 when Scottish Highlanders arrived on the Altamaha River to defend the southern frontier of the Georgia colony. These \"warrior farmers,\" brought by Oglethorpe, named their settlement for the ill-fated Scottish colony of Darien in Panama. Today, with a population under 2,000, Darien remains Georgia's second-oldest town outside Savannah and is home to five remarkably historic churches.

The Episcopal presence in Darien began in the 1840s with St. Andrews, which ministered to both whites and enslaved people. By the eve of the Civil War, records show 37 white and 54 Black communicants. That promising growth was destroyed in 1863 when Union troops, led by Col. James Montgomery and the young Col. Robert Gould Shaw, later memorialized in the film Glory, looted and burned Darien to the ground, erasing much of the town's antebellum history.

In the war's aftermath, a new beginning came from the Butler Plantation across the river. In 1873, Rev. Dr. Leigh, who had married into the Butler family, secured plans for a church to serve Darien's African American community. Built by freedmen from Butler Island and Darien, the sanctuary was completed in 1876 and named St. Cyprian's, honoring the martyred African bishop. One of its most remarkable features is its construction of tabby concrete, a material made from lime, water, and oyster shells widely used in the 18th and early 19th centuries. St. Cyprian's is believed to be one of the largest surviving tabby structures in Georgia still in use today. Both a cultural treasure and a sacred place of worship, St. Cyprian's stands as a rare testament to resilience and faith in the African American Episcopal tradition. To step inside is to touch a piece of Georgia's coastal history—one worth honoring and preserving for generations to come.

",31.3667087,-81.4321476,[371,372,373,374,375,376],"St. Cyprian's Episcopal Church, dedicated in 1876, is one of Georgia's rare Episcopal congregations founded specifically for African Americans—and one of the most beautiful. Its story is deeply entwined with the fascinating history of Darien, a town whose origins stretch back to 1736 when Scottish Highlanders arrived on the Altamaha River to defend the southern frontier of the Georgia colony. These \"warrior farmers,\" brought by Oglethorpe, named their settlement for the ill-fated Scottish colony of Darien in Panama. Today, with a population under 2,000, Darien remains Georgia's second-oldest town outside Savannah and is home to five remarkably historic churches. The Episcopal presence in Darien began in the 1840s with St. Andrews, which ministered to both whites and enslaved people. By the eve of the Civil War, records show 37 white and 54 Black communicants. That promising growth was destroyed in 1863 when Union troops, led by Col. James Montgomery and the young Col. Robert Gould Shaw, later memorialized in the film Glory, looted and burned Darien to the ground, erasing much of the town's antebellum history. In the war's aftermath, a new beginning came from the Butler Plantation across the river. In 1873, Rev. Dr. Leigh, who had married into the Butler family, secured plans for a church to serve Darien's African American community. Built by freedmen from Butler Island and Darien, the sanctuary was completed in 1876 and named St. Cyprian's, honoring the martyred African bishop. One of its most remarkable features is its construction of tabby concrete, a material made from lime, water, and oyster shells widely used in the 18th and early 19th centuries. St. Cyprian's is believed to be one of the largest surviving tabby structures in Georgia still in use today. Both a cultural treasure and a sacred place of worship, St. Cyprian's stands as a rare testament to resilience and faith in the African American Episcopal tradition. To step inside is to touch a piece of Georgia's coastal history—one worth honoring and preserving for generations to come.",[370,18],{"_72":368,"_132":-5,"_133":369},[],"St. Cyprian's Episcopal","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/kaxgg9qqybzbmmcucumcm22v9fnm?variant=desktop","untitled",{"_101":428,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":429,"_149":430,"_34":431,"_152":432,"_153":262,"_154":429,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":368,"_157":-5},{"_101":418,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":419,"_149":420,"_34":421,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":419,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":422,"_157":-5},{"_101":409,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":410,"_149":411,"_34":112,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":410,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":412,"_157":-5},{"_101":399,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":400,"_149":401,"_34":402,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":400,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":403,"_157":-5},{"_101":389,"_98":169,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":390,"_149":391,"_34":392,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":390,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":393,"_157":-5},{"_101":377,"_98":143,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":379,"_149":380,"_34":381,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":379,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":383,"_157":-5},77,1500,"16218826714.jpeg",{"_158":384,"_160":385,"_162":386,"_164":387,"_166":388},92,"keiner","StCyprian-side.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hhr8sfzm1rcqfnmga1fstm9y1c2u","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hhr8sfzm1rcqfnmga1fstm9y1c2u?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hhr8sfzm1rcqfnmga1fstm9y1c2u?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hhr8sfzm1rcqfnmga1fstm9y1c2u?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hhr8sfzm1rcqfnmga1fstm9y1c2u?variant=lqip",76,"16218826664.jpeg",{"_158":394,"_160":395,"_162":396,"_164":397,"_166":398},91,"StCyprian-pulpit.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/3eecw7hoo7kthr38bbv02r5tw118","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/3eecw7hoo7kthr38bbv02r5tw118?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/3eecw7hoo7kthr38bbv02r5tw118?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/3eecw7hoo7kthr38bbv02r5tw118?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/3eecw7hoo7kthr38bbv02r5tw118?variant=lqip",75,"16218826616.jpeg",{"_158":404,"_160":405,"_162":406,"_164":407,"_166":408},90,"StCyprian-interior.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/szj22s37wj6un11ge8ubl5798226","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/szj22s37wj6un11ge8ubl5798226?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/szj22s37wj6un11ge8ubl5798226?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/szj22s37wj6un11ge8ubl5798226?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/szj22s37wj6un11ge8ubl5798226?variant=lqip",74,"16218826568.jpeg",{"_158":413,"_160":414,"_162":415,"_164":416,"_166":417},"StCyprian-front.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/l0v8svf99kppqu2u5pu660lsttl9","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/l0v8svf99kppqu2u5pu660lsttl9?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/l0v8svf99kppqu2u5pu660lsttl9?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/l0v8svf99kppqu2u5pu660lsttl9?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/l0v8svf99kppqu2u5pu660lsttl9?variant=lqip",73,"16218826520.jpeg",{"_158":423,"_160":424,"_162":425,"_164":426,"_166":427},88,"StCyprian-ext-front.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7idelu1atzziq5ga3n4zuggkrnqi","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7idelu1atzziq5ga3n4zuggkrnqi?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7idelu1atzziq5ga3n4zuggkrnqi?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7idelu1atzziq5ga3n4zuggkrnqi?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/7idelu1atzziq5ga3n4zuggkrnqi?variant=lqip",72,"16218826467.jpeg",{"_158":433,"_160":434,"_162":435,"_164":369,"_166":436},87,50,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/kaxgg9qqybzbmmcucumcm22v9fnm","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/kaxgg9qqybzbmmcucumcm22v9fnm?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/kaxgg9qqybzbmmcucumcm22v9fnm?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/kaxgg9qqybzbmmcucumcm22v9fnm?variant=lqip","st-andrews-episcopal","St. Andrews Episcopal",{"_34":67,"_63":18,"_72":354},11,{"_34":35,"_63":493,"_72":494},117,"Vernon Square, Darien, GA 31305, USA","

St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, dedicated\nin 1879, is one of the most striking\nexamples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in Georgia. Its story, like that\nof Darien itself, is steeped in resilience\nand rebirth.

Darien was founded in 1736 by Scottish\nHighlanders brought over by Oglethorpe\nto defend the southern frontier. Fiercely\nPresbyterian, the Highlanders held to\ntheir faith for nearly a century before\nother denominations gained a foothold.\nThe Baptists organized in 1834, the\nMethodists in 1836, and the Episcopalians\nin 1841. The church was first organized as\nSt. Peter’s in 1841, renamed St. Andrew’s\nin 1842, and completed its first wooden\nsanctuary in 1844. That early building\nstood only a short distance from today’s\nchurch.

Darien’s fortunes, however, declined in\nthe mid-19th century. Railroads bypassed\nthe port, the powerful Darien Bank failed,\nand during the Civil War the town met\nnear-total destruction. On June 11, 1863,\nUnion troops looted and burned Darien\nto the ground. Only the Methodist church\nsurvived.\nThe beautiful sanctuary you see today rose from the ashes in 1879. The vision\ncame from timber merchant James K.\nClarke and the Rev. James W. Leigh, an\nEnglish clergyman who had married\nFrances Butler, daughter of plantation\nowner Pierce Butler. Rev. Leigh secured\nplans from an English architect who\nmodeled the design on a 14th-century\nGothic stone church near Manchester,\nEngland. Built on the site of the old\nDarien Bank, the new church drew from\nlocal timber floated down the Altamaha.

The result is a masterpiece of Carpenter\nGothic style, with steep-pitched roofs,\npointed-arch windows, and intricate\nwoodwork. The interior, inspired by\nmedieval stone churches, carries a more\naustere tone, with vaulted ceilings and a\nsense of quiet grandeur.\nSt. Andrew’s stands today as a jewel of\nMcIntosh County and a symbol of\nDarien’s rebirth after devastation. Thanks\nto generations of faithful stewardship,\nthis architectural treasure continues to\ntell the story of resilience, faith, and\nartistry along Georgia’s coast.

",31.3681635,-81.43223019999999,[455,456,457,458],"St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, dedicated\nin 1879, is one of the most striking\nexamples of Carpenter Gothic architecture in Georgia. Its story, like that\nof Darien itself, is steeped in resilience\nand rebirth. Darien was founded in 1736 by Scottish\nHighlanders brought over by Oglethorpe\nto defend the southern frontier. Fiercely\nPresbyterian, the Highlanders held to\ntheir faith for nearly a century before\nother denominations gained a foothold.\nThe Baptists organized in 1834, the\nMethodists in 1836, and the Episcopalians\nin 1841. The church was first organized as\nSt. Peter’s in 1841, renamed St. Andrew’s\nin 1842, and completed its first wooden\nsanctuary in 1844. That early building\nstood only a short distance from today’s\nchurch. Darien’s fortunes, however, declined in\nthe mid-19th century. Railroads bypassed\nthe port, the powerful Darien Bank failed,\nand during the Civil War the town met\nnear-total destruction. On June 11, 1863,\nUnion troops looted and burned Darien\nto the ground. Only the Methodist church\nsurvived.\nThe beautiful sanctuary you see today rose from the ashes in 1879. The vision\ncame from timber merchant James K.\nClarke and the Rev. James W. Leigh, an\nEnglish clergyman who had married\nFrances Butler, daughter of plantation\nowner Pierce Butler. Rev. Leigh secured\nplans from an English architect who\nmodeled the design on a 14th-century\nGothic stone church near Manchester,\nEngland. Built on the site of the old\nDarien Bank, the new church drew from\nlocal timber floated down the Altamaha. The result is a masterpiece of Carpenter\nGothic style, with steep-pitched roofs,\npointed-arch windows, and intricate\nwoodwork. The interior, inspired by\nmedieval stone churches, carries a more\naustere tone, with vaulted ceilings and a\nsense of quiet grandeur.\nSt. Andrew’s stands today as a jewel of\nMcIntosh County and a symbol of\nDarien’s rebirth after devastation. Thanks\nto generations of faithful stewardship,\nthis architectural treasure continues to\ntell the story of resilience, faith, and\nartistry along Georgia’s coast.",[454,437],{"_72":452,"_132":-5,"_133":453},[],"StAndrews-exterior-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled (1).jpg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fn692tlpsd89cmcge1aogjhgmdrms?variant=desktop","new-stop-1788894769883",{"_101":486,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":452,"_149":487,"_34":488,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":452,"_157":-5},{"_101":477,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":478,"_149":479,"_34":480,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":478,"_157":-5},{"_101":468,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":469,"_149":470,"_34":471,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":469,"_157":-5},{"_101":459,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":460,"_149":461,"_34":462,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":460,"_157":-5},427,"StAndrews-front-to-back.jpg",{"_158":463,"_160":464,"_162":465,"_164":466,"_166":467},477,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhgnmyg9m31svioi5sybul2qcdk0u","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhgnmyg9m31svioi5sybul2qcdk0u?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhgnmyg9m31svioi5sybul2qcdk0u?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhgnmyg9m31svioi5sybul2qcdk0u?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhgnmyg9m31svioi5sybul2qcdk0u?variant=lqip",426,"StAndrews-podium.jpg",{"_158":472,"_160":473,"_162":474,"_164":475,"_166":476},476,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhr0do11qx6zw2dtzp6n9cwk1uaqv","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhr0do11qx6zw2dtzp6n9cwk1uaqv?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhr0do11qx6zw2dtzp6n9cwk1uaqv?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhr0do11qx6zw2dtzp6n9cwk1uaqv?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fhr0do11qx6zw2dtzp6n9cwk1uaqv?variant=lqip",425,"StAndrews-chancel.jpg",{"_158":481,"_160":482,"_162":483,"_164":484,"_166":485},475,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fb1cksl4mau0j3h03973e0iggegei","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fb1cksl4mau0j3h03973e0iggegei?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fb1cksl4mau0j3h03973e0iggegei?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fb1cksl4mau0j3h03973e0iggegei?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fb1cksl4mau0j3h03973e0iggegei?variant=lqip",424,{"_158":489,"_160":490,"_162":491,"_164":453,"_166":492},474,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fn692tlpsd89cmcge1aogjhgmdrms","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fn692tlpsd89cmcge1aogjhgmdrms?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fn692tlpsd89cmcge1aogjhgmdrms?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fn692tlpsd89cmcge1aogjhgmdrms?variant=lqip","first-presbyterian-church-of-darien","First Presbyterian Church of Darien",{"_34":381,"_63":437,"_72":438},{"_34":561,"_63":562,"_72":563},116,"506 Clarke St, Darien, GA 31305","

The First Presbyterian Church is the oldest of the five historic churches of Darien, having been organized in 1809. There is some question about the exact location of the original church but it is known that it disbanded in 1862 as a result of the Civil War. Until that time, the church was thriving as a bi-racial church that reported 50 members in 1858, 15 of whom were black. By the middle of 1861 the church records showed a total membership of 120, of whom 61 were black.

Alas, the dark days descended on Darien in early 1862 as the last service was recorded on March 9, 1862. Union gunboats were in total control of the waters around Darien and would frequently shell the town, causing the congregation to disburse and flee further inland. In June of 1863, ‘Darien was invaded, looted, and burned to the ground on June 11, 1863 by Union troops. The church was burned to the ground and there was no Presbyterian presence in Darien for years.

However, in 1874 a meeting was held and the decision was made to build a new church. The new church, on the same site as the present one, was completed in 1876 at a cost of $4,100. But misfortune would soon visit Darien and the church again, in the form of a severe hurricane in 1898. The hurricane was bad enough, but then another disaster struck in 1899 when the church caught fire and was totally destroyed. Dark days indeed, but the Presbyterians of Darien are resilient and soon a new structure, the present one, was built on the same site in 1900. The beautiful sanctuary you see above, built of ‘concrete tabby’ is the result.

",31.3730813,-81.4362893,[509,510,511,512,513],"The First Presbyterian Church is the oldest of the five historic churches of Darien, having been organized in 1809. There is some question about the exact location of the original church but it is known that it disbanded in 1862 as a result of the Civil War. Until that time, the church was thriving as a bi-racial church that reported 50 members in 1858, 15 of whom were black. By the middle of 1861 the church records showed a total membership of 120, of whom 61 were black. Alas, the dark days descended on Darien in early 1862 as the last service was recorded on March 9, 1862. Union gunboats were in total control of the waters around Darien and would frequently shell the town, causing the congregation to disburse and flee further inland. In June of 1863, ‘Darien was invaded, looted, and burned to the ground on June 11, 1863 by Union troops. The church was burned to the ground and there was no Presbyterian presence in Darien for years. However, in 1874 a meeting was held and the decision was made to build a new church. The new church, on the same site as the present one, was completed in 1876 at a cost of $4,100. But misfortune would soon visit Darien and the church again, in the form of a severe hurricane in 1898. The hurricane was bad enough, but then another disaster struck in 1899 when the church caught fire and was totally destroyed. Dark days indeed, but the Presbyterians of Darien are resilient and soon a new structure, the present one, was built on the same site in 1900. The beautiful sanctuary you see above, built of ‘concrete tabby’ is the result.",[370,493],{"_72":507,"_132":-5,"_133":508},[],"Darien Presbyterian","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qxjthzysd3425bg0psk74f6vafq0?variant=desktop",{"_101":215,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":554,"_149":555,"_34":556,"_152":432,"_153":262,"_154":554,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":507,"_157":-5},{"_101":544,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":545,"_149":546,"_34":547,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":545,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":548,"_157":-5},{"_101":431,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":535,"_149":536,"_34":537,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":535,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":538,"_157":-5},{"_101":421,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":523,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":524,"_149":525,"_34":526,"_152":-5,"_153":527,"_154":524,"_155":382,"_156":528,"_72":529,"_157":-5},{"_101":112,"_98":169,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":514,"_149":515,"_34":516,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":514,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":517,"_157":-5},"16218830710.jpeg",{"_158":518,"_160":519,"_162":520,"_164":521,"_166":522},107,"DarienPresbyterian-pews-1024x690-1024x690.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/ryarwy3uf2ktkpwyw3tey2o1av6x","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/ryarwy3uf2ktkpwyw3tey2o1av6x?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/ryarwy3uf2ktkpwyw3tey2o1av6x?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/ryarwy3uf2ktkpwyw3tey2o1av6x?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/ryarwy3uf2ktkpwyw3tey2o1av6x?variant=lqip",1230,"16218830660.jpeg",{"_158":530,"_160":531,"_162":532,"_164":533,"_166":534},106,246,615,"DarienPresbyterian-bible-bW-840x1024-840x1024.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/aa2ulcw5cpwalw333jzezmlz6yi0","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/aa2ulcw5cpwalw333jzezmlz6yi0?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/aa2ulcw5cpwalw333jzezmlz6yi0?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/aa2ulcw5cpwalw333jzezmlz6yi0?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/aa2ulcw5cpwalw333jzezmlz6yi0?variant=lqip","16218830616.jpeg",{"_158":539,"_160":540,"_162":541,"_164":542,"_166":543},105,"DarienPresbyterian-back-to-front-2-1024x682-1024x682.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hu7wfofmaihqwa9v3fj5f74z7n6r","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hu7wfofmaihqwa9v3fj5f74z7n6r?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hu7wfofmaihqwa9v3fj5f74z7n6r?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hu7wfofmaihqwa9v3fj5f74z7n6r?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/hu7wfofmaihqwa9v3fj5f74z7n6r?variant=lqip",86,"16218830567.jpeg",{"_158":549,"_160":550,"_162":551,"_164":552,"_166":553},104,"DarienPresbyterian-alcove-1024x682-1024x682.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/rtexv1wyshga0wt3igzss69z0nsl","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/rtexv1wyshga0wt3igzss69z0nsl?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/rtexv1wyshga0wt3igzss69z0nsl?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/rtexv1wyshga0wt3igzss69z0nsl?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/rtexv1wyshga0wt3igzss69z0nsl?variant=lqip","16218830529.jpeg",{"_158":557,"_160":558,"_162":559,"_164":508,"_166":560},103,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qxjthzysd3425bg0psk74f6vafq0","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qxjthzysd3425bg0psk74f6vafq0?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qxjthzysd3425bg0psk74f6vafq0?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/qxjthzysd3425bg0psk74f6vafq0?variant=lqip",19,"wayfair-primitive-baptist-church","Wayfair Primitive Baptist Church",{"_34":35,"_63":493,"_72":494},{"_34":402,"_63":638,"_72":639},115,"31.489302, -81.575187","

Wayfair Primitive Baptist Church (not to be confused with Wayfare Primitive Baptist in Echols County) stands as the only known Crawfordite meetinghouse in McIntosh County. Tucked among longleaf pines and palmetto palms, it reflects the austere architectural tradition of the Wiregrass Primitive Baptists: plain, unpainted, rectangular buildings without steeples, porticoes, or decorative features of any kind. The congregation was organized in 1873 with sixteen members and disbanded in recent years. A small cemetery adjoins the church, with its oldest marked grave dating to 1927—though the remoteness of the area and the devastation after the Civil War suggest that older, unmarked burials may exist. Local lore even hints that hurricanes in the 1890s may have forced the relocation of the church, though that remains speculation.

The story of Wayfair cannot be told without understanding the Primitive Baptist tradition. Since their beginnings in Georgia, Baptist congregations organized themselves into associations. By the 1830s, a deep division emerged over missions, Sunday schools, and other innovations not explicitly mentioned in scripture. The “New School” or Missionary Baptists supported these efforts, while the “Old School” or Primitive Baptists rejected them, holding fast to the principle that worship and church life must remain simple and scripturally grounded.

An additional fracture came during Reconstruction, when the Georgia Homestead Act of 1866 allowed debt restructuring. Many Primitive Baptists opposed participation, but some— including the son of Elder Reuben Crawford—did. When Elder Richard Bennett condemned the practice, a bitter split formed in the Alabaha River Association. By 1871–72, the Crawford and Bennett factions had formed, and Wayfair Primitive Baptist, founded in 1873, aligned with the Crawfordites.

For the Crawfordites, simplicity was both theological and practical. They believed comfort and ornamentation distracted from worship, insisting that their meetinghouses reflect the unadorned creation of God. While other Primitive Baptist churches eventually added glass windows, paint, and conveniences, the Crawfordites maintained stark sanctuaries without embellishment. Today, only a handful of these austere meetinghouses survive, and Wayfair is among them. Unfortunately, little written history remains. Primitive Baptist churches kept minutes at the local level, and with no larger denominational hierarchy, records often vanished when a congregation disbanded. Still, the persistence of Wayfair into the late 20th century speaks to the strength of its founders’ convictions. Among the Crawfordite “articles of faith” was a commitment to baptism by immersion, communion, and even the washing of feet—rituals they believed must be perpetually observed. Wayfair Primitive Baptist Church, simple in its form but rich in its story, stands as a rare example of Crawfordite faith and practice in Georgia’s coastal wiregrass country.

",31.4913052,-81.5743167,[578,579,580,581,582,583],"Wayfair Primitive Baptist Church (not to be confused with Wayfare Primitive Baptist in Echols County) stands as the only known Crawfordite meetinghouse in McIntosh County. Tucked among longleaf pines and palmetto palms, it reflects the austere architectural tradition of the Wiregrass Primitive Baptists: plain, unpainted, rectangular buildings without steeples, porticoes, or decorative features of any kind. The congregation was organized in 1873 with sixteen members and disbanded in recent years. A small cemetery adjoins the church, with its oldest marked grave dating to 1927—though the remoteness of the area and the devastation after the Civil War suggest that older, unmarked burials may exist. Local lore even hints that hurricanes in the 1890s may have forced the relocation of the church, though that remains speculation. The story of Wayfair cannot be told without understanding the Primitive Baptist tradition. Since their beginnings in Georgia, Baptist congregations organized themselves into associations. By the 1830s, a deep division emerged over missions, Sunday schools, and other innovations not explicitly mentioned in scripture. The “New School” or Missionary Baptists supported these efforts, while the “Old School” or Primitive Baptists rejected them, holding fast to the principle that worship and church life must remain simple and scripturally grounded. An additional fracture came during Reconstruction, when the Georgia Homestead Act of 1866 allowed debt restructuring. Many Primitive Baptists opposed participation, but some— including the son of Elder Reuben Crawford—did. When Elder Richard Bennett condemned the practice, a bitter split formed in the Alabaha River Association. By 1871–72, the Crawford and Bennett factions had formed, and Wayfair Primitive Baptist, founded in 1873, aligned with the Crawfordites. For the Crawfordites, simplicity was both theological and practical. They believed comfort and ornamentation distracted from worship, insisting that their meetinghouses reflect the unadorned creation of God. While other Primitive Baptist churches eventually added glass windows, paint, and conveniences, the Crawfordites maintained stark sanctuaries without embellishment. Today, only a handful of these austere meetinghouses survive, and Wayfair is among them. Unfortunately, little written history remains. Primitive Baptist churches kept minutes at the local level, and with no larger denominational hierarchy, records often vanished when a congregation disbanded. Still, the persistence of Wayfair into the late 20th century speaks to the strength of its founders’ convictions. Among the Crawfordite “articles of faith” was a commitment to baptism by immersion, communion, and even the washing of feet—rituals they believed must be perpetually observed. Wayfair Primitive Baptist Church, simple in its form but rich in its story, stands as a rare example of Crawfordite faith and practice in Georgia’s coastal wiregrass country.",[370,562],{"_72":576,"_132":-5,"_133":577},[],"Wayfair Primitive 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Creek Baptist",{"_34":561,"_63":562,"_72":563},{"_34":694,"_63":695,"_72":696},114,"69 Jones Creek Church Loop, Ludowici, GA 31316, USA","

On April 22, 1810, Reverends John Goldwire and Moses Westberry constituted Jones Creek Baptist Church with thirteen members from Beard’s Creek Baptist. Reverend Westberry became the first pastor, serving faithfully for 35 years. In its earliest days, the congregation gathered under a brush arbor before erecting a log meetinghouse in 1817 on land given by William Walthour. By 1832, a larger frame building was added, complete with a shed for enslaved members.

The current sanctuary, completed in 1856, was designed by Hendley Foxworth Horne, a local craftsman whose home still stands nearby. Remarkably, the church has remained much the same since, though the former slave gallery has since been adapted for Sunday School rooms and now displays church memorabilia. Church minutes, carefully preserved, offer a vivid glimpse into 19th-century rural life. In 1822, one member admitted to striking another in anger, calling him “a damned raskel,” while in 1824, two members were expelled after disputes over lying and cheating. By contrast, William H. Parker, once embroiled in conflict, was later ordained as a minister

in 1844. Records also show more everyday matters, such as the 1856 decision to commission two dozen spit boxes for the sanctuary. The Civil War also left its mark. In 1861, so many members were serving in the Confederate Army that church business was postponed. By 1865, notes reflect the challenge of how to handle “colored members who went over to the enemy.” Two years later, the church established a separate burying ground for Black members. Jones Creek Baptist remains a remarkable link to Georgia’s early 19th-century frontier and to the complex, layered history of its people. Thanks to careful stewardship, this history is still here for us to learn from today.

","#29763c",31.7561687,-81.8117279,[656,657,658,659],"On April 22, 1810, Reverends John Goldwire and Moses Westberry constituted Jones Creek Baptist Church with thirteen members from Beard’s Creek Baptist. Reverend Westberry became the first pastor, serving faithfully for 35 years. In its earliest days, the congregation gathered under a brush arbor before erecting a log meetinghouse in 1817 on land given by William Walthour. By 1832, a larger frame building was added, complete with a shed for enslaved members. The current sanctuary, completed in 1856, was designed by Hendley Foxworth Horne, a local craftsman whose home still stands nearby. Remarkably, the church has remained much the same since, though the former slave gallery has since been adapted for Sunday School rooms and now displays church memorabilia. Church minutes, carefully preserved, offer a vivid glimpse into 19th-century rural life. In 1822, one member admitted to striking another in anger, calling him “a damned raskel,” while in 1824, two members were expelled after disputes over lying and cheating. By contrast, William H. Parker, once embroiled in conflict, was later ordained as a ministerin 1844. Records also show more everyday matters, such as the 1856 decision to commission two dozen spit boxes for the sanctuary. The Civil War also left its mark. In 1861, so many members were serving in the Confederate Army that church business was postponed. By 1865, notes reflect the challenge of how to handle “colored members who went over to the enemy.” Two years later, the church established a separate burying ground for Black members. Jones Creek Baptist remains a remarkable link to Georgia’s early 19th-century frontier and to the complex, layered history of its people. Thanks to careful stewardship, this history is still here for us to learn from today.",[655,638],{"_72":653,"_132":-5,"_133":654},[],"Jones-Creek-exterior-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled (2).jpg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fsl1ur24loxzwmmy5l7pdwu4qpl9x?variant=desktop","new-stop-1788894577081",{"_101":687,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":653,"_149":688,"_34":689,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":653,"_157":-5},{"_101":678,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":679,"_149":680,"_34":681,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":679,"_157":-5},{"_101":669,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":670,"_149":671,"_34":672,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":670,"_157":-5},{"_101":660,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":661,"_149":662,"_34":663,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":661,"_157":-5},421,"Jones-Creek-pews.jpg",{"_158":664,"_160":665,"_162":666,"_164":667,"_166":668},471,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjqgqzmbklwuvk4uztq0c0ixl6gv0","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjqgqzmbklwuvk4uztq0c0ixl6gv0?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjqgqzmbklwuvk4uztq0c0ixl6gv0?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjqgqzmbklwuvk4uztq0c0ixl6gv0?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjqgqzmbklwuvk4uztq0c0ixl6gv0?variant=lqip",420,"Jones-Creek-Bible (1).jpg",{"_158":673,"_160":674,"_162":675,"_164":676,"_166":677},470,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzxcfwrv7knvv6k0zz53044g8arof","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzxcfwrv7knvv6k0zz53044g8arof?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzxcfwrv7knvv6k0zz53044g8arof?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzxcfwrv7knvv6k0zz53044g8arof?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzxcfwrv7knvv6k0zz53044g8arof?variant=lqip",419,"Jones-Creek-pew-gallery.jpg",{"_158":682,"_160":683,"_162":684,"_164":685,"_166":686},469,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuevcd9r3ggs5bmgn50v22ul9hd2v","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuevcd9r3ggs5bmgn50v22ul9hd2v?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuevcd9r3ggs5bmgn50v22ul9hd2v?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuevcd9r3ggs5bmgn50v22ul9hd2v?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuevcd9r3ggs5bmgn50v22ul9hd2v?variant=lqip",418,{"_158":690,"_160":691,"_162":692,"_164":654,"_166":693},468,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fsl1ur24loxzwmmy5l7pdwu4qpl9x","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fsl1ur24loxzwmmy5l7pdwu4qpl9x?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fsl1ur24loxzwmmy5l7pdwu4qpl9x?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fsl1ur24loxzwmmy5l7pdwu4qpl9x?variant=lqip",93,"walthourville-presbyterian-church","Walthourville Presbyterian Church",{"_34":402,"_63":638,"_72":639},{"_34":431,"_63":760,"_72":761},113,"10893 Tibet Rd, Allenhurst, GA 31301, USA","

Walthourville Presbyterian is an architectural jewel, preserved almost exactly as it stood when it was built in 1884. The congregation’s story, however, reaches back much further. The first meetinghouse was established in 1820 to serve both Baptists and Presbyterians. A new sanctuary followed in 1845, but it was destroyed by fire in 1877. Rebuilt the next year, that structure was then lost to a storm in 1881. Undeterred, the congregation erected the current sanctuary in 1884 on land purchased from the Walthour estate. Walthourville was one of three “Retreat Churches” connected to Midway Congregational Church, founded in 1752.

These retreat sanctuaries were built inland, away from the mosquito-ridden swamps that plagued the low country. Flemington Presbyterian was the first, Walthourville the second, and Dorchester Presbyterian the third. In 1855, thirty-three members of Midway were dismissed to form a new congregation here. When asked whether they wished to remain Congregationalist or join the Presbyterian Church, twenty-two members voted for Presbyterian governance, and Walthourville was officially organized. By 1861, it had become the second-largest congregation in its presbytery and was known for its generous benevolence.

Church records also reveal the complex story of race and worship in the South. In the late 1850s, a small building was erected nearby for Black congregants, where women of the church led Sunday School classes. After the war, those members went on to establish their own churches. Today, the sanctuary remains a beautiful example of 19th-century craftsmanship and a vital link to Liberty County’s early history. Though inactive, it still hosts a homecoming reunion every October. For many years, James Davis and his family lovingly cared for the church, ensuring that this landmark continues to tell its story for generations to come.

",31.7501101,-81.6138718,[712,713,714,715,716],"Walthourville Presbyterian is an architectural jewel, preserved almost exactly as it stood when it was built in 1884. The congregation’s story, however, reaches back much further. The first meetinghouse was established in 1820 to serve both Baptists and Presbyterians. A new sanctuary followed in 1845, but it was destroyed by fire in 1877. Rebuilt the next year, that structure was then lost to a storm in 1881. Undeterred, the congregation erected the current sanctuary in 1884 on land purchased from the Walthour estate. Walthourville was one of three “Retreat Churches” connected to Midway Congregational Church, founded in 1752. These retreat sanctuaries were built inland, away from the mosquito-ridden swamps that plagued the low country. Flemington Presbyterian was the first, Walthourville the second, and Dorchester Presbyterian the third. In 1855, thirty-three members of Midway were dismissed to form a new congregation here. When asked whether they wished to remain Congregationalist or join the Presbyterian Church, twenty-two members voted for Presbyterian governance, and Walthourville was officially organized. By 1861, it had become the second-largest congregation in its presbytery and was known for its generous benevolence. Church records also reveal the complex story of race and worship in the South. In the late 1850s, a small building was erected nearby for Black congregants, where women of the church led Sunday School classes. After the war, those members went on to establish their own churches. Today, the sanctuary remains a beautiful example of 19th-century craftsmanship and a vital link to Liberty County’s early history. Though inactive, it still hosts a homecoming reunion every October. For many years, James Davis and his family lovingly cared for the church, ensuring that this landmark continues to tell its story for generations to come.",[711,695],{"_72":709,"_132":-5,"_133":710},[],"Long-Walthourvilled97a3b7Q-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuhbr0q28g32oiv97802g9y97przw?variant=desktop","new-stop-1788894862202",{"_101":753,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":709,"_149":754,"_34":755,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":709,"_157":-5},{"_101":744,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":745,"_149":746,"_34":747,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":745,"_157":-5},{"_101":735,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":736,"_149":737,"_34":738,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":736,"_157":-5},{"_101":726,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":727,"_149":728,"_34":729,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":727,"_157":-5},{"_101":717,"_98":169,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":718,"_149":719,"_34":720,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":718,"_157":-5},417,"Long-Walthourvilley0LtSF0w.jpeg",{"_158":721,"_160":722,"_162":723,"_164":724,"_166":725},467,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fnn35ejidlj7zlxua2tbng08onoh7","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fnn35ejidlj7zlxua2tbng08onoh7?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fnn35ejidlj7zlxua2tbng08onoh7?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fnn35ejidlj7zlxua2tbng08onoh7?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fnn35ejidlj7zlxua2tbng08onoh7?variant=lqip",416,"Long-WalthourvillePUOxNPFA.jpeg",{"_158":730,"_160":731,"_162":732,"_164":733,"_166":734},466,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F3eevaq5300frum55v77drym5uhg4","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F3eevaq5300frum55v77drym5uhg4?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F3eevaq5300frum55v77drym5uhg4?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F3eevaq5300frum55v77drym5uhg4?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F3eevaq5300frum55v77drym5uhg4?variant=lqip",415,"Long-Walthourvillepuc2mPbA.jpeg",{"_158":739,"_160":740,"_162":741,"_164":742,"_166":743},465,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F2wgejwcgium19xqq4107g9a7s5w0","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F2wgejwcgium19xqq4107g9a7s5w0?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F2wgejwcgium19xqq4107g9a7s5w0?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F2wgejwcgium19xqq4107g9a7s5w0?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F2wgejwcgium19xqq4107g9a7s5w0?variant=lqip",414,"Long-Walthourvilleq3Pl7u9g.jpeg",{"_158":748,"_160":749,"_162":750,"_164":751,"_166":752},464,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F1qk67h90p6hisry7bq868dpxdwij","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F1qk67h90p6hisry7bq868dpxdwij?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F1qk67h90p6hisry7bq868dpxdwij?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F1qk67h90p6hisry7bq868dpxdwij?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F1qk67h90p6hisry7bq868dpxdwij?variant=lqip",413,{"_158":756,"_160":757,"_162":758,"_164":710,"_166":759},463,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuhbr0q28g32oiv97802g9y97przw","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuhbr0q28g32oiv97802g9y97przw?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuhbr0q28g32oiv97802g9y97przw?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fuhbr0q28g32oiv97802g9y97przw?variant=lqip","flemington-presbyterian","Flemington Presbyterian",{"_34":694,"_63":695,"_72":696},{"_34":825,"_63":826,"_72":827},112,"875 Old Sunbury Rd, Hinesville, GA 31313, USA","

Flemington Presbyterian, once known as Gravel Hill, is one of the “three daughters” of Midway Church and Society. Its story begins in 1815, when William Fleming established a summer retreat in the pine-lands to escape the malaria that plagued the swamps of Midway. He laid out lots for his friends, keeping one for himself, and from this gesture grew a small seasonal village that later became Flemington.

By 1832, residents raised funds to build a simple frame church on four acres donated by Simon Fraser. For two decades, families worshiped there while still traveling to Midway as often as possible. In 1853, the congregation completed the meetinghouse that stands today, a quiet landmark in coastal Georgia. What makes Flemington remarkable is its unique religious journey. Originally organized as a Congregationalist church, it transitioned to Presbyterian in 1866 after the Civil War, severing ties with the Midway Society. This shift was unusual, especially in the Deep South where Congregationalists were rare and Presbyterians remained a small minority.

The church’s endurance speaks to the devotion of its members, who preserved it through war, hardship, and changing times. Flemington remains a testament to Georgia’s early “retreat villages” and the families who built them. Thanks to generations of careful stewardship, Flemington Presbyterian stands today not only as a house of worship but also as a significant chapter in Liberty County’s story. As you will see from the photos below, Flemington Presbyterian is a wonderful example of historic preservation, and the love of the congregations over the years that have passed it along from one generation to another. She is a very significant contributor to our coastal Georgia history. We are so grateful for this gift. Thomas Quarterman Cassels 1808-1879 was the architect for the church. He was a general contractor and a shipbuilder and was on the building committee when the 1853 church was built. Thanks to the National Register of Historic Places for the background on this church.

",31.8695257,-81.57069369999999,[776,777,778,779,780],"Flemington Presbyterian, once known as Gravel Hill, is one of the “three daughters” of Midway Church and Society. Its story begins in 1815, when William Fleming established a summer retreat in the pine-lands to escape the malaria that plagued the swamps of Midway. He laid out lots for his friends, keeping one for himself, and from this gesture grew a small seasonal village that later became Flemington. By 1832, residents raised funds to build a simple frame church on four acres donated by Simon Fraser. For two decades, families worshiped there while still traveling to Midway as often as possible. In 1853, the congregation completed the meetinghouse that stands today, a quiet landmark in coastal Georgia. What makes Flemington remarkable is its unique religious journey. Originally organized as a Congregationalist church, it transitioned to Presbyterian in 1866 after the Civil War, severing ties with the Midway Society. This shift was unusual, especially in the Deep South where Congregationalists were rare and Presbyterians remained a small minority. The church’s endurance speaks to the devotion of its members, who preserved it through war, hardship, and changing times. Flemington remains a testament to Georgia’s early “retreat villages” and the families who built them. Thanks to generations of careful stewardship, Flemington Presbyterian stands today not only as a house of worship but also as a significant chapter in Liberty County’s story. As you will see from the photos below, Flemington Presbyterian is a wonderful example of historic preservation, and the love of the congregations over the years that have passed it along from one generation to another. She is a very significant contributor to our coastal Georgia history. We are so grateful for this gift. Thomas Quarterman Cassels 1808-1879 was the architect for the church. He was a general contractor and a shipbuilder and was on the building committee when the 1853 church was built. Thanks to the National Register of Historic Places for the background on this church.",[775,760],{"_72":761,"_132":-5,"_133":774},[],"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjri272l5rfu2ve837s2itb82dcor?variant=desktop","new-stop-1788894416765",{"_101":817,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":818,"_149":819,"_34":820,"_152":432,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":761,"_157":-5},{"_101":808,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":809,"_149":810,"_34":811,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":809,"_157":-5},{"_101":799,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":800,"_149":801,"_34":802,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":800,"_157":-5},{"_101":790,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":791,"_149":792,"_34":793,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":791,"_157":-5},{"_101":781,"_98":169,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":782,"_149":783,"_34":784,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":782,"_157":-5},412,"Flemington-2.jpeg",{"_158":785,"_160":786,"_162":787,"_164":788,"_166":789},462,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzuq532p9laqsneavdpo1fnq4zcxn","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzuq532p9laqsneavdpo1fnq4zcxn?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzuq532p9laqsneavdpo1fnq4zcxn?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzuq532p9laqsneavdpo1fnq4zcxn?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fzuq532p9laqsneavdpo1fnq4zcxn?variant=lqip",411,"Flemington-6.jpeg",{"_158":794,"_160":795,"_162":796,"_164":797,"_166":798},461,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fz3z4skeen0ld9nk7xsonuswbysjb","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fz3z4skeen0ld9nk7xsonuswbysjb?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fz3z4skeen0ld9nk7xsonuswbysjb?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fz3z4skeen0ld9nk7xsonuswbysjb?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fz3z4skeen0ld9nk7xsonuswbysjb?variant=lqip",410,"Flemington-5.jpeg",{"_158":803,"_160":804,"_162":805,"_164":806,"_166":807},460,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F5367jr76n35p3rkmq0vdi5fgh8kh","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F5367jr76n35p3rkmq0vdi5fgh8kh?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F5367jr76n35p3rkmq0vdi5fgh8kh?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F5367jr76n35p3rkmq0vdi5fgh8kh?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F5367jr76n35p3rkmq0vdi5fgh8kh?variant=lqip",409,"Flemington-4.jpeg",{"_158":812,"_160":813,"_162":814,"_164":815,"_166":816},459,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fyxl53stx0ylhrfvej8vg7rk86edf","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fyxl53stx0ylhrfvej8vg7rk86edf?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fyxl53stx0ylhrfvej8vg7rk86edf?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fyxl53stx0ylhrfvej8vg7rk86edf?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fyxl53stx0ylhrfvej8vg7rk86edf?variant=lqip",402,"Flemington-10-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled (1).jpeg",{"_158":821,"_160":822,"_162":823,"_164":774,"_166":824},452,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjri272l5rfu2ve837s2itb82dcor","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjri272l5rfu2ve837s2itb82dcor?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjri272l5rfu2ve837s2itb82dcor?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fjri272l5rfu2ve837s2itb82dcor?variant=lqip",18,"midway-congregational-church","Midway Congregational Church",{"_34":431,"_63":760,"_72":761},{"_34":892,"_63":893,"_72":894},111,"31.806016, -81.430460","

It is hard to believe that this wood frame church was built in 1792. Midway was built by rich planters who had migrated from the Dorchester region in South Carolina. They were prosperous planters accustomed to the production of rice, indigo and other crops, who quickly developed a strong agricultural economy.

The village of Midway was built by Puritans who migrated into the area from Dorchester in South Carolina as a result of a land grant of 31,950 acres from the Council of Georgia in 1752. The original church was completed in 1752 on the site of the present structure.

As the fever for American Independence heated up, the settlers of Midway were strongly in favor. In 1775 they elected Lyman Hall, a member of the church, to attend the Continental Congress in Philadelphia along with Button Gwinnett of Sunbury and George Walton of Augusta. Another Midway resident, Nathan Brownson, served in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1778 but did not sign the Declaration.

The Patriots at Midway paid a price for their fervor during the was and the Midway Congregational Church building was destroyed by the British in 1778. After taking the town and sacking the local farms, the British commander, Colonel Prevost, ordered the church to be burned to the ground by his troops as they retreated.

It would take 14 years, but another church would eventually rise from the ashes of the original. That structure that still stands before us today, was completed in 1792 and has been lovingly maintained by the local citizens.

",31.8065853,-81.4307273,[842,843,844,845,846],"It is hard to believe that this wood frame church was built in 1792. Midway was built by rich planters who had migrated from the Dorchester region in South Carolina. They were prosperous planters accustomed to the production of rice, indigo and other crops, who quickly developed a strong agricultural economy. The village of Midway was built by Puritans who migrated into the area from Dorchester in South Carolina as a result of a land grant of 31,950 acres from the Council of Georgia in 1752. The original church was completed in 1752 on the site of the present structure. As the fever for American Independence heated up, the settlers of Midway were strongly in favor. In 1775 they elected Lyman Hall, a member of the church, to attend the Continental Congress in Philadelphia along with Button Gwinnett of Sunbury and George Walton of Augusta. Another Midway resident, Nathan Brownson, served in the Continental Congress from 1776 to 1778 but did not sign the Declaration. The Patriots at Midway paid a price for their fervor during the was and the Midway Congregational Church building was destroyed by the British in 1778. After taking the town and sacking the local farms, the British commander, Colonel Prevost, ordered the church to be burned to the ground by his troops as they retreated. It would take 14 years, but another church would eventually rise from the ashes of the original. That structure that still stands before us today, was completed in 1792 and has been lovingly maintained by the local citizens.",[370,826],{"_72":840,"_132":-5,"_133":841},[],"Midway Church","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lgesq0svr8qy3om85g22i0pzu65f?variant=desktop",{"_101":885,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":886,"_149":887,"_34":358,"_152":432,"_153":262,"_154":886,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":840,"_157":-5},{"_101":875,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":876,"_149":877,"_34":878,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":876,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":879,"_157":-5},{"_101":866,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":867,"_149":868,"_34":221,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":867,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":869,"_157":-5},{"_101":857,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":858,"_149":859,"_34":102,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":858,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":860,"_157":-5},{"_101":847,"_98":169,"_132":-5,"_144":378,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":848,"_149":849,"_34":850,"_152":-5,"_153":262,"_154":848,"_155":382,"_156":258,"_72":851,"_157":-5},102,"16218834661.jpeg",{"_158":852,"_160":853,"_162":854,"_164":855,"_166":856},122,"MiddwayChurch061714WCM0288001.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/y0ow0nqs6t73nhfdfsy14m673buu","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/y0ow0nqs6t73nhfdfsy14m673buu?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/y0ow0nqs6t73nhfdfsy14m673buu?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/y0ow0nqs6t73nhfdfsy14m673buu?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/y0ow0nqs6t73nhfdfsy14m673buu?variant=lqip",101,"16218834619.jpeg",{"_158":861,"_160":862,"_162":863,"_164":864,"_166":865},"MiddwayChurch061714WCM031800.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/u41p6lki8om9vjo6rxyt65evkjf9","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/u41p6lki8om9vjo6rxyt65evkjf9?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/u41p6lki8om9vjo6rxyt65evkjf9?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/u41p6lki8om9vjo6rxyt65evkjf9?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/u41p6lki8om9vjo6rxyt65evkjf9?variant=lqip",100,"16218834574.jpeg",{"_158":870,"_160":871,"_162":872,"_164":873,"_166":874},"MiddwayChurch061714WCM029800.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/i3w9ttssgkkedii6gjw2yrovicnq","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/i3w9ttssgkkedii6gjw2yrovicnq?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/i3w9ttssgkkedii6gjw2yrovicnq?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/i3w9ttssgkkedii6gjw2yrovicnq?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/i3w9ttssgkkedii6gjw2yrovicnq?variant=lqip",99,"16218834528.jpeg",{"_158":880,"_160":881,"_162":882,"_164":883,"_166":884},119,"MiddwayChurch061714WCM006800.jpeg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/knitxx0haoi34cd4dmq16p8ng31j","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/knitxx0haoi34cd4dmq16p8ng31j?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/knitxx0haoi34cd4dmq16p8ng31j?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/knitxx0haoi34cd4dmq16p8ng31j?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/knitxx0haoi34cd4dmq16p8ng31j?variant=lqip",98,"16218834479.jpeg",{"_158":888,"_160":889,"_162":890,"_164":841,"_166":891},"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lgesq0svr8qy3om85g22i0pzu65f","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lgesq0svr8qy3om85g22i0pzu65f?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lgesq0svr8qy3om85g22i0pzu65f?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lgesq0svr8qy3om85g22i0pzu65f?variant=lqip",17,"dorchester-presbyterian-church","Dorchester Presbyterian Church",{"_34":825,"_63":826,"_72":827},{"_34":544,"_63":983,"_72":984},110,"102 John Oxford Rd, Midway, GA 31320","

Dorchester Presbyterian was built in 1854 on a lot of four acres donated by B. A. Busbee, and was initially used for summer services only. It was the last of the three “retreat churches” that were born of the mother church in Midway. The two most important towns nearby were Midway and Sunbury, a port city rivaled only by Savannah at that time. There were also many plantations throughout the county. In 1843 , the Rev. T. S. Winn, who was at that time a private teacher in the home of Dr. C. C. Jones, suggested the need to build a community in some area halfway between Midway and Sunbury.

Twenty-eight one acre home sites were placed around a four acre “square” in the center of the Village given by Mr. Busby for a school and church by deed dated June 14, 1852. The school was built in 1852 and Sunday School was held there until the Dorchester Presbyterian Church was built in 1854. Church services were held once a month, and 162 years later services are still held there once a month.

At first, the church was only used for summer services. Soon, however, due to the general dispersion and impoverishment of the people of the area caused by the Civil War, the people of this area sought to organize their own church. On January 6, 1871, a committee went before the Savannah Presbytery and the Dorchester church was officially organized. The church was organized with one ruling elder and fourteen members.

According to the history, “Prior to the War Between the States, slaves attended the services and sat in the balcony. Even after the war, emancipated people attended the services until they acquired a building of their own.

",31.7589849,-81.354787,[909,910,911,912,913,914,915,916],"Dorchester Presbyterian was built in 1854 on a lot of four acres donated by B. A. Busbee, and was initially used for summer services only. It was the last of the three “retreat churches” that were born of the mother church in Midway. The two most important towns nearby were Midway and Sunbury, a port city rivaled only by Savannah at that time. There were also many plantations throughout the county. In 1843 , the Rev. T. S. Winn, who was at that time a private teacher in the home of Dr. C. C. Jones, suggested the need to build a community in some area halfway between Midway and Sunbury. Twenty-eight one acre home sites were placed around a four acre “square” in the center of the Village given by Mr. Busby for a school and church by deed dated June 14, 1852. The school was built in 1852 and Sunday School was held there until the Dorchester Presbyterian Church was built in 1854. Church services were held once a month, and 162 years later services are still held there once a month. At first, the church was only used for summer services. Soon, however, due to the general dispersion and impoverishment of the people of the area caused by the Civil War, the people of this area sought to organize their own church. On January 6, 1871, a committee went before the Savannah Presbytery and the Dorchester church was officially organized. The church was organized with one ruling elder and fourteen members. According to the history, “Prior to the War Between the States, slaves attended the services and sat in the balcony. Even after the war, emancipated people attended the services until they acquired a building of their own.",[370,893],{"_72":907,"_132":-5,"_133":908},[],"Dorchester Presbyterian 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Neck Presbyterian Church",{"_34":892,"_63":893,"_72":894},{"_34":1057,"_63":1058,"_72":1059},"7196 Belfast Keller Rd, Richmond Hill, GA 31324, USA","

Bryan Neck Presbyterian owes much of its roots and its relative prosperity to the fact that is was located in one of the richest rice-growing areas on the eastern seaboard and the resulting planter class that dominated the trade. These \"Rice Kings\" represented some of the wealthiest people in America and included storied families such as the Clays, Maxwells, Arnolds, Rogers, and McAllisters. Thousands of acres were under cultivation and were worked by one of the largest slave populations on the coast.

The rice production peaked in 1860 when the Bryan Neck plantations along the Ogeechee River produced 1.5 million pounds of rice. This prosperity created the need for a local congregation to support these families who had previously been affiliated with churches in Savannah or the Congregational Church at Midway. Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church was established in the 1830s by several of the planter-class families with the official sanction of the Savannah Presbytery and with assistance from the Congregational Church at Midway.

Established in 1830, the church was incorporated in December 1831 and made use of a former Episcopal church building until a new church building was dedicated in 1841. This building was a wooden-framed building with two entrances, a belfry, and an elevated gallery where enslaved members sat. That church was destroyed by fire in 1882 and was replaced with the current one in 1885.

","

Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church Direction Notes

",31.8417538,-81.26111449999999,[1000,1001,1002,1003,1004,1005],"Bryan Neck Presbyterian owes much of its roots and its relative prosperity to the fact that is was located in one of the richest rice-growing areas on the eastern seaboard and the resulting planter class that dominated the trade. These \"Rice Kings\" represented some of the wealthiest people in America and included storied families such as the Clays, Maxwells, Arnolds, Rogers, and McAllisters. Thousands of acres were under cultivation and were worked by one of the largest slave populations on the coast. The rice production peaked in 1860 when the Bryan Neck plantations along the Ogeechee River produced 1.5 million pounds of rice. This prosperity created the need for a local congregation to support these families who had previously been affiliated with churches in Savannah or the Congregational Church at Midway. Bryan Neck Presbyterian Church was established in the 1830s by several of the planter-class families with the official sanction of the Savannah Presbytery and with assistance from the Congregational Church at Midway. Established in 1830, the church was incorporated in December 1831 and made use of a former Episcopal church building until a new church building was dedicated in 1841. This building was a wooden-framed building with two entrances, a belfry, and an elevated gallery where enslaved members sat. That church was destroyed by fire in 1882 and was replaced with the current one in 1885.",[999,983],{"_72":997,"_132":-5,"_133":998},[],"BryanNeck-exterior-1-topaz-upscale-4x-scaled.jpg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fnrfbfdyuoazhlj2l19faxlgerr45?variant=desktop","new-stop-1788894150744",{"_101":263,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":997,"_149":1051,"_34":1052,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":997,"_157":-5},{"_101":1042,"_98":199,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1043,"_149":1044,"_34":1045,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":1043,"_157":-5},{"_101":1033,"_98":189,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1034,"_149":1035,"_34":1036,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":1034,"_157":-5},{"_101":1024,"_98":179,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1025,"_149":1026,"_34":1027,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":1025,"_157":-5},{"_101":1015,"_98":169,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1016,"_149":1017,"_34":1018,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":1016,"_157":-5},{"_101":1006,"_98":143,"_132":-5,"_144":-5,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1007,"_149":1008,"_34":1009,"_152":-5,"_153":-5,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":-5,"_72":1007,"_157":-5},408,"BryanNeck-side-room.jpg",{"_158":1010,"_160":1011,"_162":1012,"_164":1013,"_166":1014},458,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fc3gyl939ewylybsvliymb6w3z87c","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fc3gyl939ewylybsvliymb6w3z87c?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fc3gyl939ewylybsvliymb6w3z87c?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fc3gyl939ewylybsvliymb6w3z87c?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fc3gyl939ewylybsvliymb6w3z87c?variant=lqip",406,"BryanNeck060515WCM302800BryanNeck.jpg",{"_158":1019,"_160":1020,"_162":1021,"_164":1022,"_166":1023},456,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F0ihxqddte8qcfwr1h1aetysqm1pg","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F0ihxqddte8qcfwr1h1aetysqm1pg?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F0ihxqddte8qcfwr1h1aetysqm1pg?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F0ihxqddte8qcfwr1h1aetysqm1pg?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F0ihxqddte8qcfwr1h1aetysqm1pg?variant=lqip",405,"BryanNeck-podium.jpg",{"_158":1028,"_160":1029,"_162":1030,"_164":1031,"_166":1032},455,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F7mwp3h38l5m5a6u41xi6raw6sobc","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F7mwp3h38l5m5a6u41xi6raw6sobc?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F7mwp3h38l5m5a6u41xi6raw6sobc?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F7mwp3h38l5m5a6u41xi6raw6sobc?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F7mwp3h38l5m5a6u41xi6raw6sobc?variant=lqip",404,"BryanNeck-back-to-front.jpg",{"_158":1037,"_160":1038,"_162":1039,"_164":1040,"_166":1041},454,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fwjsz8k8vune06e2vd0dix0norpg7","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fwjsz8k8vune06e2vd0dix0norpg7?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fwjsz8k8vune06e2vd0dix0norpg7?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fwjsz8k8vune06e2vd0dix0norpg7?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2Fwjsz8k8vune06e2vd0dix0norpg7?variant=lqip",403,"BryanNeck-front-to-back-.jpg",{"_158":1046,"_160":1047,"_162":1048,"_164":1049,"_166":1050},453,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F821tczfzsiaaerojmp6mi0rofdin","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F821tczfzsiaaerojmp6mi0rofdin?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F821tczfzsiaaerojmp6mi0rofdin?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/historic-rural-churches%2F821tczfzsiaaerojmp6mi0rofdin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Bartholomew Episcopal",{"_34":544,"_63":983,"_72":984},{"_34":1148,"_63":1149,"_72":1150},"101 Gertrude L Greene Dr, Savannah, GA 31419, USA","

St. Bartholomew Episcopal is a visual feast of Victorian architectural elements both inside and out. It is also one of the most historically significant African American churches in Georgia with roots of the church dating back to the 1830s. At that time, there were approximately 1,000 enslaved people working in the rice fields on several large plantations nearby. According to the National Register history, “In 1832, Episcopal religious education for slaves in this area was initiated by a white family on their plantation. In 1845, the Ogeechee Mission was formally established when, in an effort to reach out to the slaves, the Episcopal bishop appointed the first permanent pastor to the area. This priest, Rev. William C. Williams, was to join contiguous plantations under his ministry, live in the area and become the slaves’ pastor. Williams established a school and a chapel on each of the three plantations he then served. His success with the slaves was such that by 1860 his congregation was the largest, black or white, in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.”

This is a very historical congregation in that prior to the Civil War, slaves were allowed to attend their master’s church but rarely allowed to form their own. Furthermore, African American Episcopal Churches are rare in Georgia and they are located, for the most part, in the coastal region. In the early 1800s, rice began to be replaced by cotton as the most important cash crop and as the plantations moved inland, the predominant religions that emerged in the backcountry were Baptists, Methodists, and some Presbyterians. The Episcopal church was unusual in its dedication to education for enslaved people. The church wanted them to understand the Episcopal liturgy and therefore felt an effort to teach them to read was desirable. Writing was another matter as it was viewed to be a more dangerous skill, and was even outlawed at one point in Colonial Georgia

St. Bartholomew, located in the village of Burroughs, is the oldest continuing black congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Following the Civil War, Burroughs was established as a settlement of former slaves who, in the 1870s and 1880s, were given the opportunity to buy the land they were living on from their former owners. An 1881 gift of $400 to the Mission Congregation from St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City (hence the name) for a new schoolhouse and church – illustrating the post-Civil War Northern interest in assisting the free blacks. In 1896, the present St. Bartholomew’s Church was consecrated. The school building (parish house), which played such an important role in the church’s mission, was completed the following year. The church has served as an important religious and educational center for the community ever since.

The church had over 400 members at its peak in the early 1900s and is still active with a few members today. We are so grateful that this special part of Georgia history is alive and well and still serving the African American community as it has for over 170 years. The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is the source for much of the above history.

","#D32F2F",31.97147699956875,-81.24423809033092,[1075,1076,1077,1078,1079,1080,1081],"St. Bartholomew Episcopal is a visual feast of Victorian architectural elements both inside and out. It is also one of the most historically significant African American churches in Georgia with roots of the church dating back to the 1830s. At that time, there were approximately 1,000 enslaved people working in the rice fields on several large plantations nearby. According to the National Register history, “In 1832, Episcopal religious education for slaves in this area was initiated by a white family on their plantation. In 1845, the Ogeechee Mission was formally established when, in an effort to reach out to the slaves, the Episcopal bishop appointed the first permanent pastor to the area. This priest, Rev. William C. Williams, was to join contiguous plantations under his ministry, live in the area and become the slaves’ pastor. Williams established a school and a chapel on each of the three plantations he then served. His success with the slaves was such that by 1860 his congregation was the largest, black or white, in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia.”This is a very historical congregation in that prior to the Civil War, slaves were allowed to attend their master’s church but rarely allowed to form their own. Furthermore, African American Episcopal Churches are rare in Georgia and they are located, for the most part, in the coastal region. In the early 1800s, rice began to be replaced by cotton as the most important cash crop and as the plantations moved inland, the predominant religions that emerged in the backcountry were Baptists, Methodists, and some Presbyterians. The Episcopal church was unusual in its dedication to education for enslaved people. The church wanted them to understand the Episcopal liturgy and therefore felt an effort to teach them to read was desirable. Writing was another matter as it was viewed to be a more dangerous skill, and was even outlawed at one point in Colonial GeorgiaSt. Bartholomew, located in the village of Burroughs, is the oldest continuing black congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. Following the Civil War, Burroughs was established as a settlement of former slaves who, in the 1870s and 1880s, were given the opportunity to buy the land they were living on from their former owners. An 1881 gift of $400 to the Mission Congregation from St. Bartholomew’s Church in New York City (hence the name) for a new schoolhouse and church – illustrating the post-Civil War Northern interest in assisting the free blacks. In 1896, the present St. Bartholomew’s Church was consecrated. The school building (parish house), which played such an important role in the church’s mission, was completed the following year. The church has served as an important religious and educational center for the community ever since. The church had over 400 members at its peak in the early 1900s and is still active with a few members today. We are so grateful that this special part of Georgia history is alive and well and still serving the African American community as it has for over 170 years. The church was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1982 and is the source for much of the above history.",[1074,1058],{"_72":1059,"_132":1072,"_133":1073},[],"The design and architecture exhibited at St. Bartholomew is unique for a rural, African American church and deserves another exterior photograph and comment. Above we present a view accentuating the entry doorway located in the lower portion of the \"Normanesque\" bell tower of this historic structure. The tower's large triangular vents are another unique design feature and allow us to see the bell. Also revealed is the fact that the Victorian, Carpenter Gothic window theme seen at the rear of the church in the previous photo is continued throughout the sanctuary. St. Bartholomew, inside and out, is an historic rural Georgia church worthy of preservation that will inform and inspire generations to come.","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mac6gcdkcaih7qg6g8vw674syv54?variant=desktop","new-stop-1719416475159",{"_101":1140,"_98":24,"_132":1072,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1141,"_149":1142,"_34":1143,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1059,"_157":-5},{"_101":1131,"_98":199,"_132":1132,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1133,"_149":1134,"_34":346,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1115,"_157":-5},{"_101":1121,"_98":189,"_132":1122,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1123,"_149":1124,"_34":336,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1125,"_157":-5},{"_101":1111,"_98":179,"_132":1112,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1113,"_149":1114,"_34":326,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1115,"_157":-5},{"_101":1101,"_98":169,"_132":1102,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1103,"_149":1104,"_34":315,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1105,"_157":-5},{"_101":1091,"_98":143,"_132":1092,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1093,"_149":1094,"_34":304,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1095,"_157":-5},{"_101":1082,"_98":283,"_132":1083,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1084,"_149":1085,"_34":293,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1059,"_157":-5},348,"Over 30 years ago, a photograph similar to this one appeared on the cover of “A Handbook For the Identification, Documentation and Evaluation of Historic African-American Properties in Georgia” published by Georgia DNR and written by Carol Merritt. That early effort to discover, document and publicize Georgia’s endangered historic churches and other such structures has bloomed into the movement we at HRCGA embrace. Saint Bartholomew remains today because its congregation and Episcopal hierarchy decided it was well worth sustaining. We encourage such efforts and salute others willing to support the cause.","Chatham-St_Bartholomew-sign-off.jpeg",{"_158":1086,"_160":1087,"_162":1088,"_164":1089,"_166":1090},"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/tnulpohqcvwd4pojrsl3yt71ocg8","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/tnulpohqcvwd4pojrsl3yt71ocg8?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/tnulpohqcvwd4pojrsl3yt71ocg8?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/tnulpohqcvwd4pojrsl3yt71ocg8?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/tnulpohqcvwd4pojrsl3yt71ocg8?variant=lqip",347,"This happy vestibule has welcomed St. Bartholomew congregations and visitors for decades. We hope this church will be able to continue its traditions for another hundred years.","Chatham-St_Bartholomew-Foyer.jpeg",{"_158":1096,"_160":1097,"_162":1098,"_164":1099,"_166":1100},"St. Bartholomew Episcopal Vestibule ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/eh02t35jwulqqs3hrf5568d8r8nt","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/eh02t35jwulqqs3hrf5568d8r8nt?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/eh02t35jwulqqs3hrf5568d8r8nt?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/eh02t35jwulqqs3hrf5568d8r8nt?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/eh02t35jwulqqs3hrf5568d8r8nt?variant=lqip",346,"The five colorful carpenter gothic windows at the back of the sanctuary provide an interesting decorative element. They also bring a joyful and welcoming light into the church's interior.","Chatham-St_Bartholomew-Windows.jpeg",{"_158":1106,"_160":1107,"_162":1108,"_164":1109,"_166":1110},"St. Bartholomew Episcopal Windows ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g7w8iuhke0qwg3wxeq7bf0hj9prn","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g7w8iuhke0qwg3wxeq7bf0hj9prn?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g7w8iuhke0qwg3wxeq7bf0hj9prn?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g7w8iuhke0qwg3wxeq7bf0hj9prn?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/g7w8iuhke0qwg3wxeq7bf0hj9prn?variant=lqip",345,"Here we stand behind the pulpit at this, the oldest continuing black congregation in the Episcopal Diocese of Georgia. We see furnishings, decorative elements, gothic windows, high, bright white ceiling and fit and finish not found in most of the rural churches we feature and very seldom found in an African American church. Certainly, insuring that this sanctuary and congregation remains a vital and treasured monument to Georgia's past and future for generations to come is a worthy undertaking. We salute those that are working to insure St. Bartholomew's future is a bright one.","Chatham-St_Bartholomew-Bible.jpeg",{"_158":1116,"_160":1117,"_162":1118,"_164":1119,"_166":1120},"St. Bartholomew Episcopal Interior ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2kusj6m7qqjx5gcnhazyc2ebvd7l","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2kusj6m7qqjx5gcnhazyc2ebvd7l?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2kusj6m7qqjx5gcnhazyc2ebvd7l?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2kusj6m7qqjx5gcnhazyc2ebvd7l?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2kusj6m7qqjx5gcnhazyc2ebvd7l?variant=lqip",344,"This view from the pulpit highlights some significant differences between St. Bartholomew and other, rural Georgia, African American churches of its era. The fact that it was/is still supported by the Episcopal Church and received its early financing from a wealthy, New York namesake congregation is reflected in the design, furnishings, fixtures and decorative elements within the sanctuary. ","Chatham-St_Bartholomew-Bible-2.jpeg",{"_158":1126,"_160":1127,"_162":1128,"_164":1129,"_166":1130},"St. Bartholomew Episcopal Sanctuary ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fb0gdr9fz448ueeq15vvk9zhrarc","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fb0gdr9fz448ueeq15vvk9zhrarc?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fb0gdr9fz448ueeq15vvk9zhrarc?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fb0gdr9fz448ueeq15vvk9zhrarc?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/fb0gdr9fz448ueeq15vvk9zhrarc?variant=lqip",343,"In this view, we are at the rear of the church and the entry way is to our left. The relatively large size of its interior becomes apparent here. The lovely, simple pews sit on the original heart pine floorboards just as they have for decades. The sanctuary was designed to accommodate about two hundred, and we are told that it was often filled in the \"good old days\" when the church was at the center of a bustling community.","Chatham-St_Bartholomew-back-to-front.jpeg",{"_158":1135,"_160":1136,"_162":1137,"_164":1138,"_166":1139},"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/jhsvad4os08qn0mdgnye3v8i83yy","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/jhsvad4os08qn0mdgnye3v8i83yy?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/jhsvad4os08qn0mdgnye3v8i83yy?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/jhsvad4os08qn0mdgnye3v8i83yy?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/jhsvad4os08qn0mdgnye3v8i83yy?variant=lqip",342,"Chatham-St_Bartholomew-exterior3-1.jpeg",{"_158":1144,"_160":1145,"_162":1146,"_164":1073,"_166":1147},389,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mac6gcdkcaih7qg6g8vw674syv54","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mac6gcdkcaih7qg6g8vw674syv54?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mac6gcdkcaih7qg6g8vw674syv54?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mac6gcdkcaih7qg6g8vw674syv54?variant=lqip",78,"isle-of-hope-methodist","Isle of Hope Methodist",{"_34":1057,"_63":1058,"_72":1059},"412 Parkersburg Rd, Savannah, GA 31406","

Established as a retreat in the 19th century for the elite of Savannah, Isle of Hope provided a refuge from the intense heat and outbreaks of malaria prevalent throughout the summer months. Originally owned by Henry Parker, the land was divided into lots in the 1850s and 1860s. These were sold to prominent Savannah families who built palatial homes along the water. A small African American settlement in the district dates from after the Civil War when freed slaves from Wormsloe Plantation settled in the town. In 1871 a railroad was built connecting Savannah with Isle of Hope and by the early 20th century many residents were living in the town year-round.

Isle of Hope United Methodist Church was organized on December 18, 1851, on the mainland but was later moved to the “Island,” called Isle of Hope. The site was a gift from Dr. Stephen Dupon by deed dated June 29, 1859. The edifice was constructed from funds contributed by residents of the Island and the citizens of Savannah. The original building was a vernacular-style church composed of a rectangular structure with gable ends. The gallery was built was the seating of enslaved people during worship services, and the straight-back pine pews are the original pews in the church at its construction.

The church building that stands here now was erected in 1859 and its architecture is similar to that of the early churches at Midway and Ebenezer.

During the Civil War, a Confederate battery stood on the church lot, mounting two 8-inch Columbiads and two 32-pounder cannons. The church was used as a hospital for Confederates stationed in the area, the pews (still in existence) serving as beds. Thirty-three Effingham County soldiers were laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard.

For 90 years, the Church was a “Circuit” and was served by a part-time pastor, who served various churches. During this time, horses and buggies were tethered in the churchyard while services were held. With the development of the Island in 1950, a full-time pastor was appointed. The Sanctuary was moved to its present location beside the road in 1957. The present wall lamps were installed at that time and the building was painted.

In 1983, a major expansion of the Sanctuary was initiated. The planned expansion provided a vestibule, a new front porch, a hallway connecting the Sanctuary and the Cramer Building in the rear, a 24’ extension of the rear Sanctuary wall to allow for the addition of 9 pews, and a new copper roof. During the construction, all furnishings, including the original pews, chancel rail, lamps, and furniture, were removed and stored. The expansion was nearly complete when, on February 22, 1984, the structure burned due to an electrical fire, despite the heroic efforts of the Isle of Hope and Southside Fire Departments. Plans for rebuilding began immediately, and contributions poured in from all over the state. The present structure was dedicated, free from debt on February 10, 1985. In 1998, two transepts were added, increasing the seating capacity by 200. The Sanctuary was also refurbished with new paint, carpeting, and the installation of a new Rodgers organ.

",32.00653665645395,-81.04437719803273,[1163,1164,1165,1166,1167,1168],"Established as a retreat in the 19th century for the elite of Savannah, Isle of Hope provided a refuge from the intense heat and outbreaks of malaria prevalent throughout the summer months. Originally owned by Henry Parker, the land was divided into lots in the 1850s and 1860s. These were sold to prominent Savannah families who built palatial homes along the water. A small African American settlement in the district dates from after the Civil War when freed slaves from Wormsloe Plantation settled in the town. In 1871 a railroad was built connecting Savannah with Isle of Hope and by the early 20th century many residents were living in the town year-round. Isle of Hope United Methodist Church was organized on December 18, 1851, on the mainland but was later moved to the “Island,” called Isle of Hope. The site was a gift from Dr. Stephen Dupon by deed dated June 29, 1859. The edifice was constructed from funds contributed by residents of the Island and the citizens of Savannah. The original building was a vernacular-style church composed of a rectangular structure with gable ends. The gallery was built was the seating of enslaved people during worship services, and the straight-back pine pews are the original pews in the church at its construction. The church building that stands here now was erected in 1859 and its architecture is similar to that of the early churches at Midway and Ebenezer. During the Civil War, a Confederate battery stood on the church lot, mounting two 8-inch Columbiads and two 32-pounder cannons. The church was used as a hospital for Confederates stationed in the area, the pews (still in existence) serving as beds. Thirty-three Effingham County soldiers were laid to rest in the adjoining churchyard. For 90 years, the Church was a “Circuit” and was served by a part-time pastor, who served various churches. During this time, horses and buggies were tethered in the churchyard while services were held. With the development of the Island in 1950, a full-time pastor was appointed. The Sanctuary was moved to its present location beside the road in 1957. The present wall lamps were installed at that time and the building was painted. In 1983, a major expansion of the Sanctuary was initiated. The planned expansion provided a vestibule, a new front porch, a hallway connecting the Sanctuary and the Cramer Building in the rear, a 24’ extension of the rear Sanctuary wall to allow for the addition of 9 pews, and a new copper roof. During the construction, all furnishings, including the original pews, chancel rail, lamps, and furniture, were removed and stored. The expansion was nearly complete when, on February 22, 1984, the structure burned due to an electrical fire, despite the heroic efforts of the Isle of Hope and Southside Fire Departments. Plans for rebuilding began immediately, and contributions poured in from all over the state. The present structure was dedicated, free from debt on February 10, 1985. In 1998, two transepts were added, increasing the seating capacity by 200. The Sanctuary was also refurbished with new paint, carpeting, and the installation of a new Rodgers organ.",[1162,1149],{"_72":1150,"_132":-5,"_133":1161},[],"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2sh9xzurrzsmgiusx5g0lg1m95gm?variant=desktop","new-stop-1719415404288",{"_101":1227,"_98":24,"_132":-5,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1228,"_149":1229,"_34":1230,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1150,"_157":-5},{"_101":1216,"_98":199,"_132":1217,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1218,"_149":1219,"_34":1220,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1221,"_157":-5},{"_101":1205,"_98":189,"_132":1206,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1207,"_149":1208,"_34":1209,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1210,"_157":-5},{"_101":1191,"_98":179,"_132":1192,"_144":1193,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1194,"_149":1195,"_34":1196,"_152":189,"_153":1197,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":1198,"_72":1199,"_157":-5},{"_101":1180,"_98":169,"_132":1181,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1182,"_149":1183,"_34":1184,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1185,"_157":-5},{"_101":1169,"_98":143,"_132":1170,"_144":258,"_145":-5,"_146":-5,"_147":1171,"_149":1172,"_34":1173,"_152":169,"_153":262,"_154":-5,"_155":-5,"_156":263,"_72":1174,"_157":-5},341,"A photograph of Isle of Hope Methodist Church, c.1913, surrounded in Spanish moss.","Chatham-Isle-of-Hope-UMC-9.jpeg",{"_158":1175,"_160":1176,"_162":1177,"_164":1178,"_166":1179},388,"Isle of Hope Methodist 1913 ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lyl83vxe9rllsbmwgiuin5yr9shw","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lyl83vxe9rllsbmwgiuin5yr9shw?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lyl83vxe9rllsbmwgiuin5yr9shw?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lyl83vxe9rllsbmwgiuin5yr9shw?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/lyl83vxe9rllsbmwgiuin5yr9shw?variant=lqip",340,"Isle of Hope Methodist Church has a prayer labyrinth, meant to encourage visitors to walk the seven circuits while reflecting in prayer.","Chatham-Isle-of-Hope-UMC-67.jpeg",{"_158":1186,"_160":1187,"_162":1188,"_164":1189,"_166":1190},387,"Isle of Hope Methodist Prayer Labyrinth ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/r7j8o2o33t4gusgi14hnx59qg09e","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/r7j8o2o33t4gusgi14hnx59qg09e?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/r7j8o2o33t4gusgi14hnx59qg09e?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/r7j8o2o33t4gusgi14hnx59qg09e?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/r7j8o2o33t4gusgi14hnx59qg09e?variant=lqip",339,"The Isle of Hope Methodist Church bell was removed from the belfry and metled into canon balls by General William T. Sherman's troops in the occupation of Savannah during the Civil War. This replacement bell was donated by George W. Wylly, a trustee of the church. The bell was used to call members to worship, to call people to fight fires, and during war times, to call for a moment of silence each day at noon to pray for our troops and their victory. The bell fell and broke when a fire destroyed the historic sanctuary on Februrary 22, 1984.",500,"Chatham-Isle-of-Hope-UMC-60.jpeg",{"_158":1200,"_160":1201,"_162":1202,"_164":1203,"_166":1204},386,200,267,"Isle of Hope Methodist Church Bell","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cjphq0j1b455fizf9g5jyrqsssle","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cjphq0j1b455fizf9g5jyrqsssle?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cjphq0j1b455fizf9g5jyrqsssle?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cjphq0j1b455fizf9g5jyrqsssle?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/cjphq0j1b455fizf9g5jyrqsssle?variant=lqip",338,"These iron crosses mark the burials of the 33 confederate soldiers from Effingham County who lost their lives during the war as Isle of Hope served as a hospital during the war.","Chatham-Isle-of-Hope-UMC-61.jpeg",{"_158":1211,"_160":1212,"_162":1213,"_164":1214,"_166":1215},385,"Confederate Soldier Graves ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mfre6s8hhckfkf7dzqvqk5bhy4ge","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mfre6s8hhckfkf7dzqvqk5bhy4ge?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mfre6s8hhckfkf7dzqvqk5bhy4ge?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mfre6s8hhckfkf7dzqvqk5bhy4ge?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/mfre6s8hhckfkf7dzqvqk5bhy4ge?variant=lqip",336,"In this view toward the rear of the church, we get a complete view of the gallery. This gallery was originally for used to seat enslaved individuals.","Chatham-Isle-of-Hope-UMC-47-1.jpeg",{"_158":1222,"_160":1223,"_162":1224,"_164":1225,"_166":1226},383,"Isle of Hope Methodist Gallery ","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/p8xtxegc9a2cs2rk56ffq6tv64ft","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/p8xtxegc9a2cs2rk56ffq6tv64ft?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/p8xtxegc9a2cs2rk56ffq6tv64ft?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/p8xtxegc9a2cs2rk56ffq6tv64ft?variant=desktop","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/p8xtxegc9a2cs2rk56ffq6tv64ft?variant=lqip",333,"Chatham-Isle-of-Hope-UMC-81.jpeg",{"_158":1231,"_160":1232,"_162":1233,"_164":1161,"_166":1234},380,"https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2sh9xzurrzsmgiusx5g0lg1m95gm","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2sh9xzurrzsmgiusx5g0lg1m95gm?variant=mobile","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2sh9xzurrzsmgiusx5g0lg1m95gm?variant=tablet","https://api.opentour.site/historic-rural-churches/v4/public/media/2sh9xzurrzsmgiusx5g0lg1m95gm?variant=lqip","new-tour-1790272324070",{"_101":1246,"_34":24,"_72":1247},{"_101":1244,"_34":199,"_72":1245},{"_101":1242,"_34":189,"_72":1243},{"_101":1240,"_34":179,"_72":1241},65,"WALKING",64,"TRANSIT",63,"DRIVING",62,"BICYCLING","south",31.191500657013368,"north",32.09709621194735,"east",-80.94845836028682,"west",-81.9076467377459,"centerLat",31.644298434480362,"centerLng",-81.42805254901637,30,"external_url","footer_logo","name","logo_url","notes","subdir","tourSet",{"_34":1275,"_78":1276,"_1277":1278,"_1279":1280},"request",{"_1271":1272,"_1273":1274},"protocol","http","host","historic-rural-churches.opentour.site","30","tour_sets","attributes",{"_1263":71,"_1266":10,"_1285":1286,"_1287":1288,"_1264":-5,"_1289":1290},"relationships",{"_1281":1282},"admins",{"_1283":1284},"data",[],"published_tours",[1302],"mapable_tours",[1299],"logo",{"_1263":1289,"_1291":1292},"record",{"_34":1260,"_1263":71,"_1293":1294,"_1295":1294,"_1266":10,"_1296":-5,"_1261":-5,"_1265":-5,"_1262":-5,"_1297":-5,"_1298":-5,"_30":-5},"created_at","2020-11-11T17:06:49.438Z","updated_at","tour_id","base_sixty_four","logo_title",{"_72":73,"_63":16,"_1300":1301},"center",{"_113":1257,"_115":1259},{"_72":73,"_63":16,"_1303":1304},"location",{"_113":1257,"_115":1259}]