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NATIONAL PUBLICITY EDITION
Some Interesting History of Churches In Hart County
Large Number of Churches In Hart
well and Hart County Contribute
In Great Way To Our Progress
By HON. D. C. ALFORD
Pastors of the Hartwell M. E. Church
The following ministers represent
some of the many who have been
pastors of the Hartwell Methodist
Church since its organization about
60 years ago. The names may not
be given just in the order in which
they served, but as nearly so as it is
possible to obtain:
E. G. Murrah, —. —. Harris, B.
Sanders, John W. Baker, A. W. Wil
liams, W. T. Norman, W. A. Farris,
R. A. Seale, P. M. Ryburn. R. B. O.
England, W. C. Smith, W. M. D.
Bond, —. —. Glenn, Wm. Dunbar,
Chas. Pattillo, —. —. Owens, W. M.
Wynn, J. W. Brown, R. B. O. Eng
land (2nd time), Crawford Jackson.
C. A. Jameson, —. Warlick, Ford Mc-
Rae, H. W. Joiner, H. B. Mays, A.
W. Williams (second time), W. W.
Wadsworth, J. W. Bowden, W. P.
King, H. F. Branham, T. R. Kendall,
Jr., F. J. Mashburn, W. R. Foote,
O. L. Kelley, Homer Thompson, and
J. H. Barton, the present pastor.
Hartwell Presbyterian Minister!
The Presbyterian church in Hart
well was organized about 46 years
ago. For some time the congrega
tion worshipped in the other churches
of the town. In about 1880 they
built their present house. Amongst
the first ministers to serve them be
fore they built was Dr. D. P. Cleve
land, a very strong and consecrated
minister of whom it was said that he
was related to President Cleveland.
The elder Cartledge, Hugh McLess,
and Archie Simpson also preached
for them occasionally .
The first regular pastor was per
haps Eugene P. Mickel, who served
several years. He was followed by
R. E. Telford, Dr. Hoyt, J. B. Black,
J. T. Mcßride, M. E. Peabody, T. H.
Newkirk, E. R. Howerton, F. Raus
chenberg, and James Bradley, the
present pastor.
Puton df Hartwell Baptist Church
The Hartwell Baptist church was
organized in 1858 and has had the
following pastors in the order in
which they are named:
Rev. J. T. W. Vernon, one of the
leading ministers in that day, was
Moderator of the presbytery in the
organization and was the first pastor,
then followed Isham H. Goss, Ben
jamin Thornton, H. M. Barton, L. W.
Stephens, Chas. A. Stakeley, J. C.
Wingo, J. R. Earle, G. M. Campbell,
E. R. Carswell, M. L. Carswell, T. A.
Thornton, A E. Keese, J. H. McMul
lan, Bryan W. Collier, T. M. Galphin,
M. H. Massey, G. J. Davis and W. A.
Duncan, the present pastor.
The following have served as Sun
day school superintendents, which
was organized in 1878, and was the
last church service rendered by the
lamented Benjamin Thornton; C. P.
Presnell 1878 to 1882; S. M. Bobo
1883 to 1885; D. C. Alford 1886 to
1912 ; L. L. Stapleton 1913 to 1914;
J. G. Craft 1915 to 1917; J. H.
Skelton 1918 to 1924; T. S. Mason
1925, present superintendent.
Sardis Baptist Church
Sardis Baptist church was organ
ized in 1811. The following minis
ters have served as pastors: John
Cason, Wm. Morning, Samuel Hymes,
John Harris, Wills B. Jones, Asa
Chandler, Benjamin Thornton, James
Goss, Wm. E. Walters, M. H. Bar
ton, B. C. Thornton, J. H. McMullan,
J. R. Earle, B. M. Pack, M. L. Cars
well, Bryan W Collier, T. M. Galphin,
R. A. Smith, M. H. Massey, T. J.
Espy.
The Sardis people now worship in
a great new church. See the cut
elsewhere.
Notwithstanding the building of
this great church the Sardis people
paid nearly ten thousand dollars into
the 75 million campaign in time of it.
One link in the history of Sardis
church and which is not generally
known, and which has not added any
thing especially to her well merited
spiritual fame, is the fact that many
years before the war between the
States there lived in the community
a school teacher who was famous for
scholarship and his talent was se
cured to compile the records of the
church which he did in a most credit
able way. This was Walter M. Gib
son. He disappeared, it was said,
without being welcomed off. The
next heard of him was that he went
from Utah territory as a Mormon
missionary to the Hawaiian Islands
and eventually became Prime Minis
ter of the Hawaiian group. No per
son ever charged him with any re
ligious inconsistency as he made no
pretense to such while living in the
Sardis community.
Cross Roads Baptist Church
Cross Roads Baptist church was
organized in 1871. Rev. Isham H.
Goss presided when it was organized.
The membership met and worshipped
under a brush arbor for several years
before a house was built. It was first
called and known as “Miller Old
Field”; after the building was put
up the name was changed to Cross
Roads.
Calvin P. Sanders was the first
pastor, followed by Isham H. Goes,
B. C. Thornton, J. T. W. Vernon,
Jno. D. Adams, B. M. Pack, W. J.
Vickery, B. J. McLeskey, L. W.
Stephens, F. M. Estes, E. R. Goss,
L. T. Weldon, G. W. Hulme, S. S.
Mathis, G. J. Davis was pastor when
the beautiful brick church was built,
as appears in another column, and
George C. Steed, present pastor.
Cedar Creek Baptist Church
There is no record available that
will tell when this church was first
organized. It was previous to 1800
and was a mission branch of old
"Shockley Ferry Church” in Ander
son county, just across the Savannah
river. It seems that when Sardis
was organized in 1811 that the Ced
ar Creek membership disbanded and
most of them went to Sardis. The
last organization was in March,
1878, by a presbytery consisting of
Benjamin Thornton, Isham H. Goss,
Asa Avery and Deacon T. N. Mc-
Mullan, J. V. Richardson and Jas. E.
Scott and Carswell Farmer. There
were 40 members in the organization
that came from Sardis. Asa Avery
was the first pastor. Isham H. Goss
was next chosen pastor and contin
ued as pastor until his death in 1882.
Jas. H. McMullan and J. T. W. Ver
non also served as pastor prior to
1891. J. T. Rucker was pastor in
1892. Many prominent • ministers
have served the church in the last 30
years. T. M. Galphin is the pastor
at present. The present membership
is 200.
Bowersville Baptist Church
Bowersville Baptist church was or
ganized in October, 1886. It was
constituted with 20 members. The
church now has 111 members. L.
W. Stephens was Moderator when
the church was organized. Jas. H.
McMullan was chosen pastor; at that
time there was no building to wor
ship in. Mr. McMullan was a great
church builder and he continued as
pastor until the present splendid
house was built. Since Mr. McMul
lan died in 1897 several different
ministers have served as pastors—
J. T. W. Vernon, D. B. Waite, T. J.
Rucker, J. H. Ayers, E. L. Sisk, A.
C. Shular, D. C. Williams and T. M.
Galphin, the present pastor.
Hendrys Baptist Church
This is another one of the old
churches in the county, celebrating
its 100th anniversary in 1918, hav
ing been organized in 1818. The
name “Hendry” was given to it in
honor of one Doctor Hendry, who liv
ed in the community at the time of
the organization. Dr. Hendry ran a
country store and the nearest tawn
or postoffice at that time was Ruck
ersville. The mail came up from Au
gusta once a week to Ruckersville.
Someone in the neighborhood would
usually go down and bring the mail
ts Hendry’s Store, where the people
would meet to get their little mail
and hear the news. It was said that
Dr. Hendry took the leading papers
of that day and being a good reader
would entertain the people who had
assembled by reading to them the
news.
Hendrys church for many years
was the church es the father and
grandfather of many who live in the
community now, who hold the name
in sacred memory.
Rev. L. W. Stephens, who died
some 25 years ago, was a pastor of
Hendrys more than 30 years. Many
of the old citizens of the county
have dated their conversion back to
the revivals held at this church. The
pastors of more recent years .have
been J. B. Brown, J. P. Sheffield,
J. M. Skelton, C. W. Henderson and
J. F. Goode, the present pastor. The
membership new is 142.
—o—
Shoal Creek Baptist Church
This church was organized some
time prior to 1798 as the Georgia
Association met there in May, 1799,
and formed a new association and
called it the “Sarepta.” The Sarepta
held its first session at Ruckersville
in October of the same year. Adial
Sherwood, Jesse Mercer, Dozier
Thornton and James Mathews were
the leading ministers of that day.
James Mathews was the grandfather
of the Doctors by that name so well
known in this section of Georgia.
Benton Starke was once pastor,
commencing his pastorate in 1823.
H. M. Barton, D. H. Payne,'—. Sim
mons, Thomas Crimes, J. H. McMul
lan, L. T. Weldon, W. J. Purcell, E.
L. Sisk, B. W. Collier, J. F. Goode,
R. M. Maret, G. W. Hulme, A. B.
Green and E. E. Woodson, the pres
ent pastor. Many of the leading
citizens in the years gone by were
members of this old church. At one
time it was the center of the greatest
educational activity in all this sec
tion and “ Parker Town” was known
far and wide. It was in this com
munity that the Looneys and Parkers
came up and made for themselves
great names as leaders in education
al and worthy citizenship.
Shoal Creek church now has a
membership of 240.
Bethesda Methodist Church
This is also one of the old, old
churches of Hart county, dating its
beginning back more than 100 years.
Many pathetic and sacred recollec
tions cluster about the surroundings
of this noted place, and in its ceme
tery sleep the remains of many who
are precious in the memory of the
living now. The pastors of this
great church were also the pastors
of the Hartwell church until some 40
years ago, when Hartwell was made
a station. It is now in the Bowman
Circuit and has had for many years
the benefit of strong, consecrated
ministers to pastor its flock. It is to
be regretted that we are unable to
give a more detailed account of the
record of this church which has been
and is now one of the most active in
the county. The present pastor is
Rev. J. R. Allen.
Mt. Olivet Baptist Church
This church was organized in May,
1888. The presbytery consisted of
T. A. Thornton, John Westmoreland,
M. L. Carswell, B. J. McLeskey, and
Deacons D. H. Vernon and R. A.
Vickery. When organized it had
only 15 members, who came from
Mt. Hebron and Cross Roads. The
church now has a membership of
233. T. A. Thornton was the first
pastor. The pastors have been
changed a good many times since the
church was organized and we regret
not being able to give the names of
all the pastors who have served, how
ever, we will'give the names of T. R.
Wright, A. J. Cleveland, F. M. Estes,
J. P. Sheffield and the present pas
tor, T. A. Thornton.
Mt. Olivet is now the center of
a great school district. The com
munity recently having built one of
the largest and most commodious
brick school buildings in the county.
THE HARTWELL SUN. HARTWELL, GA.
Mt. Zion Methodist Church
Mt. Zion is one of the old churches
in the county, being in the eastern
part of the county and near the Sav
annah river, which gave it the bene
fit of much wealth in ante-bellum
days. It was the home church of
Rev. Henry Tyler, of whom refer
ence is made in this edition. Rev.
Wm. Glenn and Ransom Whitaker
frequently preached at this church
in the days gone. For many years
it was connected with the Hartwell
circuit and until 1883, when Hart
well became a station. Up to that
time the pastor of the Hartwell
Methodist church was the pastor at
Mt. Zion. The membership now is
very small, but it still lives. Pastors
of recent years have been Rev. H.
C. Stratton, O. E. Smith, E. O. Vick
ery and J. H. Nichols, the present
pastor of the Hart Circuit.
Milltown Baptist Church
Milltown was organized in 1858
with 13 members. Rev. J. T. W.
Vernon was moderator of the pres
bytery which consisted of Jas. C.
Jones, Francis Hubbard, Abram
Walters, Wm. Dalton, Henry Brown
and Judge J. V. Richardson, clerk,
and Wm. C. Davis, assistant clerk.
The following ministers have served
the church and some of them for
many years: J. T. W. Vernon, Jesse
Brown, B. C. Thornton, Isham H.
Goss, J. R. Earle, J. C. Wingo, B.
M. Pack, T. A. Thornton, E. R. Goss,
R. M. Maret, V. L. Herndon, J W.
Moore, T. J. Rucker, J. B. Brown,
T. A. Burrell, D. C. Williams and
J. J. Hiott, the present pastor. Rev.
Thos. A. Thornton has been called to
the church three times and served in
all something near twenty years.
His lamented father, Rev. B. C.
Thornton, was pastor at Milltown
some 45 years ago. This old church
is very dear in name and association
in many ways. It was here that the
first resolution was passed that gave
birth to the Hebron Association,
which resulted in the organization
at Hendrys church in October, 1883.
New Prospect Baptist Church
New Prospect Baptist church was
organized in 1884. The membership
in the beginning was made up mostly
from Milltown and Reed Creek
churches. Being closely surrounded
by other churches has never grown
in membership numbers as some
other churches.
It now has a membership of 168.
The following pastors have served
the church in the last several years:
J. T. W. Vernon, R. M. Maret, L. T.
Weldon, J. B. Brown, J. P. Sheffield,
D. C. Williams and T. A. Thornton
the present pastor.
Old Canon Baptist Church
Old Canon Baptist church dates
its organization back to 1835. Many
of the substantial and worthy citizen
of Hart county who have long since
passed away were members of this
church. It has a great history back
of it, if the links in its chain could
be properly put together. Many
strong men have been its honored
pastors. Those in modern years may
be named as follows: F. M. Cole, L.
T. Weldon, T. J. Rucker, C. E. Shir
ley, E. N. Sanders and C. W. Hender
son present pastor.
The membership last report was
150.
Bethany Baptist Church
Bethany Baptist church was or
ganized in 1886 and is located in one
of the most prosperous sections of
Hart county. It is a strong church
financially and spiritually and has
made a great record.
The first pastor was Asa Avery
who passed away many years ago
and his remains now sleep in the
beautiful and well kept place for
the dead at Bethany. The others who
have served as pastors may be named
as follows: B. J. McLeskey, F. M.
Estes, T. J. Rucker, E. R. Goss,
Luther Fields, George J. Christians,
J. B. Brown, J. C. West, D. C.
Williams, and A. W. Bussey the
present pastor.
Bethany has always been,classed
amongst the leading churches of the
county and now has a membership
of 298 and the desire of its friends is
that it may continue in the future
as it has been in the past, to be a
great and shining light for good.
Flat Shoal Baptist Church
Flat Shoal Baptist church was
organized in 1885. The pastors of
the more recent years may be named
as follows: T. R. Wright, L. T. Wel
don, Hoyt Adams, J. P. Sheffield, D.
C. Williams, E. N. Sanders, and T.
J. Rucker the present pastor. The
membership now is 188.
This church being surrounded so
closely by other churches has not
shown the great progress that some
have in the county, still its life as a
church has not been lived in vain
and the hope now is that it may have
a great future.
Holly Springs Baptist Church
We expected at the out set of these
church sketches to confine our
selves to the churches in Hart county
and we will not depart far, as Holly
Springs is on the line or very near
it. The old cemetery most of it is
in Hart county.
Holly Springs was organized in
May 1795 and in February 1796 was
constituted with 21 members. The
leaders in the presbytery were John '
Cleveland, John White and Thomas
Maxwell. John Doss was the first |
pastor. Barmabor Pace was the clerk
and Henry Duncan and Daniel Par
ker were the first deacons. At that
time churches were very few and far
between and most of the Baptist
churches were called “Hardshell.” It
is said that this church in its early
history never called a pastor until
they had spent at least one day in
fasting and prayer.
Samuel Hymes resigned as pastor in
1833. Being without pastor they meet
promptly on the Saturday following
and engaged in fasting and prayer
the conclusion of which they called
Asa Chandler who served the church
23 years consecutively without inter
mission. From 1839 to 1842 the
church neglected fasting and prayer
and the records show they received
no members during that period. One
of the hard rules they practiced
rigidly was that any member who
didn't pay their debts had to give a
satisfactory reason to the church or
be excluded. Sueing each other or
going to law was another rule that
was prohibited. Many strong preach
ers were ordained by Holly Springs.
Namely up to 1900: Thomas Max
well, Daniel White, Elegal Mosely.
Asa Duncan in 1852 (Grandfather to
Hartwell’s present pastor), and W.
J. Brown. Naming the pastors in
order they run something like this:
John Doss, Thomas Maxwell served 30
years, Benjamian Thornton 5 years,
Asa Duncan 17years, W. J. Vickery
15 years, A. A. Duncan 1 year, J. B.
Herron 4 years, E. R. Goss. W. J.
Purcell, A. W. Bussey, J. C. West,
J. B. Brown, T. A. Burrell, C. W.
Henderson is the present pastor.
Holly Spring claims to be the
mother of at least five churches
namely: Double Branches in Frank
lin county in 1801; Wilson Meeting
House in Elbert county in 1802;
Hendrys in Hart county in 1818;
Rehoboth in Elbert county in 1827;
Mill Shoal in Madison county in 1856
and Harmony in Elbert county in
1854. There is much interesting de
tail that might be given about this
old church, but space will wot permit
in this brief sketch.
The church now has a member
ship of 199, last report.
Cokesbury Methodist Church
Cokesbury Methodist church is one
of the oldest churches in the county
and before the war between the
states was the wealthiest church in
this part of Georgia. The aggregate
value of the membership far exceed
ed a million dollars which at that
time represented a great deal of
wealth as financial strength was
hardly ever named with six or seven
figures.
The Sadlers, Chapmans, McCurleys,
Gaines, Teasley, Jones and Bradley
were amongst the leaders in all that
represents the strength of strong and
worthy citizenship.
Cokesbury was honored by blend
ing together the names of the two
first Bishops of the Methodist church
in America, Coke and Asberry. It
has never prostituted the names. She
has had her trials and days of ad
versity as well as days of prosperity,
surviving all reverses in a great way.
Not many years ago the congregation
succeeded in building a splendid
brick church when about the time
that every thing seemed to be going
well this was burned down by some
unknown cause. However it was only
a short time until another building
as guod sr better than the one that
was burned had taken its place.
Cokesbury has ever been known
as a synonym of Christian strength
and fidelity and the wish of friends
is that Its power for good will
never grow less.
Rev. D. P. Johnson is the present
pastor.
Mt. Hebron Baptist Church
Mt Hebron Baptist church was or
ganized in 1884. The membership
of this church mostly were formerly
members of the old Line church,
which was located close to Light
wood creek, about two miles north
of Hartwell. This old church was
named “Line” because it was very
close to the line, between Elbert
and Franklin. In ante-bellum days
the Line church was a popular place
for the people to congregate and
worship and some great revivals
were held there. Hon. Jas. T. Jones
who was the first Ordinary of Hart
county was a consecrated Christian
and great church worker. Rev. Jas.
T. W. Vernon of whom reference has
been made several times in connec
tion with the history of the churches
of Hart county was pastor just be
fore the great War Between the
States. Mr. Vernon was impressed
that religious revivals should be held
in as many churches as possible. He
started one at the Line and it con
tinued for several days and many
young people were converted. Mr.
Vernon knew of Mr. Jones worth
in a revival and he got his consent
to go out to the church one evening
and conduct the services for him.
The result was that many young
men were converted and went to
the war never to return, and as a
result of that evening revival four
were converted that became promi
nent ministers of the Gospel. To
Mr. Vernon this occasion was one of
the most precious in the memory of
his life and he never hesitated to
speak of it when opportunity af
forded and especially did he cherish
the memory of the saintly Jas. T.
Jones and the great good he contri
buted to the revival. The first ses
sion of the Superior court held in
Hart county was held in the Line
church and several courts were held
there before the court house was
built.
J. T. Jones died during the first
year of the war and his remains were
among the first to sleep in the Hart
well cemetery.
The following are some of the
ministers who have served Mt. Heb
ron as pastors in the recent years;
F. M. Estes, T. R. Wright, A. J.
Cleveland, T. A. Thornton, R. M.
Maret, Hoyt Adams, J. B. Brown,
and T. J. Rucker the present pastor.
The membership the last report
was 185.
Bio Baptist Church
Bio Baptist church was organized
in 1881. The first building was a 1
modern wood structure as good as
usually seen in the country. In 1920 i
the members of Bio began to dream
dreams until it became so real to ;
their vision that they began to say,
“the old house has served its day
and we must plan to build a house
in keeping with the needs of our
community." The conclusions were
put into action and the result wa
brick building that would do credit
to any congregation. This beautiful
new church was dedicated January
30, 1921. Dr. T. M. Galphin a
former pastor was requested to
preach the dedication sermon. This
, occasion afforded a great opportunity
for the good people of the Bio com
! munity to meet with friends of many
■ sections to rejoice together. Dr.
i Galphin took for his subject "The
I church of the living God." Emphasi
zing with much force that to
be worthy members of a church was
greater than being kings and princes
in worldly affairs.
If any person should want to know
if putting so many thousand dollars
into a church building didn’t para
lyze the church we are pre
pared to say no, as Bio has paid all
her apportionment to the 75 million
campaign which was more than ?12,-
000.00. There is much that this
great church is entitled to be said in
a complimentary way, but space will
not permit.
Following pastors have served the
church in the order given: L. W.
Stephens, J. H. McManaway, F. G.
Tucker, J. W. Moore. G. J. Davis
supply, S. S. Mathis, T. J. Espy, T.
M. Galphin is the present supply
pastor.
The church has a membership of
185.
Oak Bower Baptist
This church was organized in 1891.
The membership in the organization
was made up by former members of
Sardis and Milltown. This church
is also classed as many others in the
county too close to other church at
present to have a large membership.
The following served as pastors in
the last years: J. B. Saylors, J. B.
, Brown, A. J. Cleveland, J. C. West,
i R. M. Maret, T. A. Thornton. L. T.
i Weldon, Hoyt Adams, J. S. Shaw,
|E. N. Sanders, T. J. Espy. Present
i membership 94.
Rock Springs Baptist
This church was organized in 1882.
The present membership number
128. The following pastors have
served the church in the last top to
fifteen years: R. M. Maret, T. J.
Rucker, A. J. Cleveland, H. F.
Stovall, R. M. Maret is the present
pastor.
Liberty Hill Methodist
This church is classed amongst
the younger churches in the county
and being surrounded so closely by
other churches hasn’t a large mem
bership, however it affords a great
plivilege to those in the community
to have a place of worship so con
venient to their homes. This church
1 belongs to the Hart Circuit and
enjoys the benefit always of an ac
ceptable pastorate. The present
pastor is Rev. J. H. Nichols.
Reed Creek Baptist Church
This church had the reputation up
to a few years ago of having the
largest membership of any country
church in the world. It now has a
membership of 676 as appear in last
report.
It was organized in 1830 during
which time many of the leading citi
zens of the county who have long
ago been numbered with the de
parted were named amongst the
membership of this church. In the
more recent years may be named as
pastors: E. L. Lisk, W. J. Purcell,
R. M. Maret, R. A. Smith, L. T.
Weldon, T. A. Thornton, R. W.
Eubank, W. R. Deal, T. J. Espy and
J. J. Hiott.
The church at present is without
a pastor which is to be reported.
Candler’s Chapel
This chapel was built by the Hart
well Cotton Mill many years ago
when the mill was controlled by
Messrs. Asa Capdler Senior and
Junior.
It is a great convenience for the
mill people as well as others who live
near. The congregation is made up
largely of the members of the vari
ous churches of Hartwell. Regular
services are kept up every Sunday
morning and evening, also a good
live Sunday school.
The mill management contributes
liberally to the support of the minis
ters who serve the congregation.
The chapel is a great place for the
people to assembly, especially on
Sunday afternoon. The services are
always inspiring and helpful.
Rev. J. H. Nichols, of the Metho
dist church, and Rev. J. J. Hiott, of
the Baptist denomination, preach
there regularly.
Vernon Baptist Church
This church was organized in 1902.
It was named in honor of Rev. J. T.
W. Vernon who was one of the pio
neer minister of the county and did a
great work. He was almost alone in
advocating temperance in the early
history of the county. The follow
ing ministers have served as pastors:
F. M. Cole, A. J. Cleveland, F. M.
Estes, R. P. Ford, Hoyt Adams, J.
S. Shaw, E. C. Shirley.
The membership last report was
67.
Pleasant Hill Presbyterian
This is one of the oldest Presby- I
terian organization in the county.
It is in the Bio neighborhood which i
is one of the most up-to-date com
munities we have. The citizenship i
is us the most progressive, religious
ly, morally and financially. This
formerly great church has suffered
much by the removal of a large per
cent of her membership, still the
faithful few that remain enjoy a
fine spirit of Christian fellowship.
The pastor of the Hartwell church
also serves this church as he has op
portunity.
Rev. James Bradley is pastor.
Sharon Presbyterian Church
This church was organized some
twelve to fifteen years ago. It is
located in a fine section of the coun- j
ty and is making a name to live and I
has already accomplished much good
in the community. It doesn’t claim
a large membership but has a fine i
organization. The pastor of the
Hartwell Presbyterian church is also
pastor of Sharon. Rev. James Brad
ley is now the honored pastor.
New Harmony Methodist
This church was organized about
thirty years ago.
This church was made up largely
of the members of Harmony Pres
byterian church which on account of
a lack of members to keep up cur
rent expenses had to disband. New
Harmony has been served many year*
by the pastors who are in the Hart
Circuit. This church, like many
others being so close to other con
gregation has never achieved a large
membership, however it lives and the
hope is that it may grow in spiritual
power and usefulness. Rev. J. H.
Nichols is the present pastor.
Bowersville Methodist
Bowersville Methodist church wm
organized in 1885.
The following ministers have serv
ed as pastors: A. D. Echols, W. A.
Cooper, Strozie, J. M. Sewell, F.
I). Cantrell. A. C. Cantrell. W. A.
Simmons. W. F. Hambry, John F.
Yarbrough, J. W. King, Wallis Milli
can, M. B. Sams, J. F. Lowe, C. A.
Norton. M. B. Whitaker, J. O. Davis,
F. E. Crutcher, and the present paa- .
tor, O. E. Smith.
The membership now is about 140.
This church has always stood for the
highest ideals of Christianity and
citizenship and has accomplished
much good in many way.
Liberty Congregational
This church is located near the line
of Hart and Elbert county.
This church like many others in
the county has not a large member
ship, but always has stood for its ob
ject, the highest standard of chris
tianty and citizenship.
Church of God
This religious organization in new
in our county. The church is located
about four miles northwest of Hart
well. The membership though small
in members represents a zealous and
consecrated people.
Redwine Methodist Church
This is one of the old churches
of the county and if its history could
be properly conducted it would make
an interesting story. Major Nathaniel
Durkee's body rests in its cemetery.
He made a great name as a Revolu
tionary hero. The 1). A. R. held an
interesting memorial service in hi»
honor last year.
Rev. Lunday Harris the distinguish
ed husband of Mrs. Corra White
Harris the famous novelist was once
pastor of this old church.
Redwine has klwiivm been noted
for its high class of citizenship in
the community and has ever labored
for the very best in morality and
I Christianity.
Rev. O. E. Smith is pastor.
Providence Methodist
This church is one of the oldest
churches in the county, was organized
102 years ago last Christmas Eve.
The first building was a log house
and the good women were so anxious
to have a place of worship that they
notched the logs and earned up one
corner of the building. The church
was organized with fourteen mem
bers, that number being necessary
to .secure a pastor. Many <rf the
influential citizens of Hart county
were devoted members of this church
which has made for itself a great
record as a mighty power in moulding
and directing Christian activities.
Many sacred memories cluster
around old Providence church. The
hope now is that it may increase in
power and usefulness as the years
8° by.
The following minsters have served
the church during the last fifty
years: W. T. Norman, W. A. Farris,
A. W. Quillian, A. D. Echols, W. A.
Cooper, F. P. Langford, M. D. Smith,
F. D. Cantrell, W. A. Simmons, W.
T. Hamby, S. H. Dinon, A. C. Can
trell, J. T. Lowe, J. F. Yarbrough,
J. M. Talkington, H. C. Pace, T. 11.
Maxwell, W. D. Stephenson, R. F.
Elrod, J. C. Adams, andC. D. Reed
the present pastor. W. T. Norman,
W. A. Farris, W. D. Stephenson and
J. F. Lowe served four years each.
W. A. Cooper was pastor in 1888
and also in 1912.
The cemetery is well kept and a
visit to it would prove interesting
to any one who likes to see the names
on the monuments of many of those
whom they have known or heard
about. It is said that a man by the
name of Hutcheson was the first to
be buried there and that his body
was brought in a sled. Not many
wheel vehicles in that day.
Fellowship Methodist
This church, as its name indicates,
enjoys the reputation of a good name
in upholding that which stands for
the community, moral and religious
interest. Sorry we are unable to give
some data of the history of thia
church.
Macedonia Methodist
This church is another one of the
old churches of the county. It is
located in a fine community and has
always had the reputation of being
active and zealous in all Christian
causes fostered by its denomination.
Rev. O. E. Smith is pastor.
Colored Churches
The colored people of Hart county
have splendid church buildings with
large membership, many of their
houses are creditable in every way
and well equipped for convenience
and comfort. They have faithful and
consecrated pastors as a rule for the
congregations who are entitled to
more encouragement than they usual
ly get from the white people.
In conclusion we wish to say that
it is regretted very much that we are
not able to give to many of the
churches a more interesting and de
tailed history.