Tag Archives: Banks County

The Historic Hebron Presbyterian Church, Cemetery, and Academy of Banks County, Georgia

Founded in 1796, the Hebron Presbyterian Church congregation in Banks County is one of the earliest congregations in north Georgia. The church was built in 1883 and is representative of many rural churches found in the South with the double doors at the entrance, which were used separately by men and women when the sexes did not sit next to each other during church services.

The Hebron Academy is tied to the earlier school on the church’s campus. The first school building was constructed in 1855. At the time, it was a rare school that educated white schoolchildren and the children of the enslaved. The slaveholder could grant permission for anyone they held in bondage to be educated. This continued until a Georgia state law was passed to prevent the education of anyone held in bondage. In 1910, the current school building was constructed, and the old building was moved to be used as a parsonage.

The church’s cemetery highlights a mixture of tombs and markers used over the years. From the head and shoulders grave markers, sometimes called discoids, and the cairns represent earlier markers. Additionally, since it is still an active cemetery, modern markers are mixed throughout it.

The grave of Samuel McKie (1761-1845), who fought in the Revolutionary War, showcases an earlier vault with the addition of a federally issued headstone.
The head and shoulders marker of Elizabeth McEntire (1765-1806) is engraved with “Here lies Elizabeth McEntire age 41 yrs. Departed this life 10 August 1806.” It is believed this marker, and others like it, was quarried from local stone.
Jane Fleming Ash (1764-1859)
The grave of Jennie C. Pruitt (1868-1913) is engraved with the quote, “In my father’s house are many mansions,” from John 14:2-6. This is a frequent inscription in cemeteries.

Homer Colored School-Homer, Georgia

According to the Rosenwald database, this is a two-teacher school that was built for $850.

Gabled Farmhouse-Arp, Georgia

Banks County

Tax records indicate this house was built in 1915.

Hill Hotel-Homer, Georgia

Once a home and then a boarding house and hotel, the Hill Hotel was dismantled last year and is being rebuilt. It is believed the core of the house was built in the 1830s.

Mount Olivet United Methodist Church-Banks County, Georgia

The congregation organized in 1868 and was built soon thereafter on deeded land. The church held its last service in 1961.

Central Hallway Farmhouse-Banks County, Georgia

This farmhouse was in the midst of being restored when I photographed it. It has a new roof. Based on the light that I can see at the end of the hallway, I believe this house started out as a dogtrot house.