Founded in 1836, this is the second church building that the congregation has utilized.
Tag Archives: Methodist Church
Brandon’s Chapel Baptist Church-Stilesboro, Georgia
Established in 1997, Brandon’s Chapel Baptist Church took over the building left vacant by Brandon’s Chapel Methodist Church who shut their doors after declining membership. The church was built in 1900.
Bethel Brick United Methodist Church, Georgia
Screven County Georgia
The Brick Church was built in 1827 on land donated by Reverend Payton Wade. Enslaved labor from the Lebanon Forest Plantation built this church building, and it’s a testament to their skills that this is simultaneously the oldest church and oldest brick church in Screven County.
According to 1859 member rolls, there were 419 Black members and 150 white members. Considering the Wade family enslaved over 400 people, it is likely that most of the Black members were enslaved by the Wade family. There was a slave gallery at one point, indicated by the covered windows at the top. The gallery has since been removed.
The church and cemetery are still in use today. The Wade plantation still exists as a pecan farm, but it is no longer owned by the Wades.
Darien United Methodist Church-Darien, Georgia
From the historic marker, “On November 29, 1841, the cornerstone was laid for Darien Methodist Church on Vernon Square. This church, set afire twice by Federal troops in 1863, did not burn and became the rallying site for the rebuilding of Darien. Destroyed in 1881 by a hurricane, it was replaced in 1883 by the present sanctuary. The Women’s Society, begun in 1878, raised funds for rebuilding.”