where the SON always shines
Society Hill Baptist Church, located on Marshall Mill Road north of the highway 42 intersection, has had a long and interesting history. It was originally chartered a "Congregational Methodist" Church in 1815.
By the early 1950's, the 135 year-old, wooden church, which sat 3 to 4 feet off the ground on pillars, had reached such a state of disrepair that it had to be torn down. The floor was literally rotting away and the building had become so rickety with age that it was virtually unusable ... so unsafe we even had to discontinue holding funerals there. So in November 1953, the old church was torn down. For the next two years, while the new church was being built, worship services were held in the homes of different members. The new church was completed in November 1955.
Five acres of land have been given to the Church over the years: two acres by James Jordan in 1838 and three more by John and Ruth Hutto in 1957.
Society Hill changed to the "Congregational Christian" denomination in 1952 and remained so for the next 7 years.
However, on August 2, 1959, it was officially reconstituted as a "Missionary Baptist" Church.
Chartered in 1815
Santuary Before a Choir Loft, With Wooden Pews.
Communiun Table Built and Donated By Robert
Rogers.
Pews were comfortable and padded. A choir loft was present in front of the baptistery.
Much of The Floor Had To Be Replaced Due To Age and Wear.
More Comfortable Cushioned Chairs were Installed.
A Choir Loft Was Added and a Choir Formed in 2003.
Construction of a new facility was started in 2005.
A Large Santuary, Foyer, kitchen, nursery and office under construction.
Built on the back of the santuary, a Prophets Chambers allowed visiting pastors a place to stay.
Paved and striped parking area.
Completed with two awnings installed. The Red Brick building is still used to this day for Awana, as well as social Gatherings and Fellowships.
Following are older photos taken from the Atlanta journal, circa August 29, 1937
This was the second structure on the site, and was built about 1880. The first building, erected in 1811, was a log cabin.
This is the same grave as the previous photo, but the current structure was built in 1955
The Rev. Gideon Horne ( left ) of Meansville, GA, 82 years old, has been preaching for 50 years and is one of the oldest congregational ministers in the state. The Rev. Crawford Moncrief ( right ) is the present pastor of Society Hill Church.
Roy Jother, of Fort Valley, age 70, a member of Society Hill Congregational Church for 60 years.
here's young Virgil Lawrence Jones, sitting in the lap of his papa, G.T. Jones.
Mary Ann Outler and Alton Moncrief inspect the oldest tombstone in the churchyard.
Ralph Prince and Mary Moncrief drink from the spring near the church.
Congregation of Society Hill Church celebrate Homecoming.
Congregation of Society Hill Church circa last 1800s.