This congregation was organized in 1880.
First Baptist Church, 1908, McRae
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown
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This congregation was organized in 1880.
Would very much like to join you for a homecoming, however, the date this year conflicts with the homecoming at our church in South Georgia. If your homecoming is not set in stone as ours is, maybe we can make one in the future. My GGGGrandfather Norman McLeod was brother to Catherine McLeod McRae of Telfair County. Norman later moved his family to Thomas County where he later died.
J. W. McLeod
Old McKInnon Cemetery, at China Hill, was probably surveyed by Charles McKinnon in the wee years of the 1800’s. No one seems to know the exact year. Charles and his wife Margaret are buried there. I have family memebers, McRae’s, Mizell’s, Williams, Cotter’s and others buried there. The cemetery was abandoned for several decades. I spent 14 years travling there to clear it. In the sense that I feel it is a historic cemetery, my GGGGGrandmother Catharine ( McLeod) McRae, ( moved to the area in 1819), she was Rev. War widow. Three of her sons are also buried there. One being Judge Duncan McRae, who married Janet McKinnon, Daughter of Charles. Norman McRae, who was Ga., State Senator , Rep. in the 1820’s , Judge and Lawyer at Mount Vernon. The Cotter’s are ancestors of Robert Nall Cotter, of I think Emory Univesity fame.
Judge Duncan McRae desendents include U.S. Army Generals, Marion Bayard Folsom, one of the writers of the Social Security System under F.D.R., and H.E.W. Sec., for President Eisenhower. Duncan’s line is long and elustrious. The cemetery is located behind Bethel Church which is on the Old River Road built by Gen. Oglethorpe, aka. 117.
He may not want his named mention here without permission , but I believe you know the young educator, that lives at China Hill. He is also a cousin.
What I’m asking of you is, can you take photos of the cemetery and post them. I’m getting up in years and do want the cemetery to be abanonded again. Maybe just maybe, someone will see the pictures and take an interest in the cemetery. Thank you for what you are doing here. I also hear you are a poet.
John Wayne McRae
I was the pastor here in the early 1970’s when the renovation was done on this church. It was thrilling to restore the church to its’ Gothic beauty. I am now 69 years old and this was the most beautiful church I have ever seen.
We are about to have homecoming (Oct. 24, 2010) at this church and would love to have you join us. Please visit our Website firstbaptistmcrae.org for details.
Churches look very fine in Gothic Revival. This one is particularly handsome in brick.