Philip Wilcher writes: Sadly, this unique landmark will soon be no more. Plans are to demolish this building by the end of 2020 in order to make way for the widening of Highway 441. Bluewater was founded in 1838, and the congregation first met in a log structure near the banks of Bluewater Creek, which I don’t know the location of. The church’s second building was built in 1881, a wooden structure that was located across the road from the current building in the vicinity of the church cemetery. The church has been meeting in the current building since 1922. The new building will be located across the road, just south of the church cemetery.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 
Seems like there is nothing that is indispensable nowadays. This church is part of our lives so that tells me if we are not careful, we humans will be dispensable before long. I am very familiar with this area and seems like there should be an alternate route around this historic church. It is a well known and loved landmark just like Bluewater Creek is. It means so much to so many people. I am praying for a different solution.
I think people should stand up and fight to keep them from tearing down this beautiful church it’s old yes but it’s got history and if we tear this history down our next generation will never get to see it and I love the way this beautiful church touched many of people lives
By: Cathie Hemingway
Not only has this church been existence in Laurens County for 182 years in several different locations, but it is our church building. My husband has been the Pastor here for the past 15 years. This church has had its ups and downs during its 182 year old life and intends to prevail with the guidance of our God and Savior Jesus Christ. The Church is the people not this building.
It does make me extremely sad to know it will be gone sooner than later. In all actuality this building has belonged to the State since October 2019. We were offered a settlement but not enough to replace the building. In my opinion the State has been heartless and unreasonable where our building is concerned. The State has a total disregard for the house of God. The State has been allowing us to stay rent free (it’s that a hoot) on a month by month basis. We have just learned that as of February we will be expected to pay $4,000 per month to stay. Needless to say that is totally out of range for this small congregation. Decisions will have to made and we will have to vacated within the next two weeks.
Please pray for Bluewater Baptist Church (the people) as decisions are made with our Lord’s guidance.
Prayers that you will find a solution, but with such a long rich history, you will undoubtedly move forward and the congregation will prosper.
I’m sad to hear of this, as I just found out that my 5th great-grandfather the Rev. J. Larry Hobbs was an early pastor of Bluewater. It’s a beautiful church. Would it be possible to reconstruct the church instead of building a new one, or reuse the materials?
When do they plan to build the new building?
I am a member of this church. Sadly, this unique landmark will soon be no more. Plans are to demolish this building by the end of 2020 in order to make way for the widening of Highway 441.
Bluewater was founded in 1838, and the congregation first met in a log structure near the banks of Bluewater Creek, which I don’t know the location of. The church’s second building was built in 1881, a wooden structure that was located across the road from the current building in the vicinity of the church cemetery. The church has been meeting in the current building since 1922. The new building will be located across the road, just south of the church cemetery.
When do they plan to build the new building?
Can nothing be done to protect it as a historical landmark? Could they not divert two one-way streets around it or something?