Before it was known as Arp, this community on the Irwin-Ben Hill County line was known as Isaac. The name was changed sometime between 1910 and 1915, and judging by the burial dates in the adjoining cemetery, I would estimate that this church dates to about 1910.
Since there was already an Isaac Baptist Church, the small African-American community here named their church Mount Isaac, to distinguish it from the the white church. And though Arp is located in Irwin County, the church and cemetery are just over the county line in Ben Hill.
The adjacent cemetery has several vernacular headstones and many of the hand-stenciled variety.
This hand-drawn bird is likely a dove. It’s a particularly nice example.
Many thanks to Laura Wiggins Norris for bringing it to my attention, and to Dale Bledsoe for the history.
I see you have pictures of my ancestors grave site, that’s so neat i was young when my great-grandmother Jenny Spears passed away.
Glad I was able to share this with you Felicia. The church is nearly gone, but the cemetery will remain to remind people of the people who once worshiped here.
Mount Isaac reminds me of the Church that I grew up in…Mount Airy Baptist Church in Stewart County, GA ~ near Pataula Creek where I was baptistized.
Tell Dale Bledsoe “Chris Burson” said, HI ! – We use to play together when I would visit my grandma for summer vacation – Lula McCurdy, she lived next door in Arp. These were the best times in my life . . .
HI CHRIS CALL ME 299 423 4897 DALE BLEDSOE.
Ooooh – I hope that church can be preserved.
That would be so nice, my grandmother is buried here, Jennie Spears 1983 and several uncles, Thanks so much for sharing.
Another great piece of Georgia history Brian. Great job to you, Laura Wiggins and Dale Bledsoe.