The second oldest congregation in Bulloch County, Lower Lotts Creek was constituted in 1801. I’m not sure when the present church was constructed. Its architecture is typical of many Primitive Baptist structures in that it has side entrances, in addition to the front of the church.
The historic Lower Lotts Creek cemetery is the final resting place of many of the pioneers of this section of Georgia. The Hollands, whose family plot is seen above, were a prolific family in early Bulloch County.
This cenotaph was placed by descendants of Bridger Jones in 1996. It reads: Bridger Jones (1759 – 1819), Son of James Jones and Mary Bridger, a daughter of Robert Bridger who was a grandson of Colonel Joseph Bridger (1628 – 1686), Councilor of State in Virginia to King Charles II of England. Jones served in the American Revolution as a seaman in the Georgia Navy, and later as a cornet in the militia of North Carolina, where his father had moved. His wife was Rachel Barry (1762 – 1830), daughter of James Barry and Mary Noble, daughter of Samuel Noble of Carteret County, N. C. Bridger and Rachel came here in 1806. He was a Justice of the Bulloch County Court (1808 – 1813). Their children were Berry, Mary Rachel, Bridger Jr., John Thomas Briant, Josiah, Bazzell, Buckner, and Ann. After his father’s death, Berry deeded to the church six acres including the graveyard where family members are buried.
Ric Stewart writes: “Another grave of note in Lotts Creek PBC cemetery is Garret Williams, who didn’t want to be buried. Instead, his family hoisted his coffin in a large oak tree when he died in 1887. A vandal stole his skull, so fifteen years later he was finally buried in the churchyard at Lotts Creek.“
Many of my extended Williams family members are buried here. Still an active congregation, though very small membership. The annual Williams Family Reunion is held in July.
Edwin, need info on Williams Family reunion. GGgrandfather Stephen Monroe Williams (Jenks bridge…buried at Wright- Williams cemetery). 6x great grandfather Garrett Williams 1690-1733. Thank you
I am looking to see if a relative is buried in your cemetery. His name is James Cleveland Blackburn Sr., born Nov 5, 1928 and passed April 25, 1997. I have two different notice of burial. One is at the Lower Lotts Creek cemetery and the other just says Statesboro cemetery. If he is buried there, would you please share plot info with me. I am looking at traveling to visit cemeteries and take pictures of headstone of relatives. Thanking you in advance and God bless. Joy Worley Clark
Go to the web site and search the cemetery list.
My 4th great grandparents are buried under the church. William Brannen and his wife, Elizabeth J Gross. Bridger Jones and his wife, Racheal Berry are my 5th great grandparents. There is a memorial to the Brannens in the cemetery. William Brannen was born in Ireland.
I have been told my 3rd Great Grandfather is also buried UNDER this church. Can you provide any information about who was buried under the church and why they are under the church instead of the cemetery?
My grandfather was Rev Robert Donaldson and I believe there is a strong connection of Brannens and Donaldsons.
NeSmith marker at upper lotts Creek Church Bullock County GA
Have family buried there and would like to contribute to church. Is there a mailing address or contact person?
You may contact Lori Culberson (Williams family) at Lculber@hotmail.com
My Great-Great Grandfather Elder John G, Williams and G.G. Grandma Francis are buried in the cemetery at this church. I read he was a pastor here. Very beautiful church. Thank you for sharing. -Kelly Williams Fisher
Lotts Creek is one of the oldest congregations in Bulloch County, but the oldest is Nevils Creek Primitive Baptist Church on the north side of the county, in the Bay Gall community.
It was established in 1790. General Sherman and his troops slept there during their march through Georgia.