Salem Baptist, established circa 1896, may be the oldest Black congregation in Fitzgerald. The present structure was erected in 1922. Reverend M. J. Morris was pastor. The board of deacons included J. E. Varnado, G. T. Cason, J. G. Crumley, H. Buchanon, E. L. Smith, R. D. Dixson, and M. T. Taylor. Reverend J. H. Johnson was pastor in charge of the construction.
Salem Baptist Church was also home to many years of the graduation exercises for Monitor High School, located across the street.
I believe my maternal grandfather, Will Hobbs, was a minister for a Methodit Church in Fitzgerald. i’m not sure what years. I remember my mother and my aunts talking about, “when we lived in Fitzgerald.” Whenever you get to the Methodist Church there if there still is one, could you check to see if his name is mentioned anywher. Love you postings. Always look forward to seeing them.