Identifying this very isolated rural church has generated more questions than answers. Though it has generally been referred to as Jones Chapel, due to the fact that the road on which it is located bears that name, Richard Millman of Evans, working with our friends at Historic Rural Churches of Georgia, has confirmed that it was St. Johns Church.
In an article in the Lincoln Journal, Millman wrote: I spoke with an 87-year-old local man who began attending St. John’s church in the 1940s. He was one of the last two members and they closed the church. He also attended the Jones Chapel school that sat adjacent to the church. The school building is no longer standing. The man did not know of a Jones Chapel in the area. There are graves in the overgrown cemetery, but no history can be found on the folks buried there. The fact that the gentleman Millman spoke with knew nothing of the location of Jones Chapel, but that the African-American school associated with St. Johns Church was named Jones Chapel School, is curious. However, knowing that rural neighborhoods often take on the name of local landmarks, it may indicate that the community around this rural road was loosely known as Jones Chapel. Nothing about the location or history of Jones Chapel has been found, thus far.
Dating the structure is also difficult. Various resources date it to 1889, 1909, and 1920. I’m more inclined to go with the circa 1909 date, as I’ve seen many African-American churches built circa 1900-1920 with similar steeples. The vernacular three-bay-deep form was typical for both white and black congregations well into the early 20th century.
Update: The 1909 construction date has been confirmed locally.
All the guesses researchers have made regarding this church are logical, and though the full story may never emerge, it’s safe to say the church is not going to be around too much longer in its present state.
Hi Brian. It’s been a minute, but I was wondering if you would still be interested in hearing some of my mother’s memories from when she attended St John School and Baptist Church? We could do this via phone or even zoom. Let me know what and when would work best for you. She “loves” to talk, knows no strangers, and would definitely enjoy telling her stories. Look forward to hearing from you.
Sara Henson
I will definitely speak with her to see if she has any other memories of the church. I do know her mother and grandmother attended as well. They walked to church. My mother is experiencing some cognitive decline, but I will see what else she may have. I do know she would be elated to speak with you about the church and anything she can remember about it. I will be in touch with you. Thanks for your interest in hearing her memories.
Hello,my mother Carrie Danner tells me she attended St Johns Baptist church as a child. She states God touched her in that church at the age of 9. She is now 87 years old and often tells of her experience there. I am going to share this picture with her.
Thanks for sharing. I would love to hear some of your mother’s memories. The stories of this place are important.