Bethlehem Primitive Baptist is one of the most iconic and historic churches in Brooks County. Established in 1834, it joined the Primitive Baptist sect in 1840. It is listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Some sources date the church building to 1834, which is possible, but I’ve also seen circa 1861 referenced. Whichever date is correct, it’s an old church with a quiet beauty. Many have visited just for the sense of peace it projects.
Sadly, I learned today from Gail Blackman Eubanks that it was badly damaged by a storm, thought to have been last September. Gail kindly shared the two photos detailing some of the damage and says structurally, it looks really bad. She was optimistic, nonetheless.
She noted that the interior pews and lectern looked to be in good shape, which is amazing considering that much of the roof is open to the elements. I don’t know if there are any plans to attempt to restore it, but I certainly hope so. There has to be a strong sense of community around this historic place and maybe a miracle can happen.
National Register of Historic Places
Such an unfortunate development. The church was once such a simple and elegant structure!
It is sad to see a piece of history gone like this. Maybe the lumber can be salvaged to use in some way to commemorate the building.
That tree killed it. It’s a goner. Old buildings like that just won’t last forever.
Darien, GA, has a similar church in the same fix. But it’s in better shape than this one.
It’s hard to argue against a big heavy tree when it falls on a building.