This congregation was once a centerpiece of the railroad town of Barnett, which thrived in the latter half of the 19th century. The building was in bad repair for many years but was recently renovated.

Lawrence Battle (12 December 1889-12 June 1878), a prominent local landowner, gave the land on which the church was built in 1876. He died soon thereafter.

Among the many fascinating markers in the adjoining cemetery, the marble angel marking the grave of Marye Lulu Battle (1865-12 June 1900), is the most revered.

Notable, as well, is this wooden grave marker at the burial site of Jason Hayes (September 1834-June 1908).  On a personal note, I found the graves of several members of the Pate family, which may well turn out to be relatives of mine. One of the names, Maxie Pate, is a name shared by my maternal great-grandfather. I haven’t yet made the connection, but I believe there is one.