This church was constructed between 1979-1983, likely replacing an earlier building. I believe it was established by Freedmen from nearby plantations. Set in a beautiful grove of moss-draped oaks, its of a style typical among African-American congregations in Coastal Georgia. [“Carneghan” is a phonetic spelling of Carnochan The community was named for William Carnochan, who was an early industrialist and enslaver on the McIntosh coast. It has been changed to “Carnigan” on modern maps.]
Vernacular housing of the early 20th century, much of it related to the Gullah-Geechee community, is growing much rarer on the coast. Survivors are important links to the cultural history of the region, though I know of no broad effort to preserve them or their history.
Manufactured kit houses, like this well-preserved side-gabled example, proliferated in McIntosh County (and much of America) from the 1930s to the 1960s. Such structures were improvements over earlier vernacular structures and afforded more convenience to homeowners than was previously available.
I continue to be appreciative of the vernacular forms along the McIntosh County coast, understanding that they are and were peoples’ homes and face constant threats from development.
The Carnigan area has traditionally been an enclave of Gullah-Geechee people and the utilitarian vernacular architecture of the community is rapidly vanishing.