
Liberty Baptist is one of the few surviving examples of an antebellum church structure in Southwest Georgia. Though nearby Grooverville Methodist is thought to be antebellum, as well, it’s privately owned and not listed, to my knowledge.

The historic marker placed by the Georgia Historical Commission in 1956 notes: Between 1837-1841 the Baptists in this section were stirred on Missions, Sunday Schools and ministerial support. In 1841 the Ocklochnee anti-Missionary Baptist Assn. passed a ruling to dismiss members believing in the “new fangled institutions of the day.” Disagreeing, Sister Nancy Hagen asked for her letter from Mt. Moriah Church and, at her request, was excommunicated. With Elisha Pack Smith, R. T. Stanaland, James I. Baker, Mrs. Sarah Ann Groover, Mrs. Mary Smith, Mrs. Amanda Denmark and Sam Whitfield, she organized this church. The first pastor was Elder R. J. May. Mt. Moriah Church ceased to exist long ago.

The sanctuary is smaller than the outside view of the church would indicate, but it makes great use of the available space.

Boxed pews were a common feature in most churches of this era, and though there aren’t double front doors as is common with Methodist churches, women and men were likely segregated.

The balcony seen above and in the following images is the slave gallery. I’ve photographed several churches with slave galleries, mostly near the coast, and they are generally larger there.

The slave gallery was accessed by a small interior staircase, accessed by a separate door. [visible at the left side of the exterior in the first image].

National Register of Historic Places