Category Archives: Lax GA

Lax Holiness Church, Coffee County

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Lax Holiness Church in Irwin County, Georgia, featuring two wreaths on the double doors and surrounded by greenery and shrubs.

Lax Holiness Church, as it is known today, dates to the mid-1890s, contemporary to the establishment of Lax and the growth of the Holiness Baptist movement. (It is located in Coffee County, about 500 yards from the Irwin County line). The cemetery suggests the congregation is older, however. It was in use as early as the 1840s and saw a slow but steady number of burials in the decades between the 1840s and 1890s. Most of these early burials were connected to the Harper family, and the earliest burial I could identify was Leonard Harper (1788-1845). He and his wife, Susanna Brothers Harper (1792-1870), were pioneers of the area and their nine children were central to its growth. Leonard, a native of Liberty County, married Susanna, from South Carolina, in 1804, and they established their family in McIntosh County before relocating to the area of present-day Lax in the 1820s. Unless the cemetery began as a plantation or family cemetery, it was likely associated with a church, and that church eventually became Lax Holiness.

Interior view of Lax Holiness Church, featuring wooden pews and a wooden cross on the wall above the altar.

The Holiness Baptists of Georgia were formed by two congregations who were removed from the Little River Baptist Association in Wilcox County over doctrinal divisions.

Wingate Mule Barn, Circa 1940, Lax

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Interior of an abandoned wooden barn, featuring exposed beams, a wooden floor with some decay, and an open doorway leading to a view of greenery outside.

This long-abandoned barn is part of a group of tin-sided structures in “downtown” Lax that were part of the Wingate family’s turpentine and farming operations in the 20th century. This particular structure served as the mule barn, and as this view of the loft would indicate, is in its final days. Thanks to Quint Wingate for the historical background and to Jerry Youghn for suggesting I document it. I’ll share more of these structures soon.

An old, weathered barn at Lax, Georgia, made of corrugated metal and wood, with partially open sides, surrounded by green grass and trees under a partly cloudy blue sky.

Howell-Wingate House, 1890s + 1919, Lax

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A charming white house with a gray metal roof, featuring a front porch with black rocking chairs, surrounded by a green lawn and bushes. An American flag is displayed on the porch.

This farmhouse in the crossroads settlement of Lax is the most significant residential landmark remaining in the community. It appears to have originated as a Georgian Cottage but was expanded and remodeled in the popular Craftsman style in 1919. Quint Wingate has graciously shared the history of the settlement, meticulously researched for his masters thesis. He notes that the house was built during the 1890s by Alfred Thomas Howell (1856-1909), a native of Reynoldson, North Carolina, who married an Irwin County native, Mary Ellen Paulk (1868-1956), in 1892. William Ottis Wingate (1885-1934) and brother Walter Lee “W. L.” Wingate purchased the property from Mrs. Howell in 1919, at which time it was remodeled and became William’s home. It remains in the family today and is well maintained.

New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Lax

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Since the sign was removed, I assumed this church was abandoned, but Jeresa Ellison writes that it was being restored at the time. Her father, Emmanuel Ellison is the pastor.

Griffin-Bradford Monument, 1976, Lax

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Set amongst stately old oaks and pines, this monument was placed by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1976 to honor the memory of two of Irwin County’s pioneer settlers and veterans of the American Revolution. Corporal James Griffin and Lieutenant Thomas Bradford lived and were buried near this site. Both families are still well-represented in the county today.

James Griffin was born in Edgecombe County, North Carolina in 1753. He enlisted in the Continental Army in 1776 and made the rank of corporal in 1777, seeing action at Brandywine, Germantown, Monmouth, and Guilford Courthouse. After migrating first to Burke and then Montgomery counties with his wife Sarah Lodge (b. October 23, 1766, d. between August 22, 1853 and March 4, 1854) they finally settled in Irwin County in 1827.

His close friend for many years, Thomas Bradford, and Thomas’s wife are also buried here.  I’ve been unable to locate further information on Lieutenant Bradford, but some of his children married into the family of Corporal Griffin.

The historical marker reads: This Historic Marker Erected by Descendants of Corporal James Griffin 1753-1836 and Lieutenant Thomas Bradford 1756-1840. These Revolutionary War Heroes were both Born in Edgecombe County, N. C. and their remains are near this site where they settled these lands in the early 1800’s.

More about Corporal Griffin can be found at Find A Grave.

Heritage Chickens, Lax

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Welsummer Rooster. Best known as the Kellogg’s Cereal Rooster, the Welsummer originated in Welsum, Holland.

In recent years, there has been an explosion of interest in backyard poultry. Driven largely by the organic and whole foods movements, “free-range” poultry and eggs are in greater demand than ever. Since most individuals don’t have the vast acreage required for true free-range habitats, the next best thing is “limited range” or fenced habitat. This is far superior to chickens kept in factory-like “coops”. These photographs were made in Lax, Georgia, at the home of my friend Jerry Youghn. While Jerry’s brood is a bit larger than most, it’s well-maintained. He enjoys experimenting with many different varieties, and raises pheasants, peafowl, ducks and other poultry from time to time.

Cuckoo Marans Rooster

Marans originate in France; the cuckoo or barred variety is but one of nine.

White Cochin Bantam Pair

Cochins originate in China and are considered excellent setters.

Simple roost

Constructed with logs and recycled materials

Young Dark Brahma Roosters Eating Watermelon Rinds

Brahmas are often called the “King of All Chickens” for the large size. They are on the watch list of the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy, but appear to be increasing in number in recent years. Brahmas originate in India and are a close relative to the progenitor of all chickens, the Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus), which are the wild chickens so well-known in Fitzgerald. Ranger Reds are a more recent variety, hybridized from Rhode Island Reds and kept for their meat and egg-laying qualities.

White and Partridge Japanese Silkies

Silkies are a variety kept mostly for show and curiosity. They are actually believed to have originated in China and were first documented in the 13th century.

Welsummers(Brown) & Red Rangers (Cream)

Natural Nest

Silver Pheasant, Standard Dark Cornish & Red Ranger

Chicks in Pen

Red Ranger & Rhode Island Red Hens on Natural Roosting Pole

Rhode Island Reds are large chickens raised primarily for meat. They are the state bird of, you guessed it, Rhode Island. Non-industrial strains are now recovering after years of decline.