Category Archives: Lulaton GA

Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church, 1890, Lulaton

historic smyrna baptist church lulaton ga photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2013

Smyrna Primitive Baptist is among the oldest congregations in the area, having been constituted at a nearby location in 1824. The present church is the third and final location of Smyrna, which disbanded around 1990.

historic smyrna baptist church brantley county ga photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2013

The lack of paint and other modern conveniences was an aesthetic of the Alabaha/Crawfordite congregations most prevalent in Brantley County.

historic smyrna baptist church lulaton ga crawfordite photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2013

This primitive design is even more evident inside, with exposed roof beams, bare walls, shuttered windows, and a haphazard floor plan. A good history of Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church is presently available online.

historic smyrna baptist church interior lulaton ga photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2013

There is no piano, as “hardshell” folk don’t believe in musical accompaniment. It’s interesting, as well, that the pulpit is located on the side of the church, and not in the rear, as is the custom. There’s also no form of insulation or electricity.

historic smyrna baptist church lulaton ga interior photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2013

In the cemetery at Smyrna Primitive Baptist Church are many of the pioneer settlers of Brantley County, including a large number of Confederate veterans.

historic smyrna baptist church cemetery brantley county ga photograph copyright brian brown vanishing south georgia usa 2013

 

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Old Lulaton Baptist Church, Brantley County

Lulaton GA Brantley County Old Baptist Church Chapel Stained Glass Asbestos Siding Picture Image Photograph Copyright © Brian Brown Vanishing South Georgia USA 2013

Though now replaced by a larger, more modern chapel, the old Lulaton Baptist Church was saved by its congregation for use as a social hall.