
This home was built by Preston O. Trapnell (1887-1938).
South Metter Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

This home was built by Preston O. Trapnell (1887-1938).
South Metter Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

This home also served as Metter’s first hospital.
South Metter Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

South Metter Residential Historic District, National Register of Historic Places


Guido Gardens is a place of refuge, just a couple of miles off I-16 in Metter, which has always been free and open to the public 24/7, 365 days a year. Walk around these three acres and you’re guaranteed to find a sense of inner peace, no matter your faith or belief system. It’s a testament to the vision of Michael Guido, who was better known as “The Sower” through his syndicated newspaper column and radio and television broadcasts, Seeds from the Sower. His wife, Audrey, was responsible for the design of the gardens. At a time when televangelists were plagued with scandal, Michael Guido was seen as a stabilizing voice. He never asked for money and actually gave his message to any and all who would hear it. Guido’s Sower Ministries is still going strong.

Take an hour and walk through the pines and flower beds. Listen to the calming sounds of waterfalls, which seem to be around ever corner.

One of the great features of the gardens is the Chapel in the Gardens, a modern prayer chapel built in 1984 in memory of Evelyn Stillwell. Dr. Norman Vincent Peale came to Metter to assist with the dedication.

As the guest registry in the chapel indicates, people come from all over the country and even the world to this special place of refuge.

The Carpenter’s Shop and the Empty Tomb (not pictured) are representations of important places in Jesus’ life.

A museum is also located on the grounds.


This is now home to the Candler County Historical Society Museum. Charles C. “C.C.” Muse, a native Georgian, was the architect.

National Register of Historic Places

The marble-clad Metter Bank Company building is the finest work of commercial architecture remaining in Metter. It is still used as a bank today. David Robinson notes that the section to the left was originally the Kingery 5 & 10 and was annexed by the bank in the 1970s, hence the variation in the marble siding.
Metter Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

The commercial heart of Metter, Broad Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The largest building in this image, on the right, is the Metter Lodge #435, built in 1916. A nice tree-lined park serves as a centerpiece of the area, offering much-needed shade in the summer months.
Metter Downtown Historic District, National Register of Historic Places

The Candler County Courthouse was built in 1921 at a cost of $125,000. It was the work of architect J. J. Baldwin (1888-1955), who built many Southern courthouses during his prolific career, including those in nearby Claxton and Hinesville.
National Register of Historic Places

Though I’d passed through Metter several times before, I had never really taken the time to explore it’s residential neighborhoods until yesterday. I was very impressed with not only the south side of Broad Street, known for several blocks on Kennedy, Rountree, Lewis, and Leroy Streets as the South Metter Historic District, but with houses on the north side of Broad Street, as well. Metter is a beautiful small town, filled with well-maintained examples of late-nineteenth and early-twentieth century architecture. This charming home might well be my favorite.
South Metter Residential Historic District, National Register of Historic Places