Bethlehem Baptist Church is a historic African-American congregation in rural Dooly County, located near Dooling. Mixed among newer commercial memorials are quite a few vernacular examples. Many have no names and even fewer display dates, but I believe they should be documented before they are completely lost to time. They are presented out of respect.
Vernacular Memorials of Bethlehem Baptist Church Cemetery
Originally located on West Cotton Street, this structure dates to the late 19th century. It was first used as a laundry, then from 1906-1922, it was Walter F. George‘s law office. From 1922-1976, it was home to several different businesses.
It has been moved a couple of times but retains its defining characteristics.
Vienna Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
This is another older photo, dating to 2012, so I’m not sure if either structure is still around. The house is a double-pen type and the shotgun store to the right may have association.
This illustration [I will credit the artist if I can locate a name] depicts the old Union Primitive Baptist Church, a county landmark which stood near Colquitt until it was destroyed by a tornado and razed in 1995. The cemetery on the site of the church is known as Primitive Union for some reason. A memorial ensures the history of the congregation will be remembered for generations to come.
This eclectic Neoclassical Revival home features a second portico on one side and a large octagonal wing.
Vanishing Georgia: Photographs by Brian Brown 