Hunter’s Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church is located in southeastern Elbert County, near the Savannah River on the Calhoun Falls Highway. I’m not sure as to the date of construction or the history of the congregation. It’s a beautifully maintained church and churchyard.
One of two outstanding granite-sided churches on Forest Avenue, St. Mary’s Catholic Church was built in 1941 for a growing congregation that, according to the Archdiocese of Atlanta, held Mass in private homes and at the American Legion Hall before its construction. There is no mention of the origins of the congregation, but considering that Elberton was settled in the late 18th century, I imagine there were a few Catholics around long before 1941. After the church was dedicated on 23 November 1941, Saint Mary was a mission of Saint Joseph in Athens and then Saint Joseph in Washington until administration was transferred to Sacred Heart of Jesus in Hartwell in 2014.
Forest Avenue Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
I’ve been unable to locate a congregational history for Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, but it’s a great example of the use of local granite in the construction of public buildings in Elberton. The church, built in 1946, actually sits atop a sloping lot, with a lower floor incorporating Sunday School rooms and offices. This is the street view of the sanctuary.
Forest Avenue Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
Bowman United Methodist Church was established by a small group who first met in a rural log schoolhouse in 1874. It is thought that the first formal home, a frame structure, was occupied by the late 1870s. By 1894, the congregation had grown to around 225. In 1924, members decided to raze the old church and construction began on the present structure. Mr. D. C. Griffin of Hartwell supervised the construction. It was completed in 1925. It is one of the nicest little churches to be found in a town of this size.
Dewy Rose Baptist Church grew out of the membership of Deep Creek and Antioch Baptist churches in 1890. Reverend L. W. Stevens was the first pastor. The congregation met in the local school until a new church was constructed in October of 1890. During the pastorate of Reverend A. W. Bussey membership had grown to a point that a new structure was needed and the present church was completed and dedicated in 1921. It was constructed in the Craftsman style. which is rarely seen in churches. For a more detailed history, visit the church website.
C. I. Stacy was pastor at the time of construction. W. M. Wilcox, W. L. Skelton, and E. P. Harris were the trustees. W. E. Wallis was the architect.
Elberton Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
In History of the First Methodist Church of Elberton, Georgia, John T. Dennis notes that the first church built by this congregation was a wood-frame building, erected in 1848. The present structure was erected in 1888-89.
Elberton Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
First Baptist Church was organized in 1860 and the cornerstone for this structure was laid in 1897. It was the third chapel used by the congregation and was replaced by a newer facility in 1965. This beautiful old church is still in use, serving as chapel and sanctuary for the Hispanic congregation.
Elberton Commercial Historic District, National Register of Historic Places