This church is located in The Level, a historic Black community near Hagan. Thanks to Greg Threatte for the identification. He notes that it was founded sometime around 1880 as Eureka Congregationalist Church. Apparently, it was later known as Mt. Zion Methodist Church. The establishment date suggests it was a Freedmen’s congregation.
The structure is near collapse. It features the pale green wainscoted walls typical of many vernacular churches dating from 1870-1920 and the historic cemetery across the road features several significant vernacular headstones.
This historic African-American congregation located a few miles east of Claxton was founded in 1868 by Reverend K. Williams. The first deacons were: Sampson Brewton; Jonah Brewton; Robert Hendrix; Samuel Hendrix (Treasurer); P. W. Bacon (Clerk); Berry Bacon, Reuben Jones, Jr.; John Byrd; York Collins; Sam Levant; and J. L. Lee. Under the guidance of Reverend W. F. Underwood the church was rebuilt in 1939 and renovated in 1985 by Reverend William Wright.
Folk Art & Decoration in Mt. Pleasant Cemetery
Silk flowers in a variety of colors decorate graves of the recently deceased; a whimsical cookie jar stands sentinel over the grave of Lula Lee.
Though less common today, folk art headstones, as well as abundant decoration, were once found in many African-American cemeteries, a nod to the traditions of slave ancestors and the tribal customs of their native continent.
This memorial to veterans is likely the work of a Primous family member, as well as the concrete cross. It is painted white and marks nine gravestones of the Primous family. I first thought the elliptical rings beside the name to be eyes, but one viewer, Laurinda Norris, suggested they were more likely halos. I agree.
