I believe this historic African-American church was originally wood-sided and that the bricks were added later. The shingle-sided Gothic steeple is a very distinct feature, especially for a small church. I’m not sure if this congregation is still using this building.
There’s a long tradition of homemade church signs in Georgia, and throughout the South. I find a simple statement like this infinitely more interesting than a flashing digital billboard.
Organized in 1874 as the Chickamauga Methodist Church, this congregation, like many, met in a brush arbor for a time before erecting a combination church/lodge building, which served them until the present church [right in photo] was constructed between 1913-1915, during the pastorate of C. A. Hall. W. H. Sears, a prominent Chattanooga architect and Boy Scouts organizer, was responsible for the design. The Sunday School building [left in photo] was constructed in 1929. I’m not sure when the church name was changed to honor Mrs. Lee.
Chickamauga Historic District, National Register of Historic Places
The congregation of Cove Methodist formed in 1872 and soon built their first church, a simple frame building that was replaced by the present structure in 1894. The front of the churchyard is sheltered by one of the largest Chestnut Oaks (Quercus montana) I’ve ever seen. It’s a landmark in its own right. If you’re ever near Chickamauga, take the time to see Cove Methodist. It’s one of the most beautiful churches in one of the most beautiful churchyards in all of North Georgia.
Update: Our friend Charles Seabrook notes that as of 2023, the grand old oak has been cut down.