Elbert County GaArchives Churches
Fortsonia Baptist Church 


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File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by:
Transcribed by Chandler Eavenson 
<http://www.genrecords.net/emailregistry/vols/00030.html#0007294>
4 April 2006

Churches
Fortsonia Baptist Church 

The following was taken from a Church history wich appeared in
the Elberton Star newspaper on 14 Feb 1975: 

"Fortsonia Baptist Church was originally called New Bethel. In 
1910, Bethel Church, Elbert County, by invitation, voted to 
extend an arm of Church work to the people in and around Dry
Fork Schoolhouse, located just north of Dry Fork Creek in Eliam 
District. Leading the establishment of the work in this new field 
was Rev. E. N. Sanders, Pastor of Bethel at that time. In 
September, 1910, the new Church was organized and Rev. T. J. 
Rucker served as the Church's first pastor. 

"In October 1916, the membership voted to move the Church from 
its location to Fortsonia. The move resulted in a substantial 
increase in membership. On January 21, 1917, the Church name was
changed by the congregation to Fortsonia Baptist Church. Pastors
J. H. McManaway, J. C. West and L. T. Weldon served for short 
periods until August 1920 when Rev. J. C. West was again called
as Pastor. He served continuously for the next25 year. F.B. 
Fortson, Guy T. Bell, H. H. Madden and Dr. G. A. Ward were 
ordained as deacons in May, 1920. 

"In July, 1927, the church building was destroyed by wind storm
and for some time the Church held its services at Eliam Methodist 
Church, whose people opened their doors and hearts to the 
Fortsonia congregation. In place of the demolished building, a 
brick structure was erected of the same architecture and 
appearance as the present Rock Branch and Dewy Rose Baptist 
Church buildings. This building served as the congregation's 
meeting house until July, 1972.....Construction began in June, 
1970 and the new and present church building was dedicated on 
September 10, 1972."

Contributed by: Chandler Eavenson