Elbert County GaArchives Churches
Harmony 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
Harmony Baptist Church 

The following is taken from a church history published in the 
Elberton Star newspaper on 15 Oct 1973 and compiled by Mrs. 
F. M. Young and Mrs. Huford Payton: 

"Harmony Baptist Church is one of the oldest churches in Elbert
County, and church members there are able to look back on a 
rich history. The Church was founded in 1854, with 40 members, 
and it was established with the help of the Holly Springs 
Church. The site of the first building was five miles north of
Elberton, near old Brewer's Mill, and the part of Elbert County
in which the first session of Superior Court was held. The first
church was destroyed by a flood two years later, but members 
came together and constructed another building.Serving on the 
Rebuilding Committee were Peter Cleveland, W. Thomas Thornton
and William R. Hailey. 

"Among early Baptist churches, members manifested great concern
and love for one another. Harmony often invited other churches 
to meet with them, and Harmony, likewise, accepted invitations 
to visit other churches. Harmony enjoyed a close unity with 
Doves Creek Church, Vans Creek Church and Rock Branch Church. 
In 1884 Harmony Church moved to its present site. Rev. John D. 
Adams was ordained by the Church at that time, and a copy of the
ordination minutes were sent to The Christian Index for 
publication. The 1913 revision of the Church's roll showed 205
members. A 1935 Hebron Association publication cites the laymen
at Harmony as 'contributing to association success and progress.'
The present brick veneer church building was constructed in 
1959-61, with members contributing more than half of the hours 
of labor.....Harmony Baptist Church stands now, 116 years old, 
a prominent cornerstone, with a rich, moving heritage, filled 
with glorious achievements of yesterday, conscious today of 
responsibilities and opportunities, and aware of a vision of a 
more glorious tomorrow as members faithfully serve the Lord."

Contributed by: Chandler Eavenson