Elbert County GaArchives Churches
Holly Springs 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
Holly Springs Baptist Church 

The following is taken from a Church history shown in the 
Elberton Star newspaper in 1973, compiled by Rev. Jimmy G. 
Tidwell: 

"Holly Springs Baptist Church is situated in the extreme 
northwestern portion of Elbert County, about two and one-half
miles north from Bowman, and only a few hundred yards from the 
line seperating Elbert and Hart Co.This is the second oldest
church in the Hebron Association, and probably the third oldest
in Elbert Co., having been first organized as an arm of Dove's
Creek Church on May 9th, 1795. Among the leading families in 
the establishment of the church were Duncan, Parker, Rice, 
Rodgers, Harbin and Meritt. One custom prevailed with this 
church, in its early days, which seems especially worthy of 
note: Whenever it became necessary for the church to call a 
new pastor, the day before the one on which the election was 
to take place was spent in fasting and prayer. One of the 
Church's outstanding early leaders was Reverend Thomas Maxwell, 
in 1814. 

"Holly Springs Church was a member of the Tugaloo Association 
until 1840, and 1840 to 1883 was a member of the Sarepta
Association, at which time the Hebron Association was organized, 
with Holly Springs as one of the first members. Around the turn
of the century, the Church membership was 156.....In 1971 the 
Church voted to hire a fulltime minister and build a pastorium."

Submitted by: Chandler Eavenson