Elbert County GaArchives Churches Harmony Baptist Church ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/ga/gafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Transcribed by Chandler Eavenson 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