JONES COUNTY GA CHURCH - Pitts Chapel Methodis Episcopal Church Copied with permission from "History of Jones Co., GA," by Carolyn White Williams The first record of this church dates back to October 13, 1860, when 3 3/4 acres of land was purchased from James Wells for the purpose of erecting a Methodist Episcopal Church. The consideration for this amll tract of land was $130.00. Upon it was erected the largest and finest church of that time in Jones County. This church located at Cross Roads in the southern part of the couty was named Pitts Chapel for Peyton T. Pitts, Sr. who built it of his own means, and who was its main support until his death on July 1, 1855. (?) NOTE: Located on Cumslo Road approximately 6.2 miles south of Gray, after intersection of U.S. 49. Provisions for domestic and foreign missions and a sum sufficient for needed repairs of the church were made by Mr. Pitts in his will executed September 10, 1880. (probated 1885) The frame building is of choice material and shows the skill and workmanship of the negro builder, Owen Bostick. (see below) When completed this house was valued at $2,000.00. The first Trustees of the church were Peyton T. Pitts, Sr., Thomas J. Stewart, Albert O. Blanks, Washington Kelly and Giles Griswold. Pitts Chapel formed an important part of the Clinton Circuit until 1918. About that time it was transferred from the Oxford District, North Georgia conference to the Macon District, South Georgia Conference, to become a part of the Cross Keys Circuit. In 1884 116 persons formed the membership, some of whome were: Peyton T. Pitts, Sr. James W. Slocumb Peyton Griswold Crowell Woolfork (Woolfolk) Ellen Henderson Mary Martin Mary Gibson Thomas J. Stewart Lizzie R. Stubbs Elizabeth James Jane Henderson Washington Kelly NOTE: http://www.gbgm-umc.org/pittschapel/index.html Present church ===== http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/jones/wills/pitts80.txt Will of Peyton T. Pitts probated 1885 http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/jones/wills/pitts87.txt Will of Peyton's wife - Mary B. Lists grandchildren: Peyton Griswold, Annie M. Griswold wife of Chls. T. Griswold, Carrie E. Kingman wife of Robt. H. Kingman , Abbie M. Yarborough - Harry A. Gibson -Lizzie R. Moore Peyton T. Pitts Jr. & Mattie T. Pitts ====== 1880 Census - Bibb County Owen BOSTICK Male Other Information: Birth Year <1810> Birthplace GA Age 70 Occupation Carpenter Marital Status M Race B Head of Household Owen BOSTICK Relation Self Father's Birthplace GA Mother's Birthplace VA Source Information: Census Place District 514, Bibb, Georgia Family History Library Film 1254134 NA Film Number T9-0134 Page Number 39A Shared by: CREATVCNCP@aol.com Sylvia Ryce Cornell