If you have additions or corrections, please let me know.

The Baptists, Methodists and Presbyterians came with the first settlers into the county and there were organizations of these churches  before the county was separated from Baldwin.

The first Baptist Church was Harmony which was organized in 1807, originally called Salem Baptist Church.  Shortly before 14 July 1821 the church officers were ordered to sell the original building site and the church constitution moved to Kingston Dist in Morgan County and renamed Concord at Kingston.  On 25 Oct 1828 the church moved again renamed Harmony to a site offered by T J Davis located across the road from the present Jefferson Baptist Church.  After Davis' death clear title could not be obtained and this fourth and present site was bought 30 Apr 1844 from William S Scott.  It was dedicated April 1855 and served the congregation until March 1926 when it was destroyed by fire. 

The first Methodist church building was Victory, built in 1806.  The first Presbyterian church was built about the same time.  Crooked Creek Primitive Baptist Church was organized in 1807.

Victory Church's name was changed to Concord Methodist Church in 1812. 

Up to 1819 there was no church in Eatonton.  The population of the village was small and the church people held their connection with country churches.  then, largely through the influence of Rev Coleman Pendleton, the ordinary, a union church was built. 

William Arnold and John Collinsworth, two famous Methodist preachers, lived near Eatonton.  Rev John W Knight, a gifted and worthy Methodist Preacher, lived in this county for years and died while residing in it.  Walter R Branham was born in Putnam Co, was a prominent

Methodist Preacher in Georgia.

The Eatonton Presbyterian Church located on Madison Avenue, ca 1905.  Built 1896.   Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

The First ME Church, South Located on Madison Avenue, Eatonton. Ca 1911.     Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

The Baptist Church located at intersection of Madison Avenue and Harris Street. Ca 1912.  This building no longer stands. Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

Harmony Baptist Church, 1930's.   Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

Crooked Creek Primitive Baptist Church, east of Eatonton on Georgia Hwy 16.  Church was organized 1807.  Photo taken ca 1978. First minutes in 1807 were written by Francis Flournoy.  First members of the church: Micajon Brooks, Thomas Cates, Thomas Low, Anthony Holloway, Peter Jackson, John Keelon, John Presley, Joseph Dennis, Hammon Wilkerson, Mary Brooks, Patsy Cates, Martha Dennis, Sarah Jackson, Elizabeth Williamson, Rhoda Heath, Ann Holloway, Polly Jackson, Elizabeth Preseley, Olive Wilkerson, Susannah Jackson. Early minutes link

Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

First Baptist Church, Eatonton.  ca 1950.  Destroyed by fire in 1978.   Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

Rock Eagle Church built in 1955. Photo ca 1956. Photo courtesy of Georgia's Virtual Vault

Link to Putnam Co Georgia USGenWebArchives Project Church Records

 

Source: The Story of Georgia and the Georgia People by George Gillman Smith DD, 1901; Eatonton History, Historic markers.

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