John Crowley writes: Arna is the correct spelling, although it was always pronounced “Arnie.” It was organized in 1888 and joined the Union Primitive Baptist Association. At one time in the early 1900s it had in excess of 100 members. The church finally disbanded in about 2005 or thereabouts.
Arna is of a typical design for Primitive Baptist churches, especially of the “hardshell” variety, with doors on all sides and the primary entrance on the side. The large cemetery is the final resting place of many area pioneers.
Many historic graves can be found in the cemetery.
Please help My husbands grandmother Ruby Newbern Spence passed away She always asked us when she passes to bring her home to her mothers grave and sprinkle her ashes her mother was Minnie Moore Newbern she was buried at the Arna Primitive Baptist Church in Atkinson County Georgia . Ruby wanted her ashes sprinkled on her mothers grave Who do I need to talk to to get permission Does anyone know who runs this cemetary and church any help would be appreciated.
Alot of my relatives are buried here. I can remember going to my great grandmother’s funeral in 1951. My Dad carried me out a side door under the pines. I was only 5 at the time. My great grandfather was James William Solomon.
Arna is the correct spelling, although it was always pronounced “Arnie.” It was organized in 1888 and joined the Union Primitive Baptist Association. At one time in the early 1900s it had in excess of 100 members. The church finally disbanded in about 2005. or thereabout. Elder Robert Skinner of Lakeland, GA was the last pastor.
The infant’s grave was Lorena Mancil b. Dec. 18, 1881 d. Mar. 10, 1889, daughter of William M. Mancil and wife Elizabeth Dees. And the church really is spelled “Arna” (no “ie” at the end). Thank you for all your lovely photos! I’m enjoying this blog immensely. Hope you can continue to take photos inspite of the economic depression. God bless.
Charles Lockwood serves on the preservation board for this church. 912.310.0540
Thanks, Shirley. I will try to contact him at some point.
I think the correct name for this church is “Arnie Primitive Baptist Church”.