One of the most historic congregations in the county, and one of the oldest Primitive Baptist congregations in existence, Lake Primitive Baptist Church traces its origins to 1823, when settlement in this section of Georgia was beginning to take hold. Several sources note that the present structure was built in 1839, but I’m unable to confirm at this time. In design, it is quite similar to Upper Lotts Creek Primitive Baptist, nearby. The adjacent Lake Cemetery is the largest in Candler County.
Tag Archives: –CANDLER COUNTY GA–
McGowan Farmhouse, Candler County
This Queen Anne farmhouse is part of Pointer Plantation, a bird hunting reserve owned by the McGowan family.
Filed under --CANDLER COUNTY GA--
Salem Baptist Church, Candler County
Salem is said to be the oldest church in Candler County, built in 1875. I haven’t been able to confirm the construction date, as my two sources are in conflict. One source notes that it began meeting in 1875 and was formally organized in 1900.
Filed under --CANDLER COUNTY GA--
Mercer Grave Houses, Candler County
These grave houses, located at Salem Baptist Church Cemetery, mark the final resting places of Clemons* Mercer (1832-1881) and Jane Elizabeth “Janie” Johnson Mercer (1835-1880). Clemons Mercer served in the Third Seminole War in Florida and contracted malaria there in 1856, which he never completely recovered from. He was later a lieutenant in the Emanuel County Militia (Captain Moring’s Company) during the Atlanta Campaign in the Civil War. Janie Mercer bore him 11 children, all of whom lived to adulthood.
Gary Lee writes: Local lore is that it was raining the day of her burial and her husband promised that another raindrop would never touch her grave. Her family actually rebuilt these a few years ago. Also near her are two of her sisters, Hattie and Adeline who were married to twin brothers, George Washington Lee and Henry Clay Lee who gave the land and the materials for the church.
*also recorded as Clemmons Mercer
Filed under --CANDLER COUNTY GA--
Queen Anne House, Metter
Filed under --CANDLER COUNTY GA--, Metter GA