Beulah Baptist
Hancock County | Organized in 1838
Beulah Baptist Church in Beulah, Georgia, is truly a rural gem. Tucked down a dirt road in a small clearing, it is surrounded by pine trees and the remnants of old cotton fields. The current sanctuary is the third structure on the site, built in the 1880s. Resting on stone pillars, it still retains its original wood siding. Today, the congregation meets faithfully on the first Sunday of each month.
Read more...The simple one-room sanctuary reflects the modest style of late 19th-century rural churches. Over the years, small updates have been added—space heaters, hand-held fans—but the core structure of the 1890 building remains intact.
While much of Beulah’s earliest history is unknown, one lasting reminder is a framed likeness of Reverend Benjamin Roberts, one of the church’s first pastors. Born in North Carolina in 1794, Roberts later settled in Hancock County, where he became a highly respected minister and community leader. He married Abigail McAllister in 1815, and census records from 1850 list eight children in their household. Rev. Roberts was a founder of the Washington Baptist Association in 1838 and remained active until his death in 1876. In 1852, records show he was serving as Beulah’s pastor, when the church had 104 members—a sizable congregation for its time.
For over 150 years, this little church has quietly anchored the Beulah community. Though small and remote, it has endured as a testament to the dedication of its members. Thanks to the care and stewardship of the congregation, Beulah Baptist remains active, preserving both its history and its role in the life of rural Georgia.
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2 responses to “Beulah Baptist”
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Hi ,my name is Margie Smith Garrison, I was A Smith, married to Bobby Smith we lived in Sparta Ga on Linton road. From 1977 to 1990.Bobby’s parents were Pete and Frances Smith . We were all members of this church. So was my Mom Ann Miller Wilson and her Mother and Father Buster (Johnny) and Sallie Lou Miller,and my Mom’s 5 other siblings. We were all baptized there in a pond at all different times. I remember the information being written down in a big book and this is where our “letter,” was and still is so was my Mom’s she was born in 1939 So Buster and Sallie Lou would have probably been baptized before then. Don’t know when she was baptized. And I have forgotten when we were baptized. But I believe it was in the 80’s . I was wondering how I could go about getting a copy of those pages . Or if it is at all possible. I live in North Carolina,Pete Smith my father in law was the person who always furnished a hog for home coming every year. He raised hogs. The road we lived on is now called Smith road as I have recently found out.My Aunt Mary Stephens Cowart lived in the house across from Smith Road. We lived in the first brick house on the right , and Pete and Francis lived in the old Roberson / Carr house ,Frances’ parents ,house that’s where he raised his hogs at. And they lived there most all of Bobby’s life , this was Pete’s and Frances’son ,(Robert Wilson Smith,) his full name. Who was my husband . He passed away in 2002. I would love to hear from you and let me know how to go about this ,if possible. Billy Hargrove was the last preacher, that I recall . The book was always kept in the pullpit. Which I thought was strange. But no one ever bothered it. You know times have changed now Never locked the doors. Bobby’s Mom Frances and I think the Hitchock lady and a maybe Boyers put down carpet in that church years ago any way Please contact me if you can Thank you so much.. This church was always such a lovely church,and lovely area back in the pines,Full of the Lord’s Spirit. Thanks again
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Rev. James Benjamin Roberts was my third great grandfather. I joined Beulah Baptist Church as a young child. Love going back there for reunion. It is a beautiful little church. Thank you for these pictures. Pamela Dunn Verbel
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