Photography by Cate Short

Concord Primitive Baptist

Jasper County | Organized in 1808

Concord Primitive Baptist Church was formed in 1809, during the second term of President Thomas Jefferson. At that time, Jasper County had just been created from Creek Indian lands ceded in the Treaty of Washington of 1805. Originally called Randolph County, the name was later changed to honor Revolutionary War hero Sergeant William Jasper after John Randolph of Virginia fell from favor for opposing the War of 1812.

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The 1805 treaty opened the land between the Oconee and Ocmulgee Rivers, placing Concord among the first churches on Georgia’s western frontier. Life in the backwoods was difficult, and the church was not only a spiritual refuge but also a central institution that helped maintain order and discipline. Those accused of misconduct faced church trials before their peers. Redemption was possible, but continued offenses often led to excommunication, the most serious punishment in these tight-knit communities.

We are fortunate that Concord’s original minutes, beginning in 1812, survive today on microfilm at Mercer University’s Tarver Library. Transcriptions by Virginia Bolton provide a vivid glimpse into early frontier life. They describe cases ranging from drunkenness and fighting to adultery and dishonesty, as well as confessions, reconciliations, and expulsions. These records reveal a community deeply invested in moral conduct and mutual accountability.

The present sanctuary was completed in 1821 and has remained structurally sound for more than two centuries, though it has been inactive for some time. The nearby cemetery holds the graves of many early settlers, including those named in the church minutes. Genealogical research linked to these burials continues to shed light on the lives of Concord’s first members.

Concord Primitive Baptist is not only a church but also a remarkable record of frontier Georgia—of its hardships, faith, and resilience. Thanks to the Bennett family, who maintain the property today, this historic site endures as a tribute to the people who shaped it more than 200 years ago.

 

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11 responses to “Concord Primitive Baptist”

  1. Christopher Strickland

    It is amazing to find that this church is still standing and that some of my ancestors were members and attended church here. A cousin of mine told me about this place and that I should read the church minutes. My ancestor, Solomon Strickland and his wife, Amy Strickland Had moved from Madison County down to Jasper County. Their son Ezekiel Strickland lived in neighboring Morgan County, and then the family moved on to Newton county . I find it interesting to know that these folks were primitive Baptist because no one in my family now are Baptist. They all belong to different churches. It’s also interesting to see that people were very flawed and human and made quite a few mistakes back then. It was also interesting to see that one of my ancestors brothers was a bit of a colorful character, and that the rumors about him were true. This is all very useful information and I would love to find the graves of my ancestors because no one knows where they were buried.

    Reply
    1. Kelly Gomez

      Thanks for sharing your family connection Christopher.

      Reply
  2. Jami M Andrew

    I would like to thank Virginia Bolton for doing the transcription of the church’s 1812-1829 meeting minutes.
    I discovered that my 3rd great-grandfather, Meshack Lowery, was the pastor of Concord Primitive Baptist Church from 1812-1827!!
    And that is exciting to know!
    Jami

    Reply
  3. HRCGA

    Randy Brennen
    brannenga@aol.com

    Where are the minutes of this church kept? I have some info that may be of interest.

    My g-g-g grandfather William Brannen is mentioned here. He was born in Ireland around 1754 and died by 1840 in Bulloch County. His wife was Elizabeth Gross who had a brother and a father named Solomon Gross. I think the son is the Solomon Groce which appears frequently in the minutes. William and Solomon were brothers-in-law. The minutes spell his name ‘Groce’ early on, but I think they change it back to Gross in later years.
    Randy Brennen

    William and Elizabeth had 12 children; the first six were mostly boys who stayed in Bulloch. The latter six were mostly girls who went to Jasper County with their parents. They found husbands there – I wonder if that was their purpose in locating there? I can’t find any history books on Jasper County in the 1820’s. Apparently it became prosperous then because of the cotton gins that were set up there. The river nearby was navigable all the way back to the Savannah port. So, that must have been a big reason for the growth seen there. William Brannen had bought 100 acres in Jasper. He deeded the land to one of his daughters and then returned to Bulloch County where he lived out his remaining years with one of his sons. It is believed that he and his wife are buried in unmarked graves in Lower Lotts Creek Primitive Baptist Church cemetery. His married daughters moved to Columbus area and then to Alabama in the following decades.

    Reply
  4. Kenny Mann

    I believe this church still meets in a newer building behind the old church. I think theres a welcome sign near the main road with the pastors name. Would be interesting to know why they abandoned the old church and built a cinderblock building, seeing as the old church was sound and needed little upkeep once a tin roof was on. Convenience I suppose.

    Reply
    1. HRCGA

      Two separate churches I think. One black one white. I think the black one is still active.

      Reply
  5. Jean Marie Johnson

    Thank you for this! The photos and history are wonderful. Can someone tell me if a woman named Amy (Pace) Strickland is buried in the cemetery here? There is some confusion where she and her husband, Solomon Strickland, are buried. I believe their son Solomon, Jr. is buried here and that his father’s stone was mistakenly placed on top of the son’s grave. But I would love to know if there is something in the record that states when they became members of this church & whether they are actually buried here. Thank you for any assistance you can give. Jean

    Reply
    1. HRCGA

      You might check with Findagrave for that information.

      Reply
    2. Tammy Lewis

      Hello, I am looking for same ancestors their story is confusing. was father Solomon also married to sisters or was that the son. myself and husband looked every where in see able cemetery today. also found numerous grave into woods beyond see able cemetery. even found a beautiful gated portion that has actually has grown into a huge tree. could NOT locate any Stricklands ?. There are a lot of just stones that have No names. The cemetary is listed on records of Solomon (?) as Concord Primative church but found non with Strickland.

      Reply
    3. Mike Faulkner

      Hi!
      Here is a link to the list of the persons interred in the Concord Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Jasper Co GA- along Hwy 16 :
      http://files.usgwarchives.net/ga/jasper/cemeteries/concord.txt
      I hope this helps!
      Mike

      Reply
  6. Elizabeth Waller

    My Maternal great grandmother was a member of Concord Primative Baptist Church. My Maternal Grndmoter Betha Lane (Polk) was a member of Bethel Baptist Church. Both in Jasper County.

    Reply