East Damascus Baptist Church is a classic North Georgia country church, tucked deep in rural Gordon County, far from the main roads. As far as records show, the current building dates back to the church’s founding in 1855, when two acres of land were donated by Myers Cochran, one of the first members. The first minister was William Flemming. It was named “East” Damascus Baptist to distinguish it from another Damascus Baptist Church in Calhoun, located on the west side of the county.

One of its most charming features is the hand pump well out front, which still works today. Before the pump was installed, water was drawn with a bucket from the well. Local history notes that the church also served as a school for a number of years. The cemetery, set in a peaceful spot just up the road, holds the graves of several Confederate veterans and at least one Revolutionary War veteran.

Remarkably, East Damascus remains active, with a dedicated congregation that continues to worship here. The interior has changed very little over the past 160 years, preserving the simple beauty of its original design. The photos below were taken by our team photographer, Sam Ratcliffe, whose family has deep roots in this part of North Georgia. Some of the church’s history comes from Faye West Gibson, a current member whose maternal great-grandmother rests in the church cemetery. His great-grandfather is buried in nearby Oakman, as poor road conditions at the time made it impossible to transport him to East Damascus for burial—a reminder of the challenges once faced on these rugged mountain roads.

We are grateful to the congregation of East Damascus for their stewardship and commitment to preserving both the church and its history. After more than 160 years of continuous service, this little church in the woods remains a cherished cornerstone of the community first settled here in the early 19th century.