Photography by Steve Robinson

Grooverville Methodist

Brooks County | Organized in 1856

Grooverville is a special place in rural Brooks County, a peaceful setting along a tree-shaded dirt road, so common and so beautiful in this part of deep south Georgia. What makes old Grooverville truly remarkable is that it is home to two very historic churches, this one and Liberty Baptist, standing only a few yards apart.

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These two sanctuaries speak to a time when Grooverville was a thriving little village, positioned along the busy stage road from Tallahassee to Thomasville. They served as the spiritual and social heart of the community, each reflecting different branches of the Christian tradition in this region.

For years, a cloud hung over the village, disputes over ownership and other local conflicts left these historic buildings in limbo. Thankfully, those matters have now been resolved. The old Methodist church has been acquired by someone with deep local roots and a determination to restore it to its former glory.

The images you see here capture the church in a neglected but still dignified state, standing proudly just as she has since 1856. They represent an important part of what we hope will be the documentation of Grooverville’s rebirth. Even weathered and worn, the church remains a beautiful testament to its community’s history.

The preceding history of Grooverville Methodist Church is courtesy of Clayton H. Ramsey.

**PLEASE NOTE, this church is on PRIVATE PROPERTY and not open to the public**

 

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9 responses to “Grooverville Methodist”

  1. CLCLynne

    My great-great grandmother was Camilla McLeod, who married Thomas Wood Ramsey. Although I have not visited Grooverville, I understand William H Ramsey helped build the Methodist Church so it’s interesting to see it still stands. I hope it can be restored.
    Camilla Lynne Masland

    Reply
    1. Kelly Gomez

      Thanks for your comments, Lynne!

      Reply
  2. Lilly Armstrong

    I went by this church over the weekend and was shocked to find the state that it was in since my last visit. What can be done? Who is caring for the church and grounds? How can I help?

    Reply
  3. PauPppPPPPPP

    My wife and I visited the church yesterday, as well as the Liberty Baptist Church just adjacent. Both have Georgia historical plaques from 1956 and 1958. We met Jerry McLeod, 84 years old, who lives on a lot between the two churches. He is a well spoken man with a great vocabulary and much business experience. According to him, the dispute over ownership of the Methodist Church is still ongoing. He gave us a tour of the inside. The church is holding up very well with no roof leakage. I have many photos if anyone is interested. The Liberty Baptist Church was locked but appeared to be in good shape from the outside. It would be a shame if these grand old churches are not kept in their original place and refurbished. We hope many people will become interested in their preservation as they tell a story of the deep faith of our forefathers and the tremendous struggles they endured in a frontier country. Truly these churches belong to our ancestors and their memory, still relevant to us today.
    Paul & Mary Teter
    paulteter@friendlycity.net

    Reply
  4. Judy Goff

    Where the statement says to “clear here for a tour,” it won’t highlight for me to click for a tour. Sure would like to know if there is a tour I can take in the future. Maybe I’m not doing something right.

    Reply
    1. HRCGA

      Judy, there are no organized tours for Grooverville at the moment.

      Reply
      1. P Dyer

        I have had the chance to visit this Church and had the wonderful opportunity
        to go inside. My family research brought me to this area . My Great Grand father
        and family attended this church. Thank you for the pictures it will be a great asset
        to our family history. I have family buried in the grave yard right down the road
        that attended this church My next quest is to find the church records to see
        if I can learn more about my family

        Reply
        1. HRCGA

          Thanks for history. Grooverville is a special place. I am going to refer you to Janice Jamison, who can probably help you with your quest. Her email address is janjam_99@yahoo.com Good luck and tell Janice we said hello.

          Reply
          1. Patricia

            I just emailed Janice and can’t wait to here from
            her Thank you so much