Liberty Methodist
Richmond County | Organized in 1775
The story of Liberty Methodist Church reads like a novel—full of history, mystery, near loss, and an inspiring comeback. Through it all, this resilient congregation has endured for more than two centuries.
Read more...Liberty was organized around 1775 by Samuel and Stephen Collins, brothers from Cork County, Ireland, who arrived in America shortly before the Revolution. Samuel is said to have taken part in the Boston Tea Party, later fleeing to Maryland before he and Stephen were influenced by Methodist leader Bishop Francis Asbury. At Asbury’s urging, they came south as missionaries, eventually founding what was called the “SC Church” in Richmond County. Whether the name stood for Samuel Collins, Stephen Collins, or nearby Spirit Creek remains uncertain, adding to Liberty’s mystery.
The earliest structure was likely a log building, later replaced by a more permanent sanctuary. A deed from January 9, 1804, mentions “a house of worship just built,” confirming the antiquity of the present church. Architect Norman Askins has also dated the building to the early 1800s. Francis Asbury himself preached here in 1790. By the early 19th century, Liberty was widely recognized as the oldest Methodist church in Georgia and the third oldest in the United States.
Like many rural churches, Liberty faced dark times. By the 1960s, membership had dwindled and the “plank church” had fallen into disrepair. Services were moved to a small nearby building, and closure seemed inevitable. In 1979, Pastor Robert Taylor—a son of the community who first attended Liberty as a child—was asked to close the struggling church. Instead, he poured his energy into saving it. Families returned, the sanctuary was restored with respect for its original design, and Liberty found new life.
Today, Liberty Methodist stands as both a historic landmark and a living congregation. Visitors still walk through oversized doors that swing easily on their original hinges, sit in pews divided down the middle as they were centuries ago, and worship in a place where Francis Asbury once preached. Against all odds, Liberty continues to thrive—an enduring witness to faith, perseverance, and the power of renewal.
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12 responses to “Liberty Methodist”
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Thank you
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I missed this Augusta Chronicle article from one year ago.
It again gets some key things wrong BUT the piece gives Rev. Bob Taylor the credit he so richly deserves.
Bob saved Liberty Methodist from certain death and now at the latest count the church has about 250 members on its roll.
It’s a Miracle. And it can happen again if people like Bob Taylor get involved in these historic churches.
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Agreed, Matt. We’re grateful for those who step up to save our history. Thanks for your comment.
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This thought ….
In the last 50 years – there have been quite few great articles about Liberty Methodist in the Augusta Chronicle, 8-10 of them at least.
Bishop Bob Taylor’s heroic work has been well documented in all of these articles. I posted the above link to make sure HRCGA readers of this page didn’t miss the latest installment.
Why that is really important ?? – it’s because Bob would have been thrilled to inspire Copycats in Old Church Revitalization – Bob didn’t care at all about the praise he got in the paper.
Bob just wanted to give Jesus ALL the credit for Taking One For The Team.
And Bob’s Relentless Drive has inspired a Ton of people in their faith.
I hope some new people will read this note and take on one these HRCGA projects – this website has tremendous reach so I don’t see any reason why multiple Bob Taylors can’t emerge almost overnight.
A New book is coming out this Spring – ‘Arcadia Revisited’ – by the Immensely talented writer Doug Flowers of Hephzibah GA.
This book takes Walter Clark’s magnum opus ‘A Lost Arcadia’ and updates all the founding families of Hephzibah. A Must Read for history buffs of the Augusta GA area.
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Hi Matt, thanks for your comments. We too hope to inspire more church preservation! Saving an old church is a difficult undertaking but we’re proud of the success stories that have emerged along the way and looking forward to more in the future. Thanks for your support.
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Hello Matt, My name is Clyde Dye, I live in Augusta Georgia. I am a descendant of Samuel Collins. If I’m doing my ancestry right, he is my 7th great grandfather! I’ve been looking for him in cemeteries, and trying to find more information on him for the last 6-7 years. Now,I’m finding all this! I was thrilled to find out about this church! I’m wanting to know specifically, about where he is buried. All I knew, these years was Richmond County, that’s all it said. But here I was looking into downtown Augusta! Looking in wrong direction! I’d love to hear from you, and find out more about Samuel Collin’s, family that would have more information on him, ect..and where he is buried. Thank you, and God bless! Clyde
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Have you looked on FindAGrave.com yet?
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Clyde –
You can reach me at mattcollins269@yahoo.comOr 678.857.8638
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Under denomination, you have Liberty listed as Presbyterian by mistake.
The Collins Family lore does not mention Stephen Collins – only Samuel who was the likely father of a ‘Tribe of Collins Brothers’ who came thru Augusta after the American Revolution.
Stephen did exist but lived in Columbia County, 30 miles north of Liberty Methodist.
Stephen was part of the Collins Tribe but was not the Founder of the ‘S.C. Church’ – the S.C. stood for Samuel Collins, as per very strong Collins Family Tradition from multiple sources including my direct lineage.
The other Collins Brothers in that Tribe in addition to Stephen were likely Sam Jr., Leven, Moses, Lewis, Joseph, John, and George and maybe others.
The Founder of what became Liberty Methodist was the Father of these Collins Brothers.
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Thanks for catching the denomination error Matt. Fascinating history on the the Collins founders. Thanks for sharing.
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HRCGA.org has done a great service for old churches in rural Georgia.
More people like Dr. Robert Taylor, the man who saved Liberty Methodist, are out there.
It’s my hope that they find HRCGA.org and are inspired by the sacrifices Bob made to resurrect what only had a pulse, in 1980.
So many families have benefited from what Bob was able to accomplish through teamwork and shear will. Liberty Methodist has thrived for 40 years after that Miracle, and will continue to be there for Augusta area families to enjoy forever, hopefully.
As a proud descendant of Samuel Collins, who could be called a Founder of Methodism in our great state, I’d like to thank Bob Taylor’s family and thank the people who attend Liberty now and in the past.
Keep up the great work at HRCGA. Awesome photography and copy writing !
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Thanks Matt. It take strong local leadership to save some of these old treasures. We have seen many examples of “preservation angels” that emerge locally as they become aware of the opportunity. Many thanks for the kind words.
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