Live Oak Methodist

Turner County
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Org 1888
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Photography by Steve Robinson

As we researched Live Oak Methodist, we were able to find very little history on this church, located in a remote part of Turner County. There is a brief mention of it in The History of Turner County that speculates the church was a reorganization of an older church originally located about two miles away.  Perhaps some more will emerge and we can add to it.  The cemetery is substantial and appears to be an active one. The earliest interments are in the 1880s, which is consistent with the org date and age of the church. There are a few Confederate veterans there as well.  The character of the cemetery reveals that Live Oak was once a prosperous congregation in this agricultural community.

Brian Brown’s Vanishing South Georgia website has some additional history and can be accessed here.  Since our photographer Steve created these images, the church has deteriorated substantially and will not be around much longer, unfortunately.  While the interior looks like it is not in bad condition, the roof has become compromised and, barring a serious intervention, will soon collapse on itself.  We might point out the composition roof which has a short life span compared to a tin roof.  Had tin been used when the last roof was replaced, she would still be with us for a few more years. Live Oak Methodist is another casualty of the shift in the population centers of Georgia resulting in declining congregations and abandoned churches.

Update: In 2022, we were notified that the building had fallen and the land was cleared, leaving little sign of the church that once stood here except for the graveyard. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to share these images and a little bit about the church to ensure she isn’t forgotten completely.