Photography by Kathy Gerber

Moses Chapel

Decatur County | Organized in 1836

The sweet little church you see above stands on a dirt road in far south Georgia, near the Florida line, where the Flint and Chattahoochee Rivers meet to form the Apalachicola. It sits near what remains of Recovery, Georgia, close to the historic site of Camp Recovery. This remote corner of the state holds a history stretching back to the early 19th century—one marked by frontier hardships, Native American conflicts, and waves of sickness.

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According to a 2017 Post Searchlight article, Moses Chapel was organized in 1836 when three small churches in the area came together. Beyond that, little has been recorded about its early years. We feared the rest of its story might be lost—until Terry Green, a descendant of the church’s founders, graciously shared part of its history. “Moses Chapel was a Black Methodist and Baptist church,” Green explained. “It was a refuge for some former slaves to worship God. I remember talking with my great-uncle Alfred Green, born in Decatur, Georgia, in 1906. He told me he could still recall, at just 3 or 4 years old, sitting on the knee of his grandfather, Isaac Hall, who had been enslaved around 1859. My uncle later bought 26 acres to grow big, black, juicy grapes and donated one acre to Moses Chapel, where he served as a deacon.”

When the original building began to deteriorate, the congregation built a new Moses Chapel right beside it—two churches sharing the same lot. Green’s family still owns land on both sides of the dirt road that runs in front of them. “I haven’t been there in years,” he said, “and I imagine the grape orchards have grown back into woods. But I remember visiting for my uncle’s funeral and stepping inside the old church. The dusty benches and worn furniture were still there, and you could feel a spirit in that place.” Though time has taken its toll, Moses Chapel remains a powerful reminder of the resilience, faith, and community spirit that once anchored this corner of Georgia.

 

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10 responses to “Moses Chapel”

  1. Terry L Green

    Wow, my name is Terry L. Green 2X great nephew of the late Mr. Alfred Green son of X slaves who donated that land to Moses Chapel, my late uncle born in 1906 also purchased all the land surrounding Moses Chapel. I believe my father Moses Green got his name from this Church. My uncle Alfred Green’ s funeral was at the church right next door named Moses Chapel also. Thank you Terry L. Green I would like to share the history of Moses Chapel with you.

    Reply
  2. Pam Conner

    Decatur County was hit hard by Hurricane Michael in October 2018. The hurricane was still a category 3 hurricane when it hit this area. The southern wall could have been damaged by the storm. As there are no dates shown for the photos, it’s hard to tell if this might be the case. If this damage was before the storm, unfortunately the structure may not be standing anymore.

    Reply
    1. HRCGA

      The photos are recent. It does look like the back of the church received a good blow from either a tree or a large limb, likely as a result of the hurricane. She is still standing but won’t be for very long.

      Reply
  3. Pat Samford

    There are many old places of worship along the Flint River Road and in Worth County that have not been shown. I hope you will get to them. They are all very very old.

    Reply
    1. HRCGA

      Thanks Pat. Would love to see a photo of some of them to see if they might meet the criteria.

      Reply
  4. Helen Taylor Andrews

    I did a painting of this old church maybe 20 or so years back. If anyone is interested in seeing it, I”ll be glad to share it. The old church was one we just rambled upon during our back road drives. My late hubby & I traveled around just taking photos of places for me to paint. Since his death I have missed doing that.

    Reply
    1. HRCGA

      Helen, if you can share it via email we can post it on our Facebook page for folks to see.

      Reply
    2. Terry L Green

      Wow, my name is Terry L. Green 2X great nephew of Mr. Alfred Green who donated that land to Moses Chapel, my late uncle born in 1906 also purchased all the land surrounding Moses Chapel. I believe my father Moses Green got his name from this Church. My uncle Alfred Green’ s funeral was at the church right next door named Moses Chapel also. Phone # 657 203 8890 Thank you Terry L. Green

      Reply
    3. Terry L Green

      Wow, my name is Terry L. Green 2X great nephew of Mr. Alfred Green who donated that land to Moses Chapel, my late uncle born in 1906 also purchased all the land surrounding Moses Chapel. I believe my father Moses Green got his name from this Church. My uncle Alfred Green’ s funeral was at the church right next door named Moses Chapel also. Phone Thank you Terry L. Green

      Reply
  5. mary martin bowen

    So glad you could photograph it before it is gone.

    Reply