Notchaway Baptist was formed on the banks of Notchaway Creek in Baker County in 1839. The minutes of the Bethel Baptist Association of 1839 lists Notchaway among the churches asking for membership. Subsequently a history of the Bowen Baptist Association indicates Notchaway became active in 1863 listing first families as Mathis, McMurria, Moore, Bodiford and Jones. Notchaway joined the Bowen Baptist Association in 1872. In November of 1895, a decision was made to move the church building from its location on Notchaway Creek to ‘Old Providence’ while a new sanctuary was being constructed. The new building was completed in 1896. Notchaway is a Missionary Baptist Church and the early minutes show an active interest in missions with collections being taken for both foreign and domestic missions. Notchaway is still going strong and has been actively serving the community since 1863. They have services every Sunday at 11 am and Baptisms are performed in the Flint River that is close by. Notchaway was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2001. By the way, the water pump in the foreground of the photo still works.
A classic, small box construction with double aisles and short pews on either side. A few concessions to modern times have been made , such as electric lights and ceiling fans. Otherwise it has not changed much in the last 125 years.
Other than the curtains in the rear, the only other additions over the years are the updated pews. The originals were likely primitive construction, made of pine and not nearly so comfortable as these.
An imposing pulpit and large, ornate chairs are in contrast to the simple box construction of the structure.
Here lies Julia Bodiford Joiner who died in 1880, the oldest grave in the cemetery. Julia was one of four children of James Bodiford and Mary Strange. Struck down in the prime of life at 32. Her older sister by one year, lived until 1934. Life could be very random in the Georgia back country. The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away.
ORGANIZED
1839
LOCATED IN
Baker
DENOMINATION
Baptist
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How can I see the church records…I have ancestors, the Mathis family, who were members.
Would like to obtain a list of early pastors as my Great Grandfather George Taylor supposedly pastored there.
Gayla,
Sorry we don’t have that information. You might try contacting the church directly.