Omer Christian
Barrow County | Organized in 1883
Omer Christian (Disciples of Christ) was organized and constructed in 1883 about a half mile from its current location. The history tells us that the structure was built by local settlers from trees that were felled in a storm in September 1882. The name Omer came from the Reverand R. V. Omer (1853 - 1916) who was the pastor of the church for the first two and a half years. According to the history, 125 people were baptized at the little church in the woods in the summer of 1885. However, in 1909, many of the church members joined the newly formed Carter Hill Christian Church and the Omer congregation was dissolved. The cemetery predates the church by many years, the first interment being recorded in 1820, but the members had always used it as a final resting place for the Omer Congregation. So, in 1910, the little church was moved to be on the same parcel of land, where it sits today.
Read more...Although development and highway 316 have interrupted the rural serenity, the old church is still nestled in the trees where it has remained untouched, except for basic maintenance, for well over 100 years. She is preserved as an almost perfect example of a simple, turn of the century rural Georgia church. Everything about the interior has been preserved in its original state, and is a feast for the eyes and the senses, as you will see in subsequent photos. You are transported back to 1883 in every aspect of construction and furnishings. Even though there have been no regular services for over 100 years, the trustees and descendants still meet for annual reunions and raise enough money to keep the church maintained. For this we are all grateful.
In addition to the splendid preservation aspect of the Omer church, the cemetery has been in use since 1820 and is quite a story itself. According to the local lore, a family was traveling west, following an old Indian trail through the forest. The weather turned bad and they stopped at the home of Thomas Dillard, partly to take shelter and partly to tend to a young child who had become very ill. Sadly, the child died and Thomas Dillard gave them a plot of land on which to bury the child, who was the first interment of what became Omer Cemetery. Thomas Dillard's father, Willam, was the second interment and eventually Thomas followed him. Many Dillard descendants settled in this part of the Georgia backcountry. Both the church and the cemetery were placed on the National Register in 2000.
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26 responses to “Omer Christian”
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Hello!
I have 33 ancestors buried here. I am the granddaughter of Hazel Louise (McDaniel) Knight. I would love to know the status of ownership. Specifically, how can our family help maintain the property? Can we volunteer? Thank you in advance for any information you can provide.-
Hello Carrie- we are not directly affiliated with the church so we don’t have those answers for you, but if you learn anymore about it- please let us know and we can help spread the word!
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I’m excited to go visit
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I drive past the road all the time. Have always wondered what was down the road because I have never seen anyone on it. To my surprise it was a small church and a cemetery. I was surprise about how old the cemetery was. It was pleasantly calming. I will be back to visit in the future. Hope to one day see the inside of the church.
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Yes, it’s a peaceful place. Thanks for your comment, Andy.
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Could someone affiliated with the Church please give me a call? 6782670542 I have a few questions.
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Denise,
This website is not directly affiliated with the church. Sorry we aren’t able to help.
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Wife and I visited the church yesterday and sign on gate said No trespassing
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For the cemetery too?
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Thank you for visiting the church. We had to put up signs to keep people from dumping trash. Please feel free to come back and look around. The church is locked up for it’s safety. I am one of the trustee of the church. Please come back for a visit.
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Hello ive been visiting here a few times this year and i went by today save found your missing a padlock on one of the window boards. I would like to speak with you over the phone if possible #678-973-3176
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Do y’all accept small donations to help keep this classic structure alive.
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Hello,
Thank you for writing this and preserving this beautiful church and cemetery.
I believe my husband’s great grandmother is buried here…
Is there a way to find information to see if she is buried here?
My father in law talked about her being buried here and wanted him to repair her grave with new concrete etc.
Would love more or any information if available?Also, are you able to visit the church and cemetery?
I see if off of hwy 316 ? Just nit sure how to get to it?
Hopefully, these directions will help .
Thank you
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Please come on back . Signs put up for people dumping trash. Feel free to look around.
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To whom it my concern I have visited the cemetery and looked at the church i would like to speak to someone who know a little more on the story. I live not far from church site and I am intrigued by the cemetery and the history of the families. I’m a native of Barrow county and always had something for Barrow county’s history. However there is a lot to learn from this site if there is anyone out there who would like to talk are tell the story of Omer Christian Church &Cemetery I would like to meet and learn more about what happened around here during those times thanks for your time and effort in preserving the history of this beautiful site. I would love to help in cleaning up and cutting grass and whatever else that’s needs to be done around the site. My name is James Mathis jr son of James and Peggy Mathis of Whistlevillie
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James, the church is on the National Register. There is usually some good history associated with the write up. Thanks for your interest in Omer. Special place.
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Please email me. jeffwarmistead@gmail.com
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Need address to send donation. Lost letter sent in sept
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Thank you so much Leatus. We very much appreciate the support and will put it to good use.
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Do you know who I can contact to schedule a visit? My fiance’s family used to clean the church when he was growing up and he has family members buried there. Also, his grandparents and great-grandparents were married there. We would love to see the church and possibly get married there. I am so happy I found you all and so glad that you exist. Old churches are my favorite and I’m so glad that you are bringing awareness and preservation to them. Many Blessings.
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We will have a service Oct.6 at 11:00 a.m. Bring a cover dish, lunch on the grounds after service. Clean up days all through September. Please come, we need all of you. Attendance been following over the last years.
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My Grand Parents & other McDonald relatives are burried at Old Omer. ANNUAL HOMECOMING: 10/7/18
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I am going to visit this church and cemetery today while I am visiting with my mother in Dacula, GA. I am a descendant from the Dillards and want to visit their gravesites. I am excited to visit this church.
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Glad you are giving the old girl a visit. The church and cemetery are well worth the visit. Look at the National Register docs before you go if you can. It will give you a better appreciation for it.
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WI believe this is the church I pass when traveling on 316. As a matter of fact I saw it again today and wondered as I do each time I pass- what’s the story behind this sweet site. Thank you so much for filling in the blanks. I this its beautiful!
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Yes. That is the one.
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