Shady Grove Baptist
Harris County | Organized in 1832
We are pleased to share that Shady Grove Baptist has been saved and is once again thriving with a new local congregation. For years, Ms. Rebecca Wynn and her family maintained the cemetery and worked tirelessly to preserve the church. Today, her legacy lives on—her niece now plays the piano during services in the old sanctuary, and a new pastor, Rev. Jamie Snider, has breathed new life into this historic property. Though Ms. Rebecca has recently passed away, we are certain she would be smiling down with pride.
Read more...Shady Grove is a classic example of how history and faith can endure. The sign in front proclaims its organization in 1832, placing its roots in the earliest days of Harris County, formed only six years earlier after the Second Treaty of Indian Springs. That treaty, signed without authority by Creek Chief William McIntosh, led to his execution by his own tribesmen and the forced removal of the Creek people across the Chattahoochee. This was the world into which Shady Grove was born.
The original sanctuary, a log structure near the cemetery, burned in 1907. The current frame building was erected soon after, across the road, where it still stands today. Rebecca Wynn, a sixth-generation descendant of founder David Laney, grew up in the church and remained its most dedicated steward until her passing.
Among the church’s most notable members was Jesse Mercer Callaway, who served as a deacon from 1853 to 1866 before becoming pastor after the Civil War. He went on to lead Shady Grove and Antioch Baptist before moving to Troup County, where his descendants would include Fuller Callaway, founder of the great Georgia textile empire.
For nearly two centuries, Shady Grove has stood as a witness to Georgia’s history, from its earliest frontier days to its renewal in the present. Thanks to the care of families like the Wynns and the Callaways, and to the current congregation, this little church continues to serve as a beacon of faith and community in Harris County.
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9 responses to “Shady Grove Baptist”
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AS A MEMBER OF SHADY GROVE INDEPENDANT BAPTIST CHURCH AND A RETIRED CARPENTER, IT WAS GREAT TO SEE THIS CHURCH COME BACK TO LIFE. OUR PASTOR IS JAMIE SNIDER, A TRUE MAN OF GOD WHO PREACHES THE BIBLE AS IT IS TO PEOPLE AS WE ARE.AN OLD CHURCH WITH A NEW BEGINNING.
GERALD B. LANTON willieb12345@gmail.com-
Yes we agree. A very uplifting outcome led by Rev. Snider, and a good role model for other local groups.
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Lovely old church, enjoyed reading some of my family’s history…. have very much enjoyed the HRCGA and commend your efforts!
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So nice to read of the progress made at this historic church. Prayers and best wishes to all
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It’s wonderful that ‘Becky Winn continued to work and get the old church restored for it to be presently used. More than 40 years ago, my husband and I stopped there to see where some of my ancestors are buried. The old church was unlocked and we went inde. We left a note on the pulpit asking anyone who found it to please get in touch with us because we were interested in doing something to preserve the church and the cemetery. My mother, Louise Calhoun Barfield wrote History of Harris County 1827-1961 (3 editions sold out), in which there is information about Shady Grove. I’d known Becky Winn for years, but she did not get in touch with us about the Shady Grove. —- I am the person who has also asked you about “Liberty Church” and have thanked you for the information that you sent to me. I will be happy to share what Kettle Creek Frends has pubished if you will send me your email address.- “Biddy” Hammett
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Thanks Biddy. Great outcome indeed.
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What a great outcome for a beautiful church!
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Is there anyway this church can be sold??
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Trying to find a charter for this church and where this info would be stored or if it was registered.
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