Whooping Creek Primitive Baptist
Carroll County | Organized in 1852
Whooping Creek Primitive Baptist Church, founded in 1852, has been lovingly preserved by private owners Benjamin and Joyce Merrell since the 1980s. Closed and inactive since the late 1960s, the church was in danger of falling into ruin until the Merrells stepped in. Their restoration not only saved this historic sanctuary from further deterioration but also returned it to active use. Today, services are held on the first Sunday of every month—much like in the mid-19th century, when circuit-riding preachers traveled between rural congregations. The horseback journeys are gone, but the tradition remains.
Read more...The modest sanctuary reflects the simplicity typical of Primitive Baptist churches—no ornate embellishments to distract from worship. True to tradition, there is no piano or organ; singing has always been a central part of services, performed entirely a cappella. Some of the interior furnishings, visible in the gallery photos, were salvaged from the old wooden Carroll County Courthouse after it burned in 1927.
The church’s cemetery offers a window into the history of this early Georgia community. The quality of the gravestones points to a prosperous 19th-century farming settlement, while family plots trace generations who lived, worked, and worshiped here. Several Confederate veterans rest in the churchyard—most of them privates or of lower rank. Their service records tell of young men caught in the chaos of war. Those who returned home rebuilt their lives, raised large families, and resumed the only life they knew; many others never came back.
Today, Whooping Creek remains a place where history and community meet. The Merrells’ dedication has ensured that this church, which has stood for more than 175 years, continues to serve both as a house of worship and as a testament to the endurance of rural faith traditions.
Visitors can explore the interior, see its preserved furnishings, and walk among the gravestones that tell the story of the people who shaped this community. Thanks to careful stewardship, this little church in Carroll County remains as strong in spirit as it was when its first congregation gathered here in 1852.
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14 responses to “Whooping Creek Primitive Baptist”
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Hello, I am a descendant of Wyley Hiram Nail and Mary Elizabeth Jones. Their daughter is Mary Jane Nail (my gggrandmother) who I feel is buried in one of the unmarked graves. I think she probably died from typhoid. Anyway, I would like to know if there are any church records that would have their names on them. such as baptism, membership, attendance, events etc. Are the above pictures in a booklet? I would certainly appreciate any information. Thank you so much.
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Hello Lynn, we aren’t directly affiliated with the church so we don’t have access to their church records unfortunately. Have you checked Find A Grave? I wonder if this is who you’re looking for?
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/59269701/mary_elizabeth-nail
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Hi. I found a deed where Solomon Holloway donated land to the Primitive Baptist Church “known as the Whooping Creek Church” in 1852, and it mentions the church and graveyard in the deed. Would you happen to know if he gave the land for the church and graveyard, or if he owned the land next to it and gave it to them so they could expand? Trying to figure out if he is buried there (probably unmarked). Henry Wesley (son of John James) was a grandson of Solomon. I am descended from Solomon (he’s my 5th great grandfather), and my wife is descended from Nimrod Jones (her 5th great grandfather).
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Unfortunately, we can’t confirm which is true, Barry. Although it is fairly common that a family would donate land to a church where their family cemetery already was. Then the church cemetery would expand around the original burials moving forward, so it is likely he would be buried there but we can’t confirm for certain. We wish you good luck in your research and please let us know what you find out!
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Whooping Creek Primitive Baptist Church has services which start at 10:30 am every first Sunday of the month unless called off to gather with other churches in our association.
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Hi, I was just wondering what time on the first Sunday of every month firs this little church meet? Thank you.
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Hello Kim, Unfortunately, we can’t confirm service times as we are not directly affiliated with the church.
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I have ancestors in this cemetery and plan to be there within the next 10 days. My Grandmother was Eva Mae Jones and her brother was Charles B Jones, both from Carrollton.
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I have 16ancesters in this cemetery. Is there a area where you can locate their burial plots. I will be in the area November 5th and 6th. One of the relative is Nathan j Jones Richard Jones and many more Joneses.
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Sarah,
Here is a link to Find A Grave where more details about the cemetery can be found: https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/37739/whooping-creek-primitive-baptist-church-cemetery. We wish you luck on your trip!
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I might be kin to the Wiley Joseph Cash buried in the cemetery. My mother’s maiden name is Cash. She was born in Haralson Co. I need to do more research.
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I have a question. Does it mean that the property is open to explore by the public if you have featured the property in an email or on the website?
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Yes. The church will be locked but feel free to walk the grounds and explore the graveyard.
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This is a beautiful church. I look forward to the next book.
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