Near Sharon in Taliaferro County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)

Raytown Methodist Church

Photographed by David Seibert, November 14, 2009

1. Raytown Methodist Church Marker

Inscription. This church is located in that part of the original Wilkes Circuit of 1786, “the cradle of Georgia Methodism,” from which Bishop Francis Asbury formed the Little River Circuit at the Camden, S. C. Conference in January 1802. The Raytown Methodists from Virginia, Maryland, North and South Carolina, were “formed into Society” in the early 1800’s, held their first meetings in the homes of members, and, after 1828, worshiped for some years in the old South Liberty Meeting House. When rapid growth created a need for a separate church, this land, given by James Moore, Sr., and Mrs. Mary Shaw Pearson, was surveyed Nov. 25, 1845, deeded Dec. 17, 1845, and the first building erected. Trustees named were Bedor Proctor, George W. Flynt, Nathaniel Parham, Aaron T. Kendrick, John Wright, William Cicero Wright, John C. Byrd and John Hartwell Phelts. Disrupted by absence of men and ministers during the War Between the States, services were resumed, April 2, 1865, on the reorganization of the Raytown Union Sabbath School, John H. Beall, Superintendent, and William H. Brooks, Secretary. The present building was erected

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in 1890. Among the ministers of the church in the 1800’s were Josiah Lewis, Allen Thomas, Felix Persons Brown, Miles Wesley Arnold, and Andrew Jackson Hughes, all known for their outstanding work in building the great rural churches of Georgia Methodism.

Erected 1956 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 131-19.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Religion & Religious Structures • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Francis Asbury, Traveling Methodist Preacher, and the Georgia Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is January 1802.

Location. 33° 34.373′ N, 82° 44.628′ W. Marker is near Sharon, Georgia, in Taliaferro County. It is on Lower Mill Road (County Route 16) 0 miles west of Sheehan Road NE (County Route 17), on the left when traveling east. The church and marker are one-half mile east of Raytown. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Sharon GA 30664, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Piedmont.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the

Photographed by David Seibert, November 14, 2009

2. Raytown Methodist Church Marker

Looking east on Lower Mill Road, once the Old Wrightsville Road and one of the most important roads in the section.

Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Ray's Place (approx. 0.6 miles away); Robert Grier, Astronomer (approx. 1.2 miles away); Grave of Brig. Gen. Aaron W. Grier (approx. 1.3 miles away); The Church of the Purification (approx. 3 miles away); South Liberty Presbyterian Church (approx. 3.2 miles away); Site of Chivers Plantation and Store (approx. 5.7 miles away); Birthplace of Alexander Hamilton Stephens (approx. 7.2 miles away); The Original R.F.D. (approx. 7.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Sharon.

Photographed by David Seibert, November 14, 2009

3. Raytown Methodist Church Marker

The marker at the entrance to the church on Lower Mill Road

Raytown Methodist Church image. Click for full size.

Photographed by David Seibert, November 14, 2009

4. Raytown Methodist Church

Built in 1890

Credits. This page was last revised on February 1, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 5, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,394 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on December 5, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.