Washington in Wilkes County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Jesse Mercer’s Home
This was the home of Jesse Mercer, pioneer Baptist preacher and largest contributor to the founding of Mercer Institute at Penfield, now Mercer University of Macon.
Jesse Mercer, born in North Carolina Dec. 16, 1769, was the son of Rev. Silas Mercer, a Baptist preacher who moved to Wilkes County in the early 1770s and founded several pioneer churches. He baptized Jesse Mercer at the age of 18, and the youth at once started holding prayer meetings in the log home of his grandmother. He married Miss Sabrina Chivers of the Phillips’ Mill Community when 19, and was ordained for the ministry at 20. Sardis Church, originally called Hutton’s Fork, was Mr. Mercer’s first charge. In 1796 he succeeded his father as pastor of the Phillips’ Mill Church, which he served for 39 years, baptizing 230 persons. He also served as Pastor of Bethesda Church (1796-1827); Powell’s Creek Church in Hancock County (1797-1825); and the Baptist Church at Eatonton (1820-26).
Mr. Mercer’s first wife died Sept. 23, 1826 and in his loneliness he moved to Washington. In December, 1827, he married Mrs. Nancy Simons, a wealthy widow, who joined him in large gifts to Mercer Institute.
Early in life Mr. Mercer had published a popular song book under the title “Mercer’s Cluster.” In later years he published the Christian Index and a Temperance paper in Washington. In 1828 he became pastor of the Washington Baptist Church, which he served until his death in 1841.
Erected 1954 by Georgia Historical Commission. (Marker Number 157-10.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education. In addition, it is included in the Georgia Historical Society series list. A significant historical month for this entry is December 1827.
Location. 33° 44.263′ N, 82° 44.906′ W. Marker is in Washington, Georgia, in Wilkes County. Marker is at the intersection of West Robert Toombs Avenue (Business U.S. 78) and North Mercer Street (Georgia Route 44), on the left when traveling west on West Robert Toombs Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Washington GA 30673, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Site of Wilkes County Academy (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Pembroke (about 700 feet away); The Barrows House Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); Planters Hotel (approx. 0.2 miles away); 1840 Classic Revival (approx. ¼ mile away); Hill-Irvin-Harris House (approx. ¼ mile away); 1877 Victorian (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Tupper House (approx. 0.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.
Also see . . . Jesse Mercer. New Georgia Encyclopedia website entry (Submitted on January 1, 2010, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia.)
Credits. This page was last revised on October 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on December 26, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 1,219 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 26, 2009, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.