Near Toccoa in Stephens County, Georgia — The American South (South Atlantic)
Tugalo Baptist Church and Cemetery
Photographed by David Seibert, August 22, 2012
1. Tugalo Baptist Church and Cemetery Marker
Tugalo Baptist Church, established before 1789, was first known as the Tugalo River Church. Founded by the Rev. John Cleveland, a Revolutionary Soldier, Tugalo is the oldest church in what was then Franklin County. The county covered an area in Ga. and S.C. about the size of Rhode Island.
The church has been called The Mother Church of Baptist churches in this area. Cleveland was to become known as The Father of Baptist Principles. He and the Rev. Thomas Gilbert represented Tugalo River Church when the Tugalo Baptist Association was formed in 1818.
The land upon which the church stands was deeded to the church by Robert and Sarah (Wheeler) Craig July 28, 1895, and both the church and the cemetery have remained on their original site since its founding.
In the cemetery is the grave of Henry Fricks who lived his life during three centuries. He was born in 1799 and died in 1901.
This marker was erected by the Tugalo Baptist Church and Stephens County Historical Society in 1984.
Romans 8:31-39
Erected 1984 by Tugalo Baptist Church and Stephens County Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical date for this entry is July 28, 1895.
Location. 34°
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Georgia’s Mountains. It is also in the American South, specifically in the Deep South, in Appalachia, and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation, 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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Colonel Benjamin Cleveland Monument (approx. 2.2 miles away in South Carolina); Old Tugaloo Town (approx. 3.6 miles away); "Indian Rock" (approx. 4 miles away); Jarrett Manor (approx. 4 miles away); Traveler's Rest (approx. 4 miles away); Traveler's Rest State Historic Site (approx. 4 miles away); Slavery at Traveler's Rest (approx. 4 miles away); Historic Traveler's Rest (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toccoa.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Cross Roads Baptist Church / Cross Roads School (was approx. 3.8 miles away in South Carolina but has been confirmed missing).
Photographed by David Seibert, August 22, 2012
2. Tugalo Baptist Church and Cemetery Marker
Photographed by David Seibert, August 22, 2012
3. Tugalo Baptist Church and Cemetery Marker
Photographed by David Seibert, August 22, 2012
4. Tugalo Baptist Church and Cemetery Marker
The cemetery is in the background.
Photographed by David Seibert, August 22, 2012
5. Tugalo Baptist Church
Photographed by David Seibert, August 22, 2012
6. Tugalo Baptist Church Cemetery
The Fricks family plot in the cemetery, where Henry Fricks is buried.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 3, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 27, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. This page has been viewed 2,256 times since then and 115 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on August 27, 2012, by David Seibert of Sandy Springs, Georgia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
