Historic church to host meeting, auction Saturday

Bark Camp




Bark Camp Church, organized in 1788, has held services in four sanctuaries. The last, pictured above, was built in 1847.

Bark Camp Church, organized in 1788, has held services in four sanctuaries. The last, pictured above, was built in 1847.

They’re keeping history alive and could use some help.

Members and supporters of Bark Camp Church near Midville will hold their annual meeting and dinner this Saturday along with a benefit auction that will boast a spread ranging from handmade goods and glassware to furniture pieces.

Proceeds from the auction will go entirely toward the upkeep of the historic church, which was organized even before George Washington took office as the nation’s first president. A number of the gravestones in the adjoining cemetery are etched with the names of Revolutionary War soldiers from the area.

Though regular worship services are no longer held there, descendants and others with ties to the church are working to preserve an important piece of history by maintaining the church building and cemetery as well as holding Easter sunrise and Christmas services there each year.

All proceeds from Saturday’s auction will go into a perpetual care fund to make that happen, according to member Joanne Richardson. “The auction is our sole means for raising funds,” Richardson explained. “We rely on that to help us keep the church and cemetery up.”

U.S. Representative John Barrow will speak at the event, and State Representative Brooks Coleman of Duluth will also make comments and serve as the auctioneer.

Guests will also hear from Rev. Leonard Quick of Midville and soloist Carla Cobb of Rosemont Heights Baptist Church in Waynesboro. Dinner on the grounds will follow the meeting.

BACK TO BARK CAMP

Annual Meeting

Saturday, April 20

The meeting will begin at 11 a.m., to be followed by a benefit auction and dinner. Those planning to attend are asked to bring lawn chairs and their favorite dish. The event is open to the public. The church is located on Bark Camp Church Road off of Highway 56, just north of Midville. For more information, contact Joanne Richardson at 706-466- 0623.


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