Peachtree Corners Church Among Gwinnett's Historic Places of Worship

Depending on your religious background, historic churches and cemeteries can evoke feelings of piety, sanctity, and maybe even some mystery.

Most historic churches in Gwinnett are all still in use, although a few cemeteries still exist without their accompanying churches. (One is located on Old Peachtree Road in Duluth, while another is off Tyree Road near North Helton Road and Liberty Road not far from Liberty Baptist Church, also in Duluth.) 

In 1911, there were 89 churches in Gwinnett County, according to an old text written by James Flanigan. Flanigan claimed that the church was "the greatest institution in the county," and that, at that time, "hardly a man [within the county] lives more than two or three miles from the church of his choice."

The Civil War took its toll on many historic Gwinnett churches, as membership dwindled during the worst of it. 

In the 1830s, the temperance movement was big in Gwinnett County. A Baptist preacher named Rev. Gunn rode around town in a one-horse wagon. His preaching convinced quite a few residents to quit drinking and get rid of their stills. (Others picked them up at a cheap price.)

Another interesting thing going on back then was something called "grove meetings." Whitehead recorded it this way:

"People would go for miles to attend with one aim in view : The working out of their salvation. The woods would ring with "hallelujahs" from the good old men and women and those getting the first glimpse of the beautiful side of life — the turning from darkness to light."

Mt. Carmel Methodist Church:

The first Mt. Carmel Methodist Church was made of hewn timber on the current site in 1827. Resident Daniel N. Pittman, not a church-going man but nevertheless a generous one, donated five acres of land to build the church. This structure stood until 1876 when parishioners decided to tear down the old church and rebuild.

Lawrenceville Baptist Church:

According to Flanigan's research, Lawrenceville Baptist Church was formed in 1849. William Sanders was the first called pastor, and after a few reorganizations they built a new building in 1905. It included a home for the pastor, which was valued at $7,000.

By 1911, membership had increased from around 20 to 201. 

Ebenezer Baptist Church

This Dacula church is one of the oldest in the county, having been established in 1847. It was also the largest Baptist church in the county. The congregation had a new building built in 1882 "out of the very best timber" and was valued at $1,500.

Ten pastors led the congregation from 1847-1911, starting with S.B. Churchhill and ending with J.S. Settles. Now, the church is led by Rev. Sam Davis.

During a 1911 revival, the church had an additional 35 members join.

Level Creek Methodist Church

This Suwanee church is littered with interesting facts. Originally located "on the hill about one fourth of a mile on the north side of Level creek, and some fifty yards to the left of the road from Lawrenceville to Strickland's Ferry," the church was named for the nearby creek.

As recorded by Mary Whitehead, "the grave yard where some of the first settlers are resting is in Moore's field in full view of the road." 

It was organized in 1823, and a church building was planned in 1838. Pastor Jeremy Lawson now leads the congregation. 

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