Have You Seen The Smallest Church in America?

We enjoy visiting roadside attractions during our travels.  We like taking a few minutes to stretch our legs and see something a bit different.  Last autumn we discovered a sweet, little place in Georgia somewhat late at night.  Earlier this month, as we were traveling up I-95 again, we decided to stop there again and take some pictures during the day.  What we have learned about The Smallest Church in America has been more than we might have imagined!

The Smallest Church in America

In order to give you an idea of how small this church is, Richard took a picture of me standing in front of it.  While I show you and tell you more about the building today, hopefully you will find reading about some of the history fascinating, as well!

Here is a picture at night from our first visit to the church.

Locally known as The Smallest Church in America, this tiny building was actually built in 1949 by a woman named Agnes Harper.  She had limited funds, and people did not think that she could afford to build “the kind of chapel that would do justice to God.”  Agnes did not listen to them but instead followed her heart and built this 10’x15′ building in the woods.  She felt that it was the thought that counted, not the structure.  As many people have visited and worshiped here over the years, it seems like Agnes was right.

Agnes Harper has been gone from this earth for many years, so who owns the church?  Back when she built this little chapel, Agnes put the deed in the name of Jesus Christ.

Visitors from All Over

Since The Smallest Church in America, which it appears was also at one time called The Littlest Church in the United States, has been standing, there have been countless visitors and many occasions celebrated there.  There used to be services held every third Sunday, and the current pastor hopes to get them going again after proper air conditioning and ventilation can be figured out.  Can you imagine what a darling place this would be for a little wedding?  Someone could even have an outdoor wedding and stand in front of the church!

While folks from all over the country visit this place, sadly, some occasional scoundrels also visit.  Can you believe that someone actually stole the bell from the belfry?  Thankfully, someone else was able to track down the bell, and the police retrieved it.  Also, the offering has been stolen time and again.  The church does not get many donations, as it is, which makes it hurt even more when people steal.  However, somehow, The Smallest Church in America is still standing, still going, and still serving as a place for folks to stop and take some time to be at peace.

Almost Lost

According to an article written by Tom Tiede in The Brunswick News in 1984, due to people stealing and causing damage to the little church and things in it (like furniture), The Smallest Church in America had trouble keeping up with expenses and almost went bankrupt in 1983.  Fortunately, The McIntosh County Chamber of Commerce stepped in, adopted the little church, put up a sign, and committed to helping where needed.  How is that for community pulling together?

This almost seventy year old church has certainly had its share of happy and beautiful moments as well as sorrowful moments.  There have certainly bee more happy times, and every pastor about whom I have read has desired for it to be a place where people can go to worship and be with God.  Also, it has been and continues to be a place where non-believers can visit and enjoy the surroundings.  All are welcome, just as the Lord would have it.

Want to Know More History?

Back when the church was built, Ms. Harper installed stained glass windows from England.  I imagine that they must have been beautiful and that the newspaper picture above did not do it justice.  Since the fire, though, the church was rebuilt.  A local woman, whose name I do not know, built and installed the new windows.  Here is one of them.  How pretty does the light shine through this image?

Wait a minute.  Fire?  What fire?  It was arson.  Even with a $10,000 reward offered, the culprit or culprits were never caught.  Below is a picture of a newspaper clipping from The Darien News on December 3rd, 2015.  Before I even read the article, the caption fascinated me.  Flames were fifteen feet high, and that little cross still stood even though the building was virtually gutted and burned.  Wow, right?

Guess what, though.  The church has been rebuilt, and it is as welcoming as ever.  Pastor John R. Maki now presides over The Smallest Church in America after falling in love with the area and moving there about fourteen years ago.  Hehas a passion for serving others and sharing God’s glory.  This little place in the woods continues to be loved and visited, and I suspect that it will continue for years.  Here are some more pictures of the location that you might enjoy seeing.

Time for You to Visit?

Stop by and see it for yourself when you are traveling past exit 67 on I-95.  Simply get off of the exit and go one mile south.  It is easy to spot, and the door is always open, twenty-four hours a day.

The church fits thirteen people.  There are six chairs on each side and a pulpit at the front.

There is also a bulletin board on the back wall to share encouragement or prayer requests, stained glass windows on both side walls, and a beautiful front door.

The property has various statues to see and gorgeous trees to enjoy.  I was so busy admiring the trees that I did not take pictures of them.  The root systems sprawling across the ground are fascinating, especially if you like nature.  We also discovered a painted rock, yet we left it there for someone else to find.

If you have occasion to visit The Smallest Church in America, I recommend it.  It is an easy place to stop and take a moment.  You can enjoy some fresh and have a quiet moment.  Who knows what you might see there?  You may even leave there feeling refreshed.

Thank You and Gifts

Thank you to Pastor John for sharing the newspaper article, telephone book cover, and some background information about this fascinating place.

If you, the reader, might like to make a contribution to help support this small piece of continuing history, they do have a collection box right at the church.  You can also call Pastor John at 912-223-6564.  This is a small town church and does not have a web site.

The Smallest Church in America is located at 1018 Ridgeway Road SE, Darien, GA 31305.