Bronwood Methodist (Terrell County, Ga.)

Bronwood Methodist is a beautiful example of rural church architecture located in the little agricultural town of Bronwood in Terrell County. There is not a lot of church history available but according to South Georgia Conference Methodist archives, the roots of the church go back to camp meetings held at Coney's Head on Kinchfoonee Creek. The original church was known as Salem Church, built in 1857 on land purchased from Thomas Caldwell. Salem's membership then declined over time and the building was sold to the African American church. The "History of Terrell County" tells us that the present church was built in 1889 on land purchased by the Trustees from the estate of R. C. Martin. It also tells us that a parcel of land was purchased in 1887 from W. S. Dozier for a parsonage built to house the pastor and his family. Bronwood is one of those architectural masterpieces that you run across so often in rural Georgia. There have been many changes over the years but the essential historical character of the church is still present. Almost all of these old masterpieces were built by local craftsmen out of local material. She has been lovingly maintained by a dedicated congregation for over 125 years now and is still going strong. Quite remarkable for a south Georgia rural town of less than 300 population.