Concord Methodist (Walker County, Ga.)

A history of Concord Church as compiled by Mrs. Rosa Orr in 1951: "Concord Church was organized in 1844. The word Concord means unity and harmony. It is one of the oldest churches in Walker County, Georgia. It is on the Subligna Charge, Dalton District, North Georgia Conference; located 2 miles from Villanow. The first building was of logs which was about 20ft by 20 ft. It was used for a schoolhouse too. This house was large enough for the worship service until 1851 when the people began to see the need for a new church building. Rev. Henry Cosper gave to the church two acres of land on which the log house stood at that time. The deed recites that for "good considerations" the land is granted to have and to hold in trust for the ministers and members of the Methodist Epicopal Church South, as a place of worship, This deed was dated May 28, 1851. In 1851 the congregation erected a large two story-building to be used as a church and a Masonic Hall. This new two-story building was used for headquarters for one of the generals of the Confederate Army. The guns were stacked on the first floor while the men kept a quiet vigil from the upper hall. The sentinals were on the outside. In 1855 the trustees of the church bought 12 more acres of land from the administrators of the Rev. Cosper estate, making 14 acres in all. The price paid for the land was $68. Soon after the establishment of the church, a camp ground was laid out. Till the days of the Civil War, a camp meeting was held annually at this place. A large arbor was erected with sills and braces all hewn from oak logs. It was 60 by 90 feet. The boards were rived from the oak trees to make a roof. In 1900 it was covered anew but it was let go and not a piece is to be found today. People came from far and near to attend these meetings. The crowds were often estimated at 1500 people. Houses and tents were built to accomodate those who came to camp. These houses contained sleeping rooms, porches and passageways and were quite comfortable. Long rows of these houses were built, mostly of logs. The camp meetings were discontinued during the Civil War. But after peace was established they reorganized and continued until 1892. In 1882 the two story church building was torn down and a new building erected in its place which was remodeled in 1907.