Sparta-Hancock Historical Society

Current Projects, Feb 2009

Property:  Mt. Zion Church

Location:   Hwy Ga-15, 7 miles north of Sparta.

 

History:

            About all that remains of the once thriving community of Mt. Zion is the old Presbyterian Church, begun in 1813. The Church flourished under its first pastor Nathan Beman (1785-1871).  In late 1812, Beman became teacher and pastor at Mt. Zion, an academy town founded by Hancock County planters in 1811.  Some of the State’s leading families supported Mt. Zion Academy which became one of the most celebrated schools in Georgia.  The outstanding men Beman attracted to teach contributed much to the state in educational and religious leadership. Offered the presidency of the University of Georgia, Beman accepted reluctantly and temporarily, resigning because of his wife’s illness and death in 1819.  In 1823, Beman moved to Troy, N.Y., where he continued his ministerial and academic career, founding Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

            Declining population after the Civil War eventually resulted in the transfer of the church to Methodists, who held services there until 1958. The Church was rescued from collapse in 1971 by the Hancock County Foundation for Historic Preservation, and is now owned by the Historical Society.

Current needs:

            A new metal roof was installed in 2002.  The exterior needs to be painted, windows re-glazed, shutters repaired and painted; overhanging mature pine trees are an immediate threat to the church building and graveyard.

 Project estimates:

                        Repair/paint window shutters/carpentry ……………………………….. $12,000.00

                        Scrap, prime and paint exterior; paint interior ceiling  ……………..……   14,725.00

                        Tree removal and pruning ……………………………………...………  16,000.00

                                                                                                                                       $42,725.00

 

Property:  Grave's Barn

Location:    Adams Street, Sparta

 

History:

            This wonderful structure was built around 1899 by Richard A. Graves. Bill Cutler (Brown's Guide to Georgia, 1976) wrote "the barn's intricately carved decorations were among the finest Victorian architectural details in the state." Images of the barns round ventilator and delicate scroll saw work have been published in books, magazines, and newspapers. The barn was purchased by the Society in 1996.

 Current needs:

            Due to negligence of the City to maintain an adjoining drainage ditch, the barn now sits on poorly drained soil. The foundation is waterlogged during wet seasons.  Grading and landscaping to protect the foundation is a critical need.  The metal roof is in need of repair and missing woodwork restored/replaced.

 Project estimates:

                        Exterior carpentry and roof repairs ……………………………………   $10,000.00

                        Landscape/grading…………………………………………...………..     17,500.00

                        Wash, clean and seal the exterior…………………………..………..…       4,800.00

                                                                                                                                         $32,300.00