(Featured image above: Minnie Lewis (L) poses with her brother, Samuel Williams in front of the Virgil Chapel exhibit)
On display in the Maloof building on the square in Cuthbert, as part of the Smithsonian Exhibit, Minnie Lewis has put together photos and other historic material from the Virgil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The church is located on Highway 27 just north of Cuthbert, GA.
According to the material in the exhibit, in 1868, three years after the Civil War ended, a group of prayerful men and women had a desire to praise the Lord. Those pioneers had very little money, however this did not discourage them. They decided to build a Bush Arbor for a place to worship. A small bush arbor was constructed by Miss Lewis’ brother, Samuel Williams and can be seen in the exhibit. Under the direction of Rev. J. Simpson, the Bush Arbor was built using tree limbs, straw, branches, and various pieces of wood.
After serving faithfully, Rev. Green McCarthy of Benevolence Baptist Church appointed Rev. Simpson who ordained the first deacons of the church. The Deacons were, Jake Gilbert, Green Johnson, John Thomas and William Jones. Virgil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church worshiped for many years in the Bush Arbor.
Approximately in 1880, a small wooden structure was erected on the land where the present Church stands. The Land was given to the church by Mr. Chestiens. The seats of our first church were made of pine poles. The lights were splendor lights. With cooperation and understanding the church was very successful and moved on under the guidance of Rev. W. M. Turner, new members joined, and the congregation grew.
Over the course of 100 years the church building evolved. Many things were added and renovated. Through the years, Virgil Chapel Missionary Baptist Church endured many challenges, however, we successfully prevailed. In 1934 Rev. C.C. Scott ordained more deacons and a new building was constructed and in 1941, Rev J. H. Bankston became Pastor and additional deacons were ordained.
With sincerity of purpose, dedication and commitment from the Pastor, deacons, deaconess and the congregation, this sanctuary for the sick, poor, and anyone who passed this way was even more firmly established. Today, Virgil Chapel is a beautiful sanctuary that seats 200 people. Much progress has been made during the past 151 years. We can truly say that we have come a long way.