This new volume from Historic Rural Churches of Georgia continues the organization's excellent tradition of sharing Georgia's rich history and highlighting the importance of religious spaces and practices across many communities of faith. The beautiful photographs and engaging narratives draw readers into the lives of many diverse Georgians, whether Primitive Baptists in the Wiregrass region, circuit-riding Methodists in the Piedmont, or Presbyterians building churches of stone in the mountains. Through the stories of these historic rural churches, this book bares the soul of nineteenth-century Georgia in all its many forms. -- Jan Love * Dean, Candler School of Theology, Emory University * The rural churches were among the few institutions that provided an identity to the communities that surrounded them. Many are gone, but those that remain are cultural icons that speak to the history of the region in a way nothing else does. This book honors that contribution. -- Wayne Clough * Secretary Emeritus, Smithsonian Institution * Sonny Seals and George Harts acclaimed earlier volume and their engrossing PBS documentary introduced us to the importance of rural church communities and their contribution to southern history. Sonny Seals now shares a second treasure trove of images, documents, and commentaries that further testifies to the historic importance of rural community churches in both spurring the profound changes and reaffirming the defining continuities that have shaped southern life over the course of three centuries. -- James C. Cobb * Spalding Distinguished Professor of History, Emeritus, University of Georgia * Looking back, my experience in rural church assignments was the basis for my understanding of racial inequality in the South and my deeply held conviction to do something about it. It prepared me for the long struggle that was to come. I am proud be a part of this book that celebrates the rural church histories that are such a big part of our American journey. -- Ambassador Andrew Young
