Church History
The discovery of gold in the north Georgia area nearly 165 years ago initiated the first American Gold Rush. The population swelled as fast as the word spread of 'gold in them thar' hills'. With the thousands of prospectors who came to Dahlonega, there also came merchants and bankers, thieves and prostitutes, governmental agents and military protection. The dreams of 'striking it rich' nurtured greed and dishonesty. The 'hard life' found solace in gambling, drinking and carousing.
In this setting God raised up a hand full of hardy souls who wanted to establish a Baptist witness to the people of the new community of Dahlonega. Those first members of Dahlonega Baptist Church offered something more precious than gold... they offered the love of God in Christ Jesus. In 1840, on what is now the front lawn of the North Georgia College and State University, the first worship building was constructed. From there, the congregation preached and reached for nearly 60 years.
In 1896 a second building was erected across from the now popular Smith House Inn. This brick building still stands as a reminder of those men and women who were obedient to Gods call and who kept the gospel light shining in Dahlonega.
God continued to bless the ministry of DBC, and on Palm Sunday 2001 the congregation began to worship from its current location overlooking the community it has served for over 165 years.
Today, a new 'Gold Rush' is underway. People from near and far, and from all walks of life, are rushing to Dahlonega to experience the beauty of small town living. The warmer feel of a small community, the friendlier faces and the slower pace of living have become a new precious resource discovered in these Appalachian foothills.
Dahlonega Baptist Church continues to shine as a lighthouse for the good news of God's love in Jesus Christ. We want to offer a small town welcome to our new neighbors, but we wish to invite all who will join us in fulfilling our God-sized mission.
The times have changed dramatically, and the draw of the community is different today, but the congregation still understands her mission from God to be similar to that first congregation; and that is to share the good news of God's love for us in Christ Jesus our Lord.
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