St. Benedict Catholic Church, Wilkinson County, GA

St. Benedict Catholic Church
Wilkinson County, Ga.
November 27, 1887 - 1940's?

The first location of the church was in the Glenella community between Gordon and McIntyre, next to the Old Catholic (McAdams) Cemetery on Claymont Rd (CR 60) . According to The Macon Telegraph, May 1, 1887 and Nov. 29, 1887, Father Schadewell of Macon appealed to the Catholics in Macon and they contributed to the building of the church which was underway May 1887. The church was dedicated Sunday, Nov. 27, 1887 by Rt. Rev. Thomas A. Becker, bishop of Savannah, assisted by Rev. Rather Bazin and Schadewell.

St. Anthony's Chapel According to The Augusta Chronicle April 20, 1946, the new church was located on Hwy 57, four miles west of Irwinton. It was dedicated April 21, 1946 by the Rev. Gerald P. O'Hara, D.D., J.U.D. bishop of Savannah-Atlanta. The new mission church called St. Anthony's Chapel, was part of the eight county parish which the Rev. John D. Toomey was pastor. The land was donated by J. G. Hatfield in memory of his son. Earl Hatfield, who died while in the army from illness contracted during the invasion of Guam. The building was constructed of concrete blocks and would accommodate a congregation of nearly 100. Later the members attended the Catholic church in Milledgeville and services was stopped.

The block building, still standing, was later used for Presbyterian services. Some of the members attending the Catholic church were McAdams, Hornsby, Donnelly, Hatfield, possibly Roach.

See plat Cemetery (link)