Bethsaida Baptist Church and Cemetery
Fulton County, Fulton County, Georgia
Marker Inscription
Bethsaida Baptist Church and Cemetery. Bethsaida Baptist Church, formed in 1829, was led by itinerant preachers traveling in the area. In April, 1843, John S. Dodd, was called to pastor the church on a permanent basis. He faithfully served the church for 50 years, retiring January 25, 1892. The original wooden structure was built in 1829, on this site. In 1864, Union forces occupied the church as a headquarters, even used the pews as horse troughs. This sanctuary burned in 1954. A new building was built across the street and dedicated in 1955. Growth during the next 20 years necessitated building additions. Capitol View Baptist Church, located on Stewart Avenue in Atlanta was also experiencing growth. In 1975, the two congregations, eager to overcome their challenges and continue their ministries, merged to form one church with two locations - United Baptist Church. Reverend William E. Cropper pastored both locations for the next 21 years. By the 1990's decreasing membership and financial support caused the Bethsaida location to close its doors on December 29, 1996. The Bethsaida Baptist Church Cemetery has graves dating from the 1800's. The church never charged a fee for burial plots, so the cemetery was popular with the community. Lacking space, no plots have been deeded since the late 1970's. Cemetery use is restricted to families who already have plots. United Baptist Church completed minimal restoration in 1997 before deeding the cemetery to a board of trustees.
The Story
Bethsaida Baptist Church was formed in 1829 and served for decades under Pastor John S. Dodd, who led it for 50 years. In 1864 Union forces occupied the original wooden church as a headquarters, reportedly using its pews as horse troughs. The sanctuary later burned, the congregation merged with another to form United Baptist Church, and the Bethsaida site eventually closed, leaving behind a cemetery with graves dating to the 1800s.
Why it matters
The church's long life — from frontier congregation to wartime headquarters to a preserved community cemetery — reflects the enduring role of rural Baptist churches in binding together Georgia communities across nearly two centuries.
Plan your visit
NearbyMake a day of it — museums, food, and places to stay near this marker.
Museums & culture
- Art-Haus12.8 mi away · 332 Ormond Street Southeast, Atlanta, GA
- Spelman College Museum of Fine Art13.2 mi away · 350 Spelman Lane, Atlanta, GA
- Besharat Gallery & Museum - Atlanta13.6 mi away · 175 Peters Street Southwest
- Herndon Home Museum13.9 mi away · 587 University Place Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- African American Museum14.2 mi away · GA
- Apex Museum14.2 mi away · 135 Auburn Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA
Attractions
- Boeing 747-400 Ship 63017.0 mi away
- McDonnell Douglas DC-9 Ship 98807.0 mi away
- The Walking Dead - Kingdom filming location10.6 mi away
- The Walking Dead - Terminus filming location12.4 mi away
- The Wren's Nest12.5 mi away · 1050 Ralph David Abernathy Boulevard, Atlanta, GA
- Zoo Atlanta13.0 mi away
Food & drink
- Spanish Harlem14.2 mi away
- Noni's14.3 mi away · 357 Edgewood Avenue Northeast
- Juiceez & Etc14.3 mi away · 20 Jackson Street Southeast, Atlanta
- CAFE + VELO14.3 mi away · 381 Edgewood Avenue Northeast, Atlanta, GA
- Wok and Roll14.3 mi away
- Foxx Jamaican14.3 mi away
Places to stay
- Origin Hotel Atlanta13.7 mi away · 166 Pryor Street, Atlanta, GA
- Glenn Hotel, Autograph Collection14.1 mi away · 110 Marietta Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- Home2 Suites14.2 mi away · 87 Cone Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
- The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton14.2 mi away · 127 Peachtree Street
- Barclay Hotel Atlanta Downtown14.2 mi away · 89 Luckie Street Northwest, Atlanta
- Residence Inn Atlanta Downtown14.2 mi away · 134 Peachtree Street Northwest, Atlanta, GA
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Related people
- · John S. Dodd
- · William E. Cropper
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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