When Cokes Chapel United Methodist Church was chartered in 1833, the United States was in its infancy as a nation. For 20 years parishioners met in homes and various locations until the sanctuary was built in 1855.
To put the church’s longevity in context, Franklin Pierce was the President in 1855. Cokes Chapel holds the record for the longest continuous church service in a single location in Coweta County.
Sharpsburg’s historic Cokes Chapel UMC undertakes major renovation project
The sanctuary has stood through the Civil War, two World Wars, and a host of political and social shifts.
Not surprisingly, after 160 years the wear and tear on the building had begun to show.
“We decided it was time to make some much-needed repairs,” said chair of the Trustee Committee, Bill Kennedy. “We talked about what needed to be done and got busy doing it.”
Kennedy said 80 percent of the monies needed to complete the renovation were donated by church members. The committee consulted a structural engineer who donated his time and expertise. The church’s foundation had settled and needed to be raised by an inch.
“We wanted to make sure we were careful about we were doing; there wasn’t much margin for error,” Kennedy said.
Other updates to the sanctuary include the addition of an enhanced audio and video system.
Of note, two posts were removed from the structure. According to Kennedy, the post once separated the congregation based on race. “It was time the posts came down — physically and spiritually.”
“I continue to be fascinated by the impact this church has had in the community and nation,” said Pastor Mark Jordan. “As a congregation we want to ensure that the sanctuary is maintained for present and future generations.” He said the church stands as a symbol of unity where anyone and everyone who wants to worship is welcome. Jordan added that Cokes Chapel was one of the first integrated churches in Coweta County.
Cokes Chapel is located at 4096 Lower Fayetteville Rd. in Sharpsburg. For more information about the church, call the office, 770 253-6052, or visit www.cokeschapel.org.
