We are fortunate that much of the history of Long Cane Baptist Church has been handed down through generations.

On March 9, 1829, nine Baptists and Presbyterians from Troup County gathered under the leadership of Reverend James Reeves to organize a new congregation, Long Cane Baptist Church. Within a few short years, between 1834 and 1837, the growing congregation erected the white wooden sanctuary that still stands today. Its hand-carved pine floorboards and pews, placed one by one nearly two centuries ago, remain in use—living proof of the craftsmanship and faith that built them.

In the early years, the church was jointly owned by the Baptist and Presbyterian congregations, who worshiped together for fifty years. In 1887, the Presbyterians withdrew to build their own sanctuary nearby, which they named Loyd Presbyterian Church. The Long Cane sanctuary itself was simple and unadorned, notable mainly for its gallery for enslaved worshippers and two wood-burning stoves that warmed the congregation during winter services.

During the Civil War, the church faced one of its most uncertain moments. On September 17, 1864, as Union forces advanced through Georgia and Sherman’s army burned churches on the road to West Point, Long Cane hosted a meeting of the Western Association. Many feared that the church would not survive the destruction sweeping the state. According to church history, the congregation prayed for protection—and their prayers were answered. The sanctuary was spared.

After the war, Long Cane continued to grow. In 1866, the Western Association accepted the Colored Baptist Church of LaGrange into membership, and by 1869, African American congregations had formed their own association—part of the broader effort by freedmen to establish independent churches and spiritual communities.

By 1938, the old church was showing its age, and members voted to replace the roof, replaster the walls, and reinforce the foundation with steel rods and brick pillars. The sagging roof was strengthened with wooden posts that still stand today.

More than 150 years later, Long Cane Baptist Church endures as one of Georgia’s oldest continuously active congregations. Its survival—through war, weather, and the passing of generations—stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the devotion of the community that has cared for it since 1829.