Field’s Chapel is, in many ways, the story of Jeremiah Field and his family. It is also a chapter in Georgia history that unfolds against the backdrop of cheap land, growing conflict with the Cherokee Nation, the discovery of gold, and the eventual removal of the Cherokee along the infamous Trail of Tears. White settlement in the area began as early as 1800, aided by the completion of the Federal Highway in 1805, which provided easier access for land-hungry pioneers. At first, settlers trickled in, but after gold was discovered, that trickle became a flood.

Tensions with the Cherokee were already high before gold was found. Many pioneers, staunch patriots of the Revolutionary War, resented the Cherokee for siding with the British. By the time Cherokee County was formed, the landscape was dotted with gold mines and bustling mining camps.

According to church history, Jeremiah Field organized and built the first Field’s Chapel around 1820, though some genealogical records suggest he may have arrived later. Regardless, he became one of Cherokee County’s earliest and most prominent settlers, owning a grist mill, a general store, and thousands of acres of farmland. The 1840 census recorded 39 enslaved people in his household, and by 1850 his property was valued at $50,000—making him the wealthiest man in the county.

The original church served the community for decades until the present sanctuary was built by Charles Steele in 1898. It was dedicated in June 1899 by the renowned Reverend Sam Jones. Known as the South’s most famous preacher, Jones drew massive crowds with his fiery “Quit your meanness” message. His dedication sermon reportedly attracted 3,000 people despite rainy weather, a testament to his fame and charisma.

The church thrived until the late 1920s when construction of the Allatoona Reservoir forced many families to sell their land. Membership dwindled to fewer than 20 as residents were displaced or cut off from the church. Over time, however, Field’s Chapel rebounded. Today, it has an active congregation of more than 140 members, holds Sunday services at 8:40 and 11:00 a.m., and welcomes visitors. The historic sanctuary also serves as a venue for special events, continuing its legacy as a cornerstone of the community.