Smallest Church in America

"Not all those who wander are lost." In March 2015 after quitting my job I was in desperate need of a get away. How could I de-stress? Where could I go to get lost? The first thought that came to mind was a road trip to Georgia.

I pulled over in Darien, Ga to take a break from the long drive. That's when I spotted a large white sign with black letters that read "Smallest Church in America." It is midnight and the only light I see is coming from my headlights'. About twenty feet away I see an adorably tiny white 10x15 church. Walking through the wooden unlocked door, a bright light switched on. I automatically took in a distinct odor. What is that? After a few more inhales I realize the smell is a homely scent.

Inside there is a pulpit and twelve heavy wooden chairs. Each chair has a built in space for the bible and a fold out prayer bench that slides under the seat. A few miniature stained glass windows run along both sides of the church. I see a grey object on the wall. I register what it is as I get closer. It was everything I wanted to know about this tiny gem.

Agnes Harper wanted to build a church in 1949 and was a local grocer at the time. She did not have much money. The town argued that she could not afford to build a chapel that would do justice to God. She said it was the thought that counted and built it anyway. The church is located off I-95, Exit 67 approximately one mile south on Coastal Highway 17. There is now a caretaker of the locally known Smallest Church in America but the church remains open twenty four hours a day for locals or tired drivers'.

I notice a podium with a binder full of loose lined paper. It was a guestbook. People wrote their names, date, and place they were from. Others wrote messages to their loved ones in heaven. I do believe in a higher being but do not consider myself religious. After writing a letter to my grandmother I took a few last deep breaths in. I felt so thankful to be in this honest, historical, and unique church. The brochure stated that there is a glass star in the roof that allows the sun to cast a beam of light from one end of the interior to the other. My only recommendation would be to arrive earlier to view the full beauty of this site.

On my way out I read a bronze plaque on the wall. "I came to this place in search of inner peace and found it.." I am convinced that this non-denominational church completely restored my faith, inspiration, and motivation.