Traveling across Highway 84 in Ware County, Georgia, you’ll see a worn sign with red lettering on the side of the road in Ruskin, an unincorporated community in Waycross.
Off Highway 84.
Looking back down the dirt road and across the tracks (in front of the church).
The “Old Ruskin Church” intrigues a preservationist familiar with John Ruskin’s, The Seven Lamps of Architecture. Pull over, make a u-turn and turn down the southern dirt road, Griffin Road. Cross the tracks at the curve in the road is the Old Ruskin Church. This darling white church sits quietly beneath the picturesque canopy of long leaf pines, among the fallen pine straw. On a sunny day, it seemed to be one of the most serene spots to find.
Old Ruskin Church.
Perfect southern setting.
The steeple among the pines.
Beautiful detail on this little church. And also many bees nests. It’s in need of some maintenance.
One more for good measure.
The Old Ruskin Church, ca. 1899, belonged to the Ruskin Commonwealth, a Utopian socialist community incorporated in 1899. This community was founded by 240 people who moved near Waycross in 1899 from the Ruskin Colony in Tennessee (1896-1899). As the name suggests, the community was founded on principles of the English social reformer John Ruskin. See photographs of the community here. Unfortunately, the settlement lasted only a few years, disbanding in 1901 due to poor farming land, poor business ventures, disease and poverty.
Who owns this church? What goes on here? There was no indication. Do you know anything about it? Please share!
Preservation in Pink 
Beautiful building.
I know about this church because I’m helping the congregation document its history! It actually predates the Ruskin Commonwealth and was known as the Duke Church before the Ruskinites moved to the area in 1899. I was unable to determine the exact construction date, but the land was deeded to the trustees of the Duke Church in 1896. A newspaper article from 1902 mentions the church building, so the services could have been held in a brush arbor prior to that time. The complete history should be finished early next year. I’ll be sure and give you a link.
Sharman,
Thank you for that information! I’ll edit the post. I would love to read the documentation when it’s complete. What a wonderful project!
Thanks! The congregants are pretty amazing—I’ve interviewed two men in their 90s with such interesting lives. I hope you get other comments on the church. It’s so lovely and the project has been such fun.
Sharman Southall
Historian
GDOT
Office of Environmental Services
600 West Peachtree Street, NW
16th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
404.631.1057
Is there a cemetery on these properties?
There is not. The congregants have a bit of the land set aside for a cemetery but it has never been used. According to the current pastor, who is in his 90s, “no one wants to die”.
Thanks for the information. And interesting note from the pastor…
He’s pretty amazing and has a pretty interesting story as well.
Sharman Southall
Historian
GDOT
Office of Environmental Services
600 West Peachtree Street, NW
16th Floor
Atlanta, Georgia 30308
404.631.1057
Is there any way possible I can find out who I would speak to about this church I’m in the process of getting married and I would love to rent it or use it for my wedding if all possible.
Joel, see your answer from avondalecemetery.
Does anyone have a contact for this location? I am looking to get in touch with whoever owns or uses it.
Did you ever get contact information? Do they hold weddings here? I would love to visit for a service while Pastor Johnnie is still there!!!
Does anyone know the contact informatio for the church?
I am Jerry Brown I am the pastor of the Old Ruskin Church my # 912-281-4466 . I am filling in for Brother Crumley until his return . We meet every Sunday morning @ 10 am and everyone is invited .