09/09/2026
Sharing some church history…
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DQ6SqPkKv/?mibextid=wwXIfr
Rev. John Edward “Jackie” Rives, 1802–1895.
Rev. Jackie Rives was one of North Georgia’s best-known early Baptist ministers, serving churches across the region for more than sixty years.
Born in North Carolina, Rives came to North Georgia as a young man. In 1821, he settled in Bark Camp, around present-day Murrayville, where he would spend the rest of his life.
His ministry brought him to Forsyth County for several years. He served as pastor of Salem Baptist Church from 1855 to 1858 and again from 1875 to 1880, as well as Bethel Baptist Church from 1859 to 1861. In 1886, he returned to Salem to baptize 42 converts during revival.
Like many rural Baptist ministers of the time, Rives served multiple congregations at once, as churches often met only monthly. Even while serving other churches, he remained pastor of Liberty Baptist Church for 49 years, from its organization in 1833 until 1882.
“By the grace of God, I am what I am, and his grace is sufficient for me.” - Rev. Rives' last and favorite text.
📷 Photo from the Ancestry profile for John Edward Rives 1802–1895.
📜 Biography from The Men and Missions of Hightower, Volume I: Ministers, Hightower Baptist Association.
