Our Story
Our Mission
The mission of Friends of Historic Woolsey, Inc. is to restore, enhance, preserve, protect, and where possible, rehabilitate and revitalize historic sites in and around the town of Woolsey, Georgia.
How Our Journey Began
The story of Friends of Historic Woolsey began in November 2019, when Teresa Roby shared information about a meeting with the leadership of Woolsey Baptist Church to discuss the future of the historic church building. Her role in sharing this opportunity helped bring four descendants of Dr. Isaac Gray Woolsey, Jamie Lovett, Cindy Griffin, Gerald Woolsey (1937–2022), and Teresa Roby together for this important conversation.
Gerald’s connection to his family’s history and his love for Woolsey helped make this gathering especially meaningful. Getting to know Gerald was a privilege, and his stories, encouragement, and commitment to preserving the legacy of Dr. Woolsey reflected the importance of protecting this historic place for future generations.
Dr. Woolsey’s original wishes specified that if the historic church was no longer used for worship, the property would return to his descendants. Recognizing the responsibility to preserve this historic landmark and the stories connected to it, descendants and community supporters joined together to protect this important part of Woolsey’s heritage.
What began with a single conversation in 2019 has grown into a shared effort to preserve Historic Woolsey Church and the stories connected to it for generations to come. Gerald’s connection to the church, his stories, and his dedication to honoring his family’s history remain an important part of who we are and why this work matters. In 2022, Friends of Historic Woolsey was officially formed as a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Historic Woolsey Church, its cemetery, and surrounding historic resources for future generations.
Explore the Historic Woolsey Journey
Restoring the Heart of Woolsey
County Historical Society
Historic Woolsey Church has been at the heart of this community since 1889. Today, Friends of Historic Woolsey is working to restore and rehabilitate this landmark so it can continue serving as a place of history, education, culture, and community connection.
Once restored, Historic Woolsey Church and its campus will provide a welcoming gathering place for educational programs, cultural arts events, civic activities, community celebrations, and other opportunities that bring people together.
As additional historic photographs, documents, and research are discovered, elements of the restoration plan may evolve. Friends of Historic Woolsey remains committed to accuracy, respect, and careful stewardship of the building’s history.
Local and Community Support
Glimpses of Woolsey
Board of Directors & Leadership
Our work is guided by a dedicated board of local leaders, historians, residents, and descendants committed to preserving Woolsey’s heritage and ensuring these historic resources continue serving future generations.
Officers
- Jamie Lovett – President
- Cynthia Griffin – Vice President
- Teresa Roby – Secretary
- Reagan Moscon – Treasurer
Board Members
- Dr. Frank Cole
- Rep. Karen Mathiak
- Judge Fletcher Sams
- Ron Smith – Mayor of Woolsey
- Jordan Watson
- Lindsey Wooddy
Ex-Officio Board Members
- Ryan Arvay – Historic Preservationist
- Dan Langford – Mayor of Brooks
- Dana Sams – Landscaping Chair
Be Part of Our Story
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