Our Story
"In a world that is changing so quickly, historic places offer communities
a grounding sense of continuity and stability.
They anchor us in our past as we journey toward the future."
— Stephanie Meeks, The Past and Future City:
How Historic Preservation is Reviving America's Communities
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
Our journey began in November 2019 with a simple but meaningful goal: to honor the past and preserve it for future generations. Teresa Roby shared information about a meeting with the leadership of Woolsey Baptist Church to discuss the future of the historic church building, bringing together four descendants of Dr. Isaac Gray Woolsey: Jamie Lovett, Cindy Griffin, Gerald Woolsey (1937–2022), and Teresa Roby.
When Woolsey Baptist Church determined that the property was no longer needed for regular worship, the church transferred the property to Friends of Historic Woolsey, allowing the community to carry forward its responsibility to preserve this historic landmark and the stories connected to it. Descendants, neighbors, historians, and volunteers came together with a shared commitment to protect and preserve this important part of Woolsey’s history for future generations.
Gerald’s deep connection to his family’s history and his love for Woolsey made that first gathering especially meaningful. His stories, encouragement, and dedication to honoring Dr. Woolsey’s legacy remain an important part of our story and our commitment to this place.
What began as a conversation about the church’s future grew into a lasting effort to preserve Historic Woolsey Church, its cemetery, and surrounding historic resources. Along the way, we have uncovered forgotten stories, restored historic features, documented family histories, welcomed new supporters, and built lasting partnerships. In 2022, Friends of Historic Woolsey was officially formed as a nonprofit organization dedicated to this work.
Our journey has shown us that preservation is about more than protecting buildings. It is about safeguarding the people, memories, traditions, and community that give these places meaning. Our work continues, one story and one project at a time.
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, religious, cultural arts, civic, and community events and programs, as well as 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.
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
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