This church lasted decades in a small Georgia town. It burned down in a fire last week. It was first built in 1850. Its third building made it through depressions, wars, and many, many years. Author: Matt Pearl Updated: 11:33 AM EST January 16, 2021 BOWDON, Ga. — It was first built in 1850. Its third building lasted through depressions, wars, and many, many decades. But last week, a small chapel in Carroll County was destroyed in a fire. Its congregants must now find faith in destruction. “It was a church," said Julia Eason. "It was God’s house.” Eason stood with Rebecca Barnes Griffin, a descendant of Rev. Charles Barnes, who preached at Smith Chapel decades ago. They hold church minutes from 1945. It's a sign of how dearly so many embraced the humble facility and community.