Mack Homer, July 9, 2025
Scope and Contents
River Hill Missionary Baptist Church was formally organized under Rev. Robert Troupe in 1873 by a group of worshippers who previously attended nearby Macedonia Baptist Church. Shortly thereafter—about three-quarters of a mile up the old River Street Road—Sister Amy Wilson and fellow congregants built and named the first church edifice; the “River Hill” name has remained in use ever since. Over the years, under leaders such as Rev. H. B. Bland, the congregation weathered periods of trial and growth, sustaining its Baptist mission and community ministries into the twentieth century and beyond.
Dates
- July 9, 2025
Extent
From the Collection: X items
Language
From the Collection: English
Overview
This oral history interview with Mack Homer documents his early life in Valdosta, Georgia, and his connection to River Hill Missionary Baptist Church. Homer recalls childhood experiences attending the church, family relationships, and participation in church-based education and community life. He describes being raised within an extended family network, including grandparents, aunts, and cousins, and reflects on the role of the church as a central social and spiritual institution.
The interview also explores broader themes of African American migration, as Homer and his family relocated to Connecticut for employment opportunities while maintaining strong ties to Valdosta through regular summer visits. He discusses experiences with sharecropping in his youth, education, and his later decision to enter military service after high school. Throughout the interview, Homer emphasizes the enduring importance of faith, family, and church affiliation, including his continued involvement in Missionary Baptist congregations. His testimony contributes to the documentation of community history, religious life, and patterns of migration connected to River Hill Missionary Baptist Church.
Repository Details
Part of the Community Archives Digitization, Access, and Preservation Program Repository