Begun in 1800 as New Hope Methodist Church on Laurel Grove Plantation 2 miles south of the present site, the church’s original building was moved to this site in 1833 and its name changed to Emanuel. Its hand-hewn pillars and wooden pegs are still visible. In 1799 George Clark, sent by Bishop Asbury to St. Mary’s, started Methodist societies in Glynn County. In 1829 the Quarterly Conference for St. Mary’s and St. Illa Circuit was held here, with Wm. Gassoway as pastor and James Helveston as class leader. In 1841 St. Illa Circuit, Satilla, became the Brunswick Circuit with Emanuel as one of 11 preaching points. Since 1799 Emanuel has been in continuous service.