Van’s Creek Baptist Church was established early in 1785 by Rev. Dozier Thornton, a Revolutionary soldier and Virginian, and was named for an Indian convert, David Vann, famed Chief of the Cherokees. Though the sixth Baptist church in Georgia, it is the oldest in continuous service. Rev. Thornton served as its pastor for 43 years. Original members were Rev. Dozier Thornton, his wife, Lucy Elizabeth Thornton, Elizabeth Thornton, William Arnold, first Deacon and Clerk, Susan Arnold, Nathan Morgan, Elizabeth Morgan, Thomas Gilbert, John White, and Milly White.