Harmony Baptist Church
Photo courtesy of Teresa Bransby

The Harmony community is located on Carroll County Road 75 in the southern corner of the county, about two miles from Holmes County. Tradition says that Harmony church began about the time of the first burial in Harmony cemetery. Cornelia Canterbury Farish, first wife of George W. Farish, died and was buried April 29, 1877. First recorded history indicated that Harmony Church joined Yazoo Baptist Association in 1898 with R. M. Hooks as pastor.

Many young preachers have begun their ministry at Harmony. Known pastors are: J. J. Shanks and W. S. Aims 1899, W. W. Muirhead 1900, W. M. Broadway 1901-1903, T. O. Hendon 1904, J. T. Ellis 1908, A. H. Miller 1909, J. T. Ellis 1910, J. R. Huse 1911, T. C. Hendon, 1911-1912, F. R. Burney 1916, C. G. Evans 1917-1920, W. W. Muirhead 1920, E. J. Broadus 1922, W. W. Muirhead 1923, L. D. Sellars 1930, Dr. W. L. Cooper 1934, Rev Olander 1935, Thomas Parker 1940, Rev Webb, Tom Douglas and Charles Tyler 1941, John Allen Wade 1946, David Ellenburg 1947, A. R. Favre 1948,A. W. Douglas and C. C. Koscie 1949, J. B. Wilborn 1950, W. M. Daves 1951-1953, Charlie Hood 1971-1972, Luther Lindsey 1972-1988, Rick Ralston 1988, Ken Gower October 1988 to present.

Harmony church provided a meeting place for families who resided in this hilly farming community. Faithful leadership of church members kept the church active through extended periods without pastors. Many early meetings were held in Pleasant Ridge school building. During a meeting in October 1904, a building committee and fund were established, with a building erected in 1905 at its present location. T. P. Day owned a sawmill and built the pews that are in use today. Annual homecomings have provided continuous remodeling and improvements.

The entire building has been modernized, Including adding two bathrooms and padding the church pews. Vinyl siding, new entrance doors, and metal dining table stands have enhanced the exterior of the church.

The large well kept cemetery reflects the size and spirit of the community and church. With a capacity of over 1,000 graves there are 360 known burials from the following families: Acy, Aldiman, Ames, Arterbury, Bailey, Baker, Boyles, Bruce, Callihan, Conner, Coward, Crosby, Day, Dean, Ellis, Farish, Fisher, Fleming, Gallaspie, George, Guess, Harrell, Henderson, Higdon, Holeman, Holland, Holly, Howard, Kimes, Lee, Lehman, Lott, Matthews, McDaniel, Melton, Moore, Moorehead, Moseley, Murphree, Myers, Noland, Opp, Pentacost, Prince, Randall, Ratliff, Rav, Roberts, Shute, Smith, Suber, Tackett, Tate, Thomas, Watkins, Wesley, White, and Winters. Serious efforts have attempted to identify burial sites.

Religious services are conducted at Harmony church each Sunday. The annual homecoming service brings together families each April on the fourth Sunday. Large attendance and interest in the perpetual care of the cemetery have established a successful trust fund. God continues to bless, the Harmony community.