Gwinnett Daily Post

Hog Mountain Church by any other name will never be the same The adage "you can't change history" is not a true statement anymore. Not only can a few people change history, they can tragically murder it.

One recent Sunday night, 21 church members (including young children) voted to kill 152 years of irreplaceable Gwinnett history by removing the current historical name of a church and replacing it with a new, more socially acceptable name.

Sadness always surrounds any murder, and this case is no different. The hearts of those with connections to the church have experienced sadness in the past because of disagreements with the administration. Many former members have moved their memberships to churches where they are serving the Lord in harmony with fellow worshipers. But the sadness that exists in the hearts of so many associated with the name change at Hog Mountain Church is a sadness that cannot be easily overcome, if ever.

Hamilton Mill Baptist Church will never replace Hog Mountain Baptist Church, I don't care how many signs you put in front of the church. For one thing, the two communities are distinct areas, several miles apart. Folks who live in the Hog Mountain community do not say they live in Hamilton Mill. And those who live in the Hamilton Mill community do not say they live in Hog Mountain. So how can Hamilton Mill Baptist Church thrive in the Hog Mountain community.

For a few, apparently a prestigious name is very important, even more important than history.

As in all murders, there is usually a motive. What is the motive behind this atrocity. Was it jealousy of other churches in the area that are alive and well and feeding their growing flock while Hog Mountain's membership declines? Was it a power struggle to show those who worked hard to prevent Rev. Williams from selling part of the old church cemetery to build a strip mall that he is still in charge and more powerful than Gwinnett County government? Was it revenge directed toward former members who have chosen to move on rather than fighting never ending battles within the church?

We may never really understand the true reason for the unprecedented decision to change 152 years of history.

I feel sorry for the seven church members who stood their ground voting to keep the historical name. They are being singled out as troublemakers. If the church survives the additional hostility created because of this seemingly malicious change, maybe history can be revived and Hog Mountain Baptist Church can be resurrected from the dead.

Betty Warbington

Lawrenceville Commissioners deserve praise for support of Gwinnett hospitals

As a Gwinnett County physician and resident, I would like to thank and congratulate our county commissioners on the recent decision to provide a valuable measure of financial support to Gwinnett Hospital System. The direct benefit to the hospital system will be dramatic - making far greater impact than even the raw dollars themselves would suggest.

Gwinnett County has progressively recognized the rewards of building sound infrastructure whereby businesses and residents can thrive today for growth tomorrow. Health care must stand amongst the outstanding schools, transportation, utilities and government, making our communities ideal, and its reality, one. I assure you, this vote will accelerate and ensure that process.

This decision was a progressive, powerful choice, and I offer sincere thanks from one concerned doctor in our community. I feel certain Gwinnett County will be rewarded with results amplified beyond expectations.

Dr. Christopher S. Hosfeld

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