Washington, Washington County
Reverend J. L. Lawson and community members organized the Mercy Seat Baptist Church in 1894. Located in what was then called Graball, the original church building was built on property south of the current location. In 1953, the membership voted to build a new church, with each member paying one dollar per month for the building fund. In 1981, the rear addition of the existing church was built and the whole building was bricked the next year. The church has been active in the community with festivals, outreach programs, scholarships and mission trips. Mercy Seat Baptist Church thrived throughout the 20th century even after Graball declined and it continues to serve the Washington area today.