Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Hephzibah, GA

Hephzibah local /hɨp.ˈzɛ.bʔ/ is a city in south Richmond County, in the U.S. state of Georgia. It is part of the Augusta – Richmond County Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 4,011 at the 2010 census. Hephzibah is a Hebrew name meaning "my delight is in her."

History

Hephzibah was originally named Brothersville, in honor of three brothers settled near one another where the city of Hephzibah would eventually grow. In October 1860, a Baptist seminary was established in Brothersville by a group of Appling residents, which then led to the establishment of the Hephzibah Baptist Church in 1862. The prominence of these new religious institutions in the area swayed the state of Georgia to rename the town Hephzibah in 1870. In 1909, a book authored by Walter A. Clark named "A Lost Arcadia - The Story of My Old Community" was published detailing the earliest days of the formation of Hephzibah.


In 1996 the governments of the city of Augusta and Richmond County combined to form a single governing body. The residents of Hephzibah and nearby Blythe had voted to maintain separate city governments prior to this action. Some municipal services in Hephzibah continue to be provided by the consolidated Augusta-Richmond County, while water, fire, and police services are maintained by the city.

After years of slow decline, the retail economy in Hephzibah has increased substantially since 2010, marked by the openings of an IGA grocery store,, CrossFit gym, and a branch of the local chain Southern food restaurant Wife Saver.

Notable locations

  • Augusta International Raceway
  • Diamond Lakes Recreation Center
  • Jessie Carroll Park and Recreation Center
  • Blythe Recreation Center

Notable people from Hephzibah

This list includes people who were born in Hephzibah or who spent a significant amount of time living in the town.
Photo Name Date of Birth Notes References

John Wesley Gilbert 1864 First student and black professor of Paine College, one of the first black American archaeologists

George Kitchens 1983 Track and field athlete

Vaughn Taylor 1976 PGA Tour golfer

Itoro Umoh-Coleman 1977 WNBA basketball player and Clemson assistant coach

Tami Tesch
Miss Georgia USA 1986

Photos


External links

Source: Internet