By Barbara Augsdorfer, Editor for the Effingham Herald

The Hebrew word “Beulah” meaning “bride” appears only once in the Bible (Isaiah 62:4). It refers to the culmination of a future glory and restoration after total destruction and abandonment.

While Beulah House in Guyton wasn’t completely abandoned or destroyed, it was in desperate need of repair until it was purchased last February.

The 19th century house was previously owned by the Guyton Methodist Church since 2006 and briefly used as a quaint coffee shop.  Occasionally, guests of the church would spend the night there.

Renee Peterson, who previously owned Swanson Signature Events in Rincon, is the new membership and events coordinator for Beulah House.

The new owners – Marshall and Jennifer Reiser and Russ and Amanda Deen– saw potential in the old house, incorporating its history into a club and event venue.  “We love Guyton and the amazing history of our town.  The preservation of Dr. Todd's home and her dream of preserving Guyton are our primary goals for Beulah.” said Russ Deen.

“Having grown up in Guyton Methodist Church, it was an honor and a blessing to create something positive for our community while also being a good neighbor to the church.” said Marshall Reiser.

The house needed structural and flooring repairs, painting inside and out, plumbing improvements, HVAC upgrades, and repair of the collection of 19th-century furnishings.

Paintings on the walls were created by Tom Barnes, a local artist in Guyton.  Peterson added that Barnes recently illustrated a children’s book and Beulah House hosted his book signing.

According to its website, Beulah House was built in 1884 by Savannah businessman James Blackshear in the Victorian-influenced gingerbread style of the late 1800s.

Dr. B. Willie Grier-Todd took over the house after her mother’s death in the early 1900s. Among Dr. Todd’s accomplishments in Effingham County were the establishment of historical societies of both Effingham County and Guyton in addition to the establishment of the Guyton Historical District and the annual Tour of Homes.

Dr. Todd lived in the house until her death at 97 in 2006. The Guyton Methodist Church purchased the house after Dr. Todd’s death.

Now Beulah House is seeking memberships to help it maintain the history and hospitality of the home. Annual memberships are $600 for individual/family; and corporate memberships are $1,000. Memberships paid before Jan. 1, 2025, will be valid for the remainder of 2024 and 2025.

Member benefits include monthly dinners created by a local chef; holiday parties with family photo opportunities; and artisan festivals and lecture series.

“The owners’ vision is that the community can come together here,” said Peterson. “We’re going to do a monthly meal prepared by a local caterer that you would normally have to go to Savannah for.” Peterson said.

“We’re going to do weekend weddings, where the bride and bridesmaids stay in the house; and on the wedding day, they have breakfast, get their hair and makeup and (get) ready to go.”

Peterson, who has extensive experience as a wedding planner has made this offer: “I will be the wedding planner for free for the first couple to book a wedding weekend before the end of the year.”

The house (or portions of it) along with yard and gazebo are available for events or weddings starting at $150/hour; the entire house and yard can be rented for $450/hour.  Membership in Beulah House is required for venue rental.

“We have many ideas (for events)” Peterson said. “We’re hopeful for charter members who can trust us and invest in us to move forward.

“We’re honoring Dr. Todd’s legacy and continuing her vision for hospitality and history,” Peterson added.

After six months of refurbishing, Beulah House, 407 Church St., Guyton, is ready for its new life as a club and event venue. A ribbon cutting is planned for Thursday, Sept. 5 at noon.

For more information about Beulah House, click on its Facebook page at www.facebook.com/beulahhouseguyton or visit www.beulahhouseguyton.com. To inquire about membership or booking an event, call Peterson at 912-772-6422.