Gwinnett County church fence sparks outcry over possible gravesite encroachment

Families allege LifePointe United Pentecostal Church's new fence may be built over historic cemetery graves

Mar. 26, 2026 at 10:52pm

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Families with loved ones buried at Friendship Primitive Baptist Cemetery in Snellville, Georgia, are raising concerns that a new fence installed by LifePointe United Pentecostal Church may be encroaching on historic gravesites. The church purchased the property, including the cemetery, last November, and the new fence has made it difficult for some elderly visitors to access the graves. Families now believe part of the fence may sit directly on top of graves, and they are raising money to conduct sonar testing to determine if any graves lie underneath.

Why it matters

This dispute highlights the sensitive and emotional nature of cemetery management, especially when it involves historic burial grounds and the needs of aging family members who wish to visit their loved ones' graves. It also raises questions about the due diligence required when a church or other organization purchases property that includes a cemetery.

The details

The controversy began after LifePointe United Pentecostal Church purchased the property, including both the church and Friendship Primitive Baptist Cemetery, last November. Families reported that the new fence made it difficult to visit graves, especially for elderly visitors and during funerals when sections of the fence had to be removed for a hearse to enter. Family members now believe part of the fence may sit directly on top of graves, but the church disputes this, saying Gwinnett County officials found no issues with the fence's placement. The church acknowledges it did not conduct a land survey before installing the fence.

  • LifePointe United Pentecostal Church purchased the property, including the cemetery, in November 2025.
  • The new fence was installed by the church after the property purchase.

The players

LifePointe United Pentecostal Church

A church in Snellville, Georgia that purchased a property that includes the Friendship Primitive Baptist Cemetery.

Friendship Primitive Baptist Cemetery

A historic cemetery located in Snellville, Georgia that is now owned by LifePointe United Pentecostal Church.

Jack Dutton

A family member with relatives buried at the Friendship Primitive Baptist Cemetery.

Michael McCormack

The pastor of LifePointe United Pentecostal Church.

Harvie Still

An 85-year-old family member who now has difficulty accessing the graves of his relatives due to the new fence.

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What they’re saying

“You can see it's going right across the marker… and right out yonder about 100 yards, it's going right across a grave. It's right across the grave.”

— Jack Dutton

“Gwinnett County came out, looked at this spot and that spot down there and said that it was more or less a marker just showing where the families are buried.”

— Michael McCormack, Pastor, LifePointe United Pentecostal Church

“You lift the top latch… lift the bottom latch… and yes, it does take two hands.”

— Michael McCormack, Pastor, LifePointe United Pentecostal Church

“I can't get far… I'd have to sit down four or five times. I just feel like part of my rights are took away from me.”

— Harvie Still

What’s next

Families are now raising money to conduct sonar testing to determine whether any graves lie underneath the fence installed by LifePointe United Pentecostal Church.

The takeaway

This dispute highlights the sensitive nature of cemetery management and the need for thorough due diligence when a church or other organization purchases property that includes a historic burial ground, in order to respect the wishes and needs of grieving families.