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This congregation traces its history to 1857, when a Union church was organized to serve Methodist, Baptist, and Presbyterian settlers in this area, many of whom migrated here from Tennessee. Named Mount Carmel, the church building was a one-room frame structure with log seats. It also served as a community schoolhouse. By 1871 the name was changed to Tennessee Church. About 1877 a two-story building was erected to replace the small church structure. The first floor was used for worship services, while the second story was used as a meeting hall by the local Woodmen of the World Lodge. The community school also continued to meet in the Union building. The three congregations finally divided in 1913, with the Presbyterians retaining the Union Church and the Methodist and Baptist congregations building new facilities. The Methodist Church building was a white frame structure, which continued to serve the members until it was replaced by a new brick building in 1952. A part of Shelby County history for well over a century, Tennessee Methodist Church continues to serve the community with a variety of programs. |
