Page 30 - SMH 2018 3rd edition

If These Walls Could Talk

A Look Back in Time at the Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church

by Debra Ferrell & Michele Adrianse

Have you ever wandered onto a very old historic property and said,
“boy if these walls could talk?” Well, we had that amazing opportunity
as we entered into beautiful Cades Cove one chilly morning to view a
very old historic church: The Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church,
established in the 1800’s. When we drove up to the church, we were
thrilled with excitement and enthusiasm just to observe a part of this
remarkable history. This church certainly had a story to tell, and on this
day, we both felt as if the walls were speaking to us in a very personable
way. We tried to take in and imagine the tracks that these floors had
been a witness too. What was the message the preacher shared; what was the Word? In tranquility, we set in a world
of awe. As we opened up our spirits to take it all in, everything came alive.

History; a step back in time: The Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church was formed around 1841 by a group of
folks who banned together and split from the original Baptist Church over a disagreement concerning missionary
work, Sunday school and self-restraint citizens, therefore this set some division/loyalties amongst the Baptist society
in Cades Cove. The church ceased services during the Civil War because of the feelings of rebellion, but re-opened
the meetings once again after the war. The church membership grew from over 40-100, and a new building was then
constructed in 1915 which is still standing today. Services were held there until about 1944, then closed.

Michele commented, “as we approached the doorway and went inside, we talked
about what we “felt” in this church. We laughed (in shock) as we flipped to the
ribboned page of the Bible and it said, “The Ten Commandments.” I read them
aloud. We flipped to another section of the Holy book and found a torn page
from an old hymnal of, “Go Tell it on the Mountain.” We even sang together,
albeit Michele commented she was, “much off key.” We touched the wooden
pews and observed the scuff marks from what was most likely impatient children,
giggling as their parents reminded them to mind their manners. We spoke of the
alter, and how local folks would gather to hear the good word. We wondered if
the front pew was perhaps reserved for the Elders? It seemed so.

30 Smoky Mountain Hiker