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The congregation of the Mount
Pleasant Cumberland Presbyterian Church extends a cordial invitation to you to
worship and share in fellowship with us. Officially organized on April 23, 1836,
the church has a rich historical heritage, including its location on the Babb's
Mill Road, a main thoroughfare for troops during the Civil War.
Sometime after 1771, when Tennessee was still a part of
North Carolina, pioneers crossed the Appalachian Mountains and settled on a
small knoll just below the present church site. The early settlers worshipped in
cabins, in barns, and in an old shed, giving rise to the first church's name, Gass’ Shed.
In 1836, with fourteen
members, the church was officially organized with Rev. Isaac Bonhan as its first
minister. During the Civil War, General Burnside’s troops were encamped at the
site and, unfortunately, the church was burned to the ground.
Rev. John Holtsinger, Chaplain of the First Tennessee Calvary, who was pastor of
the church prior to the war, returned to find his beloved church destroyed. But, Holtsinger
vowed to rebuild, which he did.
Local men and boys cut
and hauled logs to the mill to be sawed into planks. The framing timbers were
hewed out by broadaxes. Each piece of the frame was tied by means of tendons and
secured by wooden pins. The yellow poplar planks were sawed with a sash saw,
driven by water power; then dressed, tongued and grooved by hand, and finally,
fastened to sleepers and joints with old time cut nails.
No records were kept
after the war until 1876, but it is believed the building was completed in 1871.
Remodeling was done in 1946 with the basement being excavated to accommodate
classrooms. In 1967, major remodeling was done with the original two door
entrance being replaced with one main entrance and the addition of bathrooms,
new pews, carpeting, and a kitchen.
Although the church has
had a number of ministers, none has served as long as Will Brown, who led the
congregation for fifty years. The church has had periods of growth and decline
but, it continues to serve the community.
Our Faith
The Cumberland Presbyterian
Church recognizes those who acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord and
Savior. Our form of government is Presbyterian, whereby, we elect elders who give
direction to the life and program of the church.
We believe every
Christian needs a church home, therefore, our church doors are open to those
coming by letter from other churches, by statement of faith,, or by profession of
faith and baptism.
Our Philosophy
We keep in
mind the thinking and needs of those who are without a church and those who are church
members seeking a more desirable church relationship. It is our mission to
remain faithful to God and His revealed Word and by being His witness in
the community.
Our concern is for people, not numbers. We are interested in
knowing each other and maintaining a warm and friendly atmosphere. We believe
that fellowship is essential to the life of the Christian Church.
We urge each person to participate in the Church’s life and
not become a spectator. Worship is a time for you to share in this wonderful experience.
The Church Witness
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