Methodist Church - Beneath Your Feet

This large cave room has been used for many things including church services in the 1800's.

NPS Photo/ Thomas DiGiovannangelo

Quick Facts

Location:

Mammoth Cave, KY 42259

Significance:

Early tourism and religion

Designation:

World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

The Methodist Church is located about a quarter of a mile in the cave from the Historic entrance.  This is a large canyon room; the ceiling is about 50 feet high.   

Reverend George Slaughter Gatewood would hold special church services in the 1830’s.  It has been said that the preacher and his parishioners would carry open lanterns into the cave, once reaching the Methodist Church the preacher would collect the lanterns and place them on the pulpit, thus creating a captive audience for the duration of his sermon. 

Facing the church, you are looking at a breakdown of large rocks.  To the left is a prominent ledge 15 feet high called the pulpit.  Along the ledge of the pulpit, the walls are blackened with the soot of lanterns used by the preacher to light up the room. 

NPS Mobile App Users: Click here to watch a video of a ranger in the Methodist Church. 

Duration:

28.233 seconds

Join Ranger Ashley as she shows you the Methodist Church, 180 feet beneath the surface.