Primitive Baptist Church

The Primitive Baptist Church cemetery is the oldest in Cades Cove.

NPS Photo

Quick Facts

Location:

Cades Cove Loop Road, Townsend, TN 37882

Significance:

The Primitive Baptist Church cemetery is the oldest in Cades Cove.

Amenities

1 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Primitive Baptist Church was first organized in 1827 and was the first church established in the cove. Originally, the church was a branch of Wears Cove Church of Sevier County and was known as the Cades Cove Arm of Wears Cove Church. Eventually, the church separated from Wears Cove Church and changed its name to Cades Cove Baptist Church. Initially, the church had no permanent structure for meetings since it was the first church established in the cove. Church meetings were held in the homes of members until the fall of 1832, when a log building was constructed for meetings and services.

Shortly after, disagreement among members caused a split in the church. In 1839, 13 members left to start Missionary Baptist Church due to disagreement over foreign mission work. To reflect the difference in opinion, Cades Cove Baptist Church assumed the name Primitive Baptist Church in 1841 and has gone by that name since. The churches in Cades Cove were not isolated in this conflict. Baptist churches all over the South were divided on the issue of mission work in the early nineteenth century. In 1887, after the split, members of Primitive Baptist Church constructed the classic white frame building you see today to replace the original log meeting house. The church was built by hand, and the fingerprints of those that worked on its construction can be seen on the ceiling when inside the church.

Running and maintaining the church required labor and perseverance, but this was a worthwhile endeavor for the residents of the cove who were able to celebrate and affirm their faith. The church created community, upheld social responsibilities, and kept families informed. Of the churches in the cove, the Primitive Baptist Church maintained the most members and social influence. The church was a vital part of life for many residents, but during the Civil War, life in the cove changed dramatically. The congregation ceased meeting, which was upsetting for residents and explained in church records by the statement, “we was union people and the Rebels was too strong here in Cades Cove.” In the cemetery behind Primitive Baptist Church, you can find the grave of Russell Gregory, who was murdered by Confederate soldiers from North Carolina.

Although Great Smoky Mountains National Park was officially established in 1934, members of Primitive Baptist did not stop meeting at the church until the 1960s. After formally closing the church in the 1960s, the congregation continued to maintain the building and the cemetery into the 1970s through a Special Use Permit. The church is often still used for religious events or ceremonies. The cemetery at Primitive Baptist is the oldest cemetery in the cove, and descendants of early settlers such as the Olivers, Shieldses, and Cables, are still being laid to rest in it today.