The once-thriving settlement of Cades Cove featured several churches that served the religious and social needs of the community. Some of them still stand today and you can even go inside. Learn more before your next visit! Here is a list of everything you need to know about the Cades Cove Methodist Church:
History of Cades Cove Methodist Church
The congregation of the Cades Cove Methodist Church can be traced back to the 1820s when the Methodist circuit rides began visiting the area. This was a group of preachers who traveled on horseback to spread their faith. The preachers would hold services in various settlers’ homes. As the faith grew, a larger meeting space was needed. The settlers built a log meeting house in 1840 and then replaced it with the bigger Cades Cove Methodist Church in 1902. The church cost $115 to build and was completed in 115 days. It was all thanks to the hard work of J.D McCampbell, a blacksmith and carpenter who later served as the church's minister. There is a cemetery next to the church, and it is the second oldest church burial plot in Cades Cove. Many of the early settlers are buried here.
Where is the Cades Cove Methodist Church?
How do you see the Cades Cove Methodist Church today? You just have to drive on Cades Cove Loop Road. This is an 11-mile scenic loop that is open year-round. Visitors love it because they can enjoy the scenery from the comfort of their vehicle. You can also travel the route by walking or riding a bike. The Cades Cove Loop has Vehicle-Free Wednesdays during the warmer months. The Cades Cove Methodist Church is the fifth stop on the loop. Look at the building and even go inside, where you’ll find two rows of dark wood pews and a preacher’s stand at the front. Church services and weddings are still held here today!
Other Historical Structures to See in Cades Cove
If you love the Cades Cove Methodist Church, there are many other historical structures to see on Cades Cove Loop Road. One of them is the Elijah Oliver Place. The namesake and builder was the son of John Oliver and his wife, who were some of the first settlers to the area. Elijah Oliver was raised in the Cades Cove area and then went off to fight in the Civil War. He built the cabin after the war in 1865. It consists of two cabins connected by a breezeway under one roof. It also has a stranger room off the front porch, which was used to house traveling settlers. The cabin is located about 4.6 miles from the start of the loop. Explore our Cades Cove maps during your visit to see the other buildings and everything else the area has to offer, such as all the beautiful hiking trails!
Now you know all about the Cades Cove Methodist Church. Want to know about other churches in the area? Explore everything you need to know about the Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church!
