Our Church History

Prior to Tennessee becoming a state in 1796, our community had been known as the "State of Franklin," which was part of Hawkins County, North Carolina or "the Southwest Territory of the Ohio River" or "Beaverdam Valley." On August 12, 1809, the oldest campground was established at Bell's Campground. In 1833, this congregation was officially organized at Bell's Campground, the original home of several Powell churches. On October 8, 1833, the Knoxville Presbytery approved the organization of the church. Our denomination was only twenty-three years old. Knoxville Presbytery had been in existence for only five years and the first General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church had been held only four years earlier.By 1873, the Beaver Creek congregation had moved to what is now the corner of Meredith Road and Old Clinton Pike. A frame building stood at the fork in the road for many years. In 1952, a new brick front, basement, Sunday school wing, and a pastor's study were added. In 1962, under the leadership of Rev. E. H. Denman, Jr., a majestic and stately sanctuary was constructed on the property, replacing the original structure.





In 1982, an addition containing a larger fellowship hall, a larger kitchen, new offices and additional Sunday school space was built. This addition was named Richardson Hall in 1985 in honor of long time pastor Rev. W. Jean Richardson and his wife Regina.

In recent years, the church has updated its facilities with a new heating/air conditioning system, beautiful new stained-glass windows in our sanctuary and a new playground structure. An expansion committee is currently evaluating our future building needs as we look forward with excitement to our ministry for Christ in the years to come.

Our 19,000 square feet Family Life Center with Sunday School, office space and gymnasium was completed in May of 2002 and is in full use by junior high and senior high groups, the Beaver Creek Crafters, children's choirs and bells, basketball and volleyball leagues and Sunday School Classes. Click to view pictures showing the building of our family life center.

If you would like to read about the history of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church,
visit The Cumberland Presbyterian Church Denominational Web Site at http://www.cumberland.org.