Prospect Baptist Church – The Church Journey
June 5, 2020
I had the privilege to visit Prospect Baptist Church with a legacy going back to 1874. The corner stone shows the current building was dedicated in 1940. The oldest newspaper articles I found was in 1933. On April 08, 1933 “To Open Revival at Prospect Baptist” Rev. Bufford Bull, Plans two weeks of services. [1] I also found an article on June 23, 1933 “The Choir of Mt. View Baptist Church will sing at Prospect Baptist Church Blount county. Sunday afternoon under the direction of H.E. Hines. The pastor Rev. Bufford Bull and the church extends a cordial invitation to the public, according to the announcement. [2]
On February 27 1954 Spring Revival was held at Prospect Baptist Church in Blount County. Baptist Church evangelist Robert Bushyhead a Cherokee Indian ministerial student was in charge of the music. Robert Bushyhead who passed away in 2001 was a Southern Baptist evangelist. He grew up speaking Cherokee.[3] Bushyhead graduated from Carson Newman College and was ordained Southern Baptist minister. Robert Henry Bushyhead was also known for his work to preserve the Kituhwa dialect of the Eastern band of Cherokee Indians.[4]
MY JOURNEY:
Prospect Baptist Church is located in a peaceful country setting. The church has an exterior of beautiful mountain stone nestled in the foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains. I made two visits to the church. On my first visit April 28. I was driving to visit Millers Cove Baptist church, during my travels, as I glanced to my left, I saw this beautiful stone church on a hill overlooking the road. As I got closer, I noticed two dogs laying in the parking lot. They both appeared to be an Australian Shepard mix. I felt compelled to stop and take some pictures. Both dogs welcomed me from a distance as I walked around taking pictures. I then spent time in prayer and meditation.
My second visit on June 4th was to take additional pictures. My timing was perfect as it provided the opportunity to meet Pastor Dr. Larry Pugh as he was leaving the building to meet his wife. He kindly provided me more details on the church as well as pointing out the location of the corner stone on the church building showing as dedicated in 1940.
FINAL THOUGHTS:
When I added the “Final Thoughts” section, my objective was to share my reflections related to visiting churches and encourage people to spend time in prayer. I never intended my writings to go deeply into the Gospel, “some may say there goes Dwight preaching again” I fully understand that many do not want to hear it or want read it. I would assume some may skip this section, and are only interested in the pictures and the history. I get it. We all have free will to make choices every day in our lives. My hope is that a few maybe lifted up by the message.
I want to share with you that many times in the middle of the night, while sound asleep I have woken up with words flowing on what to say in this section. It amazes me every time it happens. While in bed, I receive thoughts on what I should write word for word. Today, I woke up out of a sound sleep at 6AM (I don’t normally get up until 7AM) with the premise to share my writing story with you.
In closing; I am writing this with a heavy heart as it saddens me with unrest and violence that is happening in our country and around the world. Evil is all around us it may seem the end of times are coming soon. No one knows exactly when that is going to happen, but in the Bible, it says “But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night” (2 Peter 3:10 KJV).
“Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.” (James 4:14 NIV)
Life is short no matter how many years we live. We are not promised tomorrow, but today is a gift from God. Don’t be deceived into thinking that you have lots of time to live for Christ. Live for God today! Then, no matter when your life ends you will have fulfilled God’s plan for you.
Life may seem hopeless, but with a personal relationship with Jesus Christ we have hope. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and all your soul and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5 NIV) The world needs us to show the love of Jesus it’s an opportunity to make a difference. It’s about life and living it together as one.
FELLOWSHIP:
During my second visit to get additional pictures I had the privilege of seeing Pastor Dr. Larry Pugh. Over the last several weeks in lock down I really miss meeting the pastors, staff and members of each church. Even though it was brief it was a true blessing meeting Pastor Pugh.
DETAILS:
Church Website: http://prospectbaptisttn.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PBCTN/
Dates Visited: April 28, 2020, June 4, 2020
Location: 519 Prospect Rd, Walland, TN
If you would like to learn more about this church, upcoming events, or listen to a sermon I encourage you to visit the church website listed above. My final thoughts are nothing compared to the powerful insightful sermons provided by the churches. I encourage you to take time to listen to them. I encourage you to listen to Pastor Larry Pugh’s sermon on Facebook May 24, 2020 10:31 AM. I think you will be deeply blessed.
May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name. Please pray for the Prospect Baptist Church project to restore the building adjacent to the church. May it be used to glorify God.
“My dear brother and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” – (James 1:19,20).
Please Pray for all our churches as they continue to face challenges in the year 2020.
May this find you well and happy, God Bless
PICTURE GALLERY:
REFERENCES:
- Newspapers.com, “To Open Revival at Prospect Baptist” page 2 (1933 April 08) The Knoxville News- sentinel, Knoxville Tn.
- Newspapers.com, “The Choir of MT. View Baptist” page 7 (1933 June 23) The Knoxville News- sentinel, Knoxville Tn.
- Newspapers.com, “Spring Revival Set at Prospect church” page 3 (1954 February 27) The Knoxville Journal, Knoxville Tn.
- Newspapers.com, “Cherokee Linguist Robert Bushyhead dies” page 15 (2001 July 31) The Brattleboro Reformer, Brattleboro Vermont.
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