Middle Creek Methodist Church – The Church Journey

September 3, 2020 – http://mynetzone.com/

I had the privilege to visit Middle Creek Methodist Church. Since 1787, circuit riding preachers held services in the Sevier County area. In the early 1800’s, people from the Middle Creek community and beyond traveled by wagon and by horseback to gather for week-long revivals known as camp meetings. Rev. Francis Asbury, the first Methodist Bishop in the United States, also visited the Middle Creek community in 1808. [1]
Many families camped out for weeks, and some built temporary log huts while staying for the revivals. The revival services were held under a big tree overlooking the beautiful Sevier County countryside, and by 1822, the location became known as the Middle Creek Campground.  The original camp meeting grounds are still located behind the current church building. [1]
 

In 1851, land was donated to build the first Middle Creek sanctuary. The land deed charged the trustees to build a “Methodist Church or meeting house for the worship of Almighty God.” The building in which services are currently held was dedicated on May 18, 1902. Many local families contributed cut timber and their time to help build the church. Construction was led by local carpenter Mr. Cisco Williams of Sevierville. For over 110 years, Middle Creek United Methodist Church has stood as a testament to the skills of local craftsmen and as a centerpiece of the once-thriving Middle Creek community. [1]
 

In the early years of the Middle Creek community, both the church and next-door Middle Creek School were centers of the community. Just across Middle Creek Road, there once was a train depot and general store. The train, Smoky Mountain Railroad, ran from Knoxville to Pigeon Forge, and while neither of the buildings still exist, graded cuts from the railroad can still be found with some searching. [1]

The Middle Creek Academy and Middle Creek Cemetery certainly made an imprint on the lives of our forefathers as well as ours. His brother James Trotter, along with John Butler, witnessed the signing of the deed when John Trotter gave land to the Middle Creek Methodist Church on February 25, 1851. [2]

William Harrison Trotter deeded land to the Middle Creek Academy on June 4, 1866. John S. McNutt was appointed trustee of the academy on February 19, 1859. The school was located near the present Middle Creek United Methodist Church. It proved to be one of the outstanding schools of the County. The academy was destroyed by fire during the Civil War. However, another building was established and the school continued to rank high in the field of education. Notations from Miss Nora McMahan said the school was rebuilt in the winter of 1876 and spring of 1877. [2]

MY JOURNEY:

On my drive to visit this church, which is located on a countryside road close to Dollywood’s Dream More Resort. The stunning wooden white church entails your attention as you approach it on Middle Creek road. The picturesque arched windows and the large steeple rising up into the heavenly blue sky is breathtaking.

The present wooden white church was built in 1902.  After spending time in prayer, I ascended the hill to the cemetery viewing the tombstones going back to 1850.  The view from the cemetery provided a panoramic view of weathered tombstones standing on the hill that provided a scenic view of the picturesque mountains standing in the background. 

FINAL THOUGHTS:

The history stated back in 1822 many families camped out for weeks, and some built temporary log huts while staying for the revivals. Church revival is when the Holy Spirit convicts and causes the members of a church to repent of their sinful lifestyle and begin to live the Spirit-filled life.

W.B. Sprague defines revival in his lectures in revival many are humbled and many are saved. The church that prays for revival prays for God’s power (Acts 1:8) “but you will receive the power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you”. The church that prays for revival prays for a great awakening (Acts 3:19-20)

There is a reason the revivals in early America are referred to as the Great Awakenings. If there is anything needed today it is an awakening from our slumber. Many are lethargic toward God.  For many Christians no longer even pick up their Bible. When a church prays for revival the church learns to be expectant (Eph. 3:20-21) “20. Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly beyond all that we ask or think, according to the power that works within us. 21. To Him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus to all generations forever. Amen”

FELLOWSHIP:

With the National emergency for the COVID-19 virus many churches are remaining closed during the week only providing limited capacity openings on Sundays.  At the time of my visit the church was closed, so I spent time outside the church in meditation and prayer.

DETAILS:   

Church Website: http://www.middlecreekumc.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/middlecreekumc

Date Visited: 2020 August 17. 

Location: 1828 Middle Creek Road, Pigeon Forge

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.

May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name.

“Therefore, repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord.” – (Acts 3:19)

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:

1. Middle Creek Methodist Church website, “History” (2020, September 1) Retrieved from http://www.middlecreekumc.org/history
2. Reba Canghron Hood (1976) “Our Heritage” August 30 2020, Retrieved from, https://seviercotnhistory.org/cpage.php?pt=6