This document was compiled for Zion Hill's 125th anniversary. It was typed by Patsy Galyon Bradford and is presented here with her permission. Copyright ©1999, Patsy Galyon Bradford and Zion Hill Baptist Church. All rights reserved.
Chapter One: A Time to Plant -- 1873-1886
"Papaw, why can't we have a church in our community like the people in Sugar Loaf?" might have been the question of a young boy living near Long Branch in 1870. He was part of a growing community with no church to bind the residents together or give the community an identity. Families, such as Baker, Bales, Ballard, Bowling, Burnett, Clark, Conner, Evans, Galyon, Gipson, Gossett, Ingle, Johnson, Manis, Nichols, Pitner, and Thomas, lived in the area. 1
By 1870, Sevier County was recovering from the ravages of the War Between the States. Men had come home from battlefields and prisoner of war confinements and reestablished themselves with their families who had also experienced some of the trauma and uncertainty of war time. The only information families had of the location and condition of their loved ones during the war was an occasional letter sent home. Sevier County had no local newspaper so families and neighbors shared what news they heard from battlefields or personal accounts. It was an unsettling time. 2
This rural community, though spared documented fighting, had occasional stragglers from the war who took what supplies they could find, terrifying the community. Lack of respect for personal property forced local residents to hide valuables, including food, for their own survival. During 1863 and 1864, Sevier County was hard hit by foraging. Soldiers from both the Union and Confederate armies had devastated crops and fields around the Holston River, so they turned their attention to the French Broad River valley and Sevier County for food and sustenance. The Caleb Jenkins farm in the Whites community was taken by Confederates for Gen. James Longstreet and his army. Men encamped there raided barns in the area to feed their horses. They also stole chickens, pigs, and cattle to feed themselves. The army had left the area, but memories of their devastation and harsh treatment remained. 3
After peace was signed, war weary soldiers began returning to their homes throughout Sevier County, not knowing what they would find when they got there. Among those returning to the Long Branch area were Isam Thomas and James Pitner. Both men served in the Union Army, Thomas in Company K, 2nd TN Infantry, and Pitner in the 1st TN Light Artillery. 4
When they arrived home, Thomas and Pitner found family life much as it had been before they left for war, centered around the farm. Almost everything the family needed they grew themselves, from broom straw and cotton to food crops, like corn, potatoes, peppers, tomatoes, onions, and many types of beans and peas. Everyone worked on the farm, planting or plowing or tending livestock from sun-up 'til sun-down. In the fall, farmers were busy making molasses and harvesting sweet potatoes, pumpkins, and turnips before frost. Women were busy drying fruit and stringing beans for use all winter. 5
Tedious manual labor ceased on Saturdays and Sundays, however, as families gathered to worship the Lord and to give thanks for His many blessings. Unfortunately, there was no local church for them to attend, so they either walked, rode horses, or rode in wagons to a neighboring church. They attended Sugar Loaf, established 1855; or Antioch, established around 1868; or Gists Creek, established 1869, for preaching services once a month. 6
From this group of families, who had to travel some distance to attend church services, came the nucleus to form a church in their own neighborhood. In October 1873, members of the local community gathered with members of Sugar Loaf Baptist Church to organize a new body of believers they called Zion Hill Baptist Church. (Unfortunately, there are no records of charter members available because a fire destroyed the church building and the oldest records in 1943.) 7
Members of the newly organized church built a one-room log structure for worship services. The first church building was located near the creek on the present-day Lewis Byrd property. The building was constructed by men in the community who cut then hewed the logs by hand. The worshippers sat on benches made of logs. Some early church histories indicate that the first building had a dirt floor. It later had a puncheon floor, made from split logs, flattened side up for the floor with the rounded side underneath. 8
Members reached the church the best way they could. Some walked, others rode horses, or came in wagons with their families. Trees near the church were used to tie horses during church services. When Zion Hill was organized, preaching services were held once a month, Saturday and Sunday morning. The pastor would usually come to the community on Friday night and spend the week-end with a family near the church. The first pastor of Zion Hill offered this hospitality was probably Rev. N.H. Haggard, a well-known preacher in the area. (This assumption comes from the fact that he was the first pastor of Shiloh, started by Zion Hill in 1874.) 9
One of the first items of business for the newly established church was choosing a site for a cemetery. This became necessary when Margaret Clark, one of the members of the church, died January 15, 1874. (She was possibly a charter member of Zion Hill Baptist Church along with her husband, James.) At any rate, she was the first person buried in the Zion Hill Cemetery. The cemetery has remained in the same location ever since Mrs. Clark was buried there. It was not located next to the earliest church building because the location near the creek flooded many times a year and was not suitable for a cemetery. The hill nearest the church and easiest to access was chosen by church leaders for the cemetery's location. 10
Early in the church's history, Zion Hill was petitioned by a "Number of Brethren & Sisters living near what is known as Whittles School House in Sevier County, being remote from Churches & having held meetings in said school house for a time." They petitioned for the "purpose of doing business and/or as an arm of said church." This petition was granted January 1874 and in May 1874, Shiloh Baptist Church was constituted. The minutes of their organization meeting listed six members from Zion Hill who helped establish the church: William & Mary Odem, Mary, Margaret, & Matilda Nichols, and Nancy Sexton. As aforementioned, N.H. Haggard was Shiloh's first pastor. 11
Another early pastor of Zion Hill was Rev. P.M. Atchley. He was born in Sevier County, February 22, 1827, to Noah and Elizabeth Atchley. His life had been deeply saddened by the untimely deaths of two wives and four children. In 1864, "recognizing in his many sad losses and sore bereavements the hand of God and a voice calling him into the ministry, and to repent of 'vows and promises unkept,' to preach the everlasting gospel, he yielded to his 'impressions to preach,' and was accordingly licensed by the Alder Branch Baptist Church." In 1866, he was ordained to the full work of the ministry by Alder Branch with Elders Robert S. Atchley, N. H. Haggard, and Hiram S. Blair acting as Presbytery. 12
Atchley was an excellent choice for a new church. He was a student of the Bible and lived what he preached. On the character of Rev. Atchley, one writer said: "He is a strong advocate of Baptist principles; is much beloved and highly esteemed by his brethren. He is tender-hearted, ready to sympathize with his fellow-beings in their afflictions or distress, laying himself out to minister to their wants. He is a social and pleasant companion, greatly delighting to converse with his brethren upon the subject of religion and the prospects of future rest and happiness in heaven. He is a good and useful minister in the cause of God." 13
Rev. Atchley was followed as pastor by Rev. Benjamin Langston. He was born September 12, 1835 to Thomas and Louisa Langston. In 1856, he married Mary Atchley, described as "a woman of strong character, lovable disposition, genuine piety; she was a Christian indeed, a 'helpmeet' for the Lord's servant in his ministerial labors and sacrifices." When the War Betweeen the States broke out, Langston enlisted in the Union Army and was promoted to sergeant. He was in Company B, 9th Regiment, TN Cavalry, USA. He was involved in fighting in East Tennessee from Knoxville to Greeneville to Cumberland Gap to Salt Works, Virginia. He was captured by Longstreet's force, November, 1863 and held 12 hours before being released. He was later discharged at Knoxville, September 11, 1865, and returned home to his wife. 14
Langston was ordained into the gospel ministry by Providence Baptist Church, Sevier County and became known as a solid, instructive gospel preacher. He urged his churches to go forward in doing the Lord's will, always following the teachings of the New Testament. He helped the members of Zion Hill continue to build on a solid Bible-based foundation. He was considered a missionary, a man of good judgment, a good citizen and a useful minister of Jesus Christ.15
(The reason war records are mentioned is because war experiences changed these men forever. Many found solace in religion and trusted God to take care of them and bring them home again.)
In 1886, Zion Hill Baptist Church joined with 23 other Baptist churches in the county to form the Sevier Baptist Association. J.M. Thomas represented Zion Hill at the organizational meeting held at the Sevierville Church, November 5-6, 1886. Other churches represented: Antioch, Bethany (now independent), Evan's Chapel (closed when Great Smoky Mountain National Park was formed), Friendship, Gist's Creek, Holly Springs (now Little Cove Baptist Church), Hill's Creek, Henderson's Chapel, Laurel Grove, Lebanon (Glades), Marshall Grove (no longer in existence), Millican Grove, Mt. Olives (in the Wilhoit area, now independent), New Era, New Salem, Olden's Creek (Oldham's Creek), Powder Springs (disbanded), Providence, Rocky Grove (now independent), Sevierville (now First Baptist Church Sevierville), White Oak Flats (now First Baptist Church Gatlinburg), Wear's Cove (now First Baptist Church Wear's Valley), and Walnut Grove. 16
One of Zion Hill's former pastors, P. M. Atchley, was appointed to serve on a committee to prepare a Constitution and Articles of Faith for the association. The committee presented these documents to the messengers and they were adopted. (see appendix) The meeting also stressed the importance of Christian education, so an educational commission was formed "to select a location, secure funds, erect suitable buildings, secure teachers and take all other steps necessary to establish and conduct a first-class High School in Sevier County." William Ingle was chosen to represent Zion Hill on this committee. Another recommendation was passed for each church to appoint one or more Missionary Agents to secure funds for purchasing the gospel to give to the lost. 17
From this organizational meeting, an Executive Committee of seven men was chosen to provide colportage, collect mission money, provide mission information, and plan four Fifth Sunday training meetings per year. These meetings, called "Worker's Meetings of Sevier Association," were to be held in churches across the county, including Zion Hill. 18
One of the most visible efforts of the association was the colportage work. In the 1880's, colporteurs traveled on horseback to carry literature to Association churches and to promote Sunday Schools. They also took offerings to buy Bibles to give to people who could not afford Bibles. It was the desire of the colporteur that every family in the Sevier Association have a copy of the Word of God. P. M. Atchley was chosen the first colporteur for the association. 19
From this seemingly simple beginning, Zion Hill would continue to grow and reach the community for the Lord. Great things had begun! As the psalmist wrote: "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful: But his delight is in the law of the Lord: and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season: his leaf also shall not wither: and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper" (Psalm 1:1-3). These first thirteen years of Zion Hill Baptist Church were indeed a time to plant and begin to watch the seeds of faith take root for future generations.
Endnotes for Chapter One
1. 1870 Population Census
2. First local paper, The Sevierville Enterprise, published first edition June 1, 1882.
3. Dockter, Albert T. As related by Ella Floyd Tarwater, "A Civil War Story." Smoky Mountain Historical Society Newsletter (hereafter "SMHSN") Vol. XI, No. 3, p. 78-79.
4. Information taken from cemetery markers in Zion Hill Cemetery. Thomas' military service was spent in East Tennessee. Pitner was in Greeneville, TN, when Gen. John Hunt Morgan was killed and was in Salisbury, NC, April 12, 1865, at the end of the war. From records of their military companies, research done by Clyde Minton.
5. Cummings, Joe, "Community and the Nature of Change: Sevier County, Tennessee, in the 1890s" East Tennessee Historical Society Journal, [Vol./year not indicated], 70-71.
6. Bolin, Gary, "Charter Members of Old Sugar Loaf Baptist Church", SMHSN, Vol. XXI, No. 2, p. 11. Williams, Bobbie Jo, In the Beginning: A History of Sevier County Association of Baptists Church Beginnings, pp. 21 & 57.
7. Williams, 155.
8. Ibid. Committee, Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994, p. 66.
9. Smoky Mountain Historical Society, Gentle Winds of Change, 1989, p. 154. Helton, J. L., History of Shiloh Baptist Church, 1874-1974, unpublished document, p. 2. Horn, Maude, Atchley Family History, 1965, p. 49. [Haggard was born 1824 to James & Mary Atchley Haggard. He married Sarah Randolph. Their children were Mary, W. H., Margaret, Eliza, John, James, Elijah, & Jane.]
10. Information taken from cemetery marker in Zion Hill Cemetery.
11. Helton, p. 2.
12. Burnett, J. J., Sketches of Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers, 1919, pp. 30-31.
13. Burnett, pp. 31-32. [Atchley passed away June 14, 1910, and was buried in the Alder Branch Cemetery. All ten of his children preceded him in death, seven dying in infancy.]
14. Burnett, pp. 326-327; SMHS, Vol. IX, No. 2, p. 42.
15. Burnett, pp. 326-327. [Benjamin & Mary Langston had one child, Sarah, who married H. H. Ogle. Langston died February 17, 1903, and was buried at Knob Creek Cemetery beside his wife.]
16. Proceedings of Convention and Organization of Sevier Association, 1887, pp. 3-4, (hereafter referred to as "Proceedings").
17. Proceedings, pp. 4, 12, 16, 17. 1892 Sevier Association Minutes. [The school established was called Smoky Mountain Academy.]
18. Proceedings, pp. 11, 14.
19. Ibid.
Chapter Two: A Time to Water -- 1887-1904
During the next few years, Zion Hill Baptist Church continued to prosper as the seeds of faith were watered with solid Bible teaching. The church began a Sunday School and built a new church building.
In 1887, Zion Hill called Henry J. Gossett, pastor. (This was the first of two pastorates he served at Zion Hill, from 1887 to 1891.) Gossett was born in South Carolina, March 10, 1841, to Johnson and Sarah Gossett. The family moved to a farm at Boyd's Creek in the 1840's. Henry, along with four older brothers and sisters, helped their parents work the farm. On November 13, 1859, Henry married Juda Moore, the daughter of John and Martha Moore who also lived at Boyd's Creek. Juda's father died suddenly leaving her mother with five daughters and a family farm to care for. To help Mrs. Moore work the farm, Henry and Juda moved near her. 1
When fighting broke out between the North and South, Henry left his wife, expectant with their first child, and joined the Union Army. In 1863, he traveled from Sevier County to Indianapolis, Indiana, where he enlisted in Company F, 6th Indiana Cavalry. While away, his first child, a daughter, was born. Military records show Gossett to be sickly while away from home, like many soldiers exposed to war conditions. Soon after arrival in camp at Mt. Sterling, KY, he came down with chills and fever. Later, he spent time in the Regimental Hospital at Cumberland Gap, TN. On September 15, 1865, he was honorably discharged at Murfreesboro, and began his journey home. 2
Gossett returned to his wife and family on the farm with a trade he utilized in service, shoemaking. However, he would soon embark on a totally different career. Gossett announced his call to preach to his home church, Boyd's Creek Baptist Church. They ordained him into the gospel ministry and in 1883, he was called as the first pastor of the newly organized Beech Springs Baptist Church in Kodak. 3
In 1887, members of Zion Hill called Gossett to pastor. Gossett and the church took part in the Sevier Association's first annual meeting held at Henderson's Chapel. The church sent William Brown as its messenger. In the church's letter to the association, Jonathan Johnson, church clerk, reported church membership at 90. 4
A sweet tribute bestowed on the Gossetts at Zion Hill occurred in 1890 when members of the church, W. H. and Melinda Pitner, had a daughter. She was born April 23, 1890, and named Juda in honor of Mrs. Gossett. Tragically, both Melinda and her baby daughter Juda died two months later in June. They were buried in the Zion Hill Cemetery. 5
After Gossett left the church in 1892, members called Noah H. Haggard to pastor again. He was born in 1824 to James and Mary Haggard. His father was also a Baptist preacher. Preacher Haggard stayed one year and baptized 15 new Christians into the Zion Hill church family. (Messengers to the association in 1892 were William Brown, R. J. Ingle, church clerk, and John Thomas.) 6 (For more on Haggard, see Chapter 1, endnote 9.)
In 1893, members called Langston Cunningham to pastor. Like Haggard, he served only one year. He was born in 1824, the eldest of 10 children of John Cunningham. He was a farmer and lived in the Zion Hill community. Cunningham was 68 years old when called to pastor the church. He was considered "a high-toned Christian gentleman, esteemed by all who knew him." His age and failing health may have kept him from being called a second year. 7
After Cunningham, the congregation called one of its own members, William Brown, to pastor in 1894. He had served the church in many capacities, from messenger to the association's annual meeting to being the church's missionary agent, collecting funds to send the Gospel to the lost, like a colporteur in the local community. As a messenger to the association in 1887 at Henderson's Chapel and again in 1892 at Wear's Valley, Brown had made new acquaintances since delegates stayed in the homes of host church members. Typically, delegates would arrive for the associational meetings on Thursday morning, stay in the home of a host family until the meeting ended Saturday evening, then return home. 8
William Brown, born May 27, 1866, was one of eight children of John and Martha Brown. His father ran a mill near Sevierville. In 1880, when he was 14 years old, William was attending school, a privilege at that time. Brown was probably ordained by Zion Hill since he was an active member there. Nevertheless, during his first year as pastor, the Lord used him in a mighty way. He baptized 35 into the church family and saw membership climb to 141. One possible reason baptisms jumped was the addition of a Sunday School in 1894 to complement preaching services. Sunday School enrollment the first year was 80 with an average attendance of 50. Sunday School was held 5 months out of the year, probably in the summertime when children's classes could be outdoors. 9
Sunday School in the 1890's was similar to Sunday School in the 1990/s at Zion Hill, except for the way people dressed. In the 1890s, dress in the church varied from "Sunday-go-to-meeting-clothes" to clean bib overalls and plain ankle length homemade calico dresses. Women usually wore bonnets or hats. 10
Sunday School featured Bible classes for both children and adults. A typical children's Sunday School class included memorization of scriptures and Bible-based songs. Adult classes were separated into men's and women's classes, and the teacher interpreted a pre-selected chapter in the Bible. In the earliest Sunday School, there was no literature, as is used now, only the Bible. The adult class teacher functioned like a moderator, reading the Bible passage then leading discussion on it. All class members were encouraged to participate, to "speak from the heart," and to ask questions. Thoroughly used Bibles were much in evidence in the adult classes. 11
Brown served the church for three years preaching on the second weekend of the month. He received a salary of $20.00 a year, $1.66 a month. A popular sermon topic at the time was the evil of alcohol. Temperance was a major issue in the county in the 1890's. Church members were urged to vote for officials who opposed alcohol as a beverage. Churches supported the Anti-Saloon League which worked for prohibition statewide. The League was responsible for the state legislature's passage of the "Four-Mile Law," prohibiting the sale of alcohol within a four-mile radius of a public school. This law was broadened to ban practically all liquor sales across the state leading Tennessee to be officially "dry" by 1909. 12
Another concern of the membership seemed to be the sanctity of the Sabbath. The fourth commandment was honored by most church members. "Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labour, and do all thy work: But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work ... For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: wherefore the Lord blessed the Sabbath day, and hallowed it" (Exodus 20:8-11). These verses had a powerful meaning for church members as evidenced by a resolution adopted at the 1896 associational annual meeting. It stated: "Whereas many citizens of our county continually violate the laws of our land and the laws of God by driving their wagons to and from Knoxville on Sunday. Resolved, That it is the sense of the Sevier Association that this sinful and lawless practice should be stopped ... We recommend that the churches discipline their members who thus desecrate God's holy day." 13
Brown supported both issues. He was concerned with the church staying strong and believed in disciplining members who broke the Ten Commandments. His strong leadership and service to the Lord resulted in Brown baptizing 26 new Christians in the next two years. Keeping records of new members and actions taken against those considered unruly was the church clerk, R. J. Ingle.14
In 1897, Zion Hill's members called Henry Gossett to pastor again. His second pastorate was memorable with construction of a new church building. The congregation continued to grow and outgrew its first building, so the men of the community built a new building. (Their decision to build may have been hurried along due to water damage from a major countywide flood April 1, 1896, and continuous seasonal flooding.) The new building was constructed on the hill below where the present church stands with an elevation above flood stage. It was a larger one room structure also used as a school, named Zion Hill School.15
Gossett was very interested in seeing the Sunday School prosper and encouraged officers and teachers to attend training meetings whenever possible. Associational Sunday School meetings were held four times a year across the county with discussions on a wide range of topics. Meetings were announced in the local newspaper to encourage teachers and other interested church members to attend. Topics of discussion and who would speak about a particular topic were also given. A typical meeting was held at Gist's Creek and announced in the January 18, 1899, edition of the weekly county paper, The Vindicator. It read: "Fifth Sunday Meeting of the Sevier Association of Baptists to Meet with Gist's Creek Church, January 27-28, 1899. Program: 10:00 A.M. -- Introductory sermon by Elder H. J. Gossett; Elder P. M. Atchley, alternate.
1st Question -- The importance of training young converts in church work. Elder L. Branson, N. B. Brock.
2nd -- What did the Sevier Association do last year for missions? Can she raise $400 this year? If so, how? What is the hindrance to this mission work? -- Elder J. R. Clabough, Pink Maples.
3rd -- Is it right for Baptists to patronize their own schools with their money & children? -- Elders J. A. Jenkins, U. S. McCarter.
4th -- Is the spirit of revival in our churches as it should be? If not, How are we to obtain it? -- Elders C. Rule, D. B. Ogle.
5th --The relation of our Sunday School and colportage and its work--J.A. Householder, Elder J.S. Baxter.
A large attendance is solicited. Committee." 16
In the February 1, 1899, edition of The Vindicator, a report of the meeting printed on the front page was headlined, Fifth Sunday Meeting, and read: "The Fifth Sunday meeting of the Sevier Association of Baptists met with Gist's Creek Church, Friday, January 27th, 1899. The introductory sermon was preached by Rev. H. J. Gossett at 10:30 a.m. from 1st Corinthians IX:12. Hon. J. A. Householder was elected chairman and A. J. Kyker, secretary. Delegates and visitors were enrolled and homes assigned. The chair appointed a committee on resolution as follows: Revs. J. W. H. Coker, C. Rule and B. Langston. Adjourned until 2 p.m.
Evening Session. After singing by the choir, Rev. G. A. Atchley led in prayer. The first subject on the program was discussed by Elders G. A. Atchley, J. W. H. Coker, B. Langston, Evan Hurst, J. R. Clabough and I. N. Parrott. On motion the second subject was passed until 10 o'clock next day. On motion the third subject was tabled. The fourth question was taken up and discussed by Elders C. Rule, D. B. Ogle and H. J. Gossett. Adjourned to meet at 8:30 a.m. Saturday.
Saturday Session. After music by the choir "Shall we know each other better?" the chairman read from Romans 8 and J. B. Johnson led in prayer. The minutes of the previous day were read and adopted. Enrolled other delegates. The fourth question was further discussed by Elders J. W. H. Coker, E. Hurst, and H. J. Gossett and then passed. The second question was taken up and discussed by Elder J. R. Clabough and Brother Pink Maples. Preaching at 11 a.m. by Rev. I. N. Parrott from Philippians 2:15. Adjourned till 1:30 p.m.
Afternoon session. Music by the choir, prayer by Rev. B. Langston. The second question was further discussed by Brethren J. A. Householder, Pink Maples and Rev. C. Rule. The resolution's committee reported as follows: Resolved, We tender our heartfelt thanks to the church and community for their cordial reception, kind treatment and hospitality during the sitting of this body, and that we congratulate the good people of Gist's Creek church for the sacrifice they have made in building such a fine and magnificent place of worship. J. W. H. Coker, C. Rule, B. Langston, Committee 17
A motion was carried that a copy of the proceedings of this meeting be furnished our county papers with the request to publish. After singing "Jesus Lover of My Soul," and engaging in a hearty hand shake the meeting adjourned. Preaching Saturday night by Elder D. B. Ogle and Sunday by Elder J. W. H. Coker." 18
Former and future Zion Hill pastors were much involved in this meeting and other associational work along with Preacher Gossett. A few months after this meeting, Gossett resigned Zion Hill. He left the church on solid footing and paved the way for future pastors. He was 57 years old when he departed the church having had a full, productive life. No records have been found where he pastored another church after leaving Zion Hill. 19
In 1899, Zion Hill once again called William Brown to pastor. He had a fruitful ministry that year, baptizing 17 and seeing membership reach 156, an increase of 73% in 13 years. He stayed only one year and was then called by Miller's Cove, one of the oldest churches in Blount County. [An interesting note about Brown, he served as pastor of Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church from 1909 to 1915. It was during this time that the present building now a part of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park was built.] 20
In 1900, the members called William M. Hurst to pastor. Born in 1860, Hurst was a farmer, an occupation he had in common with the membership at Zion Hill. He was married to Mary Ann Williams and lived at Harrisburg. Hurst was very interested in Sunday School and in training teachers to teach and lead. With that goal in mind, he invited the Tenth District Sunday School Convention of the Sevier Association to meet at Zion Hill. An article in the May 20, 1903 edition of Montgomery's Vindicator announced the meeting to be held May 24, 1903, at Zion Hill beginning at 2:00 P.M. with devotional exercises by P. Cummings. Three questions to be discussed. How can we get the people interested in the Sunday School work? To be discussed by J. F. Ingle and G. F. Rule. On whom does the responsibility of the Sunday School rest? To be discussed by J. R. Clabough, D. L. Parsons. Object of the Sunday School Convention? To be discussed by C. Rule and J. R. Tarwater. Cummings and Ingle had served as Sunday School Superintendent at Zion Hill. 21
Soon after this meeting, Hurst resigned the church and the membership called Caleb Rule to pastor. Members of Zion Hill were familiar with Rule who had pastored neighboring churches and had been involved in associational training meetings. He was born July 2, 1840, to John and Nancy Rule. He, like Preachers Langston and Gossett, joined the Union Army during the War Between the States. However, his war experience was quite different. He served in Company K 3rd TN Cavalry as a farrier (horse-shoer). He was in many battles, was captured in northern Alabama by General Nathan Bedford Forrest, September 25, 1864, and was taken to a prisoner-of-war encampment at Cahaba Prison, Alabama. 22
Rule experienced dreadful conditions at the prison camp. Soon after he arrived at Cahaba, the Alabama River flooded and he and the other prisoners stood waist deep in water for five days and nights with no food or sleep. The only building at the prison camp was an old cotton shed. It was large enough for about 500 men, but during the time Rule was there, it housed over 2,000. Most of the men had no shelter from the weather and little medical treatment. The average daily ration of food was a scant 1½ pints of uncooked, coarsely ground corn meal (cob and all), a piece of slab bacon about the size of two fingers, and a dash of salt. On very rare occasions, the prisoners received treats of cow peas or pumpkin. Prisoners had to find a way to cook their own rations. 23
Rule and others of his company survived seven months of prison camp to face yet another adversity. When the war ended, the prisoners were marched and freighted from central Alabama to Vicksburg, Mississippi. There they boarded the steamboat Sultana for a trip to Ohio to be mustered out of service. On April 27, 1865, one of the Sultana's boilers exploded and the boat was ripped apart. Hundreds of sleeping men were shot into the air and landed on the burning deck of the steamboat or were thrown into the floodwater of the Mississippi River. Caleb swam and floated down river for seven miles before coming to a clump of trees. He grabbed a vine and ripped it free of the small tree from which it was wrapped. The vine, symbolic perhaps of Caleb's grip on life, was with him when he was picked up by a yawl. Tragically, Caleb's brother John Rule died in the Sultana explosion. Caleb always said that by the grace of God he survived the ordeal. He later boarded another steamboat, was taken to Ohio to be mustered out of service, then walked from Cincinnati to Sevier County reaching home in late June, 1865. 24
With his horrifying war experience behind him, Caleb Rule began a new life at home. He surrendered to the call to preach and was ordained by Antioch Baptist Church. He married Eliza Louise Pierce, the daughter of Pleasant Pierce, December 28, 1865. They had twelve children (see endnotes) all grown by the time Rule pastored Zion Hill. Not only was Rule a preacher, but he was also a farmer and blacksmith. 25
While Rule was at Zion Hill, he baptized six into the church family. As a 63-year old preacher, he was a great encouragement to the congregation. He led not only through his strong Bible preaching but also by his example of faithfulness to the Lord. Caleb Rule was a well-respected minister in the area and was one of seven men chosen to serve on the Executive Board of the Sevier Association in 1903. The Executive Board was the decision-making body of the association. He was rewarded for many years of faithful service with his selection to the board. 26
With a new century and powerful preachers sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the congregation, it was like water to young plants, helping the church establish deep roots of faith and knowledge of the Bible for years to come. In the words of Jeremiah, "Therefore they shall come and sing in the height of Zion, and shall flow together to the goodness of the Lord, ... and their soul shall be as a watered garden." (Jer. 31:12).
Endnotes for Chapter Two
1. Smoky Mountain Historical Society Newsletter (hereafter SMHSN) Vol. XXII, No. 1, p. 23. 1850 Population Census. Reagan, Donald, Sevier County, Tennessee Marriage Record Book I, 1856-1873, 1982, p. 11.
2. SMHSN, Vol. XII, No. 1, p. 23.
3. In the Beginning, p. 38; Underwood, Stella, Juanita Smith Cate, and Debra Ann Cline, Church History, Beech Springs Baptist Church, 1883-1983, unpublished document, p. 2.
4. Bobbie Galyon, Marilyn Householder, Charlotte McCarter, Zion Hill Baptist Church Records in the Sevier Association (records compiled for the church's 100th anniversary -- hereafter referred to as "Zion Hill Records", p. 1.
5. Information taken from cemetery markers in Zion Hill Cemetery.
6. Atchley Family History, 1965, p. 49; 1892 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes.
7. 1893 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes; 1880 Population Census, p. 262; The Vindicator, June 22, 1904. [Cunningham died June 11, 1904, after a lingering illness and was buried in Zion Hill Cemetery. Services by Rev. S. C. Atchley.]
8. 1894 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes.
9. 1880 Population Census. Information taken from cemetery markers in Zion Hill Cemetery. 1894 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes. [Brown died August 11, 1949, and is buried in Zion Hill Cemetery.]
10. Gentle Winds of Change, p. 175; Montgomery's Vindicator, May 30, 1906.
11. Ibid.
12. Zion Hill Records, p. 2; Tennessee Blue Book, 1995-1996, Bicentennial Edition, p. 394.
13. 1896 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes, p. 10.
14. Ibid.
15. Zion Hill Records, p. 1.
16. Montgomery's Vindicator, January 18, 1899.
17. Montgomery's Vindicator, February 1, 1899.
18. Ibid.
19. Ibid. 1899 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes. Montgomery's Vindicator, February 17, 1904; Smoky Mountain Historical Society, In the Shadow of the Smokies, 1993, p. 216. [Preacher Gossett died February 18, 1906. He outlived Juda by two years; she had died February 9, 1904. Her obituary appeared in the February 17, 1904, edition of Montgomery's Vindicator and read as follows: "Juda Gossett, wife of Rev. H.J. Gossett, of Boyd's Creek, died Tuesday, February 9, at 5:00 P.M. after an illness of more than a year from consumption. She was a Christian lady, a member of the Boyd's Creek Baptist Church. She was buried in the Boyd's Creek cemetery Wednesday afternoon." When Rev. Gossett died, he was buried beside her.]
20. 1899 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes; Hood, John O., History of the Chilhowee Baptist Association, 1970, p. 362.
21. 1880 Population Census. 1900 Sevier Baptist Association Minutes. Zion Hill Records, p. 2. Montgomery's Vindicator, May 20, 1903. In the Shadow of the Smokies, p. 187. [Hurst died in 1923 and is buried at Walnut Grove.]
22. 1860 Population Census; Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, 1994 (hereafter Sevier County Heritage), pp. 328-329.
23. SMHSN, Vol. XI, No. 3, pp. 64-66, 70. Salecker, Gene Eric, Disaster on the Mississippi 1996, Appendix B, p. 286.
24. Ibid. Knoxville News-Sentinel, April 16, 1998. Sevier County Heritage, p. 329.
25. 1903 Sevier County Association Minutes. Zion Hill Records, p. 2. [Caleb Rule's children: Martha Zora, b. 10 Feb 1867- married John Allen Jenkins; George Franklin Rule, 27 Sep 1868-6 Aug 1955, married Amelia Parsons; Nancy Lorena, 16 Feb 1870-7 Jun 1943, married Adam H. Tarwater; Marion Robert Rule, b. 1871 married Marinda Keeble; William Walter Rule, b.1873, married Bertha Jenkins; Margaret Melvina b. 1875, married Dr. W. R. Froneybarger; Andrew Lafayette Rule b. 1877 married Mae J. Williams; John Herman Rule, 12 Jun 1879-10 Dec 1957 married Hettie Baker; Oliver Addison Rule b. 1881, married Alice Evans; Harvey DeWitt Rule, b. 1883 married Ruby Bond; Myrtle Alice b.1885, married M. D. Baker.]
26. Ibid., 1903 Sevier County Association Minutes. [The obituary committee, when reporting on those who had died during the year: in that number was Rev. Benjamin Langston, one of our earnest Associational workers.]
Chapter Three: A Time to Grow -- 1905-1919
With church seeds planted and being watered, Zion Hill experienced a season of growth during the next fifteen years. The growing spurt began in 1904 when the members called Rev. J. R. Clabough, the oldest son of James and Annie Clabough. When he came to pastor Zion Hill, Clabough was 39 years old and was living at Boyd's Creek with his family. The church set his salary at $30.00 a year. He led the church to expand Sunday School to meet all 12 months of the year. 1
In 1906, members once again called William Hurst to pastor the church. His first year back, Hurst baptized 21. The next year, he baptized 11 and membership reached 170. The congregation rewarded his work with an increase in salary to $60.00 per year, $5.00 a month. Unfortunately, the congregation seemed to have difficulty paying that amount, so in 1907, they lowered the salary to $48.00 a year, $4.00 a month. 2
The pastor and members of the church continued to be actively involved in associational work, attending annual meetings, even if they were held in the other end of the county. For example, in 1904, Rev. J. R. Clabough and Phillip Cummings traveled to White Oak Flats (Gatlinburg) to attend the association's annual meeting. In 1907, the annual meeting was held at Evan's Chapel No. 1 in the Smoky Mountains, a long way from Zion Hill. (Evan's Chapel No. 1 was located where the Great Smoky Mountains National Park head-quarters is today.) Messengers, J. A. Rogers and Huston Teague, travelled the long distance to represent Zion Hill. The next year the annual meeting met at Walnut Grove and messengers John Cutshaw, Jackson Stoner, and Jesse Thomas made the trip by horseback or wagon. Each time, these messengers stayed with a family in the host church for the annual meeting. At the 1908 meeting, the delegates heard, "Your colporteur is trying to get a Bible in every home and in every child's hands, and trying to persuade the young folks to read the Bible instead of reading novels. We believe that novel reading is injurious to the young people. " 3
In 1909, members called Wiley E. Conner to pastor. (He was also called as pastor by Dupont and Shiloh the same year.) Conner was born June 23, 1865, in North Carolina. He came to Sevier County in 1902 to preach a revival at Hill's Creek Baptist Creek and felt the Lord called him to stay in the area. He was an outstanding, dynamic preacher as evidenced by the following testimonial. "Mr. Conner was a firm believer in God and in the Bible as the source of truth. His messages were based on Scriptural truth and were presented in an orderly manner with a reinforced zeal directed to his audience in a way that left a lasting effect on his listeners. Even though he had little formal training, his keen understanding of people and their needs made him unusually effective in the ministry. He threw himself on God's power and mercy. He trusted God to guide him in finding the message to give to his people." 4
Conner ministered at a time when the pastor was the spiritual leader of the community. He was faithful to his calling, so much so, that no matter what the weather, Conner responded when called to preach. He never complained even though he often travelled during adverse weather conditions. Once in winter, he arrived at church on horseback, wet and cold with his "britches frozen and his feet numb from the rain and the bitter wind. He came preaching the Word and praising God because he knew he was doing God's will." 5
Preacher Conner believed that occasionally God revealed messages in dreams, as evidenced by the following story he liked to tell. "I was holding a revival meeting in a small church in the North Carolina mountains. The church was located in a community where people engaged in the moonshine liquor business, controlled by a father and his nine sons. I knew the father and his sons. When I got to the community, I visited them and invited them to attend the revival services. 6
"The meeting began and continued a few days with no visible results. One night I went to bed as usual. During my sleep I dreamed I was out on the side of a mountain splitting rails. I got tired and sat down to rest. While I was resting, I heard leaves rattling on the mountainside above me. I looked for something to fight with and saw nothing but an ax. I picked it up and stood ready for battle. The noise was coming closer, straight toward me. A small log rolled down the hill and stopped at my feet. I soon recognized it as a large rattlesnake, followed by smaller ones, coming toward me. I prepared to kill, but when they came near me, the little ones stopped. The big snake came close and laid his head on the log; I killed it, and all the others came one at a time until the big rattler with nine little ones was dead. When I was fully awake, I was amazed and confused. 7
"I wondered what caused me to have such a vivid dream. I continued to wonder about my dream until I asked the Lord its meaning, since it was a mystery to me. The father and his nine sons came to mind. I said to myself, 'This means the father and his sons will be converted tomorrow.' I went back to sleep." At breakfast that morning, Conner told the pastor his dream and its results. During the revival service the next day, the father walked into church with his sons; all were saved, just as Conner had dreamed. 8
Conner had a tremendous ministry at Zion Hill. He was known for his unwavering faith in God. In 1909, he preached Zion Hill's annual revival. As a result, he baptized 44 new believers into the church family, and received 16 new members by letter. Church membership grew to 227. Sunday School was rejuvenated with S.H. Clark serving as Superintendent. The two men were quite a team! Unfortunately, Conner only stayed one year at Zion Hill but returned to pastor later. 9
In 1910, the congregation called Rev. Middleton McCarter to pastor. Born April 6, 1854, to James William and Edna McCarter, his family lived on a farm as did most families in Sevier County at that time. He married Sarah Ruth Tyson, September 13, 1874; his brother Rev. Absolem McCarter performed the ceremony. He and Sarah had ten children (listed in endnotes). One of his sons, Robert Arthur McCarter, and later a grandson, Otha Olice McCarter, surrendered to the ministry. His grandson wrote in his journal, "When God called me to preach, He never asked me my opinion." The family shared a strong belief in the call of God. 10
McCarter was ordained into the Gospel ministry by Rocky Grove Baptist Church, August 14, 1893 (Ordination certificate in Appendix). While at Zion Hill, his salary was $75.00 a year. In 1911, the church raised the pastor's salary to $100.00 a year. To help Sunday School teachers better prepare themselves to teach, Sunday School Superintendent John Cutshaw led the church to buy $8.10 of literature. 11
Because of the increase in enrollment, from 150 in 1896 to 236 in 1911, more worship space was needed. The members voted to build a new church building in 1911. The new building was a white weatherboard church located where the present church building stands. The church had five Sunday School classrooms around the sanctuary. 12
In 1912, the church called Rev. Joe Albert Atchley, the son of Westley and Rebecca Atchley. He was born December 22, 1872. Later, he married Delilah Connaster and had 11 children. He was pastoring Sugar Loaf the same time. 13
Later in 1912, Zion Hill held a singing school. The church held singing schools for a number of years for members to learn about notes, their shape and sound, and their place on the musical staff. This was needful because Zion Hill did not have any musical instruments at the time. They learned that each note of the musical scale is represented by a particular shape: "Do" is an X; "Re" is a half-circle; "Mi" is a sideways diamond, and so on. They looked like the following: Do Re Mi Fa So La Ti.
Those attending the singing school would have the opportunity to sight read and harmonize. The leader would call the number of the song in the songbook and tell the singers to "sound the shapes" to get the harmony. He would pitch a tune on a tuning fork, and each part would sound its first note, then all the singers would "do-re-mi" their respective lines. When the leader called, "Now add the poetry," the parts melded together in beautiful four-part harmony as the song was sung with the words. A typical singing school might have undertaken 40 songs at a sitting, combining old favorites with new pieces. 14
Zion Hill hosted the Twenty-seventh Annual Session of the Sevier Association of Baptists, October 2-4, 1912, in their new church building. Zion Hill's pastor, J. A. Atchley, was elected Moderator of the meeting. Messengers from Zion Hill were James Bales, S. H. Clark, Mrs. Belle Galyon, Reuben Knight, and G. W. Marine. Every member of the church including the deacons -- Eli Baker, Ben Clark, Boyd Clark, John Cutshaw, A. S. Galyon, J. F. Ingle, Boyd Johnson, and A. J. Stoner -- was involved with the meeting. Messengers from churches throughout the association were assigned to church members' homes for the meeting. It was an interesting way for members of different churches to become acquainted with one another. Today, most people would have a difficult time welcoming strangers into their homes for four days and nights! 15
One interesting aspect of the meeting occurred on Thursday afternoon after the congregation sang Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing. When they finished, Dr. George F. Bostick, missionary from China, sang the song in Chinese, then spoke on his mission work there. The Association gave Dr. Bostick an offering for his mission work and his return trip to China. 16
The association passed the following resolution before adjourning. We extend to Zion Hill Baptist Church and the people of the community our heartfelt thanks for their kind and generous hospitality during the session of this Association. We thank the choir for their excellent music. 17
On July 5, 1913, Zion Hill held an ordination service for Sidney ("S. H.") Clark, ordaining him into the Gospel ministry. The church clerk, Oscar Shelley, wrote of the service, "Our beloved Brother, Sidney Houston Clark, has the entire approbation of the Ordaining Council in being publicly set apart to preach the Gospel and administer the Ordinances of Christ. May he, like Barnabas, be full of the Holy Spirit and Faith, and through him may much people be added to the Lord." (Ordination certificate in Appendix). 18
In the associational letter for 1913, Zion Hill reported Sunday School enrollment at 120 with an average attendance of 80. The church paid $17.48 for literature that year, a growing amount for a growing enrollment. The church also began giving to missions causes, giving $30.00 to aid the poor.19
At the 1914 associational meeting at Zion Grove on the campus of Smoky Mountain Academy, Rev. S. H. Clark and Rev. B. F. Burnett served as messengers from Zion Hill. They had the opportunity to hear their pastor, Rev. Atchley, preach the Wednesday night sermon. He read Psalm 1, then took his text from Psalms 23:4, "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me." The sermon was well received by the delegates.20
At this meeting, messengers turned aside from usual matters of association business to adopt the following resolution: Whereas, all Europe is in the midst of the most cruel and wicked war the world has ever seen, the President of the United States has set apart October 4th, as a day of prayer for the peace of Europe. Resolved, we heartily respond in all of our churches by calling on our kind Heavenly Father in his own way to give peace to the warring nations. 21
In 1915, S. H. Clark preached at the Wednesday night session of the associational meeting held at Millican Grove. His text was Ephesians 5:14, "Awake thou that sleepest, and arise from the dead, and Christ shall give the light." He also used Matthew 26:34, "Sleep on now and take your rest, behold the hour is at hand." Even though Clark had only been ordained into the gospel ministry two years, he boldly proclaimed the word of God when given an opportunity. 22
During the annual pastoral call in 1916, the membership called one of their own, Sidney Clark, to pastor. He immediately planned a revival, as reported in Montgomery's Vindicator, September 22, 1916. It read, "A very successful revival has just closed at this place, held by Revs. Clark and Conner, the latter doing all the preaching. There were even fifty additions to the church, all of whom were converted during this revival except six, two of whom were restored and four joined by letter. Rev. Clark baptized the host, forty-three in number, one of the converts being unable to be there. Eight years ago, Rev. Conner conducted a revival at this place and baptized 44 at the same spot. He is a great revivalist and his work takes well with the people of this community." The writer added, "we expect to have a B.Y.P.U. organized soon, and give these young converts something to do." 23
Sidney Clark was born June 23, 1886, to Anderson and Angie Manis Clark. Sidney, two sisters, and a brother were orphaned in child-hood. To keep from being institutionalized, Sidney took responsibility for his siblings. He worked and gave his earnings to his Uncle and Aunt, Jim and Millie Manis Bales, for their care. In 1903, seventeen year old, Sidney Clark married Rachel Ingle, daughter of John F. Ingle a deacon at Zion Hill. They had 11 children (listed in endnotes). As was mentioned earlier, Sidney Clark was ordained into the Gospel ministry by Zion Hill Baptist Church. His father-in-law served as a member of the ordaining council. 24
Clark pastored Zion Hill for only two years, but had a strong ministry for almost seventy years. As was the custom of the day, his wife stayed home with the children while Sidney preached in churches all over the area. In his early ministry, the only transportation he had was by horse and buggy which often took him great distances to preach. Like Preacher Conner, he never missed an opportunity to share the gospel even in bad weather. In cold winter months, it has been said that foam from his horse's mouth would be frozen by the time Clark got to his preaching point. 25
[An interesting story is related about Clark when he was pastoring Union Valley. The first church building there was a small one room building tied together overhead with iron rods. One Sunday morning, Clark prayed that any hindrance keeping the church from going forward be removed when one of the iron rods fell and hit a church member on the head. As a result, a revival meeting broke out and many souls were saved.] 26
During this time, Zion Hill continued to grow and participate in the functions of the association. In the October 4, 1916, edition of Montgomery's Vindicator, "The Sevier Association ... appointed the Clerk, W. W. Rule and S. M. McCarter, to arrange denominational objects so that all our churches will be giving to the same object at the same time. Make your gifts as follows: January and February -- Home Missions. March and April -- Foreign Missions. May -- Denominational Education. June -- Orphans Home. July -- Colportage Work. August -- State Sunday School Work. September and October -- State Missions. November -- Orphans Home. December -- Ministerial Relief." This seemed to be the first attempt at some sort of systematic giving for all Baptist churches. 27
In 1916, the Sevier Association held a series of missionary rallies. (Today, they are called World Missions Conferences.) They were announced in the local paper: Morning services starting at 10:00 a.m. and afternoon services at 1:00 p.m. The following topics would be presented: Stewardship, Bible Plan of Giving, Pastoral Obligation and Pastoral Support, The Church as God's Storehouse. At each meeting, there would be a returned missionary, a Baptist state worker with some pastors outside the association and all the pastors that can attend from the association. The purpose was to help local churches in their work, and to give them a greater vision of denominational work. Zion Hill's members were to meet with Gist's Creek, October 21, 1916. The announcement also read that the pastors in each group were expected to attend to act as moderator and to bring his choir for special music. The ladies of each group would prepare a luncheon. The announcement closed by encouraging all church members to attend to make the meetings a great success. 28
In 1917, there was a special emphasis placed on Sunday School across the state. Tennessee Governor, Tom C. Rye, proclaimed Easter Sunday April 8, 1917, as "Go to Sunday School Day." One week later, Zion Hill hosted the Tenth District Baptist Sunday School Convention, April 15, 1917. As reported in Montgomery's Vindicator: "Devotional exercises were conducted by Rev. S.H. Clark. Miss Stella Clark delivered a welcome address and a welcome song was rendered by five little girls. (Unfortunately, the paper did not give their names.) Audley Ballard was elected secretary protem. The first topic of discussion was, "What is the key to the success of our Sunday School?" Opened by Brother G.F. Ownby who believed the Bible was the key to the success of the Sunday School. A female quartet sang Tenting Tonight. The second topic was, "How may we get the uninterested interested in the Sunday School?" Opened by Brother Lee Reed who thought we should have interesting leaders in the Sunday School service. Further discussed by Brother E. P. Ownby, Rev. S. H. Clark and Boyd Clark. Music by the choir. Five little girls sang Jesus Loves Me. The convention adjourned to meet on the following Sunday eve with the Sugar Loaf Church. J. D. Drinnen, Vice President." 29
Later, at the 1917 associational meeting, messengers adopted the following resolutions dealing with an event effecting all of Sevier County, including the Zion Hill Church family. "Be it resolved, that the Sevier Association of Baptist, now assembled, puts itself on record as being in full accord with President (Woodrow) Wilson in the prosecution of the present war against the powers that are threatening the liberties, not only of the United States, but of the entire world. Be it further resolved, that we pledge to him all resources at our command, to the end that this war may be carried on until lasting peace may be guaranteed to the people of the entire world." 30
"Be it further resolved that our hearts go out to our brave boys who have enlisted in our armies to fight for liberty, home and country, and we hereby pledge ourselves to do all we can to aid them at the front, as a reward for their patriotism." 31
Zion Hill church members were not isolated from this war. Several men from the church answered the call to serve in World War I. They were: James Bales, Earl Cown, Bertis Mitchell Ellis, Charlie Galyon, Andy J. Graves, Earl Grooms, James Headrick, Joe Moore, William Myers, James Hubert Reed, James Rogers, William H. Rogers, Oscar Shelley, and Charley Wells. Mr. Wells was a casualty of the war, dying at the age of 21 on April 15, 1918. He was later returned home and buried in Zion Hill Cemetery. 32
When leaving for war, each man was given a New Testament. Inside the front cover was the following: "A Prayer for a Soldier: Keep me, O Heavenly Father; straight and pure and true. Protect my dear ones at home. Whatever comes, help me to do my duty in Christ's name. Amen." Inside the back cover was the "War Roll." It read, "I hereby pledge my allegiance to the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and King, and by God's help will fight his battles for the victory of His kingdom." 33
After Sidney Clark resigned in 1918, the church again extended the call to Wiley E. Conner. This period of ministry was more difficult than in 1909, as a severe influenza epidemic swept through the Zion Hill community, Sevier County, and the entire country. There was much fear about this invisible killer that would strike suddenly. A person could feel fine in the morning and be dead by nightfall; that was how quickly this strain of influenza ran its course. As a result, church services and other public gatherings across the county were banned for a month in October, 1918, to try to control the spread of influenza. In early 1919, the epidemic returned and another ban was placed on public gatherings until the end of March. During this worldwide epidemic, 14 people in the church family died and were buried in Zion Hill Cemetery. 34
Although many of the congregation were affected by the epidemic, Conner continued his church work by promoting Sunday School and preaching services. Because of the work of Conner and Ira Clark, superintendent, enrollment in Sunday School reached 140. In 1919, the church rewarded Conner's efforts by increasing his salary to $250.00 a year. Under Conner's leadership, the church gave $327.11 for denominational education, divided between Harrison-Chilhowee, Smoky Mountain Academy, and Cosby Academy. 35
At the 1919 associational meeting held with Pigeon Forge Baptist Church, Rev. Conner preached the annual sermon. His text was from James 4:3, "Ye ask and receive not because ye ask amiss." His sermon topic was "Six Reasons Why Prayer is Not Answered." His sermon made an impression on the messengers. 36
The following story helps to illustrate the kind of pastor Conner was. He invited a young minister to help him in a revival meeting in another church he pastored. The two ministers were on their way to the church when Conner told his helper about a man in the community. He said, "He attends every service and always asks for prayer. He will sit on the mourners' bench as long as he can. He wants to be saved, but he can't find the way." Conner added, "That man is like a big log in the center of a dam across the river. If we can break that log, we will have the biggest spiritual flood this community has ever known. The Lord wants that man, and he wants to be saved. We must work and pray until he surrenders his life to the Lord. If we can hold to the Lord, He will find a way to touch and tender that man's heart." 37
The revival continued with large crowds at every service. One day, the interested man's son asked those present to pray for his father. Again, time for the evening service came and a large crowd attended. There seemed to be unusual interest by the church membership that night. It appeared the entire audience was being spiritually touched. Dozens of lost fathers stood trembling with tears flowing down their cheeks, but they would not yield. The service ended and the people went quietly to their homes. 38
The young man who asked the Christians to pray for his father went home to his bedroom. Instead of going to bed, he began to pray for his father. The father heard him praying, got out of his bed, went to his son's room, and joined him. The two prayed together. They were later joined by the father's wife and a daughter who was also lost. They prayed and talked together for almost two hours. As a result, the father and the daughter were both saved. 39
Early the next morning, the father went where the preachers were staying. The ministers were outside and saw the man coming. They started to meet him, but he spoke at a distance in a joyful tone of voice, "It happened last night, and I couldn't wait to tell you." He continued, "I see it all now. I wanted to do something myself, but when I had done all I could, I cried out and said, 'Lord, I don't know how to be saved. I surrender myself and all I have to you. Whatever you want me to do, I will try to do it.' That's when it happened; it was so easy. You just give up to Him." 40
The newly converted man returned to his home. When he had gone, Conner told his helper, "The Lord has torn the log from the center of the dam, the dam has broken, and the spiritual flood waters are rushing through the valley now." As revival services continued, the church building was filled at every service. Many souls crowded into the prayer and instruction room. The man who had been a seeker for so many years walked down the aisles where many were in prayer, calling each one by name, and saying, "Just give yourself to the Lord. That's all you can do. It's so easy to surrender to Him. Just surrender. He does the saving." 41
When the revival closed, 28 people, mostly heads of households, were saved, joined the church, and were baptized. People who live in that community remember the revival and its results until this day. 42
The Lord used Wiley Conner (as He did Apollos in the New Testament) in a mighty way to continue to water the seeds of faith and help the young congregation grow. As Paul wrote, "I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase" (I Corinthians 3:6). Truly God was giving the increase to Zion Hill.
Endnotes for Chapter Three
1. 1880 Population Census. 1904 Associational Minutes. (Clabough's great-grandson Bill Clabough serves as our State Senator in 1998, information from Bill Clabough and his daughter, Tracy).
2. 1907 Associational Minutes.
3. Ibid. 1908 Associational Minutes. Linn, Beulah D., Evans Chapel No. 1, 1883-1933. SMHSN, Vol. XVI, No. 2, p. 32.
4. Sevier County Heritage, p. 53. 1909 Associational Minutes. History of the Chilhowee Association, p. 53.
5. Gentle Winds, 152.
6. Ibid., pp. 53-54.
7. Ibid.
8. Ibid.
9. 1909 Associational Minutes.
10. Sevier County Heritage, p. 257. 1910 Associational Minutes. Letter from Misty Seagle Ward, great-granddaughter of Rev. Middleton McCarter. [Children of Rev. Middleton McCarter: Hattie Elvira married Isaac Oscar Canupp, Herbert Tyson married Ellen Estella Shultz, Isaac, Rev. Robert Arthur married Ellen Ogle, Newton, Harrison married Sarah Lee Duggan, Della, Luraine married John Williams, Dallas married Ella McKinney, and Vista married Scott Valentine. Isaac, Newton, and Della all died in infancy.]
11. Ibid. 1911 Associational Minutes. Ordination Certificate.
12. 1912 Associational Minutes. [Preacher McCarter died December 29, 1925, and was buried in Huskey Cemetery.]
13. "Old Harp" Newsletter, Spring 1998, p. 10. [Four-part harmony was taught at the singing school. The top line is treble, sung by both men and women. The second line is the alto staff, sung by women. The third line down is the tenor line, also called the lead or melody, sung by both men and women. The bottom line is the bass, sung by men. Any part can be sung one octave higher or lower. So at times, you could have six-part harmony.]
15. 1912 Associational Minutes.
16. Ibid., p. 10.
17. Ibid., p. 14.
18. Sevier County Heritage, p. 177. Letter from Lillian Hodges, Sidney Clark's daughter, September 15, 1989. 1913 Associational Minutes.
19. Ibid.
20. 1914 Associational Minutes.
21. Ibid.
22. 1915 Associational Minutes.
23. Montgomery's Vindicator, September 22, 1916.
24. Sevier County Heritage, p. 177. Ordination certificate. [Sidney Clark's children: Anna Belle married William Kear; Bertha Maude married Mark Wicker; Cecil Clark married Clara Parham; Angie Adiline married Oren Price, Bill Fillers; Wiley Daniel married Betty Oglesby; Theodore 20 Jan 1915-22 June 1916; Mayford married Nevada Clabough; Lillian married Pierson Hodges; Bishop Sidney 18 Feb 1922-23 Sep 1939; Nancy Juanita; Henry married Peggy Julian.]
25. Sevier County Heritage, p. 177. Lillian Hodges' letter.
26. In the Beginning, p. 141. 1915 Associational Minutes, p. 8.
27. Montgomery's Vindicator, October 4, 1916.
28. Montgomery's Vindicator.
29. Gentle Winds, p. 176; Montgomery's Vindicator, March 7, 1917; March 14, 1917, & May 9, 1917.
30. 1917 Associational Minutes.
31. Ibid.
32. Zion Hill Cemetery. In the Shadow, p. 278.
33. Soldier's New Testament.
34. Gentle Winds, pp. 45, 47, 211. Zion Hill Cemetery. [On April 1, 1946, Sidney's wife, Rachel, passed away. She was buried in the Zion Hill Cemetery. Sidney lived to be 95 years old and was only inactive from his ministry a few months before his death, June 28, 1981. He loved life but prayed to go to his heavenly home. Although legally blind and hearing impaired, his memory of the Scripture was amazing and helped to inspire younger ministers. To carry on, the Lord called his son Cecil J. To the ministry and his grandsons, James H. Clark and Stephen Clark Hodges. Sidney is buried next to his wife in the Zion Hill Cemetery.]
35. 1919 Associational Minutes.
36. Ibid.
37. History of the Chilhowee Association, pp. 54-55.
38. Ibid.
39. Ibid.
40. Ibid.
41. Ibid.
42. Ibid.
Chapter Four: A Time to Weed -- 1920-1940
Zion Hill's membership sought the Lord's guidance for leadership as the church entered its fifth decade. In almost 50 years, the church had grown to 250 members. Early in 1920, the members called Rev. Samuel Cornelius ("S. C.") Atchley to pastor. He was a well-known preacher and influential Baptist leader in the county. Born November 16, 1869, to Gideon and Nancy Atchley, Sam married Ella Thompson, August 20, 1893. They had six children, all grown by the time Sam came to Zion Hill. One of their children, Nannie, married Roy E. Ingle, of the Zion Hill community (others listed in endnotes). Rev. Atchley was a leader in the Sevier Baptist Association. Through the years, he had pastored many churches in the county and served on several association committees, including the Executive Board. He was also a trustee of Smoky Mountain Academy, the association mission high school near Gatlinburg. 1
In 1920, Zion Hill hosted the Thirty-fifth annual session of the Sevier Association of Baptists. Atchley served as moderator. One major order of business brought before the messengers was selecting a committee to introduce a fund-raising campaign for Baptist interests throughout the Southern Baptist Convention, called the Seventy-Five Million Campaign. Over a five year period, the money collected in the campaign would be set aside for State, Home and Foreign Missions, Christian Education, Aged Ministers' Fund, Orphanages and Hospitals, basically all Southern Baptist causes. Rev. Atchley was chosen to serve on this committee which set a timetable to encourage churches to support the campaign with member pledges. The committee set months for special promotions to prepare church members for the Campaign. For instance, July was chosen as preparation month; August information month; September intercession month; October enlistment month; November stewardship month; and December 1-7 Victory Week to secure pledges from each member. Zion Hill members pledged $1,757.95 toward the campaign. Members gave $273.10 the first year and $203.75 the second year. 2
On the final day of the annual meeting, the committee on resolutions presented their report: Resolved, we return our heartfelt thanks to Zion Hill Church and people for their generous hospitality and kindness during this session. 3
Atchley left the church, and the congregation turned to Wiley Conner for pulpit supply. He filled the pulpit until the church called its first of three relatively inexperienced preachers, J. O. (John Oliver) Hood. Hood was born March 25, 1894, to William Riley and Sarah Annie Rule Hood. He was a member of Knob Creek Baptist Church and attended Harrison-Chilhowee Institute graduating in 1917. 4
Soon after graduation, he enlisted for World War I, September 20, 1917. Before he left for war, he was ordained into the gospel ministry. He was called to ordination by Knob Creek, but the actual ordination took place April 28, 1918, in the First Baptist Church of Greenville, South Carolina, near his military installation. Six weeks later he boarded a military transport for Europe and the war. 5
Hood served with honor through major battles and skirmishes in France and Belgium and was cited for meritorious service beyond the call of duty by his company commander. During the war, he was gassed and later was hospitalized in the veterans' hospital at Oteen, North Carolina, for several months. 6
Granted an honorable discharge April 16, 1919, Hood returned home to Sevier County. He was called to pastor Dupont, Shiloh, and Sugar Loaf the same year. In the fall of 1920, Hood was called to pastor Zion Hill. Then, on November 2, 1921, he married Dosha Cusick Rogers. 7
Preacher Hood served Zion Hill at a time when the church made an annual call to the pastor. According to church minutes, the church voted to set the second Sunday in September for the purpose of calling a pastor for 1921, the term to expire with the associational year. On the designated Sunday, the church called J.O. Hood and set his yearly salary at $250.00. According to old church records, he preached Saturday morning and night and Sunday morning. 8
Church services were somewhat different then. Each month, after the Saturday morning preaching service, the church was announced in order for business. In the 1920s, a typical business meeting began with an opportunity to receive new members. Next, the clerk would read the minutes of the previous meeting and after their approval, the moderator would call for new business, then adjourn until the next day, Sunday. Often the same procedure would take place on Sunday after the preaching service, if new matters of business were brought to the pastor's attention. There was no record of any business conducted at the Saturday night service. 9
While Hood was pastor, the members voted to refurbish the interior of the church building. The oil lamps were taken down and the carpets pulled up The remodeling committee sold the old oil lamps and carpets for $20.00. They purchased new lamps for the church from Sam Boling for $12.30. There was no mention of buying new carpets or rugs in the minutes. 10
Zion Hill often gave their pastors a "pounding," usually around Christmas or revival time. Each family in the church was asked to bring one pound of food to be given to the preacher and his family on a chosen Sunday. The pastor would receive all kinds of home-grown produce--fruits, vegetables, eggs, chickens, or meat from the smokehouse. 11
In July 1921, Preacher Hood invited Sidney Clark to come back to his home church to preach the annual revival. The meeting lasted 13 days and nights with preaching morning and night. During the revival, ten were added to the church. The church took a love offering for Clark and received $58.36. 12
In August 1922, Hood presented his resignation to the church. He was leaving to enroll in Carson-Newman College for more Bible training and planned to move to Jefferson City, Tennessee. Following Preacher Hood's departure, Zion Hill called a young, licensed preacher, C. D. (Charlie David) Martin. Martin was born June 22, 1898. Like Hood, he was a veteran of World War I, and after the war, attended Harrison-Chilhowee Institute. He was called to pastor Zion Hill shortly after his graduation in 1922. 13
As soon as Martin was called, the church set aside a date to ordain him and another man in the church, J. A. Baker, into the gospel ministry. Baker and Martin were examined by the Presbytery made up of preachers: S. H. Clark, J. O. Hood, W. R. King, and W. A. Masterson and deacons from Zion Hill and sister churches. After the examination, a motion was made to continue with the ordination which proceeded with questioning and preaching. At the conclusion of the service, both men were recognized as ordained ministers of Christ's gospel. 14
Soon after his ordination, Martin announced a revival to begin the first Sunday in September, 1922, with Rev. W. A. Masterson preaching. Masterson was pastor of Alder Branch and Gist's Creek at the time. As a result of the revival, the church received 22 members by experience and baptism, pushing church membership to 268. Martin was quite concerned about the deportment of his church membership since they were Christ's representatives in the community. In October, 1922, he appointed a committee to look into the reports of members walking disorderly. The next February, the church withdrew fellowship from 13 members for covenant breaking. By year's end, the church had withdrawn fellowship from 26 members. Some of those members came back to the church, repented, and asked church members' forgiveness. The church usually voted to restore the repentant members to full fellowship. 15
In June 1923, Martin appointed a committee of W. B. Clark, Scott Galyon, and Anderson Rodgers to have the church house painted. He appointed another committee to get money to paint the church. Interestingly, this committee was made up entirely of women, Lela Galyean, Neva Pitner, and May Rodgers. The women seem to have done their job well! The total cost of the paint and work was $125.60, and was paid in full upon completion. 16
Later in August, 1923, Martin asked Rev. Albert Hall to preach the annual revival. During the revival, 18 new Christians were added to the church, 13 by baptism. The Sabbath School (as called in church minutes) or Sunday School was slowly increasing with an average attendance in 1923 of 84. Many of the teachers had taken advantage of the opportunity to study the best teaching methods of doing wrok effectively when Zion Hill hosted an associational training school for its teachers. Joe Moore was superintendent. 17
As pastor, Martin felt the need for more Bible training, so he enrolled in Carson-Newman College in the fall of 1923. He invited a student from his ministerial class to share his testimony with the church. His name was Hiroji Kuriya, a student from Fukoka, Japan. Fukuoka is located on the island of Kyushu, north of Nagasaki.) Hiroji spoke in the Sunday morning service about his voyage to the United States then shared his testimony. A collection was taken for him and $7.50 was received. After graduation from Carson-Newman in 1925, Kuriya returned to Japan and taught in a seminary there. In 1947, he was Dean of Seinan Gakuain (Baptist Seminary), Fukuoka, Japan. 18
In July 27, 1924, the pastor announced that Rev. Herman Matthews would teach a training school in B.Y.P.U. and Sunday School work the following week. B.Y.P.U. was the acronym for Baptist Young People's Union and was the forerunner of training union or discipleship training. Matthews was trained and used by the Tennessee Baptist Convention to lead training schools for churches in the area. Even though the training was held, there are no records of a Training Union until 1949. 19
Martin found it arduous to pastor a church far from his studies so he left the church in 1924. This was before interstate highways when Martin either had to take the train to Knoxville then to Jefferson City, or cross the French Broad River by ferry and meander country roads to get to the college. Martin continued his college work and graduated Carson-Newman College in 1925. He then enrolled in the University of Tennessee before going to Louisville, Kentucky, and enrolling in the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary where he earned his Th.M., Master of Theology degree. 20
When Martin left, the church called another young preacher, Jepp L. Helton. Helton was born July 30, 1904, to Harrison & Polly Keeble Helton. When he was thirteen years old, he was saved at Shiloh Baptist Church, October 1917. At his baptism, when Helton was brought up out of the water, the preacher commented the Lord will use this young man to preach. The preacher making this prediction was Wiley Conner. He was pastor at Shiloh when Helton was saved and Sidney Clark was pastor there when Helton was ordained, December 23, 1923. 21
Helton was called by Zion Hill in 1924, the first of many churches he would pastor during his ministry. He was a young, single fellow, twenty years old. Despite his youthfulness, his reputation as a sound Bible preacher spread. Men in the association saw great promise in this young preacher and asked him to serve on the Seventy-Five Million Campaign in 1924. He was one of thirteen men who tried to encourage church members in the Sevier Association to give to this fund raising effort. They were able to get church members to pledge $48,601.32. When this campaign ended in 1925, the Cooperative Program was put into action and has continued to serve as the financial plan of the Southern Baptist Convention to this day. 22
Helton's influence continued to spread. At the 1925 annual meeting, he was one of two men selected to represent the association at the Southern Baptist Convention. He attended the convention as it met in Houston, Texas. What a thrill it must have been for this young man to be in a meeting with 4,268 other messengers and hear outstanding preachers from across the South. 23
In 1924, the church voted to change its worship meeting time from the second week-end to the third Saturday and Sunday of each month. Preacher Helton asked Rev. R. H. Lambright, a faculty member at Harrison-Chilhowee, to conduct the annual revival. He preached the planned week of revival but the services continued, so Helton himself preached the services the second week. There were 19 additions to the church as a result of the revival. 24
On Sunday, September 20, 1925, the church elected officers and teachers for the new church year. Those chosen were: J. F. Ingle, Sunday School Superintendent, Bruce Reed, assistant; Roy Ingle, Choir leader, Edd Rogers, assistant; James Teague, Secretary, L. J. Moore assistant, May Rogers, Treasurer. Teachers: Class #1 Senia Cutshaw, Class #2 (no one listed), Class #3 Annie Reed; Class #4 Edd Rogers, Class #5 Stella Baker, Class #6 J.F. Ingle, Class #7 Elijah Turner, Class #8 Dora Knight, Class #10 Scott Galyean. Church officers elected were L. J. Moore, Clerk, Oscar Shelley assistant; Bruce Reed, Treasurer, Jim Teague, assistant. 25
On October 18, 1925, the church elected a committee to repair the church roof and the belfry. The committee was empowered to purchase roofing and have the house covered immediately even if the material had to be purchased on credit. The committee was instructed to employ an efficient tinner to do the work. Helton also appointed a committee to get a new heating stove as the cold days of winter approached. 26
Later in 1925, the church family came together on Christmas Day to worship and celebrate the birthday of Jesus. While there, they took an offering for the Orphan's Home, collecting $10.60. (It's quite interesting that in our present day, Christmas has become a time to get. Years ago, it seems members were more concerned with what they could give to help those less fortunate.) 27
In the new year, the leadership of the church began an effort to locate all church members. Preacher Helton appointed a committee of L. J. Moore, A. J. Stoner, and J. H. Teague to make a report of the members that belong to Zion Hill Baptist Church. One report would be for members no one could locate. Another report would be for those who were walking disorderly or who were unfaithful to the church. A final report would list those faithful to the church. The names of the people they couldn't locate seem to have been erased from the membership roll as membership dropped from 267 in 1926 to 182 in 1927. Sunday School enrollment, however, increased to 150; Elijah Turner was superintendent. 28
In the 1920's, Zion Hill and Sevier County were not isolated from events taking place across the state. One of the hottest topics of discussion at the time was the Scopes Monkey Trial in Dayton, Tennessee. In 1925, the Tennessee legislature made it illegal to teach any theory contrary to creation as recorded in the Bible in Genesis. When the American Civil Liberties Union offered counsel to any Tennessee teacher who would test the law, John T. Scopes, a high school biology teacher, volunteered. He lectured from Charles Darwin's evolution theory in his classroom, was arrested, and brought to trial. The "monkey trial" as it was called, caused a great stir throughout the United States. Scopes was convicted for violating the law, but the Tennessee Supreme Court reversed the decision, and the law's constitutionality was left untested. The law remained on the books until 1967. 29
To address this issue, a resolution was passed at the associational meeting in 1926: "Be it resolved by the Sevier Association, that we will not aid any College, University or Seminary with our money or patronage that is not free from the taint of Evolution." Such was the feeling of Zion Hill's membership. 30
Church members also favored the Prohibition Amendment to the Constitution. They believed liquor by the drink was morally wrong, and now a law made it illegal to "manufacture, sale or transport ... intoxicating liquors ... for beverage purposes." Prohibition did not stop the sale of liquor completely, but it did make it harder for people to purchase. Prohibition was repealed in 1933 and the church has continued to fight battles over local liquor sales. This issue has surfaced many times through the years. 31
In the 1920's, four men in the church with remarkabe singing voices came together to form a quartet. They were Edd Ballard, Ernest Conner, Roy Ingle and Oscar Shelley. They called themselves the Smoky Mountain Quartet. Their beautiful harmonies blessed those who heard them, be it at Zion Hill or at singing conventions held once a month in area churches. They also sang for numerous funerals and other special occasions all around the area, including performances on WNOX, a popular radio station in Knoxville. 32
In 1927, Preacher Helton graduated from Harrison-Chilhowee. He left the church a couple of months later. At its annual call in 1927, the membership selected Rev. J. H. (James Hubert) Blair. This was the first of four pastorates he served at Zion Hill. Preacher Blair was born August 26, 1889, to Mack and Martha Blair. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry July 20, 1918. He was married to Nancy Jane Reed and had eight children (see endnotes for children). 33
While he was pastor at Zion Hill, the church continued to meet the third Saturday and Sunday of the month, with services morning and night. During his time at the churchl, Blair led the church to take missions offerings on a regular basis to be given to the Cooperative Program. In June 1931, he encouraged the membership to join with other churches in the association to take a special offering for Mountain Schools on Educational Day. The gifts were divided among Chilhowee Institute, Smoky Mountain Academy, and Cosby Academy. 34
Preacher Blair was at Zion Hill at a time when preachers were often called by more than one church. Blair preached almost every Sunday in 1931, being called by four churches. He preached at Gist's Creek on the first Sunday of the month, at Shiloh on the second, at Zion Hill on the third, and at Knob Creek on the fourth. In 1933, Preacher Blair baptized 23 at Zion Hill. Membership continued to swell to 265 in 1935, the year he left the church. (It appears that many of the names which had been taken off the church role were now back in the books.) His salary in 1933 at Zion Hill was $200.00 a year. 35
After Preacher Blair, the members called Floyd Langston to pastor Zion Hill. On preaching week-ends, he came from his home in Knoxville to the Zion Hill community with his wife Della and their six children (see endnotes for children). He would spend the night with a family in the church, often staying with the Otis Baker, Bruce Reed, or other church family. Church leaders he worked with were: Sunday School Superintendent, Roy Galyon, assistant, Winfred Norton; Sunday School Secretary, Esta Galyon, assistant, Alice Conner; Treasurer, Winfred McCarter. Sunday School Teachers: Card Class, Mrs. Nelson Cutshaw; Primary, Mrs. Matt Rogers; Juniors, Mrs. Winfred McCarter; Intermediates, Mr. Winfred McCarter; Young Women's Class, Mrs. Roy Galyon; Young Men, Mayford Galyon; Adult Women, Mrs. Winfred Norton, Adult Men, W. R. Conner. The Church Clerk was W. R. Conner and the Chorister, Roy Ingle. 36
On October 17, 1936, Langston appointed a committee to explore the need for additional Sunday School rooms. The committee consisted of Otis Baker, W. R. Conner, and Winfred Norton. Even though the extra space may have been needed, no construction was begun. The building committee was released at the December business meeting. 37
On November 29, 1936, the Church ordained Roy Galyon and W.R. Conner to be deacons of Zion Hill Baptist Church. Roy's brother, Holmes Galyon, brought the ordination message. Later, the church ordained four more men they deemed worthy to be deacons: Otis Baker, Oscar Galyon, Winfred Norton, and Bruce Reed. 38
In 1937, Langston appointed a committee to inquire about purchasing a piano for the church. At the time, the congregation sang with the accompaniment of a pump organ played by Mrs. Roy Ingle. Children at the time can remember being fascinated by her constant movement pumping the organ pedals with both feet. That was necessary to keep air flowing to make the sounds from the stops she would pull. Even though no records have been found about the purchase of a piano, on April 30, 1939, the treasurer reported paying $3.00 to get the piano tuned; and, when the church burned, members saved a piano. 39
After Langston's resignation, Rev. J. H. Blair was called to pastor once again at the August business meeting. His salary was set at $300.00 preaching half-time. Church officers elected to serve with him were: Roy Galyon, Sunday School Superintendent; Winfred Norton, Assistant; Winfred McCarter, Treasurer. Preacher Blair stayed one year and during that time the Sunday School enrollment reached 182, an increase of 100 in a ten-year period. The Sunday School was meeting every Sunday, even though preaching services were only held twice a month. 40
On April 10, 1938, the church held a special business session for the purpose of calling a pastor. The pulpit committee, consisting of the deacons, recommended Rev. Will Weaver and he was elected for half time, 2nd and 4th Sundays. The vote was unanimous. He was to serve until August, 1939, when the annual call would be made again. The church set his salary at $300.00 a year. He and his wife made the trip from their home in Newport to minister to the church family twice a month. 41
Wherever Weaver pastored, the churches experienced periods of incredible growth. In 1912, he preached a revival at New Salem Baptist Church and had 60 make professions of faith. Because of this revival, New Salem had to build a new church building to accommodate all of the new members. Ten years later, Weaver was called by Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church in Newport. He baptized 49 into the church in 1924. He was a powerful and influential preacher. Instead of Weaver bringing in an outsider to hold the annual revival in 1938, he preached the church's annual revival in September himself. There were 18 additions to the church; membership spiraled to 300. Later, he invited Rev. Freeman Baker to hold a revival at Zion Hill and many were saved. 42
Weaver came to Zion Hill with a strong commitment to Christian education. He had been a trustee of the Cosby Academy, one of the mountain schools supported for many years by Sevier County Baptists. The school's curriculum was made up of a 12-year course of study with one year's work counting toward college requirements. Weaver was proud of the fact that at least 90% of the student body was saved and became church members before leaving the school. Every student graduated with a rudimentary knowledge of the Bible. Unfortunately, the school was closed in 1936, a casualty of the Depression. The Association could no longer afford to finance the school. 43
On February 11, 1939, Weaver led the church to begin taking an offering on the second Sunday of the month specifically for missions. Members of the church also started giving an offering in honor of their birthday which was given to support the Tennessee Baptist Orphan's Home. 44
At its November 26, 1939, business meeting, the membership voted to put a furnace under the church. The cost of the furnace with all the equipment and a 20-year guarantee was $83.00. A committee of Otis Baker, W. R. Conner, Mrs. Matt Rogers, Winfred Norton, and W. H. Pitner was appointed to look into financing the furnace. Interestingly, in April 1940, a member seemed a little uneasy about the furnace and asked about increasing insurance on the church. On May 12, 1940, it was reported that an insurance policy worth $2,000.00 had been taken out by the trustees: Otis Baker, Boyd Clark, Nelson Cutshaw, and Winfred Norton. 45
Weaver left Zion Hill on strong spiritual footing. During the past twenty years, members had faced the possibility of church discipline if walking with the world. They had lived through the Great Depression of the 1930's, not suffering as many in the country since they lived on farms and were self-sufficient. Now their attention was being drawn toward world changing events. Throughout this time, members may have felt as the Psalmist when he wrote, "And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting." (Psalm 139:24). The membership would depend on the Lord for leadership during the trying years ahead.
Endnotes Chapter Four
1. Atchley Family, p. 53; [S.C. Atchley died at the age of 84 in May 23, 1954. Atchley's children were: Claude, Nannie, Ida, Ruby, Mary and Gene.]
2. 1920 and 1924 Associational Minutes. Carr, Isaac Newton, History of Carson-Newman College, 1959 p. 317.
3. Ibid.
4. Hood, John O. History of the Chilhowee Baptist Association (hereafter Chilhowee Baptist Association), 1970, p. vii. 1920 Association Minutes. Minutes of Zion Hill Baptist Church (hereafter Minutes), Eli Baker, church clerk; William F. Hall, Sr., A Venture of Faith, History of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy, 1980, p. 317.
5. Ibid. Chilhowee Baptist Association, p. vii.
6. Ibid.
7. Ibid. 1920 Associational Minutes. Minutes, Eli Baker, church clerk.
8. Ibid. Gentle Winds, p. 153.
9. Minutes.
10. Ibid.
11. Gentle Winds, p. 153.
12. Minutes.
13. Minutes. Chilhowee Baptist Association, p. 118. [Hood pastored for over 35 years, mostly in the Chilhowee Association. He died March 25, 1976, and was buried at Grandview Cemetery. (Information from Olene Cagle). Conversation with Mildred Davis, October 14, 1998.
14. Minutes, Eli Baker, Church clerk.
15. Oct., 1922, Minutes, W. B. Clark, Church clerk. Feb., 1923, Minutes, W. B. Clark, Church clerk.
16. June, 1923, Minutes, W. B. Clark, Church clerk.
17. Aug., 1923, Minutes, W. B. Clark, Church clerk. 1923 Associational Minutes.
18. Feb., 1924, Minutes, Oscar Shelley, Church Clerk. Letter from Susan Hawk, Director of Records, Carson-Newman College, May 5, 1998.
19. July, 1924, Minutes, Oscar Shelley, Church clerk.
20. Aug., 1924, Minutes, Oscar Shelley, Church clerk. Blount County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage, pp. 21, 35. [C.D. Martin was selected as the first associational missionary of the Chilhowee Baptist Association. He was instrumental in establishing churches in the association including Broadway Baptist and Springview Baptist.] History of Shiloh, p. 6.
21. Minutes, Oscar Shelley, Church clerk. 1924 & 1925 Associational minutes.
22. Annual of the Southern Baptist Convention, John L. Yeats, Recording Secretary, 1999, p. 569.
23. Oct., 1924, Minutes, Oscar Shelley, Church clerk.
24. Sept., 1925, Minutes, L. J. Moore, Church clerk.
25. Oct., 1925, Minutes, L. J. Moore, Church clerk.
26. Dec., 1925, Minutes, L. J. Moore, Church clerk.
27. Jan., 1926, Minutes, L. J. Moore, Church clerk.
28. Tennessee Blue Book, p. 396.
29. Associational Minutes.
30. Tennessee Blue Book, 395.
31. Conversation with [blank].
32. Sept. 1927 Minutes, W.R. Conner, Church clerk. [Blair's children: Theodore, Goerge, Luther, James, Frank, Buford, Mrs. Jim Galyon, Mrs. Bradford (Elizabeth) Carroll. Blair died Feb. 11, 1969, and was buried at Boyd's Creek Cemetery.]
33. 1931 Associational Minutes.
34. Ibid. 1933 Associational Minutes.
35. Zion Hill Records. 1936 Associational Minutes. Minutes, W. R. Conner, Church clerk.
36. Minutes.
37. Minutes.
38. Minutes.
39. Ibid. Associational minutes.
40. Minutes.
41. Cocke County Heritage.
42. Ibid.
43. Minutes.
44. Minutes.
Chapter 5: A Time to Replant -- 1940-1955
A new decade was ushered in with members of the church focusing much of their attention on war news in Europe and the wiles of an evil dictator. The world was engaged in war and many at Zion Hill worried that their sons would become involved. In August 1940, during this time of anxiety, the church welcomed a former pastor, Rev. J. L. Helton, to pastor. Since his first ministry at Zion Hill, Preacher Helton had married and had five children (see endnotes for more). Because of the war, Helton would face five difficult years as a minister. 1
Helton was assisted in leading the church by the following officers and teachers: Church Clerk, Bruce Reed; Treasurer, Winford Norton; Secretary, Ermal Ballard; Choir Leader, Roy Ingle; Pianist, Mrs. Roy Ingle; Janitor, Mayford Galyon; Sunday School Superintendent, Arthur Moore; Card Class, Scytha Norton; Primary, Martha Galyon; Junior, Johnnie Ballard; Intermediate, Vola Johnson; Young Ladies, Mrs. Matt Rogers; Young Men, Winfred McCarter; Adult Ladies, Mrs. Roy Ingle; Adult Men, Otis Baker. 2
Soon after Preacher Helton began his pastorate, he held a baptismal service August 25, 1940, at the water's edge near James Teague's house. Those baptized were: Opal Baker, James Bales, Paul Bales, LeeRoy Blalock, Jewel Galyon, Carl Johnson, Bill Moore, Reba Ogle, and Jack Rogers. They were all given the right hand of church fellowship that Sunday night. 3
Preacher Helton welcomed the Sevier County Association of Baptists for their 55th annual meeting, September 10, 1940. It had been 20 years since Zion Hill had hosted the annual meeting. J. A. Kyker served as Moderator for the three-day session, and Zion Hill's own Roy Ingle led the music for the entire meeting. Messengers from Zion Hill were Ermal Ballard, W. R. Conner, M. M. Hatcher, Tilford Rogers, and Jake Russell. No longer did members of the congregation keep the messengers in their homes. Most had transportation to travel home at night; however, members were responsible for the noontime meal. Before the meeting began, a committee of Mrs. Otis Baker, Mrs. Nelson Cutshaw, Mrs. Roy Ingle, and Mrs. Winfred McCarter had been appointed to be responsible for the meal. To help them in their preparation, a table committee of Arthur Moore, Winfred Norton, and Bruce Reed was also appointed. When lunchtime at the annual meeting came, everything was ready and waiting outside for the messengers. 4
In 1941, Zion Hill hosted an associational Sunday School meeting. The meeting was well attended and participants discussed eight subjects: 1. The Superintendent and His Problems; 2. The Qualifications of a Sunday School Teacher; 3. The Value of a Soul; 4. How to Win a Lost Soul to Christ; 5. Enlistment; 6. Holding What We've Got; 7. The Effect of Sunday School on My Life; 8. Growth of the Sunday School. At the time, Zion Hill's Sunday School was prospering with 182 enrolled. Arthur Moore was superintendent. 5
Later in the year, after news of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, December 7, 1941, Preacher Helton's ministry faced a different challenge. As news of the attack spread through the community, church members were shocked and saddened that the United States had been pulled into World War II. One by one, Helton prayed with young men and their families as men from the church family left for war. Most boarded trains in Knoxville for the trip to Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia, the induction center for East Tennessee. There the men were given physical examinations. Some of the men from the church failed their physicals and were sent back home to work for the war effort. Men who passed the physicals were assigned to military bases all over the country. 6
During the next four years, men from Zion Hill were actively engaged in World War II. They were deployed to battlefields all over the world: Europe, North Africa and the Pacific. Their wives usually remained home to care for children or went to work outside the home for the first time in a wartime industry. Some women went to work at ALCOA, others at the Standard Knitting Mill. Life was changing as the family and community began moving from a self-sufficient existence to more dependence on others. 7
In 1943, attention shifted from war news to the homefront when a tragedy rocked Zion Hill. On February 14, after members of the church went home from the morning worship service, they learned of a fire at the church. The furnace malfunctioned, and the 32-year-old wooden building went up in flames. Several members of the congregation gathered to salvage what they could. Others just stood and watched and cried. They felt helpless watching the church building burn. The church clerk noted in the minutes, "February 14, 1943, This was the last time to meet in the church. About 2:15 the church was on fire and about 3 o'clock burned down." 8
Although the building was destroyed, the family of believers came together the very next Sunday afternoon, February 21, meeting at the Zion Hill Schoolhouse. The service was recorded in the minutes: "First, a song Amazing Grace, then a prayer was prayed, then the pastor read the Scripture lesson taken from the 11 chapter of Hebrews. The church was declared in order for business. First, a motion that the Zion Hill church start to lay plans to rebuild a new church as our church was burnt down on the 14 day of Feb. 1943. A motion and it sustained that the church be placed back on same ground and near about where we once worshiped then a motion and it sustained that the moderator appoint a committee of three to take the lead in the building of a new church. Those appointed were Otis Baker, W. R. Conner, and W. H. Pitner. Then a motion made that the moderator appoint a financial committee to consist of every member of Zion Hill Church. That committee was condensed and included Winford McCarter, Chairman, Bruce Reed, Boyd Clark, Mayford Galyon, Mrs. John H. Moore, Hubert Cutshaw, Johnnie Ballard, Buena Ballard, W.A. Galyon, Mrs. Mattie Rogers, Vola Johnson, Mrs. Edd Ballard, Scytha Norton, Edd Baker, Miss Beulah Carr, Miss Alice Conner, Paul Galyon, Kenneth Galyon, Arthur Moore, M. M. Hatcher, and Sister Nannie Ingle. A motion and it sustained that the Building Committee be authorized to look into the kind of building they like best, the price, and report to the church. Those in the session asked that the building be constructed out of brick or stone. Then a motion to adjourn. Prayer by Rev. C. D. Martin, Rev. J. L. Helton, Moderator, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk" The church family was united in the rebuilding process. 9
On March 21, 1943, Zion Hill Church was called in session to hear the report of the Building Fund committee. "Report as follows: Building be built to specification plan of brick with a complete job total expense of the church to be around $9,218.00. The report was accepted by the church, and the committee granted the contract to H. L. DeWitt, Alcoa, Tennessee." 10
Winfred McCarter served as Chairman of the finance committee and also treasurer for the rebuilding effort. He kept meticulous records of every gift given, from five cents to hundreds of dollars. Churches, businesses, and individuals contributed to the rebuilding effort. Among them: Antioch, Byerly's Chapel, Cedar Grove, Dotson Memorial, Dupont, East Maryville, Ellejoy, Forest Hill, Gist's Creek, Piney Level, Pleasant Hill Methodist, Providence, Sevier Heights, Shiloh, Sugar Loaf, Atchley Funeral Home, Henderson Brothers, Hollywood Studio, K. Rawlings & Co., Lee's Drug Store, Robertson Brothers & Sharp, and Standard Knitting Employees. Several preachers also donated money: Reverends S. C. Atchley, J. H. Blair, S. C. Buckner, Joel Carr, S. H. Clark, Floyd Long, Charles Martin, W. E. Watson, Sam White, and O. W. Taylor, Editor of the Baptist and Reflector, the state Baptist newspaper. [Contributors listed in Appendix.] 11
Construction of the new church building began with digging into the top of the hill for a basement for the new church. Men from the church gathered at the site with their scoops and mules to begin the rebuilding process. The first step was preparing the foundation, pouring a concrete floor, and constructing block walls. Men in the church did what work they could to save as much money on their new building as possible. Their hard work paid off. In a little over five months after the church burned, members met in the newly constructed basement of the church building for services on the fourth Sunday in August, 1943. The message was brought by Rev. S. C. Buckner of Cleveland, Tennessee. 12
Members began to think not only about the new building but also some supplies for it. At the July 10, 1943, business meeting, the congregation appointed a committee to buy new hymnals and requested they be "stiff-backed" books. Until this time, the congregation sang from paper back songbooks. With this suggestion in mind, the committee ordered hard-back Broadman Hymnals. 13
Work continued on the church building. The building committee decided the outside of the church should be made of material that would not burn easily. Red brick was chosen. The inside walls were of plaster with wood trim. The sanctuary was large enough to seat 300 and was aesthetically pleasing with hardwood floors, green stained glass windows, and oaken pews. The floor plan was designed with a long pew in the center with shorter pews on either side making two aisles. There was space in the back of the sanctuary and in the basement for eight Sunday School classrooms. There was a new belfry and a new bell donated by the W. R. Conner family. 14
The sanctuary was completed and paid for in full December 6, 1943. The cost of the building was $8,551.54, the pews an additional $1,167.46, for a total of $9,922.81. The church held a dedicatory service April 30, 1944. Preacher Helton, along with the preparation committee of Rev. J.L. Carr, Boyd Clark, Roy Ingle, and Bruce Reed, asked former pastors to come for a special service to dedicate the beautiful new brick church on the hill. Those who took part in the morning service were Rev. Sam Atchley, Rev. S. H. Clark, and Rev. J. Harold Smith. An old-fashioned covered dish lunch was prepared by the ladies. Many members remember woven wire stretched between saw horses for tables outside between the trees. After lunch, Rev. W. E. Conner preached the Dedication Sermon. Rev. C. D. Martin spoke, then the closing prayer was led by Rev. Sam Atchley. 15
Three weeks later, the joy felt by members over a new building being dedicated was turned to sadness. On May 23, 1944, Preacher Helton's nine-month-old son, Horace Keith Helton, passed away. He was born August 17, 1943. The church supported Preacher and Mrs. Helton during this sad time of the death of their youngest son and through his burial at Shiloh Baptist Church Cemetery. 16
The new sanctuary had a special feature hanging at the front commemorating the sacrifice members were making for their country. It was a flag which served as a reminder to members to pray for their fellow church members who were in World War II. The flag was white with a red border and blue stars embroidered with the names of the men from the church involved in World War II. The men whose names were embroidered on the flag: Beecher Baker, Buford Baker, Reese Baker, Paul Bales, Roy Bales, Joe Carr, Ralph Carr, Dot Caughorn, Carl Conner, Lee Cown, James Cummings, Opal Cummings, Sherman Cummings, Frank Davis, Julius England, Pitner Galyon, W. A. Galyon, Earl Gibson, Zach Gibson, Andrew Graves, Johnnie Green, Eckard Hatcher, Arthur Helton, Clyde Helton, Oscar Helton, Willie Helton, Gilbert Ingle, Roy Ingle, Jr., James Johnson, Theron Johnson, Charles Manis, Frank Manis, Johnnie Manis, Ernest McMahon, James McMahon, Bill Moore, Frank Moore, Henry Moore, Wallace Moore, Roy Norton, Paul Pitner, Allen Ramsey, Carl Reed, Ermal Rogers, Eugene Rogers, Herman Rogers, Homer Rogers, Reo Rogers, Kenneth Stoner, Ernest Turner, Lloyd Turner, Paul Turner, and Bill Webb. (Names are spelled as they appear on the flag.) These men received a pocket New Testament from the church before they left for war. 17
Often men in the war and far from home turned to religion for comfort. With new, often horrifying experiences daily, they realized a need to turn their hearts to God for the strength they needed to endure war time. During the war, Preacher Helton received a letter from a chaplain in France stating he had baptized Johnnie Green on the battlefield and that Green wanted to join Zion Hill Baptist Church. Preacher Helton brought the matter before the church in October, 1944, and the church voted to accept Green as a member. 18
To aid in the war effort in another way, members took an offering for the Red Cross in 1944 and received $59.56. The Red Cross was active countywide knitting and sewing for servicemen. Occasionally, they notified families when a loved one was killed in the war. Preacher Helton ministered to four church families when the sad news of death arrived, Baker, Graves, Helton, and Manis. Their sons or husbands had been killed in the war. Each time, the news was heart-wrenching. Nothing could prepare families for the dreaded news and reality of never seeing their loved ones come home. To honor these casualties of war, the flag at the front of the church had gold stars embroidered with the names of those killed: Reece Baker, Andrew Graves, Clyde Helton, and Frank Manis. 19
During wartime, Zion Hill began holding weekly Wednesday night prayer meetings. Members may have felt like they were doing little for the war effort, but they could pray for their loved ones and friends involved in the war. Often these services were led by young people in the church. The Lord's work continued even though there was a world crisis. On May 13, 1944, the church observed the Lord's Supper. The observance of the Lord's Supper was not unusual; the church observed the ordinance regularly. What made this one special was that Rev. Helton asked two of his fellow preachers, Rev. J. L. Carr and Rev. Holmes Galyon, to assist him in the service that morning. As usual, the deacons served the membership. At that time, one of the deacon's wives made the bread without leaven and each member pulled off a piece from the loaf. Members also passed a large juice-filled cup; all of the members drank from the same cup. 20
In August 1944, Rev. Tommy Roberts of Third Creek Baptist Church preached the annual revival. Children attending Zion Hill School were lined up and marched to the morning revival services. During the revival, 15 people made professions of faith and were baptized in the creek below Charlie Clark's house on Happy Creek. The next year, Rev. J. Harold Smith preached the revival. Soon afterwards, Preacher Helton left the church. 21
With men coming home from war and reestablishing themselves, church members anticipated life getting back to normal, and in 1946, called Roy Arwood to pastor. He was selected by secret ballot. Arwood was born July 5, 1918, to John and Adra Arwood. He was married to Lois Reagan and had two daughters, Judy and Freddie Sue. Arwood was ordained by Union Valley Baptist Church. Throughout his ministry, the Lord used Arwood to start churches. Before he came to Zion Hill, he had helped organize Bell's Chapel Baptist Church. He stayed at Zion Hill one year but had an effective ministry, baptizing 14 and seeing church membership reach 323. 22
Rev. Arwood was followed in the pastorate by Rev. J. H. Blair. He was called in July, 1947. Other church leadership at the time included Theron Johnson, Sunday School Superintendent; Mayford Galyon, church treasurer; and Bruce Reed, Jr., church clerk. In February, 1947, Zion Hill began to move into the modern era with a $5.00 deposit to the Sevier County Electric System to get on line for electricity. The church would need to be wired before the congregation could enjoy the convenience of electric lights. 23
On July 27, 1947, Theron Johnson informed the church that the Lord had called him to preach the gospel. Membership for the church peaked in 1948 when the church reported 339 members. (It would take 40 years for the church to surpass that number.) The Sunday School average attendance was 144. At that time, the church continued to meet two week-ends a month, the second and fourth. 24
In October 1948, the membership took an offering to pay for a ton of hay for the Orphan's Home. Many women in the church also canned vegetables to give to the Tennessee Baptist Orphan's Home. In March 1950, the membership voted to continue to give money from the birthday bank to the Orphan's Home. 25
The year 1949 saw Zion Hill usher in a couple of firsts for the church, Vacation Bible School and Training Union. From July 12-22, the church had a mission led Vacation Bible School. It was supervised by Gladys Longly of the Tennessee Baptist Sunday School Department. Later in the year, Zion Hill organized a Training Union and chose Winfred McCarter the first director. The enrollment for Training Union for the first year totalled 109 with an average attendance of 77. 26
On November 6, 1949, Zion Hill ordained Theron Johnson into the Gospel ministry. According to church minutes, "Preacher Blair was elected Moderator; Bruce Reed, Clerk; Bro Luther Clark was to preach the sermon; Bro J. L. Helton was to question the candidate; Bro. Millard Reed was to give the charge to the church; Bro Jenkins was to give the charge to the candidate; Bro. N. C. Warren was to present the Bible to the candidate; and Bro. Glenn Whaley was to have the ordination prayer. Then the laying on of hands was to take place, and Mrs. Johnson would be asked to join Theron for a time of hand-shaking." (Those who made up the Presbytery are listed in the endnotes.) He was called by Shiloh to begin his first pastorate later that year. 27
In December, 1949, the church set aside three men they believed worthy for ordination as deacons, W. A. Galyon, John H. Moore, and Clyde Ownby. They were ordained January 8, 1950, and joined Otis Baker, Boyd Clark, W. R. Conner, Oscar Galyon, M. M. Hatcher, Winford Norton, and Bruce Reed as deacons of Zion Hill. 28
On September 3, 1950, the church elected Sunday School officers and teachers for the new year: Superintendent, John H. Moore; Assistant, Winfred McCarter; Church Clerk, Ernest McMahan; Assistant, Boyd Clark; Treasurer, Clyde Ownby; Assistant, W. A. Galyon; Choir Leader, W. A. Galyon; Assistant, Paul Carr; Pianist, Mary Ingle; Assistant, Velma Reed; Secretary, Zelma Reed; Assistant, Ted McCarter; Card Class, Scytha Norton; Assistant, Bettie Ballard; Primary Class, Juanita Graves; Assistant, Mrs. Oscar Galyon; Junior Boys, Clyde Ownby; Assistant, Posie Moore; Junior Girls, Mrs. Homer Rogers; Assistant, Reba Ogle; Class No. 5 Mayford Galyon; Assistant, Winfred Norton; Class No. 6 Mrs. Roy Ingle; Assistant, Marjorie Galyon; Class No. 7 Kenneth Galyon; Assistant, Paul Carr; Class No. 8 Lela McCarter; Assistant, Fay Pitner; Class No. 9 Winfred McCarter; 1 Assistant, Paul Galyon; 2 Assistant, W. A. Galyon; Class No. 10 Mrs. Nelson Cutshaw; Assistant, Dorothy Johnson; Class No. 11 Otis Baker; Assistant, Earl Householder; Class No. 12 Ruby Graves; Assistant, Mrs. Paul Galyon; Flower Girls for the church: Mrs. Scytha Norton, Mrs. Hubert Cutshaw. 29
One of the larger Sunday School classes at the time was Class No. 9, Winfred McCarter, teacher. Class records included the following enrollment: Beecher Baker, Buford Baker, Roscoe Benson, LeeRoy Blalock, S. M. Blalock, Lewis Byrd, Bruce Carr, Ralph Carr, Gene Chambers, E. P. Clark, Hubert Cutshaw, W. R. Cutshaw, Frank Davis, W. R. DeLozier, Lem England, Paul Galyon, Perry Galyon, W. A. Galyon, John Hugh Graves, Lee Hatcher, Rube Hatcher, Bill Helton, Landis Ingle, Carl Johnson, Verlis Martin, Billy Matthews, Ernest McMahan, Author Moore, Frank Moore, Posie Moore, Howard Pitner, Allen Ramsey, Carl Reed, Dexter Reed, H. M. Reed, Bennie Rogers, Clyde Rogers, Ermal Rogers, Eugene Rogers, Herman Rogers, Homer Rogers, Kenneth Stoner, Ralph Teague, Ernest Turner, and Lloyd Turner. Officers for the class were Allen Ramsey, Treasurer; W. R. DeLozier, Secretary, Ralph Carr, assistant; Mission Committee: Allen Ramsey, W. A. Galyon, Ernest McMahan. 30
The church's annual revival that year was preached by Rev. Clell King. The Lord added 15 new believers to the church. With the church continuing to grow, the congregation voted to enlarge the church building. Preacher Blair appointed a building committee to investigate the best way to add Sunday School classrooms. Nothing was constructed at that time. 31
From 1950 to 1953, the United States became involved in another conflict to stop the spread of communism in East Asia. Again, men from the church answered the call to serve their country, some being sent to Korea. They were Theodore Benson, Bruce Carr, Paul Carr, Darrell Galyon, Mayford Galyon, Jr., Darrell Householder, Gerald Householder, Landis Ingle, Edward Johnson, Stearl Johnson, Bob McCarter, Ted McCarter, and Garland Rogers. Thanks be to God, they all came home safely. 32
On the fourth Sunday in July, 1951, the church voted to begin Vacation Bible School ("VBS"). Preacher Blair appointed Lela McCarter and Marjorie Rogers to secure help as needed for the Bible School. VBS lasted two weeks, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending at noon daily. It was a special time of Bible study and Bible verse memorization. It was also a time when teachers taught their students about the Bible, including the books of the Bible. Everyday, they also taught stories about missionaries and their work both at home and around the world. 33
In 1952, an officer was elected who would serve the church for over 30 years. That officer was Bennie Rogers who was elected janitor. He and his wife Esta served as a team thoroughly cleaning the church, quietly and conscientiously. They loved the Lord and saw this as their way of service. They were faithful to fill their place every Sunday morning and night and Wednesday night, as long as they were physically able. In their later years, many times when they did not feel well enough to be in church, they were in their place doing what the church had chosen them to do. They were a remarkable example of dedicated service to the Lord! 34
Also in 1952, Zion Hill held a baptismal service on a Sunday afternoon at the First Baptist Church, Sevierville. The service began with a time of singing and devotions before the baptizing. At that time, Zion Hill did not have a baptistry and, when it became too cold to utilize the creek or other outdoor facility, they would ask a sister church if they could baptize there. Churches were cordial and welcoming in their response. Once, Zion Hill baptized in the pool at Harrison-Chilhowee. 35
As was the custom, the annual Thanksgiving service in 1952 was held Thanksgiving morning. The special sermon was brought by the pastor, Rev. J. H. Blair. A collection was taken for the Orphan's Home before members returned home. 36
In 1953, the church voted to let the last Sunday in August be the close of the church and associational year, instead of the last Sunday in September. The church also voted to give 10% of each Sunday's offering to the Cooperative Program. Prior to this vote, special offerings were taken Sunday mornings for the Cooperative Program. 37
From time to time, Zion Hill welcomed ministerial students attending Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy to preach. The men were in Bible class and preacher training there. One such guest preacher was Rev. Robert Bushyhead, a Cherokee Indian who attended the academy. He not only preached but he also brought along his family who provided special music for the morning service. 38
After serving the church for seven years, Preacher Blair resigned. In late 1953, Zion Hill called Glenn Brooks to pastor while he was a student at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. He graduated in 1954 and left the church to continue his education. He took his wife Laura and son Robbie to Nashville, where he enrolled in Belmont College. 39
Also in 1954, one of Zion Hill's deacons, W. A. Galyon, announced his call to preach. He preached his first sermon at Zion Hill August 29, 1954, and was licensed by the church October 5, 1954. 40
In October, the membership called Alvie Rogers to pastor. This was his first pastorate. He was born December 9, 1922, to W. L. and Lillie Rogers. He was married to Lucille Howard and had two children, Charles and Evelyn. He was ordained by Cades Cove Memorial Baptist Church, Maryville. He was the first full-time preacher Zion Hill had, preaching every Sunday. He was also the first pastor to move onto the church field. His salary arrangement was unusual. On the second and fourth Sundays, his salary was $50.00. On the first, third, and fifth Sundays, a free-will offering was taken for him. This plan did not work well; so, after a couple of months, the church set his salary at $60.00 per week. The church voted to discontinue the second Saturday meeting and have the business meeting the second Wednesday night of each month. The church also voted to raise the janitor's salary from $7.00 a week to $10.00, $520.00 a year. 41
Rogers had a dynamic ministry at Zion Hill, baptizing 20 in 1955. The Sunday School average attendance was 183 with Superintendent, W. R. DeLozier, and Training Union averaged 94 with Director, Rex DeLozier. In 1955, the church established a Woman's Missionary Union. Mrs. Paul Galyon was elected the first president. An interesting story was related that Preacher Rogers opposed the Woman's Missionary Society because of the word "society." However, he welcomed the same organization when it changed its name to the Woman's Missionary Union. The church also had an active Brotherhood with Ermal Ballard as president. Under the leadership of Preacher Rogers and the mission organizations, the church gave $404.33 to missions in 1955. 42
On July 3, 1955, the church met at 2:30 p.m. for the purpose of ordaining W. A. Galyon into the gospel ministry. The Presbytery was composed of Rev. Alvie Rogers and Rev. Samuel Melton; deacons from Zion Hill: Otis Baker, Oscar Galyon (W. A.'s father), John Moore, and W. H. Norton, and deacons from Shiloh: Lige Garner, James Gilbert, John Helton, Jake Loposser, and Sam Webb. Rev. Samuel Melton from Alder Branch asked questions, then gave the charge to the candidate and the church. Otis Baker presented Galyon with a Bible. Sam Webb of Shiloh led the Ordination prayer. Rev. Alvie Rogers served as moderator and J. H. Moore, clerk. Galyon's first pastorate was at Shiloh. 43
More and more the church was realizing the need for additional space so the congregation voted to enlarge the entire facility. The building committee gave the contract to Fred McMahan to add a "T" to the church. [McMahan was a prominent African-American builder in Sevierville.] The total cost of the project was not to exceed $27,775.00. Work began in late summer 1955. The church also voted to increase the pastor's salary $10.00 a week to $70.00. 44
In the midst of the church booming and the decision to enlarge the church, Preacher Rogers was tragically killed in an automobile accident in October, 1955. Members could hardly believe the sad news of the death of the young 32-year-old minister they had grown to love and revere. John Huston Moore wrote in the church minutes the following details: "Bro. Alvie Rogers, our pastor, was killed in an automobile accident, October 7, 1955, on Chapman Highway near Uncle Labe Latham's place, Friday, October 7, around 5:00 P.M. and Atchley of Sevierville was called and he was taken to the Baptist Hospital in Knoxville. Funeral services were held Monday, October 10, 1955, at Zion Hill Baptist Church at 2:30 P.M. Funeral was conducted by Rev. James Tilley, Rev. I. C. Frazier, and Rev. [Sam] Watson. Burial in Forest Hill Cemetery in Blount County. Rev. Rogers accepted the church on October 10, 1954, and was buried October 10, 1955, the date from time he accepted church until death, one year. John Houston Moore, Church Clerk." 45
Some members remembered the black plastic that hung at the end of the old sanctuary during Preacher Rogers' funeral at the church. Construction on the new addition had begun. The wall between the old sanctuary and the new building had been torn out, and plastic hung while the roofs were being connected. The black plastic seemed appropriate for such a dark, sad day in the life of the church family. Rogers only served one year, but God rewarded his efforts with many souls saved and the membership growing. He accomplished more in one year than some pastors in a lifetime of preaching! 46
As members remembered Rogers, their thoughts often turned to the Scripture where Jesus shared the story of talents recorded in Matthew. He said to the servant who doubled his talents, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things. I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the Lord" (Matt. 25:21). It seemed to fit the situation at hand.
Endnotes for Chapter 5
{Important: The empty endnotes below were blank in the original document provided to the Webmistress for uploading here.}
1. His future wife Lela Clark was saved in August, 1922, and baptized into the fellowship of Shiloh Baptist Church. She was the daughter of C. L. and Oma Houser Clark. They married in October, 1928, a year after Preacher Helton left Zion Hill. They had five children: Clark, Carroll, Mary Frances, Wanda Faye, and Darlene. Preacher Helton went home to be with the Lord July 31, 1979.
2. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, August 25, 1940, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk.
3. Ibid.
4.
5. Sevier County Baptist Associational Minutes, 1941, p. 13.
6.
7.
8. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, February 14, 1943, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk.
9. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, February 21, 1943, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk.
10. Church member remembrances. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, March 21, 1943, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk.
11. Log of gifts noted by Winfred McCarter.
12.
13.
14.
15.
16.
17. Flag from World War II hanging in Zion Hill Baptist Church.
18.
19.
20. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, May 13, 1944, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, November 6, 1949, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk. Shiloh Church History, p. 13.
28.
29. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, September 3, 1950, Bruce Reed, Church Clerk.
30. Class #9 Record book, W.R. DeLozier, Secretary.
31.
32.
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
39.
40.
41.
42.
43. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, July 3, 1955, John Huston Moore, Church Clerk.
44.
45. Zion Hill Baptist Church Minutes, October 7, 1955, John Huston Moore, Church Clerk.
46.
Chapter 6: A Time to Tend -- 1955-1981
The sudden death of Preacher Rogers left a vacancy not only in the pulpit but also in members' hearts. The first Sunday after Rogers' death, Sam Conner, chaplain of East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, preached at Zion Hill, encouraging the membership. Afterwards, the congregation took little time to call a pastor to help in the healing process. They turned to a friend of Rogers, James Tilley, whom they called in November, 1955. Tilley was born October 23, 1912, to John and Nanny Tilley. He was saved in the 1930's and soon thereafter felt the call to preach. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry by the First Baptist Church, Sweetwater. Tilley married Nellie Sue Colquitt and had three children. 1
Preacher Tilley continued the programs begun by Rogers. He oversaw the church's building program to completion. He preached in the newly enlarged sanctuary which now included an offset choir loft beside the pulpit. He welcomed members for Sunday School in new classrooms, some in the three-story education wing where classroom space tripled with four rooms on the third floor, six rooms on the sanctuary level, and eight rooms in the basement wing, along with restrooms. 2
Tilley utilized another new feature of the expanded sanctuary, the baptistry. On March 18, 1956, Zion Hill dedicated its new baptistry and used it for the first time as Tilley baptized Brenda Cutshaw and Fred Moore into the church family. On the same day, Antioch brought some of their own candidates to baptize. Tilley used the baptistry to baptize 12 into church membership in 1956. Some of those were saved during the spring revival, preached by Rev. Doyle Suits. 3
Zion Hill hosted an associational Sunday School conference April 2, 1956. The theme was "The Sunday School and Evangelism." Many at Zion Hill earned awards for attending this meeting and other study course opportunities. Often members completed special study course books and attended indepth studies of them. The study course books were designed to help members strengthen their knowledge of the Bible and Baptist doctrine. A week was set aside for the study led by the pastor or a guest teacher. Usually, members took part in the January Bible Study, held the first week of January, when members would do an indepth study of a book of the Bible, like Psalms or Hosea. 4
On May 6, Tilley welcomed the student choir from Smoky Mountain Academy to share in the morning worship service. The students presented a concert of Christian music and many gave their testimonies. A special love offering was taken, and $45.00 was received for support of the school. 5
Later in the year, the church once again welcomed the Sevier County Baptist Association annual meeting for 1956, with James H. Atchley moderator. Preacher Tilley welcomed the visitors and messengers including Otis Baker, Mrs. Paul Galyon, John H. Moore, Frank Strickland, and Rev. and Mrs. James Tilley from Zion Hill. They heard the annual sermon entitled "What is a Church?" preached by Rev. A. C. Wadley. He took his text from Matthew 16:18. After the sermon, the delegates adjourned for lunch outside, and enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the ladies of the church. 6
The session reconvened in the afternoon with singing led by Rev. W. A. Galyon. After reports on East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, Temperance, and Evangelism, the closing prayer was led by Rev. Sidney Clark. At the close of the meeting, delegates adopted the following resolution: Be it resolved that we express our appreciation to Zion Hill for their great spirit of hospitality in entertaining and providing an excellent lunch for the Sevier County Association of Baptists. 7
On October 21, the members of Zion Hill Baptist Church met for another special service -- to ordain Frank Strickland into the Gospel ministry. He had joined the church while a ministerial student at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1957 and began the pastorate in Middle Tennessee. 8
The church family was growing during these so-called "baby boom" years. In 1958, the church gave Preacher Tilley and Sunday School Superintendent, W. R. DeLozier, the authority to start a nursery for the church. Preacher Tilley also led in promoting another activity for children, Vacation Bible School. To get the children and young people excited about VBS, members of the church built a float for the annual Vacation Bible School Parade, sponsored by the association. The float, which resembled a boat, joined with other church floats and paraded through downtown Sevierville to promote Bible schools across the county. Several young people rode on the float with Preacher Tilley. Bible School attendance in 1957 averaged 70. 9
On October 26, 1958, the church called Glenn Brooks again to pastor. He had graduated from Belmont and moved his family back to the area. Preacher and Mrs. Brooks worked to promote all church activities but the one he seemed to have the most success with was Vacation Bible School. Children were excited about spending two weeks learning about Jesus. In 1960, the average Bible School attendance was 90. That number would not be surpassed for twenty years. 10
Brooks resigned September 25, 1960, and the membership once again extended the pastoral call to Rev. J. H. Blair. This would be the fourth time the church turned to Preacher Blair for leadership. Under his guidance in the 1960s, the church voted to purchase and install carpet in the sanctuary. [It was quality carpet that lasted for 25 years!] The church also voted to promote Sunday School by purchasing pins in recognition of Sunday School attendance. Many members earned pins given for perfect attendance in Sunday School for 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, then 1 year, 2 years, and so on. Sunday School average attendance stayed within the 120 range while Preacher Blair was pastor. 11
In 1963, at the age of 74, Preacher Blair unofficially retired. [He attended Zion Hill until his death in 1969.] Later in 1963, the congregation called Clell King as pastor. He was no stranger to the membership of Zion Hill having preached the annual revival at the church in 1950. He was born August 19, 1919, to Jim and Laura King. He was saved when he was 12 years old and was ordained into the Gospel ministry June 8, 1950, by Banner Baptist Church. 12
Soon after Preacher King became pastor, he led the church in a special called business meeting. He informed the church of two pieces of legislation pending in the 83rd Tennessee General Assembly that were contrary to Baptist beliefs and the Church covenant (in Appendix). The membership voted to oppose two bills dealing with alcohol as a beverage and to inform their state legislators of their opposition: Roy D. Crawford, State Senator and Fred C. Atchley, State Representative. The first bill was House Bill 406, for cities with 5,000 or more population to hold referendums for legal liquor sales. The second was House Bill 328. It allowed for sale of liquor by the drink in restaurants and motels. The church, along with many others across the state, took a strong stance against both pieces of legislation and they failed. A few years later, the issues were brought up again and this time they passed. The city of Gatlinburg took advantage of the new legislation and began to serve liquor even though the county was officially "dry." 13
In 1965, Preacher King invited Rev. Francis Wright to preach the spring revival and twelve young people were saved. Rev. King baptized 15 that year. In 1966, King was assisted in church leadership by Sunday School Superintendent, Mell Ownby; Training Union Director, Lewis Byrd; Church Clerk, Rex DeLozier; Treasurer, John H. Moore; and Choir Leader, Beecher Loveday. 14
In the 1960s', Zion Hill welcomed ministerial students from Carson-Newman College to fill the pulpit one Sunday a year. After preaching on Sunday morning, the young man would spend the afternoon with the preacher or a family in the church. He would preach again in the evening service, then meet with others who had come to Sevier County for the return trip to Jefferson City. This was a way for these young men to gain some practical preaching experience and for members of the congregation to hear and support young preachers. 15
The 1960's were a tumultuous time for the United States with the unpopular Vietnam conflict. Young men from Zion Hill once again responded to the call of their country: Andy Beeler, Carl Byrd, Mike Ellis, Jimmy Hodges, Andrew Kerr, Sherrill Moore and Harold Pitner. As with the Korean conflict, these men returned home safely. 16
In 1964, the membership voted to begin physical improvements to the church building and grounds that would continue for almost ten years. First, the congregation purchased a new Steinway piano for the sanctuary. Then, the church had the gravel parking lot black- topped and lined for parking spaces. Next, the church hired painters to paint the sanctuary walls and ceiling. In the early 1970s, the church turned a classroom in the basement into a kitchen, with solid wood cabinets, double stainless steel sinks, a stove and refrigerator. Some of the women's Sunday School classes and the WMU supplied the kitchen; many members saved green stamps for bigger items, like a heavy, cut glass punch bowl used on special occasions. The church also established a church library making it easier for members to read Christian literature. 17
A new decade brought an exciting opportunity for the church membership. The Billy Graham Crusade came to Knoxville May 25-29, 1970, with services held nightly in Neyland Stadium on the University of Tennessee campus. Many members of Zion Hill attended the sessions to worship under the preaching of Dr. Graham. The Thursday night service included a visit from a special guest, President Richard Nixon. Inspirational music was provided by Ethel Waters and George Beverly Shea along with the crusade choir directed by Cliff Barrows. It was a memorable event to be in a worship service with a stadium full of believers! 18
In 1971, the membership called Edmond Latham to pastor Zion Hill. He was born November 29, 1919, to Michael and Mary Jane Latham. He was saved when he was 14 years old. He married Irene Reed and had one daughter, Mary Ellen. He surrendered to the Lord's call to preach in 1956 and was ordained into the Gospel ministry by Knob Creek Baptist Church. While pastor of Zion Hill, Preacher Latham felt the need for more education and commuted the long distance to Carson-Newman College (before the interstate was completed). He was graduated August 18, 1974. 19
When Rev. Latham came to the church, he served with the following church officers: Sunday School Superintendent, Bill Moore; Training Union Director, Lewis Byrd; Church Clerk, Opal Johnson; Treasurer, Earl Householder; Music Director, Beecher Loveday; Deacon Chairman, Otis Baker; and WMU Director, Katie Blalock. One of these officers, Opal Baker Johnson, served as church clerk from 1967 to 1984. She faithfully and accurately kept the records of the church and the church membership roll for 17 years, a dedicated servant. 20
In 1973, Preacher Latham led the church in celebration of its 100th anniversary. To prepare for the special event as well as to enhance the music program, the church purchased an electronic Baldwin organ. It was the first organ the church had utilized since the pump organ of the 1930's. Mary Ellen Latham was selected Organist. 21
Preacher Latham also appointed a committee of Bobbie Galyon, Marilyn Householder, and Charlotte McCarter to plan the 100-year celebration of the church. Together, they helped prepare a special program to commemorate the church's first hundred years. The program included the morning worship service, lunch, and an afternoon praise service. The morning service featured singing by the Zion Hill Quartet composed of fathers and sons W. R. DeLozier and Randy, Beecher Loveday, and Jimmy. The preaching was done by 86-year-old former pastor Rev. Sidney H. Clark. Preacher Clark inspired those present with his strong preaching. By this time, he was nearly blind, so he quoted his Scripture from memory. He was also growing weaker, so he sat down to preach. 22
After a sumptuous noon meal, the afternoon session of singing and recognition began. It included special music by Ralph Justus, the Sevier County Quartet, Brenda and Kevin Loveday, the Toomey Family and Zion Hill's Acteens. Preacher Latham recognized former pastors in attendance and Charlotte McCarter read the first 100 year history of the church. It was a special day! 23
During Preacher Latham's pastorate, he baptized 24 and saw church membership reach 288. In 1975, the Sunday School average attendance was 120 with Mell Ownby serving as Superintendent. 22
In 1976, the congregation called W. A. Galyon to pastor his home church. Born May 17, 1924, to Oscar and Flora Galyon, W. A. grew up in the Zion Hill community and attended church at Zion Hill with his parents and other siblings. At one time, all of Oscar's and Flora's nine children were members at Zion Hill. W. A. was saved when he was 11 years old and baptized by Preacher Blair. He married Dorothy Hodges and had three daughters, Gayle, Helen, and Patsy. He was the fourth minister ordained by Zion Hill to pastor his home church, following William Brown, Sidney Clark, and C. D. Martin. 23
Many interesting events in the life of the church took place in 1976. The first occurred in February, 1976. There were five Sundays in the month of February which was very unusual! To commemorate that unique event, everyone present that Sunday was asked to sign a guest book in honor of the occurrence. (This event will take place again in 2004.) 24
Another special occasion was March 7, a day set aside to honor one of the faithful, young men of the church. It was declared Mark Martin Day at Zion Hill. This day was proclaimed in recognition of the accomplishments of Mark as a member of the University of Tennessee Marching and Concert Band. It also was a time to acknowledge Mark's visit with the band to Moscow in then-communist Soviet Union, a long way for a young man who had grown-up in the Zion Hill church family. He presented a concert for the church. 25
In July 1976, the church held a special patriotic service in celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States of America. The congregation used newly purchased Baptist Hymnals during their patriotic song service. The hymnals replaced the worn and tattered 30-year-old Broadman Hymnals. Members purchased the hymnals in memory or in honor of loved ones. 26
On October 20, 1976, the church hosted the Wednesday morning session of the Sevier County Baptist Association's Ninety-first annual meeting. Rev. W. A. Galyon welcomed the messengers, including Mrs. Otis Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Byrd, Mrs. Carl Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Winfred McCarter, and Mrs. Gene Rogers from Zion Hill. Rev. Ray F. Williams served as moderator and brought the moderator's message to the delegates. A resolution was passed: "We express our thanks to ... Zion Hill Church entertaining the association." 27
In 1977, the church set aside four men to ordain as deacons. They were Ralph Carr, Kenneth Galyon, Jimmy Loveday (Preacher Edmund Latham's son-in-law), and Danny Pitner. They were ordained. 28
Preacher Galyon resigned the church to go on the mission field when selected to be Director of Missions for the Sevier County Baptist Association. The church called Rev. W. F. Hall as interim. He was well-known by most of Zion Hill's members because of his many years as Bible teacher at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. The membership was blessed with excellent Bible preaching and teaching under Preacher Hall. 29
In 1979, the shortest pastorate at Zion Hill was recorded at two weeks. That record belongs to Guy Milam. He was born April 17, 1935, to Stephen and Rena Milam. He was saved when he was nine years old and felt the Lord calling him to preach in 1946 when he was 11 years old. He preached his first sermon when he was 16. He married Maxine Rogers and had three children. Rev. Milam really wanted to pastor Zion Hill but the Lord called him back to North Knoxville Baptist Church and blessed his ministry there. 30
After Milam's departure, several preachers were asked to preach while the pulpit committee sought a pastort. One memorable one was Mike Henegar, a student at Carson-Newman College. He was an enthusiastic young preacher and the congregation loved him. 31
A few months later in 1979, the pulpit committee presented Rev. Ralph Cline to the church as its new pastor. Preacher Cline had printed a letter about himself for the committee to present to the church. The membership extended a unanimous call to Ralph Cline. He was born November 26, 1923, to Homer and Della Cline and was saved when he was 13 years old under the shed at historic Bell's Camp Ground Baptist Church. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry in 1947. He married Helen Aultom and had two daughters, Judy and Debra. Debra became an active part of the church working with her parents. 32
Rev. Cline had a tremendous ministry at Zion Hill in 1979 and 1980. He and his wife, Helen, visited regularly in the community, at the hospital and in nursing homes. A lot of the growth in membership was because of Cline's strong, solid Bible preaching and his love and concern for people. He baptized 14 and saw membership grow to 298. In 1979, Sunday School averaged 128. The biggest increase during Rev. Cline's pastorate came in the total yearly offering amount. In 1979, Preacher Cline led the church to realize the importance of stewardship. The offering for the year was $33,085.00, double the offering two years earlier. Barbara J. Galyon was treasurer. 33
Preacher Cline also promoted mission's giving, along with the WMU president, Dorothy Galyon. In 1979, Zion Hill members gave $8,616.00 to missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Mission, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions, and the Golden State Missions Offering. The church would go 13 years before giving more to missions. 34
In 1979, the Zion Hill Baptist Church choir performed its first Christmas cantata. It was entitled "Carol of Christmas" and featured solos by Mary Ellen Loveday and Karen Moore; a duet by Pam Pitner and Gregory Johnson; and a trio of Jeff Johnson, Jimmy Loveday, and Gerald Waites. The narration was presented by Monica Ellis. The response was so great that the choir performed another musical program for Easter. 35
Unfortunately, in 1980, Preacher Cline's health began to fail. He spent many weeks in the hospital before the Lord called him to his heavenly home February 15, 1981, at the age of 57. The family brought Preacher Cline back to Zion Hill Baptist Church for the funeral preached by Reverends Shields Dalton, W. A. Galyon, Drake Kimbrell, and Elmer Sharp. Music was provided by Rev. Ronnie White. It was an emotional time for the congregation as a special praise service was held for the life of this outstanding Christian leader and beloved pastor. Preacher Cline was interred at Bell Camp Ground Cemetery, near the place he loved because he was saved there. 36
Preacher Cline enjoyed singing Power in the Blood. When the congregation would get to the chorus, he would have them sing, "There is power, power, power, power, wonder working power, in the blood of the lamb. There is power, power, power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the lamb." He lived life fully with a real knowledge of the power of which he sang. He believed Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." He lived his life being a witness.
Endnotes for Chapter 6
[There were no notes included in the document submitted for uploading to this Web site.]
Chapter 7: A Time to Rejoice -- 1981-1999
With the passing of much loved Preacher Cline, the church family entered a period of soul-searching. Many members had never been faced with the death of a pastor. Rev. Ray Williams helped them through this difficult time. He had come to fill the pulpit for Preacher Cline during his sickness and stayed and ministered to the congregation until the membership called Dr. Melvin Faulkner to be interim pastor.
Dr. Faulkner was retired from full-time ministry but was still active in serving the Lord where needed. He and his wife, Beatrice, fondly called Mrs. Bea by the membership, worked getting the church ready to call another full-time minister. He led the church through a perioed of growth. Dr. Faulkner actively visited in the community, in the homes of members and non-members alike and encouraged church members to do the same. He had a genuine concern for people. Preacher Faulkner wanted the church to go forward for the Lord.
He was a strong promoter of training activities for the Sunday School and Training Union. He led the membership to take part in training activities such as "M" night. This stood for church training motivational night and was an annual event sponsored by the associaiton. Zion Hill Baptist Church took the "M" Night banners for High Attendance at this annual meeting in 1983, 1984, and 1985. The church also received banners for "M" Night Efficiency Attendance in 1983 and 1984.
In 1984, Zion Hill Baptist Church licensed Greg Johnson, one of its members to preach. Greg is the son of Stearl and Esta Reed Johnson. He was Sunday School Superintendent at Zion Hill when licensed. He attended Carson-Newman College and after graduation went on to Southern Seminary in Louisville. [He was ordained by Crescent Hill Baptist Church, Louisville, KY, November 18, 1990. He received the Master of Divinity in 1991 and the Master of Theology in 1994 from Southern Seminary. He pursued his formal education at the University of Oregon and received his Doctor of Philosophy degree June 12, 1999. He is serving the Lord in Tacoma, Washington.]
In 1985, the church selected four men they considered worthy for ordination as deacons. They were: Roy Bradford, Jeff Johnson, Donnie Reed, and Carroll Trentham. They were ordained August 25, 1985. Rev. Kenneth Stansberry gave the charge to the deacons and the church. Rev. Creed McCoy preached the ordination sermon.
[An interesting note about these four men. They all were somehow related to men who served as deacons in the 1930's and later. Jeff and Donnie are the grandsons of Bruce Reed, and Carroll is married to Bruce Reed's granddaughter, Priscilla. Roy is married to Oscar Galyon's granddaughter, Patsy.]
Soon after the Ordination service, church members voted to completely remodel the church, beginning in the basement. First, a fellowship hall was created from two classrooms and the hallway. New carpet and panelling were added along with new lights and a drop ceiling. Worship services were held in the newly remodeled fellowship area, where members enjoyed close fellowship!, while the sanctuary was remodeled. Next, the sanctuary underwent major changes. The most dramatic change was moving the choir loft from the side of the pulpit to be directly behind the pulpit stand. All new lighting, pews, altar furniture, choir chairs, and carpet were added. The church had a new rose/mauve color scheme. In 1986, the newly remodeled sanctuary was dedicated.
In the spring of 1987, the church membership was ready to call a full-time pastor. After months of in-depth prayer, the congregation called Rev. Phillip Lane to pastor. He was born November 13, 1944, in Murfreesboro, TN, to Paul and Erline Lane. Phillip was saved when he was 16 years old. He married Fay Thompson and had three sons. He felt the Lord calling him to preach in 1980 and realized the need for more Bible training so he enrolled in Clear Creek Baptist Bible College in Pineville, Kentucky. Rev. Lane came to the church from Clear Creek while he was a student. After graduation, he moved into the community. The Lord used him in a mighty way.
As a recent college graduate, Preacher Lane brought enthusiasm and new ideas to the church. He began teacher's meetings and organized a church council where the leaders of the church came together to pray and plan for the church year. The deacons and the council led the church into an active visitation program. As a result, Preacher Lane baptized 30 new Christians into the church family in 1987 and 1988. Church membership grew to 369 in 1987.
In the fall of 1987, Zion Hill hosted the Wednesday session of the 102nd Annual Meeting of the Sevier County Association of Baptists. Preacher Lane welcomed the messengers including from Zion Hill. Dr. Joe Wren, pastor of First Baptist Church Sevierville, was moderator. Dr. W. W. Cope, pastor of First Baptist Church Pigeon Forge, brought an inspiring message based on the 11th Article of Faith, Evangelism and Missions, from the book of Numbers. The ladies of Zion Hill provided a sumptuous noon meal. So much food was left that Zion Hill's members enjoyed a fellowship meal before prayer meeting that night.
Zion Hill's members had an opportunity to experience many kinds of activities in the 1980s. Bob and Freida Householder provided the church with a bus which was used for several trips by the church family -- to places like Opryland, Biltmore Estate, Tennessee Aquarium, Nativity Pageant in Knoxville, rides on the Knoxville riverboat, etc. Often Paul Bales would drive for groups, like the youth, on trips to Six Flags Over Georgia, Atlanta Braves games, Whitewater, and the Children's Home in Chattanooga. Bob Householder and Clyde Pressley were the usual drivers when the youth attended the Youth Evangelism Conference at Vanderbilt in Nashville every spring.
The church continued a period of growth, and new Sunday School classes were established. One was called Golden Youth for married couples, led by Preacher Lane and his wife, Faye. The other was called King's Servants and was taught by Carroll Trentham. It was made up of young married couples. The King's Servants were very active in involving all of the members of the church in fellowship. For example, a family fun day called Western Jamboree took place in the fall at Camp Ba-Yo-Ca. The class planned the food and events for the day. They also provided everyone attending a T-shirt commemorating the special day.
The class was also interested in ministering to the Senior Adults in the church who had lost their lifelong mates to death. They came up with the idea of adopting grandparents. This was a way they could become involved with a lonely church member by sharing some of their time and talents. The class held a banquet, two or three times a year in honor of their grandparents. The class also made a beautiful float for carolers as the choir went around the community singing carols before Christmas.
One of the class's major projects was writing and producing a play to try to get people to realize their need for salvation using a different approach. The play was called Innocent Blood and was performed many times before filled audiences. The setting was a Secular Criminal Court of Hometown, TN, 1987. The trial answered the question, "Was Jesus Christ really the Son of God," or "was Jesus Christ just another prophet?" The actors bringing the play to life were: William Haynes, Roy Bradford, Jimmy Loveday, Bobby Trentham, Clyde Pressley, Corbin Johnson, Mary Ellen Loveday, John McCammon, Mark Lee, Jeff Johnson, Donnie Reed, Janet Lee, Kenny Whitted, Danny Pitner, Philip Lane, Albert Valentine, Cindi Miles, Carroll Trentham, and Brenda Pressley. If members of the class weren't acting they were involved with lighting and sound, video, decorations, programs, parking, refreshments, working in the nursery or serving as ushers. Others who took part: Carroll Campbell, Wilma Dellinger, Darlene Gilbert, Donna Householder, Gladys Johnson, Marilyn McCammon, Mira Blalock, Sheri Haynes, Leslea Pressley, Helen Reed, Priscilla Trentham, Jill Whitted, Paul Bales, Sherry Blalock, Mike Gilbert, Wendell Loveday, Brian Manis, Tina Reed, Danny Wells, Zelma Rogers, Patsy Bradford, Tammy Campbell, Laura Blalock, Kathy Valentine, and Pam Pitner. It was a major undertaking but one that touched many lives!
In the 1980s, the youth department was one of the larger classes in the church. Workers were Roy & Patsy Bradford, Wilma Dellinger, Dennis & Glinda Hale, William & Sheri Haynes, Donna Householder, Rex & June Ogle, Dean Pressley, and Bobby Trentham. These leaders kept the youth busy with all kinds of activities including, lock-ins at the Sevierville Community Center, campfires at the Zion Hill Schoolhouse, Sunday night fellowships, camping and hiking trips, etc. The youth grew into a close-knit group. In March 1989, the church recognized the youth after their return from the Youth Evangelism Conference in Nashville with YOUTH SUNDAY. All of the youth took part. They were: Sunday School Director, Tony King; Church Training Director, Brent Ogle; Choir Director, Jerry Sutton; Secretary, Helen Hurst & Traci Graves; Treasurer, Missy Graves; Ushers, Andy Lane, Wendell Loveday, Jason Moore, Jimmy Ogle, and Wayne Wypich; Pianist, Carey Pitner. Teachers were: Nursery, Tawnya Gibbs; Eagles, Mira Blalock; Busy Bees, Kristi Radcliff & Chastity Stiefel; Cheerful Helpers, Carey Pitner & Tina Reed; Youth, Matt Hale; College/Career, Leslea Pressley; Young Adults, Salena Gibbons; Golden Youth, Dave McGarrahan; Steadfast, Paul Lane; Willing Workers, Missy Graves; Faith, Sherry Blalock; Loyal Soldiers, Brian Manis & Jesse Ogle; Fellowship, Jason Moore & Jeremy Pitner; and Gleaners, Susanne Warden. Youth filled the choir during the morning worship service. Leslea Pressley and Jimmy Ogle sang solos, and Tina Reed played a flute solo for the offertory. Since that time, Paul Lane has surrendered to the ministry and is pastoring a church in Wartrace, Tennessee.
From time to time the youth in Sunday School class were split into teams for competition, based on attendance, Bible reading, contacts, etc. The highest youth attendance was 36 one Sunday morning when special guests were Allen and Scott Blanton from Belize. They were students at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy and came to share their testimony with the class and did a Christian rap called J-E-S-U-S. They also promoted the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering in the morning service and gave some members Belize prayer pennies as a reminder to pray for their parents who were missionaries in that Central American country.
In 1988, a new baptistry scene was painted by Randall Ogle. The beautiful scene depicted mountains, rhododendron, and evergreen by a mountain stream. It was enjoyed by a packed church house who came to hear revival services led by William Boyd Bingham, Jr., of Binghamton Baptist Church, Middlesboro, Kentucky. People from all over the county filled the sanctuary as they came to hear this dynamic young preacher.
Later that same year, the congregation voted to have a pictorial directory for the first time. Ninety-seven different families took part by having their pictures made or included.
In 1988-89, the church purchased the Zion Hill School property and began construction of a pastorium to provide a home for the pastor. The pastorium was completed but unfortunately, Preacher Lane had to leave the church, never having the opportunity to live in the beautiful new home the church provided for their pastor. The pastorium is a modern home with three bedrooms, three baths, a great room, dining room, furnished kitchen, study, two-car garage and patio along with carpet, curtains, and central heat and air. The outside is brick and maintenance free. A special plaque hangs near the front door in appreciation of Wilbur and Mae Bales whose sacrificial contributions to made the pastorium possible.
One very special program in the church was the Bible Drill. It was an activity the children enjoyed under the leadership of Pam Pitner. Pam worked with the children tirelessly helping them memorize Bible verses and their scripture reference, learn the books of the Bible, and the location of special Bible stories or events, like the Ten commandemnts or the Sermon on the Mount. As a result of their hard work, Amy Connaster and Beth Loveday won the association drill and continued on to the state drill where they were Bible Drill State Perfect winners. Later, Jason Bradford and Charlie Loveday also won the association drill and went on to be Bible Drill State Perfect winners, two years in a row.
When Preacher Lane left, the church asked Kyle Rule to preach for a few Sundays. He helped the church's fellowship by having old-time hand-shakes. After a while, the church called Rev. Creed McCoy as interim. Even though "retired" from full-time preaching, Preacher McCoy led the church back to its roots by strong Bible preaching and teaching. On Wednesday nights, he would often teach from the Church Covenant or on Baptist doctrine. He led the church to have "Christ Is The Answer" placed at the front of the church around the baptistry. He often said with that at the front of the church, if no one gets anything from his sermons, if they can remember those four words, that is message enough.
Under Preacher McCoy's leadership, the church purchased a new piano. It was an ebony-colored Yamaha grand piano. To complement the beautiful new piano, in 1992, the church purchased an Allen organ. It has two full ranks, a full pedal board, stops, and computer cards to give it hundreds of sound possibilities. The church enjoyed spiritual piano/organ duets during the morning offertories with Mary Ellen Loveday, Pianist, and Patsy Bradford, Organist.
While serving as interim, Rev. Creed McCoy celebrated his 60th year in the ministry. The Knoxville News-Sentinel, August 4, 1990, edition, featured a full-page article on Preacher McCoy with a colored picture taken outside the church with his wife, Audrey. On August 12, 1990, the congregation of Zion Hill held a reception in honor of this special occasion. It was a beautiful day and a large crowd of friends and former church members came by to congratulate the McCoys.
On December 23, 1990, Rev. McCoy led the dedication service for the new pastorium for Zion Hill Baptist Church. In a couple of weeks, the first pastor to use the new facility would move in, Rev. Terry Bradshaw and his family.
Rev. Bradshaw was called by the church as pastor in November, 1990. He moved to the church field from Jackson, Tennessee, during Christmas holidays to enroll his children in the Sevier County School System. Brother Terry, as he affectionately came to be called, was born November 8, 1955 in Memphis to David and Genera Bradshaw. He was saved when he was 14 years old. Me married Brenda Hurley and had two daughters, Wendy & Shelly. He felt the Lord calling him to preach in 1977. He also felt the need for Bible study and enrolled at Mid-America Seminary in Memphis and later Union University in Jackson.
Brother Terry began the New Year on a new church field. He was excited about this new ministry and wanted to learn the church field and family quickly. The church welcomed him warmly with a pounding of canned goods. Preacher McCoy encouraged the members to fill the back of Brother Terry's truck with beans and potatoes. The members did and added more, too. They then invited Brother Terry to take part in a Men's Cake Bake contest. It did not take long for the congregation to come to love the Bradshaws.
Under Brother Terry's leadership, all areas of the church continued to grow. In 1991, Vacation Bible School enrolled 94, almost double the number the year before. Church membership reached 400 for the first time. Sunday School attendance was and Church Training attendance was [text stops here].
Later in 1991, the Zion Hill WMU voted to sponsor a senior adult ministry for the church. At their organizational meeting, the seniors chose to call themselves Golden Harvesters. They elected Nancy Valentine to be their first president and decided to meet the third Tuesday night of each month. The senior adults enjoy a time of fellowship each month as they share a meal together before a program, usually musical in nature.
In 1992, church members purchased new Baptist Hymnals to replace the much used and tattered ones. All were dedicated to the memory or honor of loved ones.
A big jump in offerings occurred in 1992 when offerings were $95,207.00. That amount was $30,000.00 more than the year before. Missions giving that year was $10,529.00.
One of the highlights of Brother Terry's years at the church was a speaking engagement of Dr. Richard Land. He came on a Wednesday night and preached to a full sanctuary about important moral and worldly issues facing the church and Southern Baptists. He had first-hand knowledge to share since he headed the Christian Life Commission of the Southern Baptist Convention. Today (1999), he serves as President of the Southern Baptist Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission.
In 1993, Zion Hill Baptist Church ordained Dallas Moore into the gospel ministry by Zion Hill (71 years earlier, the church ordained his grandfather, Rev. Jason Baker.) Ministers who helped in the Ordination were Dallas Gibson and Clay Sutton. Rev. Terry Bradshaw served as moderator and Carroll Trentham provided special music. Preacher Moore was called by Gist's Creek, his first pastorate.
While at Zion Hill, Rev. Bradshaw was asked to write commentary for one quarter to go along with the Sunday School lesson in the state Baptist paper, the Baptist and Reflector. He was flattered to be asked, and the church was honored to have its pastor recognized for his ability in such a special way!
Brother Terry left the church in 1994 to go to Memorial Baptist Church in Maryville. To fill the void, the church asked Elmer Sharp to come as interim. What a blessing he was to the congregation! Many will remember the funny anecdotes he would weave into his sermons to emphasize a spiritual point. During his nine months at the church, Preacher Sharp baptized 12 and saw membership reach an all-time high, 424.
In the fall of 1994, the congregation called Rev. Floyd Powell to pastor. He was born July 26, 1941, in Alabama to George and Pearl Powell. He was saved when he was 13-years-old. He married Judy Warren and had three children. Their youngest, Shanda, has become an active part of the church family. Preacher Powell began his ministry at Zion Hill attending the annual Senior Adult Christmas Banquet, December 3, 1994. He was welcomed by Preacher Sharp, the senior adults, and the ladies of the WMU who welcomed him with a fruit basket.
When Preacher Powell came to the church, he worked with the following church leadership: Sunday School Superintendent, Clyde Pressley; Church Training Director, Roy Bradford; Church Clerk, Kathy Valentine; Treasurer, Bob Ailey; and Deacon Chairman, Carroll Trentham.
During his time at the church, Preacher Powell has begun a children's church during the morning worship service. As children come forward to sit at the preacher's feet, they are excited that he has prepared something just for them. Preacher Powell uses different object lessons to teach the children about Jesus.
The Powell family has a love for children. Judy works with children on Wednesday night and Shanda and her husband, Travis Ramsey, work with children on Sunday night. They have taught the children many Bible stories and songs. The children in turn will sing for the congregation from time to time.
On October 18, 1998, the church celebrated 125 years with a special morning service featuring special music by the choir and Carroll Trentham and preaching by Rev. W. A. Galyon. A wonderful noon meal was wnjoyed by hundreds. A special song service intermingled with history and recognitions made up the afternoon service (more in Appendix).
Two days later, the church hosted the annual meeting of the Sevier County Association of Baptists.
With a new century approaching, the following leadership was elected to serve the church 1999-2000. They are: Sunday School Superintendent, Clyde Pressley; Discipleship Training Director, Charlie Loveday; WMU Director, Patsy Bradford; Treasurers, Bob and Lois Ailey; Church Clerk, Darlene Gilbert; Choir Director, Carl Johnson; Deacon Chairman, Roy Bradford.
Endnotes for Chapter 7
[There were no notes included in the document submitted for uploading to this Web site.]
Bibliography
Books
Atchley, Dr. Paul L. & Mary Ann Morris Thompson. Atchley Family History (1965).
Burnett, J. J. Sketches of Tennessee's Pioneer Baptist Preachers (Nashville, TN: Press of Marshall & Bruce Company, 1919).
Hood, John O. History of the Chilhowee Baptist Association (1970).
Presidents, Soldiers, Statesman 1776-1889 (New York: H.H. Hardesty, Publisher, 1892).
Salecker, Gene Eric. Disaster on the Mississippi (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1996).
Sevier County Heritage Book Committee. Sevier County, Tennessee, and Its Heritage (Waynesville, NC: Walsworth Publishing, 1994).
Smoky Mountain Historical Society. Gentle Winds of Change (1989).
Smoky Mountain Historical Society. In the Shadow of the Smokies (1993).
Tennessee Blue Book, 1995-1996, Bicentennial Edition (Nashville, TN: Department of State, 1996).
United States Bureau of the Census, Eighth Census of the United States, 1860, Sevier County, TN Population Schedule.
United States Bureau of the Census, Ninth Census of the United States, 1870, Sevier County, TN, Population Schedule.
United States Bureau of the Census. Tenth Census of the United States, 1880, Sevier County, TN, Population Schedule.
Williams, Bobbie Jo. In the Beginning, A History of Sevier County Association of Baptists Church Beginnings (Rogersville, TN: East TN Printing Company, 1992).
Newspapers and Journals
Bolin, Gary. "Charter Members of Old Sugar Loaf Baptist Church," Smoky Mountain Historical Society Newsletter, Vol. XXI, No. 2, 1995.
Dockter, Albert T. As related by Ella Floyd Tarwater, "A Civil War Story," Smoky Mountain Historical Society Newsletter, Vol. XI, No. 3, 1985.
Duggan, W. L. "Sevier County, 1870-1900." East Tennessee Historical Society Journal.
Knoxville News-Sentinel, April 16, 1998.
Montgomery's Vindicator, January 18, 1899; February 1, 1899; May 20, 1903; February 17, 1904; May 30, 1906.
Proceedings of Convention and Organization of Sevier Association, 1887.
Sevier Baptist Association Minutes, 1892, 1893, 1894, 1896, 1899, 1900, 1903.
Unpublished Manuscripts
Galyon, Bobbie, Marilyn Householder, Charlotte McCarter. Zion Hill Baptist Church Records in the Sevier Association, records compiled for the church's 100th anniversary.
Helton, J. L. History of Shiloh Baptist Church, 1874-1974.
Underwood, Stella, Juanita Smith Cate, and Debra Ann Cline. Church History, Beech Springs Baptist Church. 1883-1983.
