Primitive Baptist Church

Primitive Baptist Church

By the time the first Baptist church was established in Cades Cove in 1827, church members had to travel through the Smoky Mountains to attend services in Wears or Millers Cove. They also attended campground revivals in Tuckaleec Cove, which is present day Townsend.

As time went on, religious groups disagreed over whether the Bible allowed for evangelization. The Primitive Baptists’ beliefs on this subject were clear, so they renamed their church the Primitive Baptist Church.

It wasn’t until 1887 that the beautiful, white frame church you see today was built. The church replaced a log building.

You may reach the Primitive Baptist Church by turning left on the road straight after the John Oliver Cabin.