Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church
Townsend, TN
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Visit
Cades Cove Loop RdTownsend, TN 37882About
Summary
Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church is a historic church in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, established in 1915. It is the third established church in the Cades Cove region and is known for its well-preserved architecture, a bell in the belfry, and a peaceful atmosphere.
Details
Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church is a historic church located in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. It was established in 1915 and is the third church to be built in the Cades Cove region, following the Primitive Baptist Church and another early church. The church was formed in 1841 due to a conflict and resulting division at the Primitive Baptist Church. For over 50 years, the congregation... The church is well-preserved, featuring a bell in the belfry and an outhouse. The cemetery behind the church is also a notable feature.
From Faith Near Me
Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church offers a serene glimpse into the past with its well-preserved 1915 architecture and quiet atmosphere nestled in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Visitors will notice the church’s dedication to maintaining historical details like the working bell, original outhouse, and the peaceful cemetery behind the building—a space that invites reflection on the region’s religious heritage.
Pros
- Historic significance as the third church in Cades Cove, established in 1915
- Well-preserved architecture including a bell, outhouse, and cemetery
- Peaceful, scenic location within a national park
- Adjacent parking lot for visitor convenience
Cons
- Thin website provides limited details about congregation or services
- Original outhouse is locked and unavailable for use
- Historical markings on interior surfaces may indicate wear or visitor interaction
Reviews from around the web
Public comments we collected from listing sources. Not written on Faith Near Me.
- David L.a year ago
we visited early in November 2024 on a Tuesday morning a little after 8AM. There were no other cars in the parking area with us but when we were leaving 2 did pull up. The church was a little more interesting than the first Methodist one. More architectural features. We spent a few mins looking around and the little cemetery. Just nice to get out and walk a bit.
- Alana Sparks7 months ago
What an adorable little primitive chapel in the woods. My daughter got married here in November and it was absolutely adorable.
- JusA Piece4 years ago
Such a beautiful piece of history! Glad it is open to the public. I was sadden to see previous visitors had written their names all over inside the church. The cemetery was really neat to walk through.
- Laura Clingman7 years ago
What amazing place, a step back into time. Definitely worth the visit. Best times to visit though would be when school is in session during the week. It gets really crowded in the summer.
- Cave Arnold4 years ago
This was a beautifully kept church building in Cade's Cove. It was very well preserved. There was an out house though it was locked. The bell was in place also in the belfries. A very nice piece of history.
- Kimberly Erwina year ago
Always enjoy coming here, so peaceful. It’s a good way to remember what times were like before electricity and heat.
- Tasnim Ara Islam2 years ago
Cades Cove Missionary Baptist Church is the third established church in the Cades Cove region. It was established in 1915. Similar to the other two churches, it has benches and an altar inside the church, and a cemetery behind the church. Allow 15 minutes for a visit to the Church and its cemetery. Parking lot is available adjacent to the church.
- Kathryn Friedlund8 years ago
Beautiful church. The guide book ($1 at the information station at the beginning of the loop) explains the history...get the guide book! Cades Cove is a favorite and a must see if you like nature or history. We were there on a Sunday and only saw half the loop. Traffic was heavy on the one way loop. Take lots of water and use the restroom before you start, as there is only a restroom at building 11, the historic mill. The water fountain there was broken. Previously I was there on a weekday and there were no backups in traffic. Many of the backups were due to animal sightings. We saw 5 black bears and several turkeys during our afternoon there.
- Elaine3 years ago
It's a shame people have written on the podium. It was great being able to look inside.
- Paula Dodd Barnes6 years ago
Peace and beauty are here. You can hear the wind blow and you wonder about all of the folks who made the Smoky's such a wonderful place that draws us there today. The pioneers and mountain families who came there and worshiped Our Lord. What a legacy here at Cades Cove Missionary. Baptist Church. Bling Blinky of TEXAS Shout Out: Serenity is here. I also photographed the cemetery headstones for Find-A-Grave. A wonderful place to rest forever in peace.
Services and facilities
Facilities
- Cemetery
- Parking Lot
- Outhouse