This church first known as Muddy Creek (Baptist) had its beginning at the "old place" about two miles east of south from Clemmonsville.
At this old place there was once an old Baptist church, which had become extinct. The following is a bit of history concerning early work of this old place:
About 1781, Abram Douthit and others came from Maryland, among whom were some Baptists. At first they held their meetings in the homes of the brethren, going from place to place, till about 1814; when, on one occasion, they met for services at the residence of Zeddoch Jarvis where and when they "washed feet." On this particular occasion, the house was so crowded that they decided to build a meeting house of logs.
As to when the church was constituted, or as to the numerical strength of the church at any period of its existence, there is no data.
Elder Peter Potts was the first Baptist preacher at this place. Nehemiah Cooper was another of the early preachers here. Later on, Marcus May and Barton Roby, both held revival meetings with the church. Elder W. H. Hammer was one of the last preachers at this old church.
On account of removals, the church "went down" some time prior to the Civil War. There was no "split" in this church.
From the time that the old organization became extinct, there was little preaching here, till sometime during the years 1863, Elder John A. Cornish began regular work at this place, during which time he held a very successful revival and baptized twenty-six. Soon thereafter, assisted by Elder Aaron Yarbrough, he constituted a church February 3rd, 1866.
The new organization was named Muddy Creek. Elder Cornish was called as pastor and continued about one years, making about four years service here. The church was prospered and increased in numerical strength.
Mr. Cornish was succeeded by Elder Pinkney Oliver, who remained ten years with the church. The growth, it is said, was slow, but permanent.
In 1874, the church took into consideration the building of a new house and of removing to Clemmonsville as a more suitable location. Both of which was done. After the completion of the house, Pastor Oliver resigned, being succeeded by Elder W. Green Brown. In 1884 he resigned and the church called Elder Wm. Turner. During the latter part of Pastor Brown's and the first of Pastor Turner's ministry here, the Sunday School reached high water mark.
Elder S. F. Conrad was called and began work here in February, 1887. At the May meeting of this year, the "church decided by a large majority" to change the name from Muddy Creek to that of Clemmonsville.
The Clerks of the church have been David Essex, C. A. Brindle, James E. Craver, Charles E. Idol and A. J. Essex.
The Deacons have been David Essex, Joseph Craver, Benjamin Doty and T. D.Cooper.
In 1887, the church paid its pastor $100.
At the session of the Association in August, 1889, the church called for a letter of dismission to join the Pilot Mountain Association. At this time the church numbered 124. S. F. Conrad was pastor.
I don't have the source for the village chapel, so if you created it, please let me know and I'll be happy to give you credit. Thanks, Faye Jarvis Moran - fmoran@erols.com
