Cedar Grove reopens

Tennessee’s oldest Church of the Brethren is reopening, according to the Kingsport Times News The Cedar Grove congregation operated in Hawkins County for nearly 200 years before closing in 2015 because of membership loss.

Kristie Wilson, a chaplain at Holston Valley Medical Center, is reopening the church to serve a new congregation, with approval from Southeastern District and the help of her husband to do the remodeling. She told the paper: “It’s a good thing that this church stays alive and continues to thrive for the people. It is part of the history of this community and we want it to stay open for another 200 years. The world needs hope right now more than ever, and I really hope we can be that beacon of light for this community.”

1800s photo of a log church
The original building, which opened in 1824

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