Near Athens in McMinn County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

Bethsalem Presbyterian Church

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2021

1. Bethsalem Presbyterian Church Marker

Inscription. In August 1866, the Bethsalem Presbyterian Church was the first African-American church organized in the area of McMinn, Meigs, and Polk counties. The church had its start in a brush arbor until the congregation built a log cabin which served as a church on Sundays and a school during the week. In the 1920s the building burned and was rebuilt by friends and neighbors. During the month of August. this building is used by the members to celebrate their annual homecoming.

Erected by Tennessee Historical Commission. (Marker Number 2A 90.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Religion & Religious Structures. In addition, it is included in the Tennessee Historical Commission series list. A significant historical month for this entry is August 1866.

Location. 35° 23.461′ N, 84° 34.147′ W. Marker is near Athens, Tennessee, in McMinn County. It is on Arbin Watson Road (County Road 602) 0.2 miles west of David W. Lillard Memorial Highway (State Route 30), on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 141 Arbin Watson Road, Athens

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TN 37303, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in East Tennessee.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Upper South,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Southern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the original Cherokee Nation,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Tennessee Overhill Experience (here, next to this marker); Vietnam War Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away); Korean War Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away); Lt. Charles R. Ware, USN (approx. 3.7 miles away); Bus Station (approx. 3.7 miles away); Athens Waterwheel/CDR Joseph T. Neville Memorial Waterwheel (approx. 3.7 miles away); Crawford Corner (approx. 3.8 miles away); Cleage Corner (approx. 3.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Athens.

Also see . . .
1. Asset Detail | Beth Salem Presbyterian Church.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2021

2. Bethsalem Presbyterian Church Marker

The church (background) was built in 1920.

National Register of Historic Places registration (PDF) and accompanying photographs (PDF). (Submitted on July 26, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

2. Beth Salem Presbyterian Church. Tennessee Encyclopedia entry by Anne-Leslie Owens. (Submitted on July 26, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.)

Bethsalem Presbyterian Church — Additional Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 24, 2021

3. Bethsalem Presbyterian Church — Additional Marker

This monument, erected in 1928, lists the church's organizers and first trustees.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 26, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 932 times since then and 117 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 26, 2021, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.