Why the name Bell's Campground?
People often call the church office to ask about RV hookups or tent sites. We have to explain how our church got its unusual name.
Before Tennessee was granted statehood, a frontiersman named John Menifee built a two-story log structure in 1787 along the banks of Beaver Creek, near the crossroads now known as Emory Road and Clinton Highway.
In 1809, Menifee deeded two acres of land for the purpose of building a non-denominational house of worship. The cornerstone was laid on September 9, 1809, and a log structure was completed in 1812...around the time of the British invasion of Washington, DC. This new church building became known as Bell’s Meeting House, named for Robert Bell, a prominent community member who welcomed circuit riding preachers to his travelers' rest near Menifee Station. The Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian denominations all used the new church building.
Looking for Bells Campground Cemetery?
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In 1833, Beaver Creek Cumberland Presbyterian Church was officially founded and continued to hold services at Bell’s Meeting House until 1872, when they moved into their own building.
After the Presbyterians moved, the Methodists and Baptists continued to share the structure. The name was changed to Union Church during the 1870s. There was a good spirit of cooperation between the Methodists and Baptists as each congregation had their own ministers and conducted their own worship services sharing the same building.
In October 1880, Bell’s Campground Methodist Church was founded. By November 1891, the Methodists moved into a new structure across from the Union Church and cemetery on Bell Campground Road.
Bell's Campground Baptist Church chartered in 1895. When our members moved into their own building in 1929, the Union Church sat vacant.
After the Presbyterians moved, the Methodists and Baptists continued to share the structure. The name was changed to Union Church during the 1870s. There was a good spirit of cooperation between the Methodists and Baptists as each congregation had their own ministers and conducted their own worship services sharing the same building.
In October 1880, Bell’s Campground Methodist Church was founded. By November 1891, the Methodists moved into a new structure across from the Union Church and cemetery on Bell Campground Road.
Bell's Campground Baptist Church chartered in 1895. When our members moved into their own building in 1929, the Union Church sat vacant.
Remembering our common heritage...
Throughout the years, the three congregations that sprang from Bell's Meeting House have continued to gather at the site where the building once stood.
The original log structure has been replaced with a rough-hewn lumber pavilion that hosts sunrise Easter services and Decoration Sunday services each Memorial Day weekend.
Old wooden pews and plank bench seating welcome all from Powell, Claxton, and other Knox County communities who gather to worship together at "the shed."
The original log structure has been replaced with a rough-hewn lumber pavilion that hosts sunrise Easter services and Decoration Sunday services each Memorial Day weekend.
Old wooden pews and plank bench seating welcome all from Powell, Claxton, and other Knox County communities who gather to worship together at "the shed."
Anticipating our future...
The Powell community is rapidly growing around us. Over 1000 new homes are under construction in Belltown and Saint Marc's subdivisions within two miles of our campus.
Bell's Campground Baptist Church is working with Michael Graves Architecture and Studio 4 Design in Knoxville, TN to develop a master plan to accommodate expected growth in our church family.
Phase I is complete with a new toddler playground, expanded parking lot, and renovated Fellowship Hall with video feed for overflow seating when our sanctuary exceeds capacity.
We will soon begin a capital giving campaign for Phase II, a multi-purpose building that can be configured for worship, dining, recreation, and education purposes.
For more information about Phase II, go to Our Future.
Bell's Campground Baptist Church is working with Michael Graves Architecture and Studio 4 Design in Knoxville, TN to develop a master plan to accommodate expected growth in our church family.
Phase I is complete with a new toddler playground, expanded parking lot, and renovated Fellowship Hall with video feed for overflow seating when our sanctuary exceeds capacity.
We will soon begin a capital giving campaign for Phase II, a multi-purpose building that can be configured for worship, dining, recreation, and education purposes.
For more information about Phase II, go to Our Future.
