Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church is located in Henderson County about three miles southwest of Lexington, Tennessee. The history of the Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church dates back to 1837 as an organized church but the history goes back much farther.

History

The first people to settle the territory came before 1830. The census of 1830 records several permanent residents living in the area. These early pioneer families included the Britt family, the Hart family, the Wallace family, the Williams family and the Stewarts. Descendants of all of these pioneer families still attend church at Palestine today.

The first camp meetings held at the site of what now is Palestine CPC were part of the Great Revivals that swept our country and date back as early as 1824. In the historical account of Henderson County, author G. Tillman Stewart noted that "the first ordained minister in Henderson County was the Reverend John Carrant, a Cumberland Presbyterian. Other early CP ministers in the area were the Reverends John Darnett and John Barrett. Carrant was a traveling preacher who often preached in brush arbors and in people's houses. The Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church was organized in 1837." An important reason that the Palestine area was such an attraction for camp meetings was the numerous clear-water springs located in the area. These spring provided water for people and their animals that came from miles around to take part in the camp meetings. These springs still run clear water to this day.

The Church is Organized

Palestine was the among first (possibly the first) site of organized religious meetings in Henderson County. In 1837, Rev. Henry Wadley along with other founding fathers organized the Palestine Cumberland Presbyterian Church at the present site. This first church was an Independent Cumberland Presbyterian Church, having no official relation with a Presbytery. Rev. Wadley served as the first pastor of the church and actually died in the pulpit. On his grave stone in the Palestine Cemetery is carved the epithet "Died In The Service".

In 1881 the church, behind the leadership, of Rev. John H. Day became part of the Madison Presbytery. Some of the families in the church at that time were the Brooks family, the Stewart family, the Cox family, the Wadley family, the Hart family, the Joyner family, the Wallace family, the Britt family and the Williams family.

Facilities

In the early days, meetings were held in brush arbors. In 1837 the first building was constructed which with slab board walls. This was followed by a log building. In 1883, D. L. Ross deeded the site of the present church to the congregation and in 1896 a frame building was constructed. The current church sanctuary was constructed in 1957 with additions that included Sunday School rooms and a fellowship hall. A three bedroom manse had also been added. It is interesting to note that at no time during our history has the church needed to borrow money to begin or complete a building project or for any other reason.

Other interesting notes about PCPC:

In the early church, charges of dismissal were brought against several members.

During the Civil War, many families were divided in allegiance and it was common for fathers to pray for sons in both the Union and Confederacy armies.

After the Civil War an infamous outlaw, John Merrill, once held a service in the church while his gang robbed and looted several home in the community.

The Rev. J. J. Douglas served as pastor for 44 years.

Many of the names of our first families are still represented in our church today. Our church has had high times and low times but it doors have never been closed. Our community has grown and we have new family names added to our roll that are just as active and faithful as the older families. Throughout the years our focus has remained to be servant minded and to love, praise and serve our Heavenly Father and to keep the doors open so that "whoso-ever-will" may come to a saving knowledge of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Statistical Information as of March 9, 2010

Pastor - Our current pastor is Brother Wayne Tompkins

Elders:
Harry Epperson, Jamie McAdams, Harold Rushing, Bobby Dean Williams

Deacons:
Jimmy Davis, Ronnie Slate

Membership - 102

Sunday School Classes
5 ranging from Preschool to Senior Adult
Average Attendance - Approximately 65

Worship Opportunities

Sunday School
Sunday Morning Worship Service
Sunday Night Worship Service
Wednesday Night Bible Study

Fellowship Opportunities:

Annual Stew and Bazaar
Decoration Day - First Sunday in June
Monthly Fellowship Meals
Fifth Sunday Singing
Women's Circle

Current Ministries:

Outreach Committee
Conduct fund raisers to help individuals and families with direct assistance.

Music Ministry
Visit two local nursing homes once per month to share the gospel in song and provide a brief message to clients,

Fifth Sunday Singing
Area CP churches come together each fifth Sunday to fellowship and music.

Vacation Bible School
For generations, PCPC has been sharing the gospel to youngster in our area during summer vacation.

Card Outreach Program
Send cards to sick and bereaved to let them know we are praying for them.

Christmas Child Shoeboxes

HOPE Ministries

Carl Perkins Child Abuse Center

Love Loaves