How it all started...
Sinking Creek Baptist Church is named for a tributary of the Watauga River. It is located on the Old Elizabethton Highway in Carter County. It is the oldest church in the state of Tennessee still in existence at its original location. It was organized 1772 in Washington County (now Carter County).
Matthew Talbot was the first pastor. Worship services have continued through the years except during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. In 1778 evangelists Charles and John Chastain, brothers from Virginia, held a revival here and the need for a larger church was realized. Pastor Talbot, Joshua Kelly, and a Mr. Maulkey planned and erected what is now known as the “Old Log Church” that still stands today with many of its’ original logs intact. Because of its’ legendary past it is now a historical landmark and shares the same grounds as the new church built in 1962. E. Reece Harris was the longest-standing pastor to the congregation. He served from 1962 – 2012.
Matthew Talbot was the first pastor. Worship services have continued through the years except during the Civil War from 1861 to 1865. In 1778 evangelists Charles and John Chastain, brothers from Virginia, held a revival here and the need for a larger church was realized. Pastor Talbot, Joshua Kelly, and a Mr. Maulkey planned and erected what is now known as the “Old Log Church” that still stands today with many of its’ original logs intact. Because of its’ legendary past it is now a historical landmark and shares the same grounds as the new church built in 1962. E. Reece Harris was the longest-standing pastor to the congregation. He served from 1962 – 2012.
