Pine Chapel, Jefferson, TN

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From Source:McFerrin, 1888:103-104 See also: Pine Chapel, for a glimpse at the companion church, Beth Car, which survives to this day.)

From the best information received, it appears that the first society was organized at Pine Chapel, in Jefferson county, Tennessee, on the south bank of the French Broad River, then in the Indian Nation. Emigrants from Virginia and North Carolina settled here about the year 1786. The society was organized in 1787 or '88, and composed of John Winton and wife Arabella, Amos Lewis and wife Mary, George Lewis and wife Rachel, Arabella Cunnyngham and daughter Charlotte. John Winton was a local preacher, and did much in planting the gospel in this wilderness. He raised a large family — all of whom were members of the Methodist Church, and some of them were and are preachers. Arabella Cunnyngham was the widow of a Methodist preacher. She was a lady of superior mind, acted as class- leader in the society. Charlotte (her daughter) had (for her time) considerable advantages — was deeply pious. In 1791, she was married to George Turnley, a gentleman of promise in the community, but not a member of the Church. Charlotte was soon summoned before the Church for marrying a man out of the society. "

The day of trial came, and she, accompanied by her husband, was there. After the case was called, and considered for some time, Mr. Turnley proposed, if it would be any relief to his wife, and they would admit him, that he would unite with the Church. This was agreed to, and he made a faithful and useful member. Charlotte died in great peace, July 24, 1834. Her husband lived till September 3, 1848, when he too passed away.

From this society went the Wintous and Cunnynghams, who afterward and to this titne have places in the Church. Here Bishop Asbury, and afterward Bishop Soule, preached.

About the year 1792, a company of Virginians settled in this community (Methodists,) and being without the'means of grace, they united in organ-. izing a society. This was between the years 1792 and 1795. Among the original members of this society were Martin Stubblefield and wife Sallie, Richard Thompson and wife Mary, White Moore and wife, and John MeAnally and wife. These men were all mighty in exhortation. Mr. Moore afterward became one of the most useful local preachers. From these men descended many traveling and local preachers. Their wives, too, labored as 'elect ladies' indeed. Their prayer and class meetings were kept up regularly from house to house. Sometimes it would happen that the men would all be off in other neighborhoods meeting: in that event, Sallie Stubblefield would lead the meeting, and would often deliver exhortations. She was gifted in prayer, and at times powerful in exhortation. There is one remarkable fact, that all these families have been represented in the ministry of our Church ever since."