Snow Memorial Baptist Church

(Formerly Snow Chapel Baptist Church, 2020 this building became the home of New Victory Baptist Church, North Johnson City Campus.)

1892 To 2020

Location

2201 Knob Creek Rd. Johnson City, TN

History

Its beginnings was April 6, 1892, when the Johnson City Baptist Church, in regular session, authorized the following: “The members of this church living near Oak Grove school house, to properly organize themselves to carry forward the interest of the church and maintain worship.”

On the first Sunday of the following May (1892) a Sunday School was organized in the Oak Grove schoolhouse. David Saylor was chosen superintendent; W.W. Carroll assistant superintendent, and George W. Edens secretary-treasurer. The classes were organized and teachers elected.

On May 14, 1892, a number of interested church members met to form an organization which would be know as an arm of the Johnson City Baptist Church. After a devotional service, Rev. J.H. Snow from the Johnson City Church was elected moderator and A.R. Johnson, clerk.

The following 14 names were enrolled: Jessee Duncan, David Saylor, James Ellis, J.H. Duncan, Hannah Saylor, Mary Edens, Mary Range, Jane Ellis, Rachel Duncan, Manerva Duncan, Susan E. Kelley, Sarah Duncan, J.P. Kelley, and W.S. Poarch. A motion was made and carried that the members whose names were enrolled, organize themselves into the arm of the Johnson City Baptist Church. After prayer and remarks by some of the brethren, the organization was declared ready for business.

An opportunity was extended for new members. Five presented themselves, coming with letters from the Antioch Church. This made the membership of 19.

Saturday before the third Sunday of each month was the day chosen for the meeting. Rev. J.H. Snow was elected pastor and George W. Edens church clerk.

Some months later, so many were attending the services, it was evident that a more suitable place of worship was needed. J.J. Adams from the Johnson City Church, attended a called meeting, September 17, 1892, and made the motion for the organization to proceed to build a house of worship. J.P. Kelley and wife, Susan Kelly donated a 1 1/2 acres for the new building. A new house of worship was built and ready for occupancy August 19, 1893. R.R. Bayles presented the following resolution:

“As appreciation of the service rendered by Bro. J.H. Snow and wife, in establishing the Master’s cause at this place ñ Resolved that his place be known by the name “Snow Chapel” in honor of Brother and Sister Snow.”

This name was unanimously adopted.

Four years later, the Snow Chapel Church met, July 17, 1897, for the purpose of severing connections with the Johnson City Baptist Church and organizing an independent church. After a sermon by Rev. E.B. Booth, a presbytery was organized consisting of Rev. J.H. Moore of Cherokee Church, Rev. D.A. Glenn of Johnson City and Rev. E.B. Booth of Bluff City. The following names were enrolled as charter members: S.J. Hyder, A.R. Feathers, David Saylor, Winum Carathers, Lizzie Hyder, Alice Young, Callie Carathers, W.J. Edens, Z.T. Lee, Charley Stout, J.N. Duncan, Cora Jones, Hannah Saylor, Mahala Feathers, Eliza Ellis, Sallie Stout, Minerva Duncan, Ella Stout, Rachel Duncan, Julia Broyles, Ada Ellis and Robert R. Bayles.

Services were held in the first church building form 1893 to 1959. This building was torn down during the first week in March 1959 and replaced with a modern structure.The first electric lights were installed Sept. 17, 1933. The new Snow Chapel Baptist Church was dedicated 1 Nov 1959. In October 1973, the church name was changed from Snow Chapel to Snow Memorial Baptist Church.

There were no recorded minutes from 1916-1930.

Pastors  

See Snow Memorial Baptist Cemetery 

Source: A Summary of the Minutes of Snow Chapel Baptist Church and Snow Memorial Baptist Church, compiled by Margaret Holley, 15 Aug 1993. Posted 13 Mar 2005.