Nolensville
Tennessee
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In 2000, work was complete on a spacious new educational wing and fellowship hall with a full kitchen. In 2003, the original Sanctuary was in need of a facelift. When the old siding was removed, much deterioration was discovered. The members undertook the significant task of raising money to "Save the Steeple." Through their diligence and hard work, today we have the privilege of worshipping in one of Tennessee's most beautiful churches.
Nolensville First United Methodist Church
History
When driving through Nolensville, what is the one building that everyone remembers? Of course, its our church, with its simple elegance and its soaring 75 foot high red steeple. Our church building has been a landmark in this town for close to 120 years, but our history as a church goes even further than that. We began in 1837 at Mt. Olivet Methodist Episcopal Church with 37 members. Later in 1844, when the Methodist Church split over the issue of slavery, the church added the word "South" to its name.
The first site of the church was located on Williams Road, approximately one mile off Nolensville Road, on two acres of land donated by John Hay and Samuel Bittick. The building was constructed of logs with a brick foundation and puncheon floor. The bricks were cast from local clay found near the building site. Inside were benches made from split logs. In addition to being the location of our church, it was used as a school house during the week.
Here the church remained until 1858, when a new building site was sought. William Bittick deeded three acres of land, located on Nolensville Road, to the church in April of that year. A cemetery was located immediately benind the three acres and was referred to as the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, though it had no connection to the church.
During the Civil War, the church was used by both Union and Confederate troops who damaged the building. In subsequent years, the church was not well maintained, and, by 1894, fell into disrepair. The Trustees were forced to decide whether to repair the building or build a new church. They voted to build a new church and, in September, one-half acre on Nolensville Road was purchased from the J. A. Fitzhugh Estate and from Mr. and Mrs. B. W. Bennett to use as the location for the new church. This is the church that is still our home today.
When originally built, the church contained stained glass windows that had white centers with squares of multi-colored glass around the edges. These windows have sinced been replaced by memorial stained glass windows. The first these windows to be replaced was the one dedicated to the memory of Claude P. Street, a member. The church also had its landmark steeple, which contained a bell that was rung each Sunday to call all to worship and it is this same bell that is rung today.
In 1968, the Evangelical United Bretheren Church and the Methodist Church merged, forming the United Methodist Church. It was then that our church changed its name to Nolensville United Methodist Church.