History of Dry Fork
Cumberland Presbyterian Church

   The Dry Fork Church finds its roots in the great revival that swept the frontier about the years of 1799 - 1801.  A large revival was planned near Gallatin TN in 1800, but because of dry weather and a water shortage, it was moved to Blythe's Big Spring about three miles from the present site of Dry Fork Church.

   The response was overwhelming with people traveling for as long as three days on wagon and horseback to camp out for the three day revival.  Thousands attended and hundreds were converted at this joint effort of the Methodists and the Presbyterians which included at least a dozen preachers.

   After the revival, a camp meeting ground was established on the present site, upon which a log structure was built by 1821, in which the Reverend Richard Beard preached.  Reverend Beard served as Moderator of the General Assembly, head of the Theology Department at Cumberland University, and was a leader in the revision of the Confession of Faith of 1884.  In 1831 there were 175 members and it was one of the largest churches in the county. 

   The first pastor was Reverend Francis Johnston.  The log structure burned down about the time of the War Between the States and was replaced by another un till the present building was constructed in 1896.  The cemetery contains the graves of my of the early members, as well as two Revolutionary War soldiers.  Over the years the building was improved, electric lights, restrooms and a heating and cooling system that replaced the potbelly stove and open windows, but its still like stepping back in time.

   We have asked to be placed on the Register of Historic Places and at some point want to replace the steeple that was blown off and restore the outside of the church.  And we are going to start with the cemetery restoration as soon as we are able. 

   Dry Fork Church still holds it charm and vibrant feel, even now.  For more information, check out the Sumner County Historical web site.  Please join us anytime, enjoy worshiping at Historic Dry Fork Church. 

   This history of Dry Fork Church was written by Harlan Savely lifetime member, thanks Harlan. 

   More info,  http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnsumner/cemdryfork.htm 
                       http://www.rootsweb.com/~tnsumner/sumnchur.htm

Pastors Page 

   Welcome to the Historic Dry Fork Church web site.  I hope you enjoy getting to know us.  I am Andrew Ward the Pastor here at Dry Fork Church.  I am a student in the Program of Alternative Studies at Memphis Theological Seminary.  I am a husband to Leigh Ann and father of five and own a plumbing company in the Nashville area.  I love history and preaching here at Historic Dry Fork Church.  The building may be old but the message is centered in the present and any one of any age will relate.

  Please join us for worship every Sunday morning at 11:00 am.   We have an ongoing Bible study at 10:00 am, you are always welcome to join us for good conversation. 

  Make to plans to join us Sunday June 1st as we celebrate Homecoming at Dry Fork, special worship service, Bar-B-Que on the grounds in the big tent, and the horse shoe champtionship of the world.  Don't miss this great event and time of remembering and fellowship.

   God, bless, I hope you have a great spring. 

   Historic Dry Fork Church is a Cumberland Presbyterian Church which is about as main stream as they come.  To check out the denomination, click on the Celtic Cross on the home page.  God Bless You, see you Sunday. 

   Questions or comments, contact me at AndrewBWard@aol.com

   Bro. Andy