A rare glimpse of Maple Grove Missionary Baptist Church’s early days, though much of their history has largely been erased by fire and time.
DICKSON — Maple Grove Missionary Baptist Church has stood the test of time through nearly 150 years of American history.
Founded in 1875 in the Sylvia area outside Charlotte (Tenn.), the church took root during Ulysses S. Grant’s presidency, the same year the Civil Rights Act was signed and Alexander Graham Bell made breakthroughs in sound transmission. It was also the year that produced beloved hymns like Fanny Crosby’s “To God Be the Glory.”
“Some folks got together and decided they wanted to form a Baptist affiliated church while the Cumberland Presbyterian Church system was being established there,” explains pastor Parks Chastain, who has led the congregation since 2020.
The church maintains strong connections to its history. “We have some of the original wood still in the sanctuary. We’ve salvaged the rest and are trying to determine its use,” Chastain notes.
Church records reveal fascinating glimpses into its past. “It’s been interesting to look through those 1898 records and see how they handled church discipline,” Chastain says. “They’d call somebody in for gossip, following biblical guidance in addressing conflicts.”
Though membership has fluctuated over the decades — once reaching 250 members compared to today’s average of 55 — the church has maintained doctrinal consistency, with some families attending for over 60 years.
True to its missionary namesake, Maple Grove supports numerous outreach efforts both locally and globally.
The congregation maintains active missions in El Salvador, the Philippines, Alaska, and Illinois while participating in community initiatives including Operation Christmas Child, foster care support programs, and feeding the homeless.
“We’ve had people assist with Hurricane Helene relief, both with Tennessee Disaster Relief and Samaritan’s Purse,” Chastain adds. “The exciting part is getting more people involved.”
The church plans to host their 150th anniversary celebration on Sept. 21.
As the members prepare for the milestone celebration, Chastain says the congregation remains focused on the same goals that have guided it since 1875: evangelism, discipleship, and community service — a mission that has carried Maple Grove through nearly 15 decades of change. B&R
