1929

On Last Sunday, May 5, the Lebanon congregation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, at Lebanon, Tenn., observed the one hundredth anniversary of its organization. All of the special services of the day were well attended, and all were glad to honor those who had labored in this congregation during the past one hundred years. The Rev. W. B. Cunningham, assistant Stated Clerk of the General Assembly and pastor of our church at Union City, Tenn., was the special speaker of the day.

The opening service was the service of worship at eleven a.m., with a sermon by Brother Cunningham on the subject, "The Church and Her Tasks." At this service the infant daughter of Rev. and Mrs. James W. Elder was baptized by Rev. Cunningham. The service was indeed beautiful and impressive. At the noon hour a basket dinner was spread by the women of the congregation, and there was plenty for all and much to spare.

At two o'clock another inspiring service was enjoyed. At this time special messages were given by the pastors of all the Lebanon churches and by other ministers present, including the Rev. W. H. McLeskey of Nashville. Following this, Mrs. B. F. Jones, one of the oldest members of the congregation gave a very interesting review of the one hundred years of history of the congregation. Following this, several visitors made short talks, adding a few interesting words about some of the outstanding persons and incidents connected with the history of the church.

At seven-thirty p.m. Rev. Cunningham delivered another excellent sermon to a congregation that nearly filled the auditorium. The subject of this sermon was "The Cloud of Witnesses."

The following is a brief history of the congregation as it was given by Mr. B. F. Jones at the anniversary service:

"The mystic, lucky number of seven was the number of God-loving, God-fearing women who organized the first Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lebanon, Tenn., in the year 1829. These women have all long since passed away, but their work lives on, and their memories are held sacred by many. These seven devout members who were the charter members were Mr. Tolliver, grandmother of one of our members today, and our oldest member both in points of membership and age--Mrs. John Pruett; Mrs. Findley; Mrs. Golladay; Mrs. Hunt; Mrs. Charles Cummings; Mrs. George Cummings; and Miss Ibbie Martin. The Rev. George Donnell, a well-known school teach of that day, had been preaching here some time in the Methodist Church, the only church building then in town. On one preaching day he and the above seven women organized a Cumberland Presbyterian Church. The Methodist pastor felt that the Rev. Donnell had overstepped his privileges, and the use of the Methodist Church was discontinued. The little band then secured the use of the court house; but for some reason this building was also closed against them. They then moved to an old vacant log house and worshiped there. Being denied the use of the two buildings caused a bit of strife in the little village, so the husbands of the women, though not members of the church, decided to build a church for their wives. So in 1831 the first building was erected, and is now being used by the Church of the Nazarene.

"Rev. Donnell was installed as the first pastor and served for some time. No available records tell how long he was pastor. In 1845 David Lowry was pastor, but in 1846 he notified the session that he would have to sever his relations, as the way had opened up for his return to the red men of the forest, the Winnebago Indians, with whom he had previously labored for ten or twelve years. Robert Donnel was called from Alabama, but stayed only two years on account of failing health. In 1849 Rev. Chaddick came as pastor at the salary of $500 per year and board. There is a skip in the minutes for a year, in which time Rev. Chaddick's name disappears from the record without comment, and David Lowry is recalled as pastor, and remains for over six years. The minutes read: 'The church session, in common with the congregation, regrets the necessity of dissolving the relations which have so long and happily existed, but the reasons offered by our pastor are such that we feel constrained to accept his resignation.' After almost a year without a pastor, Rev. T. C. Blake takes the work, but remains for only two months, no reason being assigned for the brevity of his services. In December, 1858, Rev. Poindexter accepted and remained in the pastorate until June, 1861, at which time he joined the Confederate Army. In one month, Rev. B. W. McDonald became pastor, but left in October, 1862, he also going to the army. Dr. Richard Beard was acting pastor until 1866, when Dr. McDonald returned from the army and resumed his pastorate, staying only one year. In a letter which he wrote in the session record, he speaks of the 'many kindnesses, courtesies and generosities shown him; the throng of youthful Christians, the choir of sweet voices, the large Sunday school of little children, the noble superintendent, and the faithful teachers who would last in his prayers as long as he should live.'

"From 1866 to 1880 no available records can be had. But there was one man who served during that time who is remembered by many very lovingly--Rev. W. H. Darnell. In 1880, Rev. J. W. Fitzgerald, having just graduated from the Theological Department of Cumberland University, was called and served for eleven years, at which time he died. Two theological students were secured as supply, J. W. Mount and L. C. Kirkes. They preached on alternate Sundays. At the end of the school year, Rev. Kirkes remained for several months, and then was employed as pastor for one year. He was succeeded by Rev. J. M. Hubbert, who was pastor for seven years. Rev. E. E. Morris came next and was pastor for some time. At the close of his services the church was going through the union, or division, according to view-point. All these years the church had grown rapidly. The second building, erected in 1850 on the lot now occupied by the present building, and was one of the most beautiful buildings in this section of the country. The membership was the largest of any church in town. In 1906 a larger part of the membership decided to affiliate with another branch of Presbyterianism, leaving the congregation quite weak numerically and financially.

In 1901 the church building was badly damaged by a cyclone, and was afterwards torn down and the present building erected. In the twenty odd years since the union we have had a number of pastors, including Brothers, Hipps, Hudson, Porter, Suddarth, Yates, Costello, Whitener, Meier, Miller, Galloway, Hudgins, and our present earnest, sincere pastor, Rev. James W. Elder.

The church has met all of its financial obligations in re-building, pastor's salaries, and other expenses. We are well organized, with a strong Sunday school, young people's society, Ladies' Aid and Missionary Society. We use the budget system in meeting our denominational obligations. The present board of elders is composed of the following: W. T. Marshall, H. P. Williamson, J. J. Williamson, G. T. Terry, W. E. Hancock, B. O. Hall, J. R. Shorter, and R. H. Thompson, session clerk.

[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, May 23, 1929, pages 1 & 13]

In the May 23 issue of the Cumberland Presbyterian there appeared an article telling of the centennial services of our congregation at Lebanon, Tenn. In this article was a brief history of the congregation. There was one mistake in the article, for which the writer was at fault, and this should be corrected. In the list of ministers who have served the congregation since 1907, the name of Rev. G. G. Halliburton was omitted. Rev. Halliburton served as pastor for some time, and was one of the congregation's most successful pastors.
                     James W. Elder, Pastor.
[Source: The Cumberland Presbyterian, June 20, 1929, page 11]

Excerpts From Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian History

In 1829 George Donnell began preaching by monthly appointment in Lebanon. At first the meetings were held in the courthouse but later the same year, by their invitation, were changed to the Methodist Church. When a fellowship of Cumberland Presbyterians was organized the Methodist Church was closed to them and again they met in the courthouse. Still later this meeting place was denied their use, and they rented a log house for their meeting place.

Out of concern for Donnell and his churchless group the Freemasons proposed to build a two story building to be occupied in the upper story by Masons and in the lower story by Cumberland Presbyterians.

In May 1830 the Cumberland Presbyterian Church was formally organized. In the summer of 1831 the new church building was completed and occupied.

In 1842, the citizens of Lebanon sent a petition to the General Assembly of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church recommending that the town of Lebanon would be an eligible site for the relocation of Cumberland College, then seeking a place of removal from Princeton, Kentucky. The petition stated the promise of aid in erecting suitable buildings. A commission of the General Assembly investigated this proposal and on September 20, 1843 the school was opened in the Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Lebanon. In 1844 the college was chartered and opened its first session in the new edifice erected by the citizens of Lebanon.

In 1850 a church edifice was built by the Lebanon Church. This building was located on the same lots as the present church at 201 N. Cumberland. It was a two story building with the nave and sanctuary in the upper story and Sunday School provided for in the lower story. The church nave had a seating capacity of 500.

The attempted merger of 1906 split the Lebanon congregation with both sections of the division claiming right to the church property. The Cumberland Presbyterians were forced to find other quarters and at first used the old Masonic Building and later the courthouse. In 1908 the Supreme Court of Tennessee made decision in favor of the congregation claiming allegiance to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. This congregation regained the building April 6, 1909.

The Loyalist group was small in number. Several "accepted" accounts give the number at about 30. An article in the Lebanon Democrat dated January 3, 1907 states, "The church has a large following and is supported by a great many consistent Christian people..." A paper circulated by W. T. Marshall in May, 1908 contains signatures of 64 people who agreed to remain loyal to the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. At any rate the church was small and faced a difficult struggle to again establish itself.

A storm in April, 1917 damaged the church building and decision was made to build a new building rather than make needed repairs. On November 8, 1917 a service for laying the cornerstone was held under the direction of the pastor, J. A. Whitner. This same building is the one we now use.

The present manse was built in 1935 under the direction of a committee consisting of the pastor, Rev. M. Zarecor and elders B. W. Bland, C. L. Stone, and R. H. Thompson.

The present educational plant was built in 1955 under the leadership of W. B. Spraker, pastor and committee men Wendell Organ, B. W. Bland, and Everette Smith. This same committee was again selected in early 1958 to investigate plans for buying other property and selling the present property. In November 1958 lots were bought in anticipation of a future new building. This 3.3 acre tract is located at the corner of Castle Heights Avenue and Leeville pike and was purchased at a cost of $12,500. Plans for the new building were adopted in March, 1959.

[Source: Cumberland Annual, 129th Anniversary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, May, 1959, pages 5-7]

The Pastors of the Lebanon Church from its beginning in 1829 are as follows:

1829-1845 George Donnell*

1845-1846 David Lowry

1846-1849 Robert Donnell

1849-1850 William D. Chadick

1850-1856 David Lowry

1856-1857 Dr. Richard Beard (interim)

1857-1857 T. C. Blake

1857-1859 David Lowry (interim)

1859-1861 J. W. Poindexter

1861-1867 B. W. McDonnold (During this time he gained a four year leave to serve as Chaplain in the Confederate Army. The pulpit was supplied by Dr. Richard Beard during this period.)

1868-1879 T. C. Blake

W. W. Suddarth

W. H. Darnall

1879-1891 J. W. Fitzgerald*

1891-1893 L. C. Kirkes (interim)

1893-1903 J. M. Hubbert

1903-1906 E. E. Morris

1907-1908 No regular Pastor

1908-1916 H. K. Yates

T. H. Porter

V. B. Costelow

J. T. Haliburton

1916-1918 J. A. Whitner

1919-1921 E. F. Meier

1921-1925 C. C. Miller*

1925-1927 C. A. Calloway

1927-1929 James W. Elder

1929-1947 W. M. Zarecor*

1947-1957 W. B. Spraker*

1957-1958 John W. Wright

1958-1963 Paul R. Troutt

1963-1964 Don Acton

1964-1966 Wade Acton

1966- Virgil T. Weeks

*These pastors died while serving this church.

The town of Lebanon, Tennessee, was founded in 1802. It received its charter as a town in 1819 (150 years ago). The beginning of the Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church was in 1829. Up to this time there were eight Cumberland Presbyterian Churches in Wilson County but none in Lebanon. The Rev. George Donnell, age 29, started early in 1829, a regular monthly appointment at the Courthouse, and attendance grew so that the Methodist Church invited them to use their building. A society was organized at the close of 1829 of seven members, all females. This composed the nucleus of the church which was subsequently organized into a church in May of 1830. The population of Lebanon at this time was between 700 and 800 people.

The Rev. Donnell served as the first pastor of the church until his death in 1845. He was converted at the age of 18 at a Camp Meeting at Suggs' Creek in Wilson County. He answered the call to the Ministry at the age of 20. His early preaching was in Camp Meetings, and he served on a circuit in East Tennessee, and later the Lebanon Circuit. He was ordained in 1823 at the age of 22.

In the spring of 1830, Rev. Donnell, became the pastor of New Hope Church half-time and served Lebanon Church half-time (at a salary of $300.00). New Hope had 25 members at this time but the number soon increased as a result of a Camp Meeting in 1831, at which there were more than 100 conversions. He served New Hope until 1835.

During the summer of 1831 the first church building was erected as a joint project of the Masons (who used the upper story) and the Cumberland Presbyterians (who used the lower story). This building was used until 1855 when a larger building was needed and it was located at 201 North Cumberland. In 1917 the church building was damaged by a storm and a new building was built at the same location. The present building, at 522 Castle Heights Avenue, was dedicated on May 15, 1960. The pastor was Rev. Paul R. Troutt, and the sermon was preached by Rev. Virgil T. Weeks of Donelson, who at the time was Moderator of the General Assembly. The chairman of the building committee was J. Wendell Organ.

The same year the first church building was constructed Franklin Synod met here in October of 1831. Several were converted at this Synod, and as a result Rev. Donnell started a revival of two weeks. This revival spirit lasted throughout the winter of 1831-32. During this time two of the nieces of the wife of President Andrew Jackson united with the church. One of these nieces was the wife of Colonel Robert L. Caruthers. In a letter to Colonel Burton by President Jackson from Washington, D.C., November 24, 1831, the President says that he is gratified to learn that his nieces have joined the church. "I would to God that you and Mr. Caruthers would follow this good example." In the Lebanon Camp Meeting of 1833, Judge Caruthers, with 20 more joined the church. He became a ruling elder and one of the most outstanding churchman in the history of the church.

Now, we would like to go back to the life of Rev. Donnell before he started the church in 1829. After the Spring Presbytery in 1826, he went to visit the Choctaw Indian School in Mississippi. The main purpose was the delivery of the contributions of his Presbytery and the inspection of the condition of the school. From there he took part in a Camp Meeting in Madison County. He was invited to preach. At first most of the people lingered in their tents, "but before the close of the sermon the tents were empty, and all had gathered as near the stand as possible, fixed in amazement, to hear a sorry-looking boy preach with such pathos and power. Christians were transported to ecstasy, and sinners were crying for mercy." Next, "Little George" went to a meeting in progress in the village of Winchester (organized in 1825) to assist Rev. Samuel King (one of the three founders of our Denomination, February 4, 1810). "Because he was clad in his soiled jeans, now worn through at the elbows, the principal citizens were sorely vexed when King put him up to preach. But after they heard him preach the little stranger was long a favorite with the people in Winchester." --From the book, "Life of Donnell," by T. C. Anderson.

In 1842, the Rev. Donnell and the Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church were instrumental in persuading the Denomination to move Cumberland College (organized in 1826) from Princeton, Kentucky to Lebanon. It was decided the best bid was made by a delegation of citizens from Lebanon. Their offer to secure the location was $10,000.00 for the erection of a college building. The Trustees, all but two, were members of the Lebanon Church. Practically all of the $10,000.00 which had been pledged came from the Trustees. The chairman of the Trustees from 1842 until his death in 1882, was Judge Robert L. Caruthers, elder in the Lebanon Church. He was Professor of Law, 1868-1882.

On September 20, 1842, Professor McPherson opened Cumberland College at Lebanon Church, and early in 1843, Dr. F.R. Cossitt became the first president and served until 1844. The second president was Dr. T. C. Anderson, who wrote the "Life of Rev. George Donnell" (published in 1859). The third president was Dr. B. W. McDonnold, who was pastor of the local church, 1861-1867, and he was the author of the book, "History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church" (published in 1888). He died at his home on North Cumberland on February 27, 1889.

The location of Cumberland College in Lebanon constituted a new era in the history of Donnell's labors. His congregation had grown so in 1842 that he preached every Sunday. He had an active Campus Ministry. Cumberland College was the property of our Denomination until 1906 (the first 64 years of its history). In 1906 an attempt of our Denomination to merge into the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A., resulted in the division of the Lebanon Church, the large majority of her members going into the U.S.A. Church (now First Presbyterian, 304 West Main), and the College became the property of the U.S.A. Church. Since 1951, Cumberland College has been controlled by a self-perpetuating Board of Trustees. Cumberland is now a non-profit two year college. We are proud of the rapid growth of the college during the last few years.

The existing session records of the Lebanon Church begin with November 18, 1845. In the following you will find some historical facts from these records:

In November, 1845 a protracted meeting resulted in 39 new members. . . On March 6, 1846, the pastor, Rev. David Lowery resigned to return to the Winnebago Indians as a Missionary, where he had served for ten years. . . On June 12, 1846, Rev. Robert Donnell of Alabama, became the pastor at a salary of $600.00 a year. . . In July of 1848, five men were brought before the session on charges of un-christian conduct such as swearing, gaming, etc., two were allowed to remain in the full fellowship of the church, but three were suspended.

In the minutes of December 29, 1853, it was decided that the Negroes were to be permitted to have sabbath school in the African Church, belonging to the congregation. . . In the minutes of February 24, 1854, the subject of rebuilding the present church at a cost of $5,000.00 was discussed. . . On April 3, 1857, the debt for erecting and finishing the new church was paid in full.

On August 1, 1857, Rev. T. C. Blake, became the pastor at a salary of $1,000.00, plus the parsonage. . . On October 9, 1857, the cause of the Mission established in Siberia was presented to the congregation and special offering was taken. . . On March 7, 1858, a Protracted Meeting that had lasted a month ended. Seven ministers took part and there were 70 conversions. . . In April the Baptist Protracted Meeting resulted in 100 conversions. . . There were 250 conversions at the Methodist meeting. . . On June 17, 1861, Rev. Poindexter resigned as pastor to join the army. . .In the minutes of September 1861, the church listed its white members as 210 and its black members as 35. . . There were no Session Records kept from November 8, 1863 to December 15, 1866, due to the Civil War. . . In the December 15, 1866 minutes, Rev. B. W. McDonnold has returned from the war. He recommends some memorial to be established to the memory of the elders, deacons and young men lost in the war. . . In the minutes of June 6, 1887, elder Gwynn was requested to procure unfermented wine for communion purposes.

On September 11, 1887, six ladies were named as Deaconesses. Their duties were related to cleaning, garnishing and decorating the church and its surrounding. The chairman of the Board, should he choose to may call the Deacons and Deaconesses for joint consultation, or he may call either body separately. The ladies were: Mrs. J. H. Lester, Mrs. W. J. Grannis, Mrs. W. Green, Mrs. W. W. Holbert, Miss C. Tollin and Mrs. Bettis Oldham. . . In the minutes of March 15, 1891, Rev. J. W. Fitzgerald, was granted a leave of absence to assist in revival meetings in the Mission Church just organized in Nashville. . . A new organ was purchased, January 1, 1893 at a cost of $850.00. The old organ was sold for $300.00. . . In the minutes of January 29, 1893, a motion was made to take $10.00 out of the collection for Home Missions. . . We have no Session Records covering the period of 1893 to 1917. (this was during the period of the attempt to merge the Cumberland Presbyterian Denomination into the Presbyterian Church, U.S.A.).

On July 17, 1917, the Building Committee for the new church was W. T. Marshall, J. J. Williamson and Alex McGlothlin. The ladies of the church were to elect two ladies to serve as Deaconesses, to assist in raising funds for the building. The two ladies were Mrs. Lillie Williamson and Miss May Dickens. . . On July 4, 1922, H. P. Williamson and S. M. Patton were asked to see the Chief of Police to see if the noise made by automobiles near the church couldn't be stopped during the church hour. . . On March 19, 1923, there were 101 resident members and 37 non-resident members. . . On November 8, 1923, the balance of the church debt of $500.00 was paid. . . The church budget for 1924 was adopted at $1,645.00. . . A Young People's Society was organized on November 1, 1927.

The session voted on February 5, 1929, to celebrate 100th Anniversary of the church the first Sunday in May. Rev. James Elder was the pastor. . . On May 12, 1936, Rev. Zarecor was given right to hold meetings during the summer months.

In the minutes of September 5, 1938, the motion was passed that the pastor and all elders oppose Sunday movies. . . On October 18, 1942, it was agreed to help all the soldiers in any way that was possible. . . On July 30, 1943, Rev. Zarecor reported that under circumstances he was not able to get any definite promises to take care of the General Assembly for the next year on account of War Maneuvers in this territory. . . On October 24, 1947, Rev. Zarecor died after serving as pastor of this church for 18 years (the longest pastorate in the history of the church).

At the session meeting of December 21, 1947, the following were present: B. W. Bland, Chairman, Charles Organ, B. O. Hall, Albert Lea and C. L. Stone. The Rev. W. B. Spraker of Winchester was called as pastor. . . In the March 21, 1948 minutes, motion was carried to pay Rev. Spraker $35.00 per week. . . this was raised on February 11, 1951 to $50.00 weekly. . . On July 17, 1955, the decision was made to get a loan of $6,000.00 to apply on the Sunday School annex now under construction. . . Rev. Spraker, after serving the church ten years died on April 11, 1957. . . Rev. John W. Wright was called as pastor, May 2, 1957, at a salary of $3,600.00 and the use of the manse.

The Session of May 1, 1958, called Rev. Paul R. Troutt as pastor at the salary of $3,600.00. . . In the minutes of November 9, 1958, the budget for 1959 was approved at $8,000.00. The Trustees were given the authority to purchase the 3.3 acre lots on the corner of Castle Heights Avenue and Leeville Pike at a cost of $12,500.00. . . On November 22, a congregational meeting was held and they voted to lease the church property where the church stands to Sinclair Oil company. There were 77 yes votes, 6 no votes and 2 did not vote. . . On March 14, 1959, the congregation approved the new church plans by Wilson and Odom, by a vote of 61 to 3. . . On October 22, 1962, Rev. Troutt resigned as pastor of the church.

On January 13, 1963, Rev. Don Acton was called as pastor. . . On March 2, 1963, plans were approved for a summer recreation program on the church playground. . . On July 7, 1963, it was decided that additions be made to the manse. . . On December 22, 1963, Rev. Don Acton resigned as pastor of the church. . . The pulpit committee to find a new pastor was: Vernon Sisk, Woodson Clay, B. W. Bland and Wendell Organ. . . On January 19, 1964, Rev. Wade Acton was called as pastor. . . In the minutes of March 14, 1965, it was decided that Rev. Virgil Weeks of Madison will be the Evangelist, and Bobby Davis of Sturgis, Kentucky, will be the Song Leader in a revival the third week in August (this revival resulted in 12 conversions, 20 new members and 25 re-dedication). . . On December 19, 1965, the budget for 1966 of $25,000.00 was adopted. . . In the February 18, 1966 minutes, a special report showed the cost of the present Church Building and Manse to be $119,700.00 (balance due as of December 27, 1968 is $46,625.45). . . On April 17, 1966, Rev. Wade Acton, resigned as pastor. . . On April 17, 1966, the Goshen Church members (Wilson County), by action of the Presbytery, became members of this church. There were 12 members in the Goshen Church.

The present pastor, Virgil T. Weeks, became pastor of the church on June 15, 1966. Here is a brief report of the church for 1967: There were 21 new members. The total membership is 254. The total active members are 188. The total Church School enrollment is 196. The pastor's salary for 1967 was $5,385.00. Other sums paid the pastor for the year amounted to $1,365.00.

The total sum paid out for Building and Repairs was $14,088.00. The amount given to Presbyterial and Synodic causes was $925.00. Our full share was paid to United Outreach in the amount of $2,082.00. The amount given to local benevolences was $380.00. The total expenditures for 1967 was $29,722.00.

Here is a brief report of the church for 1968: The total membership is 255. The total number of active members is 191. The total number of new members for 1968 is 14. The Church School enrollment is 195. The pastor's salary for 1968 was $5,750.00. The other sums paid to the pastor amounted to $1,450.00. The amount paid to United Outreach was $2,085.00. The total amount paid to other denominational causes was $200.00. The amount given to Advance in Missions was $600.00. The amount given to Presbytery and Synod was $1,050.00. The amount paid out for building and repairs was $13,957.00. The amount given to local benevolence was $400.00. The amount paid out for all other expenses was $5,508.00. The total expenditures for 1968 was $31,000.00.

The Church Session is made up of the following elders: Harry Berry, B. W. Bland, Woodson Clay (session clerk), Miss Gladys Deakins, William Dickens, B. O. Hall (inactive), Albert Lea (inactive), Donald Puryear, Elmo Riadon (inactive), Charlie Russell, Vernon Sis, Everette Smith, Lawrence Smith, Miss Alma Spraker, Tommy Woodliff, Wendell Organ and Harry Coe.

The Board of Deacons is made up of the following deacons: Houston Badger, Kenneth Berry, Joe Cripps, Donald Gilbert, John Jones, Jr., Joe Kitts, Sam Layne (church treasurer), Ramon Massey, George Martin, Joseph Maxwell, Thomas Phillips, Leonard Tyree (secretary), James Tucker and Steve Organ (chairman).

AUTHOR'S REMARKS

We have used the following sources in writing this brief history:

"Life of Rev. George Donnell, First Pastor of the Church in Lebanon," by T. C. Anderson (1859).

"History of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church," by B. W. McDonnold (1888).

"A History of Cumberland University," by Winstead Paine Bone (1935).

The Session Records of the Church.

We express thanks to Mrs Gordon Skeen, church secretary, for collecting information from the session records, and for her work in printing this history.

We dedicate this history to Miss Gladys Deakins, who has been a vital part of the history of the Lebanon Church since she started attending in 1904 (joined May 15, 1912). She has been a church organist for the past 56 years. She in a Church School Teacher and Elder. She is one of the greatest church leaders I have known in my thirty years in the ministry.

Virgil T. Week, Pastor

[Source: Typed copy of history located in the Historical Foundation of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Memphis, Tennessee]

1829-1845 George Donnell

1845-1846 David Lowry

1846-1849 Robert Donnell

1849-1850 William D. Chadick

1850-1856 David Lowry

1856-1857 Dr. Richard Beard (interim)

1857-1857 T. C. Blake

1857-1859 David Lowry (interim)

1859-1861 J. W. Poindexter

1861-1867 B. W. McDonnold (During this time he gained a four year leave to serve as Chaplain in the Confederate Army. The pulpit was supplied by Dr. Richard Beard during this period.)

1868-1879 T. C. Blake

W. W. Suddarth

W. H. Darnall

1879-1891 J. W. Fitzgerald

1891-1893 L. C. Kirkes (interim)

1893-1903 J. M. Hubbert

1903-1906 E. E. Morris

1907-1908 No regular Pastor

1908-1916 H. K. Yates

T. H. Porter

V. B. Costelow

J. T. Haliburton

1916-1918 J. A. Whitner

1919-1921 E. F. Meier

1921-1925 C. C. Miller

1925-1927 C. A. Calloway

1927-1929 James W. Elder

1929-1947 W. M. Zarecor

1947-1957 W. B. Spraker

1957-1958 John W. Wright

1958-1963 Paul R. Troutt

1963-1964 Don Acton

1964-1966 Wade Acton

1966-1970 Virgil T. Weeks

1970-1975 Argyle Faith

1976-1980 Donald Carter

1980-1982 Tolbert Dill

1982-1994 Don Acton

1994-2003 Steve Delashmit

1998-2000 Michael Clark, Associate Pastor

2001-present Jim Byrd, Associate Pastor

2004-present Kevin Medlin, Senior Pastor

Cumberland Annual 129th Anniversary of the Cumberland Presbyterian Church, Lebanon, Tennessee, May, 1959.

No session records on deposit.