Our History

Cottontown Baptist Church has been a cornerstone of the Cottontown community for over a century. Our original church home stood on land generously donated by Mr. Jim Barrette, with construction beginning in 1908 and completed in 1910. In the early years, services were held just once a month, and the building was heated by coal until 1957, when a gas heating system was installed. One of the church’s most unique features was its steeple, crafted from space-age materials used in moon landers. Built in Huntsville, Alabama, as part of a project by the Marshall Space Flight Center, the steeple was transported in sections by Mr. and Mrs. Leslie Sanders and placed atop the church on July 17, 1971. Though we are no longer at our original location due to a major flood in May of 2024, our commitment to this community remains strong as we seek God’s direction in establishing a new home.

On July 21, 1997, after much prayer, the members of Cottontown Baptist Church purchased five acres of land on Old County House Road in Cottontown, TN. Over the years, the Lord blessed us with a growing ministry, leading to updates such as a new roof in 2003 and the paving of our facility in 2004. In May of 2024, a devastating flood forced us to leave that building. After prayerful consideration, we sold the property, seeing it as a blessing and an opportunity to seek the right land for our future. Now, we are actively searching for a new home, trusting that God will lead us to the place where He wants us to continue His work in this community.

Pastors over the years have included Pastor John T. Oakley, Pastor Bill Griffith, Pastor Larry Potts, Pastor Oscar Trainer, Pastor James Roland, Pastor Charles Anderson, Pastor Clark Criddle, Pastor Ronnie Crosslin, and Pastor Larry F. Graves. Today, Cottontown Baptist Church continues to be led by Senior Pastor Drew Rowley, alongside Pastor Emeritus Larry Graves. As we seek the Lord’s will for our church’s future, our mission remains unchanged—to serve Him faithfully until His return!