Clouds Bend

United Methodist Church

The original log structure was built in 1879. 

Church History

Spanning over 140 years, the history of this community church is as deep rooted in tradition as its people.  In the beginning, services were held in a small log cabin on the property of Ed Johnson.  Recognizing the need for a church in the community, Richard N. Cloud donated land for the erection of a new church.  By the time the smoke had cleared from the Civil War in 1868 the people of Clouds Bend founded the church.  The original structure was made of logs given by Harvey Smallwood.  Everyone in the community helped in building this house of worship.  The founding church leaders included John Cloud, Henry Churchwell, Harvey Smallwood, and Ed Johnson.  The first Board of Trustees included Joseph Parker, J.G. Crum, William H. Cloud, John L. Pile, and George E. Patton.  On October 6, 1879, the land was deeded to the Methodist Episcopal Church in the name of our Lord.  The church served a two-folded purpose, as a school and church until the early 1930’s.  In 1957, an addition was added to the original structure to provide much needed Sunday School rooms. 

On January 11, 1988, the original structure was destroyed by fire.  There was a thick snow on the ground and the fire department had a difficult time reaching the burning structure. It was later determined that the cause of the fire was arson.  On October 7, 1990, the new church was dedicated to our Lord.  Since this dedication the members of Clouds Bend have worked many countless hours keeping the church a vital part of the community. 

940 Bradbury Street

Kingsport, TN  37660

Clint Jones, Pastor

Arson was the cause of the fire that destroyed the log structure in 1988.