METHODIST CHURCH
Records show that Ten Mile Methodist Church was standing before 1827. According to a book, East Tennessee Letters, written by Willie Reeves Hardin Bivens, a new church building was dedicated in July 1877. It describes the church as large, well constructed, and comfortable. The building cost about $750. Ten Mile was called Ten Mile Stand at that time.
In 1979, Jane Stewart stated,
"Because of the love I bear for the cause of Christ and affection for the Methodist Episcopal South, have bargained, sold, and have one dollar in hand for the following parcel of land. The parcel of land, lying in the Civil District #6 (which has changed) of Meigs County, Tennessee, and described as follows: beginning at the rock corner on the side of the road leading Decatur to Kingston and running thence South East 18 poles to the beginning, being 2 acres more or less, and running so as to include the building already erected on said lot of land and said building being about the center of said lot of land therein conveyed."
This was given in trust to A. W. Hodge, M. B. Stewart, V. C. Allen, R. J. King, P. M. Miller, I C. Arrants, and J. B. Blevins to have and to hold forever in trust that said premises shall be kept, maintained, and used for the ministry of the Methodist Episcopal South for Divine worship.
Ten Mile Methodist Episcopal South later became Ten Mile United Methodist Church. Improvements have been made to the church building and property throughout the years.
In 1942, Mt. Wesley Church near this church merged, transferred their membership to Ten Mile Church, and sold their church. The bell from Mt. Wesley was placed in the belfry of Ten Mile Church. The belfry was built by church members.
The asbestos siding was put on the church in 1942. In 1955, Sunday School rooms were built across the back of the church and new steps were added to the front. In 1982-1983, a new Fellowship Hall was built. It extended in an L to the back of the church joining the Sunday School rooms.
In 1985, the church had its first woman pastor, Carolyn Braddy. She received a warm welcome by the congregation.
The sanctuary had other improvements. Central air/heat, new musical instruments, carpeting, and new lighting adds to the beauty and comfort of the sanctuary. Although the wood stove, kerosene lamps, pump foot organ, and the funeral home fans have been replaced, the role of the church is still the same as it was to the early ancestors. The word of God is to be preached, and the church welcomes anyone who desires to worship with us. The goal of the church is to seek and save the lost. The scripture shows us that where there is a need - we have a mission - To Love and to Serve.