Anderson Street Church was born in the hearts of a few citizens dwelling in Bristol’s fast developing west end around the year 1893. Among these dedicated Christians who saw the need for a meeting place were George P. Cannon, brother of Bishop James Cannon, and Judge J. H. Swan. Assisted by others equally as en­thusiastic, they canvassed the area to secure the names of those unchurched through no fault of their own, which would promise to support a mission. The re­sponse was most positive, and additional leadership was secured to help in or­ganizing the new mission. Captain L. O. Adams, of the local Salvation Army, agreed to do the preaching. An abandoned little brick schoolhouse called Corn­field Academy, at the corner of Anderson and Tenth Streets, served as a meetinghouse. The group became known as Anderson Street Sunday Sunday-School Mission.

Several of the best Bible scholars of various denominations offered their services as Sunday school teachers. Mrs. Carrie St. John taught the Ladies Bible Class; Mrs. Callie Layman, Young Adult Girl’s Class; Miss Ziza Sullivan, Boy’s Class; and Mr. L. J. Tomlinson taught the Infant Class. Mrs. C. J. White moved her own pump organ to the Mission where she played for all the services, and Walter Allen from Main Street Church (now State Street) led the singing. George P. Cannon was first Sunday School Superintendent, Walter E. Allen first Secretary and John R. Dove served as Librarian.

Many children of the area were not only unchurched but wore suffering from poverty. In response, three zealous missionary evangels from Main Street (now State Street) Methodist Church, Mrs. Mary D. Allen (mother of Walter), Mrs. Sarah D. Leftwich and Mrs. Elizabeth McGee, along with Mrs. J. H. Swan of our own group, all portrayed the role of’ the biblical Dorcas, taking care of the children’s physi­cal needs. The E. W. King Company donated cloth for garments and the Singer Com­pany loaned machines.

In March of 1893 a revival was held at the mission. Crowds were so large that people unable to gain entrance stood outside in deep snow, hoping to participate in the spiritual excitement. Most of the resulting converts joined Main Street Church and others, as the Mission was not as yet a Chartered Church.

Anderson Street Mission flourished, and the group, greatly increasing in numbers, felt the need of a larger place to worship. The Holston Conference, in 1894, appointed Rev. G. M. Moreland pastor of the newly chartered church, which was known as Andersen Street Methodist Episcopal Church South.

            Anderson Street Church continued to grow, and by the time a new pastor, Rev. Murry Mitchell, was appointed in 1896, the need for a larger church building had become crucial. The Women's Missionary Society, which bad. Been organized by Mrs. E. E. Wiley, Mrs. John Slack, Miss Kate Wheeler, Mrs. J. H. Swan (President), Mrs. C. J. White, Mrs. J. W. Emmert and others, purchased a lot directly across the street from the school building for the erection of a new house of worship. They raised money by selling their popular oyster dinners and homemade ice cream suppers. Com­bined efforts of the pastor who had charge of the building program, the ladies who bought the land and the men who donated hours of carpentry work on the building, re­sulted in an architecturally beautiful and commodious structure, one of which the church as well as the community could be proud. The building was located at 954 Anderson Street. The new frame building, begun in 1896 and completed in 1898, was dedicated by Dr. David Sullins. After several years of membership growth, a Sunday School Annex was added to the original structure. The location was 954 Anderson Street, Bristol, Tn., Sullivan County.

Spacious and Victorian in style, the first Anderson Street Church building served the congregation well for nearly 30 years. Trustees of the new church were A. C. Harkleroad, C. J. White, J .W. Emmert, L. D. Mastin and J. H. Swan. A new pump organ was purchased on completion of the building. An aspiring young charter member, Maude Kinkead (Boy), with a consuming desire to become church or­ganist, was playing for services after four months of practice, with the help of an instruction book. She later mastered the violin in the same manner and was one of a combo she organized.

Anderson Street Church Sunday School was active and fast growing. A. C. Keebler, a dedicated church member and prominent lawyer, organized the Fitzgerald Baraca Class in 1909. Its growth was phenomenal. Later, E. M. Woolsey, also a prominent lawyer who could “expound” for the Lord with equal or greater fervor than he exercised in pleading a case, became teacher for this men’s class. Often Mr. Woolsey, a dynamic speaker, was called upon to fill the pulpit in the absence of the minister. Mr. Keebler, realizing the need for a comparable class to accommodate an increasing number of women in the church, organized and taught the Keebler Class. Other prominent early Anderson Street Church teachers were W. O. Bennett, Mr. and Mrs. W. T. Cash and Mrs. Ruth Tevis.

Anderson Street Church’s Epworth League was a most vigorous organization of active, responsible youth. One of their early leaders, Milton Smith, led them suc­cessfully for many years in their spiritual development and recreational activi­ties. The group was well known in the surrounding cities and counties for the plays they gave. The proceeds from these performances were applied to the church budget. The Children’s Junior League was led by Nancy Kinkead and ministered to a large num­ber of youngsters.

Another youth group, the Young People’s Missionary Society, was organized by Mrs. Vesta Allen Hammer, at the home of the Kinkead sisters in 1920. Mrs. Hammer was a church member and belonged to the Women’s Missionary Society.

The year 1929 marked the beginning of great things for the Church. Holston Conference sent Rev. Charles H. Williams to Anderson Street Church. Immediately he began to promote the idea of a new church building. Being a lover of children, he personally searched the surrounding area for unchurched children. They, and soon their parents, flocked to the church, which was already overcrowded with an 800 plus attendance in Sunday school and 621 in church.

With indomitable courage and faith in his God and in his flock, “Brother Char­lie” launched a new church drive, which many said was doomed to failure. Despite the great depression of 1930, Anderson Street Church began a building program, which would amount to $75,000 plus a parsonage to cost $7,500. Mrs. A. C. Keebler laid the first brick and Mrs. J. H. Swan broke ground at the site.

            Through teamwork efforts of every member of church and Sunday school, payments were miraculously raised through contributions from each class - even the nursery - the congregation, youth groups, women’s circles and friends of the church. So dy­namic was his personality that when brother “Charlie” asked someone for a contri­bution, to teach a Sunday School Class or take an office, the answer was usually “yes”. Radio station W.O.P.I. gladly donated time for Brother “Charlie” to con­duct a fund raising campaign, which brought in many contributions. Generous indi­vidual Anderson Street Church givers were Captain Carnahan, M. M. Carmody and Jeff Rogers. Mr. Carmody taught the Baraca Class for many years in the new brick church.

      For his contribution to the new church completed in 1930, W.O. Bennett do­nated the heating system, including both furnace and ducts. With the help of his sons, John and Bill, he also installed the system after work hours. Prior to this he had served as teacher, song leader and superintendent in the Sunday school for 30 years. The Church dedicated the “Social Hall” below the auditorium in honor of Mr. Bennett. The name “Bennett Hall” can still be seen on the door.

Anderson Street Church members worshipped in a tent on the school lot while the new brick church across the street was being erected. Church members Nick Owen and Carl V. Loggins were contractor and construction foreman, while Brother “Charlie” personally checked progress of the job each day. By winter of 1930 they moved into the new quarters. When the auditorium was ready for occupancy, a special service for laying of the cornerstone was held. Bishop Du Bose was the speaker. It was an occasion to rejoice for the large crowd in attendance.

The Conference had published a reorganizational guide for use of all churches, which dictated changes in areas such as classroom size, grading by age, etc. The new building fulfilled all these requirements, and the congregation was proud of the most up-to-date church in town. Mrs. L. K. Hammer played the piano for 35 years and Henry Faivre was Choir Leader. Bishop Kern dedicated the new church organ to him in a special service May 16th, 1948.

            Pastors who followed Brother “Charlie” willingly assumed the responsibility of shepherding the debt-ridden church until, during Rev. S. O. Frye’s pastorate, the indebtedness was paid in full. This happy occasion was celebrated in a dedication service led by Bishop Paul B. Kern, July 22, 1943.

            Following payment of the new church indebtedness, the women’s missionary circles did not slacken their efforts. The last surviving charter member of the Church, Mrs. John R. (Florence) Dove, requested that the following truth go on record to be re­membered by all.   Anderson Street Church buildings (both frame and brick), were paid for largely as the result of prayer and turkey dinners. At every dinner in the new church, the “Marthas” of the kitchen in old Anderson Street wore still in evidence, cooking and serving to the edification of fellow members and to the glory of God.  Funds raised from the meals paid for missionary projects, improvements in the church and help to a sister church struggling with indebtedness. These “Marthas” were: Mrs. Myrtle Everett, Mrs. W. V. Nuckolls, Sr., Mrs. George (Tiny) Counts,  Mrs. Grace Emmert and Mrs. T. C. Ford - all now deceased. Other dedicated workers, dating back to the early days were Mrs. C. S. Vance, Mrs. J. B. Crowell, Mrs. W. T. Cash, Mrs. R. L. Shuttle, Mrs. J.C. Leonard, Anderson Street Church furnished a home in the Staley Apartment for its two re­tired missionaries from Korea, Miss Ella Sue Wagner, Founder of Holston School there, and Miss Rosa Lowder, Missionary Nurse. Both are now deceased.

            During recent years the church has purchased houses and lots adjacent to the church property. This greatly increased the size of the parking area.  A number of costly improvements to the building have also been made lately. Anderson Street Church participates in the local Meals-on-Wheels Program, providing meals once a month for the needy.

            Anderson Street Church was the first in Bristol to have a day kindergarten.  From 1948 until 1973, Miss Maude Kinkead served her church as superintendent and teacher of the new “school” which attracted students from families of various religious beliefs. She was voted “teacher of the year” in 1971. The church has been operating a “Mother’ Day Out” A.P.P.L.E. Institute School for the last two years.

Another distinction enjoyed by Anderson Street Church is the 50 year-service group. The following have served 50 or more consecutive years in their positions:

Mrs. A. C. Keebler, deceased

Prepared sacramental elements and linens

Mr. Walter Nuckolls, deceased

Church Treasurer

Miss Lorena Kinkead

Sunday School Teacher of children in various age groups

Miss Isabella Boy

Sunday School Teacher of Kindergarten Class for’ 54 years

No history of Anderson Street Church could be complete without mention of Ernie Ford. His parents were church “goers” and church “doers”.  They were at every ser­vice with their children and sang in the choir for many years. He worked with the youth, and she was active in the Women’s Society. Ernie knew his father wanted him to become an evangelistic singer and his mother hoped he would major in the enter­tainment world. Pastor S. O. Frye counseled Ernie, assuring him that the Lord looked with favor upon the art of making people laugh. Fortunately, Ernie not only pursued this art but cut many gospel records, satisfying the dreams of both parents as well as his own. During Rev. George Armbrister’s tenure as Pastor of Anderson Street Church, Capital Records transported their equipment to Ernie’s hometown Church where they made a famous recording of hymns sung by Ernie’s kin and fellow church members. The record was called “Hymns at Home”, and is today a collector’s item.

From the time charter member Granny McGee trudged to Church in the evenings swinging her lantern, until these modern times, Anderson Street has been a progres­sive church. Only three members now living can recall Cornfield Academy--Mr. Frank Harr, Mrs. Bertha Faivre and Mrs. Helen Allen. Most of today’s members, in the scriptural words, “having seen not” her glorious past “yet they believe” and feel a binding loyalty and pride in their church.

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