Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-03-31

We are pleased to learn that Mill Creek
Baptist Missionary Church, four miles from
the city on the Nashville and Chattanooga
railroad, is now undergoing material i'm
provements. a volunteer force from the
city and the neighbOrhood Friday COM
menced the work of re-roonfig this old and
time-honored temple of religion. The
church is brick building, beautifully locat-
ed in vale bordering on Mill Creek, which
spreads out into lovely prospect, circled
by picturesque hills forming a scene at once
charming and poetic to the sight. By the
side of the church is burying ground in
which some of Davidson county's citizens
are inferred. Tombstones and slabs
show that some of the graves are
fifty-four years old. We think it would be
well, however, to have these grounds en-
closed and otherwise improved, for many
graves are almost obliterated by time.
The church, which was injured and de-
faced by the Federal troops during the late
war, has needed repairs for some time and
with the exception of the old roofing, is in
other respects in good condition, being large,
well ventilated and comfortable. The roof
ing on one side was completed and work
on the other commenced on Friday by the
volunteer force, who deserve credit for the
liberal manner in u hich they have added to
the well being of this church.
At present the church is without a per-
manent minister, Rev. Mr.. Wampaugb, who
has been lately holding the station, having
resigned. The present membership Of the
church is between forty and fifty, and
though not so large as that of some others,
yet they evince an earnest spirit in behalf
of the church, most commendable and
worthy of.
The first church, when a few feet of
where the present building stands, was a
rude log structure, erected in the earlier
days ofthe country, as far back as about
1876, the ordaining minister having to ride
from Lexington, Kentucky, to this place
TO hold the officiating services,
At that time there was not a house be-
tween Bardstown, Kentucky land Nashville,
the country being a wilderness inhabited by
wild beasts and the children Of the forest.
Many memories of a historic character,
some of lofty Christian piety, others of
sad and yet affecting nature are connected
with the founders and members forming
the first congregation of Mill Creek Church,
which are handed down as some mystic le-
gend of the Rhine, from one generation to
another generation, still are of sufficient in
terest to command a thrilling inquiry by
the present members. At a future time
we will endeavor TO present some Of
the old stories and oft told tales
TO our readers. About one o'clock dinner
was spread and the boys after chasing fly
ing spirits, and INDUCING in little athletic
recreation, showed their respects in way
that told what fine appetite work in a
good cause gives us to enjoy such an ex-
celleut dinner as was set by Mrs. Hall,
Dempsey, Tanksley and DR.. Whitsitt and
his two sons, Porter and johnson. The
only regret was that We were not large
enough to eat as much as our appetites
prompted. Never mind, we did the dinner
Justice and will long remember those whose
hospitality offered it and trust to be with
them again ere long.