Our Story
How it all started...
The chain of events leading to the founding and organization of present day
Cookeville Free Will Baptist Church can be traced back to the early 1940's.
Rev. Carson Whiteaker had gone to Detroit, Michigan for work and while there was ordained as a minister of the gospel. With a deep concern for his home area, he returned to Cookeville. The present church was officially organized in the home of Rev. and Mrs. John Barnes in December, 1945.
Cookeville Free Will Baptist Church can be traced back to the early 1940's.
Rev. Carson Whiteaker had gone to Detroit, Michigan for work and while there was ordained as a minister of the gospel. With a deep concern for his home area, he returned to Cookeville. The present church was officially organized in the home of Rev. and Mrs. John Barnes in December, 1945.
Pastor
Rev. Carson Whiteaker
Expanding the vision...
On Friday night February 1, 1946 the body voted to purchase a lot on which to build a church.
Upon completion of the building on Scott Street, the first service was held on June 15, 1947. Rev. Whiteaker preached on the subject, "My Hearts Desire."
The Church used the building on Scott Street from
June 1947 - November 1971.
Upon completion of the building on Scott Street, the first service was held on June 15, 1947. Rev. Whiteaker preached on the subject, "My Hearts Desire."
The Church used the building on Scott Street from
June 1947 - November 1971.
Pastors
Rev. Lee Lacy
Rev. Arvil Lee
Rev. Howard Mungey
Rev. Malcolm Rodgers
Rev. Critt Holman
Where we are headed...
On Sunday, November 14, 1971, the present building, located at 833 South Willow Ave. was used for the first time. Building construction occurred during the
pastoral administration of Rev. Bobby Greene. Rev. Green preached the first message at the present location. In 1975, desiring to remain in the mainstream of our denomination, the church became a charter member of the
Liberty Association of Tennessee. Thus having an official outlet for a world wide ministry through both home and foreign missions and Christian education through the National Association of Free Will Baptist.
Current location from 1971 - Present
pastoral administration of Rev. Bobby Greene. Rev. Green preached the first message at the present location. In 1975, desiring to remain in the mainstream of our denomination, the church became a charter member of the
Liberty Association of Tennessee. Thus having an official outlet for a world wide ministry through both home and foreign missions and Christian education through the National Association of Free Will Baptist.
Current location from 1971 - Present
