In the 1800s when people were migrating from place to place a group of Negroes from Portugal settled at what is now known as, “Gravel Hill“. Among this group were the late Rev. John Mitchell and his relatives. After meeting other settlers John Mitchell realized the great need to assemble together to worship God.

In the year of 1869, on the 4th Sunday in August, at the home of Rev. John Mitchell, the Gravel Hill Baptist Church was organized. Rev. John Mitchell and his group were assisted in the organization of this church by a committee of white people from the Friendship Baptist Church of Willard, Tennessee.

The committee members were Rev. Stinson, Rev. Stephen, Rev. C. Talley and Rev. P. Harris. Deacons were Bros. W.H. Gale and G. Harris. Rev. John Mitchell became the first Pastor.

After a short time of pastoring this church, Rev. John Mitchell gave the ground and built a log church on the site where the Gravel Hill Baptist Church now stands.

Valuing their opportunity to worship God and having a place to worship, some of the people walked the muddy or dusty roads and paths, some in wagons, some on horses, over the hills and through the woods, rocks, and bushes, to make their way to the House of God.

In the early years the church grew slowly but as more people began to settle at this place the church grew steadily.

Information is from the article, “History of Gravel Hill Baptist Church 1869-1969” written by Mrs. Sarah Nabors and Mrs. C.J. Dailey