Clopton United Methodist Church

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Clopton United Methodist Church Historical Marker

5285 Brighton-Clopton Road
Brighton, TN 38011
(901) 476-5512

[edit] History

From http://cloptonumc.webs.com/history.htm

Clopton’s roots as a Methodist community began in the 1830’s when Anthony M. Clopton gave a parcel of land for a church. Though it is not clear when the Clopton Methodist Church was formally organized, records show that summer camp meetings were held here as early as 1836. Huge trees covered the Clopton campground. People built shelters near Tipton Creek and held camp meetings that lasted from 10 days to two weeks.

However pastoral this farming community seemed, it was not to escape the scars of the Civil War. Clopton Campground became a mustering grounds for Confederate soldiers. In 1863, the shelters on the campground and the original church building were burned by Federal troops. After the war, the church was rebuilt near the site of the present church.

The second Clopton Church building remained in use until 1910 when it was torn down and replaced by a third building. This picturesque white frame country church was destroyed by fire in February, 1947. All contents except a piano and the red pulpit chairs in the foyer of the present church were lost. The congregation worshipped with the Mt. Carmel Presbyterian Church during the coldest weather and in a tent at Clopton during milder weather. In 1948, the chapel at the Halls Air Base was purchased, dismantled, and reconstructed over a full basement on the site of the destroyed church. With the addition of brick veneer, the present church was completed in 1948 and dedicated on May 20, 1951.

In the ‘80’s and ‘90’s people followed the trend that bigger is better and left Clopton for larger churches. For a time it seemed that Clopton would suffer the fate of many small rural churches and be forced to close its doors. There were no children, no youth and no choir. Attendance averaged around 20. But the same God who inspired our forefathers to build a church here in the 1830’s and to rebuild in the 1860’s and 1940’s was still at work at Clopton. Former members came back. New people came to visit and stayed to become part of our fellowship. A former District Superintendent, Rev. John Holt, has stated that “there’s just something about Clopton that I feel when I enter the sanctuary that I don’t feel at any other church”. God still works miracles!!! Clopton United Methodist church is evidence of that. We believe He has great plans for us. Come and be part of God’s plan here at Clopton.