CLARKSVILLE, TN (CLARKSVILLE NOW) – Kenwood Baptist Church will celebrate its 100th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 19, with a special service celebrating the church’s history.
The 100-year anniversary celebration will kick off with a service led by Pastor Derek Simonis at 11 a.m., featuring music from the combined choirs of 2nd Mile Church, Kenwood Baptist Choir and the Kenwood Kids.
The service will also feature a historical tribute from Calvin Stokes, and a special recognition from Rick Stevens of the Cumberland Baptist Association.
Following the morning service, a meal will be served. The Clarksville Soulstirrers will perform at 2 p.m.
Kenwood Baptist: ‘A project of love’
Kenwood Baptist Church has changed a great deal in the past century, according to church secretary Jackie McCarrick. Located at 992 Peachers Mill Road, it was originally established in 1921 in a building across the street. The church relocated between 1922 and 1924 when they erected their first building, now the fellowship hall.
Between 1940 and 1957, the church added two new Sunday school rooms and purchased a WWII-era building from Fort Campbell to accommodate its growing membership.
In 1975, led by deacon T.D. Hudson, Kenwood Baptist broke ground on a new sanctuary. McCarrick called the construction a project of love, with church families all pitching in to make it a reality. Even the kids helped, mixing the mud for brick laying. The new sanctuary saw its first service on July 4, 1976.