In 1823, Andrew Jackson donated the land, a portion of the funds, and the labor of his slaves to build this simple church. There's little doubt that it was the encouragement of Rachel Jackson. Originally non-denominational, in 1832, the Hermitage church joined the Presbyterian church. In 1838, he officially joined this church fulfilling his promise to Rachel that he would become a member after he retired from politics.
The church remained active until 1965 when it was gutted by fire. Then the Ladies' Hermitage Association donated nearby land for a new building and the LHA rebuilt it to look as it did in 1839.
See the historic markers here:
seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=historical-markers%2...
seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=historical-markers%2...
seemidtn.com/gallery/index.php?album=historical-markers%2...
On a personal note, I took this photo in 2019. I had been here once before about 30 years prior. At the time, my dad as a Music Professor at Lipscomb University ran an ensemble which performed Medieval and Renaissance music. His group had a performance here. Upon arrival, they learned there was no working electricity. All of the musicians had to read their music from candle-light.
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