BETHEL CUMBERLAND PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
Who knew that two preachers would ever be in a competition to overpower each other’s voice? Well it happened right here in Sango!
In 1868 George C. Halliburton donated land to the Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church as well as the Sango Cemetery. The church grew and was even renovated in 1897.
In 1906, the Presbyterian Church USA began to merge with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church on a national level. Other than the Rev. GD Robinson and a few members, the majority of the Bethel church wanted to remain separate from the Presbyterian Church, USA. Consequently, a new pastor was sent to guide the Cumberland flock. His name was Rev. JE Powers.
Sharing space was not easy. Both congregations considered themselves owners of the church. The disagreement resulted in lock-outs where the Cumberland members had to worship outside while the Presbyterian USA members worshipped inside.
Sometimes, both congregations were inside worshipping at the same time. Each pastor attempted to raise their voice louder than the other. Rev. Powers was said to have the stronger voice.
In 1913, the disagreement ended up as a legal dispute. In the end, the membership of the Bethel Cumberland Presbyterian Church took final, legal possession.
Citation and Picture Credits: WORSHIP ALONG THE WARIOTO: MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TENNESSEE, by Elenor S. Williams, E.S. Williams, 1995, pp. 69-73. Compliments of Montgomery County Archives, Clarksville, TN.
