Welcome To Hollywood Baptist Church

Hollywood Baptist Church was organized in the year 1889, making it one of the oldest churches in the Tennessee River Baptist Association. The little village of Hollywood was quite different to what it is today.  No streets or paved roads, just deep ruts and mud holes made by the many wagons and horse back riders passing by and coming into town.  A few families of high caliber made up the inhabitants and more than likely were charter members of the church.  The first meetings were in an old store building across the road from where the Post Office once was.  The seats used were planks propped by blocks.  More than likely the church was organized here.  Then a few years later, the first church building was built on a lot in the center of town.  The old building still stands and is being used as the residence of Mr. Erskine Womack (presently, the residence of Mr. Womack's daughter, Mrs. Dot Hicks).  A Mr. Obaner donated the lot for the church.  Everyone in town donated labor and what funds they could spare to the building.  The women having ice cream and cake suppers, making and selling quilts to help in this worthy cause.  When the building was finished, it was used as a community center, a school building, and by different denominations.  The oblong building of one room had two doors.  The men entered the left door and sat of the left side of the building.  The women entered and sat on the right side of the house.  It is not believed that even sweethearts sat together.  The stand for preachers was between the front doors with a bench against the wall for the preachers to sit on.  Also, on this bench was a water bucket and dipper for old ministers, babies, and small children to drink out of.  This was frequently used.  Service then lasted for several hours.  Sunday School until a much later date did not happen.  The church had a Belfry on top with a huge bell.  This was rung loud and long.  This was delightful but sometimes saddening when it tolled the death of a citizen.  The old ministers who stood out most were Brother Brown, a Brother Collins and Brother Caves. Brother Collins and Caves had walked and ridden all over the county many times telling people about Jesus and His love. In the early days, there were meetings on Saturday.  Also, the business of the church as transacted and minutes read.  After which, a sermon or two was preached.  Sacrament was often taken, and many fifth Sunday meetings and Associations, with always a filled house.  The church grew rapidly and was finally remodeled and Sunday School Rooms added. Brother Charles Starkey, Brother Anderson Varnell and many others were pastors during this time.  then after many years of service a new church was needed.  So the present church (now the fellowship hall) was built around 1946.  Deacons at this time were Gordon Harris, Sam Hunter, Raymond Bradford, and others.  Looking back pioneer citizens and minsters meant to our little town and community so much.  They were loyal and true and worked hard that this mission might be accomplished.

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This above history was written by the late Mrs. Kate J. Bradford