History of Patterson Baptist Church

Patterson Baptist Church, Inc was originally called Patterson Missioniary Baptist Church. Our church is still very missionary supportive. We support both foreign and home missions, children’s home, and several local organizations such as Homeless funds, Portico, Gideons, etc. If there is a need we try to share the love and support that Jesus’ love compels us to do. 

Our church is on the corner of Paterson Rd and Coleman Hill Rd in Rockvale, TN but was originally called Possum Trot Community (as do many still today). Patterson Baptist was organized sometime in the 1890’s and met in an old grocery store on the 3rd and 4th Sundays but disbanded. In 1901 interest was shown by many former members in re-establishing a local Baptist Church. 

In 1902 they met with the Concord Association and with help organized the church again writing the Articles of the Church and Covenant. They probably met at the old store or homes. 

After much prayer and discussion it was decided to commit to this by building a small suitable place of worship. Men from church cut and hued wood for the new church building and split wood for wood shingles. Benches were also made from narrow slats finished by the men of the church.

The first meeting in the new building was in 1910. In 1913, a tornado hit the Methodist Church and probably Patterson Baptist as they started to study a remodel was mentioned in minutes of a meeting.  Messengers attended Concord Baptist Associational meetings after this reorganization. 

Official Homecoming date was set for first Sunday in October in 1941. The church continued to flourish and be there for the community. 

In 1955 road was widened and church building had to be moved. Due to attendance growth it was also remodeled. Over the years our building has undergone several additions, updates with indoor plumbing , electricity, etc. We are still here on the corner serving our community and worshiping Jesus Christ. We celebrated our 100 year anniversary in 2002 thanks to the many devoted and dedicated Christians both past and present. 

We welcome you to join us as we continue to focus our eyes on Christ Jesus for what He has done and great anticipation of what He will continue to do as we yield to His love and will.