Historic Henderson Chapel Church

Historic Henderson Chapel Church The Historic Henderson Chapel Church, built circa 1890, is located on Church Street in Rutledge, Grainger County, Tennessee.

It is one of the Oldest African American Churches in the South East. Henderson Chapel AME Zion Church in Rutledge, the seat of Grainger County, is listed in the National Register of Historic Places under the criteria for its local significance in African-American ethnic identity and religion. It is the oldest African-American congregation in Grainger County and the oldest extant African-American c

hurch building in the county. Built in 1890 and as one of the handful of extant nineteenth century African-American church buildings in the state, Henderson Chapel Church meets the registration requirements for Historic Rural African-American Churches in Tennessee, 1850-1890. The organized church activity dates to 1833, the date when the local congregation and local historians agree that the predecessor to Henderson Chapel was established. This early date also makes the congregation one of the oldest in the South, especially in the rural South.

04/24/2026

Check out this awesome video from our friends at Black in Appalachia!

Today was a great day. Historic Henderson Chapel Church was lowered down onto its new foundation. Great things are fix...
04/21/2026

Today was a great day. Historic Henderson Chapel Church was lowered down onto its new foundation. Great things are fixing to happen to the church

In honor of Black History Month, we invite you to watch a short video about the history of the Historic Henderson Chapel...
02/21/2026

In honor of Black History Month, we invite you to watch a short video about the history of the Historic Henderson Chapel AME Zion Church located in Rutledge, TN.

Appalachia’s Storyteller: Black in Appalachia. The incredible story of the henderson Chapel AME Zion Church. The first African American Church in Grainger Co...

We would like to thank those who attended our Community Forum on Saturday. It was wonderful to share the Henderson Chape...
10/29/2025

We would like to thank those who attended our Community Forum on Saturday. It was wonderful to share the Henderson Chapel story and receive stories and thoughts from the community. We offer a big thank you to Black in Appalachia and Clinch-Powell for organizing and facilitating the event! If you would like to get more involved, message us or email [email protected].

10/02/2025

We’re wrapping up this month’s Appalachian Artist Spotlight with clog dancer and performer Arthur Grimes!🕺🏾

A North Carolina native, Grimes first began dancing on his family’s front porch in 1975 in the Junaluska neighborhood near downtown Boone.

After taking up tap dancing at 17, Grimes turned to buck dancing, drawing inspiration from his enslaved ancestry and Appalachian musical roots.

Over the last decade, he’s performed with groups such as Old Crow Medicine Show, Steep Canyon Rangers, and Carolina Chocolate Drops.

Let’s show Arthur (and artists like him) some love for keeping these traditions alive. Support local artists! 🐌

Come see Mr. John Bowen, Chair of the Henderson Chapel Council, at the Grainger County Tomato Festival! He is sharing i...
07/18/2025

Come see Mr. John Bowen, Chair of the Henderson Chapel Council, at the Grainger County Tomato Festival! He is sharing info and updates on the renovation process and he can help you get connected if you would like to support the course!

07/18/2025

Through compelling research, heartfelt storytelling, and dynamic public engagement, Black in Appalachia brings to life the voices and contributions that have long deserved recognition. Whether you’re rooted in Appalachia or simply curious about its deep, diverse history, this episode offers insigh...

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Church Street
Rutledge, TN
37861

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