Cove Methodist
Walker County | Organized in 1872
Cove Methodist is a beautiful and peaceful sanctuary located only a few miles from where some of the most bitter Civil War fighting on Southern soil took place…….Chickamauga. In September of 1863, the Battle of Chickamauga produced the second highest number of casualties in the war, following only the Battle of Gettysburg. It was the first major battle of the war that was fought in Georgia. The Cove Methodist history simply says… ‘In the period just after the Civil War, when times were hard and bitter, the founders of this church wanted to create a just and fitting place in which to worship God in spirit and truth. In a time when their world was struggling to rebuild itself, and the stirring events of war were still fresh in the minds of some, this history begins.‘
Read more...In March of 1872, the Trustees of Cove Methodist Episcopal Church were deeded one acre of land to be used for a community burial ground and one acre for a church. A Methodist church was established and a frame building was erected at the present site. In 1894, the old house was torn down and the present church was erected. The location for the church was only a few miles from the battlefield and was situated at the foot of Lookout Mountain in a place known as McLemore’s Cove. And so it seemed fitting and proper for the trustees of the church to name it simply….Cove Methodist.
From the 1975 church history - "The designer of the building is unknown, but is believed to be from or schooled in the Northern part of the country, for the structure is of New England Colonial frame architecture, with its simple principles of line and proportions. The building stands erect and solid with the bell tower sheltered in the branches of the huge oak and hickory trees, over which it has stood guard since they were only saplings. The twin entrance steps, as well the foundation, were probably made from the rocks from the very site as they were plentiful there. The many paned glass windows, which almost reached the ceiling, provided the light for daytime services. For night services, light was provided from kerosene lanterns hung about the walls. The open windows and high ceilings helped in the cooling of the building in the summer. In the early days, a large pot-bellied stove in front of the circular altar provided heat in the winter. It is at this site that for more than a century Methodist congregations have met and worshiped together ; and still today the ancient building stands in silent witness to the faith of its fathers".
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16 responses to “Cove Methodist”
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A number of years ago I had the pleasure of being a guest Lay Speaker a few times at Cove Methodist. Once you enter the sanctuary you experience the most peaceful, spiritual feeling. The beauty of this church, inside and out, is absolutely fantastic.
My friend, Jay Wright, and I went there a few years ago to visit the graveyard and take some photos of the church and grounds for our collections. The photos of the church were so great that we used one for the cover of our book, “Appalachian Tales and Stretched Truths”. We received more comments on the cover than we did on the stories of our book.
Mary Agnes, her family and the members of Cove Methodist Church have done an excellent job of loving and caring for this Special Place so later generations will be able to enjoy the beauty and the spiritual blessings received when you visit. -
Great job and well documented. This Methodist jewel was founded while the sound of battle was very much in mind. God Bless America.
American by birth but Southern by the grace of God. -
Mary Agnes Fine and her son Lamar Fine has served as guardians of the church for many many years. Mary passed away June 2025. They are in need of support. It is on the National Registry of historic places. They have a Christmas service every year around the first Saturday in December. Hopefully it will continue. You can inquire by mail to Cove Methodist c/o Lamar Fine 245 Garrets Chapel Rd., Chickamauga, GA 30707.
I have many ancestors buried there. I always visit when I’m in town.-
Sorry to hear about this loss, but thank you for sharing this info, Terry.
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How can we rent this church for a wedding? Is there a contact person?
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Sorry April, we aren’t directly affiliated with the church so we can’t help organize events here but we wish you luck and congrats on your engagement!
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For the person looking at the church as a wedding venue, it is listed on the Wedding Spot site. 700.00 to rent for 9 hours.
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Do you know how to get in contact with them about renting it for the wedding?
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I live in Ringgold
I would love to know if I can go inside this beautiful church to say my rosary and bask in its majestic beauty
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We don’t know whether is is accessible or not. She is a beauty.
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Hello , my name is Joan Free . Bobby Blevins is a good friend of mine & I saw your lovely church in his photos several years ago . I fail in Love with it . My boyfriend & I plan to marry in a year , or maybe 2. I would like to know if you rent the church out for weddings & if so what the cost is . Thank you . It would be July 4, or Oct 24 .. 2021,or 2022. Email is
Joan.Free@rivhs.com-
Hi Joan. We do not have a contact for the church at present. Perhaps you can find one that can help you. We will let you know if we find one.
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Hello.
Does the Cove Methodist Church have regular church services ?
Thank you,
P Springer
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We are not sure but we think it is special events only.
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I’ve loved this church since I was a little girl, always enjoy riding by, makes my heart smile.
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Ours too.
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