LEBANON, Tenn. (WKRN) — At the time, it was two worlds that came together under one roof. One Black and one white. The original church building still serves as a tale of faith and progress, built by enslaved African Americans. However, for years, a group has been working to restore its history, to serve as a reminder of how far the city of Lebanon has come.
Driving through the city, you’re greeted by a colorful welcome, but just around the corner is a reminder that Lebanon is rooted in a black-and-white past.
“It is part of our history and some of it is a beautiful part of our history some of it is a not-so-flattering part of our history, but it’s our history,” explained Ryan Bennett, Pastor of the First United Methodist Church in Lebanon.
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EARLY HISTORY
Churchs everywhere have always seemed to serve as a beacon of light in communities, especially for Mary Harris’ family.
“We walked from the East side of town twice on Sunday. We would come for Sunday school and worship service and come back for our youth fellowship meeting,” Harris remembered.