New Farragut Museum exhibit features churches
“When we opened the museum, we did an exhibit on a tribute to veterans,” Town Historic Resources coordinator Kristi Vining said. “Then we did an exhibit about sports stars from Farragut, and then we did an exhibit on Farragut artists.
“Now, our exhibit is on the history of churches in Farragut,” she said. “We do these temporary exhibits every four months.”
The current temporary display features historic artifacts — church charters, photographs, a 1887 pulpit from Virtue Church and Bibles, according to Vining.
She named the exhibit “cornerstones” because of the importance of the churches in the community “and how they’re a gathering spot for neighbors and friends,” Vining said. “So, we’re focusing on that kind of history.”
Of the 21 churches in the Town limits, she said about 15 or 16 churches shared artifacts for the exhibit.
“They have been so gracious to let us borrow stuff,” Vining said.
For example, it includes the original pulpit of Virtue Church, once called Virtue Cumberland Presbyterian Church, that dates back from 1887 to 1964.
She pointed out the pulpit is built backward. “That is so interesting to me,” she added.
Also, the exhibit includes the deed from Grigsby Chapel United Methodist Church, which dates back to 1852, a photo of the charter of Farragut Presbyterian Church, the original part of the gate from Pleasant Forest Cemetery
and a Bible dating back to 1877 from Concord Methodist Church.
“The newest church is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ temple,” Vining said.
The exhibit also relates how the churches got started and what their emphasis is now.
“It’s been very interesting to put it together, and I think it’s just another way to celebrate our community, Vining said.
In another part of the museum, it exhibits the flag the U.S. Navy gave Adm. David Glasglow Farragut when he was promoted to admiral in the 1860s.
“The stars are hand-sewn, and these four stars are the rank of admiral,” Vining added. “The Museum Committee bought it several years ago from a collector, and I had it framed.”
The museum is open from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and admission is free.
