Shofner's Lutheran Chapel facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Shofners' Lutheran Church and Cemetery
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 2896 US-41A |
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| Nearest city | Wartrace, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Area | 2.4 acres (0.97 ha) |
| Architect | Congregation |
| Architectural style | Greek Revival influences |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001232 |
| Added to NRHP | July 10, 1998 |
Shofner's Lutheran Chapel is a very old church located near Shelbyville, Tennessee, in the United States. It sits on Thompson's Creek. The church building and the cemetery next to it are important. They are listed together on the National Register of Historic Places. This list helps protect special places in the country.
A Look Back: The Church's History
The church was started by a man named Martin Shofner in 1808. He built the first church from logs. This log church was on land he received for serving in the American Revolutionary War. People believe this was the very first Lutheran church in Tennessee. It might even be the first west of the Allegheny Mountains.
The Current Building
The church building you see today was built around 1870. It is made of clapboard wood. Its style has influences from Greek Revival architecture. Inside, the benches are very special. They came from the older log church building. These benches are made from solid walnut wood.
Even though the church no longer has regular services, it is still used. Martin Shofner's family members, who are his descendants, use it for special events.
Becoming a Historic Place
In 1998, the church and its cemetery were added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are recognized as important historical sites.
In 2008, a group called the Tennessee Preservation Trust worried about the church. They put it on a list of "Most Endangered Historic Places." This was because a road nearby, U.S. Route 41A, was going to be made wider. People were concerned this would harm the church's historic look and the view around it. Luckily, the Tennessee Department of Transportation changed its plans. They made sure the road project would not hurt the church.
Later, in 2014, a storm caused some damage. On June 9, the church roof was hurt, and some trees in the yard fell down. But the church is still standing and cared for.
See also
- Jenkins Lutheran Chapel and Cemetery
