Several members of the Knox Historical Museum attended the Kentucky historical marker dedication held Saturday, May 30, 2015 at Trace Branch United Methodist Church. Those attending included Museum President Michael C. Mills. Vice President Steve Valentine, and Board member Diana Mills.
As noted on the new marker, the church's congregation is one of the oldest in Knox County, said to have been founded by Bishop Francis Asbury in the Trace Branch community, with a history dating back to as early as 1801.
The other side of the marker reads as follows: "This church was established in 1895 on land donated by Lawson and Harriet Morris. The sanctuary was built by members of the community. Samuel Kelly, a circuit rider, was the first minister. Located on the Little Richland Creek, it is near the Boone Trace."
During a program held in the church, current pastor Delila Miller provided the welcome. The old hymn, "The Church in the Wildwood," was sung, followed by an invocation by Reverend Miller, a singing of "Love Divine, All Loves Excelling," and church history written by Jakalyn Jackson and presented by Diana Mills. The program in the church was concluded with a singing of TobyMac's "Speak Life."
The group then adjourned to the marker, where special guest Becky Riddle said a few words. She is the Kentucky Historical Society's Historical Marker Program Coordinator.
Members of Trace Branch United Methodist Church then unveiled the marker. Several snapshots from the occasion follow below.
