History of the Church
Beard’s Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is the oldest African American Baptist church in Robertson County. It was established on Sunday, July 16, 1865, by Sarah Baird, her sister Winnie Chatman, and Rev. Albert Couts.
Daniel G. Baird owned a large plantation with several thousand acres of land that spanned from Robertson County, TN to Logan County, KY and owned approximately fifty slaves when he died in 1856. This is where most of the Bairds and Beards came from in this area. Baird is the correct spelling of the surname; it ended up being spelled Beard based on the lack of education and southern pronunciation of slaves. There were no Beard slave owners in Robertson County, TN in the 1850’s or 1860’s.
On December 21, 1868, Sarah Baird bought eight acres of land from Rebecca J. Woodard and husband L. C. Woodard for $88.00.
(Deed Book 14 page 288).
After the Civil War in 1865, there was a high demand for schools in Tennessee; over 95% of former enslaved individuals were illiterate and Beard's Chapel was used as a school for Black children in 1869.
On April 21, 1870, Sarah deeded one acre of land to Albert Couts, Daniel Couts and Wesley Woodard for a Baptist church. The deed was signed with an “X” and was notated “her mark Sarah Baird.” Beard's Chapel has continued to exist on the same parcel of land.
In 1938, the Robertson County Negro Yearbook published that Beard’s Chapel was one of the leading Black churches in Robertson County, with a membership exceeding 500 people.
In 1998, a new 32’ x 40’ kitchen was constructed to support church and community activities.
Vandalism Incident -- Sometime on the night of Friday, February 21, 1992, or in the early morning hours of Saturday, February 22, 1992, the church was defaced with racist graffiti. The words “KKK Rules,” “White Power,” and a drawing depicting a hanged man were spray-painted on the church walls. In an effort to distance itself from the act and clear its name, the local Ku Klux Klan offered a $250 reward for information leading to the culprit. The community’s response was overwhelmingly supportive. One man, moved by the incident, volunteered to remove the graffiti from the church walls. Despite the act of hate, the congregation remained steadfast, holding regular Sunday morning worship as scheduled on February 23, 1992. The perpetrator(s) were never identified, though local police believed the vandalism was likely the result of a prank by young people.
On April 20, 2001, Thomas Redell (T.R.) Willis, great-nephew of Sarah Baird, bequeathed 7.5 acres of land to Beard’s Chapel. According to archived property records, the land was donated by T.R. Willis is believed to be part of the original property purchased by Sarah Baird in 1868.
In 2003, Beard’s Chapel restored a forgotten graveyard with headstones that dated back to the 1900’s.
On October 21, 2007, Beard’s Chapel enlarged the vestibule, remodeled the women’s and men’s bathroom, added a sound system and financial room, laid cornerstones and bricked the exterior.
Incidents in 2011 -- In February 2011, thieves broke into the church through the kitchen, stealing two speakers and causing significant damage. Several pictures were smashed, and both the refrigerator and soda machine were overturned. Later that year on November 13, 2011, authorities in Robertson County investigated another act of vandalism and arson. Around 8:00 a.m., fire and police responded to a blaze set inside the church. Intruders had forced entry by kicking in the back door, set fire to four pews, and ransacked the pastor’s office. Once again, the perpetrators were never apprehended.
Twelve pastors have guided Chapel Missionary Baptist Church. The church’s 1st pastor was Rev. Wesley Crocker of Robertson County, (2) Rev. Phillip Patterson,(3) Rev. Luke Dunlop of Springfield, TN, (4) Unknown, (5) Rev. Robert Booker of Clarksville, TN, (6), Rev. Tuck Tucker of Nashville, TN, (7) Rev. Thomason, (8) Rev. W.L. Douglas of Nashville, TN, (9) Rev. Samuel H. Grider of Bowling Green, KY, (10) Rev. Terry W. Mincy of Detroit, MI, (11) Rev. Randy K. Taylor of Franklin, KY. November 12, 2022, Rev. Steven D. Woodson of Nashville, TN was elected the 12th Pastor of Beard’s Chapel.
Come Worship With Us at Beard's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church!
Join us this Sunday and experience the love, faith, and fellowship that have been the foundation of our church for generations. With a rich history of serving the Springfield, TN community, Beard's Chapel Missionary Baptist Church is a place where tradition meets a welcoming spirit. Whether you're looking for a church home or just visiting, we invite you to be a part of something meaningful.
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