The ministry of Tazewell Presbyterian Church (TPC) began in 1850 in the home of Mrs. Amanda Cox on Main Street. The Rev. Isaac Newton Naff commissioned and sent by the American Missionary Society to “Publish the gospel at Jeffersonville, Thompson Valley and various destitute places in Tazewell County, Virginia,” was the minister.
Today, some 174+ years later, we are a church full of history and deeply connected to the Tazewell community. Our ministries extend to local, regional and global areas of need and we are a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). One of our greatest assets is our music program including all ages from youth to adult which is an integral part of our weekly services and special occasions throughout the year.
Tazewell Presbyterian Church offers varied multifunctional facilities. Anyone wishing to use these facilities whether they are church members, non-members, or organizational groups must ask the permission of the Tazewell Presbyterian Church Property Committee and get additional approval for the request by the Session of Tazewell Presbyterian Church. All activities and programs must be included on the church calendar to avoid conflicts. For more information regarding the usage of church facilities, please contact the church office at (276) 988-4724.
Tazewell Presbyterian Church is located at the corner of Church and Pine just off the West End of Tazewell’s Main Street behind the United Methodist Church. If coming from the Tazewell Avenue / East Fincastle Turnpike direction bear right on to Church Street as Fincastle becomes Main Street. If coming from the Frog Level / Fairgrounds area, go to the far end of Main Street and turn left while facing the Tazewell Historical Society.
Rev. Grace Kim joined TCP in 2023. Her aim in all things is, with God’s help, to make a positive difference in people’s lives – giving encouragement in the journey of faith, and coaching/leading for effective Christian service!
Black’s Chapel was built and dedicated on August 17, 1930, and named for the Ruling Elder at the time, Mr. A.M. Black. Located three miles east of Tazewell just off Route 19 / 460 at Dry Town, it was an outgrowth of summer Bible Schools held in private homes by Miss Ella S. Bowen, Pastor’s Assistant from 1923 – 1948.
Unlike seven other chapels which Tazewell Presbyterian Church was instrumental in establishing, five of which were united into the Presbyterian Parish of Southwest Virginia in 1994, Black’s Chapel continues to be a part of the Tazewell Presbyterian Church served by the same minister, represented by the same governing board, sharing some of the same activities and special events, and with the same mission.
The ministry of Tazewell Presbyterian Church (TPC) began, and first services held, in the home of Mrs. Amanda Cox on Main Street in August, 1850. The Rev. Isaac Newton Naff commissioned and sent by the American Missionary Society to “Publish the gospel at Jeffersonville, Thompson Valley and various destitute places in Tazewell County, Virginia,” was the minister.
On September 14, 1851, the church named “Jeffersonville” was organized with eleven members. The first building, made of wood, hand-selected from the farm of one of the two original Elders, was completed on the present site in 1853.
A second building replaced it in 1889 and served until 1924.
The third rendition was a brick building very similar in appearance to the present one and erected in 1924 but burned during remodeling in February of 1959.
Through hard work, prayer and sacrificial giving by the members, the fourth and present church was built and dedicated on Dec. 4, 1960.
In the 1980’s the nursery was extended to house the increasing population, the land behind the church was purchased and equipped as a playground, and the lot on the other side of Church Street was purchased and paved for a parking lot. An elevator was also installed at this time from a special donation by three members.
With more than 270 members, the leadership of Tazewell Presbyterian Church and Black’s Chapel comes from its Session, an elected group of 24 men and women. TPC belongs to the Abingdon Presbytery, the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).