New Salem Baptist Church

New Salem Baptist Church built in 1886 is Sevierville's oldest surviving building and the county's oldest brick church and only historic African-American church. Built as a Union Church for African-American congregations of all religious beliefs, its name was changed in 1897, when it became New Salem Baptist Church. On July 24, 2003, the church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. An important part of the community's 19th century heritage. (Source: www.waymarking.com)

This historical church was built by Isaac Dockery, an African-American artisan. Isaac Dockery, his family, and all the African-American families and individuals in Sevierville gathered to work on a brick building to be their permanent church. Along with a local community African American craftsmen Lewis Buckner.

Isaac Dockery made the brick to build the church. Squire Bob Henderson donated the land for the church and the use of the field next to the church land to make the brick and make a brick kiln to fire the brick. Isaac Dockery’s sons-in-law, his children, along with Lewis Buckner, a noted craftsman, were the main builders of the church which stands today. Lewis Buckner, carpenter, cabinetmaker, and house builder in Sevier County after the Civil War, furnished the pews and pulpit.

(Source: New Salem Baptist Church Historical African American Church by Martha Burden Bowden Knoxville, Tennessee 2008 and www.theclio.com.)