Little Sycamore Missionary Baptist Church is an off-spring of Big Springs Primitive Baptist church at Springdale.  The "Mother" church played an outstanding role in the early history of Claiborne County.  The Big Springs Church, often referred to as "Hard Shell Baptists," was built in 1795-1796, before Claiborne County was formed and before Tennessee became a State.  It is believed that it is the oldest Church building in use as it was built in Tennessee and the first in present day Claiborne County.  Logs for the building were hewn by Drew Harrell.  The Church was organized on the second Saturday in July, 1800, largely through the efforts of Tidence Lane, who preached the first sermon and who is given the distinction by some writers as having been the first Pastor of the first permanent Church organization in Tennessee.

The separation of Missionary Baptist Churches from the Primitive Baptists is due to a number of doctrinal issues, such as predestination, foot washing, disbelief in missions and universalism, the belief in the non-existence of a hell.  Baptists throughout the years have adhered to the fundamental principle of the complete independence of the worshipping congregation.  Also Alexander Campbell did much to create disunity among Baptists as well as other denominations by his teaching, among other things, that baptism was essential to salvation. ("Be dipped or be damned.") and infant Baptism.  Fixed salaries for pastors was also a factor in the separation movement.

One of the first Missionary Baptist Churches to separate from Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church was Little Sycamore, which was organized in 1840.  The last Charter member, Rachael Wilson, died in September 1886.  The Church, located about two miles north of Big Springs, is still in use today as is Big Springs Primitive Baptist Church.  It has been remodeled and repaired several times in recent years.  The first repair work was done in June 1881, under the direction of Robert Bartlett, Elder T. B. Forester was Pastor (February 1881-August 1885).  The log structure, now covered with weather boarding, has thick, plastered walls, the plaster being held together by hair from cow hides from a nearby tannery.  The land on which the Church was built was deeded to the Church by my Great Grandfather, John McNiel.  In June 1891, the deed was read to the congregation and placed in the hands of John A. McNiel, my Grandfather, for safe keeping.  Also at this business meeting Newton W. Plank, Winie's Uncle, was elected Clerk when I.N. Johnson resigned after serving as Clerk for 20 years.

Little Sycamore Church over the years in the original building has made many positive contributions in many areas to the community.  The Church itself has been a "Mother" to at least three other churches: Pleasant View, Lone Hill and Springdale, which was organized with over thirty charter members from Little Sycamore on January 28, 1882.

Members of Little Sycamore Church are known for their loyalty and service to fellow members' families who are in need:  financial, illness, death.  In fact, the first recorded help for a needy member was in November 1885, and in March 1891.

In the 1870's the Church was used as a school, which lasted about three months out of the year.  In addition to the three months "free school," a "subscription school" in which the teachers were boarded and paid by parents was maintained from November to February.  In about 1872 a school building was erected on the opposite side of the road from the present home of Miss Cassie Dalton, near the Church.  In September 1898, the first Sabbath School was organized with J. N. Vannoy as Superintendent.

During the Civil War the Church was used as a hospital for wounded or ill soldiers, some of whom died.  In 1863 and 1864 Church services were held in the building only four times each year.  Elder Jesse Baker was Pastor (1860-1868).  Near the church is a cemetery where unknown soldiers are buried.

Many pastors, too numerous to list, from the first to the present, Rev. Johnny Lester, have offered outstanding leadership.  Many Deacons, teachers and lay people have been faithful, persistent and determined to follow God's Will.  Many, many people have been benefited.  All members deserve our thanks and appreciation.  Some leaders who come to mind during my association with the Church prior to World War II include, as Pastors, H. K. Harrell, Henry Cook, and Jesse Seals; as Deacon, John Venable; and as Clerk, Sallie McNiel, my Mother's sister, who served as Clerk for 20 years before her death in 1949.  Aunt Sallie's Grandfather, John McNiel, had served as Church Clerk for 8 years - March 1, 1863 to May 3, 1871 - during the Civil War.

Among the ministers of the Gospel who were members of Little Sycamore the following immediately come to mind:  Edd McAfee, Bob Dunsmore, Glenn Lane, Bill Cunningham and John Mullins, Sunday School Superintendent.  My father, Rev. Elbert Lee Day, was a very active member.  He died when I was 3 1/2 years old.  An active laity is the backbone of any church; and Little Sycamore has many; Att Singleton, Song Leader, Will and Cordie McAfee, Barbara (Mrs. John) Venable, Tilmon Venable (later a Minister), Matilda (Mrs. Will) Hurst, Fannie (Mrs. Bob) Dunsmore, M. C. Dalton, Angie (Mrs. Edd) McAfee, Mary Jane Plank, Mattie (Mrs. Mont) Venable, Koger and Allen Collingsworth, Cassie Dalton, and Vesta Parrish, my Aunt.  The oldest member of the congregation at present is Mont Venable, John's brother, who was born January 20, 1894, and who has lived near the Church all of his life.  The second oldest member is Angie McAfee, the widow of Rev. Edd McAfee, who lives at Tazewell.

The present leaders of the Church are Johnny Lester, Pastor, and Melvin Loop, Clerk.  The Deacons are Jim Bailey, Hence Cinniamon, Marvin Collingsworth, and Bill Cunningham.

Thank God for Little Sycamore Baptist Church!  May it continue to serve God and people for another 148 years!- Submitted by: Dave L. Day