First United Methodist Church

The oldest church in Gatlinburg, built entirely from mountain rock. The stone church has served the community for generations and is a landmark of Smoky Mountain faith.

The First United Methodist Church, the oldest church in Gatlinburg, puts a chill down visitors' spines with its combination of mountain isolation and supernatural activity. Entirely constructed from local mountain rock, the church looks like something from a Gothic horror tale, particularly in the mist that often blankets the Smokies. Visitors have reported seeing strange silhouettes against the stone walls, figures that don't correspond to anyone physically present. Apparitions resembling priests or ministers have been spotted inside and around the church, continuing their spiritual duties from beyond the grave. The church's age means it has witnessed countless funerals for mountain families, and some of those mourners appear to have never left. Cold spots are encountered in the sanctuary, and the sound of hymns has been heard drifting from the church when it stands empty. Some visitors have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of peace inside, while others have experienced sudden dread. The church's stone construction, which some believe stores spiritual energy, may explain why paranormal activity is so consistently reported here.