The Legacy of jesse baker
On March 20, 1836, Jesse Baker was born in Hancock County, Tennessee, to G.W. and Martha Baker. He entered Mossy Creek Missionary Baptist Seminary — now Carson-Newman University — in 1853 and five years later, Jesse was ordained to the ministry by his home church in Sneedville, Tennessee. On June 9, 1859, he became the 16th graduate of the college and began his first pastorate in Tazewell, Tennessee.
With the onset of the Civil War in April 1861, the college was forced to close for six years. Blood was shed and lives were lost on the banks of Mossy Creek and the campus sustained heavy damage during the conflict. Fortunately, after the war, the college reopened its doors, and Baker was asked to join the faculty by Carson-Newman’s president, Robert Reedy Bryan.
Following the conclusion of Bryan’s second term, Baker answered the call as his replacement, becoming the University’s seventh president in 1869. However, Baker’s tenure was not an easy one. He was tasked with raising $6,000 to pay outstanding bills and repair costs the school sustained during the war. Accepting the challenge, published histories record that Baker traveled more than 3,500 miles on horseback, preaching and collecting funds he stored in saddlebags. By God’s grace, Baker returned to Mossy Creek in 1870 after successfully raised the necessary amount. For the first time in the school’s history, the college was free from its debt.
It is safe to say, Carson-Newman likely would not be here today without Baker’s “heroic faith” and willingness to serve his alma mater and our Lord to the utmost.
History of the Cabin
In 2019, an 1820s-era cabin was discovered just off Highway 92 in Jefferson City, and was later determined to be Baker’s former home. Baker and his family made the cabin their home starting in 1868, living there before, during and after his presidency. Owned by Isaac Newman, a supporter of the college, the cabin was eventually deeded to Baker by Newman in 1873 with the understanding that he could live there as long as he was pastoring churches. Committed to serving his Savior, Baker lived in the cabin until his death in 1902.
In November of 2020, the University began the first steps in its commitment to preserving an astounding part of its history. The cabin was moved from its original location on what is now Jesse Baker Lane. It traveled a short distance by truck and trailer to Carson-Newman’s campus where each piece of the cabin was carefully labeled and numbered for future reassembly. It was stored until construction began in the spring of 2024. It is now on permanent display, adjacent to the Fite Administration Building.
On August 19, 2024, the University dedicated the historic cabin, honoring a faithful president’s legacy of preserving Christ-centered education on the banks of Mossy Creek.
Schedule a visit!
The Jesse Baker Cabin will officially open for tours after September 2, 2024. If you would like to schedule a visit, please fill out the form below: