Carnegie Library North Branch, Hopewell Missionary Baptist

We have not one, but two Carnegie Libraries on this tour! Opened in 1915, the North Branch Carnegie Library was a much-needed addition to Nashville, famously known as the "Athens of the South." Designed by C.J. Coley, the library was made possible by a $25,000 donation from Andrew Carnegie and the relentless fundraising efforts of North Nashville residents.

The symmetrical brick structure showcases classical detailing and retains many of its original interior features including woodwork, flooring, and the checkout desk. A standout element is its basement auditorium, complete with the original 1915 wooden stage. Though the building has undergone renovations, it has never been expanded, preserving its early 20th-century scale and character. Upon its completion, Nashville held the distinction of having more Carnegie Libraries than any other city in the United States.

Across the street stands Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, originally founded as the Third Baptist Church. Built between 1902 and 1906, the church stood at the intersection of North Nashville’s German and African American communities, serving both throughout the Jim Crow era. Designed by Henry Gibel, the revival-style of this red brick church features stone trim, a prominent tower, and a steeple over the southwest entrance. 

The sanctuary follows a half-circle seating arrangement, divided by a sliding partition for larger gatherings. Inside, the church retains its curved oak pews, stained glass windows, and unpainted woodwork, with a two-story classroom area accessed via a rear stairwell. The church’s solid, understated design contributes to Monroe Street’s historic character and stands as one of the few remaining works by Gibel, reflecting the architectural and cultural history of North Nashville.

After World War II, as Nashville’s demographics shifted, many White residents moved to the suburbs. By 1959, members of Third Baptist Church considered relocating and ultimately sold the building to Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church, a congregation with ties to Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church, founded after the Civil War. Over time, both the church and Carnegie Library have emerged as iconic African American landmarks in the Buena Vista neighborhood.

In March 2020, a tornado destroyed the church’s historic bell tower, leaving it severely damaged. With support from the North Nashville community and beyond, the congregation of Hopewell Missionary Baptist rebuilt and restored their cherished church, ensuring that its legacy endures for generations to come.

Make your way to 10th Ave N then turn LEFT onto Jefferson St. After passing the Tennessee State Museum and Bicentennial Mall, turn RIGHT onto Rep. John Lewis Way South. Turn LEFT onto James Robertson Parkway, and enter the parking lot next to the Morris Memorial Building just past 4th Ave N. There is a historical marker at the rear of the building near the intersection.