Asbury United Methodist Church (Knoxville, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, South
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | 2822 Asbury Rd., Knoxville, Tennessee |
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| Area | 2 acres (0.81 ha) |
| Built | 1898 |
| Architectural style | Late Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Knoxville and Knox County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 97000222 |
| Added to NRHP | March 18, 1997 |
The Asbury United Methodist Church is a very old and important church building in Knoxville, Tennessee. It used to be called the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This church has a long history and is known for its beautiful design.
Contents
The Church's Story
How Asbury Church Began
The church is named after Francis Asbury. He was an English Methodist leader. Francis Asbury helped spread the Methodist faith in the United States. He led the first Methodist worship service in East Tennessee on November 2, 1800.
The land for the church was given by the Huffaker family in 1855. The main church building was last updated in 1898. Its special Gothic revival architecture style has stayed mostly the same since then.
Changes and Additions Over Time
Over the years, some new things were added to the church. These include a painting of Jesus that lights up from behind. An organ, a piano, and chimes were also added.
In 1938, a parsonage (a house for the minister) and a Sunday school building were built. A fellowship hall, which is a large room for gatherings, was added in 1949.
A Time of Division and Unity
In 1845, the Methodist Church in America faced a big disagreement. This led to the church splitting into two separate groups. For many years, both groups used the Asbury church building.
The Methodist Episcopal Church, South held their services in the morning. The Methodist Episcopal Church met in the afternoon. Later, in 1939, these two groups came back together. They formed what is now known as the United Methodist Church.
A Special Historic Building
Recognized as a Historic Place
The Asbury United Methodist Church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. This list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important in American history. Being on this list helps protect the church.
Why the Church is Special
When the church was nominated for the National Register, people talked about its unique features. They said its Gothic revival style gave an "inspirational feeling." The church's steep, pointed roof (called a gable) and strong arches made it feel powerful. The square bell tower with its special roof (called a bellcast roof) showed "strength and stability."
