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 located in Knoxville, Tennessee. It used to be known as the Asbury Methodist Episcopal Church, South. This church has a rich history and beautiful architecture.
Contents
Discovering Asbury Church History
How the Church Got Its Name
The church is named after a famous English preacher named Francis Asbury. He was a Methodist evangelist who helped spread the Methodist faith across the United States. He traveled a lot in the late 1700s and early 1800s.
On November 2, 1800, Francis Asbury led the very first Methodist church service in East Tennessee. It was a special moment for the region.
Building the Church
The land where the church stands today was given as a gift in 1855. It was donated by the Huffaker family. The main church building had its last big update in 1898.
The church's design is called Gothic revival architecture. This style makes it look like old European churches. The building has kept its original look mostly the same since 1898.
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 for music. In 1938, a parsonage (a house for the minister) and a Sunday school building were built. Later, in 1949, a fellowship hall was added. This is a place for church members to gather.
A Time of Change for Methodists
In 1845, the Methodist Church in America faced a big challenge. It divided 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.
These two groups finally came back together in 1939. They formed what is now known as the United Methodist Church.
Honored as a Historic Place
What is the National Register?
The Asbury United Methodist Church building was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1997. The National Register is a list of places in the United States that are important to history. Being on this list helps protect these special buildings.
Why Asbury Church is Special
When the church was nominated for the National Register, people talked about its unique features. They said the Gothic revival style gave it an "inspirational feeling." The church's steep, pointed roof (called a gable) and its strong, curved openings (called arches) made it feel powerful.
The square bell tower also gives a "sense of strength and stability." The bell tower has a special roof shape called a bellcast roof. All these details make the Asbury United Methodist Church a truly remarkable and historic building.
