Church Street United Methodist Church (Knoxville, Tennessee) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Church Street United Methodist Church
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 Location in Tennessee
Location in the United States
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| Location | 913 Henley St., Knoxville, Tennessee |
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| Area | 4.6 acres (1.9 ha) |
| Built | 1930 |
| Architect | Pope, John Russell; et al. |
| Architectural style | Gothic Revival |
| MPS | Knoxville and Knox County MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 09000115 |
| Added to NRHP | March 10, 2009 |
The Church Street United Methodist Church is a beautiful and historic church located on Henley Street in downtown Knoxville, Tennessee. Many people in Knoxville recognize this building as a landmark. It is so important that it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's recognized for its special history and design.
Contents
History of Church Street United Methodist Church
How the Church Began
The Church Street Methodist congregation started way back in 1816. At first, they met in a house on Hill Avenue in downtown Knoxville. This was their meeting place for many years.
In 1836, the church moved into a new building on Church Street. This building was located between Walnut and Market Streets. They used this church until 1863, during the American Civil War. Union soldiers took over the building to use it as a hospital.
Around 1870, the church moved again to a brick building nearby. Then, in 1879, they moved into a new Victorian Gothic church building. This new building was built on their old spot at 410 Church Street. Some people believe a Knoxville architect named Alexander Campbell Bruce designed it.
Building a New Home
By 1921, the church congregation had grown a lot. They realized they needed a much bigger place to worship. So, they started planning to replace their church building.
However, progress was slow. Then, in February 1928, a fire completely destroyed the building on Church Street. After the fire, the congregation bought the land on Henley Street. This was where they would build their new, larger church. Even with the move, the church kept its old name: Church Street Methodist Episcopal Church, South. Later, in 1939, it became simply Church Street Methodist Church.
Designing the New Church
The church leaders decided to keep the same style for their new building: Gothic Revival. This style looks like old European cathedrals with pointed arches and tall towers.
They hired a famous architect, John Russell Pope, from New York City, to design the new church. He worked with a local Knoxville architect named Charles I. Barber. Barber was part of the firm Barber & McMurry. Pope had designed other similar Gothic Revival buildings, including some at Yale University.
Construction of the new church began in March 1930. It was finished the next year. The very first worship service in the new building was held in January 1931.
Features of the Church Building
The Church Street United Methodist Church is built from a special stone called Crab Orchard sandstone. Its roof is made of slate. A very noticeable part of the building is its large entrance tower.
The main worship area, called the sanctuary, and the church school wing are built around a central courtyard. You can enter this courtyard through several pointed arch doorways.
Inside the sanctuary, you'll see beautiful stained glass windows. These windows were designed and made by Charles J. Connick from Boston. Connick's studio created stained glass for many other famous American churches in the 20th century. These include St. Patrick's Cathedral in New York City and the University Chapel at Princeton University.
A Famous Visitor
On Labor Day in 1940, President Franklin D. Roosevelt was driven past the church. He was on his way to dedicate the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. He was starting his campaign for a third term as president.
The story goes that President Roosevelt asked about the church. He then said, "That is the most beautiful church I have ever seen."
Growing and Preserving the Church
The church congregation added more buildings behind the original one over the years. In 1964, a new education building was constructed. Then, from 1986 to 1989, the Church Life Building was added.
These new additions used the same building materials as the original 1930 church. They were also designed to blend in well with the older building.
In 2009, the Church Street United Methodist Church building was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This listing recognizes the building for its amazing architecture and its beautiful stained glass windows.
