Historical Information and Sketch of First Presbyterian

 

The creation and growth of any church cannot be understood apart from the work and grace of the Almighty God!  It is God who calls a church into existence to perform His work in the community and the world.  He does this through the faithfulness of His people, and First Presbyterian Church of LaFollette is no exception to this fact.

 

In the Early 1920's, a small group of individuals came together to worship God and met in a hall over the old Winkler's Drug Store on Central Avenue.  Later, the group began meeting at the old Congregational Church, which was located on Fifth and Walden, for Sunday School and Worship Services.  However, this structure has since been demolished and an apartment house stands in its old location.

 

The group called upon the Rev. B.M. Larson, the Superintendent of Home Missions for Knoxville Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church US, for assistance and leadership.  Mr. Larson Offered not only his personal services, but he also served as a channel through which students from Maryville College came to LaFollette to hold services.

 

The New Congregation was officially created by a Commission of Knoxville Presbytery on November 26, 1922.  The new congregation with twenty charter members was officially named the First Presbyterian Church.  According to the historical documents, we find the following:  FIRST MEMBER: Miss Mary R. Robertson; FIRST PROFESSION OF FAITH: Mr. Alber E. Ahler; and FIRST INFANT BAPTISM: William D. Sharp.

 

The discussion to search for a permanent residence for the church began on February 25, 1923, the committee reported that they had purchased a lot and offered tentative plans for a structure.  At this same time, the Session and Mrs. Robert L. Sharp were elected as the "Building Committee."

 

The Building Committee talked with Mr. Charles I. Barber, a Knoxville architect and he told them that he had always wanted to design a small rural church and would be delighted to do it without charge.  In the months that followed, Mr. Barber's plans became reality and our New England colonial Church was the result of his talents.  The builder was John Godly, Jr. from Newcomb, Tennessee.

 

The first service in the new church was held on March 27, 1927.  Dr. T.S. McCallie of Chattanooga was the minister of the service.  Several months passed, however, before the dedication service on May 27, 1928.  At this time, the Rev.  E.L. McClurkan who had been very helpful in the formation of our church in 1922, was the minister.  At this dedication service, the treasurer, Mr. W.D. Barton, announced that the debt for the Mortgage had been completely paid in full and the note was burned in the presence of the congregation.

On July 18, 1954, the congregation took steps to fill the need of the educational space for the Church School.  The Educational Building named in loving memory of the Church's first pastor was dedicated as the McClurkan Memorial Parish, on May 15, 1961.  The addition housed a parlor, the pastor's study, a chapel, a fellowship hall, kitchen facilities, and classrooms.  During 1969, a new manse was built for the ministers and the property adjacent to the church was purchased, the houses on it torn down, and a beautiful lawn made beside the church.  The cost was in excess of $29,000.00.  The indebtedness on the manse property was burned as a part of the Fiftieth Anniversary Service in 1972.

Knoxville Presbytery became a part of the reunited Presbyterian Church, USA in 1983, as did the First Presbyterian Church of LaFollette.

 

In 1988 the Church completed a dramatic renovation project.  The Sanctuary was turned to face Depot Street, and new pews were installed, which increased the seating capacity from 120 to 230.  The McClurkan Parish rooms were changed to meet the new needs.  This extensive project was dedicated to the Glory of God in a special service on January 22, 1989, which was led by Dr. Robert Ferguson, of Knoxville. 

 

Sunday November 23, 1997, First Presbyterian Church celebrated its 75th Anniversary.  Rev. Malcolm King, the former pastor, created and led a worship service that focused on the past, present, and future.  He was assisted in the service by three of the six living former pastors of the church, the son of a former pastor and the Executive of the Presbytery of East Tennessee.  The three pastors who were unable to attend sent letters of greeting.  Approximately 170 members, former members, families, and friends gathered to worship and enjoy dinner, fellowship and a time of remembering and reviewing the Church's history, and the impact of the church in the community.

 

In anticipation of the 80th Anniversary, scenes of our past were reviewed throughout the fall by pictures, bulletin boards, and displays.  A program highlighting individuals in the congregation was entertaining and educational.  Long-time members, 5 of whom have been members 50 years or more, new members, and children were featured.  Half of our present day congregationhave been members 10 years or less.  The highlight of the 80th Anniversary was the special worship servcie on November 24, 2002.  The methods and the faces may have changed in these 80 years, yet the main mission has remained...to be faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ.

 

It would be impossible for this brief summary to contain the names and acts of the many faithful who have made this a living, vital part of the Church fo Jesus Christ in the world today.  Their names may go without recognition, but their efforts will be recognized byt their Heavenly Father... There have been many people who have had a part in helping this church grow and be the beautiful place of worship it is today.