Knoxville’s Fourth United Presbyterian Church, a cornerstone of the city’s historic North Knoxville neighborhood, announced it is actively seeking a nonprofit or community organization to lease its historic sanctuary. The goal is to keep the congregation thriving while preserving the beloved Gothic Revival building that has served the community for over a hundred years.
Historic roots
The church’s story begins on May 24, 1891, when Rev. Edgar Alonza Elmore, then the founding pastor, delivered a sermon at a Memorial Sabbath held by the Grand Army of the Republic. Elmore, a Maryville College valedictorian and Union Theological Seminary graduate, helped organize Fourth Presbyterian Church in April 1886. By November 7 of that year, the congregation held its first service in a new sanctuary at Glenwood Avenue and Luttrell Street, a site later known as Historic Fourth & Gill.
In 1914, under Rev. Joseph P. Calhoun, the church erected the brick Gothic Revival building with stained‑glass windows that still stands today, just a few blocks west of Broadway in Old North Knoxville. The structure has been a fixture of the neighborhood, located across Glenwood Avenue from Rose’s Mortuary.
Recent changes and the search for a partner
In 2009, Fourth Presbyterian merged with First United Presbyterian Church, forming Fourth United Presbyterian Church. While the congregation remains active, the leadership recognizes the need for a stable, long‑term lease arrangement to maintain the building’s upkeep and support growth.
“We want to ensure that this historic sanctuary continues to serve both our faith community and the broader neighborhood,” said a church spokesperson. “Partnering with a nonprofit or community group will allow us to preserve this landmark while expanding our outreach and ministries.”
How the community can help
Interested organizations are encouraged to contact the church directly to discuss lease terms and potential collaborations. The church hopes the partnership will foster shared use of the space for worship, community events, and charitable programs, reinforcing the building’s role as a hub of faith and fellowship in Knoxville.
For more information, reach out to Fourth United Presbyterian Church via email at [email protected] or call the office at (865) 555‑1234.
Original reporting: Knox TN Today — read the source article.
