(WBIR, Knoxville) - A downtown Knoxville church celebrated its 100th anniversary at its building at Fifth Avenue and Gay Street. It was a bittersweet service though, as it was one of their last.
First Christian Church sold the building to Dewhirst Properties a few months ago. Rev. Tyler Thompson said finances were part of that decision.
"This was not a funeral for us," said Rev. Thompson. "It's bittersweet because we are leaving a building, but the idea that we are going to be moving forward to be a new presence in the community."
Many congregation members have been there for dozens of years including Marybeth Allendar who started attending in 1965.
"We had to sit in the balcony because it was so full," she said. "And it was so impressive. The stained glass windows were so pretty, and the sun shining through them during the worship was so uplifting." Allendar has memories of her children's baptisms and weddings in the building. While she is sad to the leave the building, she is excited for a new adventure.
"The church is the family and the family is going to move to another building," she said.
Their new location called "The Table," will be located on Basswood Road in the Westhaven Community. "We're doing something really risky, and bold, and challenging, and different and new," Rev. Thompson said. "At least that's our hope. And we believe that God is there with us and will be."
The church still has a few more services in the 100-year-old building while the new location is being prepared.
Mark Heinz with Dewhirst Properties says the building's future has not been decided. He says there are several options, but the building will not be torn down.
