First Church Knox

First Church Knox Loving every single person through Acceptance, Growth, & Service

Join us on Sundays at 10:45 a.m. The Reverend John W. Mann dedicated the Church on May 9, 1869.

Our Vision
First United Methodist Church in Knoxville will be known as a community of bonded by love and compassion as modeled by Jesus Christ, where people of all ages are welcomed to worship God through prayer, learning, fellowship, and service to one another, the community, and the world. Key Strategies
Missions & Service – Local, Regional, and International
Strong Relationships – Family like,

Caring, One-on-One, Mentoring, and Small Groups
Focus on Next Generation – Children, Youth, and College/Young Adults
Recruitment – Programs that reach the community and become more visible to people outside the church

Our History
One year after the close of the Civil War, The Reverend J.B. Ford and thirty members organized the First Methodist Epicopal Church. They held their first service on July 8, 1866 in the Circuit Courtroom of the old Knoxville Courthouse. It was the first Methodist Episcopal Church to be organized south of the Mason- Dixon Line. The first church building was on the southwest corner of Clinch and Market Streets. The Masons conducted laying of cornerstone in the spring of 1868. After 24 years, the community and church growth necessitated a larger building. In 1892, during ministry of Dr. Thomas C. Warner, a new building at corner of Church and Locust Streets was started. Mr. C.T. Stephenson donated fine stone for the building. Church members worked on construction. The new sanctuary was first used on Easter Sunday, March 25, 1894, before an overflow crowd of 2000. After 72 years, during the ministry of Rev. Henry C. Dawson, a vote passed to relocate and enlarge the church capacity. The Hugh Sanford property at 3316 Kingston Pike (our present location) was purchased during the ministry of Rev. Henry Horten. Dr. E.H. Ogle, the district superintendent, and Rev. Horten dedicated the new sanctuary, fellowship hall, and education building on January 16, 1966. The Sanford home (parish house) is currently used for offices, library, archives and adult Sunday School classrooms. Two great denominations, The Methodist Church and the United Evangelical Brethren, merged into a single, powerful witness on September 30, 1968. On October 27, 1968, we became First United Methodist Church following the Holston Conference recognition of the merger. On June 1, 1997, Rev. Ron Fisher held the first “Down by the Riverside” worship service in the newly constructed Peacock Riverside Pavilion. FUMC continues to grow in membership and continues its services to the congregation, community and the world for the Glory of God.

09/05/2026
In honor of Dolly, we are asking folks to bring unwanted vases and simple mugs to church. They will be used to help brin...
09/04/2026

In honor of Dolly, we are asking folks to bring unwanted vases and simple mugs to church. They will be used to help bring brightness and joy to those in healthcare facilities.

The Sewing Ministry is donating 14 blankets to The Project Linus blanket drive in honor of Dolly Parton. All blankets wi...
09/02/2026

The Sewing Ministry is donating 14 blankets to The Project Linus blanket drive in honor of Dolly Parton. All blankets will go to Dolly's Children's Hospital in Knoxville.

Save the date for Fall Fest!
09/01/2026

Save the date for Fall Fest!

What kind of faith do we seek to practice. One that is thoughtful and living. Thoughtful to ask questions, think deeply ...
08/31/2026

What kind of faith do we seek to practice. One that is thoughtful and living. Thoughtful to ask questions, think deeply and engage our minds as well as our hearts. Living to grow, to serve and to make an impact in our community.

08/27/2026

Handbell ringers are practicing every Wednesday at 6PM. New ringers are welcome!

Save the dates for our Fall Semester Wesley Foundation meals! A home cooked meal is a great thing to give a student.
08/25/2026

Save the dates for our Fall Semester Wesley Foundation meals! A home cooked meal is a great thing to give a student.

Sunday Aug. 23rd worship. Jesus welcomes the children.
08/23/2026

Sunday Aug. 23rd worship. Jesus welcomes the children.

Welcome to First Church Knoxville's Livestream! Service will begin each Sunday at 10:45am

Our next Sunset Worship is coming up. All are welcome.
08/13/2026

Our next Sunset Worship is coming up. All are welcome.

Address

3316 Kingston Pike
Knoxville, TN
37919

Telephone

+18655250435

Website

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