Brief History
In the year 1917, Charles B. Byers and his wire came to Knoxville. They had three children, Mary, Martha and Lazarus,.
They chose to locate among the people in the city who worked in cotton and textile mills. Their first years were mainly working with children and supplying clothing and food for the poor during the depression, A large two-story house was living quarters for the Byers; it also served as a church and a school. This was located at 1308 West 4th Street.
Some years later, the Byers moved to Florida and other leaders were supplied by the Virginia Mission Board. A brick church was built at the corner of West 4th and University Avenue in the year 1921. Some pastors who served from the beginning were: Dewey Emswider, Homer Mumaw, Wm. Jennings, John Shank, Russel Baer, Landis Martin, David Yoder, Phil Miller, and Ezra Good, who served the longest, eighteen years.
The congregation had been considering relocation for a number Of Years and in 1977 the membership made the decision to move to the Cumberland Estates area on four acres of land with a Church/parsonage which would also be suitable for day-care. After, praying for direction and consulting the Virginia Mission Board the Lord provided the present location.
After sixty years in the inner city area, sometimes experiencing growth, then again loss, the move was made in July 1977, An interim pastor, Paul Mast, served for a period of time. Then after three years, Alvin Graber was installed as pastor in July 1981. Three years later in August, he resigned. Jeff Earman served as pastor from 1985 to 1989. Presently, Leo Miller is serving as interim pastor until May 1, 1992, following a two-year period when the church was without a pastor.
Present Congregation
The present congregation is composed of about 60 persons (adults, youth and children). About 70% of these persons are non- ethnic Mennonites. They have a strong identity and are a member of the Virginia Conference. There are blue-collar workers, skilled tradesmen and professional people.
While several fami1ies live close to the church, there are also those who live as much as an hour driving distance from the church. This at times presents some 1imitation in ability to get together. Most everyone tries to come to the monthly fellowship meals and that helps keep the group together.
Once a quarter the fellowship meal is followed by a church life Meeting. Decisions relating to the life of the congregation are made by the group at this time. As a result,there is a strong sense of ownership in the life and activities or the church.
Sunday School and morning worship are held each Sunday. There is a Wednesday evening prayer service. Once a month, a family night is planned with activities for the children and an adult Bible Study. Vacation Bible School is a big event for the congregation, as there is a good spirit of cooperation and enthusiasm. Fun/game nights are planned throughout the year as well as an annual picnic; a weekend camping experience with the Concord Mennonite Church is also an annual event. Bake and yard sales are held for missions and local projects. For the past four years the church has been adopting families during the Christmas season. The congregation has brought them to the church for a meal and have given them gifts and food baskets. The whole congregation was involved in this project. The church also gives some monetary help to the Knoxville Union Rescue Mission and to FISH. Individuals are also involved in social issues outside the congregation.
There are a number of positive things about the church that gives a spirit of confidence and optimism. There is a good spirit of vo1unteerism and cooperation. The church is debt-free, In the past few years, new families have moved into the area and have become a part of the church. There are a number of young families with a healthy group of children and youth. The church radiates a friendliness and warm concern for those in the congregation and those outside the church. A new heating and cooling system has been installed with all the funds presently available. In addition, work is being done on re-furnishing the building.
While the church is experiencing some growth, there has not been much success in penetrating the community.
The church is open to pastoral leadership, a leader who can perceive and affirm what God is presently doing in the congregation and at the same time challenge the congregation to new areas of witness and ministry.