First Baptist Church
510 West Main Street, Knoxville, Tennessee 37902
(865) 546-9661
The first services of the Baptist Church in the city of Knoxville were held in 1843 on the banks of the Tennessee River at the mouth of First Creek. The members soon purchased a lot on Gay Street, between the present location of the Tennessee Theatre and KUB Building. Construction of a sanctuary began the next year, and the building was used for the first time in 1849. By 1869, the departure of some members to form new congregations resulted in the Baptist Church of Knoxville becoming more often referred to as the First Baptist Church of Knoxville. Growth in members created the need for a larger building, and by 1888 the original building for the First Baptist Church had been torn down and replaced with a more spacious sanctuary. But even this building was too small by 1921, and a lot on the corner of Walnut and Main Streets was purchased. Construction moved quickly, and the first services were held in the present structure in 1924.