Phone: (865) 687-9420

Open Christianity • Open Hearts • Open Minds • Lead us to God

About Us

Good Shepherd was founded in 1956 by a group of young parents with a vitality that continues to this day. Within two years the founders of the church bought five acres of land; hired a priest, an architect and a builder; and broke ground on the new church. The first service in the newly constructed church was on Christmas Eve 1958, even though there was no glass in the windows. The church continues to retain its original 1950s architecture, with the notable addition of contemporary stained glass in those once-empty windows.

 

From the outset, the worshiping community at Good Shepherd has been characterized by its interest in others, its commitment to young people and, for the most part, an easygoing tolerance of the differences that inevitably arise in any group of human beings intent upon a common goal.

 

As part of its people's commitment to service,  the church has embarked upon service projects in Guatemala; Tanzania; the Lakota Reservation; Rosebud; South Dakota; the hills of Harlan; Kentucky; and the backyards of Knoxville. Several times a year our members welcome homeless children and their families as our guests for a week of meals and lodging at the church. In various ways we also serve the children and families of those who are in prison; provide food for the hungry and gas money for the stranded; and hold  several fundraisers, with all proceeds donated to charities in the community.

 

At the center of all this energy and action is the conviction: Jesus set an example for us that we are called to follow by making the world a better place in which to live.

Present                   The Rev. Dorothy Pratt

 

2015 – 2016             The Rev. J. Kenneth Asel, Interim Rector

 

2006 – 2015             The Rev. Charles Fels

 

1988 – 2006             The Rev. A Henry Swann

 

1983 – 1987             The Rev. Charles Livemore

 

1971 – 1983             The Rev. Karl Weddle

 

1968 – 1971             The Rev. John Height

 

1966 – 1968             The Rev. Ben F. Binkley

 

1962 – 1966             The Rev. James. M. Coleman

 

1958 – 1961             The Rev. B. Sidney Sanders

 

 

Service Times

 

Sunday Schedule

Holy Communion: 8:30am and 11:00am

Christian Formation for all ages: 9:45am

Fellowship after both Services

 

Summer Schedule (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend)

Holy Communion: 8:30am and 10:00am

Breakfast: 9:15am

 

Sunday Schedule