South Knoxville Church of God – The Church Journey
August 13, 2020 – http://mynetzone.com/
I had the privilege to visit South Knoxville Church of God, which has been in existence since 1898. The church was in the Blount Avenue area until 1976. The first church building was a log cabin. The original hearthstone now rests on the present church grounds beside the flagpole.
Church members back to research the history of the church, they found no records past 1922. Knowing the church to be much older, we asked longtime residents of the community how long the church has been in existence. Miss Julie Baker remembered the church being on the site of 607 Blount Avenue. She described the building as log construction and the pastor’s name as Rev. DeArmond, another leading member Mr. Sam, and the choir director as Mr. King, Mr. Wiley King’s father. The pastor wore a high silk hat and a long-split tailcoat. In 1898, Miss Baker was 12 years old and was saved there under the pastorate of Rev. DeArmond. [1]
The church has ministered to the needs of the community for many years surviving the depression and tribulations. Has built a beautiful church. Today the church has 2 educational wings, a fellowship hall, evangelist’s quarters, an annex building, softball field and other recreational facilities. The Henry Parks Lifestyle Center (commonly called the barn) was completed in 1990. [1]
The church has had 8 pastors during this time. From its small beginnings, the church continues to grow with God’s blessings and grace. The church is looking forward, with great anticipation, to what God is about to do through South Knoxville Church of God as they move into the future proclaiming the goodness of our God! [1]
MY JOURNEY:
Doing research, I found newspaper articles going back to the year 1924, although in the early years the church was independent, so the name would had been printed without Church of God.
Over the years they held many revivals, and annual homecomings with all day meetings and a basket dinner. November 11, 1939 it was reported the church just completed remodeling of its church building at Blount Avenue and Petty Street. The church building was finished in stucco. Also, a new heating unit was installed. The building was erected seven years ago. Recently it was affiliated with the General Council of Assemblies of God, previously it was an independent church. [2]
On November 23, 1935 a Fourteen-year-old Hazel McKinley who was converted in services at South Knoxville Church of God last spring preached her third sermon. [3] I found this to be an amazing witness on how God used this newly converted girl to reach others at such a young age.
This is an advertisement for a week of Consecration Services called “A Call to Prayer”. It was while Rev. J.C. Leatherwood was still pastor. It is estimated this was in the 1940’s.
I found some old pictures and more recent snow pictures showing the church in a snow-covered winter setting on the church website: I closed my visit walking around the church grounds taking pictures and spending time in prayer.”
FINAL THOUGHTS:
Viewing the church photos from their Facebook page I observed many wonderful pictures of fellowship over the years. Gatherings for church picnics, dinners, fundraisers, Trunk or Treat to name a few. Fellowship has been missing this year with the pandemic restrictions. Fellowship means being a part of a group, a body of people. It is opposed to isolation, solitude, loneliness. Christian fellowship is a fellowship created by the Holy Spirit, sustained by the Holy Spirit and directed by the Holy Spirit.
Luke tells us these early Christians devoted themselves to fellowship. (Many Examples of Fellowship was provided in Luke and Acts): Jesus at the Big Reception Luke 5:27 – 35, The Real Host Luke 7:36 – 50, Table Fellowship Luke 14:1 – 33, Table Fellowship Acts 2:41 – 47; 4:31 – 37; 6:1 – 15.
This means that fellowship was a priority and one of the objectives for gathering together. Fellowship should be an important part of your Christian walk it provides joy and encouragement. I believe praying for one another is also an important part of Christian fellowship, as well as the importance of conducting revivals.
Now, Fast forward where we are at today, and I am saddened that during this time of the pandemic I miss the church fellowship activities that we have grown accustomed to in the past. Please pray for a revival during these trying times. Pray for all our churches and the congregations as they continue to navigate the COVID pandemic and face challenges in the year 2020.
FELLOWSHIP:
With the National emergency for the COVID-19 virus many churches are remaining closed during the week only providing limited capacity openings on Sundays. At the time of my visit the church was closed, so I spent time outside the church in meditation and prayer.
DETAILS:
Church Website: http://skcog.com/home
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SKCOG
Date Visited: 2020 July 22.
Location: 5623 Magazine Rd, Knoxville, TN
If you would like to learn more about this church, upcoming events, or listen to a sermon I encourage you to visit the church website listed above.
May our Lord continue to bless this church in Jesus name.
“They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.” – (Act 2:42)
May this find you well and happy, God Bless
PICTURE GALLERY:
REFERENCES:
- South Knoxville Church of God website, “About Us” (2020, August 10) Retrieved from http://skcog.com/about-us
- Newspaper.com, “South Knoxville Remodels Plant” (1939 November 11, Page 2) The Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville Tn.
- Newspaper.com, “Church Hears Sermon By 14-Year-Old girl” (1935 November 23, Page 5) The Knoxville News Sentinel, Knoxville Tn.
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