The History of St. Luke United Methodist Church

The first St. Luke service was held on October 7, 1951 after Holston Conference took an unprecedented step and assigned a pastor to a plot of ground. The Reverend Allen T. Newby was the pastor. Then on January 6, 1952 thirty-five people gathered at the parsonage, located then at 3304 Lockwood Drive. They became charter members of St. Luke Methodist Church, since known as St. Luke United Methodist Church. Of these thirty-five charter members, three are still St. Luke members. They are Pat Evans, Virginia Morgan and Visa Stewart.

The garage of the parsonage was converted into a small sanctuary where we met until our present education building was completed.   We then met on one half of the first floor and the other half became classrooms.

Later, Marshall Hall and the kitchen were added.  We met in Marshall Hall until our present sanctuary was opened on October 10, 1965. The elevator was installed in 1988 to provide easier access to the second floor. A new parsonage was also purchased in the 1960's.

St. Luke has enjoyed many distinctions. Among these are strong Boy and Girl Scout programs, a fine kindergarten, participation in the Interfaith Hospitality Network, outstanding athletic teams, and a Parents' Day Out program.

Our Leap of Faith drama ministry has presented "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat," "Cottonpatch Gospel," "Sound of Music," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Big River," "Oliver," "Music Man," "Annie," and Finian's Rainbow . These musical productions have involved many members of our church and the community.

Over the years, many fine pastors have served St. Luke.  Our current pastor, Rev. Gregory Smart, joined us in June of 2007.

We are grateful for past accomplishments, hopeful for greater things to come, and mindful that we must keep the faith.