First United Methodist Church of Gatlinburg, TN
We welcome you!
Join us for service on Sundays. Our 8:30 service typically has a small, intimate crowd, with a larger crowd at the 11:00 service. Dress is tourist casual, so we hope to see you here while you visit all the shops and attractions that Gatlinburg has to offer! Located right off the main Parkway across from the historic Gatlinburg Inn, we are conveniently located within walking distance to 60% of all Gatlinburg hotels.
Every person is a child of God and a person of sacred worth. All are encouraged to come worship with us! We value your participation in our ministries. Our policy is "Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors!"
Mission Statement
To reveal Jesus Christ in the world and to follow his teachings through acts of devotion, worship, compassion, and justice under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Parking
What's the parking situation?
We are conveniently located in the center of Gatlinburg, just off the main parkway. Parking is free for attendees on Sundays in our church parking lot.
During the rest of the week, parking is offered by donation of $10 for the day.
Where Is The Sanctuary Located?
From our parking lot, the Sanctuary is conveniently located on the upper level in the back of the building. There are 3 ways to get there from the parking area:
From the Parking Lot
If you drove and parked here, simply walk up the green steps. Upon entering, you will be in the fellowship hall. Just walk straight through and you'll find another set of stairs up to the Sanctuary. For the mobility impaired, we have installed lift chairs for every portion of stairway, even the outside portion.
Walking Up from the Parkway
If you walk to the church from the Parkway, you are welcome to enter up the green stairs, or just look for the door on the left side of the building and the sign that says "To The Sanctuary".
Drop-Off Entrance
If you require more assistance, there is a driveway which goes counter-clockwise around the church building. At the top of the drive, you can park in one of 3 handicap parking areas at the same level as the Sanctuary.
History of First United Methodist Church of Gatlinburg, TN
Built of native stone, matched and laid by native craftsmen, and crowned by a vari-hued slate roof, Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church has been acclaimed by visitors the world over as one of the most beautiful smaller churches in America.
Organized by a handful of members on October 16, 1938, the church building became a compelling dream of many. Bishop Paul B. Kern, in whose honor the pulpit of the church was placed, dreamed of a worship space where one could “find the heart of God in the heart of the mountains.” The Bishop gave inspirational and material assistance toward its inception.
Charles I. Barber, who bore an unusual love for the mountains, served as the architect who designed the building. Mr. and Mrs. Louis E. Jones made a gift of the land on which the sanctuary would be built. Mrs. Steve (Pearl) Whaley and her sons gave a gift of additional land for the rest of the church building and the parking lot. Mr. Pete McCarter was secured as the contractor, and actual work began in June 1945. When the rock work began, Bishop Kern conducted a service with the rock masons. He told them, “You are building a little Cathedral in the Smokies which will be visited by people from all over the world. Let each stone be a song and each strip of mortar a prayer.” Mr. Jones, a gifted artist, designed the church lighting fixtures hand-crafted of metal, and he also kept a watchful eye on all aspects of the craftsmanship that went into constructing the building. Mr. J.C. Cole, a pioneer Gatlinburg wood craftsman, and his wife, Eunice, designed and built the pews.
The sanctuary is topped by massive red oak beams, which were cut in the Waldens Creek area of Wears Valley. Over the entrance to the sanctuary hangs a unique dossal which has evoked many words of praise. It was designed, woven, and presented as a memorial by Mrs. Tina L. McMorran of the Pi Beta Phi School. The two-manual, nine rank Schantz pipe organ has been described as almost perfectly matched to the acoustics of the church. The clear glass windows in the sanctuary allow the congregation to look out upon the beautiful Smoky Mountains.
Gatlinburg First United Methodist Church was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on July 2, 2007, by the National Park Service. Earning the reputation of “Host to the Nation,” the church is pleased to welcome worshipers from all over the world.
