Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church

A Brief Church History

The Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church was organized on October 20, 1963 with 21 charter members.  Formal opening services for the church plant were held on Sunday, July 25, 1965.

For many years the Home Missions Committee of the Knoxville Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church of the United States, under the leadership of Rev. Joseph B. Mack, Superintendent of Home Missions, considered establishing a church in Gatlinburg. These efforts are never easy to develop. However, the idea would not go away and the many prayers were answered on October 20, 1963 when the first service of the Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church was held in the sanctuary of the First Methodist Church in Gatlinburg. Officers were elected and a Session was selected.

As was stated in the first Order of Service, the Gatlinburg Presbyterian Church is committed to serving and remaining in the downtown area of Gatlinburg. Our church reaches out to the millions of visitors who come to enjoy our beautiful scenery and other attractions as well as the people who work in those businesses. Guests from near and far sometimes outnumber members at our Sunday worship which confirms the wisdom of the charter members and founders of our church. Often, we greet visitors who return year after year making our services a part of their vacation experience.

The current building was completed in June 1965 and was dedicated on July 25th of that year. Modifications over the years have included renovations to accommodate a childcare center and alterations in conjunction with the installation of a Shantz pipe organ. During our 35th Anniversary celebration in September 1998, the pipe organ and newly acquired Grand piano were dedicated.