As one of the outstanding churches of
Holston Conference, Keith Church has occupied four building in its 175 year history.
Methodism had come to Athens in 1824 when a small log church was built on
land that had been wrested from the Cherokee Indians in 1819. The first ministers
were Methodist circuit riders. One circuit rider was W. G. "Parson"
Brownlow who was appointed in 1829; he later became governor of the State of Tennessee.
When the Methodist Church divided over the slavery issue in 1844, the Athens church became
the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. In 1851 a brick building was erected to
replace the log building. Here servant and master worshiped together.
Conflicting allegiances during the War Between the States affected the church. Even
though the State of Tennessee seceded, East Tennessee was against secession and continued
to be a Union stronghold. The Methodist Episcopal Church took possession of the
M.E.
Church, South, building. Following a court suit in 1871, the southern congregation
had its church home restored. In 1878 the old brick building was torn down and a
larger, very beautiful brick building was constructed on the same site.
Between the years 1900 and 1921, the growth of the church was manifested in many
ways. In 1904 land was donated by Mrs. A. H. Keith for the first parsonage.
There were several great revivals, and many persons were added to the membership.
The years following World War I and through the depression years were lean years indeed,
but with the Tennessee Valley Authority came the additional wealth and the prospective
members that kept the church vital and growing.
In 1939 the Declaration of Union was adopted, uniting the Northern and Southern branches
of the Methodist Church. The M.E. Church, South, was renamed Keith Memorial
Methodist Church after a family whose members had been actively involved in the life of
the congregation since its inception.
During the days of World War II, nearby wartime projects brought new people so that the
membership figure remained stable, even though some members had been lost by death in the
war. In 1946 Keith's pastor acted as peacemaker during the "Battle of
Athens" when returning World War II veterans clashed with the local political
machine.
On December 25, 1947, a group of Keith laymen distributed Christmas baskets to the
needy. The day after Christmas fire broke out, and the building was a complete
loss. The church was relocated to its present site in 1949, with members
engaging in various types of fund-raising projects. A new parsonage was also
completed in 1954.
Church membership and activity steadily increased. A new education building was
completed in 1963. In the 1970's exquisite stained glass windows were added, and
extensive remodeling was completed.
Contiguous property has been acquired and an enthusiastic and growing congregation of over
1000 members now occupies the spacious and well-equipped building and carries on a vital
program of ministry and service. The bond of Christ links Keith Church members in
service to their church, the community, and the world.
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Sunday,
November 9-UMW Sunday
8:30
& 10:35 Traditional
Worship Services-Sanctuary
9:30 Sunday
School
10:35 Contemporary
Worship Service-Activity Center
5:30 UMYF
Monday,
November 10
8:00 Yoga Class
8:30 Preschool
5:00 Building
Committee-Adult Bible Classroom
6:00 Scouts-Activity
Center
6:30 Adult
Fellowship-Ensminger Hall
Tuesday,
November 11
8:00 Yoga Class
10:00 Parent’s
Day Out
Noon CDC Board
Meeting-Library
6:00 Stephen
Ministry Class
6:30 Dana
Higgins Circle-Club Cafe
7:00 Handbells
Rehearsal
7:00 Al-Anon-Library
Wednesday,
November 12
8:30 Preschool
4:30 Grace
Chimes Rehearsal
5:15 Wacky
Wednesday PM: Supper & Activities
6:00 Prayer
Group, Youth & Adult Bible Studies
7:00 Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
9:00 Gathering
Band Practice
Thursday,
November 13
8:00 Yoga Class
10:00 Parent’s
Day Out
5:15 Trustees
Meeting-Library
7:00 Disciple I
Class
7:00 Bible Study
Friday,
November 14
8:30 Preschool
Sunday,
November 16
8:30 & 10:35 Traditional
Worship Services-Sanctuary
9:30 Sunday
School
10:35 Contemporary
Worship Service-Activity Center
Noon Church
Council-Ensminger Hall
5:30 UMYF
Monday,
November 17
8:00 Yoga Class
8:30 Preschool
6:00 Scouts-Activity
Center
Tuesday,
November 18
8:00 Yoga Class
10:00 Parent’s
Day Out
10:30 Bible
Study-Morning Pointe
Noon 50+
Lunch-Ensminger Hall
6:00 Stephen
Ministry Class
7:00 Handbells
Rehearsal
7:00 Al-Anon
–Library
Wednesday,
November 19
8:30 Preschool
1:30 Staff
Meeting-Library
4:30 Grace
Chimes Rehearsal
5:15
Wacky Wednesday PM:
Supper & Activities
6:00 Prayer
Group, Youth & Adult Bible Studies
7:00 Chancel
Choir Rehearsal
9:00 Gathering
Band Practice
Thursday,
November 20
8:00 Yoga Class
10:00 Parent’s
Day Out
7:00 Bible Study
7:00 Disciple I
Class
Friday,
November 21
8:30 Preschool
10:00 p.m. District
Youth Lock-In-Cleveland YMCA
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