On December 15, 1860,

a group of Christians in Knoxville saw the need for a new church south of the Tennessee River that would proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. So together they organized the “Holston Baptist Church,” embracing the New Hampshire Confession of Faith and committing together with a church covenant. Since then, we have had a few name changes and a few buildings built. During the next century and a half, the church experienced both good times and hard times.

Beginning in 2022, the congregation began adopting reforms to more closely align with the Bible’s vision for church and ministry. The various changes included a new constitution in 2024 to reflect biblical congregationalism with elder plurality. We are committed to expositional preaching, teaching God’s glory in the Doctrines of Grace, and meaningful membership in the body of Christ. We praise God for the church he is building, the love we share in Christ, and the Good News we proclaim as God continues to save and sanctify for his glory.

The commitment to Christ and our gospel mission stands today as it did in 1860. Because of God’s abundant grace and by his power, we are passionately committed to faithfully worshipping Jesus and making him known in Knoxville and around the world.