Historic buildings are more than bricks, wood and stained glass. They hold the memories of generations who gathered within their walls, celebrated milestones and helped shape their communities.

Two Knoxville chapels are receiving renewed attention, each with a different story to tell. In Fountain City, a 1929 chapel has been lovingly restored through a family gift. In Bearden, another historic chapel has found a new purpose as a faith-centered gift store.

Both remind us that preserving history is also about keeping community connections alive.

McCorkle Chapel restoration honors nearly a century of history

Thanks to a generous gift from the McCorkle family, the restoration of the Fred S. McCorkle Chapel at Fountain City Presbyterian Church is complete.

Built in 1929, the chapel served the congregation of Fountain City Presbyterian Church, which was founded just six years earlier. Named for the Rev. Fred S. McCorkle, who served as pastor for 18 years, the chapel was the church’s primary worship space until the present sanctuary was completed in 1951.

Church history remembers McCorkle as “a Southern gentleman, tireless worker, a man of great vision and patient determination … a true servant of God.”

The recent restoration uncovered something special beneath decades-old carpeting: the chapel’s original hardwood floors, still in excellent condition. Tennessee Floor Care refinished the wood, restoring a feature that had been hidden for years.

The project also included removing and restoring pews, rebuilding a missing step at the front of the stage and applying fresh paint. Church members Mike Lamb and Joe Schnorr reconstructed the step to complement the chapel’s original design.

The restoration carries a personal connection for the McCorkle family. Stewart McCorkle, grandson of the chapel’s namesake, was married there in 2025. For the wedding, the family donated a large handcrafted wooden cross, now mounted at the front of the chapel.

Church officials believe the chapel’s last major renovation took place in the 1960s, making this restoration especially meaningful.

The church expressed appreciation to the McCorkle family, Mike Lamb, Joe Schnorr, its Infrastructure Team, Tennessee Floor Care and Rusty Sharp Painting for bringing the project to completion.

Nearly a century after its construction, the chapel continues to honor the faith, service and family connections that shaped Fountain City Presbyterian Church.

Historic Bearden chapel welcomes a new chapter

An 1880s chapel at 5902 Kingston Pike has been restored and reopened as Saint Clare Collective, a faith-centered gift store founded by Allie Fleming.

The building has served several purposes over the years, most recently housing a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio. Its grounds still include a historic gravesite.

The restored space now offers religious keepsakes, devotional gifts, home décor, handmade creations and vintage treasures. A special Lantern & Lily section features unique secondhand finds collected throughout East Tennessee.

Saint Clare Collective also helps fill a gap left by the 2024 closing of The Paraclete Catholic book and gift store, while offering a broader collection of gifts and home accessories.

Although the two chapels have different histories and purposes, their renovations share something important: both preserve pieces of Knoxville’s past while making room for new memories.

Farragut Museum serves up memories with Kitchen Classics

Farragut Museum! Kitchen Classics

The Farragut Museum’s newest temporary exhibit, Kitchen Classics, takes visitors back to a time when preparing a family meal often involved tools that have largely disappeared from modern kitchens.

The exhibit features vintage utensils, household items and cooking equipment, showing how food preparation has changed through the generations. Some objects may bring back memories of grandparents working in the kitchen, preparing holiday meals or sharing family recipes.

One especially personal part of the exhibit is a collection of handwritten recipes from Farragut cooks.

“For a special Farragut twist, there are also several handwritten recipes on display from Farragut cooks. We all know how these recipes become family heirlooms and are passed down from generation to generation,” said Kristi Vining, historic resources coordinator for the town of Farragut.

Another section, A Taste of Tennessee, celebrates familiar food brands with Tennessee roots, including Little Debbie, MoonPie, Bush’s Beans, Mountain Dew, Mayfield Dairy and JFG.

The exhibit is more than a look at old kitchen equipment. It reminds visitors that ordinary household objects often hold extraordinary memories.

Kitchen Classics is on display through February 2027 at the Farragut Museum inside Farragut Town Hall, 11408 Municipal Center Drive. The museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and admission is free. Town of Farragut.

Blount Mansion explores poetry and freedom

Blount Mansion’s lecture series celebrating America’s 250th anniversary will feature University of Tennessee associate professor Katy Chiles discussing Phillis Wheatley and the Black American Revolution.

Wheatley, an enslaved Black poet in Boston during the American Revolution, wrote about liberty, freedom and slavery and helped establish the African American literary tradition.

The lecture begins at 6 p.m. at the Blount Mansion Visitors Center, 200 W. Hill Ave. A $10 donation is suggested, and limited free parking is available. RSVP to info@BlountMansion.org. The event date should be confirmed before publication. Blount Mansion.

Star Powersports brings motorcycle unveiling downtown

Star Powersports, in partnership with The Motorcycle Inn, will unveil an Aprilia X 250GP motorcycle Thursday, November 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Station, 213 W. Jackson Ave.

The event brings motorcycle enthusiasts together for a look at the specialty model. Cocktail attire is requested.

Star Powersports is located at 8422 Kingston Pike. For information, call 865-851-8688 or visit Star Powersports.

Holiday craft fairs celebrate local creativity

With the holiday season approaching, area craft fairs offer opportunities to find handmade gifts while supporting neighbors who turn their talents into small businesses, hobbies and community projects.

The West Knox County Senior Center will host a craft fair Friday, November 13, from noon to 3 p.m. The gathering offers an opportunity to shop for handcrafted items and celebrate the creativity of local seniors.

The Cackling Hens Holiday Craft Fair is scheduled for Saturday, November 14, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 860 U.S. 321 in Lenoir City. The event provides another opportunity to browse handmade creations and connect with area artisans.

Whether shoppers are looking for a holiday gift or simply enjoying an afternoon among neighbors, these events are reminders that creativity thrives in our communities.

Helping neighbors find the resources they need

Sometimes the most meaningful community connection is simply helping someone discover where to turn for assistance.

A Community Health & Resource Event is planned for Tuesday, November 17, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the CAC facility, 2247 Western Ave. The event offers an opportunity for residents to connect with community health and support resources.

Community gatherings like this can be especially valuable for families navigating changes in employment, housing, health or caregiving responsibilities.

Daily Connections

Today’s Motivation: The things we treasure most are often not the things themselves, but the memories and people connected to them.

Today in History: On November 10, 1775, the Continental Marines were established in Philadelphia. The date is celebrated annually as the birthday of the United States Marine Corps.

Tennessee Trivia: MoonPie, one of the familiar brands featured in the Farragut Museum’s Kitchen Classics exhibit, was created by Chattanooga Bakery in 1917.

Today’s Smile: Why did the cookbook go to the doctor? It had too many recipes for disaster!

Local Events and Opportunities

  • West Knox County Senior Center Craft Fair — November 13: Noon-3 p.m. An opportunity to shop for handmade items and support local creativity. Knoxville-Knox County Office on Aging.
  • Cackling Hens Holiday Craft Fair — November 14: 9 a.m.-2 p.m., 860 U.S. 321, Lenoir City. Shop handmade gifts and creations from area makers. Event contact and official listing should be confirmed before publication.
  • Community Health & Resource Event — November 17: 4:30-6:30 p.m., CAC, 2247 Western Ave., Knoxville. Residents can learn about community resources and available support. Knoxville-Knox County CAC.
  • Knoxville Aprilia unveiling — November 19: Star Powersports and The Motorcycle Inn will present an Aprilia X 250GP unveiling from 6 to 9 p.m. at The Station, 213 W. Jackson Ave. Cocktail attire is requested. Star Powersports.

Neighbors make the difference

Whether we are preserving family recipes, restoring historic buildings, supporting local makers or helping a neighbor find needed services, the connections we build are what make our communities feel like home.

Do you know a neighbor with an interesting story, a family tradition worth sharing or a community project making a difference? Send your suggestions to news@knoxtntoday.com.

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