An 1880s chapel along Kingston Pike has witnessed generations of Bearden history. Now, thanks to one Knoxville family, the building is beginning a new chapter that honors its past while welcoming the community inside once again.

Saint Clare Collective, a new gift shop founded by Allie Fleming, will celebrate its grand opening Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 5902 Kingston Pike, next to Pelican’s SnoBalls.

The historic chapel has served several purposes over the years, most recently operating as a Brazilian jiu-jitsu studio. A gravesite remains behind the building, offering another reminder of its long history.

Fleming, her husband Jimmy, their four children and other family members and friends worked together to restore the space. Rather than erase the chapel’s character, they incorporated original church pews, bookshelves and other architectural details into the renovation.

Preserving a piece of Bearden

The building’s restoration has attracted attention from neighbors and people with personal connections to the former church.

Among those stopping by were a woman whose daughter was baptized there and members of Friends of Cavett Station, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving Mars Hill Cemetery and the history of Historic Cavett Station.

Terry Faulkner, a board member of Friends of Cavett Station, praised the family’s decision to preserve the chapel rather than allow another historic building to disappear.

The nonprofit’s members also volunteered during the early stages of efforts to preserve the former Bearden Christian Church site.

For Fleming, the project is about more than renovating a building. It is an opportunity to create a welcoming gathering place while celebrating the history already within its walls.

A shop with something for everyone

Saint Clare Collective takes its name from Saint Clare of Assisi, whose example holds personal meaning for Fleming.

The store grew partly from the closing of The Paraclete, Knoxville’s longtime Catholic bookstore and gift shop, which shut its doors in 2024 after 37 years.

Although the new shop will offer Catholic and other Christian merchandise, Fleming emphasizes that it is intended for customers of all backgrounds.

“We welcome people of all and any faiths and none whatsoever who may want to browse our diverse selection,” Fleming said.

Visitors will find religious books, rosaries, crosses, devotional art and gifts for occasions such as baptisms, First Communion and weddings.

The selection also extends to home décor, women’s clothing and jewelry, UT Vols merchandise, children’s toys, holiday decorations and handmade items from local and other artists.

A special section called Lantern & Lily features vintage finds and one-of-a-kind treasures collected throughout East Tennessee.

Fleming hopes the shop will offer something increasingly difficult to find online: a place where customers can see, touch and thoughtfully select meaningful gifts.

Grand opening Sunday

The grand opening will take place Sunday, November 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests can explore the restored chapel, browse the merchandise and enjoy coffee and beignets from the Café Lomez food truck.

Overflow parking will be available across Kingston Pike at Bearden Shopping Center, near Food City. Visitors should use the crosswalk at Bearden Road and Kingston Pike.

Regular business hours will be announced later.

For updates, find Saint Clare Collective on Facebook and Instagram at @SaintClareCollective.

The restored chapel offers a reminder that a building’s history does not have to end when its original purpose changes. Sometimes, with a little vision and a lot of family effort, an old landmark can become part of the neighborhood’s future.

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