WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH
ORIGINALLY Designed BY BRUCE McCarty
Westminster presbyterian church
YEARS:
Phase I – 1968
Phase II – 1995
Phase III - 2005
LOCATION:
Knoxville, TN
SIZE:
Phase I – 15,000 SF
Phase II – 12,000 SF
Phase III - 4,000 SF
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Bruce McCarty originally planned and designed Westminster Presbyterian Church in Knoxville in 1967 with the congregation’s future growth in mind. McCarty Holsaple McCarty updated the master plan in 1994 and again in 2005 to accommodate the facility’s expansion.
The first expansion plan called for the construction of a larger sanctuary and the renovation of the original 180-seat chapel to serve as a fellowship hall. The new sanctuary is sited parallel to the existing facility. It was designed to seat 385 people and accommodate a 90-seat transept addition, which brings the total seating capacity to 475.
Like the original chapel, the new sanctuary is constructed of brick and combines vertical design elements with roof-level windows to emphasize its height. A focal point of the design is an elegant pipe organ, which was installed in 1997 on one side of the chancel. Skylights add natural light to the chancel area, featuring a large cross suspended behind the pulpit.
The most recent expansion includes an enlarged narthex and office wing, which links the main sanctuary to the original building. A focal point of the expansion is a landscaped courtyard and water feature, which softens the entry point into the building and serves as an outdoor gathering space after church.