Good Samaritan Begins Building and Renovation

by Karen Downing
With joy and elation, the Church of the Good Samaritan, Knoxville, broke ground on Wednesday, September 13, 2000, for its new building and renovation project. At least one of the church members present, Jane Cobb, had been present for the two previous groundbreaking ceremonies since the founding of the parish.

Participating in the festivities were the Rt. Rev. Charles vonRosenberg, Bishop of the Diocese of East Tennessee; the Rev. John Rafter, rector of Good Samaritan; representatives of the Vestry, the Building Committee, and the Episcopal Youth plus numerous other members of the congregation. Also present were the architects, Lanny Cope, President of Cope Associates, Inc., Alan LaFon, AIA, and Richard Hays, AIA; and Project Manager Tommy Tompson and Project Superintendent Jim Jordan of Kuebler Construction Company, the primary contractor.

The building project is a response to the growth of the parish and the aging of its facilities, and comes after years of prayer and preparation. Seed money was granted from the diocesan Opportunity Fund, and a capital stewardship campaign raised more than $700,00 from within the congregation.

Good Samaritan Church is renovating its Christian Education rooms, enlarging the Parish Hall by about a third, and adding new space for staff offices. The project reflects the congregation's commitment to people of all ages and its mission to the Knoxville community.

A new bell tower will mark an attractive entry into a new enclosed handicapped-accessible ramp, and increase visibility from Cedar Bluff Road. The project design blends with the beautiful natural surroundings on the grounds.

Karen downing is a parish member, at Good Samaritan, Knoxville.