The Church of St. Mary the Virgin is Dedicated

"The Episcopal Church Welcomes You" to the newest congregation in our diocese. They can be found in Erwin, in the upper east corner of the state. On Sunday evenings in a refurbished store front at 111 Union Street, you will find the congregation of St. Mary the Virgin at worship.

The congregation first held services on Christmas Eve, 2000, at the Centenary Methodist Church in Erwin where Terrill Littrell was pastor. For the next 13 months, the congregation met at the Unicoi Methodist Church each Sunday evening. Pastor Jim Goddard graciously allowed Fr. Harry Bahlow, priest-in-charge of the Episcopal congregation, and company to use the sanctuary there.

Now the congregation is worshiping in its own space. The 1500 square foot store front on Union Street has been refurbished, adding two restrooms, a small kitchenette and a sacristy. Many of the furnishings have been donated by the church members – altar linens, baptistry, organ and sacred vessels. The altar, given by St. Timothy's, Signal Mountain, has been refinished as a free standing altar which meets the need of this small praying community.

And on February 17, 2002, the Rt. Rev. Charles G. vonRosenberg, Bishop of East Tennessee, blessed and dedicated St. Mary the Virgin Church.

Presently services are held each Sunday evening at 5:00 p.m. with a social hour following. An Inquirers Class meets each Monday at 6:00 p.m.