Diocesan House, bookshop going west

Diocesan House will be closed the weeks of June 23 and 30 to allow staff to pack, move and settle in at the new West Knoxville location. On a 2-acre site purchased from the Episcopal School of Knoxville, the building will house the Bishop, diocesan staff and the bookshop. The 7,400-square-foot craftsman-style space includes a chapel and a welcoming reception area with a fireplace. Photo by Canon Alice Clayton

By Amy Morehous, bookshop manager

Woodrow Wilson once said, “If you want to make enemies, change something.” With all the changes afoot at the Cathedral Bookshop, we’re really hoping he wasn’t right.

The Cathedral Bookshop will open with a new name in the new Diocesan House in Knoxville, located at 814 Episcopal School Way, off the Lovell Road exit of Interstate 40. The new name and hours will be unveiled at the Grand Opening, scheduled for July 15th.

Until then, if you’re visiting downtown Knoxville, stop by our old location, check out some great bargains – merchandise that isn’t making the move is marked down – and wish us luck during this exciting time.

The bookshop will begin several new programs after the move, including a monthly book group and a frequent buyer discount card. We will expand our children’s and young adult sections and add some new gift lines to give more variety to our ever-evolving selection. Our Web site will be revamped to provide a more versatile and convenient shopping experience, allowing customers to shop around the clock for their favorite books and gifts.

As always, the bookshop will have a wide selection of Episcopal resources and prayer books, as well as an eclectic variety of theology and spirituality titles. We will still carry a full selection of James Avery religious jewelry, and a few new jewelry lines.

Our volunteers help make possible the best customer service of any bookshop in town. New volunteers are always welcome, and all volunteers receive merchandise discounts. Anyone with a ready smile, a willingness to learn and three extra hours a week should inquire about volunteer opportunities.

After our long tenure downtown, we will miss it dearly, but we look forward to seeing and serving you all from our new home.

For news about Diocesan staff:

• New emphasis on lay ministry evident in creation of staff job
• Importance of youth ministry affirmed as coordinator comes on board