OUR HISTORY | A neighborhood church with a heart for the world.

Lake Forest Presbyterian Church got its start in a pretty simple way—through prayer and conversation in people’s homes. A midweek prayer group met for about ten months, and together they began to sense that the growing neighborhoods of Lake Forest and Colonial Heights in South Knoxville could really benefit from a Presbyterian church presence.

In June of 1949, that vision came to life with Sunday night services held in the basement of Center Drug Store on Chapman Highway. Thirty-four neighbors gathered for worship, forming the group that would become our charter members.

Just four months later, the first church building was completed on the property we still call home today. As the community grew, so did the church. A more permanent sanctuary was eventually built, and the original building found new life—first as a public library, then as a kindergarten. Our current sanctuary was built between October 1955 and April 1956, and has been a place of worship, joy, and community ever since.

For over 75 years, we’ve witnessed God’s faithfulness through every chapter of our story. And as we look to the future, we remain committed to using the gifts and talents God has given us to live out Christ’s love in the world.

If you’re looking for a place to grow in faith, to ask big questions, to serve alongside others, or just to be welcomed as you are—we’d love to meet you. Lake Forest is rooted in the Reformed tradition and is part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Come and see what God is doing here—we believe there’s a place for you.