Foundations of Faith (4)
A New Church -- Locally and Nationally!
Under Pastor Gary Lyerly's dedicated leadership, Our Saviour Church grew to the largest membership it has ever had, numbering in the 800's. Because of this, expansion was once again on the agenda of the congregation! In a new design, the old structure became part of the new. Thus the former worship area became office and classroom space, while the new chancel and nave began where the old ended. Previously the worshippers faced West, now they look East. Twice as many can be seated as formerly. In addition, a basement was added. Initially, Sunday School could meet there and the youth held some of their activities there as well.
A special leave-taking service was held the last Sunday the former nave and chancel were used. From then until the new area was usable, services were conducted in the fellowship hall. Weeks later they were moved to the newly completed sanctuary. On August 18, 1991, the Reverend Dr. Harold C. Skillrud, Bishop of the Southeastern Synod of the ELCA, participated in the dedication worship. Some of the furnishings in the former chancel were sold to a Lutheran Church at Fairfield Glade in Crossville, Tennessee.
A Ride on a Crane
There are pictures to this day in the library of Pastor Lyerly being lifted up in a sling by a long crane to put the cross upon the steeple! According to a city official (at that time), the tip of the cross was the highest building structure in the city! If it is not still the tallest in the city, it sure is still one of the tallest.
The architect of the new building was C. W. Parker; the construction management was handled by Dennis Weaver's WECO Construction Company. Dr. Clarence Stuckwisch chaired the Building Committee, while Dr. David Herting headed the Building Finance Committee.
During the preparation time for such building and growth, the Lutheran Church in America was also growing! In 1988, there was an official merging of the LCA, along with the former American Lutheran Church and the Association of Evangelical Lutheran Churches into what would now be called "The Evangelical Lutheran Church in America." Our Synod became larger, now having almost 170 congregations in her territory, with eleven congregations as a part of our Holston-Heritage Conference (made up of churches from Newport, Tennessee over to Morristown, up through Cocke and Greene Counties, into the Tri-Cities as well).
