Updated: 11/22/2009 8:00:56 PM
November marks the 60th anniversary for the First Christian Church in Oak Ridge. It's been 60 years of overcoming challenges and experiencing victories.
A sign hangs above the congregation as they worship each Sunday. It reads "Sometimes God gives us incredible opportunities brilliantly disguised as overwhelming obstacles."
"Its just a huge family. We're all here for each other, for whatever comes up," Barbara Pullen of Knoxville said.
It's a motto this family knows all about. Their first building was destroyed by fire in 1953. In 2004, history repeated itself. On New Year's Eve the church burned to the ground for a second time. While initially devastated, members of the congregation vowed to rebuild.
"We never felt like we would not be here and this would not happen, we don't think that way," Missy Bowden of Oak Ridge said.
"Its unfortunate to have a fire like that, but its brought us all closer together," Pullen said.
After 60 years and two fires, the congregation now worships in its newest home on Gum Hollow Road. The first phase was completed in October.
"It's been 60 years, but yet it's just the beginning. We're taking those relationships of the first 60 years and moving forward to the next," Pastor Michael Fetty said.
Plans are in the works to finish the new sanctuary. Its another opportunity disguised as an obstacle.
"As my mother said she has been through two fires and twelve ministers in 60 years, but the vision still remains the same. We're here, we're working hard and we won't give up," Bowden said.
"If that's what God has done in the first 60 years, I can't wait to see what's going on in the next 60," Fetty said.
Fetty hopes to have the permanent sanctuary completed within five years.
