First Baptist Church of Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg, TN

The challenge presented on this project was to provide complete worship, educational, fellowship, and administrative facilities within the site’s topographical constraints and the owner’s budget. A complete programming phase was conducted. Each department’s functional requirements were cataloged and prioritized. Schematic plans were prepared to reflect the congregation’s “dream” facility. Using this information as a basis, Community Tectonics Architects and the church building committee were able to adapt the concept to budget constraints.

This team concept, with regular church committee and congregational input, resulted in a new building which not only met the basic requirements for requested facilities but also provided a small chapel and a balcony area for expanded sanctuary seating. Both of these areas were not in the original program requirements.

The sanctuary seats four hundred and ten, with thirty-eight in the choir. The fellowship hall provides space for one hundred thirty-six at a dining function. A kitchen and serving area are adjacent to the fellowship hall. There are fourteen classrooms and a parlor with seating for twenty-five. Other spaces include offices, a library, and a nursery.