Parish History
Written by Marilyn Jacobson
The Newman Movement which began on college campuses in 1893 reached the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1933. The local club was organized in the basement of Immaculate Conception Church. From this beginning, the growth was steady. Meeting places moved to the UT cafeteria, to classrooms at Ayres Hall, to Anne McGee Dance Hall, to several rented houses on 15th and 17th Streets, and finally in 1962 the club moved to 1710 Melrose Place, which became the Catholic Center. This site was a combination gift and purchase from the Edward Ashe family.
Original Catholic Center at 1710 Melrose Place
Associate pastors from Immaculate Conception Church served as chaplains for the Newman Club. Each was assisted by Catholic faculty advisors from UT. In 1956, the Newman Foundation had been established in the Knoxville community to provide direction and support for this campus ministry. In 1966, a worshipping community was established at the former Fort Sanders Presbyterian Church (now the Laurel Theater). This facility served for Mass and Center activities until the Melrose site was expanded and rebuilt.
From the local paper
Bishop Joseph Durek (left) and Fr. McGuire (right)
with U.T. students after mass held at Laurel Avenue Presbyterian Church
In June of 1967, the Board of Directors of the Newman Foundation submitted recommendations prepared by Dr. Harry C. Jacobson, Dr. Albert J. Paulus and Dr. John Prados to the Most Reverend Joseph A. Durick, Apostolic Administrator to the Diocese of Nashville. These recommendations sought permission to establish a parish at the University of Tennessee and to proceed with the construction of a church and a center. The Bishop concurred and during a three day celebration, October 25-27, 1969, ground was broken for the new church and center, the parish of John XXIII was established, and Reverend Sterling McGuire was appointed pastor.
Groundbreaking on the current John XXIII building
The Pastor's mom surveys the John XXIII construction
site
John XXIII's First Parish Council
The new center was opened in October of 1969. On April 3, 1970, Bishop Durick officiated as principal celebrant at the dedication ceremony and Eucharistic Liturgy. In August of 1973, the Paulist Fathers joined the community for the ministry at John XXIII University Parish and Catholic Center.