Those who participated in the Groundbreaking ceremonies on February 20th 2000, received a simple washed-clean stone, to remind each of us that we are living stones that make up the Church. If you saved that stone and brought it with you to the dedication, please place that stone in the special basket provided. Write your name on it, if you like. We will incorporate these stones in a special memorial on the grounds of our St. Anthony of Padua property.
The Altar and Ambo - were hand-crafted by Raymond Heiland and presented to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Mountain City in memory of his parents Evelyn and Thomas Heiland. Raymond is a nephew of Fr. Tom Vos, OFM.
Stations of the Cross - are a gift from the St. Henry Catholic Community in Rogersville, TN.
The Processional Cross - was hand carved for St Anthony’s by artist, Catholic Deacon Otto Preske, “Artist in Wood”, a member of the Great Smokey Arts and Crafts Community, Gatlinburg, TN.
The Stained Glass Window - in the Blessed Sacrament Reservation Chapel of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane, (and the coloring of the windows in the sanctuary), was created by artist Stephen Cook of the Jonesborough Art Glass gallery, Jonesborough , TN.
The Celtic Cross - (pronounced Keltik) on the roof of the church “is distinguished by the circle at the intersection of the crossbar and upright shaft, usually with a continuous weaving line intertwined with the circle and the cross arms; this serves as a double symbol of eternity and unity, both of the Son with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and of the believer with the Trinity - the common theme of St. Patrick’s preaching. The celtic cross has its origins in Ireland where it is still commonly found; similarly it is often used to mark an object as having an association with Ireland.” (Catholic Encyclopedia) We have chosen it for our church to honor Viola McElyea (the first known Catholic in Johnson County) and the Irish Bishop who established St. Anthony of Padua as a Catholic Community, Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell, DD.
The Painting of St. Anthony - was brought to America in 1929 by Angiolina Damiano from her native country of Italy. Before this time it had been in the family possession in Vaggiano, Italy. The painting was passed on to her son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Elizabeth Damiano of Chattanooga as a wedding gift in 1960. In 2000, they had the painting framed and now give it as a gift to the new St Anthony of Padua Church in Mountain City. It was painted by the famed and popular 17th century Spanish baroque painter, Bartolome Murillo. The Domianos are doing some research into whether or not it is an original and it possible value. We accept with gratitude.
The Tabernacle, was purchased by Robert and Edie Fiorcia from Mountain City antiques and Collectibles. Edie literally stumbled into it as it stood on the floor, covered with dirt and dust, bearing a sign that read “would make an ideal liquor cabinet.” It came complete with the key and gold chain and the special lace curtain inside.
The New Rogers Organ, installed in the new church was donated by St. Joseph the Worker Catholic church in Orefield, PA.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Statue is a loving gift from parishioner, Mary Nagy and her son.
The Baptistery - was created by a special artist for St Mary’s Church in Johnson City. Since the new St Mary’s Church also has a new baptistery, both artist and St Mary’s church graciously donated the one from the old church to St Anthony’s.
The “Elevation” Bell, shared by John and Ethelda Hillsman, was given to John’s father by Fr. Paul Simko, pastor of St Patrick’s Church in Canonsburg, PA. the bell was used as the elevation bell in their first church in 1891.
The Marble Statue of St. Anthony of Padua, was given to us by Fr. Xavier Mankel when he was Pastor of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Knoxville, TN.
The censor and boat, are a gift from Fr. Charles Burton and St Dominic’s Church Kingsport.
The Altar and Ambo - were hand-crafted by Raymond Heiland and presented to St. Anthony of Padua Church in Mountain City in memory of his parents Evelyn and Thomas Heiland. Raymond is a nephew of Fr. Tom Vos, OFM.
Stations of the Cross - are a gift from the St. Henry Catholic Community in Rogersville, TN.
The Processional Cross - was hand carved for St Anthony’s by artist, Catholic Deacon Otto Preske, “Artist in Wood”, a member of the Great Smokey Arts and Crafts Community, Gatlinburg, TN.
The Stained Glass Window - in the Blessed Sacrament Reservation Chapel of Jesus praying in the garden of Gethsemane, (and the coloring of the windows in the sanctuary), was created by artist Stephen Cook of the Jonesborough Art Glass gallery, Jonesborough , TN.
The Celtic Cross - (pronounced Keltik) on the roof of the church “is distinguished by the circle at the intersection of the crossbar and upright shaft, usually with a continuous weaving line intertwined with the circle and the cross arms; this serves as a double symbol of eternity and unity, both of the Son with the Father and the Holy Spirit, and of the believer with the Trinity - the common theme of St. Patrick’s preaching. The celtic cross has its origins in Ireland where it is still commonly found; similarly it is often used to mark an object as having an association with Ireland.” (Catholic Encyclopedia) We have chosen it for our church to honor Viola McElyea (the first known Catholic in Johnson County) and the Irish Bishop who established St. Anthony of Padua as a Catholic Community, Bishop Anthony J. O’Connell, DD.
The Painting of St. Anthony - was brought to America in 1929 by Angiolina Damiano from her native country of Italy. Before this time it had been in the family possession in Vaggiano, Italy. The painting was passed on to her son and daughter-in-law, Anthony and Elizabeth Damiano of Chattanooga as a wedding gift in 1960. In 2000, they had the painting framed and now give it as a gift to the new St Anthony of Padua Church in Mountain City. It was painted by the famed and popular 17th century Spanish baroque painter, Bartolome Murillo. The Domianos are doing some research into whether or not it is an original and it possible value. We accept with gratitude.
The Tabernacle, was purchased by Robert and Edie Fiorcia from Mountain City antiques and Collectibles. Edie literally stumbled into it as it stood on the floor, covered with dirt and dust, bearing a sign that read “would make an ideal liquor cabinet.” It came complete with the key and gold chain and the special lace curtain inside.
The New Rogers Organ, installed in the new church was donated by St. Joseph the Worker Catholic church in Orefield, PA.
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Statue is a loving gift from parishioner, Mary Nagy and her son.
The Baptistery - was created by a special artist for St Mary’s Church in Johnson City. Since the new St Mary’s Church also has a new baptistery, both artist and St Mary’s church graciously donated the one from the old church to St Anthony’s.
The “Elevation” Bell, shared by John and Ethelda Hillsman, was given to John’s father by Fr. Paul Simko, pastor of St Patrick’s Church in Canonsburg, PA. the bell was used as the elevation bell in their first church in 1891.
The Marble Statue of St. Anthony of Padua, was given to us by Fr. Xavier Mankel when he was Pastor of the Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Knoxville, TN.
The censor and boat, are a gift from Fr. Charles Burton and St Dominic’s Church Kingsport.
Our History
Taken from The Dedication Pamphlet of St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church February 10, 2001
A “BRIEF” HISTORY
It was April 17, 1968, a Thursday evening when Mass was celebrated at the home of Viola McElyen on West Main St. Public knowledge has it that it was 5:15 and the first Catholic ‘ceremony’ in Mountain City and Johnson County.
Viola was the first known, active Catholic in Johnson County moving there with her husband in 1937.
Frs. B. G. Schneider and V. F. La France (both Dominican priests from St Mary’s in Johnson City) concelebrated that first Mass with about twenty people in all participating (some Religious Sisters, some seminarians from Holy Cross Seminary in Lacrosse. WI and several local people.)
Priests from St. Mary’s celebrated Mass regularly in the McElyes home roughly every other week until there were more people than Vi’s little house could accommodate (for about four years.) Eventually, Catholics were invited to use the First United Methodist Church in Mountain City for regular Mass on Sunday. Mass continued there for about six months, celebrated by Frs. Davies and Accher from Johnson City. By the Fall of 1972 Fr. Srcher, the pastor of St Mary’s decided that the few in number would no longer warrant the trip to Mountain City from Johnson City, and any regular Mass or services in Johnson County were discontinued.
In 1976 Fr. Charles Johnston, OP, because Pastor of St Elizabeth’s in Elizabethton. Mountain City being in his parish, he would visit with Viola McElyea every other week either celebrating Mass with her or bringing her Holy Communion. Successive Pastors of St Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton continued these visits until a parish was established in Mountain City.
In January 1991, Fr Tom Vos, OFM, serving the diocese of Knoxville, began an outreach program in Johnson County, establishing a “branch office” of Catholic Social Services out of Jonesborough. He rented a small dwelling behind the next door neighbor to Viola, that is , from Madison and Ruby Putter at 708 West Main. Fr. Tom’s intention: through serving those in need who could not be helped by existing private or governmental agencies, perhaps there would also develop a need for a Catholic Christian community.
Actually, in the year that followed, with the help of Fr. Steve Smith, OP, from Elizabethton, he met some of the other Catholics in Johnson County. Some were from St Elizabeth’s in Elizabethton; others went to the Catholic Church in either Boone, NC or Abington, VA.
One year after his original visit to Mountain City, and his two-day visits thereafter (coming up from Knoxville, and later Jonesborough) - working through the Department of Human Services and the Neighborhood Service Center (Ann Mullins, Grace Rupard) - Fr Tom had the privilege to meet with a small group of Catholics. It was January 22, 1992. It convened in the reception room of the Family Health Center in Mountain City at the invitation of Dr. Andrea Chastang. MD. This group shared a common interest to gather often, to share faith and prayer, to study more thoroughly their Catholic faith, and hopefully to become a Catholic community - the beginning of a Catholic Church in Johnson County.
The conclusions of that first meeting were: that we would be known by our service to others rather than by a building; that we would gather on the first Wednesday of the month for re-formation (study and - prayer service, or celebration of the Eucharist); that we will gradually identify special needs of the Johnson County Community that we might be able to serve; that Fr. Tom would issue a monthly ‘bulletin’ sharing our news and spirit with all known Catholics in the county. Those present at this first gathering were: Dr. Andrea Chastang, MD and Sharon Thompson, Edie Richardson, Marie Blevins, and Barbara Herman. The craft Bar at Maries Craft Shop in the Pioneer Shopping Center would be the site for the next gathering on February 5, 1992.
This group and others would continue to gather regularly at a former dog kennel behind Viola McElyea’s house - clean, comfy, and just the right size.
When asked to serve as Administrator of Catholic Charities - Five Rivers Deanery and Pastor of St Henry Church in Rogersville, Fr. Tom had to discontinue his regular ministry in Mountain City - although he continued to drop by about once a month to visit.
When begged to have an occasional Mass in Mountain City, a special Ash Wednesday Mass was celebrated in 1993 in Johnson County Welcome Center. About a dozen people participated. A small group gathered now and then after that, mainly in the home of Jim and Carolyn Tester, for Eucharist, mostly for the benefit of Alfonse Vattilano, Carolyn’s 90 year old uncle. But, the group found it difficult to stay together since a regular priest was not present.
Then in the spring of 1995, Bishop O’Connell of Knoxville asked Fr. Tom to check the area and discern the possibility of establish a parish in Johnson County. On March 15, the Bishop joined Fr. Tom for a day, exploring the county, looking at potential property, and visiting with some 20 of the local Catholics who gathered at Karina’s Restaurant (owned by Karen Gregg, a Catholic,) for lunch. Some of those present: Frank and Rosemary Anderson, Marie Blevins, Dr. Floyd and Beth Barker, June Bagi, Oliver Folmar, Karin Gregg, Sharon Thompson, Jimmy Bonifacino, Edie Fiorica, William Grigas, Barbara Henson, Barbara Herman, Sr. Barbara Hathaway, Joe Herman, Douglas Hornsby and Carolyn Tester.
By May 5, 1995, the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee and Bishop O’Connell purchased 3.3 acres of land on West Main Street (Highway 67) right on the edge of Mountain City - easy to find and a view of the Iron Mountains.
Fr. Tom and, Jimmy Bonifacino from General Realty, (who sold the Church property to the diocese) immediately searched for a house to serve as “Parish House” - as both our first church and residence for Fr. Tom and Brother Justin Huber, OFM who would be joining him in July. They rented a modest home from John and Flora Hess at 461 Old Cold Springs Road. A Mass began to be celebrated each Saturday there at 4:40 PM, beginning July 29, 1995.
On August 1, 1995, the diocese of Knoxville officially established a new Catholic community in Mountain City and asked Fr. Tom, OFM to serve as its founding pastor (in addition to his pastorate at St. Henry in Rogersville.)
In just eight weeks, the little house was just too small as a Church. The rooms were small, much too crowded, and the heat was unbearable. Fr. Tom was discussion with Pastor Morris of the Methodist church who invited the new Catholic community to celebrate Mass in their church, when a 20 X 40 storefront, newly remodeled, painted and carpeted became available. They rented it form Vaugh Robinson (Mountain City Auto Parts) and transformed it into their first, temporary Church. The first Mass celebrated there was on September 30, 1995.
And in September, 1995, the new parish community - at the request of the parishioners, was placed under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua, known especially for his outreach to the poor. At their very first Mass on august 1, 1995, the small community vowed to commit 10% of their weekly offering to reach out to the needy in Johnson County. Their Outreach Program was given the name: St. Anthony Bread.
Already in the Fall of 1996, a Building committee was formed to dream about a church building on West Main. In the spring of 1997 we chose an Architect (Tim Shaw from Shaw and Shanks.) We met once, and decided we simply were not ready to build, financially. We spent two years, begging, writing grants etc. We gathered approximately half of what was needed (a requirement for an diocesan building project). By the spring of 1999, we again contacted Tim Shaw. By August 1st, 1999 we agreed on a floor plan, tentatively planned for building to begin in the Spring of 2000, and for dedication on August 6, 2000 - our fifth anniversary. However building did not begin until June 2000 and was completed in January, 2001, and was dedicated by bishop Joseph Kurtz on February 10, 2001.
A “BRIEF” HISTORY
It was April 17, 1968, a Thursday evening when Mass was celebrated at the home of Viola McElyen on West Main St. Public knowledge has it that it was 5:15 and the first Catholic ‘ceremony’ in Mountain City and Johnson County.
Viola was the first known, active Catholic in Johnson County moving there with her husband in 1937.
Frs. B. G. Schneider and V. F. La France (both Dominican priests from St Mary’s in Johnson City) concelebrated that first Mass with about twenty people in all participating (some Religious Sisters, some seminarians from Holy Cross Seminary in Lacrosse. WI and several local people.)
Priests from St. Mary’s celebrated Mass regularly in the McElyes home roughly every other week until there were more people than Vi’s little house could accommodate (for about four years.) Eventually, Catholics were invited to use the First United Methodist Church in Mountain City for regular Mass on Sunday. Mass continued there for about six months, celebrated by Frs. Davies and Accher from Johnson City. By the Fall of 1972 Fr. Srcher, the pastor of St Mary’s decided that the few in number would no longer warrant the trip to Mountain City from Johnson City, and any regular Mass or services in Johnson County were discontinued.
In 1976 Fr. Charles Johnston, OP, because Pastor of St Elizabeth’s in Elizabethton. Mountain City being in his parish, he would visit with Viola McElyea every other week either celebrating Mass with her or bringing her Holy Communion. Successive Pastors of St Elizabeth Church in Elizabethton continued these visits until a parish was established in Mountain City.
In January 1991, Fr Tom Vos, OFM, serving the diocese of Knoxville, began an outreach program in Johnson County, establishing a “branch office” of Catholic Social Services out of Jonesborough. He rented a small dwelling behind the next door neighbor to Viola, that is , from Madison and Ruby Putter at 708 West Main. Fr. Tom’s intention: through serving those in need who could not be helped by existing private or governmental agencies, perhaps there would also develop a need for a Catholic Christian community.
Actually, in the year that followed, with the help of Fr. Steve Smith, OP, from Elizabethton, he met some of the other Catholics in Johnson County. Some were from St Elizabeth’s in Elizabethton; others went to the Catholic Church in either Boone, NC or Abington, VA.
One year after his original visit to Mountain City, and his two-day visits thereafter (coming up from Knoxville, and later Jonesborough) - working through the Department of Human Services and the Neighborhood Service Center (Ann Mullins, Grace Rupard) - Fr Tom had the privilege to meet with a small group of Catholics. It was January 22, 1992. It convened in the reception room of the Family Health Center in Mountain City at the invitation of Dr. Andrea Chastang. MD. This group shared a common interest to gather often, to share faith and prayer, to study more thoroughly their Catholic faith, and hopefully to become a Catholic community - the beginning of a Catholic Church in Johnson County.
The conclusions of that first meeting were: that we would be known by our service to others rather than by a building; that we would gather on the first Wednesday of the month for re-formation (study and - prayer service, or celebration of the Eucharist); that we will gradually identify special needs of the Johnson County Community that we might be able to serve; that Fr. Tom would issue a monthly ‘bulletin’ sharing our news and spirit with all known Catholics in the county. Those present at this first gathering were: Dr. Andrea Chastang, MD and Sharon Thompson, Edie Richardson, Marie Blevins, and Barbara Herman. The craft Bar at Maries Craft Shop in the Pioneer Shopping Center would be the site for the next gathering on February 5, 1992.
This group and others would continue to gather regularly at a former dog kennel behind Viola McElyea’s house - clean, comfy, and just the right size.
When asked to serve as Administrator of Catholic Charities - Five Rivers Deanery and Pastor of St Henry Church in Rogersville, Fr. Tom had to discontinue his regular ministry in Mountain City - although he continued to drop by about once a month to visit.
When begged to have an occasional Mass in Mountain City, a special Ash Wednesday Mass was celebrated in 1993 in Johnson County Welcome Center. About a dozen people participated. A small group gathered now and then after that, mainly in the home of Jim and Carolyn Tester, for Eucharist, mostly for the benefit of Alfonse Vattilano, Carolyn’s 90 year old uncle. But, the group found it difficult to stay together since a regular priest was not present.
Then in the spring of 1995, Bishop O’Connell of Knoxville asked Fr. Tom to check the area and discern the possibility of establish a parish in Johnson County. On March 15, the Bishop joined Fr. Tom for a day, exploring the county, looking at potential property, and visiting with some 20 of the local Catholics who gathered at Karina’s Restaurant (owned by Karen Gregg, a Catholic,) for lunch. Some of those present: Frank and Rosemary Anderson, Marie Blevins, Dr. Floyd and Beth Barker, June Bagi, Oliver Folmar, Karin Gregg, Sharon Thompson, Jimmy Bonifacino, Edie Fiorica, William Grigas, Barbara Henson, Barbara Herman, Sr. Barbara Hathaway, Joe Herman, Douglas Hornsby and Carolyn Tester.
By May 5, 1995, the Catholic Foundation of East Tennessee and Bishop O’Connell purchased 3.3 acres of land on West Main Street (Highway 67) right on the edge of Mountain City - easy to find and a view of the Iron Mountains.
Fr. Tom and, Jimmy Bonifacino from General Realty, (who sold the Church property to the diocese) immediately searched for a house to serve as “Parish House” - as both our first church and residence for Fr. Tom and Brother Justin Huber, OFM who would be joining him in July. They rented a modest home from John and Flora Hess at 461 Old Cold Springs Road. A Mass began to be celebrated each Saturday there at 4:40 PM, beginning July 29, 1995.
On August 1, 1995, the diocese of Knoxville officially established a new Catholic community in Mountain City and asked Fr. Tom, OFM to serve as its founding pastor (in addition to his pastorate at St. Henry in Rogersville.)
In just eight weeks, the little house was just too small as a Church. The rooms were small, much too crowded, and the heat was unbearable. Fr. Tom was discussion with Pastor Morris of the Methodist church who invited the new Catholic community to celebrate Mass in their church, when a 20 X 40 storefront, newly remodeled, painted and carpeted became available. They rented it form Vaugh Robinson (Mountain City Auto Parts) and transformed it into their first, temporary Church. The first Mass celebrated there was on September 30, 1995.
And in September, 1995, the new parish community - at the request of the parishioners, was placed under the patronage of St. Anthony of Padua, known especially for his outreach to the poor. At their very first Mass on august 1, 1995, the small community vowed to commit 10% of their weekly offering to reach out to the needy in Johnson County. Their Outreach Program was given the name: St. Anthony Bread.
Already in the Fall of 1996, a Building committee was formed to dream about a church building on West Main. In the spring of 1997 we chose an Architect (Tim Shaw from Shaw and Shanks.) We met once, and decided we simply were not ready to build, financially. We spent two years, begging, writing grants etc. We gathered approximately half of what was needed (a requirement for an diocesan building project). By the spring of 1999, we again contacted Tim Shaw. By August 1st, 1999 we agreed on a floor plan, tentatively planned for building to begin in the Spring of 2000, and for dedication on August 6, 2000 - our fifth anniversary. However building did not begin until June 2000 and was completed in January, 2001, and was dedicated by bishop Joseph Kurtz on February 10, 2001.
