The founding parishioners of All Saints were inspired by the words ‘I am the vine, you are the branches,’ and called us ‘to live as Christ asked.’ Therefore, we will come to personally know Jesus, becoming his disciples who live as He lives, bearing the sufferings of daily living, showing mercy, and lovingly putting others’ needs before our own. We will do this as a joyful, welcoming Eucharistic community so that we might give witness to His resurrection.
All Saints Parish originated in 1994 under the direction of Fr. Chris Michelson. It began as the Cedar Bluff Catholic Community with approximately 300 families meeting in a converted warehouse in West Knoxville. By 1996, the number of members had grown to over 800 families and began by celebrating Mass in a new multipurpose building built on the 15-acre site.
Soon after, the construction of the church building began. Completion and dedication of the new church was celebrated on January 30, 1999. A very notable part of the church structure is a 25-foot stained glass depiction of Jesus encircled by a vine. He is portrayed with one hand reaching to heaven and one hand to earth. The vine motif encircles the church throughout all of the stained glass windows giving a visual symbol taken from John 15:5, “I am the vine, you are the branches…”
The art and architecture featured in the church and on the grounds were designed with simplicity in mind. The goal was to create an inviting, approachable, and sacred space. The courtyard features a statue depicting Jesus teaching the children. Behind the rectory is a grotto which focuses on a statue of Mary holding the baby Jesus. Inside the chapel there are three- dimensional carvings of the Stations of the Cross. The church contains a sculpture of the Holy family including Mary’s parents Joachim and Ann to represent the importance of family, from children to parents to grandparents.