Holston Annual Conference

The history of Pickett Chapel United Methodist Church in Lebanon, Tenn., goes back almost 200 years. Pickett Chapel is believed to be the oldest African American church building in the state of Tennessee. Photo from video by Lilla Marigza, UM News.

Historic church tells story of slavery, triumph

Pickett Chapel has served both Black and white congregations over nearly 200 years. The fingerprints of enslaved people who built this church can still be seen today.

Faith Stories

Bishop Clay Foster Lee Jr., who served the Holston Area from 1988 to 1996, died on Nov. 11, 2024. He was 94 years old. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News

Bishop Lee remembered as towering figure

Bishop Clay Foster Lee Jr., who led the Holston Conference from 1988 to 1996, died Nov. 11 at age 94. Some of his sermons gained national attention during the Civil Rights Movement.

Members of Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville, Tenn., collect and distribute food, water and hygiene supplies to those affected by torrential rains in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Photo by Annette Spence, Holston Conference.

Video: ‘Look what God can do’

An East Tennessee pastor says God guided her congregation to respond to the needs of families displaced by Helene.

Disaster Relief

Elias Torres (left) and Vinicius Maciel clean up flood damage from Hurricane Helene at Cedar Key (Fla.) United Methodist Church. Church members are beginning the long, slow recovery following Helene’s devastating storm surge and flooding in the southeastern U.S. Conferences are busy supporting survivors. Photo by Mike DuBose, UM News.

United Methodists offer relief after Helene

Church members are beginning the long, slow recovery following Helene’s devastating storm surge and flooding in the southeastern U.S. Conferences are busy supporting survivors.

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