A History of McCalla Avenue Baptist Church by Jimmy Burkhardt, 1971

     McCalla Avenue Baptist was one of the strongest churches in East Knoxville for the first 50 years of its existence.  It had a significant influence on the entire Burlington community.  On October 4, 1984, McCalla Avenue merged with its parent church, Bell Avenue Baptist, to form Chilhowee Hills Baptist Church. The McCalla Avenue Baptist building was sold, and the merged congregation meets in the former Bell Avenue building on Asheville Highway.
     The information in these pages was taken from a typescript history of McCalla Avenue Baptist, prepared by Jimmy Burkhardt and dated November 15, 1971.

1913-1920:  The early years of the church

• The church started as a mission.
• The transition from mission to church.

1921-1950:  The growing years of the church

• The general conditions of this time.
• Characteristics of church members at this time.

1951-1962:  The leveling off of the church

• McCalla became a big "city" church.
• Buildings seemed to be main concern.

1963-1971:  The decline of the church

• The community became integrated.
• Members chose to attend churches in their own community.

Appendices

• Pastors, Ministers of Music, and Members in Full-Time Christian Service
• Women's Missionary Union, 1913-1971
• Brotherhood
• Youth Council
• The Church Library
• Attendance & Offering Records
• Our Church Covenant
• Statement of Consideration in View of the Possibility of Negroes Desiring to Attend Our Worship Services
• Support for Payne Avenue Baptist Church
• Statement Regarding Dancing at Carson-Newman College

Bibliography

• View history and photos from the church's 60th Anniversary Celebration booklet.