Sink or Swim: How Winchester First Baptist Overcame Disaster to Restore History

            Winchester First Baptist Church, one of Franklin County’s oldest and most cherished landmarks, is nearing the completion of a renovation project that has taken them on an unexpected journey over the past year. What began as a simple repair to a leak in the steeple quickly unraveled into a series of unforeseen challenges that tested both faith and perseverance.

After sealing the leak, church members discovered a troubling sight—mold creeping through the ceiling, silently spreading where water had seeped in. At first, the issue seemed manageable, just another hurdle in the restoration process. But as crews prepared to tackle the mold, a much bigger problem emerged. The damage ran deeper, past the surface and past what anyone had expected.  An investigation underneath the sanctuary revealed a concern that demanded urgent attention.

And the challenges didn’t stop at the steeple and ceiling.

With the sanctuary’s towering 49-foot ceilings, specialized equipment was needed to address the mold problem. But before the remediation company could begin their work, they had to ensure that the floor could bear the weight of their machinery. What they found beneath the church was far more alarming than anyone had anticipated—a massive sinkhole, stretching 15 feet in diameter and plunging approximately seven to eight feet deep. Hidden beneath the sanctuary, it posed a threat far greater than mold alone, shaking the very foundation of the historic church. What began as a restoration project had now become a race against time, forcing the congregation to confront the possibility that their beloved place of worship was standing on unstable ground.

This came as an alarming surprise to the people of the church, due to them having other specialists underneath the sanctuary a few weeks prior and the sinkhole had not been present at that time. 

Members of Winchester First Baptist Church use their Saturday to help with the sanctuary renovations.

              For months, geological and remediation experts from Knoxville and Chattanooga worked tirelessly to stabilize the massive sinkhole beneath the church. After extensive efforts, the ground was finally secured, and the church received official confirmation that the structure was safe. With the crisis resolved, the congregation saw an opportunity—not just to repair, but to revitalize. They embarked on a new phase of restoration, embracing the chance to enhance and preserve the historic church for generations to come.

              The church is prayerful that church services will be back in the newly remodeled sanctuary by July 13th, if not sooner.  They are planning a special rededication service for the milestone moment and hope to honor not only what the church has become, but what the church has always been. 

              “The pastor has some really good ideas on what he wants to do.”, stated Aaron Tiner, minister to students.  “This isn’t for sure, but he’s considering redoing the rededication service from the original sanctuary dedication service from 1975.  Which would be really cool as a tie-back to the history of the church.”

              “We’re not changing anything drastic inside the sanctuary.”, stated Tiner.  “Just carpet and pew colors.  We are redoing the stage so we can fit a little more space between the pews.  But when you come into our sanctuary, it’s just going to feel like a Southern Baptist Church, through and through, over and over again.”

              Being established in 1842 Winchester First Baptist church began with just seven women and three men.  They originally met in the basement of the courthouse on the square.  After that, a wooden sanctuary and service building were built, and the education building was eventually added.  They bricked in the old building in 1898, which would end up burning down in the 1960’s. 

              The fire consumed nearly everything, leaving little behind to be salvaged. Yet, through the devastation, the stained-glass windows endured—each one a relic from the original building, and each one still being used in the church today. Though some bear the scars of smoke damage, their darker hues serve as a silent testament to the trials the church has faced. Still, they remain, standing as both symbols of tradition and unwavering resilience, preserving the beauty and history that has always been a part of church culture.

In addition to its own deep-rooted legacy, the church has played a vital role in the establishment of five other churches across Franklin County. Its influence extends beyond its own walls, shaping the spiritual foundation of the community and further solidifying its historical significance.

              What was supposed to be a straightforward repair transformed into a mission far greater—one of preservation, renewal, and resilience. In a true test of sink or swim, the congregation has faced challenge after challenge, yet their determination has never wavered. Though the journey has been longer and more arduous than anticipated, they remain steadfast, committed to restoring their beloved sanctuary to its former glory while ensuring it stands strong for generations to come.