Our History

Our story begins in 1996, when 15 acres of beautiful land were given to the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee for the purpose of planting a new Presbyterian congregation. From the very beginning, Emmanuel was imagined as a church for the surrounding community, rooted in grace and hospitality.

In 2000, the presbytery called Reverend Carol A. Tate to be the organizing pastor of Emmanuel. Under her leadership the congregation took shape, worship began, and plans were made for a permanent home. By 2005, our church building was completed. Because of the generosity of many donors, the facility was dedicated mortgage free, a gift that continues to bless our ministry today.

On February 12, 2006, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church was officially chartered as a congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) within the Presbytery of Middle Tennessee. Rev. Carol Tate served as our first pastor until June 2009. She was followed by Rev. Bill Bryant, who guided the congregation as interim pastor.

In 2010, Emmanuel called Rev. Chris TerryNelson as pastor. Chris, along with his wife, Anneli, and their children, Nora and Ezra, shared life and ministry with the church until 2013. Rev. Blake Hawthorne then served as interim pastor from 2014 to 2016, followed by Rev. Scott Huie, who led the congregation as interim pastor from 2016 to 2019.

In 2019, Emmanuel called Rev. Jane Herring as the next installed pastor of the church. Today, Emmanuel Presbyterian Church continues to grow into its name, “God with us,” seeking to be a place of worship, spiritual formation, and welcome for all who come.