St. Anna Launches Church Building Campaign

MOUNT PLEASANT, TN — St. Anna Orthodox Church has launched a fundraising campaign to purchase a historic downtown church building that leaders say would provide a permanent home for the growing parish while reducing its long-term financial burden.

The parish is seeking to acquire the former First Presbyterian Church at 126 N. Main St. in Mount Pleasant, a landmark built in 1899 and listed for $425,000. Parish leaders estimate that an additional $150,000 to $200,000 will be needed for repairs and renovations, bringing the total project cost to approximately $625,000. They hope to raise the full amount to avoid taking on debt, although any donations received would help reduce future borrowing.

According to the parish, the building already offers many features well suited for Orthodox worship, including a sanctuary that can be adapted for liturgical use, a bell tower, fellowship hall, kitchen, and classrooms. While the property currently lacks dedicated parking, street and municipal parking are available, and additional onsite parking could be added in the future.

St. Anna also noted that acquiring the property would provide greater flexibility regarding its land on Bear Creek Pike, allowing the parish to retain the property as a long-term asset or reserve it for future ministry needs rather than selling it immediately. Leaders said a successful campaign could result in mortgage payments lower than the parish's current rent, while establishing a permanent home capable of serving the congregation for generations.

Donations can be made here, by choosing Building/Development Fund.

Previously, the UOJ reported that an eleven-year-old parishioner donated fundraiser proceeds to IOCC.