Share history, celebrate with St. Joseph church members in Norris

The parishioners of St. Joseph Catholic Church are busy discovering their history - from the inception of Norris to the present time.

Where did original families attend Mass? We have partial answers, some of which may not be accurate.

One document said, "Shortly after (the dam began in 1933) a priest from Johnson City began conducting Catholic services monthly at the CCC camp.” Another source reported 500 men attended midnight Mass at the school. After the town was populated and the CCC camp closed, William and Betty Ann Jolly “offered their home of 103 W. Norris Road for use as a temporary chapel. Once a month the Jollys moved their buffet from the dining room into the living room where it was draped with linen to serve as an altar.” Mass was also celebrated at the home of Maurice and Ann Henle, as well as at the Leonard home. “Within 3 years, the Norris Catholic population grew ...” “For the next 10 years, Mass was celebrated in the school ... or at the community building.” Also, during this time, “Mass was celebrated on a weekly basis.”

In 1948, after a fire gutted the house at 88 West Norris Road, Father Dan Richardson had a vision of converting the charred remains of the three-bedroom home into a church. Bishop Adrian, Diocese of Nashville, purchased the property for $4,000. Under the leadership of Raphael "Ray" Saraceni and William Jolly, the men of the parish cleared and rebuilt the structure into St. Joseph Catholic Church.

"Bishop Adrian selected the name 'Saint Joseph' for the church … to honor the manual skills of Joseph, the carpenter, reflected in the skills of the parishioners who crafted the church with their own hands.” The women labored to finish and decorate the interior. The church was dedicated April 20, 1949.

We would love to find old photos of the dedication. Do you know someone who might have attended?

We are searching for members of the early families from 1933-1985 to invite to the celebration. We need your help. Would you share any information and memories you have of St. Joseph Church? Please email to stjosephnorristn@gmail.com or call the church office at 865-494-7746 to leave a message. We invite everyone to come celebrate with us on April 28, beginning with Vespers at 3:30 p.m. and concluding with a catered dinner and program.

Tickets must be purchased by April 14 at www.dioknox.org, click on Events at the center top of the page, and scroll to April 28, St. Joseph or leave a message at the church by email or phone message.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Share history, celebrate with St. Joseph church members in Norris