The Karns congregation began as the result of a gospel meeting that was conducted by Billy (Bill) Nicks, a young preacher from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The gospel meeting was held in a tent near our current location. Bill Nicks preached the good news of Jesus Christ, and nine souls were added to the Lord’s Church during the tent meeting. The Karns church of Christ began meeting in July 1953 at the Karns community school house and did so until August 1954 when the construction of the first building was completed.
The Karns church did not forget they were beneficiaries of the mission work of the brethren in Oak Ridge. In 1971 a school of preaching was established, founded on a vision of Karns doing its part to fulfill the Great Commission found in Mark 16:15.
We are grateful for the vision of those who believed that the Karns community needed the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are thankful for the vision of the Karns elders to establish a school of preaching to prepare men to likewise share the good news. It is hard to comprehend the true impact the school has made and will make, as many trained men continue to go into the world and preach the gospel.
The Karns eldership remains committed to the vision of its predecessors and to Southeast as a very important work of the Lord’s Kingdom. The Karns church of Christ and Southeast are committed to doing God’s will. We are thankful for all who have supported the school through its 48 years of service. We ask for your continued prayers for this important work.
The 2019 Southeast Lectureship begins today. The theme for the year is “The Story of Scripture”. We give thanks for all who will participate in person and for those who will join the live streaming. Our earnest prayer is that the lectureship will be a source of strength and encouragement and a blessing to all.
“Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:20).
For the elders, Terry Clark