Wallace Memorial Celebrates 70 Years! (Part 2)
By Ralphine Major
As Wallace Memorial Baptist Church celebrated their 70th Anniversary on July 28, 2023, it was awesome to be reminded of the church’s early days. A highlight of the service was at the beginning as a still photo of the late Bruce Forlines filled the screen while a recording of his beautiful voice rang out a Gaither classic, “The King is Coming.” Forlines served as Music Minister for 27 years. Terry McNatt followed him and served in that capacity for 19 years at Wallace Memorial.
East Tennesseans who attended the Tennessee Valley Fair may remember the stand where, for ten years, Wallace volunteers served “a cup of cold water” to fairgoers. I recall the stand was often stationed alongside the lake. Perhaps one of the greatest legacies for which Wallace is known is The Living Christmas Tree, a simple presentation of the gospel done in a magnificent way. Busloads would come from several states to see “the tree.” Forlines helped over 500 churches nationwide to have their own Living Christmas Tree. So inspired was this writer that I wrote a series of columns about “the tree” several years ago with knowledge gleaned from conversations with pastor emeritus Jim McCluskey and the late Bruce Forlines. Over the years, the production of “the tree” expanded with orchestra and more elaborate lighting. The message of salvation, however, was the same as in the first Living Christmas Tree. The part of “the tree” I remember most—the voices of Jim McCluskey and Yvonne Piercy in the narration of “This Tree, That Tree” as the strings of Christmas tree lights reminder of our Saviour’s death and resurrection!
Today, Wallace Memorial is often referred to as Wallace Knox. For the last 30 years, a 180-foot tall cross atop the building has been a Knoxville landmark. The cross can be seen for miles! Like the lighted cross in the Living Christmas Tree, it serves as a reminder to all who see it—a reminder of our risen Lord and the gift of eternal life! As the church moves forward under the leadership of Dr. John Green IV, may Wallace Memorial always serve as a beacon of hope for Knoxville and beyond. Happy 70th Anniversary, Wallace Memorial!
Words of Faith: The last portion of scripture current pastor Dr. John Green chose for the anniversary service from Deuteronomy 6:12-13 (KJV): “Then beware lest thou forget the Lord, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage. Thou shalt fear the Lord thy God, and serve him, and shalt swear by his name.”
