Flower Arrangement Stories

In September 2024, members of the Flower Guild traveled to Bear Creek Farm in Kingsport, Tennessee, for a day filled with beauty, fellowship, and gratitude. Bear Creek Farm, a small-batch flower and pumpkin farm owned by Lisa and Bob Rogers, brother and sister-in-law of First Presbyterian member Malcolm Rogers.

What a joy it was to gather for “Flourish”, a special evening presented by our Flower Guild at Worshipful Wednesday on August 27, 2025. Together we learned about their history that dates back to the 1970s at First Presbyterian, and the stories, faith, and prayers that go into the beautiful flowers that adorn our sanctuary each week.

In April 2025, First Presbyterian Church was honored to host renowned New Testament scholar Dr. Amy-Jill Levine as the guest lecturer for Presbyterian Women's Laura Pettway Series. For the occasion, Flower Guild Chair Holli Rogers designed and created distinctive badges for the hosts and hostesses who welcomed guests throughout the three-day event.

No one could have imagined a time when the doors of First Presbyterian Church would close, but in March 2020 the COVID-19 pandemic changed life as we knew it. On March 14, I was in the flower room preparing Lenten arrangements for Sunday worship when Malcolm received word that the church would be closing.

In October 2022, First Presbyterian Church celebrated its Scottish Presbyterian heritage with a special Kirkin of the Tartans service. The service was filled with reminders of our deep roots, including the procession of bagpipers and clan representatives, the stirring strains of Highland Cathedral, and Rev. Mark Curtis's display of a Black Watch stole.

Founded in 1792, First Presbyterian Church has deep roots in the history of Knoxville. When Knoxville founder James White asked his son-in-law, Charles McClung, to lay out the new town, he famously instructed him to "reserve my turnip patch for a church and burying ground."

For Rally Day in August 2024, themed "Seeking God's Peace: Reflect, Connect, Serve," members of the Flower Guild created twenty centerpieces for the brunch before Sunday worship. Each arrangement was thoughtfully designed to reflect both the Rally Day theme and the rich history of First Presbyterian Church.

Each Easter, members of the Flower Guild create interpretive arrangements on the sill of the Resurrection Window, offering artistic reflections on Christ's death and resurrection. Through flowers, foliage, stones, and other natural materials, each design tells the story of Christ's journey, from the crown of thorns and the tomb to the hope and joy of Easter morning.

One of the Flower Guild's most cherished traditions is its annual educational workshop, typically held each fall for both current members and those interested in learning more about floral design for worship. These gatherings provide an opportunity for fellowship, inspiration, and the passing down of knowledge from one generation of arrangers to the next.