Symbols of Our Story: The Turnip and First Presbyterian's History

Turnip Inspiration

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." That humble turnip patch became the site of First Presbyterian Church and remains an enduring symbol of our congregation's beginnings.

The Flower Guild occasionally honors this unique piece of church history by incorporating turnips into floral arrangements as a tribute to our origins and heritage.

In 2015, the Guild commissioned artist Ruthie Windsor Mann to create a commemorative scarf celebrating First Presbyterian Church. Anne Pittenger, who helped guide the project, had just one request: that Ruthie include a turnip somewhere in the design. The finished scarf beautifully captured the spirit and history of the church, with the turnip serving as a subtle but meaningful reminder of where our story began.