Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd

The Church of the Good Shepherd (“The Little Church that Can”) originated as a mission of St. James Episcopal Church and became a reality in August of 1957. At that time a house and four acres of land at 5337 Jacksboro Pike was purchased. The little white house was used as a chapel and meeting place for the fledgling congregation.

In November 1957, sixty-five communicants signed the petition for a charter and chose the name "The Church of the Good Shepherd." The Rev. B. Sidney Sanders became the first full time priest and conducted his first service in the chapel on July 13, 1958. The first Choral Eucharist was held on Christmas Eve-Midnight in 1958 in the new church building, and was attended by 142 grateful people. By January 1961, Good Shepherd had become self-supporting and changed from mission status to a parish church.

A new Parish Hall was added in 1963.

On October 29, 1978, The Right Rev. William E. Sanders consecrated The Church of the Good Shepherd, being without debt.

As the Fountain City area began to expand and change, Good Shepherd stepped forward in faith and renewed spirit and broke ground on September 4, 1988, constructing an addition of restrooms, parish offices, and classroom facilities known as Stout Hall.

Continued growth led to the most recent addition of downstairs classrooms and a renovated and enlarged kitchen and parish hall, construction of which was completed in 1999.

As Good Shepherd celebrates its 50th year, in 2007, the Parish continues to re-energize and renew its mission by the addition of new programs for both children and adults which serve to enhance the spiritual experience at “The Little Church That Can”.