Listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the building stood for many years as the Fort Sanders Presbyterian Church, constructed in 1898.
Today the Laurel Theater is a performance center and home of Jubilee Community Arts, an organization dedicated to the preservation and advancement of traditional music and art forms of the Southern Appalachians.
While many buildings in Ft. Sanders and in Knoxville have crumbled under the wrecking ball or yielded their integrity to piecemeal renovation, the Laurel Theater has stayed alive as an ongoing and growing institution. When the original Presbyterian congregation became inactive, an ecumenical urban ministry was founded to serve the community. The Epworth Ecumenical congregation held services in the building for many years.
Now the Laurel Theater incorporates both the gracious peacefulness of the old church and the spacious feel of the art center. During the concert season the walls resound with a wide variety of traditional and acoustic music. Many performers praise the intimate atmosphere and fine acoustics of the building.
The Laurel Theater is open to visitors by appointment and is available for private receptions, seminars and meetings. Call Jubilee Community Arts for more information.
1538 Laurel Ave.
Knoxville, TN 37916-2016
(865) 522-5851
info@jubileearts.org