The Catholic Diocese of Knoxville recently purchased the old St. Thaddaeus’ Episcopal Church building for $1.55 million.
The building, near the Highway 58 exit on Highway 153, has been unused since St. Thaddaeus’ and St. Alban’s Episcopal Church merged in February 2025, rebranding together as Holy Cross Episcopal Church.
Now, the diocese plans to use the space to house Chattanooga’s growing Catholic Vietnamese community. The St. Faustina Public Association of the Faithful is about 400 strong, said John Mecklenborg, the director of communications for the diocese, in a phone interview.
Mecklenborg said the Rev. Nick Tran serves as pastor for the faith community.
“This acquisition reflects the community’s stability and vitality as it takes important steps toward becoming a parish within the diocese,” Mecklenborg said. “We are pleased they can now establish a more permanent home for worship and community life.”