Our Story
A PLACE TO GATHER, GROW, AND SERVE
For more than a century, East End has been part of the life of East Nashville. Our story began with a small group of people who gathered in a home with a vision for building a church community. Since then, East End has grown, changed, weathered storms, welcomed neighbors, and continued to find new ways to serve the community around us.
We Built a Church
November 10, 1889 • From a Small Gathering to a Home on Holly
East End United Methodist Church's story began in 1889 with a small group of people in a home. Over the decades, the congregation grew alongside East Nashville and continued to build, expand, and serve its community.
1889
East End is Founded
16 charter members gathered in the home of Mrs. Carrie Binkley on Magnolia (Boscobel) Street to establish East End UMC.
1890
A First Church Home
A wood-frame church building was constructed at 1100 Fatherland Street, where the congregation worshiped until 1905.
1905
A New Home on Holly
East End purchased land at 13th and Holly Street and began construction of a new church, holding its first service October 15th.
1907
A New Church Forms
The cornerstone was laid on October 27th, and the church's large stained-glass window facing Holly Street was installed.
1921
Room to Grow
A $21,000 Sunday School addition was built behind the sanctuary as the congregation continued to grow.
1923
A Parsonage is Built
East End added a parsonage to the church property, expanding the church's campus and supporting its ministry.
1950s
The Campus Expands
An education wing was added off the parking lot, creating additional space for learning, gathering, and community life.
We Became Part of the Neighborhood
More Than a Church Building
For generations, East End was woven into the life of East Nashville. The church at Holly Street became a familiar landmark and a place where people gathered for worship, celebrated important moments, supported one another, and responded when their neighbors needed help.
​
East End's history includes a long tradition of opening its doors during times of crisis.
1916
East nashville Fire
When a devestating fire swept through East Nashville, East End became a gathering place and staging area for those responding to the disaster.
1933
East Nashville Tornado
When a tornado blew through the neighborhood, East End opened its doors to shelter neighbors and support those responding to the disaster.
1998
Another Tornado
Another tornado followed almost the exact path through East Nashville, and East End, once again, opened its doors to provide shelter and support.
2020
A Turning Point
When a tornado delivered a direct and devestating hit to East End's historic Holly Street building, a new chapter for the congregation began.
We Lost Our Building
Hope on Holly • Rebirth on Russell
After the 2020 tornado, East End began looking toward the future with a vision of rebuilding its church home in East Nashville.
Hope on Holly was the original rebuilding campaign, centered on the hope of rebuilding East End at 12th and Holly Street. The campaign represented a commitment to preserving East End's presence in the neighborhood and creating a place where the congregation could continue to worship, gather, serve, and welcome the community.
​
As the rebuilding process continued, however, it became clear that returning to Holly was not financially feasible. That decision brought an unexpected opportunity to begin a new chapter at Russell Street.
Returning to Our Roots
Tulip Street United Methodist Church
2024
Returning Home
In May 2024, East End voted to purchase the former Tulip Street United Methodist Church building, beginning a new chapter for both the building and congregation.
East End’s new home at Russell Street is also a return to where our story began. Tulip Street United Methodist Church, located at 6th and Russell Street, was East End’s mother church and played an important role in the Methodist history of East Nashville.
​
The Tulip Street congregation dates back to the 19th century, and the historic building at 6th and Russell was built in 1893. Over the years, the church became an important part of the surrounding community.
When Tulip Street United Methodist Church closed, its historic building remained. After East End determined that rebuilding at the Holly Street site was not financially feasible, the congregation found an opportunity to return to its roots.
​
Today, East End is restoring and renewing this historic space as its new home, bringing together the stories of two congregations with deep roots in East Nashville.