On St. Anne’s Feast Day, 7/25/23, we purchased 7.61 acres on Hickory Creek Rd in Lenoir City (Parcel I.D. No. 007 002.05). Our property is adjacent to 13280 Hickory Creek Rd.

We hired an Orthodox Architect, Presbytera Mirela Tudora. Learn more.

No. Despite the sentimental value we all feel for the existing iconostasis, we will not use it in the new temple. There are several reasons for this: First, our new nave will be much larger than the existing space, and the scale of the icons is too small for the larger nave. Second, the iconostasis is too wide and lacking in sufficient height to properly fit in the new space. Lastly, the existing iconostasis has limited head clearance above the royal doors and insufficient width of the deacon’s doors.

As many icons as possible will be kept and used throughout the new temple. The new space allows for devotional areas dedicated to specific saints and much more space for us to place our iconostasis icons. Any that we cannot use can be donated to other parishes or monasteries or saved and used later when/if we support a mission.

The main and lower levels will both be handicap accessible. There will be a paved exterior walkway to access the lower level from the main level. Based on ADA Accessibility Standards, we will not be required to have an elevator. An elevator costs between $600-$700K.

With a project of this size, there are a lot of variables. Some of the costs associated with building a new church include purchasing the land, architecture drawings, surveys, building plan documents, utility work, construction costs (material and labor), as well as ensuring we have six months of operating expenses in the bank. All in all, we anticipate the cost being approximately $5.5 million.

We currently estimate needing to raise $922,000 to be able to break ground and commence construction. This is subject to change based on a complex and ever-evolving situation.

In order to finish the project, we will need to raise an additional 1.5 M. The additional 1.5 M will allow us to get an iconostasis, hire an iconographer, finish the fellowship hall in the basement, offices on the second floor & a bell tower. It will also allow us to pave the parking lot & landscape.

The new temple will be paid for by a combination of fundraising, financing, and current assets on hand. Construction can begin when we have raised sufficient funds. The build time will be approximately one year from breaking ground to completion.

In April 2023, a Commercial Realtor estimated our current Oak Ridge property to be worth $850,000.

Banks will look at our net income and want a debt service coverage ratio of at least 1.25. If our giving continues to be strong, we expect to qualify for up to a $1.5 million loan.

Water: We have a 16-inch water line on our side of the street that will be sufficient for the fire suppression system inside the church.

Gas: There is 4-inch line across the road.

Electric: Available on our side.

Septic: We have been approved and have a permit for a septic system. The permit is good for 3 years. A septic system will meet our needs and cost between $20-$30K depending on the type of system.

·Sewer: We would have to run a line and connect to the Avalon Subdivision. Extensive engineering work, drawings, easements and hydraulics would all be required. LCUB gave us an estimate for $335K just to run the line. If the current lift station required an upgrade, we would be responsible for that cost as well.

GEOServices drilled several borings at the new property to get samples, analyze the soil and rock materials, provide parameters for design and advise us on construction. They didn’t hit any refusal for 17’ and their findings gave us a green light on the basement.

Absolutely! Our giving form only works for US based donors. But you can always send a check to:

St. Anne Orthodox Church
560 Oak Ridge Turnpike
Oak Ridge, TN 37830