First United Methodist Church

A creepy church in the Smoky Mountains? What could go wrong! Join us on our tour of First United Methodist and explore the spooky side of Gatlinburg, TN.

First built by the Native Americans themselves, the First United Methodist Church is a sight to behold. The church has witnessed numerous worshippers over the decades since its inception, and today, it is the oldest church in Gatlinburg and one of its most historic buildings.

However, reports of strange happenings surround the church itself, and visions of unexplained shadows and stories of long-passed priests wandering the halls abound.

Find out whether there is any validity to these rumors of the unknown on a tour with US Ghost Adventures. The First United Methodist Church is one stop on our whirlwind tour of haunted Gatlinburg, and it’s a sight we guarantee you won’t forget.

A Church With Soul

It was the dream of Bishop Paul B. Kern to establish a place where people could find the heart of God in the heart of the mountains.

He had the church designed by Charles I. Barber, who put great emphasis on the building reflecting its mountainous surroundings.

The interior of the church is just as spectacular too. Massive, red oak beams decorate the ceiling, and hand-crafted metal light fixtures pull the ornate structure together with timeless design.

Bishop Kern held a service for the masons set to work on the church, where he famously stated, “You are building a little Cathedral in the Smokies which will be visited by people from all over the world. Let each stone be a song and each strip of mortar a prayer.”

Whether the masons achieved this lofty spiritual aim, the bishop’s words surely left some sort of legacy, as there have been many strange sightings on church grounds.

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A Figure in the Fog

The church has been the source of many ghostly sightings. Guests have reported seeing shadowy figures, feeling restless energy within the church, and even seeing the apparitions of priests.

Part of the unnerving ambiance comes from the setting itself, in the heart of the Smoky Mountains. Known for the heavy fog that blankets the entire area, the natural world presents an eerie backdrop. It’s hard to tell if it’s a figure in the fog or a ghostly congregant…

An International Attraction

The church offers service to worshippers from all across the globe. It is frequented by people from all walks of life, each with unique stories and motivations.

The many travelers fill the church hall with a unique energy, posing the question of how many have stood at that same spot and how many were saints or sinners.

Our stop at the First United Methodist Church takes you deeper into the world of this close-knit community, with family feuds going back decades. With a tradition of witchcraft looming over the city, it’s easy to assume that the church is a haven, but this could be far from the truth.

Haunted Gatlinburg, TN

The First United Methodist Church stands between worlds, one foot in the past and one foot in the ghostly present.

Experience what so few get to see while visiting Gatlinburg. This mountain town has a story in every shadowy corner. Join US Ghost Adventures and hear them for yourself on a tour of haunted Gatlinburg.

About US Ghost Adventures

Since 2013, US Ghost Adventures has offered entertaining, historic, and authentic ghost tours of America’s most haunted cities. We deliver fun yet honest accounts of hauntings across the nation for curious people of all ages. Our ghost stories are based on historical research, but that doesn’t mean they won’t send a chill down your spine.

This video gives you a small taste of what you might experience on your ghost tour — subscribe to our YouTube Channel for more.

US Ghost Adventures also offers virtual tours, a self-guided mobile app, and an Alexa voice app.