Clinch-Powell’s Community Celebration at the Historic Rutledge Presbyterian Church Saturday, April 25 provided an evening of flavorful foods, Appalachian bluegrass music and neighborly fellowship in the charming environment of the historic church.

Swiney’s BBQ and Farmhouse Goodies and Treats were set up on site and guests received a voucher for $5 off at Swiney’s BBQ, courtesy of Clinch-Powell. Attendees heard from guest speakers about the importance of community involvement, funding partners, revitalization, personal history stories and exciting news announcements. Live bluegrass music by Tennessee Borderline topped off the delightful evening, while guests relaxed and enjoyed fellowship. Clinch-Powell Board Member Cherry Acuff greeted guests of the event and expressed appreciation for the community’s involvement to help make the historic church’s renovation possible, as well as other community projects. Ted Olsen of Partners for Sacred Places spoke about his organization and its involvement with historic church restorations, including Rutledge Presbyterian Church and Henderson Chapel, as a funding partner.

Grainger County Historic Society President Roy Lovin Jr. spoke about the history of the church and his personal experiences connect with it. Lovin said he had special memories connected with the church. He said he and his wife were married there, and told about how he had been saved outside the church house, in the cemetery. He said he was happy the renovation of the church has made it usable for weddings and other fellowship events again.

State Representative Rick Eldridge announced Downtown Rutledge has been designated a Tennessee Downtown. The application process for the Tennessee Downtown program is highly competitive, and applications are accepted every two years. Tennessee Downtown is an affiliated program of Tennessee Main Street. It is a 24-month program designed to help communities embark on a comprehensive revitalization effort for their downtown.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Clinch-Powell is serving as host for the required five-member steering committee. Eldridge introduced members of the steering committee to event attendees. They include:

Jill Cabbage, Owner, Smith Drug Store;
Krista Etter, President, Grainger County Chamber of Commerce and Director, Grainger County Tourism Development;
Sierra Finley, Founder, Grainger County Cancer Connect;
Roy Lovin Jr., Manager, Smith-Reagan Funeral Home; and
Tracey Wolfe, Communications Specialist, Clinch-Powell.

Eldridge said the Tennessee Downtown designation would help increase Downtown Rutledge’s visibility statewide and make it eligible for higher-dollar grants at the end of the 24-month coaching program.

Clinch-Powell CEO Lindy Turner thanked attendees for coming out to the celebration, and funding partners for their support to help make restoration/renovation of the church building possible. Turner also announced a new funding partner’s contribution to Clinch-Powell’s efforts. She said the Heron Foundation has chosen to partner with Clinch-Powell to invest in the places, people and prosperity of the areas served by Clinch-Powell.

Turner said the Heron Foundation works with local, nonprofit organizations who are well established in their communities and have an understanding of area needs. Clinch-Powell has been serving communities within its service area for 37 years.