Central United Methodist Knoxville, Tennessee
Our Art
Painting "Jesus in the Temple at Twelve Years"
In 1931, the Audigier family gave the church a copy of the famous Hoffman painting, "Jesus in
the Temple at Twelve Years," located in Dresden, Germany. The painting was mounted in a
hand-carved, gold-leaf frame, made in Rome and restored by local artisans. The painting hung for
many years in the sanctuary above the choir loft, until it was removed to make room for the
installation of the Möller pipe organ. The painting now hangs in the Church Parlor.
Painting Over Baptismal Pool
A forest and mountain scene is painted on the wall behind the baptismal pool in the Fellowship
Hall. A stream through the middle of the painting appears to feed the pool. According to a former
pastor, sometime during 1939, an unemployed man came to church seeking food for himself and
his family. The man offered to paint a mural, and his work is still a focal point of the room. The
painting is signed, "V. Presley."