Built in 1889, The Rendezvous was originally a Methodist church and then later became the Chester Ave Baptist Church. This historic building is believed to be the oldest church in Middlesboro.

Our Story

Alexander A. Arthur, founder of the city of Middlesboro, and his land company, American Association, Ltd., donated the land for the church under the agreement that it but be completed by 1890.

The large stained glass window, at the center of the chapel, was originally brought over from a church in Europe. As the story goes, the window started its life in London and later made a journey across the Atlantic to a church in Atlanta that was eventually destroyed by fire during the civil war. The glass work-of-art remained intact and was then moved to a church in Danville, KY. After surviving a second fire, this masterpiece was finally brought to Middlesboro.

Current owner, Charles Collins and his late wife Thelma, spent their life collecting and restoring antiques and had their eye on this historic building for years. It wasn’t until after Thelma’s passing, that Charles was able to purchase the property in 2021 and began working to turn the building into an event center to be enjoyed by the whole community.