GATLINBURG — Christus Gardens maybe gone from Gatlinburg, but two local investors believe there is enough demand for a Christian-themed tourist destination in Sevier County to reopen the site as Christ In The Smokies Museum and Gardens.
Longtime Gatlinburg residents Charlie Moore and Billy Proffitt are developing the museum, which is scheduled to open this fall and will be open daily.
Joe Waggoner, director of Christ In The Smokies, said Moore and Proffitt are responding to popular sentiment from visitors wanting a Christian-themed attraction.
“A lot of people were saying that’s one thing the town is going to miss,” Waggoner said today. “We have a new thing going and I think it’s going to be as popular as ever and will be good for Gatlinburg and for tourists.
Christus Gardens was open for 49 years on River Road in Gatlinburg before closing last year. A wax-figure collection and other features in the themed attraction based on Christ’s life were sold and the site was to be converted to a condominium development.
But the recession forced postponement of the development, Waggoner said.
Moore and Proffitt have been collecting museum pieces to exhibit in Christ In The Smokies and artisans are on site now making displays for the diorama depicting Christ’s life.
Waggoner, who was manager of Christus Gardens for 25 years, said Moore and Proffitt are investing “hundreds of thousands of dollars” in the project and will lease the Christus Gardens building and grounds from the owners who are putting the condo development on hold.
Renovations to the building and grounds are under way.
“Gatlinburg is very fortunate to have local people with the vision and financial commitment to reopen this type of attraction in town. There is a lot of interest from church groups and tour companies that wish to add this to their itinerary,” Waggoner said in a statement.
