LEADERS
Fellowship Baptist Church, Milan, has called Ron Harper as minister of music.
Larry Gilmore, a retired Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (then Executive Board) and past Tennessee Baptist Convention president, has been called as interim pastor of First Baptist Church, Milan.
Roger P. Freeman
Roger Freeman recently announced his retirement as pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Nashville. Freeman is a past president of the Tennessee Baptist Convention. He will continue to serve as an “ambassador” to pastors in Tennessee for the North American Mission Board, based in Alpharetta, Ga.
First Baptist Church, Rutherford, has called Zachery McCain as pastor.
Oak Grove Baptist Church, Milan, has called Bill Rice as interim pastor.
West Side Baptist Church, has called Stephen Powell as interim pastor.
Salem Baptist Church, Trenton, recently ordained Cory Whitaker as a deacon.
David Harbison
Grace Baptist Church, Nashville, recognized and honored David Harbison on his 20th anniversary of ministry at the church on Jan. 6. The church family and choir sang Brother David’s favorite hymn, “He Keeps Me Singing” and the choir presented the commissioned anthem for the church’s 100th anniversary, “His Grace Will Lead Us Through” by Mary McDonald. He and his wife, Debbie were given gifts and cards of congratulations during the reception held following the worship service. In addition to his music responsibilities, he began serving as church administrator in 2016. Harbison has been in music ministry for more than 40 years in four states.
The Fellowship of Tennessee Baptist Evangelists elected officers during their Jan. 21 meeting at Grace Baptist Church, Gallatin. Officers are: Charles “Toonie” Cash, president; Bill Edmonds, vice president; Carolyn Reed, music director; and Terry Wilkerson, pastor advisor.
CHURCHES
Holts Corner Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, will hold revival services March 17-20. Phil Waldrep of Phil Waldrep Ministries will preach on March 17 at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Willie McLaurin, special assistant to the executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, will speak March 18-20 at 7 p.m. each night. The church is located at 5787 Thick Road in Chapel Hill.
Union Hill Baptist Church, Goodlettsville, will host The Perrys in concert on Sunday, Feb. 24, at 5 p.m. There is no admission fee, but a love offering will be taken. For more information, call pastor Doug Thornton at 615-506-6551.
East Point Church, a new church plant in Nolachucky Baptist Association is now meeting at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry building on the campus of Walters State Community College in Morristown. Chuck Mills is the church planter/pastor. For information, visit epmorristown.com.
First Baptist Church, Gallatin, will celebrate its 160th anniversary on Sunday, March 10. The church was established in 1859 by pastor J. R. Graves, who was also the editor of The Baptist, a forerunner of the Baptist and Reflector. Randy C. Davis, president and executive director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, will be the featured speaker. An invitation to all those who attended or grew up in the church is hereby extended. Former staff members will also be part of the celebration. Travis Fleming is the senior pastor and Richard Stephenson is the church historian. Everyone with a past connection to First Baptist is invited.
Beulah Baptist Church, Kingsport, honored pastor Al South who retired after 25 years of faithful service on Dec. 30. South and his wife, Tina, were presented with a new riding lawn mower, along with cards and other expressions of kindness during a reception in their honor.
EDUCATION
Students will soon have the opportunity to earn an associate of arts degree in photography at Carson-Newman University in Jefferson City. The new degree path will begin in the fall of 2019 and is approved by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, of which the university is an institutional member.
DEATH
Doris Marie Carter, 86, died Jan. 29 in Nashville. Carter served on the staff of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board (then Executive Board) for 14 years before retiring in 1994. She was a member of Woodmont Baptist Church, Nashville.
The Nashville Baptist Association, led by Rusty Sumrall, center, director of missions, and the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board partnered recently to hold a fellowship breakfast for African-American pastors.
