Joe Davenport, right, chairman of the personnel team of First Baptist Church, Blountville, recognizes Clay Austin and his wife, Anita, upon his retirement after 38 years with the church. The Austins received several gifts and he was bestowed the title, “Pastor Emeritus.” — Photo by Lonnie Wilkey
BLOUNTVILLE — Members of First Baptist Church, Blountville, said goodbye to their pastor Clay Austin on April 28 after 38 years of ministry.
The church showered Austin and his wife, Anita, with several gifts and capped it off by naming him pastor emeritus.
“No church in this world wouldn’t be honored to have had Clay Austin as their pastor for the past 38 years. Pastor Clay exemplified what it means to be a pastor. He shepherded the flock through the good times and bad,” said Adam Sells, minister of students, who served with Austin for 13 years.
“Clay led us as he faithfully followed Christ and taught the Word of God with great devotion and passion,” Sells added.
Austin was a leader in Holston Baptist Association and the Tennessee Baptist Convention.
He is a former president of the Executive Board of the TBC (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board). B&R
