TENNESCENE: JAN. 11

Charlie Harkleroad

LEADERS

Charlie Harkleroad, pastor of Leadvale Baptist Church, White Pine, retired Dec. 31 after 22 years of ministry with the congregation. He will be available for pulpit supply. Harkleroad can be reached at 865-388-0765.

EDUCATION

Union University trustees in their December meeting approved a strategic plan that will guide the university’s operational goals and planning over the next five years. The strategic plan is entitled “Protinus,” which is a Latin word that means “to move immediately, forward, continuously, uninterruptedly, as from the very first,” according to Union University President Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver. “Protinus” includes four major themes — advancing Christ-centered higher education, pursuing faithful innovation throughout and across campuses, continuing to solidify and develop Union’s financial position and enhancing Union’s culture of shared life and commitment to one another’s flourishing. Each theme includes several goals for the university to accomplish by 2027.

DEATHS

Charles W. Kelley Sr., of Rockwood, died Jan. 1 at the age of 96. He served in the ministry for more than 70 years. His pastorates in Big Emory Baptist Association included Beech Park Baptist Church, Pond Grove Baptist Church, First Baptist Church, Oakdale, and Clymersville Baptist Church, which he established as a mission and served as pastor for 39 years before retiring at the age of 80. Kelley was a World War II Army veteran. He was a member of Riverside Baptist Church, Harriman, where his son, Greg Kelley, is pastor. Kelley was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Evans Kelley, and five children. He is survived by two children, nine grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and eight great-great grandchildren.

First Baptist Church, Lexington, served as a distribution site for the TBMB’s Christmas Backpacks for the first time in December. FBC ministered to about 50 children and their families with a supper, singing “Happy Birthday” to Jesus and hearing pastor Clay Hallmark read the Christmas story and share the gospel. Parents were also given a package of small gifts as the children received their backpacks. “It was a privilege to minister to families all across Henderson County this Christmas. … Our WMU really led the way in making a difference in the lives of families this year,” Hallmark said.
Smyrna Baptist Church, Burlison, ordained Jeremiah Dowd to the gospel ministry Dec. 11. He serves as youth minister at Smyrna, as well as youth leader for Big Hatchie Baptist Association in Covington. From left to right are Smyrna pastor Danny Spurlock, Dowd and Clay Gilbreath, director of missions.
Members of the Cumberland Plateau Baptist Association Leadership Team are, from left, Bob Hallatt, Plateau Missionary Baptist Church, ministries team; Doug Elders (First Baptist Church, Fairfield Glade), evangelism team; Scott Monday, Memorial Baptist Church, mission development team; Mark Bass (Bethlehem Baptist Church, administration team; and Kirk Casey, director of missions.
Brighton Baptist Church, Brighton, recently celebrated its 150th anniversary. Clay Gilbreath, director of missions for Big Hatchie Baptist Association, right, presented a commemorative plaque to the church’s 150th anniversary committee. From left are, Charles McQuiston, Bill Bing, Dorothy Cordle, Martha Jo Wright, Carol Moore and A. W. “Gus” Smith.
Susie DuBois, a member of Hillcrest Baptist Church, Morristown, was honored Dec. 11 during a reception sponsored by Nolachucky Baptist Association. DuBois retired Dec. 30 after serving as ministry assistant for the association for 23 years. She served under former DOM James Williams for 10 years and current DOM David Hawkins for 13. “It’s been amazing to see how God has worked through the ministries of our association and that He has allowed me to have a small part in it,” she said.