TENNESCENE: NOV. 10

LEADERS

David Leavell

Former Tennessee Baptist Convention president David Leavell has been called as pastor of Bradfordville First Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Fla. He also served as a director of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board. He served as pastor of Springfield Baptist Church, Springfield, from 2001-2009 and First Baptist Church, Millington, from 2009-2019. He also served as interim pastor at First Baptist Church, Milam, and director of advancement for Grace Baptist Church, Springfield, in 2020-21.

Ralph Carter

Robertson County Baptist Association held its 107th annual meeting Oct. 19 at Rock Springs Baptist Church, Greenbrier. Ralph Carter, pastor of First Baptist Church, Ridgetop, was elected moderator while Chad Phelan, pastor of Ebenezer Baptist Church, Greenbrier, was elected associate moderator.

Chad Phelan

Michael Creasy has been called as music director at Birds Creek Baptist Church, Paris.

Michael Depew recently was ordained at Heritage Baptist Church, Johnson City, and has been called as pastor of Telford Missionary Baptist Church, Telford. He currently teaches history at East Tennessee State University.

CHURCHES

Bethel Baptist Church, McKenzie, recently held revival with evangelist Floyd “Lammie” Lammersfeld of McKenzie.

Brush Creek Baptist Church, Brush Creek, will present its “Life of Christ” Christmas Drive-Thru on Dec. 4-5 from 6-8 p.m. The church is located at 26 School House Circle in Brush Creek. For more information, call the church office at 615-683-8249.

DEATHS

Jerry Milam

Longtime Tennessee Baptist pastor Jerry D. Milam died Sept. 25 at the age of 83. Milam was ordained in 1965 at Antioch Baptist Church in Humboldt and served several Tennessee Baptist churches including his first pastorate at Beech Bluff Baptist Church, Beech Bluff. He also served at Union Grove Baptist Church, Beech Bluff; Calvary Baptist Church, Humboldt; Second Baptist Church, Millington; Gibson Baptist Church, Gibson; and Wrigley Baptist Church, Lyles (three times). After retirement, he became the founding pastor of New Life Baptist Church, Lyles. Milam was a former member of the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board). He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy, three sons, seven grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Grace Baptist Church, Tullahoma, celebrated the 20th anniversary of pastor Tim McGehee, center, with a dinner at the church on Oct. 17. He was joined by several members of his family.
Steve Pearson, left, of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, recently presented a plaque in recognition of Salem Baptist Association’s support of the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions to moderator Dusty Desimone. Desimone was reelected moderator for 2022, which will be the 200th anniversary of Salem Association. — Photo by Donna Nichols
Several members of Redemption Church in Columbia toured the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Ky., on Oct. 9. David Ward is pastor.
Jonathan Chapman, left, BCM director at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, presents a plaque in recognition of Watauga Baptist Association’s support of the Golden Offering for Tennessee Missions to Jack Roddy, director of missions.
Sweetwater Baptist Association held its annual meeting Oct. 18. Officers include, from left, Darrell Carden, Christianburg Baptist Church, Madisonville, incoming vice moderator; Michael McLemore, pastor, 411 Chapel Baptist Church, Madisonville, incoming moderator; Tony Rutherford, director of missions; and Lewis Jones, pastor, Island Creek Baptist Church, Madisonville, outgoing moderator.
Phil Mitchell, right, director of missions for Weakley County Baptist Association, presents a plaque from the Historical Committee of the Tennessee Baptist Convention to pastor Ronnie McClure of Union Grove Baptist Church in recognition of the church’s 100th anniversary.
Big Hatchie Baptist Association held its annual meeting Oct. 26 at Hope Community Church in Brighton. Officers for the new year, from left, are Jody Duncan, moderator; Bill Nolen, treasurer; Carol Moore, clerk; and Clay Gilbreath, director of missions. Not pictured is vice moderator Aaron Shempert.