CHURCHES
Colonial Baptist Church, Memphis, will celebrate its 70th anniversary on Sunday, Oct. 27.
Former pastor Gerald Hallmark, will lead the joint Sunday School class at 9 a.m. Clay Hallmark, pastor of First Baptist Church, Lexington, and former TBC president, will bring the message in the 10:30 a.m. worship service. A potluck luncheon will follow.
Hopewell Baptist Church, Cleveland, recently celebrated 163 years of serving God in its community. The church began in 1858 and has seen much change over the years. God is still working through this body. Embracing Ephesians 3:20-21, pastor Mike Wallin has led the church to begin new ministries.
LEADERS
Dustin George, lead pastor at Vonore Baptist Church, Vonore, has written Before Dawn: Knowing God’s Presence in the Dark Seasons of Life. Anchored in biblical principles and written in a warm, storytelling style, this book offers continued direction, encouragement and challenge to anyone navigating difficult seasons of uncertainty, grief, or suffering. Before Dawn is available at Amazon.com.
Mark Nitzband is serving as interim pastor of Oak Street Baptist Church, Maryville.
Charles Bailey has been called as interim pastor of Laurel Bank Baptist Church, Friendsville.
DEATHS
Dayton “Richard” Jones, retired pastor of Meadowview Baptist Church, Butler, where he served for 57 years, died Sept. 9, 2024. He was 79. He is survived by his wife, Alma Jones, two children, three grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
Ray Lovelady, longtime pastor of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, Saulsbury, died Sept. 13. He was 79. Lovelady served in the United States Marines during the Vietnam War, He is survived by his wife, Marilyn Lovelady, a daughter and two grandchildren.
John Henderson Thomerson, former pastor of Rocky Hill Baptist Church, Knoxville, died July 28. He was 87. He is survived by his wife, Patty Sue Thomerson.
Victor “Vic” Wallace, longtime Tennessee pastor whose longest pastorate was at First Baptist Church, Fall Branch (1975-99), died Sept. 6 at the age of 93. His ministry in East Tennessee spanned 66 years at several churches. He is survived by two granddaughters and three great grandchildren.
Kerry Zeiss, a minister of Poplar Springs Missionary Baptist Church, Atwood, died Sept. 1. He was 66. He is survived by his wife, Diane Zeiss, four children, 12 grandchildren and and one great grandchild.
Leaves are turning brilliant colors and falling but little girl dresses are blooming in delightful colors at the home of Madeline Depew in Fall Branch. An avid quilter, she had remnants of material and was seeking a means for a different project. Taking a summer break from quilting, little girl dresses became her focus. Family and friends donated material as word spread about this ministry. Ladies of her Sunday School class at First Baptist Church, Fall Branch, donated underwear to go with the 100 dresses she made for Operation Christmas Child Shoeboxes.
