EDUCATION
Carson-Newman University, Jefferson City, is among a select number of collleges that Princeton Review has named “Best Regional Colleges” for 2021 in recognition of excellence in academics and student feedback on the university’s on-campus experience. Fewer than 150 colleges in the southeast qualified for the educational services company’s regional listings. The category included 11 other states in addition to Tennessee.
DEATHS
Maurice Quillen
Retired pastor John “Maurice” Quillen of Talbott died Aug. 23 at the age of 92. Quillen was licensed to preach in 1950 and served as pastor of Tennessee Baptist churches for 60 years. His longest pastorate was 15 years with Bowmantown Baptist Church, Jonesborough. He also served as pastor of Cedar Grove Baptist Church, Kingsport; Unicoi Baptist Church, Erwin; and Blue Springs Baptist Church, Rutledge. During his years as a pastor, he also taught school for 18 years. After retirement he later served Rocky Point Baptist Church in Russellville before retiring again. He was a member of Talbott Baptist Church, Talbott, where he still served as a supply pastor as long as his health allowed. Quillen was preceded in death by his first wife of 40 years, Lois F. Quillen. He is survived by his second wife of 26 years, Rena F. Quillen, four children, three stepchildren and several grandchildren and great grandchildren.
LEADERS
Lights Chapel Baptist Church, Greenbrier, recently called Michael Duff as pastor. He has been serving as interim pastor.
Anthony Chester has been called as youth and associate pastor of Grace Baptist Church, Dover. He was ordained into the ministry on Sept. 26.
Oakland Baptist Church, Springfield, has called Doug Thornton as pastor. He recently served as the care pastor at the Church at Grace Park in White House. He and his wife, Debbie, have two children and six grandchildren.
Unaka Baptist Church, Elizabethton, recently called Troy Davis as pastor.
First Baptist Church, Elizabethton, has called LeAnn Holly to the full-time position of family minister coordinator.
Warren Community Church, Somerville, has called John Gaylor as worship leader.
CHURCHES
Malone’s Chapel Baptist Church, Alexandria, will hold their Old Timer’s Day on Sunday, Oct. 3, at 11 a.m., followed by dinner. David Reville will preach. The church also will hold revival services Oct. 17-20. The Sunday night service begins at 6 p.m. and the weeknight services begin at 7 p.m. Seth Presley will preach.
Covenant Baptist Church, Smithville, will hold homecoming on Sunday, Oct. 10. The church will begin revival that evening at 5 p.m. with Thurman Seber bringing the message. Services will continue through Oct. 15 at 7 p.m. each night.
Piney Grove Baptist Church, Harriman, celebrated its 101st anniversary on Sept. 12. COVID-19 forced the church to postpone its 100th anniversary celebration last year. Joe Sorah , right, of the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board staff, presents a plaque to pastor Thomas Baines.
