No in-person gathering, but annual event still has plenty to offer  By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector  [email protected] FRANKLIN — Though it will be the first time in the 146-year history of the Tennessee Baptist Convention that there will not be an annual meeting, Summit will take place virtually. The Summit, which was scheduled for Nov. 8-11 at Brentwood Baptist Church, Brentwood, was “postponed indefinitely” in late August. “The

Baptist and Reflector HALLS — William P. “Bill” Oakley announced his retirement from Enon Baptist Church, Halls, on Oct.  11. He is completing five years as pastor of Enon Baptist and 70 years in the gospel ministry, primarily as a pastor. “The Lord made it very clear to me that at 89 years of age, it was time for me to retire from the pastorate,” said Oakley, who was ordained into

By Diana Chandler Baptist Press NASHVILLE — Union forces occupied First Baptist Church, Nashville,  for more than two years during the Civil War, generally destroying the place as they threw church pews on the lawn and established a temporary hospital. As historians tell it, pastor Robert Boyté Crawford (R.B.C.) Howell refused to pledge allegiance to the federal government and was thrown into prison at bayonet point for a two-month stay.

By David Dawson [email protected] FRANKLIN — It could be said that Thomas Bester is facing an uncertain future.  Bester, however, would disagree.  Even while dealing with many unknowns involving his health, Bester is standing firm in his faith. He said he knows how the story will end, even if he doesn’t know how the details will unfold.  Bester, who serves with Tennessee Baptist Mission Board as a black church development