By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] JOHNSON CITY — Sinking Creek or Buffalo Ridge? Which one is truly the first and oldest Baptist church in Tennessee? Historians are still unsure. Claims have been made for both Sinking Creek Baptist Church in Johnson City and Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church near Jonesborough. But, Sinking Creek can definitely lay claim to having the oldest Baptist church building still on its property.

From Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy/The King’s Academy SEYMOUR — The board of trustees of Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy/The King’s Academy unanimously elected Matthew Mercer as president/headmaster in a specially-called board meeting on the academy campus Thursday, June 28.  Mercer currently serves as headmaster of First Baptist Academy in Powell.  He assumes his new duties July 1.

By David Dawson [email protected] NASHVILLE — Kim Margrave, volunteer missions specialist for the Tennessee Baptist Mission Board, is a strong believer in the concept, “You don’t need a passport to do missions work.”  

Editor’s Note: The “Summer of ’67” movie screening will take place June 29-July 5 at Regal Hollywood 27 at 100 Oaks Mall in Nashville. Tickets can be purchased on site. By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] SPRINGFIELD — Christian filmmakers Sharon and Fred Wilharm have learned a lot over the past several years as they have directed and produced seven movies and numerous smaller projects. Sharon noted that

GuideStone program is ‘lifeline’ for retired preacher Earl Lane Editor’s Note: Mission:Dignity Sunday is June 24 across the Southern Baptist Convention. Churches can order free materials from GuideStone for use on June 24 or another date. Visit MDSunday.org or call 1-877-888-9409 to order the materials. By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] SEVIERVILLE — A check for $225 a month may not seem like much money for most people.