By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] NASHVILLE — James Porch, who served as executive director of the Executive Board of the Tennessee Baptist Convention (now Tennessee Baptist Mission Board) for 18 years (1992-2010) died Aug. 3 at the age of 81. A native of Pelahatchie, Miss., Porch was elected to succeed D.L. Lowrie as executive director in September of 1992. He came to the position from the pastorate

By Chris Turner [email protected] FRANKLIN — Tennessee Woman’s Missionary Union president Yolanda Heuser announced her resignation effectively immediately, citing a recently developed chronic health issue as her reason for stepping away from continuing in the role.  “It is with a heavy heart that I have made a decision to tender my resignation effective immediately, based on my current health issues,” Heuser said. “I love the women who make up the

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] CHATTANOOGA — In April, Wayne Loveless had made up his mind that he was going to announce on the following Sunday that he was resigning as pastor after 18 years of ministry at Standifer Gap Baptist Church in Chattanooga. He had already informed his elders/deacons. But first he made a phone call to his friend and director of missions for Hamilton County

By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] NASHVILLE — Nearly 200 people gathered July 13 to honor retiring minister Bill Highsmith on not only his last day of work, but his 80th birthday as well. When Highsmith came to Tusculum Hills in 1991, he served as minister of recreation/activities and senior adults. Missions and education were added to his responsibilities later in his tenure. “Bill has been a faithful

Tennessee Baptist pastor’s wife adjusts to new role with SBC Executive Committee  By Lonnie Wilkey Editor, Baptist and Reflector [email protected] NASHVILLE — In 28 years with the Southern Baptist Convention Executive Committee, Lynn Richmond has had several job titles, but she has never changed positions.  During those 28 years, Richmond worked behind the scenes in planning and making sure the SBC annual meetings took place without a hitch. That changed