KNOXVILLE — Katherine Fortner, a member of Wallace Memorial Baptist Church, Knoxville, has volunteered at Western Heights Baptist Center for at least 35 years.  At the age of 91, Fortner still serves as ministry assistant to Western Heights director Shannon Washam. “You can’t be around this place long without seeing a need,” she observed. Two years ago, one of her grandsons who knew of her involvement at Western Heights asked

KNOXVILLE — In the late 1980s through the 1990s, Ben and Annabelle Hall, then members of Gillespie Avenue Baptist Church in Knoxville, were fixtures at Western Heights Baptist Center, a ministry of the Knox County Association of Baptists. “They came as volunteers to the Baptist Center every Tuesday and Thursday for about 20 years,” said Jackie Young, who recently completed his 42nd year as a staff member of the Baptist

The staff of the Baptist and Reflector wishes our readers a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We are grateful for our loyal readers and hope that each of you are enjoying a wonderful holiday season!

GOODLETTSVILLE — Lyle Larson, pastor of First Baptist Church, Goodlettsville, wasn’t exactly sure how the church could be of service in the wake of the deadly tornadoes that ripped through parts of Tennessee on Dec. 9. But Larson was certain of this — the FBC staff and church members were willing to do whatever was necessary to help. Over the next few days, FBC seized the opportunity in a wide

NEWPORT — A small rural church in the Bridgeport community near Newport in Cocke County is making a difference in the lives of children in the community. For about 14 years, members of Shady Grove Baptist Church have made sure that needy children in their community will have gifts on Christmas morning. Shelly Williams, a member of Shady Grove and a first grade teacher at Bridgeport Elementary School, has been