TENNESCENE: APR. 2
CHURCHES
The members of Central Bearden Church, in West Knoxville, voted in a Special Called Business Meeting, March 9, to elect Rev. J. C. (James Calvin) Neely as their new Senior Pastor. Neely is a graduate of Carson-Newman University and earned the Master of Divinity Degree at the McAfee School of Theology at Mercer University. He has 20 years of Pastoral Experience with most of that at Fellowship Church in Knoxville and more recently at the New Life Gathering Fellowship in Knoxville. He is married to the former Katie Fendley, also a graduate of Carson-Newman. They grew up in the Children and Student Ministries at Central Baptist Bearden, were baptized in the church, and later, were married at Central Bearden. They have three children. Rev. Neely will begin his ministry at Central Bearden in April.
EVENTS
A Pastors Conference will be held at Carson-Newman University on May 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
DEATHS
Kathern “Jeannie” Regina Cornett, 67, of Walland, Tenn., went to her heavenly home on March 17, 2025. She was a devoted member of Louisville First Baptist Church. Preceded in death by parents, Doc and Nina Mae Brewer; uncle, Jay Brewer. She left behind a loving husband of 50 years, Curtis Cornett; daughters by love, Jessica Wear, Nolanda Richards, Abbie Burchfield; sister, Wanda (Nolan) Richards; niece, Nolanda Richards; brothers, Randy (Peggy) and Gary (Tammy) Brewer; niece, Lexi; nephew, Ryker. Jeannie will be cremated, and the family will host a private celebration of life.
On March 1, Beulah Baptist Church's Women on Mission (WOM) hosted their first “Share the Gospel!” women’s conference, drawing 76 attendees from their congregation, Holston Baptist Association churches, Nolichucky Baptist Association, and Calvary Baptist in Mountain City. The event featured keynote speaker Lindsey Birt from Easley, SC., and two breakout sessions: one led by TBMB’s Kim Cruse discussing how “the gospel comes to us on the way to someone else,” and another by Amy Rust on “benefits of homeschooling.” The conference aimed to honor God while providing women time for spiritual refreshment and better preparation to share the gospel. The organizers offer to share their first-time hosting experiences with other WMU groups considering similar events (contact: Betty Cress, [email protected]). Pictured Left to Right Sitting: Pam Shanks, Tina South, Marilyn Slaughter. Standing: Sandra Gardner, Karen Ogan, Vivian Bradshaw, Charlene Jessee, Jackie Crosby, Angela Presnell, Shirley Lane, Shelia Shaw, Betty Cress. Not pictured: Marsha Davis, Gloria Hobbs, Lynn Rodgers.
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