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Chapter 6:  A Time to Tend -- 1955-1981

The sudden death of Preacher Rogers left a vacancy not only in the pulpit but also in members' hearts. The first Sunday after Rogers' death, Sam Conner, chaplain of East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, preached at Zion Hill, encouraging the membership. Afterwards, the congregation took little time to call a pastor to help in the healing process. They turned to a friend of Rogers, James Tilley, whom they called in November, 1955. Tilley was born October 23, 1912, to John and Nanny Tilley. He was saved in the 1930's and soon thereafter felt the call to preach. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry by the First Baptist Church, Sweetwater. Tilley married Nellie Sue Colquitt and had three children. 1

Preacher Tilley continued the programs begun by Rogers. He oversaw the church's building program to completion. He preached in the newly enlarged sanctuary which now included an offset choir loft beside the pulpit. He welcomed members for Sunday School in new classrooms, some in the three-story education wing where classroom space tripled with four rooms on the third floor, six rooms on the sanctuary level, and eight rooms in the basement wing, along with restrooms. 2

Tilley utilized another new feature of the expanded sanctuary, the baptistry. On March 18, 1956, Zion Hill dedicated its new baptistry and used it for the first time as Tilley baptized Brenda Cutshaw and Fred Moore into the church family. On the same day, Antioch brought some of their own candidates to baptize. Tilley used the baptistry to baptize 12 into church membership in 1956. Some of those were saved during the spring revival, preached by Rev. Doyle Suits. 3

Zion Hill hosted an associational Sunday School conference April 2, 1956. The theme was "The Sunday School and Evangelism." Many at Zion Hill earned awards for attending this meeting and other study course opportunities. Often members completed special study course books and attended indepth studies of them. The study course books were designed to help members strengthen their knowledge of the Bible and Baptist doctrine. A week was set aside for the study led by the pastor or a guest teacher. Usually, members took part in the January Bible Study, held the first week of January, when members would do an indepth study of a book of the Bible, like Psalms or Hosea. 4

On May 6, Tilley welcomed the student choir from Smoky Mountain Academy to share in the morning worship service. The students presented a concert of Christian music and many gave their testimonies. A special love offering was taken, and $45.00 was received for support of the school. 5

Later in the year, the church once again welcomed the Sevier County Baptist Association annual meeting for 1956, with James H. Atchley moderator. Preacher Tilley welcomed the visitors and messengers including Otis Baker, Mrs. Paul Galyon, John H. Moore, Frank Strickland, and Rev. and Mrs. James Tilley from Zion Hill. They heard the annual sermon entitled "What is a Church?" preached by Rev. A. C. Wadley. He took his text from Matthew 16:18. After the sermon, the delegates adjourned for lunch outside, and enjoyed a delicious meal prepared by the ladies of the church. 6

The session reconvened in the afternoon with singing led by Rev. W. A. Galyon. After reports on East Tennessee Baptist Hospital, Temperance, and Evangelism, the closing prayer was led by Rev. Sidney Clark. At the close of the meeting, delegates adopted the following resolution: Be it resolved that we express our appreciation to Zion Hill for their great spirit of hospitality in entertaining and providing an excellent lunch for the Sevier County Association of Baptists. 7

On October 21, the members of Zion Hill Baptist Church met for another special service -- to ordain Frank Strickland into the Gospel ministry. He had joined the church while a ministerial student at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. He graduated from the Academy in 1957 and began the pastorate in Middle Tennessee. 8

The church family was growing during these so-called "baby boom" years. In 1958, the church gave Preacher Tilley and Sunday School Superintendent, W. R. DeLozier, the authority to start a nursery for the church. Preacher Tilley also led in promoting another activity for children, Vacation Bible School. To get the children and young people excited about VBS, members of the church built a float for the annual Vacation Bible School Parade, sponsored by the association. The float, which resembled a boat, joined with other church floats and paraded through downtown Sevierville to promote Bible schools across the county. Several young people rode on the float with Preacher Tilley. Bible School attendance in 1957 averaged 70. 9

On October 26, 1958, the church called Glenn Brooks again to pastor. He had graduated from Belmont and moved his family back to the area. Preacher and Mrs. Brooks worked to promote all church activities but the one he seemed to have the most success with was Vacation Bible School. Children were excited about spending two weeks learning about Jesus. In 1960, the average Bible School attendance was 90. That number would not be surpassed for twenty years. 10

Brooks resigned September 25, 1960, and the membership once again extended the pastoral call to Rev. J. H. Blair. This would be the fourth time the church turned to Preacher Blair for leadership. Under his guidance in the 1960s, the church voted to purchase and install carpet in the sanctuary. [It was quality carpet that lasted for 25 years!] The church also voted to promote Sunday School by purchasing pins in recognition of Sunday School attendance. Many members earned pins given for perfect attendance in Sunday School for 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, then 1 year, 2 years, and so on. Sunday School average attendance stayed within the 120 range while Preacher Blair was pastor. 11

In 1963, at the age of 74, Preacher Blair unofficially retired. [He attended Zion Hill until his death in 1969.] Later in 1963, the congregation called Clell King as pastor. He was no stranger to the membership of Zion Hill having preached the annual revival at the church in 1950. He was born August 19, 1919, to Jim and Laura King. He was saved when he was 12 years old and was ordained into the Gospel ministry June 8, 1950, by Banner Baptist Church. 12

Soon after Preacher King became pastor, he led the church in a special called business meeting. He informed the church of two pieces of legislation pending in the 83rd Tennessee General Assembly that were contrary to Baptist beliefs and the Church covenant (in Appendix). The membership voted to oppose two bills dealing with alcohol as a beverage and to inform their state legislators of their opposition: Roy D. Crawford, State Senator and Fred C. Atchley, State Representative. The first bill was House Bill 406, for cities with 5,000 or more population to hold referendums for legal liquor sales. The second was House Bill 328. It allowed for sale of liquor by the drink in restaurants and motels. The church, along with many others across the state, took a strong stance against both pieces of legislation and they failed. A few years later, the issues were brought up again and this time they passed. The city of Gatlinburg took advantage of the new legislation and began to serve liquor even though the county was officially "dry." 13

In 1965, Preacher King invited Rev. Francis Wright to preach the spring revival and twelve young people were saved. Rev. King baptized 15 that year. In 1966, King was assisted in church leadership by Sunday School Superintendent, Mell Ownby; Training Union Director, Lewis Byrd; Church Clerk, Rex DeLozier; Treasurer, John H. Moore; and Choir Leader, Beecher Loveday. 14

In the 1960s', Zion Hill welcomed ministerial students from Carson-Newman College to fill the pulpit one Sunday a year. After preaching on Sunday morning, the young man would spend the afternoon with the preacher or a family in the church. He would preach again in the evening service, then meet with others who had come to Sevier County for the return trip to Jefferson City. This was a way for these young men to gain some practical preaching experience and for members of the congregation to hear and support young preachers. 15

The 1960's were a tumultuous time for the United States with the unpopular Vietnam conflict. Young men from Zion Hill once again responded to the call of their country: Andy Beeler, Carl Byrd, Mike Ellis, Jimmy Hodges, Andrew Kerr, Sherrill Moore and Harold Pitner. As with the Korean conflict, these men returned home safely. 16

In 1964, the membership voted to begin physical improvements to the church building and grounds that would continue for almost ten years. First, the congregation purchased a new Steinway piano for the sanctuary. Then, the church had the gravel parking lot black- topped and lined for parking spaces. Next, the church hired painters to paint the sanctuary walls and ceiling. In the early 1970s, the church turned a classroom in the basement into a kitchen, with solid wood cabinets, double stainless steel sinks, a stove and refrigerator. Some of the women's Sunday School classes and the WMU supplied the kitchen; many members saved green stamps for bigger items, like a heavy, cut glass punch bowl used on special occasions. The church also established a church library making it easier for members to read Christian literature. 17

A new decade brought an exciting opportunity for the church membership. The Billy Graham Crusade came to Knoxville May 25-29, 1970, with services held nightly in Neyland Stadium on the University of Tennessee campus. Many members of Zion Hill attended the sessions to worship under the preaching of Dr. Graham. The Thursday night service included a visit from a special guest, President Richard Nixon. Inspirational music was provided by Ethel Waters and George Beverly Shea along with the crusade choir directed by Cliff Barrows. It was a memorable event to be in a worship service with a stadium full of believers! 18

In 1971, the membership called Edmond Latham to pastor Zion Hill. He was born November 29, 1919, to Michael and Mary Jane Latham. He was saved when he was 14 years old. He married Irene Reed and had one daughter, Mary Ellen. He surrendered to the Lord's call to preach in 1956 and was ordained into the Gospel ministry by Knob Creek Baptist Church. While pastor of Zion Hill, Preacher Latham felt the need for more education and commuted the long distance to Carson-Newman College (before the interstate was completed). He was graduated August 18, 1974. 19

When Rev. Latham came to the church, he served with the following church officers: Sunday School Superintendent, Bill Moore; Training Union Director, Lewis Byrd; Church Clerk, Opal Johnson; Treasurer, Earl Householder; Music Director, Beecher Loveday; Deacon Chairman, Otis Baker; and WMU Director, Katie Blalock. One of these officers, Opal Baker Johnson, served as church clerk from 1967 to 1984. She faithfully and accurately kept the records of the church and the church membership roll for 17 years, a dedicated servant. 20

In 1973, Preacher Latham led the church in celebration of its 100th anniversary. To prepare for the special event as well as to enhance the music program, the church purchased an electronic Baldwin organ. It was the first organ the church had utilized since the pump organ of the 1930's. Mary Ellen Latham was selected Organist. 21

Preacher Latham also appointed a committee of Bobbie Galyon, Marilyn Householder, and Charlotte McCarter to plan the 100-year celebration of the church. Together, they helped prepare a special program to commemorate the church's first hundred years. The program included the morning worship service, lunch, and an afternoon praise service. The morning service featured singing by the Zion Hill Quartet composed of fathers and sons W. R. DeLozier and Randy, Beecher Loveday, and Jimmy. The preaching was done by 86-year-old former pastor Rev. Sidney H. Clark. Preacher Clark inspired those present with his strong preaching. By this time, he was nearly blind, so he quoted his Scripture from memory. He was also growing weaker, so he sat down to preach. 22

After a sumptuous noon meal, the afternoon session of singing and recognition began. It included special music by Ralph Justus, the Sevier County Quartet, Brenda and Kevin Loveday, the Toomey Family and Zion Hill's Acteens. Preacher Latham recognized former pastors in attendance and Charlotte McCarter read the first 100 year history of the church. It was a special day! 23

During Preacher Latham's pastorate, he baptized 24 and saw church membership reach 288. In 1975, the Sunday School average attendance was 120 with Mell Ownby serving as Superintendent. 22

In 1976, the congregation called W. A. Galyon to pastor his home church. Born May 17, 1924, to Oscar and Flora Galyon, W. A. grew up in the Zion Hill community and attended church at Zion Hill with his parents and other siblings. At one time, all of Oscar's and Flora's nine children were members at Zion Hill. W. A. was saved when he was 11 years old and baptized by Preacher Blair. He married Dorothy Hodges and had three daughters, Gayle, Helen, and Patsy. He was the fourth minister ordained by Zion Hill to pastor his home church, following William Brown, Sidney Clark, and C. D. Martin. 23

Many interesting events in the life of the church took place in 1976. The first occurred in February, 1976. There were five Sundays in the month of February which was very unusual! To commemorate that unique event, everyone present that Sunday was asked to sign a guest book in honor of the occurrence. (This event will take place again in 2004.) 24

Another special occasion was March 7, a day set aside to honor one of the faithful, young men of the church. It was declared Mark Martin Day at Zion Hill. This day was proclaimed in recognition of the accomplishments of Mark as a member of the University of Tennessee Marching and Concert Band. It also was a time to acknowledge Mark's visit with the band to Moscow in then-communist Soviet Union, a long way for a young man who had grown-up in the Zion Hill church family. He presented a concert for the church. 25

In July 1976, the church held a special patriotic service in celebration of the Bicentennial of the United States of America. The congregation used newly purchased Baptist Hymnals during their patriotic song service. The hymnals replaced the worn and tattered 30-year-old Broadman Hymnals. Members purchased the hymnals in memory or in honor of loved ones. 26

On October 20, 1976, the church hosted the Wednesday morning session of the Sevier County Baptist Association's Ninety-first annual meeting. Rev. W. A. Galyon welcomed the messengers, including Mrs. Otis Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis Byrd, Mrs. Carl Johnson, Mr. and Mrs. Winfred McCarter, and Mrs. Gene Rogers from Zion Hill. Rev. Ray F. Williams served as moderator and brought the moderator's message to the delegates. A resolution was passed: "We express our thanks to ... Zion Hill Church entertaining the association." 27

In 1977, the church set aside four men to ordain as deacons. They were Ralph Carr, Kenneth Galyon, Jimmy Loveday (Preacher Edmund Latham's son-in-law), and Danny Pitner. They were ordained. 28

Preacher Galyon resigned the church to go on the mission field when selected to be Director of Missions for the Sevier County Baptist Association. The church called Rev. W. F. Hall as interim. He was well-known by most of Zion Hill's members because of his many years as Bible teacher at Harrison-Chilhowee Baptist Academy. The membership was blessed with excellent Bible preaching and teaching under Preacher Hall. 29

In 1979, the shortest pastorate at Zion Hill was recorded at two weeks. That record belongs to Guy Milam. He was born April 17, 1935, to Stephen and Rena Milam. He was saved when he was nine years old and felt the Lord calling him to preach in 1946 when he was 11 years old. He preached his first sermon when he was 16. He married Maxine Rogers and had three children. Rev. Milam really wanted to pastor Zion Hill but the Lord called him back to North Knoxville Baptist Church and blessed his ministry there. 30

After Milam's departure, several preachers were asked to preach while the pulpit committee sought a pastort. One memorable one was Mike Henegar, a student at Carson-Newman College. He was an enthusiastic young preacher and the congregation loved him. 31

A few months later in 1979, the pulpit committee presented Rev. Ralph Cline to the church as its new pastor. Preacher Cline had printed a letter about himself for the committee to present to the church. The membership extended a unanimous call to Ralph Cline. He was born November 26, 1923, to Homer and Della Cline and was saved when he was 13 years old under the shed at historic Bell's Camp Ground Baptist Church. He was ordained into the Gospel ministry in 1947. He married Helen Aultom and had two daughters, Judy and Debra. Debra became an active part of the church working with her parents. 32

Rev. Cline had a tremendous ministry at Zion Hill in 1979 and 1980. He and his wife, Helen, visited regularly in the community, at the hospital and in nursing homes. A lot of the growth in membership was because of Cline's strong, solid Bible preaching and his love and concern for people. He baptized 14 and saw membership grow to 298. In 1979, Sunday School averaged 128. The biggest increase during Rev. Cline's pastorate came in the total yearly offering amount. In 1979, Preacher Cline led the church to realize the importance of stewardship. The offering for the year was $33,085.00, double the offering two years earlier. Barbara J. Galyon was treasurer. 33

Preacher Cline also promoted mission's giving, along with the WMU president, Dorothy Galyon. In 1979, Zion Hill members gave $8,616.00 to missions through the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for Foreign Mission, the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering for Home Missions, and the Golden State Missions Offering. The church would go 13 years before giving more to missions. 34

In 1979, the Zion Hill Baptist Church choir performed its first Christmas cantata. It was entitled "Carol of Christmas" and featured solos by Mary Ellen Loveday and Karen Moore; a duet by Pam Pitner and Gregory Johnson; and a trio of Jeff Johnson, Jimmy Loveday, and Gerald Waites. The narration was presented by Monica Ellis. The response was so great that the choir performed another musical program for Easter. 35

Unfortunately, in 1980, Preacher Cline's health began to fail. He spent many weeks in the hospital before the Lord called him to his heavenly home February 15, 1981, at the age of 57. The family brought Preacher Cline back to Zion Hill Baptist Church for the funeral preached by Reverends Shields Dalton, W. A. Galyon, Drake Kimbrell, and Elmer Sharp. Music was provided by Rev. Ronnie White. It was an emotional time for the congregation as a special praise service was held for the life of this outstanding Christian leader and beloved pastor. Preacher Cline was interred at Bell Camp Ground Cemetery, near the place he loved because he was saved there. 36

Preacher Cline enjoyed singing Power in the Blood. When the congregation would get to the chorus, he would have them sing, "There is power, power, power, power, wonder working power, in the blood of the lamb. There is power, power, power, power, wonder working power in the precious blood of the lamb." He lived life fully with a real knowledge of the power of which he sang. He believed Acts 1:8, "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me, both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." He lived his life being a witness.


Endnotes for Chapter 6

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