By Terry Clark
The Karns congregation began as the result of a gospel meeting that was conducted by Billy (Bill) Nicks, a young preacher from Oak Ridge, Tennessee. The gospel meeting was held in a tent near our current location. Bill Nicks preached the good news of Jesus Christ, and nine souls were added to the Lord’s Church during the tent meeting. The Karns church of Christ began meeting in July 1953 at the Karns community school house and did so until January 1955 when the construction of the first building was completed.
The Karns church did not forget they were beneficiaries of the mission work of the brethren from Oak Ridge. In 1971 a school of preaching was established, founded on a vision of Karns doing its part to fulfill the Great Commission found in Mark 16:15.
We are grateful for the evangelistic efforts of those who believed the Karns community needed the gospel of Jesus Christ. We are thankful for the vision of the Karns eldership to establish a school of preaching to prepare men to likewise share the good news of Jesus Christ. It is hard to comprehend the true impact the school has made and will make, as many trained men continue to go into the world and preach the gospel.
The Karns eldership remains committed to the vision of its predecessors and to Southeast as a very important work of the Lord’s Kingdom. We are thankful for all who have supported the school through its 52 years of service. We ask for your continued prayers and support for this important work.
The 48th Annual Southeast Lectureship begins today. The theme is “United: Becoming One in Christ”. The lectureship will focus on the book of 1st Corinthians, how unity is important among brethren, how we can be unified as brethren, and what challenges exist to developing and maintaining unity. We give thanks for all who will participate and pray that the lectureship will be a source of strength and encouragement to all.
“Now to our God and Father be glory forever and ever. Amen” (Philippians 4:20)