Dr. Clay Austin - Pastor

Clay is a native of Tennessee, having been born in Morristown. He attended First Baptist Church where he received Christ as his personal savior and was baptized. During high school he experienced the call of God on his life to enter the ministry.

College years provided many opportunities to serve God. He was involved in many mission trips, supply preaching, teaching Bible classes, and serving as a Youth Minister. While attending East Tennessee State University, he met his future wife Anita. Anita and Clay graduated in 1975.

Following college Clay enrolled in The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville and Anita became a Special Education Teacher in the Jefferson County School System. Following graduation in 1978, Clay did additional clinical training at the University Hospital in Louisville. In June of 1979 they moved to Georgia were he became the associate pastor of the Heritage Hills Baptist Church in Conyers, Georgia. It was during this time that Clay felt the call of God to enter the pastorate.

In the winter of 1982 two important events took place. Clay became the pastor of Cherokee Baptist Church in Jonesborough, Tennessee, and Anita gave birth to their first child, Amber. In 1984 their second child, Alison was born.

The beginning of the ministry at First Baptist Church of Blountville took place in February of 1986. The years at Blountville have seen many changes in the community and the church. The church has been a blessing to the Austin family and they are excited about the possibilities of what God will do at First Baptist in the future.

Lewis Baumstark - Minister of Music and Senior Adults

Lewis was born and grew up in and around Richmond, KY. He graduated from Madison Central High School in 1965, from Eastern Kentucky University in 1970, and from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in 1974.

He is married to Susan Reams Baumstark and they have two children, Mandy, age 19, and Lewis, Jr., age 24. Lewis enjoys sailing, golf, woodworking, and just being with his family during his time away from church.

Lewis has served churches in Indiana, Kentucky, Georgia, and South Carolina. He has served here at First Baptist for the past 15 years.

Harold Horne - Associate Minister 

Harold is a native of East Tennessee and has lived in Blountville all of his life. He graduated from Sullivan Central High School in 1988 and attended East Tennessee State University and Northeast State Tech for 3 years. He began working at Eastman Chemical Company in Kingsport in 1989, where he is presently employed as a Team Manager.

Harold was married in December 1989 to Alison Stidham. They have two children, Abigail and Nicholas. Harold has served First Baptist as Deacon, Chairman of Deacons, and Sunday School Teacher. During the fall of 1998, Harold felt the call of God on his life to enter the ministry. He was called as Associate Minister by First Baptist in January of 1999.

Harold is currently serving as a Prayer Team member, as a leader of one of our GROW Visitation teams, and as Youth Minister. He is currently pursuing a Seminary Extension degree through The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Linda Davenport - Secretary  

Linda has been serving as secretary for First Baptist, Blountville since January 1993.

She married Joe on December 15, 1973. He is employed as a project manager with NOR-WELL in Elizabethton.

They have three children: Tim and his wife Cathy are students at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville majoring in engineering, electrical and industrial respectively. Leigh Ann and Mark are students at East Tennessee State University in Johnson City. Leigh Ann is studying nutrition and plans to be a Clinical Dietician. Mark is entering the surveying program.

Alison Horne - Director - Pre-School Daycare 

Alison is married to Harold and has two children, Abby and Nicholas. Alison has served First Baptist kid’s Care since 1995. She helped organize the operation of First Baptist Kid’s Care (1995) and served as a 4-year old teacher and Assistant Director for 2 years.

She currently serves as director, 2-day 3 year old teacher, and Chapel Leader. Alison has a B.S. Degree in Early Childhood Development with a Minor in Social Work from East Tennessee State University.