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Wednesday, October 28, 2026Oct 28

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After deliberate courtship, two historic Chattanooga churches merge into one

Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Charity Baptist Church is seen Tuesday at 1617 Glowmont Drive.
Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Charity Baptist Church is seen Tuesday at 1617 Glowmont Drive. Staff photo by Olivia Ross / Charity Baptist Church is seen Tuesday at 1617 Glowmont Drive.


In recent months, Temple Baptist Church of Chattanooga and Duncan Park Baptist Church of East Ridge have been courting one another.

On Sunday in East Ridge, James Rushing presided over their union.

Charity Baptist Church was born.

“The only person that likes change is a wet baby,” Rushing, the church’s pastor, said by phone Tuesday.