George Gracey retires after 31
years at First, Clarksville, TN

George Gracey receiving a proclamation
from the state of Tennessee from
Representative Kim McMillan.

The congregation of First, Clarksville celebrated the ministry of the Rev. George Gracey upon his retirement at Easter. Gracey, 71, began his ministry in 1959 at the Pisgah Church in Woodford Co., KY. Called to serve First, Clarksville in 1974, his work there has been marked by vibrant preaching and outreach to the community. Instrumental in Loaves and Fishes, a community food kitchen that serves hot meals six days a week to the underprivileged, Gracey has also been involved with Clarksville Pastoral Counseling Center and Clarksville-Montgomery County Library Foundation. Church member Don Beck worked with Gracey for Loaves and Fishes and says of Gracey, "He cares about the needy and was always available to help in any capacity." Gracey's sermons are recalled with appreciation by members of First Church . Elder Ross Hicks said, "The thing I appreciate about George's messages is that he always has something to say that is meaningful."

The congregation held a retirement dinner for George and Annelle Gracey at the University Center on the Austin Peay State University campus. Over 400 current and former members and staff attended. Proclamations were read by Mayor Don Trotter, a member of the church, of the joint resolution from the City of Clarksville and Montgomery County, and state representative Kim McMillan, also a member, from the state of Tennessee legislature. The congregation celebrates his many years of ministry with them and wishes him well in retirement.