Franklin Avenue Baptist Church

I had a very relaxed weekend.

I kicked it off, as you know, by going to the retirement celebration for Pastor Fred Luter of Franklin Avenue Baptist Church.

It was a beautiful ceremony, very well attended.

The Franklin Avenue Baptist Church Choir did their thing.

It was great.

It really was a great celebration of a great man.

And I have a very good reason.

I'm headed to Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, where we're celebrating 40 extraordinary years of ministry by a man who has had an enormous impact on this city, this state, and the nation, Pastor Fred Luter, Jr.

This is not just another anniversary celebration.

This is a celebration of remarkable legacy of faith, leadership, service, and perseverance over a 40-year time span.

Yes, he is.

He's retiring this weekend.

After 40 years of leading Franklin Avenue Baptist Church, he will be handing over the leadership of the church to his son, Chip Luter.

And when we talk about the history of this man and his ministry, I want everybody to understand where his journey began.