Influential Birmingham Pastor T.L. Lewis Retires After 52 Years in the Ministry

By Barnett Wright | The Birmingham Times Beginning with a banquet in Bessemer on Friday and ending with a church farewell in Birmingham on Sunday, several thousand attended retirement celebrations for the Reverend Dr. Tommie L. Lewis, Senior Pastor of Bethel Missionary Baptist Church, Pratt City after his 42 years of service at the church, and 52 total in the ministry. Lewis, one of the area’s most influential pastors, has been pastor of the 2,000-member Bethel Baptist Church of Pratt City since 1982 and oversaw not only rebuilding after its campus was leveled in a 2011 tornado, but also the lives of those in the surrounding community who lost nearly everything they had. “I carry with me the memories of our time together. I deeply appreciate the love, support and encouragement you have shown me throughout my time as pastor …” he wrote to his congregation, “I am filled with gratitude for the relationships forged, the lives touched, and the blessings shared.” Lewis, 75, announced his retirement on Easter Sunday. During his time as pastor, he established a number of outreach programs that touched tens of thousands including ministries for new members, married couples, singles, homeless, prison and even puppets...