Russell County, Franchise Missionary Baptist Church to Honor Dr. Raymond Cochran with Series of Retirement Events

Community leaders, elected officials and congregants will gather over the coming weeks to honor the legacy and retirement of Dr. Raymond Cochran, longtime pastor of Franchise Missionary Baptist Church, recognizing more than 70 years of preaching, teaching and service.

The Russell County Commission will present a formal proclamation to Cochran at 9:30 a.m. ET on Wednesday, Feb. 25, during its regular meeting at the Russell County Commission Chambers, 1000 Broad St., Phenix City.

County officials will honor the pastor for his “extraordinary leadership, steadfast faith, and immeasurable contributions to the spiritual and civic life of our community,” according to organizers.

The proclamation is part of a broader “Celebrating Just Raymond” series marking Cochran’s upcoming retirement.

Community Concert Celebration

Franchise Missionary Baptist Church will host a Concert and Celebration at 2 p.m. ET Sunday, March 22, at the church, 1000 Dillingham St., Phenix City. The event will highlight Cochran’s love of music and lifelong ministry.

Organizers are inviting singers and musicians from across the community to participate in a special concert choir. Rehearsals are scheduled for 2 p.m. ET on March 7, March 14 and March 21 at the church.

The concert will also provide an opportunity for local, state and national governing bodies, as well as religious organizations, to present proclamations and letters recognizing Cochran’s decades of service.

For more information, call (762) 766-7101 or visit the church’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/franchisemissionarybaptistchurch.

Retirement Gala in Columbus

The celebration will culminate with the “Celebrating Just Raymond Retirement Gala” at 5 p.m. ET Saturday, April 11, at the St. Luke Ministry Center, 301 11th Ave., Columbus, Ga.

The black-and-white formal or semi-formal event will honor Cochran’s more than seven decades of ministry and community leadership.

For additional details, contact katerabowden@yahoo.com or call (706) 358-9676. More information is available on the church’s Facebook page.

Organizers say the series of events reflects the deep impact Cochran has made in the Phenix City and Columbus communities through decades of faithful service.