MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

1998 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Banks

House Resolution 6

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE OF REVEREND BOOKER T. HOBBS, SR. 

WHEREAS, Reverend Booker T. Hobbs, Sr., departed this life on August 24, 1997; and

WHEREAS, a native Mississippian, Reverend Booker T. Hobbs, Sr., was born on February 22, 1907, in Carroll County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, beginning his early education at Spring Hill School adjacent to Spring Hill Baptist Church, Reverend Hobbs graduated from Jackson College High School and enrolled in Jackson College's School of Theology where he earned a Bachelor of Theology Degree; and

WHEREAS, a dedicated Christian and minister, Reverend Hobbs served faithfully as Interim Pastor and Pastor of Mt. Helm Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, touching the lives of many ministers, Reverend Hobbs was a life member of the Metropolitan Baptist Ministers Fellowship where he served as secretary; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Hobbs worked tirelessly for 30 years for the State of Mississippi as a mail clerk; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Hobbs was married to the late Lucille Crawford, and they were the proud parents of three children, Nelda, Booker, Jr., and Crawford (deceased); and

WHEREAS, Reverend Hobbs later married the late Ruth P. Jackson; and

WHEREAS, E. W. Banks, a prominent and contributing member of Mt. Helm Baptist Church, with more than a half century of service to the church as Chairman of the Finance Committee, made the following statement:

"When the children of Israel found themselves without the leadership of Moses, God called Joshua and commanded him to lead the children of Israel over the Jordan that confronted them. Reverend Hobbs should be classified as a Joshua of this church for the period of November, 1977, to July, 1979. He led us over the Jordan of frustration, over the Jordan of confusion, and over the Jordan of bewilderment. When we say the service of Dr. Brown was literally snatched from us, we were completely frustrated and desperately in need of leadership. Reverend Hobbs took over and led the whole church, the Sunday morning and evening worship services, the mid-week prayer service, the Sunday School, and the BYPU, the choir, and all other auxiliaries were given his careful and continuing attention. We should always feel indebted to Reverend Hobbs. When the history of this church is written, it will list the names of Reverend Dunbar the first pastor of this church who took it from the basement of First Baptist Church to an edifice. It will list the Reverend Benjamin J. Perkins, the Reverend W. G. Wilson, the Reverend W. L. Varnado, the Reverend Rice, and Dr. T. B. Brown. But, the list will never be complete until it includes the name of Reverend B. T. Hobbs, the minister that led the church through one of its most perilous periods"; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Hobbs was a truly phenomenal person and minister, and he was and will always be an inspiration to many for his insightful sayings, his clarity and undaunted wisdom:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the life of Reverend Booker T. Hobbs, Sr., and express our deepest sympathy upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Nelda Hobbs, Booker Hobbs, Jr., and to the Capitol Press Corps.