Senate Resolution 53

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING FRED SMITH FOR HIS DEDICATED SERVICE AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE CELEBRATION OF FIFTY YEARS IN THE MINISTRY.

WHEREAS, Fred Smith was born and raised in rural Stone County; and

WHEREAS, Fred Smith was united in Holy Matrimony to Louise Davis in November of 1950; and

WHEREAS, Fred and Louise were blessed with two children, Kiahnell Smith and Rita Cooley; and

WHEREAS, they are the proud grandparents of eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Fred smith was saved and baptized in the Summer of 1945 at the age of 15; and

WHEREAS, Fred Smith was ordained as a Deacon in 1951 at Gumpond Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, he surrendered to the call of God to the Ministry in 1952 and the Gumpond Baptist Church licensed him on March 9, 1952; and

WHEREAS, he was called to the Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church and Cedar Dale Missionary Baptist Church as pastor in June of 1952; and

WHEREAS, Brother Fred Smith has served as pastor at the following churches: Red Hill Missionary Baptist Church, 44 years; Cedar Dale Baptist Church, 2 years; Community Baptist Church, 4 years; Red Creek Baptist Church, 1 year; Lumberton Baptist Church, a total of 23 years on 3 occasions; Mars Hill Baptist Church, 9 years; Carnes Baptist Church, 6 years; Elder Ridge Baptist Church; 1 year; Clear Branch Baptist Church, 6 years; Palestine Baptist Church, 6 years and current pastor; and

WHEREAS, Brother Fred Smith's tireless and dedicated service to the Ministry of Christ has led him to help organize 35 churches in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, Canada, Mexico and Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Brother Fred Smith's leadership has been a blessing to the fellowship and associational meetings; and

WHEREAS, his leadership, compassion and willingness to serve others is evidenced by his service as Moderator of the Red Creek Missionary Baptist Association for 42 years, 29 years of service as Clerk of the Mississippi State Association and 52 years of service as Missionary Messenger to the Red Creek Mission Meeting; and

WHEREAS, because of his love and concern for the youth, he was instrumental in starting the Mississippi Youth Fellowship meetings; and

WHEREAS, Brother Fred Smith's labor of love in the ministry was supported by his loyal and devoted wife, Sister Louise Smith; and

WHEREAS, the ministry of this humble and dedicated pastor has truly been a blessing to the thousands of lives touched by his ministry; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the Senate of the State of Mississippi to recognize and commend the dedicated and devoted service of the citizens of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend Brother Fred Smith for his 50 years of dedicated service in the ministry and congratulate him upon reaching this milestone in his ministry.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Brother Fred Smith.