Senate Resolution 37

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE REVEREND FRANK LAROSE SUTTON, SR., ON THE OCCASION OF HIS INSTALLATION AS PASTOR OF FAIRFIELD M.B. CHURCH IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, on Sunday, December 8, 2002, the Reverend Frank LaRose Sutton, Sr., will be installed as Pastor of Fairfield M.B. Church in Jackson, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Frank L. Sutton is a native of Jackson, Mississippi. He is the oldest son of Reverend Jesse Sutton, Jr., and Evangelist Missionary Della King Sutton; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sutton received his early education at Westside School in Jackson. A graduate of Forest Hill High School, Rev. Sutton attended Jackson State University. In 1984, he was drafted into the National Football League where he played with the New England Patriots and the New York Giants. He is currently continuing his education at Belhaven College in Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sutton accepted his call to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ in April of 2000. He was ordained on January 24, 2001, and began service as an Associate Minister of New McRaven Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sutton stands as a fourth generation pastor following his great grandfather, Rev. Walter Sutton; his grandfather, Rev. Jesse Sutton, Sr.; and his father, Rev. Jesse Sutton, Jr. He also joins his brother, Rev. Arthur A. Sutton, in the ministry; and

WHEREAS, in September of 2002, Rev. Sutton accepted the call to serve as interim Pastor of Fairfield Missionary Baptist Church. By October 2002, Fairfield acknowledged Rev. Sutton as the shepherd God had given them and elected him Pastor; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sutton is employed as a Lieutenant with the Mississippi Department of Corrections. He is active with the General Missionary Baptist State Convention, Jackson District Congress of Christian Education and the Hinds County Women's Institute. He has been honored by the Mississippi House of Representatives for community service and Peeples Middle School PTSA as a past President. He holds membership with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, NAACP, and the Jackson Metropolitan Youth Crime Commission; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sutton's mission is to be an effective witness and teaching vessel for the Lord; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Sutton is married to the former Dr. Brigetta Kay Turner. He has three children, Jonathan, Erica and Frank, Jr.; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize this Mississippi citizen whose civic and religious leadership brings honor to his church, his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Reverend Frank LaRose Sutton, Sr., on the occasion of his installation as Pastor of Fairfield M.B. Church in Jackson, Mississippi, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Reverend Sutton and his family, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.