House Resolution 31

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING REVEREND R. LEON HOLLY UPON HIS RETIREMENT AS PASTOR OF VAIDEN BAPTIST CHURCH.

WHEREAS, Reverend R. Leon Holly has faithfully served as Pastor of the Vaiden Baptist Church for nearly 20 years, and it is with great honor and appreciation that we recognize his tireless, selfless and remarkable service; and

WHEREAS, to show the great love and appreciation that the congregation of Vaiden Baptist Church has for Reverend R. Leon Holly, the members of the church commemorated his retirement by presenting Reverend Holly and his wife, Geneva, with a new truck; and

WHEREAS, on Sunday, July 27, 1986, Reverend Holly began leading the flock at Vaiden Baptist Church and before beginning pastoring at Vaiden Baptist Church Reverend Holly served at other churches within Carroll County which include: New Bethel, Mt. Olive, Mt. Pisgah and Minter Center Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Holly, an avid believer in education, attended Delta State where he received a bachelor of arts degree in history and Bible and a master's degree in school administration, and he later attended Southwestern Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas; and

WHEREAS, the Carroll County Association has benefited from Reverend Holly's tireless contributions made to the association which include: serving as a moderator, Sunday School Director, Pastoral Ministry Director and Evangelism Director; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Holly has positively influenced countless young minds in the school system where he served as principal of Carroll Academy Elementary School, assistant principal of Bankston Elementary School and as headmaster of Greenwood Private Junior High and Presbyterian Day Schools; and

WHEREAS, throughout Reverend Holly's ministry he and his ever-supporting wife, Geneva, of 44 years have spread the gospel throughout the world which included mission trips to Indiana, Honduras, Guatemala, and Costa Rica; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Holly, although retired, will continue to spread the love of Jesus Christ as he continues his ministry as a substitute pastor throughout the Carroll County area; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend an outstanding as well as noble individual, such as Reverend Holly, who has contributed immensely to his church and community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we commend and congratulate Reverend R. Leon Holly upon his retirement as Pastor of Vaiden Baptist Church and wish him continued success as he continues to help churches in need as well as the community as a whole.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend R. Leon Holly and members of the Capitol Press Corps.