Senate Resolution 15

A RESOLUTION CONGRATULATING AND EXTENDING GREETINGS TO REVEREND ARTHUR FITZPATRICK AND THE CONGREGATION OF STRAWBERRY MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN MARSHALL COUNTY, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION (1867-2017).

WHEREAS, in June 2017, Strawberry Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall County, Mississippi, will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary, a great day in the life of the church and community; and

WHEREAS, in 1867, Eliza Dawson gave the freemen of Marshall County, Mississippi, permission to build a church on Section 14, Range 3, Township 3, making Strawberry Plains Baptist Church one of the first African-American Baptist Churches documented in Marshall County. Though the church was organized on Dawson land, the name chosen harkened back to the Davis Plantation, Strawberry Plains. On January 31, 1880, 13 years after the church was established on loaned land, the church bought the four-acre site from William Cox for a sum of $90.00. The 1880 deed stated the church's name as the Colored Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, the church was founded by a group of young people, most of whom were less than 26 years old. The church's first Pastor, Reverend Elijah Reynolds, gave up the pulpit in 1893. The church's founding officers, Sally Stevenson; Joe Oliver; Tom Williams; Alan Perkins; Frank Lee; Matt Finley; Martha Jane Perkins; and Fannie Lawrence, lived to see the dawn of the Twentieth Century. Sally Stevenson was the church's first Mother; and

WHEREAS, with a pastor and founding officers in place, the second Sunday was designated as preaching Sunday. In harmony with the second Sunday preaching, annual revival was set the week following the second Sunday in August. It was here that the tradition of the mourner's bench and pounding were established. In 1892, the Strawberry School opened with an enrollment of 438 students, all of whom were in the First Grade. Many of the students were young adults. Enrollment peaked in 1906 with 883 students. After having taught more than 4,000 children how to read, write and count, the school closed in 1956; and

WHEREAS, in 1890 after some years in the church, it was completely destroyed by fire, but this did not stop the business of the church. Services were held under a Bush Harbor until the new church was built. During 1905, the church burned the second time. Two years later, still under the pastorate of J.L. Harris, the wood-frame structure was built and dedicated on June 9, 1907, the second Sunday. The wood structure remained in service for 71 years in its original physical state. The second and third generation of the slaves wanted more for their families and their offspring. It was decided to rebuild a new sanctuary on the same land; and

WHEREAS, groundbreaking for a new sanctuary was directed under Reverend Odie Williams. Construction was completed in 1978 under the leadership of Reverend Arthur Fitzpatrick. On December 7, 2003, the new sanctuary groundbreaking took place. It was remarked, "This building, which is going to be erected here, is a memorial to those who had a vision for the church. By erecting this building at this time, it will allow us to move from a family church to a community." One year later, December 5, 2004, church members and friends came together to participate in the Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and celebrate the new and present sanctuary dedication; and

WHEREAS, through the years, the church has been blessed by numerous pastors and lay spiritual leaders who have allowed themselves to be led by Him who is and who will forever be. As Strawberry Missionary Baptist Church moves forward, remembering the sacrifice of those who were before, they look to the future, and we recognize that this church has been a blessing to others:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate and extend the greetings to Reverend Arthur Fitzpatrick and the congregation of Strawberry Missionary Baptist Church in Marshall County, Mississippi, on the occasion of its 150th Anniversary Celebration (1867-2017).

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Pastor and congregation of Strawberry Missionary Baptist Church, and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.