House Resolution 41

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING HOLLY GROVE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY, ACKNOWLEDGING THE CELEBRATION OF 100 YEARS OF DEVOUT FAITH AND SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE.

WHEREAS, Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, organized in 1915 in Drew, Mississippi, and which built its first edifice for assembled worship on its present site on July 17, 1917, celebrated the 100th anniversary of its official establishment in July 2017; and

WHEREAS, the church began worshipping in their new sanctuary under the leadership of Reverend W.S. Stevenson and the first board of trustee members and deaconess ministry consisting of: Brother I. Wilkinson, Brother H.Y. Betts, Brother Grant Clark, Brother Albert Brown, Sister Margret Wilkinson, Sister Hattie Williams Cockrell and Sister Lugene Brown; and

WHEREAS, over the course of its centennial history, Holly Grove has been led by several capable and dynamic pastors who each contributed to the spiritual, numerical and physical growth of the church and in the fulfillment of the Great Commission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, including: Reverend A.L. Hill (early 1930s-1943); Reverend T.W. Richardson (1943-1969), under whose leadership a new sanctuary was constructed; Reverend W.L. Smith, Jr., who would be named Pastor Emeritus (1969-1992); Reverend C.J. Nelson (interim pastor, 1992-1993); Reverend Adoris Turner (1994-1997); Reverend Jesse Gresham (interim pastor, 1997-1998) with the assistance of Pastor Martha Shoulders; Reverend Scotty Williams (1998); Reverend Percy Grant (1999); Reverend Jesse Gresham (2000-2014); Reverend Bobby Love (interim pastor 2014-2015); and Reverend William "Ray" Blackmon (2015-present); and

WHEREAS, even in the midst of tumultuous times, like the Great Depression and other economic and natural disasters that threatened the fate of Holly Grove, the members, with an unshakeable faith, have trusted in God to make a way, relied upon the visionary leadership of their pastors, and labored as diligent workers in the vineyard to replant, rebuild and continue to walk in the path of spiritual righteousness; and

WHEREAS, having maintained the resolve to worship and serve God by being a blessing and of service to others, Holly Grove has experienced the fullness of God's joy as their footprint in the Community of Drew, as well as the entirety of Sunflower County has flourished under the covering of the prayer of Jabez, as its continued existence has been blessed indeed and its territory enlarged; and

WHEREAS, Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church continues its journey of reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ as it has added a fellowship hall, established a Men's Ministry, an active Youth Department, and two of its members being called to the ministry through the ordained leadership of Reverend William "Ray" Blackmon, whose devout integrity continues to be a beacon of light and inspiration in times of social, moral and spiritual decline, as well as, Reverend Bobby Love, who serves as Director of Christian Education, and Reverend Robert Hunter, who serves as Youth Minister; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church looks back on its past achievements, and with sincere thankfulness acknowledges God's grace and love, which have brought them through the years and have given them triumphant victory; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding and contributory religious institutions such as Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church, which continues to be a cornerstone of Sunflower County and the Drew community as it strives continuously to promote the spread and growth of the Christian faith:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the diligence of the pastors and members of Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's 100th year anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Holly Grove Missionary Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.