MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2018 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Representative Watson

House Resolution 60

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE DISTINGUISHED CAREER AND MERITORIOUS LEADERSHIP AND SERVICE THAT PASTOR MARCUS T. CATHEY PROVIDED AS THE PRESIDENT OF THE HATTIESBURG PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT BOARD OF TRUSTEES.

     WHEREAS, Pastor Marcus T. Cathey, the President of the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees, and community leader extraordinaire, concluded his service in that role on March 2, 2018, after selflessly dedicating 10 years of illustrious leadership and competent guidance to the wonderful people of the Hattiesburg community; and

     WHEREAS, a native of Jackson, Mississippi, Pastor Cathey graduated from Callaway High School in 1989, and then moved to Hattiesburg, Mississippi, to become a Golden Eagle and attend the University of Southern Mississippi; and

     WHEREAS, because he had a passion for ministry, he transferred to William Carey University and received his bachelor's degree, and from there, he furthered his religious studies in the Master of Divinity Program at New Orleans Baptist Seminary; and

     WHEREAS, Pastor Cathey embarked on his ministerial journey at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Hattiesburg, but in 1999, he felt the Lord calling him to start a church in west Hattiesburg, so he answered, and what began as a small group Bible study of only 12 people grew in faith and fellowship and now, West Point Baptist Church ministers to more than 2,000 members; and

     WHEREAS, an advocate for promoting reconciliation, equipping servant leaders and educating the next generation, Pastor Cathey is actively involved in his community, including serving as Second Vice President of the General Missionary Baptist State Convention of Mississippi, previously serving as a board member of the United Way of Southeast Mississippi, the Hattiesburg American Editorial Board, the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and the Board of Trustees for the Mississippi Baptist Seminary and Bible College, and serving as a member of the Area Development Partnership's Leaders for a New Century, now known as Leadership Pinebelt, Class of 2000; and

     WHEREAS, because of his ardent determination, selfless desire to serve his community and passion for education, former Hattiesburg Mayor Johnny Dupree appointed and then reappointed Pastor Cathey as President of the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees, a position he served with efficiency and effectiveness; and

     WHEREAS, throughout his career, Pastor Cathey has received an unwavering shower of loving support from his wife, Marneshia, and their three children, Joshua, Madison and Mason; and

     WHEREAS, after 10 years of dedicated school board service to the people of Hattiesburg, the cessation of his presidency will surely leave an insatiable void for governing and mingling with Mississippi's finest in the heart of Pastor Cathey, but he is overjoyed to reflect on the countless number of remarkable people that have touched his life throughout his 10-year career as the President of the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees; and

     WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend the tireless devotion to the betterment of Mississippi and honor the ardent vow to impeccable public service that Pastor Marcus T. Cathey, bestowed to the citizens of Hattiesburg as the President of the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees:

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the distinguished career and meritorious leadership and service that Pastor Marcus T. Cathey provided as the President of the Hattiesburg Public School District Board of Trustees, and extend sincere wishes for continued success and joy in all of his future endeavors.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Pastor Cathey and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.