House Resolution 101

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING MT. MORIAH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS 122ND ANNIVERSARY, ACKNOWLEDGING THE CELEBRATION OF 122 YEARS OF DEVOUT FAITH AND SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE.

WHEREAS, organized on March 14, 1901, under the capable leadership of the late Reverend John Roberson, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, which has remained under the guidance of several spiritual leaders, including the likes of the late Reverend B.M. Miller, will celebrate the auspicious occasion of its 122nd year anniversary of its founding; and

WHEREAS, Mt. Moriah remains a community pillar and haven for the spiritual nourishing of souls, both young and old, who cherish the rich history and traditions of the founding predecessors of their edifice of Christian worship from the laying of the first cornerstone in 1901; and

WHEREAS, in 1932 and for a period of 10 years, Mt. Moriah was under the spiritual leadership of the late Reverend Scott, before being placed under new spiritual guidance of the late Reverends L. L. Laws and J.W. Wims in 1942, and at the conclusion of their appointed years of service Reverend Percy Jackson took the mantle of spiritual leadership from 1957 through 1964; and

WHEREAS, even in the midst of disaster, on one tragic night in 1962, the church was completely destroyed by a fire, yet the members, with an unshakable faith, continued Sunday worship services through the gracious generosity of Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which opened its doors to the Mt. Moriah Church Family until the church was rebuilt and completed April 17, 1964; and

WHEREAS, as the years progressed, Reverend J.C. Curley was appointed to the pastoral office in 1964 and served until his death on April 24, 1980, leaving the church without a spiritual shepherd for three months until the installation of Reverend Clarence H. Grainger, under whose leadership the church experienced exponential growth in many ways until his passing in December 1993; and

WHEREAS, again, Mt. Moriah found itself without a pastor for a period of six months until the Reverend Leroy Carter came and administered spiritual guidance from July 1994 until September 1996; and

WHEREAS, having maintained the resolve to worship and serve God by being a blessing and of service to others, Mt. Moriah was blessed in April 1997 with the leadership and installation of Reverend Anthony Nollie, under whose leadership the groundbreaking ceremony for the new edifice of worship was held on May 21, 2002, before the facility was completed in 2004, while again accepting the benevolence of Beautiful Zion Missionary Baptist Church, which opened its doors for the congregation to worship; and

WHEREAS, God, in his divine providence, called Reverend Nollie to eternal rest in May 2007, yet the valiant men and women of Mt. Moriah kept the faith through trials and tribulation, gave light in a dark world, peace to the troubled, compassion to the weary and love to all God's children, persevered until August 2008, when God anointed Reverend Gregory U. Banks to pastor the flock until his presence was required in Heaven's inner courts in December 2020; and

WHEREAS, in July 2021, the plan of God continued to prosper as Elder Emmanual L. Boone, Sr., was called to lead the flock and continue amplifying and edifying God's kingdom by empowering the congregation of Mt. Moriah to be real disciples of Christ, living in holiness, and worshipping in spirit and truth; and

WHEREAS, Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church continues its journey of reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ as it remains a dedicated place of worship for many in Coahoma County; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Mt. Moriah 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 Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church, which continues to be a cornerstone in Scott County as it strives continuously to promote the spread and growth of the Christian faith through the keeping of the Great Commission by becoming fishers of men:

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 Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's 122nd 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 Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.