House Resolution 161

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING REVEREND WILFORD EARL BRIDGES UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS 20TH PASTORAL ANNIVERSARY AT HOSANNA MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH.

WHEREAS, it is with much love, appreciation and gratitude that Reverend Wilford Earl Bridges is celebrated, saluted and honored upon his 20th pastoral anniversary at Hosanna Missionary Baptist Church, a truly momentous occasion; and

WHEREAS, a native of Ellisville, Mississippi, Reverend Bridges is a graduate of South Jones High School, the University of Mississippi, and Southeastern Baptist College; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Bridges is the founder and pastor of Hosanna Missionary Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi, and has been preaching God's Word for 34 years and pastoring for 33 years; and

WHEREAS, a pastor of honor and grace, Reverend Bridges's giftedness, ability to lead with distinction, humble spirit, charismatic nature, gracious attitude and intellectual abilities are what makes him an outstanding ministerial leader at Hosanna, and his flock can all attest to the fact that no matter what life brings his way, he is always willing and ready with a servant's heart to bring comfort, lend a word of encouragement, teach and bring a Word from the Lord; and

WHEREAS, outside of his ministerial duties, Reverend Bridges valiantly served his country in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield as a member of the U.S. Army National Guard; and

WHEREAS, devoted to his family, Reverend Bridges is married to Mrs. Janice Brown Bridges, an administrator with the Laurel School District, and is a beloved father and Papa to his grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, as an anointed man of God with a true heart of gold, there are many nights when Reverend Bridges goes before the Lord in prayer, and the many sacrifices that he has made, and his heartfelt love for those he has ministered to has never waivered; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize and commend outstanding community and church leaders, especially those such as Reverend Bridges, who certainly inspires everyone he meets and whose faith illuminates the path of hope for everyone he encounters along his earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby recognize and commend Reverend Wilford Earl Bridges upon his 20th pastoral anniversary at Hosanna Missionary Baptist Church, and express sincere wishes for continued success in all his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend Wilford Earl Bridges and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.