MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2023 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Chism, Butler (38th), Thomas

Senate Resolution 77

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMEMORATING THE QUARTOSEPTCENTENNIAL (175TH) ANNIVERSARY OF BEULAH BAPTIST CHURCH IN MYRTLE, MISSISSIPPI, THE "LIGHTHOUSE ON THE HILL."

     WHEREAS, in August 1848, ten Christian people met to form a church.  It was to be called the United Baptist Church Beulah.  Those first members were addressed by William Hale, who read from I Corinthians 16:13-14.  The church met on the second Sunday of each month and on the preceding Saturday to conduct church business; and

     WHEREAS, in March 1849, the church had its first meeting house at a place known as McNair Springs on land donated by the Collins family; and

     WHEREAS, the first church was a two room log church that also served as a school.  It was to the right side of the present church.  Ruben Hale was elected as the first Pastor at a salary of $2.00 a month; and

     WHEREAS, around 1872, the second church was built.  It was across the road with a path leading down the hill to the spring.  It was also a log church; and

     WHEREAS, the third church was built sometime around 1904.  It was the white frame church with only one room with hard wooden benches; and

     WHEREAS, in the 1800s through the early 1900s, church discipline was very strict.  Church records show people being called before the church for drinking, swearing and dancing; and

     WHEREAS, until the early 1940s, the church met for preaching once a month, then to twice a month.  In the 1960s, Beulah Church went "full time"; and

     WHEREAS, in 1958, the big white church was torn down and the first brick church was built.  By 1978, the church had outgrown that building and the big present church was built.  Over time, that church has been remodeled; and

     WHEREAS, for many years the church was on a back road.  It was not paved until many years later; and

     WHEREAS, there are only a few churches in Union County that are older than Beulah.  Some churches have closed their doors; some have disbanded for a short time and then reorganized.  Beulah has never closed her doors, even during the Civil War, World Wars I and II, and many other drastic times.  Only bad weather and impossible roads have kept the church from having regular services; and

     WHEREAS, some families in the church today have ancestors who attended Beulah dating back to the early 1850s.  This year, under the leadership of Pastor Marty Merritt, we join the congregation in celebrating 175 years, being very blessed over these many years.  In hard times, good times, they continue to be a "Lighthouse on the Hill":

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commemorate the Quartoseptcentennial (175th) Anniversary of Beulah Baptist Church in Myrtle, Mississippi, the "Lighthouse on the Hill," and extend to the Pastor, Elders, Deacons and the Congregation the best wishes of the Mississippi Senate on this auspicious occasion.

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Pastor Brother Marty Merritt and the Beulah Baptist Church leadership, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.