House Resolution 13

A RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND COMMENDING SHILOH FULL GOSPEL MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE OUTSTANDING OCCASION OF ITS 191ST ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, the congregation of Shiloh Full Gospel M.B. Church is celebrating the momentous occasion of the church's 191st anniversary, as the church commemorates its powerful impact of leading souls to Christ as the church remains a beacon of light for Columbus, Mississippi, and surrounding areas; and

WHEREAS, with faith and trust in God l9l years ago, about 60 years after our nation came into existence the Shiloh Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church was originated under a brush harbor by a few determined and devoted Christian slaves; and

WHEREAS, from this little shelter, Shiloh has been, and still is, the foundation for many generations, making it the oldest black church in the city of Columbus, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in 1821, the land for the church was chartered under the leadership of Pastor Bill Robinson along with several devoted deacons, and few records were documented during this time, however, the members have been able to determine that the church was demolished and re-erected at its former location, 110 Second Avenue North in 1886, under the leadership of Pastor I. M. Mission; and

WHEREAS, the lumber for the building was donated by the Cheatum Lumber Company, and it was at this time that the devoted workers began to fully realize the blessings of the Lord as they began to erect the first building to be known as Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, in 1942, the building was remodeled under the leadership of Pastor Robert M. Prowell, and because of continuous floods, the church was elevated in 1953, and during the elevation process, Pastor Prowell and the congregation worshipped at Northside M.B. Church until 1959, and they are forever grateful and appreciative to the family of Northside for extending a much needed helping hand; and

WHEREAS, it was under the leadership of Pastor Prowell that the Willing Works Organization and Harvest Rally were organized, and at the time of Pastor Prowell's passing, a new church building was completed under the leadership of Pastor Febber B. McCoy in 1959, and it was on the fourth Sunday of May 1959, that Pastor McCoy led his flock home to 110 Second Avenue North, and he remained the shepherd of the flock until 1980; and

WHEREAS, in 1980, Pastor John H. Sanders became the pastor and served faithfully until resigning in December 1989, and in March 1990, the church was blessed with its current pastor, Pastor Freddie Edwards, Sr., who strives constantly to supply their souls with spiritual guidance and complete nurture to live holy lives for God; and

WHEREAS, under the leadership of Pastor Edwards, the church membership began to increase, and it was in February 1991, after three consecutive floods from December to February, that Deacon Willie Hood approached the church with the vision of purchasing a new building, outside of the flood area; and

WHEREAS, with faith, hope, expectations and much prayer, under the leadership of Pastor Edwards, July 1, 1991, marked the first worship in the location on 426 Military Road, Columbus, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, under Pastor Edwards' leadership, in February 2000, the old building at 110 Second Avenue North was sold to Pastor Oscar Boyd and the Christ M.B. Full Gospel Church family; and

WHEREAS, in March 2004, the church secured properties located at 120 l9th Street and the Annex at 1800 Short Main Street South in Columbus, and the main sanctuary was formally dedicated the second Sunday in December 2004 at the 120 l9th Street location; and

WHEREAS, the Annex, at the 1800 Short Main Street location, is intended to house the Day Care Center, the Free Clothing Distribution Ministry and the Youth Ministry; and

WHEREAS, in 191 years, Shiloh has been blessed with only six pastors and a lot has been achieved since services began under the brush harbor in 1821, and with the continued guidance and help of Almighty God, much is yet to be gained, and they will always cherish their former pastors and members who labored so faithfully and diligently before them to fulfill their visions and dreams; and

WHEREAS, Shiloh continues its journey of reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ as it remains a dedicated place of worship committed to edifying God's kingdom by empowering the congregation to be true disciples of Christ, who live in holiness, and worship in spirit and truth; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Shiloh looks back on its past achievements, and with sincere thankfulness acknowledges God's grace and love, which have brought them through nearly a century and a half and have given them triumphant victory; and

WHEREAS, it is most appropriate to recognize and commend an outstanding, contributory and historic religious institution such as Shiloh Full Gospel M.B. Church, which continues to be a cornerstone in Columbus 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 Shiloh Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of its 191st anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

WHEREAS, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Shiloh Full Gospel Missionary Baptist Church, and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.