MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2000 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harden

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REV. CHARLES E. POLK FOR HIS 25 YEARS AS SPIRITUAL LEADER AT ST. LUTHER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Rev. Polk has rendered efficient, faithful and invaluable service to the St. Luther Church for the past 25 years as its spiritual leader; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Charles E. Polk was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and is the second oldest of five brothers and one sister. Rev. Polk has been happily married to Mrs. Eddie M. Spann Polk for forty-four years, and they are the parents of two sons, Charles Polk, Jr., of Buffalo, New York; and Roy Harold Polk of Madison, Mississippi; and six grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Polk has served as Pastor of the St. Luther Missionary Baptist Church located at 1040 Banks Street, Jackson, Mississippi, for 25 years. The church has grown tremendously. Rev. Polk has received numerous awards, as a result of his powerful style of preaching, which has earned him the nickname "The Son of Thunder"; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Polk is a former member of the Jackson Southernairs; he recorded many songs with them and traveled all over the country singing until God called him to the ministry. Rev. Polk's community and civic affiliations include S.C.L.C., NAACP, Ministers Union, Mississippi Baptist Convention, National Baptist Convention USA, Board Member of Central Mississippi Health Services, Inc., and a board member of the Mississippi Mass Choir, and Financial Secretary of the Mississippi Baptist State Convention; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Polk is sensitive to the needs of the poor, senior citizens and the youth and each year he dedicates time and effort to the senior citizens' food basket giveaway for Christmas; and

WHEREAS, during his 25 years at St. Luther, the church has expanded its physical facilities and has increased its services to members and their families, including expanding services and opportunities for the youth, and is currently planning an addition of a family life center; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Polk gives unselfishly of his time, talents and efforts for the improvement of mankind. His integrity and sincerity have earned him the respect and admiration of people in all walks of life; and

WHEREAS, he has always been a champion of civic betterment and a tireless advocate of citizen involvement in government; and

WHEREAS, Rev. Polk is a fluent speaker, a visionary leader of extraordinary vitality who is loved and admired by friends both far and near:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That the Senate and the St. Luther Missionary Baptist Church family and the West Jackson community commend Rev. Polk for his unique outreach ministry of teaching and sharing God's word, upon the occasion of 25 years of service to his church.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Rev. Polk and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.