MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Frazier

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REVEREND EARL WARD FOR HIS DEVOTED MINISTRY AND CONGRATULATING HIM UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS 23RD-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF DEDICATED SERVICE TO ST. JOHN M.B. CHURCH OF UTICA, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Reverend Earl Ward was born in Rankin County, Mississippi, to the late Samuel "Doc" Ward and Melissa Bozeman Ward on September 25, 1920, and he is the fifth child of nine siblings born to this union; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Earl Ward was united in holy matrimony to the lovely Ms. Earnestine Holcomb on July 4, 1946, and they were blessed with five beautiful children: Wanda Joyce Ward-Moncure, Earl W. Ward, Jr., Connett H. Ward, Antoniques S. Ward and Keisi Debora B. Ward; and

WHEREAS, they are the proud grandparents of seventeen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, he was called into the ministry in the late 1950s and has remained a dedicated and faithful clergyman; and

WHEREAS, he is the Pastor of St. John M.B. Church in Utica, Mississippi, where he has served from March 1978 until the present; he was elected Pastor of Morning Star M.B. Church in Star, Mississippi, July 1980, and currently serves as their Honorary Pastor; and

WHEREAS, under Rev. Earl Ward's leadership, bible class was organized, third Sunday worship service was established for the youth in the community, and Rev. James Roby, Jr., was elected as Assistant Pastor of St. John M.B. Church; and

WHEREAS, he often invited the youth to attend St. John's worship service, especially those whom he observed playing in the streets while on his way to church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend and Mrs. Earl Ward's perpetual love and concern is compassionately shown toward those readily in need; and

WHEREAS, many times after worship service, Reverend and Mrs. Earl Ward, accompanied by some of the deacons, visited the sick and shut-ins to administer the Lord's Supper; and

WHEREAS, occasionally ill, Reverend Earl Ward insisted on conducting Sunday morning worship services because of his obligation to God, family, and his congregation; and

WHEREAS, Reverend and Mrs. Earl Ward's leadership is exemplified beyond the boundaries of their home, but is prevalent throughout the community; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Earl Ward taught bible studies at other churches within the surrounding area, such as: Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church and Salem M.B. Church in Terry, Mississippi, and Clear Creek #2 M.B. Church in Crystal Springs, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Earl Ward often expressed his love and appreciation for the musical talent of the Junior and Senior Choirs of St. John M.B. Church; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Earl Ward's willful labor in the ministry was always supported by his wife, who walked wholeheartedly with him without reservation; and

WHEREAS, upon reflection of the life of Reverend Earl Ward and his loyal and devoted wife, Mrs. Earnestine Holcomb Ward, it can be said that their tenure has truly been a blessing to St. John M.B. Church; and

WHEREAS, under the tireless devotion and unselfish leadership of Reverend and Mrs. Earl Ward, St. John M.B. Church is assured in knowing that the steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord; and he delighteth in his way; and

WHEREAS, the congregation of St. John M.B. Church honors Reverend Earl Ward on March 4, 2001, for twenty-three years of dedicated service; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that the Senate of the State of Mississippi recognize and commend the dedicated and devoted service of the citizens of this state:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Reverend Earl Ward for his ministry and service to St. John M.B. Church and the surrounding community, and wish him continued success in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Reverend Earl Ward.