MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Rules

By: Senator(s) Harden

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REV. CHARLES E. POLK FOR 26 YEARS AS PASTOR OF ST. LUTHER MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH IN JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI.

WHEREAS, Rev. Charles E. Polk has rendered efficient, faithful and invaluable service to the St. Luther Missionary Baptist Church for the past 26 years as its pastor; 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 45 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 26 years and gives God all the praise and glory for giving him a faith that has remained strong throughout the years. The church has grown tremendously under his dedicated and committed leadership and is involved in the following outreach ministries: Prison Ministry, Community Ministry, Children's Monday Night Ministry, Clothing Ministry, Training Union Ministry, Senior Citizens Ministry, Men-On-A-Mission Ministry, Partnership Ministry with Calvary Baptist and the Bible Class Ministry. 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., 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 less fortunate, the elderly and the youth, and each year volunteers his time and effort to the WKXI senior citizens' food giveaway for Christmas; and

WHEREAS, during his 26 years at St. Luther, the church has expanded its physical facilities and has increased its membership and services to members and their families, including expanding services and opportunities for the youth, and is currently planning to construct a new edifice in the West Jackson Community; 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 spirit-filled 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 and visionary leadership of teaching and sharing God's word, upon the occasion of 26 years of service to his church.

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