Senate Resolution 59

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REVEREND L.D. DUCKSWORTH UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY AS PASTOR OF THE SHADY GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH.

WHEREAS, the Reverend L.D. Ducksworth is celebrating his fiftieth anniversary as Pastor of the Shady Grove Baptist Church in Heidelberg, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in the Spring of 1939, Reverend Ducksworth began this spiritual odyssey, serving in numerous churches in addition to Shady Grove Baptist Church, including Mount Beulah Baptist Church, Mount Bethel Baptist Church and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church in Soso, Pine Hill Baptist Church and Saint Paul Baptist in Seminary, Hickory Grove Baptist Church in Sumrall, Philti Baptist Church in Bay Springs, Blue Mountain Baptist Church in Bay Springs, Ebenezer Baptist Church in Heidelberg and Mount Zion Baptist Church in Prentiss; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Ducksworth has also spent 40 years as President of First Sweet Pilgrim B.T.U. and Sunday Congress, 6 years as Vice President of the First Sweet Pilgrim Association, 30 years as President of First Enterprise Baptist Association and 11 years as Jasper County Jury Commissioner; and

WHEREAS, he has been honored with the District Congress Award, Jury Commission Award, and with Thirty-two Year and Forty Year Church Anniversary Awards; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Ducksworth has been very instrumental in the growth and reorganization of Shady Grove Baptist Church, which now functions with a Deacon and Trustee Board, Mission Society, Starlight Band, Shepherd Boys League, Male Chorus, Youth Choir, Senior and Combined Choir, and a Sunday School for all ages; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Ducksworth is greatly responsible for the church's growth in membership which totals 834 members, 357 by Christian experience/church letter; and

WHEREAS, he and his wife, Vera, have reared 5 boys and 3 girls; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize and commend such outstanding citizens as Reverend Ducksworth:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby congratulate the Reverend L.D. Ducksworth upon the occasion of his fiftieth anniversary as Pastor of the Shady Grove Baptist Church, and wish him many more years of faithful service.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend L.D. Ducksworth and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.