Senate Resolution 27

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING ELDER LARRY WEEMS FOR ELEVEN YEARS OF DEDICATED SERVICE AS PASTOR OF DAVIS TEMPLE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST AND FOR HIS CONTINUING SERVICE TO THE MISSISSIPPI SOUTHERN FIRST ECCLESIASTICAL JURISDICTION OF THE CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST.

WHEREAS, Elder Larry Weems is the fourth of 12 children born in 1958 to Erenest and Nezzie Lee Weems, Sr. He attended Oak Park Elementary School, Maddox Junior High School and Watkins High School. He was a letterman in both football and basketball in Junior High and Senior High School, and he attended Jackson State University on a basketball scholarship majoring in Graphic Arts Design. He was president of a prayer group during his freshman year that had nine students in the group. After four years the membership of the prayer group had grown to over 200 students. He served as Vice President of the COGIC Club at Jackson State for three years. Elder Weems graduated from Laurel Baptist Seminary in 1976 with an Associate Degree and from Jackson State University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in 1980; and

WHEREAS, at the age of 11, Elder Weems joined the Sweet Buelah Church of God in Christ. He received the baptism of the Holy Ghost at the age of 14 and was appointed Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent at that time. He accepted the call into the ministry at the age of 15. He was appointed President of the Jurisdictional Young Men's Christian Council (YMCC) at the age of 19. At the age of 21, he was appointed Jurisdictional Correspondence Secretary, and is currently serving as Secretary of the Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ; and

WHEREAS, the late Bishop Theodore Davis appointed Elder Weems as Pastor of Davis Temple COGIC, the Headquarters for Mississippi Southern First Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ where he has ministered for the past 11 years. He also pastored Davis Chapel COGIC in Gloster, Mississippi, and James Chapel COGIC in Mount Olive, Mississippi, for two years; and

WHEREAS, Elder Weems was the first Black Art Director in Mississippi for WLBT Channel 3 for nine years. In 1988, he was appointed Administrative Coordinator for Saints Academy, and continues to serve in this position. He works in the financial office for the National Church of God in Christ under Bishop Frank White and is National Overseer/Treasurer for the Adjective Department; and

WHEREAS, Elder Weems is married to Ann Tillman Weems of Clarksdale, Mississippi, and they are the proud parents of one daughter, Vickie, and two sons, Larry, Jr., and Cameron; and

WHEREAS, additionally, Elder Weeks is active in the Washington's Addition Neighborhood Association and the West Central Jackson Community. He was selected this year (2002) to serve on Jackson State University's e-City Faith Based Committee, and was later elected Chair. During this time, Pastor Weems has rendered invaluable service to e-City and the Development of the West Jackson Community; and

WHEREAS, Elder Weems is committed to the revitalization and redevelopment of the West Jackson area to benefit neighborhood residents. He continues to work diligently to increase services for the elderly and the disabled, to improve and create affordable housing, provide adequate transportation, create jobs, improve economic conditions and provide educational enhancement opportunities for the youth; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the dedicated, committed and inspirational service of this outstanding Mississippian who brings honor to his church congregation, to his community and to the State of Mississippi:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Elder Larry Weems for his 11 years of service as Pastor of Davis Temple Church of God in Christ, and extend to him the best wishes of the Senate in his future endeavors.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That a copy of this resolution be presented to Elder Larry Weems.