Senate Resolution 36

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF TERRY, MISSISSIPPI, UPON THE CELEBRATION OF ITS 150TH ANNIVERSARY.

WHEREAS, the First Baptist Church in Terry, Mississippi, is celebrating 150 years of ministry and has planned a 150th Anniversary Celebration Weekend on Saturday, March 1, 2003, and Sunday, March 2, 2003; and

WHEREAS, the First Baptist Church was constituted on September 18, 1852, and was first called Friendship Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, the first church was located in New Town, a community now known as Wynndale, 3.5 miles northwest of Terry, and Reverend Jesse Woodall served as the first pastor; and

WHEREAS, the first Sunday School was organized in 1860 and the church letter to the Central Association in 1866 indicated that there were 31 white members and 21 black members; and

WHEREAS, in 1868, Friendship Church was moved from New Town to Terry, and a house of worship was constructed in 1869 on a site donated by Mr. and Mrs. J.J. Conway of Pike County, Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, in 1872, there were 41 members of the church, 33 enrolled in Sunday School, and available records show that the church library consisted of 125 volumes; and

WHEREAS, the name of the church was changed to Terry Baptist Church in 1878; the former church site in New Town was sold in 1888 for $20.00; and the earliest budget available for the year 1895 was $395.55; and

WHEREAS, in 1899, the large white frame building that served for many years was built; this building was razed and a brick sanctuary completed in 1955; a brick education building was completed in 1963; and in 1978, a Family Life Center was constructed; and

WHEREAS, the name of Terry Baptist Church was changed to First Baptist Church on January 27, 1974. Renovation and enlargement of the sanctuary and office suite, which was started in 1987, was completed in 1988. A dedication service was held September 25, 1988; and

WHEREAS, current church statistics are: 1,081 total church members; 562 Sunday School enrollment; 296 Sunday School average attendance; and $539,012.00 in total receipts; and

WHEREAS, current church leaders and personnel are: John H. Pace, Jr., Pastor; Todd Cole, Minister of Youth and Activities; Jeff Cannon, Director of Music; Maxcine Brunson, Secretary; Rhonda Mangold, Childcare Director; Toby Jones, Chairman of the Deacons; and Leonard Homes, Custodian; and

WHEREAS, the First Baptist Church has provided the citizens of Terry, Mississippi, with many years of Christian guidance, fellowship and worship to fulfill their religious needs:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the First Baptist Church of Terry, Mississippi, upon its 150th Anniversary and express our appreciation for its many years of services to the citizens of this state.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the First Baptist Church and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.