Senate Resolution 3

(As Adopted by Senate)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE CHARITABLE AND CIVIC SERVICE OF REVEREND WINDELL GREENE, SR., OF NATCHEZ, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF HIS RETIREMENT.

WHEREAS, Reverend Windell Greene, Sr., of Natchez, Mississippi, has served his church, community and state in many capacities; and

WHEREAS, Windell Greene, Sr., was born on May 9, 1941, to the late Jimmy and Susie Greene in Vidalia, Louisiana, one mile from Natchez, Mississippi, across the Mississippi River Bridge. His family included six brothers and six sisters; and

WHEREAS, he was educated in the Concordia Parish Public Schools. After graduation, he enrolled at Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, where he received his Bachelor's degree in Social Studies in 1963. He worked his way through college at the State Industrial School for Colored Youths near Baton Rouge. It was at this school that Greene would practice many of his counseling skills that would serve him well later in life. He became a motivating force and role model for men who were older and much more experienced than he; and

WHEREAS, even before attending college, Greene had determined to be a minister of the gospel. He preached his first sermon at the age of 17 on Christmas Day at the Masonic Hall in Vidalia, Louisiana. His unassuming demeanor and love of the gospel caught the attention of a Minister of the Church of Christ, Clarence Shaffner. Reverend Shaffner was instrumental in Greene's decision to further his education at Southern University. While attending college, he was named Minister at the Frogmore Church of Christ in Louisiana at the age of 19 and would travel home on the weekends to conduct services; and

WHEREAS, at Southern University, Greene met and married Elnora Martin of Jonesboro, Louisiana, on October 27, 1963. Five children blessed that union: LaWendellyn Greene Franklin of Vidalia, Louisiana; Donnell Green, Windell Greene, Jr., and Dwight Greene of Jackson, Mississippi; and Dr. Montrell Green of Cleveland, Mississippi. All of his children are active in the congregations in the cities where they reside. He has nine grandchildren; and

WHEREAS, after marriage, Greene continued to serve as Minister of the Frogmore Church of Christ. He later moved to Buffalo in Wilkinson County, then to Woodlawn in Natchez. During this time, he worked in Vidalia teaching Social Studies and English. When the congregation at Woodlawn moved to the Fourth Street location, Windell Greene became the full-time Minister of what is now the Fourth Street Church of Christ in 1985. He retired from the Vidalia School System after 22 years to devote his full attention to the church and preaching the gospel. It is a decision he has never regretted. He has nurtured the growth of his congregation from 15 members to nearly 400; and

WHEREAS, Green has also been a servant in his community. He is involved in the prison ministry at Angola Penitentiary in Louisiana. He delivers "Manna in the Morning," a radio broadcast on WTYJ in Natchez. He has served on numerous boards and committees throughout the years, including:

· Founded the United League of Organizations that secured the name change of Pine Street in Natchez to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Street;

· National Park Committee which gained Melrose Plantation National Park status;

· Advisory Board for Britton & Koontz National Bank;

· Natchez-Adams Bi-Racial Committee charged with desegregating Natchez Public Schools;

· NAACP Board of Directors;

· Chairman of Ministerial Unification Committee that served as liaison between political factions and city officials;

· Mississippi State Commission on Teacher and Administrator Education;

· Appointed by the State Superintendent of Education on the Administration Preparation Task Force;

· Currently serves as Vice President of Council on Aging; and

WHEREAS, he has received many awards and accolades:

· Ten Most Influential African-Americans in 1994;

· Named Pastor of the Year by Bluff City Post;

· James Cothern Award of Recognition;

· Windell Greene Day on May 8, 1999, jointly by city and county; and

WHEREAS, Greene still resides in Natchez, Mississippi, with his bride of 43 years. He plans to continue to labor in the Kingdom of God in a more limited capacity; and

WHEREAS, it is with great pride that we recognize the selfless charitable and civic service and leadership of this Mississippi citizen:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend the charitable and civic service of Reverend Windell Greene, Sr., of Natchez, Mississippi, and extend to him and his family the best wishes of the Senate on the occasion of his retirement as Minister of Fourth Street Church of Christ, Natchez, Mississippi.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be forwarded to Reverend Greene and his family and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.