House Concurrent Resolution 100

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SHELTON BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE.

WHEREAS, Shelton Baptist Church, in Moselle, Mississippi, began its journey on Sunday, September 4, 1907, when 16 individuals obtained dismissal from the Fellowship Church and entered into a covenant with one another, subscribing to the regulations of the Tallahalla Association; and

WHEREAS, the charter members of the newly formed church were: Mr. and Mrs. W.W. Emmons, Mr. and Mrs. Wyatt Bonner, Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Grantham, J.J. Odom, I.J. Odom, Leona Odom, Bridget Tisdale, Edna Grantham, Elizabeth Odom, Carrie Lettett, Ollie Sellers, G.W. Callahan and Ida Callahan; and

WHEREAS, the covenant being signed, the presbytery was elected by move and second by Rev. R.J. Loper and Mr. M.H. Sheppard, thence the Articles of Faith were adopted and the newly formed presbytery declared as an organized body; and

WHEREAS, the church, located in an area populated by approximately 20 families, served by a post office and a general store located about one mile northwest of its present location, took its name from the community that it was to serve, which was called Shelton because of a nearby creek and the name of the local post office; and

WHEREAS, having established its mission statement, "A fellowship of baptized believers in Christ striving to be real disciples. We are loving, worshiping and obeying God, sharing Christ and equipping people for ministry," Shelton Baptist Church has, in its first 100 years, erected two buildings for worship, educational space, pastor's home and a family life center; and

WHEREAS, affiliated with the Jones County Baptist Church Association, the Mississippi Baptist Convention and the Southern Baptist Convention, Shelton Baptist Church has, over its rich history, been led by 26 dynamic leaders who preached the unadulterated gospel and made great strides in the advancement and growth of the church, including: Rev. R.J. Loper, Bro. Bruce Hilburn, Bro. B.A. Ashworth, Bro. A.A. Bryant, Rev. C.M. Grayson, Bro. Gaston Mooney, Bro. J.C. Murphy, Bro. J.E. Nix, Bro. Paul Z. Ball, Bro. L.O. Dewease, Rev. Jack Cranford, Rev. V.C. Windham, Rev. Reece Acklen, Rev. C.R. Robinson, Bro. Charles Brady, Dr. T. R. Coulter, Jr., Bro. James Haynes, Rev. Gerald O'Dom, Bro. Joel Ray, Bro. G.W. Smith, Bro. Herbert Kinmon, Bro. Eddie Parker, Bro. Terry Goodman, Bro. Henry Truell, Dr. Ronnie Bishop and Bro. Charles Brady; and

WHEREAS, Shelton Baptist Church has been a beacon in the community, having contributed both spiritually and culturally to its community by promoting the love of God, self and education; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Shelton Baptist Church looks back upon its past achievements, and with sincere thankfulness acknowledges God's grace and love, which have carried them triumphantly throughout its 100-year legacy; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize

outstanding and contributory religious institutions such as Shelton Baptist Church, which continues to be a vital part of

the Shelton Community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the diligence

of the pastors and members of Shelton Baptist Church upon the occasion of the church's 100th year anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be

furnished to Shelton Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.