House Resolution 76

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING THE ANTIOCH MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH ON THE OCCASION OF ITS CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY, CELEBRATING 100 YEARS OF HISTORY, FELLOWSHIP, CHRISTIAN SERVICE AND SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE.

WHEREAS, in 1908, the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church was organized under the leadership of the Rev. Tom Edwards, who served the congregation for a number of years, establishing the foundation for what would become a prominent and historically rich religious institution in the Hattiesburg community; and

WHEREAS, throughout the course of its 100-year history, Antioch has been blessed with eight dynamic, spirit-filled and God-fearing leaders, who each contributed greatly to the growth of the church's ministries and missions, including: Rev. Tom Edwards, Rev. W.H. Johnson, Rev. Rich Hiram, Rev. I.W. Reynolds, Rev. R.W. Woullard, Sr., Rev. W.C. Carroll, Rev. Reginald Woullard, Sr., and Rev. D. Franklin Browne; and

WHEREAS, when Rev. R.W. Woullard took the reins as pastor, he was also pastoring the Morning Star Baptist Church and the Shady Grove Baptist Church, and he began to reorganize the church, allowing it to undergo renovations, a steady increase in membership, the addition of an educational unit, four assembly halls, 19 classrooms and the auditorium was remodeled; and

WHEREAS, the longest serving pastor of the church, Rev. R.W. Woullard, with 47 years of ministerial service and pastoral leadership, worked unceasingly in the capacity as a senior pastor of Antioch until his passing in December 1971; and

WHEREAS, after the loss of Rev. R.W. Woullard, Antioch's chosen successor, Rev. W.C. Carroll, continued to serve for 25 years, enabling the church to prosper materially and spiritually, as it adopted bylaws and organized according to the guidelines of the National Baptist Convention for the operating of auxiliary functions; and

WHEREAS, after the passing of Rev. Carroll, the church united its efforts to seek the man best suited to fulfill the duties of a devout pastor and leader with the insight to continue the mission and kingdom-building begun by his predecessors; and

WHEREAS, this search brought to them Rev. Reginald Woullard, Sr., who initiated and organized new ministries and reactivated others, such as the Wednesday Night Bible Class, deacon training, New Members Orientation Class, Adult Sunday School Classes, and a singles and married couples ministry, before being called to pastor the Shady Grove Baptist Church; and

WHEREAS, again undaunted by these circumstances, the Antioch family rallied together to pray for a leader, when the Lord sent Rev. D. Franklin Browne, one of his prepared servants, to serve as a pastor and shepherd for his sheep; and

WHEREAS, under Rev. Browne's pastorate, new ministries like the children's puppet ministry have been formed, former members have restored their memberships and much renovation has transpired; and

WHEREAS, with a spirit of service, Rev. Browne has made himself available to the members through the initiation of office hours to meet the needs of the congregation, including counseling in personal life matters and premarital classes; and

WHEREAS, his leadership has fostered a resurgence in membership participation, a building campaign progressing toward the erection of a new facility with groundbreaking for the new edifice to occur this year, the licensing of seven ministers, the ordination of two deacons and a community fellowship with other area churches; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Antioch Missionary Baptist Church looks back upon its past achievements, and with sincere thankfulness, acknowledges God's grace and love, which brought them through many trials and tribulations, delivering to them a triumphant victory; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend excellence in the history of the religious establishments in our state, that are a refuge of peace and sanctuary for our communities and the families dwelling therein, such as Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, whose fortitude and dedication to winning souls through the ministry of faith, salvation and redemption have allowed it to stand the test of the years:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the members and Pastor of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church on the occasion of its centennial anniversary, celebrating 100 years of history, fellowship, Christian service and spiritual excellence.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Rev. D. Franklin Browne of Antioch Missionary Baptist Church and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.