MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2008 Regular Session
To: Rules
By: Senator(s) King, Fillingane, Hudson, Hyde-Smith, Jackson (15th), McDaniel, Yancey
A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION TO COMMEND AND CONGRATULATE THE PASTOR AND CONGREGATION OF THE PETAL-HARVEY BAPTIST CHURCH IN PETAL, MISSISSIPPI, ON THE OCCASION OF THEIR CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION (1908-2008).
WHEREAS, the Petal-Harvey Baptist Church in Petal, Mississippi, was organized by a group of 23 faithful and dedicated Christians on August 6, 1908. As it celebrates its 100th Anniversary, the membership of the church exceeds 2,200 with an average Sunday School attendance in excess of 600. Over its 100 years of service, more than 2,600 individuals have joined the church through baptism; and
WHEREAS, in 1912, one acre of land was donated to build a church, and in 1923, the name of the church was changed from Petal Baptist Church to Petal-Harvey Baptist Church, due to the location of the church at the Beat Line between the communities of Petal and Harvey, Mississippi. A wooden frame structure was initially erected. This building, which was later replaced with a larger structure, is the site of the present day sanctuary. In 1912, the church property was valued at $750.00. Today, the church facilities are valued at over $6,500,000.00; and
WHEREAS, many additions and renovations to the original building have been made over the years. The original wooden building was brick veneered in 1941. An educational wing was added in 1948, and additional enlargements to the sanctuary were made in 1954. In 1974, the church purchased two adjoining properties for future expansion, and in 1979, the church built a new sanctuary and educational building which is the site of the present day worship facility. The most recent addition occurred in 2002, when a new Family Life Center was completed to house additional educational space, a fellowship hall and provide for a recreational gymnasium; and
WHEREAS, the following devout and inspirational ministers have served as Pastor during the 100 Years of Petal-Harvey Baptist Church: Reverend H.W. Shirley, 1908-1909 (founded the church); Reverend A.G. Salmon, 1910; Reverend A.L. O'Briant, 1911-1912; Reverend J.N. McMillin, 1913-1914; Reverend R.W. Thurman, 1916-1917; Reverend N.R. Stone, 1918-1919; Reverend R.G. Joiner, 1920-1923; Reverend S.A. Wilkinson, 1925; Reverend A.L. O'Briant, 1926-1927; Reverend A.C. Parker, 1929-1944; Reverend Virgil Ratcliff, 1945-1948; Reverend Sam W. Waggoner, 1950-1959; Reverend O.E. Thompson, 1961-1969; Reverend Jerry Henderson, 1971-1981; Dr. David Young, 1982-1984; Reverend Gerald P. Buckley, 1986-1997; Dr. David Grumbach, 1999-2005; Reverend Tracey Hipps, 2007-present; and
WHEREAS, Petal-Harvey Baptist Church is affiliated with: The Southern Baptist Convention, Nashville, Tennessee; The Mississippi Baptist Convention, Jackson, Mississippi; and The Lebanon Baptist Association, Forrest County, Mississippi; and
WHEREAS, during its life, the church has been extremely proactive in providing Christian educational programming for the youth, college and career, singles, young married, adults and senior citizen members of the church. Its Outreach Ministries to local hospitals and nursing homes have also been of tremendous support for the church members and their families; and
WHEREAS, Petal-Harvey Baptist Church was a vital part of the community disaster relief effort after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The church served as a shelter for refugees during the storm. A command center for the City of Petal relief workers and utility crews was set up in the church's Family Life Center and the gymnasium was used as a point of distribution of food for the community during the days following the Hurricane. The church was one of the first buildings in the area to secure power after the storm and used its fellowship hall facility to feed untold thousands of residents and area refugees with meals cooked and served out of the church kitchen. Coordination of relief teams was processed through the church and volunteers from eight states were housed in the Sunday School classrooms as they were helping in the clean-up efforts; and
WHEREAS, over the years, Petal-Harvey Baptist Church has organized three mission churches in nearby communities. Petal-Harvey Baptist Church members are involved in numerous local, state, national and foreign Mission Outreach Ministries. Some of the locations in which its membership has served are: New Orleans, Louisiana; Atlanta, Georgia; Arlington, Texas; Branson, Missouri; and Deer Trail, Colorado. In Central America: Costa Rica, Belize and Honduras. Overseas: Moscow, Russia, Indonesia, West Africa and Romania; and
WHEREAS, Petal-Harvey Baptist Church has been actively involved in "Operation Christmas Child" Christmas Relief Program, sponsored by the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association. The church sponsors an Upward Basketball Program for youth in the community. Petal-Harvey Baptist Church is the "church away from home" for many college students who attend William Carey University and the University of Southern Mississippi. Petal-Harvey Baptist Church provides a tremendous college and career ministry to the young people who are furthering their higher education studies in the area. Petal-Harvey Baptist Church provides an exceptional music ministry to the church membership and the local community; and
WHEREAS, the "Theme" of the Centennial Celebration is "Celebrating the Past - Committed to the Present - Continuing in the Future." The history of Petal-Harvey Baptist Church has been rich and filled with dedicated men and women of God. It is upon this foundation that the future looks bright as Petal-Harvey Baptist Church continues to grow, minister and share the message of Christ, and it is with pride that we recognize this landmark event in the life of this community and church:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the Pastor and congregation of Petal-Harvey Baptist Church in Petal, Mississippi, on the occasion of their 100th Anniversary Celebration (1908-2008), and extend to all members and staff of the church the best wishes of the Legislature on this auspicious occasion.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to Reverend Tracey Hipps, representing Petal-Harvey Baptist Church, be forwarded to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen of Petal, and be made available to the Capitol Press Corps.