Senate Concurrent Resolution 706

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION RECOGNIZING AND SALUTING TUCKERS CROSSING BAPTIST CHURCH IN LAUREL, MISSISSIPPI, ON ITS CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 20, 2009.

WHEREAS, Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church has faithfully served God and the Laurel, Mississippi, community since its organization in 1909. We are reminded of the sacrifices and successes of the past members of this church on the occasion of its Centennial Celebration on Sunday, September 20, 2009; and

WHEREAS, a church is not the building but the congregation. Down through the years, Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church has been blessed with remarkable people who shared their money, talents and time to serve our Lord and its community. Its history is reflected in the lives of those who loved this church and worked to ensure its growth; and

WHEREAS, the Tuckers Crossing story begins with eight far-sighted and committed individuals: Mr. and Mrs. Williams Brooks, Mr. and Mrs. Tom Dean, Miss Vanda Geddie, W.H. Holifield, and Mr. and Mrs. Tom Webb. In September 1909, this small group met in a store owned by Mr. R. Geddie and organized Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church. They voted to build a frame structure in which to meet, on land donated by Mr. and Mrs. M.V. Tucker; and

WHEREAS, once the property was secured, the Tuckers Crossing congregation was ready to begin construction. Friends from the community, including members of neighboring churches, helped to build the original sanctuary. Because the church could only afford a part-time pastor, services were not held every week. However, on the weeks that services were held, the congregation frequently gathered on both Saturday and Sunday. Sunday School met on Sunday afternoons; and

WHEREAS, the fledgling church was helped in many ways by the members of the First Baptist Church of Laurel. Reverend L.G. Gates, who was Pastor at Laurel, moderated the organizational meeting. Ladies from the Woman's Missionary Society at First Baptist helped the Tuckers Crossing ladies to form a Society of their own. Within the first five years of its organization, Tuckers Crossing collected its first missions offering; and

WHEREAS, during this time, pastors received an annual call, so many ministers served at Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church for brief periods. The first Pastor was Brother B.S. Gay from Meridian. He was followed by L.E. Lightsey, who was Pastor when the first Deacons, Dee Brooks and J.J. Hurst, were ordained. Later Pastors included G.P. Harris, Brother Entreken, Brother Thaxton, William Allred and Robert Barnette. J.W. Fagan was Pastor when the first Bible School was held; and

WHEREAS, other ministers followed, each leaving his mark. Brother J.D. Aycock, the first full-time Pastor at Tuckers Crossing, led the congregation in the construction of a block sanctuary, an educational building, a pastorium and a cemetery; and

WHEREAS, Brother Luther Holcomb was serving as Pastor during construction of the second floor of the educational building. During the tenure of Brother Artis Brewer, significant alterations, including the addition of brick veneering, were made to the church. For the first time, The Baptist Record was provided to every resident member, and the Sunday School was departmentalized. Brother Herbert Kinmon's years on the field saw central heat and air added to the building. An organ and a new piano were purchased. The church paid off its note and became debt free while Brother Bruce Hilbun was Pastor; and

WHEREAS, the current sanctuary was constructed while Brother Frank Smith was Pastor. Tuckers Crossing member Larry Sumrall was the builder, and the building dedication was celebrated in July 1971. Brother Aaron Foy assumed leadership of the church in 1972. During his ministry, the old sanctuary was renovated and converted into a fellowship hall. Sammy Brooks and Charles Abbey were ordained to the gospel ministry, and Reverend William Robertson was licensed to preach. In 1978, Eddie Bryant was called to Tuckers Crossing. Under his leadership, Children's Church was offered, and later expanded to provide for two age groups. The summer youth program evolved into a year-round program, and youth mission trips and retreats became annual events. Bible drill became an integral part of the children's and youth programs; and

WHEREAS, the church mission's offerings continued to grow annually, and support mission work in such exotic places as India and Romania. Local missions' emphases include the Crisis Pregnancy Center and the Christian Food Mission. Both youth and adults have participated in mission work locally, nationally and internationally. A close relationship with the Baptist Student Union at Jones County Junior College has developed. As this church has grown and changed, so has its music ministry. From no musical instrument at all to an electric piano; from piano accompaniment to CD; and from the Broadman Hymnal to praise songs, adapting to changes in musical style and technology. Church members have used their talents to sing in the choir, to play musical instruments, and to man the sound board. Some of those who have served as Music Directors are: Bob Walin, Aldean Josey, Mike Daughtrey, Lynn Evans, Thomas Winn, Harry James and its beloved Lorrie Tanner. Their very special talents have consistently enhanced and stimulated its worship; and

WHEREAS, Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church, with its rich and vibrant history, is a testament to the grace and goodness of Almighty God. Placing our trust in Him, we can boldly invest in the future of our church and our community, just as members of this church have done since 1909. Our history compels us to step forward in faith and meet the Challenge to Build:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby recognize and salute the congregation and staff of Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church in Laurel, Mississippi, on the occasion of its Centennial Celebration on Sunday, September 20, 2009, and extend our greetings on this auspicious occasion.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this resolution be presented to the Board of Deacons of Tuckers Crossing Baptist Church and made available to the Capitol Press Corps.