House Resolution 3

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING REVEREND JOHN ALBERT TAYLOR, JR., UPON HIS OUTSTANDING COMMUNITY SERVICE.

WHEREAS, Reverend John A. Taylor, a true public servant, is being recognized for his outstanding service to the community; and

WHEREAS, reared in Jackson, Mississippi, Reverend Taylor was nurtured in a Christian home and was taught a strong work ethic by his loving parents, John and Letha Taylor; and

WHEREAS, knowing the importance of receiving an education, Reverend Taylor is a 2001 graduate of Lanier High School, where he was elected Mr. Choir, and after high school, he attended Belhaven University where he majored in business administration from 2007-2010; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Taylor, who is an exceptional member of the Jackson Medical Mall Community Advisory Board, has been certified by the Mississippi State Department of Health as an HIV & STD Prevention Counselor and has received training with FEMA's Emergency Management Institute, which he utilized during Hurricanes Katrina and Rita to assist individuals on the Gulf Coast, which speaks volumes of his character; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Taylor, a former candidate for Ward 3 council seat of Jackson, is known for making circumstances better for others and is the founder of the following: The Frank E. Melton Senior Citizens Thanksgiving Dinner, which was founded in 2009 and feeds 200 senior citizens yearly; the John Jr. Gospel Ministries; the John Taylor-Wood Street Christmas Toy Give Away; and the Annual God Loves You Community Festival in JC Park; and

WHEREAS, as the ultimate volunteer, Reverend Taylor has volunteered with several community-based organizations, some of which include the following: Atmos Network; Red Cross; Mission Mississippi; The City of Jackson Human & Cultural Services Division of Families and Youth as well as the Senior Services Division; the King Hiram Grand Masonic Lodge Grand Electra Order of the Eastern Stars-the fifth Masonic District in Jackson; and Adrea Day Center; and

WHEREAS, in addition to his community service, Reverend Taylor is a contributing member of the following organizations: King Hiram Grand Lodge; Holy City Church of Flora, Mississippi; and the Lanier High School National Alumni Association; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Taylor, who accepted his call to the ministry at 16 years of age at New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Jackson, not only gives his time to others by serving the community, but he also spreads the Good News of Jesus Christ through his ministry; and

WHEREAS, Reverend Taylor has been lovingly supported by his beautiful wife, Sherwana, as well as his six god-children, throughout his endeavors; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize a selfless individual such as Reverend Taylor who has made it his life's mission to assist others through community service while simultaneously serving as a mentor and role model for all those he encounters:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend Reverend John Albert Taylor, Jr., upon his public service and extend best wishes for continued success in all of his future endeavours.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to Reverend Taylor and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.