House Resolution 6

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING SYLVARENA BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE 115TH YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ITS FOUNDING.

WHEREAS, the congregation and pastor of Sylvarena Baptist Church located in Wesson, Mississippi, is celebrating the 115th anniversary of this great religious establishment; and

WHEREAS, on September 17, 1898, a small group of individuals met in a country schoolhouse called Sylvarena Schoolhouse for the sole purpose of organizing a Baptist church that would have a mission and fellowship for the Lord Jesus Christ; and

WHEREAS, this mission was carried out by these Christian minded individuals, and as a result, the church was aptly named Sylvarena Baptist Church which upon its organization had 22 charter members with three elected trustees; and

WHEREAS, upon the organization of the church, three acres of land was purchased for $7.50 which adjoined the Sylvarena Schoolhouse, and until the church facility was built, church services were held at the schoolhouse; and

WHEREAS, upon the purchase of the three acres, the first church was built between 1898 and 1904 for $306.00 from fine virgin pine, and in 1910 as membership began to grow, a west wing was added to the church for $686.14 and in 1942, four Sunday school rooms were added to this beautiful facility that was dedicated to God and his service; and

WHEREAS, over the years, Sylvarena has been blessed in the growth of its facility, some of the highlights include the following: first pastor's home built (1945); purchase of new pews and pulpit furniture (1951); construction of the fellowship hall (1959); establishment of cemetery trust fund (1974); the construction of the education building (1982) and the membership voted to build a $300,000 family life center debt free (2003); and

WHEREAS, additionally, in 1994, the membership voted to raze the old church facility and build a new church building, and this beautiful edifice was built for $303,000, which was paid in full and dedicated on June 4, 1995; and

WHEREAS, in addition to the growth of the church's physical facilities, the church's enrollment has increased from 22 in 1898 to over 250 active and dedicated members, and its budget has also increased from $3.00 in 1898 to over $250,000; and

WHEREAS, further, the church grounds and buildings are estimated at $1,000,000, which speaks volumes of the persevering spirit that encompasses this loving and giving congregation; and

WHEREAS, Sylvarena Baptist Church, which is currently under the leadership of Reverend Stuart Givens, is known throughout Copiah County and the surrounding areas for fulfilling the great commission and meeting the needs of others, which in turn exemplifies the pivotal principles of Christian discipleship; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to recognize a great religious establishment such as Sylvarena Baptist Church of Wesson, Mississippi, whose positive influence has not only made an outstanding impact upon Copiah County but to this great state and country as well as throughout the world:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby commend and congratulate Sylvarena Baptist Church upon the special occasion of the church's 115th year anniversary and extend best wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

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