House Concurrent Resolution 64

A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION COMMENDING AND CONGRATULATING BAY CREEK BAPTIST CHURCH UPON THE OCCASION OF ITS HISTORIC ANNIVERSARY, ACKNOWLEDGING THE CELEBRATION OF 118 YEARS OF DEVOUT FAITH AND SPIRITUAL EXCELLENCE.

WHEREAS, Bay Creek Baptist Church, which was established in 1896 by Reverend Joseph Lewis Bryant who donated the land for the church and the cemetery marks the celebration of its 118th year anniversary in this year 2014; and

WHEREAS, the original small framed church constructed from material donated and collected was often referred to as "The Oaks" because the initial sermon of the organized church was delivered under the large oak trees situated on the property; and

WHEREAS, since 1938 congregants have been worshiping in its second sanctuary constructed out of heart pine lumber and erected from the toils and sweat of the members of the church, and though some renovations have been made over the years, the church remains much the same as originally built; and

WHEREAS, hailed as one of Lamar County's best pioneer preachers, Reverend Bryant served as pastor for a number of years and was also moderator of the Black Creek Association, in addition to serving the public sector as a member of the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1908-1910; and

WHEREAS, Bay Creek boasts a rich and enduring history with much due its honor including the Bay Creek School which educated the children of the community before being consolidated with Greenville School, the patriotic ties of 17 veterans having their final resting place in the Bay Creek Cemetery, including two Civil War veterans, nine WWII veterans, four veterans of the Korean Conflict and two peace time veterans, in addition to a former Lamar County Sheriff and a Justice Court Judge; and

WHEREAS, having maintained the resolve to worship and serve God by being a blessing and of service to others as established by Reverend Bryant's vision, Bay Creek has been and continues to be a shining example of God's faithfulness to helping us serve as Christians and lead others by being obedient to His will, which has continued to be the overarching theme adopted by the pastoral guidance of each pastor that has been privileged to lead the congregation over the years, including current pastor, Gary Kelly; and

WHEREAS, Bay Creek Baptist Church, which was honored in its 117th year with a historical marker acknowledging its historical significance, continues its journey of reaching souls for the Lord Jesus Christ and is a dedicated place of worship for many in the Bay Creek area; and

WHEREAS, with excitement, humility and awe, Bay Creek Baptist Church looks back on its past achievements, and with sincere thankfulness acknowledges God's grace and love, which have brought them through the years and have given them triumphant victory; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of this Legislature to recognize and commend outstanding and contributory religious institutions such as Bay Creek Baptist Church, which continues to be a cornerstone of Lamar County and the Bay Creek Community as it strives continuously to promote the spread and growth of the Christian faith:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE SENATE CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do hereby commend and congratulate the diligence of the pastors and members of Bay Creek Baptist Church on the occasion of the church's historic 118th year anniversary and extend warmest wishes for continued prosperity, spiritual growth and success.

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