House Resolution 73

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF SUPERINTENDENT ROY MCSWAIN, AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, "To everything there is a season, and time to every purpose under the Heaven," and as such, the grand architect of the universe, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny, has summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Roy McSwain, to eternal rest, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi and the Richton Community lost a wonderful friend, pastor, teacher and evangelist on Saturday, February 22, 2014, with the passing of Superintendent McSwain, who was born on November 10, 1925, to the late Elder Henry and Mother Idella McSwain; and

WHEREAS, Superintendent McSwain confessed a childhood hope in Christ at an early age and served as a deacon, licensed minister and ordained Elder under the pastoral care of the late Elder Shelby McSwain at Holy Hill Church of God in Christ (COGIC), Richton, Mississippi, and resided in Louisiana briefly when he served under the late Superintendent Howard Quillen; and

WHEREAS, he served his country in the United States Navy during World War II, and after the war he returned home and attended Southern Developmental Foundation of the University of Southern Mississippi and he completed pastoral courses from the C.H. Mason Theological Seminary curriculum; and

WHEREAS, Superintendent McSwain preached his first sermon 55 years ago and pastored nine churches: Richton No. 1 COGIC, Loin COGIC, Three Rivers COGIC, Wiggins (Gum Branch) COGIC, Belt Temple COGIC, Southside (Paradise) COGIC, Lightsey (New Life Fellowship) COGIC, Holy Hill COGIC and Shelby Temple COGIC; and

WHEREAS, after many years of service, he was appointed District 3 Superintendent by Bishop Theo Davis and reappointed by Bishop Hollis Musgrove, and he was a member of the Bishop's Cabinet, the Jurisdictional Elder's Council and the National COGIC General Assembly in Memphis, Tennessee; and

WHEREAS, as fate would lend itself to building upon the blueprint divinely designed for the pattern of his life by the Great Deity, Mr. McSwain's love, chivalry and affection pierced the heart of Missionary Geneva McSwain, and the duo became bone of one another's bone and flesh of one another's flesh after exchanging the nuptials of holy matrimony; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles he assumed, a devoted husband and caring father next, and always the willing worker, Superintendent McSwain possessed an ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, being a man after God's own heart as he led by example and his willingness to serve and be of service to others; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, including his parents and four siblings, the legacy of Superintendent McSwain's memory will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: devoted wife of 62 years, Geneva; children, Catherine (Robert) Williams, Missionary Celeste Watson, Minister Edward (Missionary Angelia) McSwain, Missionary Roy Ann Coleman (Deacon Joe) Magee, Cassandra (Elder Lavern) Dillon; two god-children, Rebecca Cooley and Linda (Stephen) Funchess; twenty-three grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; two brothers, Elder John Henry McSwain and Soloman McSwain; and a host of other relatives and friends; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to acknowledge the selfless and genteel nature of an individual of the esteemed caliber as that of Mr. McSwain:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commend the life and legacy of Superintendent Roy McSwain, and extend sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Mr. Roy McSwain and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.